blessings upon blessings

Saturday, August 31, 2024 (6:55 a.m.)

Thank You, God.

Yes. Thank You for the blessings upon blessings You provide.

(7:22 a.m.)

Like those very simple words right there. “Blessings upon blessings” led me to Jeremiah 17:7. And going up and down from there. Reading of his confidence in You (6:19). And Your promise to show Your power and might (v. 21).

Thank You Father that our hope and faith and trust can rest in You. “This is what the LORD says: ‘Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans and turn their hearts away from the LORD. They are like stunted shrubs in the desert, with no hope for the future… 

‘But blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they go right on producing delicious fruit.” (17:5-8).

Lord God, thank You for all You do in, with, by, through and for us that we will become such trees. Planted along the riverbank. I want very much for my leaves to stay green so I go right on producing delicious fruit.

I confess to being fearful of many things in this new life You’ve provided me. Father, I want my thoughts, words and actions to be above board. Honoring You in every way. Do all You must that I will serve You as You alone know is best.

Thank You for extra sleep this morning. Brought on by prayers to You in regards to others. Continue Your work in strengthening me that I will not be afraid.

I love, need, trust and want to glorify and enjoy You forever. You know exactly how to make that happen. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(326 words ~ 7:42 a.m.)

 

more than can be imagined

 Friday, August 30, 2024 (5:28 a.m.)

Blessed, Holy, Loving God,

Thank You for who You are and all You do on our behalves. Thank You that You love each and every single one of us far more than we could ever begin to imagine.

Thank You that when we take our thoughts to Your Word we find Your Truth. Truth of Your great love. Your mercy. Your grace.

Psalm 103:8-18. “The LORD is merciful and gracious; He is slow to get angry and full of unfailing love. He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever. He has not punished us for all our sins, nor does He deal with us as we deserve. For His unfailing love toward those who fear [fully esteem and revere] Him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth.

“He has removed our rebellious acts as far as the east is from the west. The LORD is like a father to His children, tender and compassionate to those who fear [fully esteem and revere] Him. For He understands how weak we are; He knows we are only dust. Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers, we bloom and die. The wind blows, and we are gone - as though we had never been here. But the love of the LORD remains forever with those who fear [fully esteem and revere] Him. His salvation extends to the children’s children of those who are faithful to His covenant, of those who obey His commandments!”

Lord, thank You that we have such ready access to witnesses of Your love. The apostle Paul wrote to the believers in Ephesus to strengthen their relationships with You and each other. Thank You that we have his letter from which to learn and practice.

“When I think of the wisdom and scope of God’s plan, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from His glorious, unlimited resources He will give you mighty inner strength through His Holy Spirit. And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in Him. May your roots go down deep into the soil of God’s marvelous love. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love really is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it. Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God (Ephesians 3:14-19).

That is how I want to live this day [which You have made! (Psalm 118:24a)]. Truly rejoicing and being glad in it (v. 24b). Filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from You.

I would much prefer less mistakes than yesterday. Do all that You know is best that I will live in, with, by, though and for You. Loving, needing, trusting and wanting You Lord. Use me as You wish. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(512 words ~6:21 a.m.)

mistakes were made

 Thursday, August 29, 2024 (8:40 p.m.)

Blessed God,

You had to have seen the number of mistakes that were made today. I’m asking (Matthew 7:7) that there be far less tomorrow.

Thank You for reminding me, right in the midst of making them, that You’ve got even this. Thank You Lord.

Turning to Your Word, again I get to read Your Truth. Psalm 138:7-8. EasyEnglish Bible. “When there is danger all round me, You help me be strong. When my enemy is angry, You fight against Him. You save me with with Your strong right hand [Your power to work]. The LORD stands with me to do what He has promised. Yes, LORD, Your faithful love will always continue. You have made us who we are, so do not leave us now!” 

Thank You for Your presence with us Lord. Reminding us when to stop. Go slow. Listen. Learn.

I love You. I need, trust and want You. Work in, with, by, through and for me. Making me into the woman You created me to be. Use me. Thank You. Amen.

(185 words ~ 9:09 p.m.)

extremely grateful

 Thursday, August 29, 2024 (6:19 a.m.)

Blessed, Holy God,

Thank You! You bless us. And keep us. You make Your face shine upon us. You are gracious to us. You turn Your face toward us. You smile. And You give us Your peace (Numbers 6:24-26). How grateful we are!

Mm, yes. Extremely grateful.

You provide us so many opportunities. To practice. Experiment. Make mistakes. Learn. Thank You so much.

Thank You for the Truth of Your Word. Forever shaping, changing and guiding us.

2 Timothy 3:16-17. The Message. “Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another - showing us Truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us.”

