amazing hope

 Wednesday, July 7, 2021 (5:55 a.m.)

(7:30 a.m.)

Let’s start again.

Holy God. You’re good! Really good.

I’m smiling. Genuinely. Heartfelt. Absolutely smiling. I didn’t think it possible.

I came out here earlier, filled with regret. Remorse. Downcast. Disheartened. And then? I went back to rest some more.

While still thinking, “This is it. I suck” You stepped in and changed my demeanor. You do this when I can’t.

Not yet willing to fully turn in Your direction, You kept providing me reasons to smile. A baby elephant filmed sliding down a muddy embankment did the trick. I laughed out loud. Again, something I couldn’t do for myself.

Lord God, I DO look to You! Trusting. Believing. Knowing You to be the amazing Provider that You are. You do not disappoint! Thank You, Father.

Yes. Thank You!

Here I ask You to guide and direct me into Your Word, Lord. You settle my heart. Providing the hope that keeps us going. Amazing hope. Found only in You.

Romans 15:13. Illustrated Bible Handbook “Accepting Attitude; 15:5-13. Underlying the teaching of this section is the fact that Jesus has accepted us, imperfect as we are. ‘Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you’ (15:7). If this is our attitude toward one another, unity will be achieved, and we will become a community which loves and praises God together, filled with joy and peace and hope.”

Wouldn’t that be amazing Lord?

Now I ask You to work in me that I would accept myself. As You do. Imperfect as I am.

Thank You for the way You work various thoughts and leadings to Your Truth. The word amazing led to the phrase ♪love so amazing♪ in the song ♪Jesus Messiah♪

Filing this off to the side, I continued searching Your Word. Landing firmly on Romans 15:13. In so many different translations and paraphrases. Father, You provide exactly what is needed at just the right time.

The Passion Translation. “And Isaiah (11:10) prophesied: ‘An heir to David’s throne will emerge, and He will rise up as ruler over all the non-Jewish nations, for all their hopes will be met in Him’” (Romans 15:12).

And who is this heir to David’s throne? ♪Jesus Messiah, name above all names Blessed Redeemer, Emmanuel… Love so amazing…♪

Thank You God that I get to look to You as our Amazing Hope. Work in, with, by, through and for me that I stand firmly on the Truth and promises of Your Word this day.

“Now may God, the fountain of hope, fill you to overflowing with uncontainable joy and perfect peace as you trust in Him. And may the power of the Holy Spirit continually surround your life with His super-abundance until you radiate with hope!” (Romans 15:13 The Passion Translation).

Yes. Please. Your amazing hope! Thank You. Praise You. Use me. I love You. Amen.

(492 words ~ 9:20 a.m.)

This opportunity today.

 Tuesday, July 6, 2021 (5:39 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You for another opportunity. To love. Learn. Share. Care. Trust. Be hopeful. Joyful. Yours.

Yes! Father, thank You for another opportunity to be Yours. Guide me into Your Word. And what You’d have me do with this opportunity today.

(6:55 a.m.)

Mm, yes. This opportunity today.

Reading in and of the book of Colossians. It’s purpose according to The Life Recovery Bible? “To show us that Christ is the only real source of power in our life.” Thank You Father.

RECOVERY THEMES for this book explain: Recovery Is a Lifelong Process. True Recovery Involves Faith in God. Jesus Is Lord of the Universe. And it describes Healthy Relationships.

Lord God, how I thank You for the ways You get our attention. Oftentimes with me it’s through snippets of songs. Like just now as I was thanking You.

♪Your forgiveness♪ were the words and tune I heard within. Thank You for the immediate recognition of its being ♪Holy Water…God, I’m on my knees again God, I’m begging please again I need You Oh, I need You♪

Blessed Father, our need for You never lessens. The more we learn to depend on and trust in You, the greater our joy. Our freedom. Praise You Lord.

Illustrated Bible Handbook presents Chapter 3. Christ, The Pattern for a Fulfilling Life One Focus Only; 3:1-4. The Glory of Love; 3:5-14. The Glory of Shared Worship; 3:15-17. The Glory of Servanthood; 3:18-4:1.

And the chorus from the song above begins again ♪Your forgiveness Is like sweet, sweet honey on my lips Like the sound of a symphony to my ears Like Holy Water on my skin♪

Your Word of Truth teaches us how You would have us live. Enable and empower us to this end Blessed God. Taking every single opportunity of Living the New Life You alone provide us.

I love You Lord. I need You. I want You. And I ask You to continue teaching us to choose You and Your best for each of us. Do all You must that we would become obedient to Your leading.

This chapter has so much opportunity to breathe new life into each of us when we are willing. So be it Dear Lord! Amen.

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

"Be joyful."

Monday, July 5, 2021 (6:19 a.m.)

Holy God,

I confess. Annoyed is not a good look on me. I much prefer delighted. Pleased. Happy. Joyful. Good natured. Amused. I turn to You, Lord. Asking that You work at renewing my heart.

Searching Your Word. Looking at various hymns. Thank You for the tiny glimpses of gratitude that are coming through. The start of a smile. A softening of my heart. And hope. Yes Lord. Thank You for the hope we have in You.

