loving forgiveness

 Monday, January 31, 2022 (7:01 a.m.)

Holy God,

Speak with me about Your loving forgiveness. Oh yes please.

Hopelessness. Despair. Uncertainties. They all come so easily. Thank You that we have Your Word. Your Word that already existed in the beginning (John 1:1a). That was with You, and was You (1b).

Even though there is so much written that I don’t fully understand, I can repeatedly come before you asking for better comprehension. Thank You God that by turning to THE BOTTOM LINE in The Life Recovery Bible I get to read the PURPOSE of the apostle John having written this book.

“To reveal Jesus as the Son of God and show that by faith in Him we can experience true love, forgiveness, and recovery.” Yes, please Lord.

Reading the comment for 1:1-13 I am grateful to You. “The same Power that created the universe is available to create new life from our shattered hopes. The light of life that exposes and drives away the darkness of the human race is the same light that brightens the dark corners of our world…”

Oh, how I look to You and Your light! Asking. Seeking. Knocking (Matthew 7:7). ♪Thy Will Be Done♪

“… Eternal life and true recovery are ours when we believe what God says, renounce our tendency to do things our way, and receive the One whom God sent to help us.” Oh yes Dear God! Yes that I would freely give up my way for Yours!

John 1:14. New Living Translation. “So the Word became flesh and lived here on earth among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness [grace and truth; loving forgiveness; favor, loving-kindness; God’s gracious love and faithfulness; tender mercy].

Who knew [YOU did!] that coming to You in search of Your loving forgiveness would provide me with Your “perfect balance of grace and Truth” (The Voice). Father I ask You to grant me the appropriate doses of all I need in sharing Your loving forgiveness with all. Myself included.

I love You. I need You. I want You. And I ask You to do in, with, by, through and for me all that is necessary that I would live this day loving You, others and myself as You have ordained. With all of my heart, soul, mind and strength (Mark 12:30-31).

I want to glorify and enjoy You. Lovingly forgiving as I go. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(414 words ~ 8:24 a.m.)

loving God

 Sunday, January 30, 2022 (6:39 a.m.)

Blessed Holy God,

I love You!

(7:19 a.m.)

Thank You that I do. Thank You that there is so much written in Your Word about loving You. I’m asking You to lead and guide me in applying Your love this day.

Beginning with Deuteronomy 6:5. “Love GOD, your God, with your whole heart: love Him with all that’s in you, love Him with all You’ve got!” Oh that I would, Dear Lord.

Turning to chapter 30 verse 20 we are commanded to “Love the Lord your God and obey His voice. Hold on to Him. For He is your life, and by Him your days will be long.” Love You. Obey Your voice. Hold on to You. Yes please!

Many of the psalms sing of loving You. Various prophets wrote of it. Expecting to read more of the many things the apostle John shared about Your love (1 John 4:7-21) I’m surprised to stop at 2 Corinthians 5:14.

“Whatever we do, it is because Christ’s love controls us. Since we believe that Christ died for everyone, we also believe that we have died to the old life we used to live” (New Living Translation). Yes! Your love controls. Thank You God.

Paul wrote of Christ’s love fueling passion and holding tightly those He loves. The Passion Translation footnote explains, “Paul uses the Greek word synechō (syn = ‘together with’, echō is where we get our English word echo), which is translated as ‘seize,’ ‘compel,’ ‘urge,’ ‘control,’ ‘lay hold of,’ ‘overwhelm,’ ‘to be held together,’ ‘to grip tightly,’ ‘completely dominate.’ Paul is stating that the motivating passion of his life is Christ’s love filling his heart, leaving him no choice but to surrender everything to God…”

Again, I add, “Yes please!”

Compel me to live and love for You today. I love You. And I want it to be known to others. Thank You. Praise You. Use me as You know is best. Amen.

(336 words ~ 8:51 a.m.)

Forgiveness!

 Saturday, January 29, 2022 (6:47 a.m.)

Holy, Holy God,

You teach us so much about You. Thank You Father. Getting to read more about Your love last night, I was thrilled to wake up singing of it this morning.

Not recognizing the song right away. Note by note it became more clear. And as is usual, I again wondered, “Why?”

Thank You that by changing just a word or two, perfect sense was made. Depending if You are singing to me or me to You, the pronouns exchange nicely.

♪The snow is snowing, the wind is blowing But I [you] can weather the storm What do I [you] care how much it may storm I’ve [you’ve] got My [Your] love to keep me [you] warm♪

Having read and embraced the Truth of the choices Your love provides us, I was blessed during the night to continue considering various vital words. Peace of mind, or conflict. Love, or fear. And the one word that covers it all? Forgiveness!

Blessed Father, I am asking You to continue teaching, leading and guiding me in the practice of Your loving forgiveness. Remembering to ask myself at every juncture if I’m seeking peace of mind or conflict.

