a fresh start

Wednesday, June 30, 2021 (5:24 a.m.)

Holy God,

Good morning. I love You. Where shall we start?

Lamentations 5. The Message. “Give Us a Fresh Start” Mm, yes a fresh start. Teach me what You would have me share with others this day.

Right off the bat, I’m learning more than I’ve ever known about this relatively short book. “These five somber poems were commonly read aloud by the Hebrew people in mid-July, on the date set to commemorate the fall of Jerusalem” (Illustrated Bible Handbook).

Each chapter is outlined with its own theme:

  i. Jerusalem in Mourning / Sorrow in Jerusalem

 Ii. Jerusalem in Ruin / God’s Anger at Sin

III. Call for Renewal / Hope in the Lord’s Faithfulness

IV. Restitution to Come / God’s Anger Satisfied

 V. A Cry for Relief / Prayer for Restoration

Father God, I truly cannot ever thank You enough. We express our needs as we become aware of them. And You’ve already provided for every single one. Thank and praise You Lord.

Subtitled “Dirge for Lost Jerusalem” I find myself inserting our own names into the Lamentations mix. Head bowed in humility and pain. Heart broken. Weeping. Faint hope.

Looking up “dirge” I learn a new-to-me word. Threnody. A “wailing ode.” How often in these past few days have our souls been wailing to You Lord? Thank You that we are in such good company.

As my heart cries out to You for the strength of Your mighty power (Ephesians 6:10) I am asking You to do ALL you know is best Dearest Father. You’ve got this. We have no clue what that will look like in actuality. But we rest and trust and have faith that You do indeed hold all the answers.

Provide absolutely what is necessary for Your hurting people Blessed Lord. Two comments for chapter 5 in The Life Recovery Bible help me hope even more.

“5:1-18 Jeremiah asked God to remember the suffering of his people. He listed the abuses they had endured. Notice how bold Jeremiah was in his relationship with God. When we feel upset about our situation, we often remain silent or complain under our breath. In doing so, we allow our relationship with God to grow distant. Jeremiah went directly to God with his complaints, and his relationship with God was strengthened in the process. God does hear, and He does care. We need to share our feelings and struggles with Him.”

Holy Father God, I believe Your Truth. I take strength in Your promises.

“5:19-22 Jeremiah made a final and impassioned plea to God to remember and restore his broken people. And God did restore Israel after the Babylonian captivity. Under the leadership of men like Zerubbabel, Ezra, and Nehemiah, God led His people home to rebuild the holy city and the Temple. God restores His people today. Regardless of the intensity of our pain, He is able to bring deep and abiding comfort.”

That is my hope. My prayer, Dearest God. Restore Your people today! Bring deep and abiding comfort. Yes. Oh yes Blessed Lord. Do all You must in righting these present circumstances to Your good and to Your glory.

I love You Lord. I need You. I trust You. I want You. Praise You. Thank You. Use me. Amen.

(555 words ~ 7:28 a.m.)

♪Thy Will Be Done♪

 Tuesday, June 29, 2021 (6:24 a.m.)

Holy God,

I’m asking You to teach me how to pray for healing. Evidently “Please God. Please God. Please… ” is not enough.

Again I stress I know You to be good. I trust You know what You are doing. I believe there are going to be blessings in all the unknowns.

Having woken at 2:23 singing ♪Thy Will Be Done♪ I am blessed to have You remind me of the importance of submitting my prayers and will to You. Lord God, I’m seeking Your healing on behalf of others. Thank You for the privilege of coming before You.

Job 14:1-6

John 16:33

Romans 8:26-28; 12:12

James 5:13-15

I want healing Lord. Your peace. Your protection. Your power. Your love. Your will! Yes. Again I pray while singing.

♪I don’t wanna think I may never understand That my broken heart is a part of Your plan When I try to pray All I got is hurt and these four words…

♪Thy Will Be Done… I know You’re good But this don’t feel good right now And I know You think Of things I could never think about It’s hard to count it all joy Distracted by the noise Just trying to make sense Of all Your promises

♪Sometimes I gotta stop Remember that You’re God And I am not So… Thy Will Be Done … Like a child on my knees all that comes to me is… Thy Will Be Done…♪

I have tears. And peace. And hope. Your promises. And FAITH larger than my fear. Do ALL You must Dear Lord. All You alone know is best. Work the miracles that only You can bring into being.

