God's words

Wednesday, September 29, 2021 (6:08 a.m.)

Words. Promises. Truth. Power.

Holy God,

Thank You! I get to sit. Read. Search. Find. Wonder. Wander. Contemplate. Rejoice. All because of You. Your Truth. Your promises. Your Power. Your Word.

Psalm 12 (especially verse 6); 19 (11-14). Proverbs 16 (21, 24, 27).

(6:56 a.m.)

Reading. Singing. Meditating. Choosing. Asking. Praising.

Guide me this day I pray. So many choices. So much opportunity. Do all You must. In. With. By. Through. For. Your people are in need of Your presence. Show Yourself as only You know is best.

♪Father, I adore You, Lay my life before You; How I love You… Jesus,… Spirit,…♪ Thank You that we get to sing to You. Learn of and from Your teachings.

(8:00 a.m.)

Continue comforting, healing, advocating, “new-hearting” and empowering each of us as You know is necessary. We are all in such need of learning to apply Your great and glorious words to and for us.

I love You. I need You. I want You. I thank You. Use me.

♪Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path…♪ (Psalm 119:105). Amen!

(183 words ~ 8:05 a.m.)

a way

 Tuesday, September 28, 2021 (5:02 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You Lord.

You will make a way. Where there seems to be no way. I didn’t know what to say this morning. Will You speak with me again about Christ’s grace, Your love and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 13:14)?

Don Moen said You gave him the song ♪God Will Make a Way♪ after the death of his nephew. I found it again this morning while searching “You will be my guide Hold me closely to Your side.”

Thank You that I don’t have to know or say too much before coming to You. That’s what the Holy Spirit is for (Matthew 10:16-20; Mark 13:10-11; Luke 12:12).

Jesus told His disciples about Him in John 16:13-14. “When the Spirit of Truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth, for He will not speak on His own authority… He will glorify me, for He will take what is mine and declare it to You.”

Father God, I want to live today learning more about the Holy Spirit. Connecting with. Depending on. Truly embracing and trusting His presence in me!

(6:36 a.m.)

Reading to learn more about “My Best Friend, The Holy Spirit” I am struck by this simple phrase in JOY! Magazine. “Miracles are normal when You know the Holy Spirit.”

(7:08 a.m.)

Mm, yes!

I want fellowship with the Holy Spirit to be my norm. Expecting and anticipating miracles as a part of my everyday life.

Lord God, You are teaching me of Your greatness. Glory. Goodness. And grace. Keep expanding my understanding that I will truly “experience the endless love of God cascading into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who lives in us!” (Romans 5:5 The Passion Translation).

I love You. I want You. I need You. Use me this day. As Your witness. Glorifying and enjoying You. As my very best friend. Do all You know is best. In. With. By. Through. And for me.

You will make a way. Where there seems to be no way. I believe that. I trust You. Amen.

(363 words ~ 7:19 a.m.)

CHANGE

 Monday, September  27, 2021 (5:31 a.m)

Blessed, Holy God,

Thank You! I woke up just now thinking of Your Truth. Your promises. Your presence. In the form [person?] of the Holy Spirit. Thank and praise You Father.

Philippians 4:7

Romans 5:5; 8:6

Isaiah 26:3; 28:12

2 Timothy 2:23-25; 3:16,17

Proverbs 14:7

Psalm 25:14; 119:165

Mark 9:43-45

Luke 19:10

John 14:16-17

Exodus 15:26; 20:5

1 John 4:18

This past Saturday, I absolutely experienced the fellowship of the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 13:14). I didn’t recognize it at the time. I credited God instead. Thank You Holy Spirit for Your continued presence in my life.

We got to learn more about You yesterday in our online attendance at enewhope.org. What a complete blessing. It was there that the change I have been asking (Matthew 7:7) to receive was spelled out.

The CHANGE is found in You! The change IS You! You are our: Comforter (John 14:26) Helper (John 14:16) Advocate (John 15:26) New heart (Ezekiel 36:26-27) Guide (John 16:13) Empowerment (Acts 1:8).

Grace [also translated as kindness, favor, loving-favor and spiritual blessing]. Love. Fellowship [communion, sharing (of life) together, participation, intimate friendship, joined together]. 2 Corinthians 13:14.

There is a definite CHANGE taking place in me. It’s been coming for awhile now [cue Sam Cooke 😉] Gracious Jesus, Loving God, Present Holy Spirit, I ask You to use me this day. Exactly as You know is best.

I want to be Word-conscious. Using all You are teaching me to Your good and Your glory. You call us to come unto You (Matthew 11:28-29). Continue changing me into the woman You would have be. Fully alive in Jesus (John 10:10).

