Nothing to Fear Day

 Saturday, May 27, 2023 (5:58 a.m.)

Blessed, Holy, Lord God,

I just became aware that today in the United States is “Nothing to Fear Day.” Since 1941. Interesting that I’ve never heard of it before.

Thank You God, that my first thought was how biblical this is. Your Word tells us in so many different ways not to be afraid. Thank You Father.

Thank You also for the day, several decades ago, I sat with You drafting out what I believed You to be directing me toward. A blessed reminder of sorts. Found just now in my Bible.

Fear Not!         (Isaiah 41:10; Isaiah 43:1-2; 2 Timothy 1:7; 1 John 4:18)

Show Love (John 13:34; 1 Corinthians 13:4-7; Galatians 5:14-15)

Respect         (Ephesians 5:21) considerate (Titus 3:2; James 3:17)

Listen (Jeremiah 7:24; Zechariah 7:3; James 1:19)

Obey (Ephesians 6:1) Jeremiah 7:23

Speak Truth (Proverbs 28:18; Ephesians 4:15, 25)

Confess         (Psalm 32:1-5)

Forgive         (Ephesians 4:31-32; Colossians 3:13)

Say "Thanks!" (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

but, first of all,

PRAY!!!!!!! (Philippians 4:6)

Father God, how I thank You for the leading, guiding and directing You have been doing on our lives. Long before we ever knew it was You. Thank You for Your plan for each of us. And especially thank You for Your patience in our inability to stick to it.

On this day [that You have made (Psalm 118:24a)] let us truly rejoice and be glad (24b)! Unafraid. Fearing not. Trusting You to be the good, good God that You are.

We love You Lord. We need, trust and want You. At all times. In all things. Continue Your work in molding and making us (Isaiah 64:8) exactly as You alone know is best.

Yes! ♪Have Thine Own Way, Lord! Have Thine own way! Thou art the Potter I am the clay Mold me and make me after Thy will, While I am waiting, yielded and still♪

Do all You must Lord in reminding us that with You as our God and Father we truly have nothing to fear! Use us God. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(373 words ~ 6:51 a.m.)

more aware

 Friday, May 26, 2023 (7:19 a.m.)

Holy God,

I’m grateful Lord. You’re good. Glorious. Gracious. Great. Hm. Yes. Thank You that You are.

I am becoming more aware of how easily my emotions are affected by the weather. Thank You that by putting our focus on You and Your Word our spirits can be lifted.

I get to turn to Psalm 89:15. And Psalm 100. Being reminded of the joy we have in You. No matter the weather. Continue making me more aware Dear Lord.

(8:51 a.m.)

Reading Illustrated Bible Handbook’s description for Psalm 89, I love learning more. “This psalm magnifies God’s faithfulness (1-8), His rule (9-13), and His righteousness (14-18)…” It goes on to tell of Your promise, Your character and Your plan. Thank You Father.

The Life Recovery Bible’s comment for 89:11-18 reminds us, “God created and sustains everything that exists. He is extremely powerful, and He displays righteousness, truth, justice, and unfailing love. When we are powerless, it only makes sense to turn to God. He has the power we need to overcome our dependencies. As we remain close to Him and do His will, we will experience deliverance and discover true freedom.”

Oh, yes Dear Lord! It is in You “We always have reasons to rejoice: We live in God’s presence, under His continual care, and we experience His love each day. Each time we come into His presence, our heart should be filled with gratitude and praise. God never stops showering us with His love; He always keeps His promise to help us when we call on Him.”

This Truth from another TLRB comment. 100:1-5.

Thank You Father that because of Your love for each and every single one of us, we always have the opportunity of choosing to be grateful and glad. Continue making me aware of my choices Lord.

I love, need, trust and want You. Do all You must that I will live this cloudy day to Your good and Your glory. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

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

listening to God's Word

 Thursday, May 25, 2023 (4:48 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You. Thank You. Thank You. So many reasons to thank You.

(5:14 a.m.)

Because the words aren’t coming readily this morning, I’m asking (Matthew 7:7) You to guide me into Your Word. I want to listen to what You would have me hear Dear Lord.

Matthew 4:4

John 6:63

Hebrews 4:12

(6:12 a.m.)

Hm. Dearest God. There’s so much to hear. To learn. To pay attention to. How I ask You to guard and guide my thinking. My attention. My efforts. Make them Yours.

Thank You that we have Your Word to lead and teach us. Truth at its best! Not always readily understood.

Use all You are teaching me Dearest God. You are so good! Great. Glorious. Gracious.

I confess to feeling a great sadness. Countered by a deep sense of hope. And gratitude.

