comforting opportunity

 Friday, July 29, 2022 (6:53 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You. A sore back and a song.

Comforting opportunity to sing and allow my muscles to realign and rest. Thank You Father. Thank You for the privilege of waking and having my thoughts turn straight to You.

The near silent strain of music in my mind increased to the point of easy recognition. Thank You Lord. ♪I love being loved by You♪ I do Lord. I LOVE being loved by You!

Looking more deeply into this song [♪I Have Dreamed♪]’s origin, I’m now intertwining it with ♪The Windmills of my [actually “your”] Mind♪ Father, thank You for the presence of Your Holy Spirit.

As I sit here becoming aware of the various unknowns that this day/weekend has to offer, I want to keep sining with and to You. There are so many things that I have dreamed. I want very much to have them align with Your plans for me.

Mm. Singing and aligning. Yes. Keep working in me as only You know is best. I love You and ♪I love being loved by You♪

Use me this day. To Your good and to Your glory. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(203 words ~7:52 a.m.)

people, places and things

 Thursday, July 28, 2022 (5:24 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You. For so very many things. Yes, Lord. Thank You for people. Places. And things.

Thank You that we have Jesus’ words on which to stand. To place our hope and trust. Reading this morning in the Book of Mark, it’s as though I’ve never read it before.

REFLECTIONS and insights in The Life Recovery Bible detail Your PRIORITIES and the OBSTACLES faced by Your people. Quoting twice concerning the opposition we can expect to experience, I am again encouraged by the Truth of Your Holy Word.

Mark 5:1-20. “… we should be neither surprised nor discouraged. We should simply continue trusting God to change us so we can help our friends and families.”

Mark 14:1-9 “Her devotion was mocked by some disciples, but it was praised by Jesus as an example for all believers to follow.”

Blessed, Holy God, I long to be extravagant in displaying my love for and trust in You. I confess to holding it close to my chest. Not wanting to be seen as wrong or misunderstood.

Thank You that we have Your Word to teach a better way than this world offers us. Jesus knew what was to come.

“13:1-10 The Olivet discourse (13:1-37) speaks to the all-too-human preoccupation with the future… God makes it clear that despite [♪You’re Only Human (Second Wind)♪] our trials, we should not worry. If we entrust our life to God, His Spirit will be with us during our difficult times. Recovery is never easy, but it is always possible with God’s help.”

Oh, thank and praise You Blessed Jesus! A song and another Bible section both at the same time. Your presence here, reminding me of Your eternal existence! We are never alone. You went away so Your living Voice would come (John 16:7).

We are to not worry about anything. Instead pray about everything. Tell You our needs. And thank You for all You have done (Philippians 4:6). That is exactly what I am doing at this moment. Knowing. Believing. Trusting You to be the great, good, glorious, gracious God that You are.

Use me this day. Exactly as You alone know is best. I love, need and want You. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(389 words ~ 6:55 a.m.)

"BE JOYFUL"

 Wednesday, July 27, 2022 (6:03 a.m.)

Blessed, Holy God,

Good morning. I love You.

(6:25 a.m.)

How perfect You are! Thank You. Praise You!

(8:16 a.m.)

You are good God! Gracious. Glorious. Great. In four days, it will be four years since I sobbed out my heart on the lap of our dearly loved “Tia.” The reason? My heart’s desire to become as joy filled a woman as she!

(8:43 a.m.)

Mm, Blessed Holy God,

How truly I thank You for the example of this genuinely, authentically JOYFUL woman! In her guest room those years ago, I prayed these still accurate words to You.

“Father, I am currently living in the presence of true joyfulness. A woman who has always been prone to easy laughter. Even when, much like the apostle Paul, circumstances were far less than ideal. What a perfect example [of being joyful] You are providing me.”

Our hearts are blessed to have known and been loved by this vibrant, spirited woman. How well I remember having stunned her into gentle silence as she so graciously allowed the cries of my heart to subside.

