build my life

 Saturday, October 31, 2020 (5:33 a.m.)

Holy, Holy God,

I’m here asking You once more to build my life. On Your Word. Your Truth. Your promises.

Thank You that I was again able to identify the song with which I was awakened. The melody came first. I hummed along until the chorus began. ♪And I will build my life upon Your love, it is a firm foundation And I will put my trust in You alone and I will not be shaken♪

I confess to feeling quite shaken this morning Lord. Again we are faced with a series of unknowns. Pricey veterinary visits. To what end?

Yes Father. This is the year that I am learning that there is a beginning, a middle and an end to everything. I look to You to walk with us through this most likely “valley of the shadow of death” (Psalm 23:4) of our much loved pet.

Emotions waver between being held in, squashed down and explosive. I give You all of them Lord. You are our Shepherd. You know what we need far more than we do. We trust You Father.

We look to You. Long for You. Trusting You to do all You know is best. We love You. And we ask  You to lead and guide us exactly in the way You would have us go. Building our life upon Your love.

Thank You. Praise You. We love You. Amen.

(242 words ~ 6:20 a.m.)

Click.

 Friday, October 30, 2020 (6:36 a.m.)

Blessed God,

I have come

“Click.”

That’s how quick it was. Random thoughts. And then? My mind clicked over to instantly singing ♪You have called I have come To the house of the Holy One You are God I will run into You… Jesus You forgave my sins Now I freely enter in♪ 

Mm, yes Father! The clicks happen so quickly I’m often unaware of the switch that has been made.

Just now. Fully invested in singing ♪House of the Holy One♪ then suddenly, with no notice whatsoever, ♪I’m running to Your arms… Forever Reign♪

Just one click of the computer and I’m reading of Job’s anguish. The Message, Job 7:1-6. “There’s Nothing to My Life Human life is a struggle, isn’t it? It’s a life sentence to hard labor. Like field hands longing for quitting time and working stiffs with nothing to hope for but payday, I’m given a life that meanders and goes nowhere - months of aimlessness, nights of misery! I go to bed and think, ‘How long till I can get up?’ I toss and turn as the night drags on - … My days come and go swifter than the click of knitting needles, and then the yarn runs out - an unfinished life!”

What a descriptive word picture Lord. It’s oddly comforting to be reminded that others have struggled in their lives. And all the more encouraging when we remember that it is You to whom they turned for help.

Father God, how I thank You for allowing me to click so easily over to sing of running to You. Your Truth. The hope we find in You.

The Life Recovery Bible has a comment for verses 7:11-21. “Here, Job turned to petition God. Even though he was in anguish, he recognized that God was the only one who could take away the pain. Whether or not the pain we feel is a result of our own sins, God is there to comfort us. His timing may not be what we would consider ideal, but God’s perspective and timing are always best. We can trust God to rescue us - but in His time, not ours.”

Align us to Your time Dearest God. So much is taking place this upcoming week. A semi-cancelled All Hallows Eve, with a rare full blue moon. Time “falling back”. A presidential election of gigantic proportion. You are truly our only hope through all of it.

Do all You must Blessed Lord. We need You. Thank You. Amen.

(418 words ~ 8:39 a.m.)

tender whisper of love

 Thursday, October 29, 2020 (5:26 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You for easy access to the song I woke up singing. ♪Oh, I’ve heard a thousand stories of what they say You’re like But I’ve heard the tender whisper of love in the dead of night♪

Yes!

(7:11 a.m.)

How I thank You Lord for singing to me. And allowing that song to take me deeper into Your Word. Thank You that You do indeed whisper tenderly and lovingly to us. Often in the deep of night. Or despair.

Reading that even Your servant Elijah suffered with self-doubt is heartening. He needed Your reassurance and rest in overcoming his discouragement (1 Kings 19:4, 10). Thank You Lord that he heard Your gentle whisper (v. 12). Thank You for Your reminders that we are all only human.

Father God, it is to You I turn this morning. Buoyed by Your Truth and promises. I absolutely do not know what today will bring. And I pray the power of Your Holy Spirit to keep me standing firm in whatever it is that comes our way.