I long to let go of the fear that has accompanied me the majority of my life. Embracing fully the love that You have for us.

Reading Psalm 139:14 yesterday, Your Truth resonated deeply within me. Where I have often considered myself odd. Weird. Unusually unusual. Yesterday I welcomed with open arms Your Truth that “I AM fearfully and wonderfully made!”

The Message. “Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out; You formed me in my mother’s womb. I thank You High God - You’re breathtaking! Body and soul, I am marvelously made!” Lord God, I want to stand firmly on this Truth!

“Remarkably and wondrously made” says Christian Standard Bible. Awesome. Amazing. Miraculous. Strange and wonderful… now we’re talking!

“Wonderfully complex” (The Living Bible) was the description that caught my heart yesterday. The list continues. Great. Unique. Excellent. And this from The Passion Translation “mysteriously complex.”

I want to fully embrace all I am in You Dearest Lord. Blessed. Free. Able to choose.

Empower me to settling on peace over conflict. Love over fear. Walking in, with, by, through and for Your forgiveness every step of the way. Do all You must. That I can’t. To Your good and glorious end.

I love You. I need You. I want You. And I thank and praise You Dear Lord. Oh, how I thank and praise You. Use me. Amen.

(432 words ~ 7:49 a.m.)

already

 Friday, January 28, 2022 (6:39 a.m.)

Blessed, Holy God,

Thank You! There have already been so many surprises this morning.

A jarringly early phone call. The smell of cinnamon toasting. Unexpected decorations. Texts. Messages. And the beauty of the sky. I keep coming back to the color and beauty of the sky. Thank You God. You bless us in so very many ways!

This morning I am looking to You. Asking You to guide me in Your Word. Searching various verses to find where You’d have me settle.

Proverbs 8:22-31? Ecclesiastes 4:1-3? So many of the Psalms (7, 11, 27).

Let’s look together at Psalm 139. The Truth of You already knowing us long before our birth. Thank You Father for the security and hope we find in reading and trusting Your Word of Truth and promises.

This smile of peace on my face right now comes from believing what David wrote of You all those years ago. You examine our hearts (v. 1). And know everything about us. Nothing gets by You!

According to The Message (vs. 9-10), no matter where we go “You’re already there waiting!” Lord God, how I thank You for Your eternal presence in our lives. Before, during and forever after our physical existence.

This morning I ask You to walk with me and talk with me as I ♪celebrate another day [year] of livin’… another day [year] of life♪ Thank You for songs to sing. And love to share.

Use me exactly as You alone know is best. I love You. I need You. I want You. And I thank You for the blessings You’ve already provided. As well as those that are to come.

“Thank You for making me so wonderfully complex!” (v. 14). Praise You. I love You. Amen.

(304 words ~ 8:01 a.m.)

♪Wildfire♪

 Thursday, January 27, 2022 (5:54 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You! Easy sleep. Uncomfortable dream. More sleep. Oh! And a song.

Again, I tried avoiding the chorus. As far as I was concerned it made no sense to me. Then I decided to accept it. Asking You to speak to me through it.

That’s what I’m doing right now. Asking You to speak to me. Please guide and direct me in what nugget of Your Truth ♪Wildfire♪ might hold for me.

(6:51 a.m.)

Reading the origin of Michael Martin Murphey’s 1975 version, I dig deeper. Learning of a contemporary Christian song released last year that sings “about hope in God amidst challenges in life.” Amen to that dear Lord!

Keeping leading me please.

The decades old rendition was described in 2007 by David Letterman as “haunting and disturbingly mysterious, but always lovely and melancholy.” I’m confessing to You right here I’ve always called it “just dumb.”

As I asked earlier, keeping working in me Lord. The newfound appreciation I have for it has only recently begun forming.

With Native American folklore at its roots, “Murphey was open about his deep Christian beliefs.” Noting ‘the Book of Revelations in the Bible speaking of Jesus coming back on a white horse, says it can be viewed as a religious allegory. The lost white horse, Wildfire, can be seen as a symbol for the Savior.’

As I prepare to be introduced to Kevin Quinn’s pop song and music video, I’m asking once more for Your presence here with me. Thank You for this opportunity to explore what has been described as an encouragement for “listeners to keep the fire of hope burning inside despite the despair of the world.”

Oh, how we need Your hope Blessed God!

(7:51 a.m.)

Wow! Thank You. Praise You. Asking You to keep singing to me. Especially songs that I don’t know. Music that sings Your Truth.

♪There’s a Wildfire in my heart And it’s brightest in the dark You’re the One that made it start Your Love, it burns like a light♪

(11:53 a.m.)

Never ceasing to amaze me, You sing Your Truth to me in the most unexpected ways. Thank You. Thank You God.

