H.O.W.

 Saturday, April 30, 2022 (6:28 a.m.)

Blessed, Holy God,

Thank You. Thank You. Thank You.

Being honest, open and willing with You is allowing me to continue changing for the better. How truly I thank You Lord!

Communication skills are improving. As is the practice of lovingly speaking Your Truth (Ephesians 4:15).

Father God, I love the work You are doing in each of us. Teaching us to to “no longer be little children, tossed and carried about by all kinds of teachings that change like the wind” (v. 14a).

It IS Your Word of Truth and promises I long to practice each and every day. Growing more into the “wonderfully complex” piece of work You made me to be. Yes Lord!

“I will offer You my grateful heart, for I am Your unique creation, filled with wonder and awe. You have approached even the smallest details with excellence; Your works are wonderful; I carry this knowledge deep within my soul” (Psalm 139:14 The Voice).

I do Dearest God! Deep within my soul!

Thank You for all You do on each of our behalf. Lovingly searching for each of us when we go astray (Matthew 18:10-14; Luke 15:3-7).

Each and every single one of the issues we face in life can be brought to You. I truly get to bask in Your Truth. Thank You Father.

As I go out into this day, I am asking [seeking, knocking Matthew 7:7] Your guiding presence. I want to experience Your grace and peace in all I encounter today. Not my will, but Thy will be done. In, with, by, through and for me.

Go before, behind, beside, beneath, above and within me that I am completely encapsulated by Your love. I want very much to represent the Truth of Proverbs 31:25-31.

“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs with no fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and kindness is the rule when she gives instructions. She carefully watches all that goes on in her household and does not have to bear the consequence of laziness.

“Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: ‘There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!’

“Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears [fully esteems and reveres] the LORD will be greatly praised. Reward her for all she’s done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.”

Yes please, Dear Lord. Let me “promote the kind of living that reflects right teaching” (Titus 2:1a). I want to ‘live in a way that is appropriate for someone serving You… not going around speaking evil of others and not being a heavy drinker… training the younger women to love their husbands and their children, to live wisely and be pure, to take care of their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the Word of God’ (vs.3-4).

Do all You know is best Dearest God. I love You. I need You. I want You. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(534 words ~ 8:21 a.m.)

changing lyrics

 Friday, April 29, 2022 (6:40 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You. Praise You. I come before You seeking Your Truth. That very Truth that will set me free (John 8:32). I want to obey Your teachings (v. 31).

I realized again yesterday that I have been responding to and harboring lies (v. 44). Doubting. Questioning. Fearing things over which I have no control. Once more I ask for Your Truth to free me.

I want to know the things You consider as being my business. And those which are not!

(7:07 a.m.)

Right at this very moment You have me smiling and laughing again. Thank You Father. Several hours ago I immediately recognized the song in my mind.

♪Bohemian Rhapsody♪ by Queen. Looking at the lyrics just now I am again amazed by You. I’m wanting to know the Truth and this song starts out ♪Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy?♪ I want to live the real life You have for me!

The main word I know in the chorus didn’t fit for me so I changed it right there in the dark. Instead of singing ♪Mama, ooh♪ I mentally called out to You ♪Abba♪ [and ♪Papa♪]. Thank You Father for the ability to simply change things that don’t fit.

When something hasn’t seemed right for me through the years I’ve used the phrase, "that doesn’t work for me." Just now I likened various thoughts, concepts and ideas as not fitting, much like clothing.

No harm. No foul. No judgment. Something just doesn’t fit. No blame. No shame. Can deciding to change our attitudes regarding our circumstances really be that simple? I am willing to practice making healthy changes Lord.

Empower and enable me in recognizing Your Truth in all situations. On my own, I am completely powerless.

Having changed the lyrics of the first song, here’s what I sang to “The Church’s One Foundation” (1 Corinthians 3:11). ♪Our family’s firm foundation Is Jesus Christ our Lord; We are His new creation By water and the Word♪

Keep working in me Lord. I want to change the things that You would have me change. As easily as I choose to put on something different.

