requesting healing

 Wednesday, November 30, 2022 (5:20 a.m.)

Jehovah Rapha,

“The God who heals.” Yes! You are the God who heals. Thank You Father.

Continuing with the theme of healing begun the other night, I am thrilled to learn more. Lord God, thank You for those who have gone before us, writing down the Truth of Your Word.

Thank You for those who have studied and shared their findings that we may indeed have hope in Your powerful name. Jehovah Rapha, the God who heals. Our Great Healer.

Father, You know the needs of this world. This nation. Every community. Each individual. All hurting. Or lost. In some small way or another. We are people requesting Your healing.

Able to read of the bitter waters at Marah (Exodus 15:22-27) I am again reminded how fickle we, Your people, can be. It’s so easy to get caught in traps of despair. Thank You that Your way is so much better.

Your words in verse 26 present quite the challenge. Listen carefully to the voice of the LORD our God. Do what is right in Your sight. And obey Your commands. Sure. Yeah. We can do that. Except for all the times we don’t.

Father God. Jehovah Rapha. The God who heals. We trust You. We need You. All of our hope is in You. Work in, with, by, through and for us in ways that only You are able. Healing our hurts. Our fears. Our past.

You said it at the very end of verse 26. “For I am the LORD who heals you.” We want Your healing Lord. Thank You. Praise You.

“Now all glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20). Yes! You. Our Jehovah Rapha! Use us to Your honor and glory. Amen.

(317 words ~ 5:53 a.m.)

requested healing

 Tuesday, November 29, 2022 (7:14 a.m.)

Blessed, Holy God,

Thank You. Thank You. Thank You.

Several hours ago I asked for healing of my spirit. I was feeling sad. And heading much deeper. All thoughts were bleak. I saw no hope.

Thank You for reminding me that I can come to You. Asking. Seeking. Knocking (Matthew 7:7). Always.

Because we are to love You with all of our hearts, souls, minds and strength (Mark 12:30) I believed that asking You for healing in all of those areas was a viable option. Layered right on top of that was another Truth from Your Word.

Remembering “the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness” (Romans 8:26a) I readily gave up control of my asking, seeking and knocking. ”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. And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them” (Roman 8:26b-28).

There is no part of me that wanted to argue with Your Word. Just trust. Believe. Ask. And sleep returned. Thank You Father.

Thank You too for the easy recognition of the song with which I awoke. ♪Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing, Tune my heart to sing Thy grace♪ Mm, yes. Tune my heart indeed.

Blessed, Holy, Father God, I want to live this day in the hope we have in Jesus. Thank You for the hopeful Truth we find in Your Word.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18. “That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever. So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.” Much like the hope You offer us.

♪O to grace how great a debtor Daily I’m constrained to be! Let Thy goodness, like a fetter [shackle], Bind my wand’ring heart to Thee: Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it Prone to leave the God I love; Here’s my heart, O take and seal it; Seal it for Thy courts above♪

Yes, Lord. Yes, Lord. Yes! Take and seal my heart for You.

Use me this day for Your honor and You glory. I want to enjoy serving You as You know is best. Unafraid of what’s to come. Thank You. Praise You. I love You. Amen.

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

teamwork

 Monday, November 28, 2022 (5:16 a.m.)

Blessed Holy God,

Thank You! There was a lot of teamwork yesterday. A couple of church services. Lots of outstanding organ/choir music. And sleep. Occasionally interrupted, good quality sleep. Restful, restorative, reparative sleep. Mm. Thank You God!

You’ve done this in us Lord. Continuing to teach us how to work together as one whole unit. Rather than several separate entities. I truly cannot thank You enough.

Thank You for teaching us to pay attention and learn to play to one another’s strengths. Rather than wasting Your precious resources doing battle over who is in control You are teaching us to love, respect and listen to the other. Thank You Father. Praise You Lord.

(6:18 a.m.)

Different people. Each with our own ideas, wants and perceived needs working together as one whole. Thank You again Dear God. Keep working in each of us as You know is best. Rooting out all that You know is unnecessary.

Words I’ve been reading concerning teamwork are many. And varied. Foundation. Expectations. Truth. Love. Excellence. Forgiveness. Ooh! That’s huge! Yes Father. We ask for unlimited, unconditional forgiveness with and of one another as we work together through this Advent season.

It’s because of You working in, with, by, through and for us that we are becoming more loving. Toward ourselves. And one another.

The apostle Paul wrote his letter to the Ephesians to strengthen their relationships with You and with each other. Thank You that we still have such ready access to his teachings.

Reading Your Truth in The Life Recovery Bible I am again encouraged over Paul’s assertion that we can change! We can “break with our former way of life and depend on God’s power to help us change.”

Living as Children of Light… oh this time with You just keeps getting better. And better! THANK YOU LORD!

