smiling patterns

 Saturday, January 21, 2023 (5:55 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You for things that help me smile. Number configurations and associations. Patterns actually. Thank You that even in finding the words I want to use another smile appears.

Thank You Lord that I get to bring these smile and pattern acknowledgements to You. Father, thank You for all the ways You speak to our very souls.

(6:29 a.m.)

2 Timothy 1:13

Mm, Father. Thank You for the nuggets of Truth that I often miss. This particular pattern described in Illustrated Bible Handbook.

“Guard the Deposit; 1:13, 14. But faith not only means entrusting ourselves to God. It means that God entrusts ‘the pattern of sound teaching’ to us! ‘Pattern’ indicates a ground plan used by an architect, or a rough draft in literature. In Scripture we have a clear outline of God’s Truth: now we are to build on it and fill out its details by our lives and by exposition. With the help of the Holy Spirit, Timothy will guard this trustworthy foundation and later pass it on to other faithful men (2:2).”

J. B. Phillips New Testament presents Paul’s encouraging words to Timothy as, “So keep my words in your mind as the pattern of sound teaching, given to you in the faith and love of Jesus Christ. Take the greatest care of the good things which were entrusted to you by the Holy Spirit who lives within us” (2 Timothy 1:13, 14).

The comment from The Life Recovery Bible tells us, “1:7-14 Timothy did not have all the character traits normally expected of a leader. He may have been fearful and timid at times, but Paul said that God gives ‘power, love, and self-discipline.’ Paul told Timothy not to let his weakness stop him from ministering to others. His success was not based on ability, skill, or courage; it was based on the Holy Spirit’s power working in him. In recovery we don’t have the inherent strength, courage, and self-discipline needed to overcome our dependency. Through God’s power, however, we can succeed in recovery.”

It IS Your power Dearest God that allows me to associate simplistic patterns to the point of automatically smiling. A little akin to a knee-jerk reaction. Subliminal. Without thinking. I notice a smile and recognize You as good. Thank You Lord!

This morning I ask You to encompass me with Your presence. I’ll be venturing out today. Not knowing what to expect, nor how best to prepare. I look instead to You. Asking You to go before, behind, beside, beneath, above and within me. Guiding. Guarding. Providing every single bit of courage it takes to allow You to bless us as You know is best.

Thank You Dearest God for the pattern of smiling and thinking of You. Use it to Your good and to Your glory this day. Thank You. I love, need, trust and want You. Amen.

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