Thank You Father. Thank You for bringing this moment back into memory. Having searched “saying good morning I love You to God” I was directed to Psalm 143:8.

My Illustrated Bible Handbook has the pencil markings I made on 7/31/18 while visiting this much loved joyful woman. Thank You Lord for the ways You guide and prepare us in advance for all that is yet to come.

Having boxed off verse 10 in The Life Recovery Bible I was using at the time, I also inserted the words “BE JOYFUL” after “Teach me to do Your will,” Holy God, You know Your best for us. Again I ask You to do all You must in enabling, empowering and emboldening me to truly “Be joyful!”

I love You. I want You. I need You. Do all You must in, with, by, through and for me this day. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(348 words ~ 9:23 a.m.)

"Greetings!"

 Tuesday, July 26, 2022 (6:23 a.m.)

Blessed, Holy God,

Good morning. Thank You. I love You.

(6:53 a.m.)

Mm, yes! Good morning!

Searching ways to greet You in the morning leads me to Jesus’ Easter greeting to the Marys leaving His empty tomb (Matthew 28:9). “Hail!” “Rejoice!” “Shalom!” “Hello.” “Good morning!” “Greetings!” “Peace be with you.” “God save you.” “Receive joy.”

Contemplating these various ways of expressing His greeting to the women, it’s their response to His resurrection that I want to emulate. The Message (v.8) describes “The women, deep in wonder and full of joy, lost no time in leaving the tomb. They ran to tell the disciples.”

I confess Dearest Lord, I drag my feet. Hesitate. Vacillate. Delay. These women did not. Their reaction to the angel’s presence was immediate. New Living Translation, “The women ran quickly from the tomb. They were very frightened but also filled with great joy, and they rushed to give the disciples the angel’s message.”

Father, I want to have that kind of obedience. Their response as Jesus greeted them? “… they ran to Him, grasped His feet, and worshiped Him” (v. 9b). Yes Lord. I want that kind of trust and devotion.

Thank You for the opportunity to learn more. I love You. I need You. I want You. Continue Your work in, with, by, through and for me. Do all You must in making me into the devoted, obedient woman You would have me be.

You know our needs. Our wants. Align them with all You have to provide. You are good. Great. Glorious. Gracious. And we are truly grateful for all You have given. Thank You. Praise You. Use us. Amen.

(286 words ~ 7:41 a.m.)

living with freedom and joy

 Monday, July 25, 2022 (10:59 a.m.)

Blessed, Holy God,

I am here seeking Your blessings. I know there are many of which to be aware. Mm. Yes. I want to be aware of Your many blessings!

(4:32 p.m.)

Turning to Psalm 67 I read, “For the choir director: A song. A psalm, to be accompanied by stringed instruments.” What would it be like to actually know the music that would play with these words?

“May God be merciful and bless us. May His face smile with favor on us. May Your ways be known throughout the earth, Your saving power among people everywhere” (vs. 1-2).

Yes Lord God! “Let the whole world sing for joy, because You govern the nations with justice and guide the people of the whole world” (4). Yes please!

A comment for 67:1-7 in The Life Recovery Bible reminds us that “We are called to share with others the good news of God’s powerful deliverance and His plan of salvation for all. This should not be thought of as a chore to avoid… with His help we can live with freedom and joy.”

Thank You Father. We received sad news of the passing of another much loved family member. Thank You Lord for Your presence in our heartache. Mm, yes. Thank You God.

Continuing to the end of the comment. “Let us celebrate and spread the news of God’s powerful deliverance!” Yes! Let’s.

I do want to celebrate Your good news! And to tell others of the blessings You provide. Even [especially?] in the midst of sorrow and grief.

Illustrated Bible Handbook describes Psalm 67. “This simple expression of praise looks forward to a time when all peoples will know and praise the Lord.” I look forward to that time as well Dear Lord.

Continue Your work in teaching us to seek [and find!] Your blessings. Thank You Father. I love You. Amen.

(324 words ~ 6:47 p.m.)

three song medley

 Sunday, July 24, 2022 (5:56 a.m.)