♪Holy Spirit You are welcome here Come flood this place and fill the atmosphere Your glory, God, is what our hearts long for To be overcome by Your presence, Lord There is nothing worth more That will ever come close No thing can compare You’re our living hope♪

Yes! My word from yesterday. Make me Word-conscious Lord. Word aware. Word sensitive. Word cautious. Empower me to use them wisely and well.

I love You. I need You. I want You. I thank You. Use me. Amen.

(400 words ~ 7:34 a.m.)

Yes!

 Sunday, September 26, 2021 (6:51 a.m.)

Blessed, Holy God,

Thank You. Praise You. Worship and adore You.

Yes!

Mm, let this be my word for the day. Yes! To You.

I got to wake up singing again. Thank You. Mm, yes. Thank You.

(7:25 a.m.)

I look around me. And within.

Remembering the notes with which I first awoke, I’m grateful for the warm fuzzies I’m experiencing. Cozy and fond memories.

Father, You are so good. I get to sit here. Singing my thoughts and my heart to You. Looking at the lyrics. Considering You as the Love referenced in both ♪She Believes In Me♪ and ♪Islands In the Stream♪

While it seems a stretch, I cherish the opportunity of believing You to be at the very core of every bit of intimacy I encounter. Thank and praise You Lord.

Looking to learn more about love songs with You, I find a book of ’30 poems of love and longing’ by Irving Karchmar (particularly Conversation with God). Bless and praise You Lord.

... by God

 Saturday, September  25, 2021 (7:08 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You! You are great. Glorious. Good. Gracious. And we are blessed to know and be known by You. To love and be loved by You.

We are adopted by You. Changed by You. Wanted by You. Transformed by You. Made alive by You.

This morning I ask You to do all You must in, with, by, through and for me that I will actually live Your Truth. I read it [Ephesians 2:10. Psalm 1 (1-3); 92:13-14]. And I want to absorb it.

Mm… Accepting myself as being somewhat spongelike, I look to You to fully saturate me in Your loving mercy and grace.

I love You. Thank You. Amen.

(128 words ~ 8:18 a.m.)

Somewhere.

Friday, September 24, 2021 (6:19 a.m.)

Good morning Lord,

Please talk with me this morning about all the thoughts and feelings I’m experiencing. There’s joy in there. Somewhere. Tangled among all the open-ended loose ends.

(7:02 a.m.)

Smiling, I thank You. Looking to You settles my thinking. And then comes a song.

What is it? A note here and there. A whole phrase. Missing words. And a line. ♪… to say that You’re my God♪

Easy find. Thank You Lord.

♪Here I Am to Worship Here I am to bow down Here I am to say that You’re my God You’re altogether lovely All together worthy All together wonderful to me♪

Thank You Father. Because I come to You with no clarity. No set purpose or direction. You guide me to places I’d never find any other way. A completely new to me children’s song.

♪I’m All Wrapped Up, …tied up, …tangled up in Jesus …in God♪

I find it easy to think critically of myself. And then I learn others do too. Thank You Lord.

My thoughts may very well get tangled. And the Holy Spirit is right here to straighten them out to You (Romans 8:26). Thank You Father.

Yes. Thank and praise You Lord!

Quoting a faith story I found online speaks clearly to this. “Our God is three in one, and each aspect of God blesses our lives. When we are tangled up - intertwined - in Him, His love, and His will, we can rest securely in His peace. What joy!”

I told You the joy was in here somewhere! Sometimes I just need to trust. Giving completely in to Your goodness and Your grace to find it.

Use me this day Dearest Lord. Exactly as You know is best. Putting one foot in front of the other. On my way to You.

I love You. Thank You. Amen.

(317 words ~ 7:50 a.m.)

 

another [better] way!

 Thursday, September 23, 2021 (5:42 a.m.)

Holy God,

Will You talk with me about freedom this morning? And forgiveness.

John 8:32

Psalm 119:45

2 Corinthians 3:17

Ephesians 4:22-32

Dearest Father, I love You. I search Your Word and find hope. Peace. Truth. Your Truth that provides freedom.

(6:15 a.m.)

Thank and praise You, Lord!

I read. Sing. And read some more. There’s genuine hope in here. Joy. And yes… freedom! Ultimate freedom. Found only in You.

Illustrated Bible Handbook. “The New Self; (Ephesians) 4:17-25… Paul calls on the Ephesians to… take an entirely new approach to living.”