I’ve turned to “Psalm 107. A psalm of redemption - from wandering (4-9), prison (10-16), rebelliousness (17-22), and distress (23-32) [Illustrated Bible Handbook]. Led here by the mention of You calming a storm to a whisper (v. 29).

Mm, Father. I read in The Message of this ocean storm (Psalm 107:23-32) and sit transfixed, envisioning it all: ‘Towering waves! Shooting high in the sky, then the bottom dropping out; hearts stuck in throats. Spinning like a top, reeling like a drunk, not knowing which end is up. Calling out to You in our desperate condition; getting out in the nick of time’ (vs. 25-28).

The Life Recovery Bible’s comment reminds me of the hope we have in You. “Psalm 107:23-32 Sometimes we may feel that we are in a small ship plowing through stormy seas and about to go under. Bad memories and a sense of failure make our world seem dark and hopeless. The longer the storm rages, the more we fear and lose all hope of rescue. But when we cry out to God in our trouble, He will turn our storm-tossed life into a calm and peaceful sea and restore our joy. We must turn to Him for help, follow His plan for healthy living, and patiently await His deliverance.”

Yes please! I call to You Father. Still singing the song with which I awoke. ♪You’re a Good, Good Father It’s who You are, It’s who You are And I’m loved by You It’s who I am, It’s who I am Oh, I’ve seen many searching for answers far and wide But I know we’re all searching For answers only You provide Cause You know just what we need Before we say a word You’re a Good, Good Father…♪

So, my Good, Good Father, it truly is to You I turn this day. Seeking the life I can find only in You. Love Inspired Fearless Enthusiasm. Your love. Your Spirit. Your will. Your way.

Lead me. Guide me. Step by arduous step. Until the storm breaks and You quiet the wind down to a whisper (Psalm 107:29). Yes, Good, Good Father. ♪You are perfect in all of Your ways♪

Conform me to Your perfect will. I love You. I want You. I seek Your Truth and power. Do all You must in, with, by, through and for me this day. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(552 words ~ 8:04 a.m.)

changing habits

 Wednesday, October 28, 2020 (6:11 a.m.)

Holy God,

It’s another brand new day. With already so many thoughts. I bring them to You to sort and corral and build upon.

I love You God. I need You. I turn to You, depending on Your Truth and wisdom.

(7:38 a.m.)

Mm, yes Lord. I am depending on Your Truth and wisdom this day.

Waking up with the thought of changing habits, I look to You. Yes Father. I know You are my strength. How I ask that You would lead and guide me to the changes You would have me make.

Two songs continue vying for first place in this morning’s repertoire. Blending together at times, practically becoming one medley as the words interchange so freely.

♪And I will Build My Life upon Your love, it is a firm foundation And I will put my trust in You alone and I will not be shaken…♪ quickly melds with ♪Oh, I’m running to Your arms… The riches of Your love Will always be enough Nothing compares to Your embrace Light of the world Forever Reign♪

Father God, Your love is what I long to share this day. Fearlessly. Enthusiastically. Teach me how Dearest Lord.

Yes Father, teach me in becoming one who truly knows You to be ♪Worthy… Holy… Only… there is no one like You, there is none beside You Open up my eyes in wonder and Show me who You are and fill me with Your heart And lead me in Your love to those around me♪

Oh, yes Dearest God. Change my habits. Do all You must. In, with, by, through and for me that I will readily love You with all my heart, soul, mind and strength and my neighbor as myself (Mark 12:30-31).

Yes Lord. Yes! Thank You. I love You. I need You. ♪And I will build my life upon Your love… We live for You, oh, we live for You♪ Praise You Father. Amen.

(336 words ~8:26 a.m.)