Blessed God,

Thank You again. You blessed me with music before I even opened my eyes. And the songs [and smiles] just keep coming. Thank You Lord. Praise You Father.

First off it was ♪Lead Me to the Cross♪ Followed almost immediately by ♪Famous For (I Believe)♪

(7:20 a.m.)

Then came the news of the re-hospitalization of a much loved family member. She’s been through this before Dear Lord. She needs You. In so very many ways.

(7:50 a.m.)

Sharing memories and information with another loved one came the musical realization that we’ve ♪been blessed beyond all measure [Counting Every Blessing]♪ And we have dearest God! Thank You.

You know our needs. Our wants. I’m asking You to supply all that is necessary for You to be glorified and enjoyed this day.

As I consider all You provide, my thinking immediately turned to manna (Exodus 16). Your miraculous allocations for the needs of Your people.

Following this line of thought, I’m reading in Psalm 89. “I will sing of the LORD’s unfailing love forever!” Yes please Lord!

Descriptions of Your power and might lead me to reading [and wanting] more. Verse 11. “The heavens are Yours, and the earth is Yours; everything in the world is Yours - You created it all” Thank You that You did.

“Powerful is Your arm! Strong is Your hand! Your right hand is lifted high in glorious strength. Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne. Unfailing love and Truth walk before You as attendants. Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship, for they will walk in the light of Your presence, LORD. They rejoice all day long in Your wonderful reputation. They exult in Your righteousness. You are their glorious strength. It pleases You to make us strong” (13-17).

I trust in and depend on Your Word Blessed God. When I don’t know what or how to pray [such as now] I look to Your Holy Spirit who “helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will” (Romans 8:26-27).

You know Your best for each and every single one of us. It is Your best I ask and seek. Do all You must Blessed Lord. In. With. By. Through. And for us. Thank You. Praise You. I love You. Amen.

(442 words ~ 8:35 a.m.)

unity and harmony

Saturday, July 23, 2022 (6:31 a.m.)

Holy God,

I’m calling on the Holy Spirit. The One who is ♪welcome here [to] come flood this place and fill the atmosphere♪

Mm, yes Lord! 

(7:39 a.m.)

You provide us opportunity to experience ♪Your presence Lord There’s nothing worth more That could ever come close No thing can compare You’re our living hope… I’ve tasted and seen Of the sweetest of loves Where my heart becomes free And my shame is undone… Let us become more aware of Your presence Let us experience the glory of Your goodness♪

Mm, absolutely yes Dearest God!

I got to experience that sweetest of loves yesterday. Nudged by the Spirit to ask questions and share an observation with a swimmer, our hearts were freed by tears and chill bumps.

Thank You Father for the chance to share the basis of Your love that extends far beyond just this present time. Our existence goes so much deeper than what we currently experience. Thank You Lord.

Thank You for the work that is being done in regards to the importance of water. With today being designated as World Blue Mind Day, I want to celebrate You along with “the emotional wellness benefits of time spent near, in, on and under healthy waters of all kinds all over the world.”

As I look to You, Your Word and Your Holy Spirit, I ask You to guide me in representing You well this day. The freedom to share my heartfelt thoughts yesterday is something I want to experience regularly. Keep me in tune with You as only You are able.

Searching to learn more about calling on the Holy Spirit, I was referred to Ephesians 2:22. Choosing the context in The Message I begin quoting at verse 16.

“Christ brought us together through His death on the cross. The cross got us to embrace, and that was the end of hostility. Christ came and preached peace to you outsiders [Gentiles] and peace to us insiders [Jews]. He treated us as equals and so made us equals. Through Him we both share the same Spirit and have equal access to the Father” (vs. 16-18)

Blessed God, how truly we need the end of hostility! To unquestionably share Your same Spirit.