And just like that [snap!] I’m singing. ♪… Word of God speak Would You pour down like rain Washing my eyes to see Your majesty To be still and know that You’re in this place Please let me stay and rest In Your holiness Word of God speak♪

Yes Dearest God. Pour down like rain. Continue washing and changing me into the woman You have for me to be. Yours. Filled with peace of mind and heart. Untroubled and unafraid (John 14:27).

Yes Father. I want to live as one who is ♪Fully KNOWN and loved by You♪ Use me today. Exactly as You know is best. I love, need, trust and want You. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(255 words ~ 7:21 a.m.)

which is best

 Wednesday August 28, 2024 (5:23 a.m.)

Thank You God.

I thought for sure I knew the song playing in my mind. Turns out, I don’t. Not yet. I’m asking You to help me piece it together. Or just give it to me straight out. You know which is best.

Thank You Father that You do know which is best in our every situation. Thank You that when we have the presence of mind to bring all our thoughts, wants and concerns to You, You will provide. When we let You.

(5:50 a.m.)

Thank You that even in knowing, trusting and believing that You will provide, I confess to still trying to ferret the song out on my own. Chasing this snippet of a lyric. Following that little bit of a note. All to no avail.

Father, thank You that we get to confess our every failing to You. Each concern. Every overwhelm. Thank You that You are good. And holy. Honorable. Life giving. And life changing.

I love You Lord. 

(2:41 p.m.)

Here are more thank Yous. Along with unidentified songs.

Father, thank You for the kindnesses shown to us. Thank You for new-to-me experiences. Thank You for Your love. And Your goodness.

faithfulness

 Monday, August 26, 2024 (5:46 a.m.)

Thank You Father. 

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 SMILE”] and give us peace (Numbers 6:24-26).

How grateful we are for Your faithfulness. Yes! That faithfulness that causes Your mercies to fall fresh every morning (Lamentations 3:23).

Yes Lord. Your faithfulness! The Message says, “GOD’s loyal love couldn’t have run out, His merciful love couldn’t have dried up. They’re created new every morning. How great Your faithfulness! I’m sticking with GOD (I say it over and over). He’s all I’ve got left” (vs. 22-24).

Thank You that we have You to trust. Depend on. Hope in.

“Before the mountains were born, or Thou didst give birth to the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting Thou art God” (Psalm 90:2). How wonderfully grateful I am.

Use me today. Exactly as You know is best. Living in, with, by, through and for You. I love, need, trust and want You. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(186 words ~ 6:14 a.m.)

repeatedly reminded

 Sunday, August 25, 2024 (5:48 a.m.)

♪Singing, oh Lord, Keep Me in the Moment Help me live with my eyes wide open ‘Cause I don’t wanna miss what You have for me♪

(6:26 a.m.)

It’s so very true Dearest Lord. I don’t want to miss what You have for me!

I’m confessing to You right now all the rabbit trails of thought I’ve been taking. Replaying incidents of the past and projecting fear into the future. Thank You for repeatedly reminding me that our thoughts are better served when they are on You.

I can confess all my fears and upset to You. Rather than trying to hold them tightly wound up inside of myself. Yes! I can scatter them out into the wind just by choosing to let them go.

So here again, I turn to You. Your Word. Your Truth. Your promises. Choosing to believe. To hope. 

“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, whose thoughts are fixed on You!” (Isaiah 26:3). Yes. It is firmly on You that I want my thoughts.

Thank You for repeatedly reminding me of the importance of Philippians 4:8. Reading here in Easy English Bible. Starting at verse six. No make that four. Under the subtitle How Christians should live. Yes please!

“Always be happy [rejoice] because you belong to the Lord. I will say that again, ‘Be happy!’ [Rejoice!]. Be kind and patient in a way that everyone can see. Remember that the Lord is near. Do not worry about anything. Instead, pray to God about everything. Ask Him to help you with the things that You need. And thank Him for His help. If you do that, God will give you peace in your minds. That peace is so great that nobody can completely understand it. You will not worry or be afraid, because you belong to Christ Jesus” (vs. 4-7). How is it that I so easily forget Your Truth?

“Now my friends, I want to say this to you. Fill your minds with thoughts about good things. Think about things that are true, clean, right and lovely. Always think about things which people know are very good. Remember what I have taught you. Remember what you saw when I lived among you. You also must do those same things. God is the one who gives us peace in our minds. He will be with You” (8-9).

Forgive me for all the times I forget to live and think as You would have me. Your Word declares when “we acknowledge our sins, You are faithful and just, to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

Contemporary English Bible says You “can always be trusted to forgive us and take our sins away.” Yes please Lord. I want very much to want all You have provided me. Rather than continuing to plot how to change what I find inconvenient or upsetting.

It’s You I love. Trust. Need. Want. Do all You must that I will lovingly accept what You have planned.