Reading the new-to-me lyrics my smile is huge. Words speak of the sky crying. Searching and finding. Pleasure in pain. Dancing in rain.

♪Even, even if I’m broken I still keep my hope in The One who holds me close… When my trust in the world Is fading When there’s nowhere to turn to You save me… There’s a wildfire in my heart♪

Thank You God. Do all You must in keeping my heart burning for You. I Love You. I thank and praise You. Amen.

(463 words ~ 12:47 p.m.)

God's favor

 Wednesday, January 26, 2022 (6:25 a.m.)

♪And your children And their children, and their children…♪

Holy God,

Thank You that we get to sing Your Truth in so many ways. Enough so that we continue learning the many things Your Word teaches.

Right now? Your favor.

Searching details for the origin of this song [♪The Blessing♪] again I am amazed by You. Written by a married couple and their worship team at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Father, thank You for the various ways You sing Your blessings into our being.

Originating from Numbers 6:24-26, this benediction “is a generational prayer God gave to Moses in which the Hebrews ask for His divine favor” (songfacts.com). I want to know more about Your favor, Lord.

And right this second, I’m about to laugh straight out loud! You really just crack me up. Thank You God. Thank You God. Thank You God.

In my awake time during much of the night, my thoughts kept going to Your promise of joy coming in the morning [which turns out to be Psalm 30:5b]. Having forgotten all about it, thank You for the delight of being reminded of Your presence with me then and now.

Reading about Your favor - oh, now this is really blowing my mind! Talk about being eager and excited to tell [AGOG] with You...

An e-article entitled “Walking in the Favor of God” [which had me turning to Psalm 30:5 in the first place] was actually written by Stephen Furtick. He’s lead pastor of Elevation who was singing Moses’ priestly blessing which is the basis of ♪The Blessing♪ that “poured out rather quickly.”

Holy God, I get so easily caught in the trap of my own thinking. Thank You for freeing me with Your Truth.

Quoting here an entire paragraph from the article. “God’s favor is the guarantee of His presence and the provision of His power to accomplish His special purpose in and through your life. It’s intended not for your convenience, but for His purpose, and it doesn’t mean your life is going to get any easier. In fact, it almost certainly guarantees that your life is going to get harder.”

Quite snarkily I respond, “THAT’s encouraging!” And immediately thank You for the privilege of being this honest with You.

Reading further, my head continues nodding in agreement. Lord God, thank You for Your favor that lasts a lifetime (Psalm 30:5a New Living Translation). Thank You for every opportunity we have of singing our praise to You.

Father, I ask You to use me exactly as You know is best. Readily. Obediently. Purposefully.

Do all You must that I will truly “Sing to the LORD, all you godly ones! Praise His holy name. For His anger lasts only a moment, but His favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning” (Psalm 30:4-5).

God, I love You. I need You. And I want You to lead, guide, direct, and accompany me every aspect of this day. Emboldening and empowering me as we go.

♪In the morning, in the evening In [my] coming, and [my] going In [my] weeping and rejoicing He is for you, He is for you… May His favor be upon you And a thousand generations And your family and your children And their children, And their children♪

You are great. Glorious. Good. Gracious. And so very much more.

Continue working in, with, by, through and for me. Thank You Father. Praise You. Amen.

(587 words ~ 8:13 a.m.)

grinning again

 Tuesday, January 25, 2022 (6:46 a.m.)

Wild donkeys!

That’s what it took for me to smile just now. I remembered seeing some yesterday and the grin again took over.

(7:44 a.m.)

Thank You God. Considering grinning again with You, I turn my focus to the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22).

Father, I ask You to guide me in my reading, understanding and usage of this section of Scripture. My first thought was The Passion Translation. Then? The Voice. Now, The Message.

Each has its own unique way of presenting Your Truth. Blessed God, I am seeking the strength of Your might power (Ephesians 2:10) in living Your Word this day.

A comment in The Voice announces, “Paul has been preaching about the call of God to freedom…” Mm, yes Dear Lord! “… now we are free to live in the Spirit and to be truly right with God.” Oh yes, please!

Reading further I imagine myself. “As free people, the Spirit gives us the characteristics of Jesus…” Freely loving in joy and peace. With patience, kindness and faithfulness that comes only from You our Father. Reflecting Your goodness, while being gentle and operating with self-control.

Lord God, You provide us these attributes. We can’t grow them ourselves.

“But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard - things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely” (The Message).

Oh Dearest God, how I long to live Your way! Reading of the actions The Passion Translation ‘has chosen to supply to these virtues’ I’m asking You to enable me in executing them.

“Divine love in all its varied expressions:

joy that overflows,

peace that subdues,

patience that endures,

kindness in action,

a life full of virtue,

faith that prevails,

gentleness of heart, and

strength of spirit.”