Yes Father. Change everything in me that keeps me from knowing Your Truth. And being truly set free.

I love You. I need You. I want You. Do all You must to Your good and perfect end. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

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

♪Turn Around, Look At Me♪

 Thursday, April 28, 2022 (5:15 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You! And “WOW!” I am feeling especially blessed and cared for at this very moment.

♪Turn Around, Look At Me♪ started singing to me hours ago. Immediately recognizing it I quickly associated it with You calling out to me. Sensing Your direction, I open Your Word to Revelation 3:19.

Thank You Father. The peace I’m experiencing as I read The Life Recovery Bible’s devotional entitled Love sends me straight over to the Truth of Philippians 4:4-9.

And just like that [snap!]. Another song. One I don’t even know. ♪I Want to Say Thank You, Thank You♪ Mm, yes! Thank You!

You are changing me. Helping me see mistakes. Reminding me to “stay in my lane.” I confess to wanting to be in charge of so many things I have no business being involved with. Thank You for prompting me to turn around and look to You.

Jesus’ revelation to John dictates, “I am the One who corrects and disciplines everyone I love. Be diligent and turn from Your indifference.” How grateful I am to be one You love. Thank You Jesus.

As I consider the love You would have us share, I am again reminded of my need for staying connected to the source of true love. I said it to myself many times yesterday, “I can’t give what I don’t have.”

Blessed Lord, I want so much to offer to others the love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and strength of Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23a) You provide. The only way for me to do this is to abide in You (John 15:4).

Thank You for calling me to turn around and look to You to lead and guide me. I want to let You love me as You know is best. That I will then be able to love others as You would have me.

Yes Father. I want to live for You. In You. With You. By You. Through You. Continue Your work in teaching me how to do that.

Matthew 7:18-20 tells us “A good tree can’t produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can’t produce good fruit. So every tree that does not produce good fruit is chopped down and thrown into the fire. Yes, the way to identify a tree or a person is by the kind of fruit that is produced.”

I want to produce good fruit dearest Lord. Fixing my “thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think[ing] about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think[ing] about things that are excellent and worthy of praise” (Philippians 4:8).

It’s when I practice Your Truth; ‘not worrying about anything, but praying about everything, with thankful heart offering up prayers and requests to You’ that I get to experience Your peace. ‘Because I belong to Christ Jesus, You will bless me with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way I think and feel’ (Philippians 4:6-7).

Yes Dear God. That is how I want to live this day. Turning around. Looking at You. Trusting. Believing. Hoping. Praying. Asking. Seeking. Knocking. Thinking, saying, doing, being all that only You know is best.

I love You. I need You. I want You. Empower and enable me in living this day as You would have me. Honestly. Openly. Willingly. Making ‘every effort to apply the benefits of Your promises to my life. That my faith will produce a life of moral excellence which leads to knowing You better. Knowing You leads to self control which leads to patient endurance which leads to godliness with love for other Christians and finally grows to genuine love for everyone’ (2 Peter 1:5-8).

Yes! Your genuine love for everyone. Make it so Blessed Lord. Make it so. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(654 words ~ (7:22 a.m.)

joy of the Lord

 Wednesday, April 27, 2022 (6:18 a.m.)

Blessed, Holy God,

I come to You wanting to know more about Your joy being my strength (Nehemiah 8:10). Mm, yes Father. Your joy, described as “the gladness of heart that comes from knowing God, abiding in Christ, and being filled with the Holy Spirit.” Yes, please!.

Thank You that when my focus changes from the fears and cares of the world back to the Creator of all there is (Colossians 1:16) I am astounded. Oh how I thank and praise You Lord!

Thank You that You never give up on us. “For You are great and perform great miracles. You alone are God… You, O Lord, are a merciful and gracious God, slow to get angry, full of unfailing love and Truth” (Psalm 86:10; 15).

How easy it is for me to lose sight of all You are. Falling back into the pattern of thinking I have to figure it all out.

When I come to You empty of my will, You fill me with Yours. Thank You. Mm. Yes. Fill me as only You know is best. Philippians 2:5-11. Do all You must. In. With. By. Through. And for me.