Knowing that I need to be very aware of the words that I use and the thoughts I have, I didn’t see this coming! Directed originally to Ephesians 4:31 and 32, it’s verse 29 that has me paying particular attention.

“Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.” Oh yes please dear Lord!

“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you” (vs. 31-32).

And how do we stand any chance of making such changes in our behaviors? Sheer will and self-determination? No! Only through the power of Your Holy Spirit. Leading. Guiding. Empowering us. Thank You. Praise You.

Use us Dear Lord. Exactly as You know is best. We love, need, trust and want You. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(487 words ~ 7:08 a.m.)

"serving the Lord with gladness"

 Sunday, November  27, 2022 (6:14 a.m.)

Most dear, blessed and holy God,

Thank You. You have so much [ALL] of Your joy for us to experience. Each and every single day. Thank You Father.

Psalm 4:7, 28:7, 43:4, 100:2

Galatians 5:22

Lord God, I don’t have words. My heart is overflowing with hope. The word for the candle that is traditionally lit on the first day of Advent. Signifying the hope we have in the coming of the Christ.

Blessed God, my thoughts are all over the place this morning. Beginning with joy. Shifting to hope. And ultimately the desire to serve You with gladness.

Mm, yes. Hope. Joy. Serving. Gladness. I read Your Word and my heart wants to take it all in. Father God, I truly want to serve You with gladness. Teach me how, I pray.

(10:24 a.m.)

Two virtual church services and a visit from a much loved one later and again I truly thank You for YOUR joy that You have for us to experience. That same joy that is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10). Empower and enable me in using it to serve You with gladness all this day.

I love You Lord. We need, trust and want You as Lord of our lives. Use us. Thank and praise You. Amen!

(225 words ~ 10:29 a.m.)

restarts

 Saturday, November 26, 2022 (4:58 a.m.)

Blessed God,

Thank You for restarts. Mistakes are made and we get to turn to You and begin again. And again. Thank You.

(7:03 a.m.)

Thank You that for every single mistake we make we have a choice. Stay in the mistake? Or turn to You and change.

Thank You Lord that I am learning to enjoy the freedom that comes from releasing our mistakes to You. Thank You that this morning I’m getting to read in Your Word again of all the hope we have in trusting You.

Beginning my reading in Isaiah (62:10) I’m thrilled to learn of the experiences others have with their own turning points. And You. Those times we come up against and must decide our priorities. Keep going our own way? Or turn back to You!

Thank You God that when we choose to ask You for another restart, 'faith in You smooths out our roads. Prayer pulls out the boulders in our way. And a flag of purpose is raised.'

Any sense of hope we have of change begins and ends solely in You. Thank You God.

Turning to 1 Peter 1:5-9

Rescued!

Thursday, November 24, 2022 (4:33 a.m.)

Most Dear and Blessed Holy Father God,

There are so many words for describing You. Thank You Lord.

(5:37 a.m.)

I confess to the multitude of thoughts that are distracting me this morning. You have blessed us so incredibly much. I want to better express my thanks to You Dear Lord.

Tears keep forming. As does an element of fear. Is this why Lauren Daigle sang to me throughout the night?

I apologize Lord. I am unable to follow a single thought to completion.

Thank You for the tears that are now freely falling. Thank You that You know my heart. I don’t have to keep trying to make sense to You.

Again the chorus from ♪Rescue♪ builds with intensity. ♪I [You singing through her here] will send out an army To find you in the middle of the darkest night It’s true, I will rescue you♪

Thank You Father. Praise You Lord. I want to honor, glorify and enjoy You this Thanksgiving day. Exactly as You know is best.

I ask You to supply every single peaceful, loving, kind spiritual fruit (Galatians 5:22-23) You have for us. Yes! Finally a smile. A straighter stance. Firmly planted in Your Word. Stay our minds on You Dear Lord.

Be glorified in, with, by, through and for us. Envelope us completely with Your presence. ♪Holy Spirit, You are welcome here♪ all day long!

Use us as You know is best. We love, need, trust and want You. Thank You Lord. Praise You God. ♪Be Glorified♪ Amen.

(266 words ~ 6:24 a.m.)

more music

 Wednesday, November 23, 2022 (5:08 a.m.)

Most Holy God,

Thank You! There was a lot of music in my head throughout the night. Each time I awoke? More music! Thank You God.

You reminded me that You are ♪The God Who Saves♪ Oh, just look at that! The title is really ♪The God Who Stays♪ That makes sense too!

Lord God, how I thank You for Your Truth. Your love. And for those who are able to put Your loving Truth into musical words. Thank you that we have access to learning how the faith [and struggles] of songwriters lead to memorable music.

Father, I am truly awash with the peace that only comes from You at this very moment. Songfully reminded that Your charge to each and every single one of us is to ♪Love God, Love People♪

You, the God who stays, provide us Your presence. Your peace. Your power. Your providence. Thank You that we have the ability to sing. Smile. Stand firm and stay our minds on the Truth of Your most holy Word.