Thank You that I get to read of Your call for us to “Be joyful.” Thank You that when I can’t do something on my own, You are here to strengthen me (Philippians 4:13). And give me power.

So here I am. Reading. And singing. Searching. And asking. Do for [in, with, by, through] me that which I can’t on my own.

(8:17 a.m.)

Right here I do rejoice Blessed God. I am willing to confess to You the annoyance I am feeling. Forgive my potential rant.

Fear for the people of this nation is at the root. Illegal fireworks allegedly celebrating our independence as a country. Really? Doing something completely and dangerously against the law to honor freedom? It boggles my mind Lord.

The next layer reveals my shame of having celebrated all these years what I’m beginning to consider a lie. A sham. Deceit. Talk to me Lord. Teach me Your Truth.

There are so many things I’m calling into question. Where we spend our time. Our money. Our focus. Lead and guide me Lord.

♪Jesus, Thou Joy of Loving Hearts♪ (John 15:11). Jesus, the True Vine. “I have told you this [obey me, remain in my love] so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!”

Oh, thank and praise You Lord! I get to come before You with all of myself. The joy. And despair. Thank You for allowing me to share hurts. And hopes. Annoyances. And, ultimately, joy.

Yes. Here I am. Willing to be joyful. Thank You. Praise You. Bless You. Worship and adore You.

I love You Father. I need You. I want You. And I ask You to use me. As an example of what it means to truly be joyful. Mm, yes please. Do all You must. Amen.

(386 words ~ 9:33 a.m.)

1, 2, 3, JOY

 Sunday, July 4, 2021 (6:19 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You. Praise You. There was a tiny challenge yesterday and I became instantly aware as I thought, “Count it all as joy.” To the best of my remembering this is the first time that’s ever happened to me before. Thank You Father for the work You are doing in me.

Hours ago, while looking into what I knew to be scripture (James 1:2) I was surprised to mentally hear myself forcefully singing out the words ♪Your forgiveness♪ followed immediately by ♪sweet, sweet♪ Thank You Father for leading me straight to ♪Holy Water♪ and right back to sleep.

Yesterday You had me sing ♪Keep Me In the Moment♪ throughout the day. And it helped! Every time my mind started to wander You brought it right back. ♪Singing, oh Lord keep me in the moment Help me live with eyes wide open ‘Cause I don’t wanna miss what You have for me♪

Thank and praise You Lord. This joy and excitement are new to me. Last week I asked You to use me as a conduit (John 7:38). I believe You to be doing exactly that. I’m finding peace [and JOY] when I seek You rather than solutions.

You are reminding me to pray instead of ponder. Bless rather than curse. Forgive in place of grudge holding [and building]. You are good Lord. And I am grateful.

Use me this day. Only as You alone know is best. Counting all I come across as JOY.

♪I don’t wanna abuse Your grace God, I need it every day It’s the only thing that ever really makes me wanna change Your forgiveness Is like sweet, sweet honey on my lips Like the sound of a symphony to my ears… like Holy Water on my skin♪

Bless us Lord. Keep us. Make Your face shine upon us. And give us Your peace (Numbers 6:24-26) that we will in turn share Your love freely with others. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

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

the response to revelation

Saturday, July 3, 2021 (5:47 a.m.)

Blessed, Holy God,

Thank You! Praise You. We have better news on many health fronts. Thank You for Your presence Father. And for Your provisions.

Waking up singing ♪Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty…♪ has given me the opportunity to explore the origin of this unique hymn. And to look deeper into Your Word for its roots.

Familiar as I am to its reference of Revelation 4:8, thank You for having me look much deeper. Turning now to Isaiah 6.

Lord God, You never cease to amaze me. Praise You. Yes Lord, thank You for a different look at the origin of this hymn.

Isaiah 6. Isaiah’s Cleansing and Call The Life Recovery Bible offers comments for better understanding. Illustrated Bible Handbook states, “Seeing God, Isaiah also sees himself and realizes in horror that he is a sinful man living in a corrupt society (v. 5, cf. Job 42:4-6).

Turning at once to read of Job’s faithfulness, again I thank and praise You Lord. The hope that sparks every single time we recognize ourselves in Your Word is truly profound.

“Where Job had once only heard about God, here he actually saw Him - the loving, merciful, all-powerful, majestic Creator” (42:1-6 The Life Recovery Bible). This comment goes on telling of Job as “blameless” and “a man of integrity” before his suffering. And even greater afterward.

Thank You that the singing of a song can lead me to learning so much more. “God is good: He gives us good gifts, He works good from all things, and His intentions for us are always good (Romans 8:28). Suffering is a privilege when through it we grow closer to God (Philippians 1:29; 3:10).”

Yes Lord! Keep teaching us all You would have us learn through our circumstances. That we would come to turn it all to praise. Or not. Here again we get to read of the choices You give to Your people. From Isaiah and Job I turn to Exodus and Pharaoh’s hard heart.