I love You Lord. We need You. We want You. We ask You to provide exactly what You know is necessary. We thank and praise You in advance. ♪Thy Will Be Done♪ Amen.

(326 words ~ 7:30 a.m.)

Just Love

 Monday, June 28, 2021 (7:49 a.m.)

Blessed, Holy God,

THANK YOU!!!

I hadn’t thought I could muster gratitude. There is so much fear. Unknowns. Maybes. And then? Your Truth sang to me.

♪Mercy Triumphs Over Judgment♪ James 2:13. Illustrated Bible Handbook, “Just Love; 2:8-13.”

The smile on my face and the peace within are real. Not manufactured. Nor pretend. You settled me with Your song.

♪Oh Love, Great Love Fear cannot be found in You There will never be a day You’re uncertain of the ones You choose You delight in showing mercy Mercy triumphs over judgment I will wake and spend my days Loving the One who has raised me up From death to life, from wrong to right You’re making all things beautiful♪

These words taken from Your Book of Truth. Holy God, I am truly grateful. I cannot find the peace You offer anywhere but in You. Thank You. Praise You.

Father, I come before You empty of hope of my own. I turn to You asking, seeking, knocking (Matthew 7:7) to be fully imbued by all that You want to provide.

There is a results appointment today. To go over the findings of tests that have been performed. Lord God, I ask Your wisdom, Your guidance, Your benevolence in all of it.

There’s pain. Unbridled emotions. Fear. I’m asking You to use it ALL for Your good. Physical, emotional, spiritual and mental healing of so many. Of those who know and trust You. And especially of those who currently don’t.

You know exactly what You are doing. Just as I was reminded earlier. ♪Mercy Triumphs over judgment♪ And FAITH [Forsaking All I Trust Him] wins out over fear. Every single time.

I confess to You Blessed Lord, so many times it’s much easier for me to be hopeful than others. Today I offer You my empty self. Not negatively. In fact a bit more positively because of Your presence.

Take my thoughts. Hopes. Prayers. Ambitions. And filter them perfectly through all You know is best for us. Lead me. Guide me. Use me. Strengthened by Your mighty power (Ephesians 6:10). Fitted perfectly in Your armor, that I will be able to stand firm against the strategies and tricks of the devil (v.11).

I love You. I need You. I trust You. I want You. And I thank You Father. Sincerely. Deeply. Eternally. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(406 words ~ 9:35 a.m.)

sweet section of Scripture

 Sunday, June 27,2021 (6:25 a.m.)

♪Into My Heart, into my heart, Come into my heart, Lord Jesus; Come in today, come in to stay, Come into my heart , Lord Jesus♪

Thank You Lord. Praise You Father.

(7:15 a.m.)

There’s a phrase I use quite a bit. So often without warning. Making mention of my head exploding. That’s exactly what I’m experiencing right at this moment.

Ephesians 3. Your “secret plan” revealed. As made known to the apostle Paul. Father, there is SO much hope involved in this sweet section of Scripture. Thank You. Praise You. I don’t even have words. Hence my exploding head comment.

It all started with the singing of this simple song. ♪Into My Heart…♪ From there? The associated Bible verses. Ephesians 3:16-17. Oh, but those are not enough.

Reading before and after these two verses I keep going deeper. Illustrated Bible Handbook. Chapter 3. A Loving People The Church As Mystery; 3:1-13. The Church As Family; 3:14-19. God’s Work Within; 3:20,21. The Family of God

It’s SO much Lord! Your love. Your power. Your plan. “Christ’s incomprehensible love… the greatest of all stimulants to growth, is communicated as Jesus loves us through one another.”

Oh most dear and holy God. Truly. Come into our hearts. Our Lives. That we would genuinely come to love You and others as ourselves (Mark 12:30-31).

I love You. I need You. I want You. And I ask You. Do all You must in, with, by, through and for us. Thank You. Praise You. Use me. Amen.

(266 words ~ 7:48 a.m.)

"life"

 Saturday, June 26, 2021 (6:31 a.m.)