♪Who You Say I Am♪

 Tuesday, October 27, 2020 (6:52 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You! A very easy find to the first song of the morning. All I had was the end of the second chorus. It was more than enough. ♪In my Father’s house There’s a place for me I’m a child of God Yes I am♪

Oh thank You Lord that I am Your child! ♪Who am I that the highest King Would welcome me? I was lost but He brought me in Oh His love for me Who the Son sets free Oh is free indeed I’m a child of God Yes I am♪

All the thoughts and dreams and plans of what I would say to You faded the moment I began singing of who I am in You. ♪Free at last He has ransomed me His grace runs deep While I was a slave to sin Jesus died for me Yes He died for me♪

Most Dear and Blessed God, the peace that washes over me as I consider Your Truth is astounding. As I look up similar words I smile as I find: amazing, surprising, stunning. Yes Father, the peace I find in Your Truth truly boggles my mind. Thank and praise You Lord.

Father God, turning to You I ask You to teach me just exactly who You say I am. Yes Lord. Teach me.

♪I am chosen, not forsaken I am who You say I am You are for me, not against me I am who You say I am♪ Teach me to believe. To trust. To know.

true power

Monday, October 26, 2020 (6:04 a.m.)

Holy God,

Good morning. Good day. Good God. ♪Good Good Father♪

You reminded me yesterday that I get to choose. Life or death. Faith or fear. Joy or sadness. You allow us choices. Thank You Lord that I choose You. Your will. Your way. And here I ask You to use me exactly as You know is best.

I confess to You Lord how easily fear and indifference overtake me. On my own I am powerless. In You is true power. Mm, yes Father. Your true power.

Pretense gets me nowhere. Acting as if, withdrawing, refusing to care do not represent You well. BUT ♪You’re a Good Good Father It’s who You are… And I’m loved by You It’s who I am…♪

Yes! Father, I am loved by You. And that matters Lord. Your Truth matters so much.

Thoughts of You comforted me throughout much of last night. Trusting and believing that the Fruit of Your Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) truly is “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such there is no law.”

My hope is in You Dear Lord. You reminded me to smile. And sing. Stand firm. And stay my mind on You.

Turning to Acts 9 in Your Word just now, I read of Saul’s Conversion. Here was a man who was so convicted in his beliefs that he “was eager to destroy the Lord’s followers” (v. 1b). Holy God, You did such a mighty work in and through him. How I ask You to do all You must in righting my thinking.

A Step 1 Devotional for Acts 9:1-9 (The Life Recovery Bible) entitled A Time to Choose tells of the moment in Saul’s life that changed his destiny. Father, how I thank You for reminding us just how powerless we can be “over the events of our life. These moments can either destroy us or forever set the course of our life in a much better direction.”

Holy Lord God, I admit to You right now how I have let the negative events of these past many months far overshadow the positive ones! It’s been so easy for me to fall right back into the habit of fear and despair.

The final paragraph of this reading explains, “Saul was suddenly confronted with the fact that his life wasn’t as perfect as he had thought. Self-righteousness had been his trademark. By letting go of his illusions of power, however, he became one of the most powerful men ever - the apostle Paul. When we are confronted with the knowledge that our life isn’t under our control, we have a choice. We can continue in denial and self-righteousness, or we can face the fact that we have been blind to some important issues. If we become willing to be led into recovery and into a whole new way of life, we will find true power.”

Mm. Your true power Lord! I long to live this day in Your true power. Do all You must to enable and empower me to this end. You are good. I am learning. Use me. I love You. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(537 words ~ 8:16 a.m.)

actively seeking joy

Sunday, October 25, 2020 (7:22 a.m.)

Holy God,

I am here seeking Your joy. Yes Dearest Dad, I am actively seeking the joy that I will only find in You. Your Word. Your Truth. Your promises.

Sadness and despair come easy for me Lord. I can wallow in the muck with the best of them. And it all leads to the death of every hope I have.

Thank You God that we have Your Word on which to cling. “Rejoice. Fear not. Be of good cheer” echo in my mind when I actively choose You. Your will. Your way.

Tears sting my eyes as I consider all Deuteronomy 30:19 has to say Dear Lord. I confess to You the loss I feel right now. There is so much sadness in the world.

I know You to be our only hope. I have experienced Your presence in times of great need. I am depending on You Lord.

The tears keep welling up. Almost to the point of falling. And then they abate. Gone. Until the next wave of fearful sadness.