Asking to take these two songs with me out into this day, I also want to stay aware of the two verses I found associated with them. Hebrews 13:5. Philippians 2:13. Live in me Dear Lord. With. By. Through. And for me.

Quoting a positive, encouraging K~LOVE webpage, I believe Your Truth Dear Lord. “We can only love God and people because He is working in us, giving us the desire and power to do His will (Philippians 2:13). Simply put, our ability to love others comes from God’s strength, not ours.” Amen!

Yes Dear God. Amen to so much of Your Truth!

Thank You that even in looking to the New Testament (Hebrews 13:5) I find this verse to be a quote from Moses to Joshua (Old Testament). “So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail nor abandon you… Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you, He will never fail you nor abandon you” (Deuteronomy 31:6, 8).

Keep singing to me I pray. Using me as You know is best. I love, need, trust and want You. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(402 words ~ 6:30 a.m.)

a completely different tune

 Monday, November 21, 2022 (5:14 a.m.)

Blessed, Holy God,

I’m confessing a question mark over my head right now. ♪I Go Crazy♪ seems to be the song of the morning. It won’t let go. And I don’t know why.

As with most other things these days, I’m learning to turn to You. Asking and seeking Your guidance and direction. See? Even there…

(5:23 a.m.)

Same decade. Different groups. Similar sway to the tunes.

Holy God, there is so much going on in my head right now. Verses from one song bleeding into another. And my mom’s voice way off in the back saying, “You'd better change your tune young lady.”

Oh most dear and blessed God, how I thank You for all the mistakes we make along our way through this life. Mistakes that help us learn. Mistakes that bring us closer to You.

Changing just one word [Baby] and this second song makes perfect sense. ♪JESUS I’m-a want You Jesus I’m a need You You’re the only One I care enough to hurt about Maybe I’m-a crazy But I just can’t live without Your lovin’ and affection Givin’ me direction Like a Guiding Light to help me through my darkest hour Lately I’m a-prayin’ That You’ll always be a stayin’ beside me♪

Lord, thank You that You lead and guide us every time we look to You. No hoops to jump through. We get to believe and accept Your grace through Jesus (Acts 15:11).

So often we get caught in traps of wanting and trying to do enough to prove ourselves. Thank You that Your way is always best.

And right here? A completely different tune! Equally as Truth telling. Reminding me of Your call for us to be diligent and turn from our indifference (Revelation 3:19).

♪There is Someone walking behind you Turn around, Look At Me There is Someone watching your footsteps Turn around, look at Me… And understand this That there is Someone who’ll stand beside you… who’ll love and guide you… Oh I’ve waited, but I’ll wait forever I’m gonna wait for you to come to Me… Look at Someone who really loves you Turn around, look at Me♪

Yes. Yes. Yes! Thank You for singing to me this morning Dear Lord. Getting my attention. Reminding me of just how very much You love us.

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

(423 words ~  5:56 a.m.)

♪Lord, WE Need You♪

 Tuesday, November 22, 2022 (5:39 a.m.)

Most Dear and Blessed God,

You are so good. We need You so much. Mm, yes. We need You!

Isaiah 48:17-18; 55:10-11

Matthew 4:4, 5:3

Revelations 21:4

(9:59 a.m.)

Hours later. And MUCH accomplished! Truth is, we still need You!

Changing one word to a song I found. ♪Lord, WE need You♪

tranquility -> confidence -> praise

 Sunday, November 20, 2022 (7:06 a.m.)

Most Dear and Blessed God,

How we thank and praise You Lord. Coming before You, I confess distraction. Asking, seeking, knocking (Matthew 7:7) the serenity, peace and tranquility (1 Peter 5:7) You offer.

The smile on my face grows as I consider the tranquility we find in You. “A state of calmness or peace; a state of being mentally at ease; the state, act, or fact of being (emotionally) calm and composed; an instance of period or rest or relaxation; a relaxing of tension.”

Mm. A surprising find from another source describes the “Advantage of having confidence in God.” And right there… that [snap!] fast… Julie Andrews [as Maria] is singing in my mind.

Blessed, Father God, thank You so very much! ♪What will this day be like? I wonder What will my future be? I wonder It could be so exciting To be out in the world To be free! My heart should be wildly rejoicing Oh, what’s the matter with me?♪

What indeed oh Lord!

♪I’ve always longed for adventure To do the things I’ve never dared Now here I’m facing adventure Then why am I so scared?♪ A song, based on a woman’s true life experience with questions I recurringly ask myself.

♪Oh, I must stop these doubts All these worries If I don’t I just know I’ll turn back! I must dream of the things I am seeking I am seeking the courage I lack The courage to serve with reliance Face my mistakes without defiance♪

Wow! Face mistakes? Without defiance? Yes please!