Thank You for every single time You take me from all the things I think I am and know back to reminding me that I am simply a branch (John 15:3). You are the Vine! I am to remain and abide in You (v. 5).

Continue Your work in me this day. Making me fully aware of what exactly IS “my” business. And all that is not.

You are so good. I want to live in Your goodness.

With all the mistakes I have made through my life (Romans 3:23) I truly rejoice in Your gracious kindness (v. 24). ♪Your forgiveness is like… Holy Water on my skin♪

Oh thank and praise You Father. Continue Your work in pruning and growing me (John 15:2-4) as only You know is best. Allow me to experience Your joy as my strength.

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

(340 words ~ 7:57 a.m.)

joyfulness

Tuesday, April 26, 2022 (5:58 a.m.)

Blessed, Holy God,

You are great. Glorious. Good. Gracious. Thank You that You are.

I love You. I need You. I want You. Please empower and enable me in becoming the woman You would have me be. Kind. Loving. Joyful.

Thank You for the Truth and instruction Your Word provides us. Returning again to Paul’s letter to the Philippians. Specifically 2:5-11 and 4:1-9. I want to regularly put into practice the godly living he so freely shares, which leads others [including me] to wholeness and joy.

(8:16 a.m.)

Having gotten up and started with various chores, I am again asking, (seeking, knocking - Matthew 7:7) Your guidance and direction. There’s a lot of unfinished business around here these days.

We experienced some excellent teamwork yesterday. I look to YOU to continue improving our communication and working together skills. It truly was a joy to behold.

Speaking of joy, it seems to be my desire of the day. The past several days as a matter of fact. I want to please You Lord. To live this day in such a way that others see the love You have for us, ours for You and for one another (1 John 4:19).

Having fallen so far back into fear, I again delight at the Truth of verse 18. Turning to The Message I read up one more verse. “To Love, to Be Loved 17-18 God is love. When we take up permanent residence in a life of love, we live in God 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 of 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.”

“The joy of the Lord is my strength” (Nehemiah 8:10).

♪I’ve Got [I WANT!] the Joy, Joy, Joy Down in My Heart♪

starting

 Monday, April 25, 2022 (6:32 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You that I get to start the day with You. Long before the sun came up I was already singing.

♪Let’s start at the very beginning A very good place to start When you read you begin…♪

Starting. Beginning. With You. Thank You Lord.

Lead and guide me this morning I ask (Matthew 7:7). Into Your Word. Into the day.

I want to live as You would have me. Faithfully. Hopefully. Lovingly (1 Corinthians 13:13). I want to be obedient to and controlled by Your Holy Spirit (Romans 8:6).

(7:34 a.m.)

Starting at the very beginning (Genesis 1:1). A VERY good place to start!

(9:57 a.m.)

Returning to Paul’s message to the church at Rome. Specifically Chapter 8. The Spirit’s Power

Starting at the very beginning. New Life Through the Spirit; 8:1-17 through Final Glorification; 8:18-39 (Illustrated Bible Handbook). How blessed we truly are to be so loved by You. Thank and praise You Dearest God.

I want very much to fully embrace and practice the Truth of “Following after the Holy Spirit [which] leads to life and peace” (8a The Living Bible). Keep me from “following after the old nature [that] leads to death” (8b).

The Message goes further with these verses (5-8). “Those who think they can do it [live] on their own end up obsessed with measuring their own moral muscle but never get around to exercising it in real life. Those who trust God’s action in them find that God’s Spirit is in them - living and breathing God! Obsession with self in these matters is a dead end; attention to God leads us out into the open, into a spacious, free life. Focusing on the self is the opposite of focusing on God. Anyone completely absorbed in self ignores God, ends up thinking more about self than God. That person ignores who God is and what He is doing. And God isn’t pleased at being ignored.”

I fell back into that trap Lord. Attempting to think my way out of the funk I had thought myself into. You are bigger. You are better. You are brighter than ALL of the foolish ideas I’ve come upon.