Smiles come with every decision to choose joy over sadness. ♪Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee♪ began hours ago. Followed just now by ♪Forever Reign♪ and my true desire that ♪My heart will sing no other name Jesus, Jesus♪

(8:49 a.m.)

Father. I read. And hope. I think. And fear filters in. Countering every fearful thought with Your Truth, I sit up straighter. Stand a little firmer. And actively seek the joy You promise.

“Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! You can make this choice by loving the LORD your God, obeying Him, and committing yourself firmly to Him. This [He] is the key to your life. And if you love and obey the LORD, you will live long in the land the LORD swore to give your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob” (Deuteronomy 30:19-20 New Living Translation).

Some days the choice is so much easier than others. Thank You that as I choose to actively seek joy this morning I am reminded to again sing out ♪Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee, God of glory, Lord of love; Hearts unfold like flow’rs before Thee, Opening to the sun above. Melt the clouds of sin and sadness; Drive the dark of doubt away. Giver of immortal gladness, Fill us with the light of day!♪

Yes Lord. I choose life. I choose You. I choose joy. Strengthen my resolve as only You are able.

I love You. I need You. I ask You, do all You must for Your good and Your glory. Thank You. Amen.

(475 words ~ 9:14 a.m.)

think and remember

Saturday, October 24, 2020 (6:18 a.m.)

Holy God,

I love You. Thank You for the best night’s sleep I can remember having in the longest time. I come before You this morning asking You to guide me into Your Word.

Today’s date has me thinking and remembering. And finally (6:45 a.m.) smiling. Deep in my soul. Thank You Father.

I searched Your Word using a variety of phrases. “Think and remember” took me straight to Psalm 77, verse 3 (Amplified Bible, Classic Edition).

Illustrated Bible Handbook describes, “This deeply introspective psalm shares feelings and thoughts while in distress, and explains how hope was restored by recalling God’s miracle works for His people.” Mm… Yes Lord. Restored hope.

Father God, how I thank and praise You. When I turn to Your Word I get to read of the struggles of others. And I am buoyed by Your presence.

I was much younger 49 years ago. Extremely opinionated. Naive. And always noticing. Father, thank You that even though I didn’t really know You then, looking back I can see Your hand.

The sudden, unexpected death of my mom’s dad took our disjointed family completely by storm. Holy God, as I sit here shedding tears that I’ve held in for so long I thank You. Praise You. Inhale deeply. And exhale fully. Thank You Dad.

Thank You that even when none of us knew how to truly lean in and trust You, You were there nonetheless. You are holy, God. Present. Necessary.

As I consider the impact of that fateful Sunday Lord, my first response is to think and remember all I saw and heard. Here I give You all the memories Father. Asking You to do with them all that will bring You glory.

Look! Another smile. Yes Father. Another full breath has me sitting up straighter. Turning to You with hope. And yearning.

The Life Recovery Bible footnote for Psalm 77:1-4 tells us, “As he wrote these verses, the psalmist became so distressed that he couldn’t even pray! The same thing often happens to us. When we are discouraged, we need to be more persistent in our prayers. God is the only one who can really help us. When our life is out of control, God is able to help us slow down and put the pieces back together again.”

Blessed Father, I find enormous peace and hope in believing that You care. You can right our wrongs. Change our hearts. Do all that is necessary in putting broken families together the way that You had originally designed.

Today Lord, I come to You with broken pieces. Absolutely trusting You to be the healing God that You are. I have no idea what Your plans for any of us are. But I believe You to be good. Loving. Trustworthy. Holy. And completely in charge.

Do all You must in clarifying and refining us into the people You created us to be. Loving. Made in Your image.

I love You Father. As I think and remember painful areas of my life, I invite You in to healing the hurt. You are good. You are holy. And I love You. Use me this day. Exactly as You know is best. Thank You. I need You. Amen.

(548 words ~ 7:36 a.m.)

Truth. And hope.

Friday, October 23,2020 (7:13 a.m.)

Holy God,

I’m looking to You for Truth. And hope. There are so very many misstatements. Misleadings. Out and out lies. You hold the Truth. Jesus, You ARE the Truth (and the way and the life - John 14:6). I look to You.