Dearest Holy God,

I’m here asking safe travels and good outcomes for loved ones this morning. There’s so much “life” going on. Truly Lord. I’m actually curled up in a big ball. With tears

(8:26 a.m.)

Followed by a phone call. With MUCH talk of You.

John 1:4-5

Psalm 36:9, Proverbs 10:11; 13:14

(9:59 a.m.)

Oh Hallelujah, thank You God! Great news! The safe arrival of a baby girl. And a traveling parent.

Lord God, I am thanking You before asking Your forgiveness. Entering Your gates and courts with thanksgiving and praise (Psalm 100:4) rejoicing and being glad. Thank You. Thank You. Thank You God.

kingdom, power, glory

 Friday, June 25, 2021 (7:07 a.m.)

Blessed God,

I’m here. Looking to You. Asking Your guidance. Seeking Your will. Turning to Matthew 6:7-13. Expecting to meet You there.

The Message. Jesus speaking. “The world is full of so-called prayer warriors who are prayer ignorant. They’re full of formulas and programs and advice, peddling techniques for getting what you want from God. Don’t fall for that nonsense. This is your Father you are dealing with, and He knows better than you what you need.”

Yes Lord. Thank You for Your Truth.

Continuing, “With a God like this loving you, you can pray simply. Like this: Our Father in heaven, Reveal who You are. Set the world right; Do what’s best - as above, so below. Keep us alive with three square meals. Keep us forgiven with You and forgiving others. Keep us safe from ourselves and the devil. You’re in charge! You can do whatever You want! You’re ablaze in beauty! Yes. Yes. Yes.”

Oh most dear and loving Father God. You know our every need. You know Your very best for each of us. We surrender to Your will Blessed Lord. Do all You must to Your good and perfect end.

Quoting Illustrated Bible Handbook as to THE KINGDOM ATTITUDE I find myself smiling in deeper understanding at Jesus’ simple prayer.

The first words affirm our personal relationship with You, recognizing You as Lord over all. Honoring You as living, powerful and real comes next. Accepting and submitting completely to Your will and right to rule in and guide our lives on earth.

Father, thank You for Your ways of teaching us to recognize Your “involvement in our daily experiences,” supplying our every need. We are reminded of the importance of living as a forgiving and forgiven people. Thank and praise You Lord.

Asking protection from the trials that are always associated with establishing Your kingdom here on earth is vital to our daily well-being. Father how we do ask.

“For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.” Interesting that this line isn’t always included. Thank You for the paraphrase found above. “You’re in charge! [kingdom] You can do whatever you want! [power] You’re ablaze in beauty! [glory] Yes. Yes. Yes.”

There are so very many things I don’t understand and would like to see different than they are. Keep teaching me to pray as Jesus taught. THY will be done! Yes Lord. Yes. Yes. Yes.

Use me this day exactly as You alone know is best. I love You. Keep teaching me how to love You and others with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength (Mark 12:30-31). Do all that is necessary. In, with, by, through and for us. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(473 words ~ 8:29 a.m.)

countered

 Thursday, June 24, 2021 (7:27 a.m.)

Holy God,

I confess to attempting to prepare myself. I don’t want to hurt. Or be sad. Let me turn to You rather than my own feebly created mainstays.

Yes God. You! Our mighty fortress, always ready to help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1 Contemporary English Version). Hallelujah, thank You God! You change my mindset every single time I ask.

I was thinking “feeble” and You countered with “strong, effective, forceful, brave.” These are attributes that come only from our trust and belief in You and Your mighty power. Thank and praise You Father.

Lord, how grateful I am for Your Truth. Your promises of peace. The hope and sense of calm we get to experience as we ♪cast all our cares upon You And lay all of our burdens Down at Your feet And any time we don’t know what to do We cast all our cares upon You♪ (1 Peter 5:7).

Blessed God, I can’t even begin to thank You enough. My mind swirls with all the things I don’t want to think about. Fearful happenings in everyday life. And then I turn to Your Word. Singing Your Truth. And I find myself smiling. Settled. Hope filled.

Psalm 55:22 tells us to ♪Cast Thy Burden Upon the Lord and He shall sustain thee♪ Thank You Father for speaking Your Truth to us in so many different ways.