“That’s plain enough, isn’t it? You’re no longer wandering exiles. This kingdom of faith is now your home country. You’re no longer strangers or outsiders. You belong here, with as much right to the name Christian as anyone. God is building a home. He’s using us all - irrespective of how we got here - in what He is building. He used the apostles and prophets for the foundation. Now He’s using you, fitting you in brick by brick, stone by stone, with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone that holds the parts together. We see it take shape day after day - a holy temple built by God, all of us built into it, a temple in which God is quite at home” (19-22).

Illustrated Bible Handbook describes “Harmony from Hostility; 2:11-22.” Oh Dearest God! How desperately we are in need of “harmony from hostility”!

Reading further into this section. “Believers are members of a single household (family) headed by the Father (21). And believers are building blocks, fitted together as in a living temple ‘being built together to become a dwelling place in which God lives by His Spirit’ (21,22)… All these differences which cause hostility between persons - race, culture, social status, education, sex - are no longer relevant. In the living church all believers can know a unity and harmony that is impossible for natural man, for it is based on a shared relationship with God.”

Yes please Dearest God. Let us truly share the relationship we have with You, with one another.

I want to live this day being strong in You and Your mighty power (Ephesians 6:10). Do all You must to Your good and glorious end. I love, need and want You. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

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

courage and confidence

 Friday, July 22, 2022 (7:14 a.m.)

Blessed God,

Thank You! Today is the anniversary of my dad’s birth. 94 years ago. My thoughts keep going in his direction. Thank You for memories dear Lord.

I woke up throughout the night knowing I want more courage and confidence. Thank You that You are the Source for our every need.

Mm. And just like that I’m in Ephesians reading of exactly this. Your “glorious, unlimited resources” which empower us with inner strength through Your Spirit (Ephesians 3:16).

Oh most dear and glorious Lord. Reading Your Word increases our awareness of the strength of Your mighty power (Ephesians 6:10).

Beginning at Ephesians 3:12 in Amplified Bible, Classic Edition I am eager and excited [agog] to read more! Switching over to New Living Translation I am more than encouraged.

“Because of Christ and our faith in Him, we can now come boldly [courageously] and confidently into God’s presence… Then Christ will make His home in your hearts as you trust in Him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong” (vs. 12; 17).

Yes! I am asking You Dear Jesus to make Your home in my heart. Increasing my courage and confidence in You! Continue Your work in growing me into the woman You would have me be.

I love You so much Dearest Lord. Use me this day. This particular day that marks the day of my dear daddy’s birth. I want to glorify You [and honor him] in my thoughts, words and deeds. Do all You must. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

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

Instead!

Thursday, July 21, 2022 (5:29 a.m.)

Holy, Holy God,

I’m here asking You to work in, with, by, through and for me today. I’m recognizing obstinance on my part. A very short-temper. I want to be agreeable. Obedient. Willing. Kind. Loving. All the things I currently am not.

Lord God, You are perfect in Your plans for us (Jeremiah 29:11). We don’t know or understand Your ways (Isaiah 55:8). Yet we know You to be good. Great. Gracious. Glorious.

Thank You. Praise You. Noticing a smile as I awoke earlier, I asked You also for a song. ♪Add Some Music♪ immediately began singing in my heart, mind and soul. Father God, You take such tender care of Your children. Thank You.

Yes! Thank You for Your provisions. Thank You for the multitude of ways we get to experience Your presence in our lives each and every single day.

(6:15 a.m.)

I behaved badly yesterday Lord. Took things personally. Left a residence without even saying good-bye. Not my best moment. Holding tightly to my “right” to be miffed. What a complete waste of the joy You would have us experience instead.

Mm, instead! Speak with me of the many mistakes I’ve made. And what You’d have me do differently. How would You have me proceed?

Matthew 5:9, The Message “You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.”

The longer I sit here in Your presence the more I feel my attitude changing. In the process, I keep coming back to Isaiah.

Prompted to take five minutes and write out my heart, I’m asking You to reveal to me what is at the root of the ambivalence I am experiencing. Wanting very much to know and do what You would have me. And at the same time, shying away. Resisting. Knowing I’m to repent. And at the very same time digging in my heels instead.