Guide me in Your Word (The Passion Translation) this morning that I will find the hope to stand firm.

Psalm 39:1-7

Proverbs 6:23; 13:14

Luke 3:5-6

Mm… I read Your Truth and find the hope I seek. Thank You Father. Thank You that You are good. In a world of such sadness, You offer the Truth and hope necessary for living freely (John 8:32). I depend on You.

Thank You that we can always come before You. Needy. Apprehensive. Unsure. And You change us right where we are. Reading Your Word, Truth pours in. Allowing us to hope.

Today Lord, I ask You to lead and guide me in whatever it is You would have me do. Let my words and actions clearly and readily reflect You. Your way, Your Truth. Your life.

I love You. I long to serve You. I ask my hope be found in Your Truth. Use me. Thank You. Amen.

(212 words ~ 8:22 a.m.)

Always

Thursday, October 22, 2020 (6:26 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You.

(7:48 a.m.)

You provide for our needs. Always. Thank You.

with all my heart

 Wednesday, October 21, 2020 (7:31 a.m.)

Holy God,

I have words I want to use more: Yes. Absolutely. Sure. Indeed. Okay. Why not? They are so much more positive than the ones usually found in my head.

Again I affirm You as the good God that You are. Thank You Father that we can come before You exactly as we are. Flawed. Broken. In need.

This morning I am seeking Your Word on healthy interdependent relationships. I remember reading of them before in The Life Recovery Bible footnotes. And here I search.

COLOSSIANS RECOVERY THEMES Healthy Relationships

The PURPOSE for this book? “To show us that Christ is the only real source of power in our life.” Amen!

PROVERBS RECOVERY THEMES Building Healthy Relationships

Footnotes for:

1 John 5:16-19

1 Corinthians 14:26-39

1 Corinthians 10:23-33, see Psalm 24:1

1 Kings 14:1-11 

Most Dear and Holy God, I read so much of what has been written about the dangers of codependent relationships. And I want all the more to practice building healthy relationships. Guide me Lord.

(9:05 a.m.)

Sitting. Reading. Asking. Hoping. And taking in another full breath. Father, once more I ask that You would lead and guide us in the way You would have us go.

Digging into Your Word I arrive again at Proverbs 3:5. Being exhorted in the Amplified Bible, Classic Edition. Father how I ask You to continue Your work in making me obedient to Your Word. Your will. Your way.

Do all You must that I will truly, ‘Lean on, trust in, and be confident in You Lord with all my heart and mind and not rely on my own insight or understanding.’

Yes Father! Do all You must. I love You. I need You. I want You. And I ask You, ♪Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me. Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me♪ as only You know is best. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(333 words ~ 9:22 a.m.)

"Teach me"

Tuesday, October 20, 2020 (7:29 a.m.)

Holy, Holy God,

Thank You that we get to come to You. Thank You for who and all You are. Thank You that You are good. And I love you.

♪You are good Your are good When there’s nothing good in me…♪

Again I say thank You God! Thank You for the opportunity to compare the texts of various Bibles. Thank You that in reading of Your goodness (Psalm 119:65) I find only two that say, “Teach me” differently.

The Message uses “train me in Your goodness” while The Living Bible says, “make me follow Your lead.” Oh most good and holy God, how deeply I long to follow Your lead to goodness.

There are so many things wrong with my thinking. “O LORD, the earth is full of Your unfailing love; teach me Your principles. You have done many good things for me, LORD, just as You promised. I believe in Your commands; now teach me good judgment and knowledge. I used to wander off until You disciplined me; but now I closely follow Your Word. You are good and do only good; teach me Your principles” (Palm 119:64-68).

Oh yes Dearest God. Teach me Your principles! Other renditions say: Your statutes, laws, demands [ordinances, requirements], commands, orders, decrees. The Passion Translation says it all quite eloquently.