Countering fear with FAITH is paramount. You teach us that continuously. Isaiah 41:10

(10:28 a.m.)

“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.” How I count on You Blessed God. 

Phone calls filled with hope. Truth. Discussions of disappointments. And the opportunities You provide. You. Our Holy Spirit. Our “Higher Power.”

Father, I ask You to lead the hurting and resistant right, straight to the foot of Your Cross. Let them know You as the ♪Good, Good Father♪ You truly are.

I love You Lord. We are in absolute need of Your perfect presence in our every single moment. Do all You must in turning our hearts to You. Thank You. Praise You. Use us. Amen.

(386 words ~ 10:49 a.m.)

opportunely

 Wednesday, June 23, 2021 (5:21 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You. Praise You. You provide our every need. And smiles to boot!

Through most of the night I was sure the word I was going to use with You today was slowly. I wanted to make sure that I would remember to approach things carefully. Intentionally. Purposefully… Slowly.

I believe it’s still a good plan. And I’m asking You to make sure I stay aware of all the blessings You have for us today. 

That’s why I’m eager and excited to have been given a brand new to me word as soon as I started talking with You. Opportunely. Oh! And as I read of it? The better and more perfect it becomes.

An adverb with three current meanings. And one archaic. Father God, thank You for the ways You get our attention to come directly back to You.

In a lucky or fortunate manner. At exactly the right moment or in the right way. In a successful manner. And “(archaic) Adverb for received or experienced with gratitude.”

Oh most Dearest God, I look at the synonyms for each of these meanings and they fit me so often and well. I know us to be fortunate. Delighted. Blessed. Grateful.

Thank You for the opportunity to explore words with You Lord. Thank You that having fallen asleep after reading Psalm 32, I woke up singing Psalm 100:4, joined with 118:24.

♪I Will Enter His Gates with thanksgiving in my heart; I will enter His courts with praise. I will say this is the day that the Lord has made. I will rejoice for He has made me glad…♪

This little song never fails to put a smile on my face Lord. The fact that we can come directly to Your gates, Your court, Your presence. Thanking. Praising. Rejoicing. How opportune is that?

(6:24 a.m.)

Blessed Lord, thank You for the privilege of exploring Your Word. Your Truth. Your promises. Thank You for allowing us to come freely into Your presence, with thanksgiving and praises.

Thank You that we are invited to ♪Make a Joyful Noise unto the Lord all the earth… Make a loud noise and rejoice! Sing praises!♪ (Psalm 98:4). Because that’s the God You are! Wholly deserving of our unfettered love and devotion.

Father, I ask You to use me this day. Exactly as You alone know is best. Make me aware of every opportunity You are providing that I will come to worship and adore You as so rightly deserve.

I love You. I want and need You. Thank and praise You. Amen.

(442 words ~ 6:36 a.m)

HOPE

 Tuesday, June 22, 2021 (6:07 a.m.)

Good morning Lord,

I have questions. And doubts. And thoughts. And fears. And hope. Let’s go with hope, shall we? Yes.

HOPE. My brother has it tattooed to his wrist so he “wakes up with it everyday.” Thank You Father.

Yes. Thank You for the ways You remind us to keep our eyes, ears, hearts and thoughts directed at You. And the hope You provide to our lives.

Thank You for the opportunity of reading and singing Your Truth. And promises. Father, I love You.

There. Finally said. Yes. I love You!

My heart is heavy with concerns for others, Lord. There is so much need. And many unknowns. Yet Your Truth never wavers. You are always great. Glorious. Good. Gracious.

You call us to come to You. And when we do? HOPE! Praise You, Lord.

Psalm 32:8-9. The Passion Translation “I hear the Lord saying, ‘I will stay close to you, instructing and guiding you along the pathway of your life. I will advise you along the way and lead you forth with my eyes as your guide. So don’t make it difficult; don’t be stubborn when I take you where you’ve not been before. Don’t make me tug you and pull you along. Just come with me!’”

Oh the joy that comes to us when we humbly come to You. Father, I ask You to use me this day. Exactly as You know is best. I long to share the hope and joy that comes in believing, trusting and following You.