Continue Your work in, with, by, through and for me Lord. I love You. I want to serve You. Well. Make it so Dear God. Make it so. Use me. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(418 words ~ 10:34 a.m.)

3:19

 Sunday, April 24, 2022 (6:00 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You! Singing [♪Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord♪]. Scripture [John 3:19, Proverbs 31:25]. Hope. Desire. Faith. Trust. All good words.

I confess the fear I have allowed to overshadow my faith in You Dearest Lord. Looking out at the world with dismay and disdain. Forgive me Father.

You so loved this world (John 3:16) that You created (Genesis 1:1). How much do I resemble Adam and Eve in their attempt to hide their disobedient sin from You (Genesis 3:8)?

How I thank You for this most current struggle Dearest Lord. My own attempts to fight my way out of this self imposed paper bag have proved futile. And I get to come again to the need of the strength of Your mighty power (Ephesians 6:10).

Turning in Your Word, I recognize myself. Repeatedly. Fearful. Hopeful. Back and forth. I want Your Truth to reign supreme in me this day.

Waking this morning at 3:19 I immediately related it to the Book of John. Wondering what Truth I might ultimately find there. How grateful I am for the perfection in which You work.

Having spoken with You at great lengths about the darkness of this world, again I am thankful for the hope You provide in the most unexpected ways. Right now through Paul’s letter to the Romans (15:13).

“Now may God, the source of hope, fill you with all joy and peace as you believe, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (International Standard Version). Thank You for this Scriptural reminder that I don’t manufacture hope. You are its Source!

Thank You that when I am honest, open and willing with You, I find You [and Your Truth] when I earnestly seek You (Jeremiah 29:13). Confessing my reluctance and refusal to trust and believe You at Your Word is a giant first step.

Thank You Father. Praise You Lord.

Singing ♪Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord We will wait upon the Lord♪ so many hours ago I am again surprised at it’s name. ♪Everlasting God♪

Based on the Truth of Isaiah 40:31 I realize my absolute need to trust You at Your Word. I want to wait on You and “find new strength.” To “fly high on wings like eagles… run and not grow weary… walk and not faint.”

Yes! ♪Strength WILL rise as we wait upon the Lord♪ Thank You Father.

Flipping over to John 3:19. Reading a Step 11 [of 12] devotional entitled Friends of the Light (The Life Recovery Bible for vs. 18-21) I am first reminded of my need to ‘seek through prayer and meditation to improve my conscious contact with You. Praying only for knowledge of Your will and the power to carry that out.’

Again I thank You God! It’s You I long to represent. Here I get to read more about Your light shining in on our darkness. Cringing at the brokenness that has been hidden in the dark for so long it IS Your power on which I must depend and rely. Thank You that through Jesus You have made it all available to us.

I am being exposed in these verses Dearest Lord. Jesus speaking. “The Light from heaven [You] came into the world, but they [me] loved the darkness more than the light… they stay away from the light for fear their sins will be exposed and they will be punished.”

Immediately another Chris Tomlin song begins. ♪Light of the world You stepped down into darkness Opened my eyes let me see Beauty that made this heart adore You Hope of a life spent with You And 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 Altogether worthy Altogether wonderful to me♪

You are dear Lord! I confess and repent of my time spent in the darkness. Refusing to want, hope or trust. Turning to You (Revelation 3:19)

Are You joking me Dear Lord? 3:19!!!! Thank You! Praise You! Do ALL You must. In. With. By. Through. And for me. All that only You are able 

Now You are just cracking me up…

Turning to Ephesians 3:20 acknowledging Your “mighty power at work within us… able to do infinitely more than we could ever dare to ask or hope” I read up one verse. 3:19!

“May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it. Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God.” Yes please Father. I want it. I desperately want to live Your life of love.

(9:45 a.m.)

Here I turn back to Proverbs 31:25. Asking. Seeking. Knocking (Matthew 7:7) that You would truly clothe me “with strength and dignity,” that I would earnestly “laugh with no fear of the future.”

Forgive me the fear and darkness I have once again allowed to overtake my thinking, words and actions. I love You Lord. I want to do a much better job of exhibiting Your Truth and Light in my life.