The death of a young mom. Daughter. Sister. Aunt. Niece. Co-worker. Friend. The beautiful celebration of her life. The realization that she’s walking with You.

smiling, singing and saying, "Yes!"

 Wednesday, May 24, 2023 (5:52 a.m.)

Blessed, Loving, Holy Father God,

I woke up smiling. Singing. And saying, “Yes!”

There were mistakes made yesterday. And a lot of laughter. Yes, Lord. Wholehearted laughter followed mistakes. Thank You for that.

I want to continue saying “Yes” to You Father. Mm. ♪Yes, Lord, Yes♪

And here’s an interesting fact for me. There are more verses to this affirming hymn than the chorus I’m used to singing.

It sings of giving ♪You all the glory For what You’ve given me You fill my life ’til I overflow Oh, I’m Yours to use And anyway You choose You’re the Lord of lords So how can I say no?♪ Mm. Yes!

♪If I never knew the fullness Of living in Your will I would never know how rich my life would be In my willingness to find Each thing that You deserve For the blessing You have showered over me♪ Yes. Yes. Oh yes!

♪I’ll say, “Yes, Lord, yes” To Your will and to Your way I’ll say, “Yes, Lord, yes” I will trust You and obey When Your Spirit speaks to me With my whole heart I’ll agree And my answer will be, “Yes, Lord, yes♪ Yes, Dear Lord. Yes!

All this AND a related verse of Scripture. Psalm 40:8a. Thank You Lord for all the translations that help teach me more of Your Truth.

International Standard Version starts my seeking. “I delight to do Your will, my God.”

Other versions list: desire, want, am happy, take joy, have come… There’s so much dear Lord. Reading up to the beginning of the chapter I find such peace-filled hope.

Thank You Father. I ask (Matthew 7:7) You to set the day for us as You would have it. That we would truly practice loving You, others and ourselves with all of hearts, souls, minds and strength (Mark 12:30-31). Loving to do Your will and keeping Your teaching in our hearts (Psalm 40:8 Good NewsTranslation).

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

(357 words ~ 7:17 a.m.)

For so many things

 Tuesday, May 23, 2023 (6:03 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You. For so many things. Birds. Cool air. Love. Joy. Peace. Patience. Kindness. Goodness. Faithfulness. Gentleness. And strength of Your Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23a). Lord, I appreciate the way Your Word comes to the forefront of my thoughts.

Thinking of all for which I am so grateful, Your love came quickly to my heart. And then surprise, surprise! The listing of the fruit of Your Spirit began immediately. One right after the other.

Thank You God for the various translations we have that help us better understand the importance of Your fruit. The Message begins with a question.

“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 [love], exuberance about life [joy], serenity [peace]. We develop a willingness to stick with things [patience], a sense of compassion in the heart [kindness], and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people [goodness]. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments [faithfulness], not needing to force our way in life [gentleness], able to marshal and direct our energies wisely [self-control/strength of Spirit (The Passion Translation)].”

When it comes to food for thought, I love the way different wordings help me think more deeply. Father, how sincerely I ask (Matthew 7:7) Your guidance and direction in living this day [that You have made (Psalm 118:24a)] as You would have me. Rejoicing and being glad (v. 24b).

Two more translations have me smiling. Peacefully.

Amplified Bible fleshes out verse 22 just a little bit more. Describing the fruit of the Spirit as “the result of His presence within us.” And love as “unselfish concern for others.” Patience is “not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting.”

There’s so very much to learn Dearest Lord. Thank You for YOUR patience in teaching us.

It’s the very beginning of this verse in The Living Bible that gives me pause. “But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives He will produce this kind of fruit in us…” It’s HIS work. Not mine. The fruit I get to enjoy is the byproduct of all You are doing in my life. Each and every moment of every single day.

Continue Your good and perfect work in me. That I will continue being grateful for so many things. Thank You. Praise You. I love, need, trust and want You. Use me. Amen.

(422 words ~ 7:35 a.m.)

Source

 Monday, May 22, 2023 (4:21 a.m.)

Blessed, Holy God,

Thank You. I want to know more about You as our Source. Thank You for Your Word which teaches and guides us.

Father, I love You. Show me where in Your Word You would have me turn this very early morning.

(5:45 a.m.)

Thank You for this opportunity to again search Your Word. Old Testament. New. Prophets. Apostles. Each knowing You in their own way. Jeremiah (17:7-8). Isaiah (40:28-31). Paul (Romans 11:33-36; Ephesians 3:16).

We are truly blessed Dear Lord. Why? Because You love us (John 3:16)!

We get to call on Your most holy name. Asking (Matthew 7:7) You to bless and keep us. Make Your face shine upon us. Be gracious to us. Turning Your face toward us. And giving us peace (Numbers 6:24-26).

