dropping our guards

 Monday, February 26, 2024 (7:06 a.m.)

Blessed, Holy, Loving God,

Thank You.

(7:31 a.m.)

Mm. Yes. Thank You! For so many things.

Considering words that describe You I again find myself smiling. Thank You for the ways You show Yourself to us.

Father, it is YOU, Your will, Your way that has brought us to this particular place in time. Both of us waking to songs [♪You’re In My Heart♪ / ♪Love Is Alive♪] on our minds. And in our hearts. Each singing of love. For You. And one another.

Thank You Lord, for teaching us to drop our guards. To speak Your Truth in love (Ephesians 4:15).

(7:53 a.m.)

Right here. In this very moment. My mind is almost exploding with excitement. Truly agog [excited and eager to tell] with all You offer each of us.

Holy God, it has taken us since lunch on Friday to finally find the courage and the words to discuss a hiccup we experienced. A break in communication left us distant from one another. Civil. Polite. Well mannered.

Thank You that You want more for us. You know our hearts. Our souls. Our minds. And our strengths. You know when we are putting on brave fronts. Attempting to protect ourselves from further hurt or embarrassment.

As my smile broadens, my heart grows as well. Turning again to the apostle Paul’s letter to the believers in Ephesus I am so grateful for his direct and guiding words. Thank You for his dedication in strengthening relationships with You and one another.

It’s Your Truth, strength and mighty power (Ephesians 6:10) that keeps us growing. Thank You Father.

Yes. Thank You! Reading back over to Paul’s Prayer for Spiritual Growth (chapter 3, verses 14-20) I find even more hope. It’s Your “glorious, unlimited resources” that ‘empower us with inner strength through Your Spirit’ (v. 16).

It is absolutely You at work in us that teaches us to drop our guards. Enabling us to truly “experience the love of Christ, though it’s too great to fully understand” (19a). In so doing we “will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God” (19b).

It is You that keeps us loving one another. Wanting to treat the other with the respect, kindness and regard You would have us share. Freely. Wholeheartedly. Without conditions.

Continue Your work in us Lord. That we will readily drop our guards, allowing You to do all You know is best.

Thank You for loving us that we will love You and one another. Use us. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(440 words ~ 8:36 a.m.)