Immediately the song starts deeply within. What is it? Why do I know it? 1971. Rare Earth. ♪I Just Want To Celebrate♪

I do Lord! Truly. ♪I just want to celebrate another day of livin’… another day of life♪ Reading the lyrics I see myself . Putting faith in people. Being let down. Turning the other way and carrying on anyhow. Making the conscious decision to celebrate anyway.

♪Yeah, yeah Another day [WAY] of living♪ Dealing with disappointments. Being aware of the blessings.

♪Well, I can’t be bothered with sorrow And I can’t be bothered with hate, no, no… I just want to celebrate♪ Keep my focus on You Dear Lord. The blessings. Not the regrets. The hope. Not the hurts. The faith. Not the fear.

♪Had my hand on the dollar bill And the dollar bill flew away But the sun is shining down on me And it’s here to stay♪

Lord, I am asking that I represent You well this day. Glorifying and enjoying You.

♪The Stand♪

Wednesday, September 22, 2021 (5:10 a.m.)

Family Room

Dearest Jesus,

What a friend we have in You. Let me experiment in treating You as such this morning. Carrying everything to God in prayer!

Thank You Lord! The struggle continues. Accepting myself as I am. Core level. Not what I do. Nor all I want to be. No! Who I am. Deep within.

Thank You for the restful, reparative sleep that finally came. Thank You for the Truth sung to me throughout the night.

♪So what can I say? And what can I do? But offer this heart, Oh God Completely to You♪

The peace with which I approach You this morning is real. Not manufactured, It truly passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7). Thank You. Praise You.

There’s so much more going on within than me just going through the motions of everyday life. I’m appreciating the chorus that accompanies my thinking.

♪You stood before my failure And carried the cross for my shame My sin weighed upon Your shoulders My soul now to stand♪

Holy God, I can’t even begin to thank You enough. My heart and soul are singing. My whole being is smiling. My mind? Stayed on Your Truth. There is definite peace as I consider what it is to stand on Your Word.

Reading [the blazing center] about the peace You promise, I’m reminded that feelings go up and down depending on so many variables. But the “peace that passes understanding goes beyond mere feeling. Rather, it’s a solid confidence and faith in God that allows us to say [sing]: ♪…It is well, it is well with my soul♪”

Thank You Friend Jesus! I confess to often forfeiting peace and bearing needless pain ♪All because I do not carry Everything to God in prayer♪

And just like that? ♪So what can I say? And what can I do? But offer this heart, Oh God Completely to You I’ll stand With arms high [wide!] and heart abandoned In awe of the One who gave it all I’ll stand My soul Lord to You surrendered All I am is Yours♪

I am! YOURS! Thank You. Praise You.

Do all You must this day Dearest Lord and Friend. In, with, by, through and for me. Using everything You have provided! Worldwide English (New Testament). Ephesians 6:9-17.

Being strong in You. Using the powerful strength You give. Utilizing every piece of armor You have given me so I can fight against the tricks of the devil (vs. 9-10).

“We are not fighting against people of flesh and blood. But we are fighting against rulers and powers whom we cannot see. We are fighting those who control the darkness of this world, and against bad spirits who have power in the air” (v. 11).

Yes Father! We need to use everything You have given us, that we can fight when the bad time comes. We need to do everything we can do to stand! (12).

“So then, stand and hold on tight to the Truth like you put on a belt. Do what is right. Wear it as a cover for your body” (13).

Clothe me in Your complete set of armor Lord. I want to be prepared to do battle with the enemy today!

And right here, I read immediate confirmation to my plea. Psalm 91:4-5. “He will shield you with His wings! They will shelter you. His faithful promises are your armor. Now you don’t have to be afraid of the dark any more, nor fear the dangers of the day;”.

Yes Lord. Empower me to live unafraid. Fearing YOU above all else. I love You. I need You. I want You. And I ask You to use me as only You are able. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(637 words ~ 6:38 a.m.)

"hearts beat high with joy"

 Tuesday, September 21, 2021 (7:47 a.m.)

Family Room

It seems just a moment ago that I saw 6:56. Blink! It all goes by so fast.

I’ve been singing ♪Holy Spirit You are welcome here Come flood this place and fill the atmosphere Your glory God is what our hearts long for To be overcome with Your presence Lord♪ for hours now. Interspersed with the occasional grumble when things aren’t to my liking.

How is that Lord? I claim faithfulness. You know? “Forsaking all I trust Him” repeatedly. Only to throw it all out when I hit a bump. Work in me I pray. With. By. Through. For me.

I want to be all that I am not. Loving. Kind. Oh yes Dear God. Work Your kindness into me this day.

Here’s a smile. It keeps trying to break through. I know You to be great. Glorious. Good. Gracious. And satan to be a liar!