Strengthen us with Your mighty power (Ephesians 6:10). That we will use the resources You so perfectly provide.

“Have you ever come on anything quite like this extravagant generosity of God, this deep, deep wisdom? It’s way over our heads. We’ll never figure it out.

Is there anyone who can explain God?

Anyone smart enough to tell Him what to do?

Anyone who has done Him such a huge favor

that God has to ask His advice? 

Everything comes from Him;

Everything happens through Him;

Everything ends up in Him.

Always glory! Always praise!

Yes. Yes. Yes.”

(Romans 11:33-36 The Message)

Use us this day Dearest God. Exactly as You know is best. In, with, by, through and for all ♪Thy hand hath provided Great is Thy Faithfulness, Lord, unto♪ we!

Mm. Yes. Use us as only You are able. Depending on Your provision. We love, need, trust and want You Lord. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(310 words ~ 6:37 a.m.)

hoping in God

 Sunday, May 21, 2023 (6:52 a.m.)

Holy God,

I confess to being stuck in my head. I want desperately to hope in You Dear Lord.

Thank You for the very first result [of about 2,660,000] of my “hoping in God” search. “To hope in God means to bind God’s promises to yourself. Hope intentionally wraps His words and Truth around your heart, mind and life.” Yes Father. Yes!

Reading the description of an e-article, I am reminded that we must choose hope. You redeem ALL things. And we are to bind all the Truths we find in Scripture to our hearts. Blessed God, I’m asking (Matthew 7:7) You to show me how.

Mm, right here I fully embrace the apostle Paul’s words to the church at Rome. “I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13). Yes, please!

You are our Source of hope.

our Source

 Saturday, May 20, 2023 (6:55 a.m.)

Blessed, Holy God,

Thank You. Thank You. Thank You.

We are truly grateful God. You bless us and keep us. You make Your face shine upon us. And are gracious to us. You turn Your face toward us. And give us peace (Numbers 6:24-26).

Thank You Lord that we have Your Word on which to stand and depend. The Life Recovery Bible comment for this section of Scripture describes You as “the Source of all blessings, grace, and peace in life...” Mm. Thank You that You are Dear God.

Our Source. Our Shepherd.

And here I turn to Romans 11:36. “For everything comes from Him and exists by His power and is intended for His glory. All glory to Him forever! Amen.” Oh yes to Dear Lord.

Reading up to verse 33. “Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand His decisions and His ways!” We can’t know Your thoughts. Nor enough to give You advice (v.34). Neither do You owe us anything (35).

These are Truths we must remember! You are the Source of all our resources. Thank You God.

Another comment. “11:33-36 …God’s plan, wisdom, knowledge, and ways are all so far beyond ours that we have only one option: to humbly give Him the praise He deserves!” Yes Father!

We are indeed “limited and helpless…” It is Your great power, wisdom, love and desire to help us that encourages us to live each day for You. Rejoicing and being glad.

Work in, with, by, through and for us this day that we will truly reflect Your goodness. Your grace. Your greatness. And Your glory.

We love You Lord. And we want to serve You as You so rightly deserve. Do all You must to Your good and perfect end. Thank You. Praise You. Hallelujah! Amen.

(322 words ~ 7:46 a.m.)

the day

 Friday, May 19, 2023 (5:45 a.m.)

Blessed God,

♪This Is The Day…♪ Thank You that it is! Mm. Yes. The day that You have made (Psalm 118:24a).

Father, how grateful I am to have your Word.

(6:45 a.m.)

Oh yes Father. Having access to Your Truth in so many different renderings is such a blessing. Sitting. Reading. Absorbing. The whole of the entire Psalm. Truly giving thanks. Wanting to know and worship You more.

Turning also to Psalm 100. Taking to heart the privilege we have in thanking and praising You as the good, good God You are.

“Shout with joy to the LORD, all the earth! Worship the LORD with gladness. Come before Him, singing with joy. Acknowledge that the LORD is God! He made us, and we are His. We are His people, the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving; go into His courts with praise…” (vs. 1-4a).

And right here starts the song again. ♪...I will say, “This is the day that the Lord has made” I will rejoice for He has made me glad♪ You have Dear Lord. You have made me truly glad. Grateful. Loving. Aware. Dependent.

“… give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the LORD is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and His faithfulness continues to each generation” (4b-5).

Father, I ask (Matthew 7:7) You to use me exactly as You know is best. Thanking. Praising. Rejoicing. And being glad. I love You God. I need, trust and want You as Lord of my life. All the day long.

Do all You must! Amen.

(269 words ~ 7:15 a.m.)