Illustrated Bible Handbook “… The elders of Israel reacted to God’s self-revelation with belief, and worshiped (4:31). Pharaoh refused to believe and rejected (5:2)… The response to revelation is the choice of those who receive the revelation. God did not force the will of Israelite or Pharaoh.”

Oh God. Thank You that You encourage. Not force. Teach us to obey!

“In the same way that heat from the sun causes wax to melt and clay to harden, God’s revelation of Himself causes different responses in different individuals. Today as well some melt to Him and believe. And others harden.”

Oh most dear and Precious Lord Jesus, let this be a time that our hearts are softened and our beliefs set firmly on Your mercy, goodness and grace. I am asking (Matthew 7:7) that Your Holy Spirit use the seeds of hope that are being sprinkled throughout these present challenges to produce Your different kind of fruit (Galatians 5:22-23) in each of us.

A boxed and highlighted section in The Voice spells out the freedom to which You call us. “… we are done with the demands of the law; now we are free to live in the Spirit and to be truly right with God. As free people, the Spirit gives us the characteristics of Jesus; we, too, can freely love in joy and peace.”

Oh that we would choose to “have patience along with kindness and faithfulness that can only come from the Father.” Reflecting Your goodness. Operating with gentle self-control. Following You and living in the Spirit. Growing in faith. Belonging to You and walking daily in Your Spirit.

Mm, Lord. Do all You must that we will accept Your revelation, melt into You and believe. Lead us. Guide us. Teach us. Use us to Your good and to Your glory. We love You. We thank You. Amen.

(653 words ~ 7:23 a.m.)

CHRIST - Friend

 Friday, July 2, 2021 (5:56 a.m.)

♪What a Friend We Have In Jesus♪

Yes! What a great way to wake up, Lord. Singing. Remembering. Acknowledging Jesus as our Friend. Thank You. Praise You.

Looking at the lyrics. Swaying with the tune. Settling in to Your Truth. Trusting and believing that we really, truly can find joy in You. In every circumstance.

Sitting with You this morning. Letting You love and guide me, I am grateful. Filled with cautious optimism.

Blessed Lord, thank You that we get to keep turning to You. Finding reasons to hope. Choosing to risk putting our trust in You.

I search Your Word of Truth and promises and land at Romans 15:13 (The Message). Here I ask You to make it so in each of us this day Dearest Friend Jesus.

“Oh! May the God of green hope fill you up with joy, fill you up with peace, so that your believing lives, filled with the life-giving energy of the Holy Spirit, will brim over with hope!”

Yes please, Lord! Joseph Garlington’s song ♪My life [strength, HOPE] is in You, Lord… With all of my life, with all of my strength All my hope is in You♪ Use us as You know is best. Sharing Your friendship, joy and hope with others.

We need You Lord. We want You. We worship and adore You. Thank You Father. Thank You Jesus. We love You. Use us. Amen.

(242 words ~ 7:34 a.m.)

pliable

 Thursday, July 1, 2021 (6:21 a.m.)

Blessed, Holy, Loving Lord God,

The descriptive words just kept coming. Thank You that You are all these things. And more. So much more!

Thank You that I can come to You on behalf of others. Asking that You would calm their hurting, fearful hearts.

Thank You that I can ask You to guide me in deeper understanding of Your Word.

And right there You send me different than I had planned. Thank You God. Thank You that You make me pliable. Willing to change direction. Not set in stone.

Speak to me this morning. Not about Your perfect love casting out all fear (1 John 4:18). Nor of walking through the valley of the shadow of death and fearing no evil (Psalm 23:4). No. The Hope of Eternal Life (1 Peter 1:3-12) is where I’ve landed.

And it just keeps getting better! Illustrated Bible Handbook. Chapter 1:3-12. Our Living Hope Especially The Purpose of Trials; 1:7-9. Intense heat. Refined gold.

Why am I here? I followed The Hymnal for Worship & Celebration from SPIRITUAL WARFARE through INNER PEACE AND JOY to TESTIMONY AND PRAISE. Oh most Blessed God, thank You!

♪Through It All… I’ve learned to trust in Jesus, I’ve learned to trust in God; Through It All… I’ve learned to depend upon His Word.♪

You keep teaching us Lord. How truly and deeply I thank You.

(8:19 a.m.)

Singing Your Truth. ♪Thou Wilt Keep Him in Perfect Peace♪ (Isaiah 26:3). ♪It Is Well with My Soul♪ (Psalm 103:2). And Bethel Music’s ♪It Is Well♪ Praise You Jesus!

♪Through it all, through it all My eyes are on You Through it all, through it all It Is Well♪ Hallelujah Jesus, it IS well!

Blessed, Holy Father God, we rely on You. We trust. We need. We ask.

YOUR blessings. YOUR healings. Exactly as You know is best. There is fear Lord. And we choose FAITH. In You. In the strength of Your mighty power (Ephesians 6:10).

Your perfect love casts out all fear (1 John 4:18). Make it so Dearest Lord. Heal each of us in all the ways only You know is necessary.

We call upon Your holy name Dearest Jesus. Do all You must. Amen.

(389 words ~ 8:29 a.m.)