I want to be “strong and graceful, as well as cheerful about the future” (Contemporary English Version). Yes Father. Truly ‘laughing at the days to come’ (Complete Jewish Bible). Looking “to the future with confidence” (Easy-to-Read Version).

Expanded Bible says, “She looks forward to the future with joy [laughs at the future; she is not anxious].” But let’s not stop there. No. Verse 26 adds to my list of wants.

“She speaks wise words [opens her mouth with wisdom] and teaches others to be kind [loving instruction is on her tongue].” Yes. Please Father. Make it so!

I want to represent You well. Use me. Exactly as You know is best. Honestly. Openly. Willingly. In the Light! I love You. I need You. I thank and praise You. Amen.

(1,010 words ~ 10:10 a.m.)

Pure and simple.

 Saturday, April 23, 2022 (6:27 a.m.)

Most Blessed, Holy God,

I love You. Pure and simple. Yes, Lord! That’s how I want to love You. Purely and simply.

I confess. I complicate things. Work in me I ask. With, through, by and for me. My hope truly is in You.

(6:53 a.m.)

Father, thank You that there is so much to read, practice and learn about loving You. Examples recorded in Your Word allow me to know I am not alone in my wishy-washy struggle to love You as I want. Fully. Completely. Wholly.

Oh there’s the reminding word [wholly]. I recognized yesterday the brokenness I’m again feeling. Aware of broken hopes and dreams. Relationships. Communications.

It’s that overall brokenness that keeps me from being willing to hope again. To allow You to get my hopes up.

And right here is another deeply seeded stumbling block to hope. Having been told as a child not to get them [hopes] up. How I ask You Lord to counter the lies of the world with the Truth of Your Word.

I need You. I want You. And all the hope and joy You came to bring to this desperate, hurting, broken world.

Do all You must. In me. With me. By me. Through me. For me. I accept the hope You offer. The struggle I’m experiencing is real! And You are so much bigger and stronger than all my striving.

I love You Lord. I want it to be pure and simple. Right now it’s still adulterated and convoluted. You can change all that. My hope truly is in You. Your strength. Your power.

Lead me back into the light of Your presence. That I will follow You. Honestly, Openly. Willingly. Thank You for being the good, good Father You are. Amen.

(304 words ~ 7:26 a.m.)

requesting

 Friday, April 22, 2022 (11:55 p.m.)

Thank You Father,

Early sleep. Detailed dreams. Lots of wonders. Requesting more rest. I love You. Amen.

(29 words ~ 11:58 p.m.)

neediness

 Friday, April 22, 2022 (7:07 a.m.)

Holy, Holy God,

I used the words slipping and sliding yesterday. [♪Slip Slidin' Away♪] Thank You that they helped me again realize my need for the Truth and promises found in Your precious Word.

Lord, there is such need in the world. Thank You for once more reminding me of my neediness.

You would have me come before You. Honestly. Openly. Willingly. Without pretense. And there it is!

I have been pretending. Trying. And at the very same time, unwilling. Closed off. Thank You Lord that You know our every need.

Turning again to Psalm 40 and Joshua 1:1-9 I notice the most genuine smile I’ve experienced in such a long while. Internally and well as externally. Dread and doubt are finally giving way to hope.

Thank You. Praise You Lord! I love You. I need You. I want You. And I ask You to use me this day exactly as You know is best.

Work in, with, by, through and for me that I will come back to singing. Smiling. Standing firm on Your Word. Staying my mind on Your Truth and promises.

Yes Father. I want to follow Your command to Joshua (1:9). “Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD Your God is with you wherever you go.”

Empower me in adhering to the RECOVERY THEMES listed in The Life Recovery Bible. Recovery Is Ongoing. The Conflict with Evil. Obedience Is Ongoing. The Importance of Communication.

Oh God yes! Deliver me from evil! Enable me in fully trusting You to lead and guide me. I want to be obedient to Your teachings. And to improve communicating with You, others and myself.

Teach me Father. I love You so much. Thank You. Amen.

(298 words ~ 8:49 a.m.)