Bless us and keep us Dear Lord that we will glorify and enjoy You as You have designed. I love You. We need You. Do all You must. Amen.

(290 ~ 7:32 a.m.)

Psalm 103:1

 Monday, June 21, 2021 (6:30 a.m.)

Most Dear and Blessed, Holy Father God,

Thank You. Praise You.

And just like that I started singing. Father, I’ve been drafting what I was planning to say to You for hours now. Thank You for taking over and leading me instead to where You’d have me.

♪Bless the Lord, O my soul, O my soul Worship His holy name Sing like never before, O my soul I’ll worship Your holy Name The sun comes up, it’s a new day dawning It’s time to sing Your song again Whatever may pass and whatever lies before me Let me be singing when the evening comes♪

Blessed God, You know our every single need. You know the challenges that others are facing. You are great. Glorious. Good. And gracious in Your provisions. How I ask that You reign supreme over all we encounter.

Recognizing our need for You over all else Father I am glad to be singing. ♪You’re rich in love and You’re slow to anger Your name is great and Your heart is kind For all Your goodness, I will keep on singing Ten Thousand Reasons for my heart to find♪

Reading the origin of this song, I’m referred to Psalm 103:1. This is where I learn how interchangeable are the words for bless. Praise. Worship. Glorify. Honor. Exalt. Pay homage to.

Oh, thank and praise You Father! Singing my heart out to You releases my mind from its own ingrained way of thinking. I am free to come before You requesting You to lead and guide me.

Straight over to The Passion Translation. “Our Father’s Love King David’s song of praise With my whole heart, with my whole life, and with my innermost being, I bow in wonder and love before You, the Holy God! Yahweh, You are my soul’s celebration. How could I ever forget the miracles of kindness You’ve done for me?” (vs. 1-2).

Illustrated Bible Handbook tells us, “Psalm 103. Praise is offered to God for the gracious way He relates to David, and for God’s great love for all who fear Him.” Yes Lord. Thank You. Teach me more.

(7:53 a.m.)

As I come before You Lord with the concerns and challenges facing our family and friends, rather than floundering with fear, I stand firmly on Your Word. Your Truth. Your promises.

Father God, You alone are good. You know exactly Your every single plan. All for good. Not for evil. Giving us a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11).

This from The Message, “This is God’s Word on the subject: ‘As soon as Babylon’s seventy years are up and not a day before, I’ll show up and take care of you as I promised and bring you home. I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out - plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. When you call on Me, when you come and pray to Me, I’ll listen” (vs. 10-12).

Blessed God, I don’t pretend to know the challenges being faced by our loved ones. I don’t have to. Because You do.

Do all You must Dearest Dad. All that You alone know is best. And exactly what is needed.

♪Bless the Lord, O my soul, O my soul Worship His holy name… And on that day when my strength is failing The end draws near and my time has come Still, my soul will sing Your praise unending Ten thousand years and then forevermore♪

Yes Lord. Unending praise. Forevermore. Do all You must to Your good end. I love You. I thank You. We need. You. We want You. We ask Your wisdom, Your strength, Your power. All in Jesus’ most precious holy name. Amen.

(639 words ~ 8:15 a.m.)

Happy Father's Day!

 Sunday, June 20, 2021 (8:23 a.m.)

Happy Father’s Day, Dearest Dad.

Mm. What a concept.

(11:38 am.)

(2:29 p.m.)

A glitch with the computer

(4:14 p.m.)

And a bunch of distractions.

(5:33 p.m.)

Let’s start over, shall we?

Happy Father’s Day, Dearest Dad.

How cool that after all these years I get to come to think of You more and more as my “real” Dad. Talk to me about this, please.

Joshua 1:9

Psalm 103:13-18

Proverbs 14:26-27

Malachi 4:2-6

Matthew 6:26; 7:7-11

Ephesians 1:3-6; 4:1-6

Hebrews 12:5-11

1 John 3:1-2

What a delightful opportunity to spend time together reading of Your as Father. Provider. Omnipresent.

Lord God, thank You for this privilege. I love You. Keep teaching us to know, trust and revere You as our Dad. Happy Father’s Day! Amen.

(158 words ~ 7:05 p.m.)