Thank You Father. You never fail to remind me of Your goodness. And Your grace! There is a HUGE difference between being stubborn and surrendered. Between standing firm on Your Word and making a fuss.

I want the courage and confidence that comes from taking You at Your Word. And following through with Your guidance and direction. Yes Lord, I want to comply with Your teachings!

Do all You must. To Your good and perfect end. I love, need and want You. Use me exactly as You know is best. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(403 words ~ 8:08 a.m.)

"Jesus Is Coming"

 Tuesday, July 19, 2022 (7:23 a.m.)

Blessed God,

Thank You!!!

I woke up singing again. Many songs. Each linked by one word. “Come.” Thank You Father that You repeatedly invite us to do exactly that. “Come!”

Turning first to Luke 14:7-9, I want so much to have the hope of this very moment accompany me through the day. Reading Jesus’ teachings on humility, I want desperately to respond with acceptance to the invitation to “Come.”

With the music of the morning continuing to sing out loudly to me I am eager and excited to ♪Come And Get [My] Love♪ Having never before related these lyrics as being from You to me, right now I do.

Recognizing the questions being asked in the first verse as being ones I’ve asked myself through the years, I thank You for helping me see my answers differently these days.

♪… what’s the matter with your head… what’s the matter with your mind and your sign… nothin’ the matter with your head baby find it, come on and find it… ‘cause you’re fine and you’re Mine and you look so divine Come and get your love… get it from the main Vine♪

Yes! Your call to us is “Come!” And You will provide our every need. Thank You Father. Praise You Jesus.

Following Your lead over to Revelation 22:17, I read “The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come.’ Let anyone who hears this say, ‘Come.’ Let anyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who desires drink freely from the water of life.” I so desire Dear Lord!

Jesus’ promise in verse 20 is “Yes, I am coming soon!” To which Your faithful gladly reply, “Amen! Come, Lord Jesus.”

Make me faithful Dear Lord. Hopeful. In Your Word. Your Truth. Your promises.

Use me this day. Exactly as You know is best. In, with, by, through and for the strength of Your mighty power (Ephesians 6:10). I love, need and want You. Thank You. Praise You. Amen. 

(335 words ~ 8:35 a.m.)

♪I Can Hear Music♪

 Monday, July 18, 2022 (5:11 a.m.)

Thank You, God.

How easy and essential is that? Just say, “Thank You, God.” Mm, yes. Thank You!

Thank You for rest. Thank You for possibilities. Thank You for Your plans for each of us. Thank You that ♪I Can Hear Music♪ Just when I didn’t think there was a song, here it is. Thank You God!

Hmm, yes. Thank You God. ♪This is the way I always dreamed it would be The way that it is When You are holding me♪ There are so many times I feel especially blessed to be held by You.

(6:10 a.m.)

Thank You for the opportunity of exploring Your Word [and the internet] concerning being held by You. So much Truth to be found. Of which to be reminded. Thank You God that You do hold us!

Use me this day. To Your good and to Your glory. Embolden, empower and enable me in sharing the Truth of Your Word. Lovingly. Kindly. Encouragingly.

♪I hear the music all the time… Hold me tight now Jesus… I hear the music… I can hear music Sweet, sweet music Whenever You touch me Jesus Whenever You’re near♪

(6:58 a.m.)

Thank You that even here I get to explore even more! Searching “Jesus is always near” I find a Lullaby Lark post entitled “Remember This Christmas That Jesus Immanuel Is Always Near.”

Thank You for the reminder that even this name speaks Your Truth. Immanuel. God is with us (Matthew 1:23). Thank You God!

And the verses just keep coming! Psalm 91:4; 34:18-19.

(7:55 a.m.)

Interrupted by the opportunity to share You with a much loved birthday girl. Thank You God! You are good. Great. Glorious. Gracious. And NEAR! Thank You. Praise You. I love, need and want You. Do all You must to Your good and to Your glory. Amen.

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