♪With each step I am more certain Everything will turn out fine I Have Confidence… in sunshine I have confidence in rain I have confidence that spring will come again… Strength doesn’t lie in numbers Strength doesn’t lie in wealth Strength lies in nights of peaceful [tranquil!] slumbers When you wake up, wake up! It’s healthy!♪

When it comes to me singing of confidence Lord, I thank You that my confidence is in YOU! ♪I have confidence in Jesus Christ alone! Besides, which You see I have confidence in HE!♪

Oh yes Dearest Lord. We get to sing of the confidence we have in Your power and mighty name! ♪What a Beautiful Name it is You were the Word at the beginning One with God the Lord Most High Your hidden glory in creation Now revealed in You our Christ What a beautiful/wonderful/powerful Name it is Nothing can stand against What a powerful Name it is The Name of Jesus♪

Piggybacking right on that comes ♪I can’t take credit For the breath in these lungs My only boast Is in the work You have done This heart’s a vessel And the love that pours out Let it be sweet perfume Poured out on you I Give You The Glory All of the glory… Again and again This praise isn’t for me My worship is only To give You the glory Forever Amen There’s only One Name Who deserves every song Who’s worth all my reverence And my purest response The name of Jesus High above every other It’s all for You I give You the glory… Everything I am Everything I do Lord, the glory belongs to You All glory belongs to You When I give You praise When I speak Your name Lord, the glory belongs to You All the glory belongs to You♪

Incredibly Awesome God and Father, thank You that by beginning with thanks and praise I was able to confess the distraction I’ve been experiencing. Looking into distractedness led to a genuine desire for tranquility. From there came a degree of confidence which bled over to sincere praise.

♪I have confidence in Jesus Christ our own♪ You are our strength. Our hope. Use us to Your honor and glory. I love, need, trust and want You. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(646 words ~ 9:47 a.m.)

justness

 Saturday, November 19, 2022 (6:21 a.m.)

Blessed, Holy God,

I am looking to You. Calling on Your holy name. There are scary, horrible dealings taking place in the world. Atrocities, really.

We look to Your goodness. Are in need of Your righteousness. Your justness.

Habakkuk 1:3

incredibly good God

Friday, November 18, 2022 (5:47 a.m.)

Blessed God,

You are so incredibly good to us.

(6:43 a.m.)

We think. We remember. We seek. We read. We find. Because… You are so incredibly good to us!

I don’t have many words other than thank You. Thank You for safe travels. Thank You for Your guidance. And protection.

We love You Lord. We want to serve You. Being grateful. And obedient. Loving You, others and ourselves as You know is best. With all of our hearts, souls, minds and strengths (Mark 12:30-31).

(7:21 a.m.)

Continue leading, guiding, instilling and empowering us to Your will and to Your way. Thank You for being the incredibly good God You are!

Use us this day. For Your honor and Your glory. We love, need, want and trust You. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(144 words ~ 7:36 a.m.)

balanced

 Wednesday, November 16, 2022 (6:36 a.m.)

Laughlin, NV

Thank You God,

Thank You for sleep. And rest. And wind. And music. And thoughts. And dreams. And Truth. YOUR Truth.

Thank You Dearest, Blessed God that we are balanced by Your Truth. Thank You that we are able to find our balance in You. With You. By You. Through You. For You.

Hebrews 10:22

Proverbs 19:11

Reading about becoming balanced with You, I come across the possibility of living unoffended. Not reacting or responding emotionally to slights or unseemliness. Being balanced instead by the God of all creation. Yes please!

We are reminded that by letting You have every part of our being and life we are then able to live and love well. Oh yes Dearest God. We want You to be our defining balance.

My body is learning to release unnecessary tension. Thank You that You are teaching me to release unwanted emotional, spiritual and mental discords as well.

How truly balanced I want to live this day. Loving You, others and myself with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength (Mark 12:30-31). Giving every encounter to You before responding.

Breathing out the ills of the world, while taking in the Truth of Your Word. Mm, yes Blessed God. Balanced! Use me in this practice Dear Lord. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(227 words ~ 7:36 a.m.)

privileges

 Tuesday, November 15, 2022 (6:34 a.m.)

Laughlin, NV

Holy God,

Good morning. I love You. Thank You for the opportunities You afford us.

Reading “Our Longing For Our Heavenly Home” I hope in You. And Your Word.

1 Corinthians 2:9 (Isaiah 64:4 - faith and patience)

1 Timothy 4:4

Hebrews11:9-10

James 1:17

2 Peter 1:3; 3:10-13

Revelation 21:4

(7:16 a.m.)

Thank You for the privilege of exploring Your Word. Looking to know You more. Wanting to serve You better.

(7:48 a.m.)