“Give me more revelation of Your ways, for I see Your love and tender care everywhere. My True Treasure Your extravagant kindness to me makes me want to follow Your words even more! Teach me how to make good decisions, and give me revelation-light, for I believe in Your commands. Before I was humbled I used to wander astray, but now I see the wisdom of Your words. Everything You do is beautiful, flowing from Your goodness; teach me the power of Your wonderful words!”

Oh yes Blessed God. Teach me to make good decisions by the power of Your wonderful words!

This is NOT what I had planned to speak with You about today. Perhaps tomorrow we can delve into developing health interdependent relationships? I love You Father.

Thank You for providing me the very easy find to the song we sang in church on Sunday. ♪You are good You are good When there’s nothing good in me You are love, You are love On display for all to see You are light, You are light (1 John 1:5) When the darkness closes in You are hope, You are hope You have covered all my sin You are peace, You are peace When my fear is crippling You are true, You are true Even in my wandering You are joy, You are joy You’re the reason that I sing You are life, You are life In You death has lost its sting…♪

Dearest Lord, the more I sing the greater my desire for You grows. ♪I’m running to Your arms I’m running to Your arms The riches of Your love Will always be enough Nothing compares To Your embrace Light of the world Forever Reign You are more, You are more Than my words will ever say You are Lord, You are Lord All creation will proclaim You are here, You are here In Your presence I’m made whole You are God, You are God Of all else I’m letting go My heart will sing No other name Jesus, Jesus♪

Mm yes! ♪Jesus, Jesus♪ My heart cries out to You Dearest Lord, “Teach me.” I love You. Amen.

(585 words ~ 8:31 a.m.)

our only hope

Monday, October 19, 2020 (7:13 a.m.)

Holy God,

I’m here asking You Dear Lord to change my attitude. Please, please, please. Change my attitude. I confess to You, it stinks! Bordering on despair. You truly are our only hope.

Yes Father. You are our only hope!

Isaiah 33:2-4 (The Message)

Jeremiah 14:7-9

Daniel 9:9-12

Lamentations 5:21 (The Living Bible)

1 Timothy 1:1

John 6:68 (Amplified Bible)

The more I read in Your Word the greater is my resolve to follow You. On my own I become increasingly fearful. Distressed. Hopeless.

Turning to You in truth and honesty, I find hope. Looking at circumstances is overwhelmingly negative. Choosing to place all trust in You, my heart is lightened.

Father God I love You. I absolutely need You to right my wrong thinking. Thank You that I get to be completely honest with You. I can’t change myself. You can! I am asking You to do all You must. Change my attitude. All I think. What I want.

You are good. You are holy. It’s a new day. And I’m asking for the new attitude that will honor and glorify You.

Singing a new to me song from yesterday’s worship service, I beseech You Father ♪Do It Again♪ Yes Lord! You are good. You are able. You are our only hope!

♪Walking around these walls I thought by now they’d fall… Waiting for change to come Knowing the battle’s won♪ And the overwhelmingly Truth filled line? ♪For You have never failed me yet♪ So true Dear God!

♪Your promise still stands Great is Your faithfulness, faithfulness I’m still in Your hands This is my confidence, You’ve never failed me yet I know the night won’t last Your Word will come to pass My heart will sing Your praise again Jesus You’re still enough Keep me within Your love My heart will sing Your praise again♪

So here I am. Sitting up straighter. Willing to get started with another day. Wanting desperately to BE the woman You created. Straighten my thinking every single time it starts getting wonky.

I don’t want to keep trying to be all You want of me. I’m asking You to do all You must that I will truly become the new person Paul talks about in Ephesians. The one with “a spiritual renewal of thoughts and attitude” (4:23). 

Yes Father. I want to ‘display a new nature because I am a new person, created in Your likeness - righteous, holy and true’ (v. 24). Not just pretending and trying to be all I think You want of and for me.

I’m asking You to make me real, Father. Authentic. Genuine.

♪I’ve seen You move, You move the mountains And I believe, I’ll see You do it again You made a way, where there was no way And I believe, I’ll see You do it again… Your promise still stands… You never failed me yet I never will forget♪

Father I ask all this change in Your Son’s precious name. I love You. Thank You. Amen.

(514 words ~ 8:45 a.m.)