Considering the word faith I immediately started singing a different song. ♪Faith of Our Fathers living still…♪ has me wondering about the faith of my ancestors. I saw a lot of hard work. And determination. But faith? I don’t recall it being visibly evident.

A line from this famous hymn has me sitting up and taking notice. ♪O how our hearts beat high with joy♪ I can’t even read it without smiling.

Thank You Father! You provide us so very much joy.

Even here is a nod to what I’d forgotten from yesterday. The intention to look more into Psalm 16. Looking at verse 9, the smile comes before I am aware.

“Heart, body, and soul are filled with joy.” How incredible is that!

Blessed Lord, this is where I confess to floundering. Being torn by thoughts of past slights and hurts. You’re so much bigger than all my perceptions. Imperfect as they may be.

I want to live this day guided by You. To all the joy, faith, hope and love You have for me.

Quoting The Message right now, I am asking (Matthew 7:7) You to “Keep me safe, O God, I’ve run for dear life to You. I say to GOD, ‘Be my Lord!’ Without You, nothing makes sense” (Psalm 16:1-2).

Oh most dear and blessed God, the more I read the more I want to know! I want to know You as David did! As Friend. Savior. Strength of heart and portion forever (Psalm 73:26).

Do all You must that I will live this day glorifying and enjoying You. I want to represent You well. Believing. Trusting. Offering the example of truly walking with You.

“You make known to me the path of life; in Your presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11 English Standard Version). Keep my steps aligned with Yours.

I truly desire to live faithfully. With my heart beating high with joy! I love You, God. I thank You. And I ask You. Do all You must. Amen.

(502 words ~ 9:03 a.m.)

f.e.a.r. ing God

 Monday, September 20, 2021 (5:54 a.m.)

Family Room

Truly Holy God,

THANK YOU! Praise You. Bless You. Honor and adore You. Fear You. Yes! Fully esteem and revere You.

I’ve known it for years. The importance of fully esteeming and revering You (Proverbs 9:10). Too often I forget. Thank You for the reminder just now.

Waking up after much difficulty getting to sleep I was truly blessed. Your words of power and freedom. Reminders that we are loved by You. That ♪this IS the day that the Lord hath made. I WILL rejoice and be glad in it♪ As well as ♪I’m no longer a slave to fear I am a child of God♪

Yesterday I became particularly aware of my critical nature. Especially toward myself. Lord, I not only need, but truly desire the grace You provide.

♪Oh, ho, ho it’s MAGIC♪ [Mercy and Grace in Christ]

Songs of freedom abound for me this morning. ♪There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus♪ (Romans 8:1)

(7:20 a.m.)

♪Lord I’m on my knees again Lord I’m beggin’ please again♪

Sung while actually on my knees again. Working on a project with results that don’t consistently meet the standards I set for myself. Hence the realization of my need for Your grace!

It “hit” me yesterday. If someone else were to be doing this work for me I’d be appreciative. Encouraging. With my own efforts? I see the flaws. Focus on the imperfections.

God, You have a great deal of work to do in, with, by, through and for me. Bringing me around to Your Truth. Your love. You grace.

I long to serve You Lord. In the most basic ways possible. I believe that begins with learning to be kinder to myself. Yes! To love myself as freely and completely as I love You and others. With ALL of my heart, soul, mind and strength (Mark 12:30-31).

Teach me. Train me. You keep giving me nuggets. Little breadcrumbs on the path. Those “Aha!” moments of Your Truth. Leading me. Guiding me. Deeper into Your Word.

Finding a site titled “Loving on Purpose” has me considering what it would be like to allow You to love me exactly as I am. Without the self-imposed judgments I so often bring along.

Let’s try that, shall we?

I knew yesterday that I was going to ask You to teach me more about what Your love really is (1 Corinthians 13:4-8a). I had no idea when I first started singing about freedom so much earlier this morning that this is where it would lead. Thank You Father! Praise You Jesus! There truly IS power in Your name!

(2:23 p.m.)

I just this minute read the question, “How has God been teaching you about what it means to love yourself well?” Immediately I remember Philippians 1:9 in The Message.

“So this is my prayer: that your love will flourish and that you will not only love much but well. Learn to love appropriately.” Yes please Father. Teach me to love You, others and myself appropriately.

Considering all the love we have from You Dear Father (1 John 4), I’m asking You to continue Your work in showing my how to properly love and fear You. Fully esteeming and revering You.

Every time I think, “Yes! THIS is the verse I need” there’s so much more to consider. Next up is Psalm 16. Thank You Father for your tender loving care. Use me as only You know is best. Loving You, others and myself. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(607 words ~ 3:12 p.m.)