Continue working in, with, by, through and for me that I will truly become what You know is best. ♪Singing, oh Lord, show me what matters Throw away what I’m chasing after ‘Cause I don’t wanna miss what You have for me♪

Thank You Lord. Praise You Father. Amen.

(567 words ~ 7:24 a.m.)

lifted higher

 Saturday, August 24, 2024 (6:26 a.m.)

Loving Lord,

Just as I begin to thank You comes another song. This one secular in nature. And TRUE none the less.

♪Your Love Keeps Lifting Me Higher … higher than I’ve ever been lifted before♪

Would You just look at this [the internet]! I’m not the first person to make this correlation!

The smile on my face is huge right now Lord. As well as in my soul. Father God, thank You for the MANY ways You speak [and sing] to us. Reminding us that we are Yours. And are to live each day as You command.

Remembering that You our God are the one and only God. And we are to love You, others and ourselves with all of our hearts, souls, minds and strength (Mark 12:30-31).

Thank You for reminding me yesterday. Again through song! This time singing out the importance of ♪… calling the angels down… storming the gates of hell Tell[ing] the devil he don’t own my soul I’m taking back what the enemy stole♪

My joy. That peace that makes no sense. Through the Truth and power of Your Word I truly was able to ♪Take It All Back♪

Yes Father! We absolutely get to ♪… Move the immovable Break the unbreakable God, we Believe For It … You are the Way when there seems to be no way We trust in You, God, You have the final say… There is power in Your name… So much power in Your name♪

Thank You for who and all You are. Thank You for the ways You change us. Our hearts. Our souls. Our minds. Our strength. Our wants. And our desires.

Continue Your work in aligning my will [and won’t] to Your best. I love, need, trust and want You. Do all You must in making me the woman You would have me be. One who glorifies and enjoys You forever.

Thank You Father. I love You. Amen.

(329 words ~ 6:57 a.m.)

all sunshine and rainbows

 Friday, August 23. 2024 (11:28 p.m.)

Thank You God.

You have sung songs of healing to my tensed heart throughout this day. Just now? ♪He won’t. He won’t Christ is my Firm Foundation♪

How great are You Lord!? The words I’ve been wondering about for days. Given to me again just now.

♪The rock on which I stand When everything around me is shaken I’ve never been more glad That I put my faith in Jesus ‘Cause He’s never let me down… I’ve got joy in chaos I’ve got peace that makes no sense♪

That’s it! “Peace that makes no sense!” You provide that for us. Every single time we LET You!

You’ve watched me struggle with the “he said/she said”s of other people’s feelings and opinions. You’ve also reminded me throughout this past day that You’ve indeed got this.

I don’t have to go out of my way to explain myself. According to Your Word I am to forgive. Be joyful. Fear You! Thank You for reminding me that in all we are experiencing it could be worse.

Yes Lord. Thank You. You won’t fail! Our house IS built on You. Rains will come and winds will blow And we’re still safe with You. Praise You Father.

Thank You for taking my plea that You would bless others and change me and doing exactly that. You changed my hurting heart to one of gratitude. Letting me once again see the sunshine and rainbows You have for us.

Thank You Lord. Continue Your work in growing me into the woman You would have me be. Loving. Joyful. Peaceful. Patient. Kind. Good. Faithful. Gentle. And Spirit-controlled (Galatians 5:22-23).

Thank You. Praise You. I love You. Amen.

(290 words ~ 11:49 p.m.)

an alphabet of praise

 Thursday, August 22, 2024 (4:55 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You. Yes. Thank You Father for all You are and do on our behalves. Thank You for every time You remind me of Your goodness. Your greatness. Your grace. And Your glory (Psalm 145:5-8).

Thank You for the opportunity to read this whole chapter. And to learn something new. Psalm 145 is an alphabet of praise. Thank You God for the many things You have to teach us. Far more than we’ll ever be able to grasp.

Lord God, I’ve been doing my own alphabet of praise without even knowing it. Beginning on Tuesday, July 9 with the word agonizing. Each subsequent day adding to the next. It’s been fun. Smile producing. And helpful.

Thank You God that one of my words for today is seesaw. With tomorrow’s already being teeter-totter. Why? Because of the fulcrum point necessary to find balance. There are highs. As well as lows. There’s a place of stability. And the sheer fun of playing on one.

Father, thank You for the playful nature You provide for each of us. Thank You for the joy that is to be found when we actively seek You. Thank You for the years of fun I’ve had up til now. And the ones that are yet to come.

Continue Your work in, with, by, through and for me. Teaching me as I go. I want to represent You well today. Being loving. Joyful. Peaceful. Patient. Kind. Good. Faithful. Gentle. And filled with the strength of Your Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Do all You must Dear Lord.

I love, need, trust and want You. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

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