These are qualities I want to exhibit in my thoughts, words and deeds this day Dear Lord. Do all You must in molding and emboldening me to Your will and to Your way.

I love You Lord. I want to live this day in the power of Your love. Grinning as we go. 

Use me as You know is best. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(428 words ~ 8:47 a.m.)

free and fun

 Monday, January 24, 2022 (6:55 a.m.)

Blessed, Holy God,

Thank You! Praise You. Worship and adore You!

When is the last time I woke up smiling? Even before singing. The dreams were great. Freeing, fun and I was aware of Your presence while still in them. Thank You Lord. Praise You indeed.

Father, feeling this free and fun at this very moment is truly a gift from You. Acknowledging Your command of my memory is truly delighting me.

Allowing death to be addressed and joyfully embraced was such a brand new concept for me. There wasn’t fear. Or sadness. No, Lord, the overall experience was joy. Absolute, true joy.

I am asking You to teach me to live this day with that freedom from fear. Silly as it seems the song that keeps singing to me this morning is the theme from the Love Boat.

Taking time to look at the lyrics I see Your Truth in them. A statement of fact. Followed by an invitation. An accurate description. And more Truth.

♪Love, exciting and new Come aboard, we’re expecting you Love, life’s sweetest reward Let it flow, it floats back to you♪ There’s a promise of something for everyone. With adventure in the offing.

Lord God, I am in no way attempting to minimize You greatness. Quite the contrary. I want others to see the simplicity of accepting You at Your Word.

Your love ♪won’t hurt anymore It’s an open smile On a friendly shore♪

Father, I confess to often getting caught in the trap of trying to keep myself safe. From hurt and disappointment. Thank You that You have a much better plan!

Purposely turning to Jeremiah 29:11 in the International Children’s Bible I allow myself to once again open up to trusting You. “I [the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel] say this because I know what I have planned for you… I have good plans for you. I don’t plan to hurt you. I plan to give you hope and a good future. Then you will call My name. You will come to Me and pray to Me. And I will listen to you. You will search for Me. And when you search for Me with all your heart, you will find Me!” (vs. 11-13).

It happens Lord! Quite unexpectedly. Even in a dream about one’s long deceased parents. Who both appear to be present in our everyday comings and goings. There You were. Orchestrating it all.

Here I ask You to use me exactly as You know is best. Glorifying and enjoying You to the fullest. Being free and having fun. Every step of the day.

I love You. I need You. I want You. Thank You for reminding me that the plan is Yours. Do all You must in using me to share Your perfect love.

That love which is described in The Message (1 John 4:17-18) thusly, “God is love. When we take up permanent residence [♪Come aboard, we’re expecting You♪] in a life of love, we live in God [♪The Love Boat♪] and God lives in us. This way, love has the run of the house, becomes at home and mature in us, so that we’re free from worry on Judgment Day - our standing in the world is identical with Christ’s. There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life - fear of death, fear of judgment - is one not yet fully formed in love.”

You gave me all this Truth in a dream. Thank You Father. Amen.

(602 words  ~ 8:38 a.m.)

seeking to listen

 Sunday, January 23, 2022 ( 7:12 a.m.)

Holy God,

There’s another song. I have a few notes and I don’t know where it goes from there.

And just like that [snap] You supplied what I needed! Thank You God.

♪Find me here at Your feet again Everything I am, reaching out, I surrender… My heart beating, my soul breathing I found my life when I laid it down Upward failing, spirit soaring I Touch The Sky when my knees hit the ground♪

Oh, thank You Lord! I tried on my own. Asking another. Humming. Searching. Guessing. Trying some more. And then? I brought it to You.

Father, at this very moment I am excited and eager to tell [agog]! Having spent many of the late night and early morning hours rehearsing with You my flaws and failings You provided me this powerful song. Deep within my soul. Practically inaudible.

With only a few discernible notes and finally seeking Your help, again You fulfilled my desire. Thank You Lord.

Searching, finding and reading about the song’s origin, one Hillsong band member stated, “We wanted to create songs that first seek to listen, then speak the good news of Jesus and His grace into the dichotomy [conflict], tension and hopeful-collision of this broken and fragile world we see here and now, and the unshakeable and mysterious reality of the Kingdom we can’t see.”

Thank You for the many ways You speak to us. Often singing Your Truth through others. ♪Come sweep me up in Your love again And my soul will dance On the wings of forever♪

Oh dear Lord, it is when I listen to You that my soul dances. Do all You must to keep me listening to and obeying Your voice. Your Truth. Your promises.

♪Find me here at Your feet again♪ It’s where I want to stay. Listening. Hearing. Surrendered. Thank You. Praise You. I love You. Amen.

(322 words ~ 8:20 a.m.)