doxology

Sunday, October 15, 2023 (7:08 a.m.)

Thank You Father,

Praise You Lord. ♪…from Whom all blessings flow♪

(7:57 a.m.)

This is WAY more than I was expecting to find. Beginning with a simple thanks and praise. Followed by a long rabbit trail leading me first one way. Then another.

Searching “doxology” seemed easy enough. First find. “The word doxology in Greek comes from the word doxa (glory, splendor, grandeur) and logos (word or speaking).”

Reading further. “The dictionary defines the doxology as an ‘expression of praise to God, especially a short hymn sung as part of a Christian worship service.’” This is my childhood memory.

Learning the history of what I grew up singing. Published in 1709 by composer, Thomas Ken. This is where the trail takes a radical turn.

Cute little sidebar just to break up the seriousness of all I’ve been reading. Or is this really the perfect example of yet another sidetrack?

One writer refers to rabbit trailing as a bunny trail. Now I’m singing a completely different song from my youth. ♪Here Comes Peter Cottontail hopping down the bunny trail…♪ The giggles and smile remembering a time of such innocence are heartening, Lord. Thank You Father.

Here I’m brought back to what I’ve been reading. The changing of centuries old wording to become gender neutral. Lord God, I am truly mystified. Dumbfounded.

And when I don’t know what to say? Again I pray. Asking (Matthew 7:7) You to take me gently by the hand. Into Your Word that I will truly praise You as You so rightly deserve.

The Message. Huge smile. Psalm 16:7-11. “The wise counsel GOD gives when I’m awake is confirmed by my sleeping heart. Day and night I’ll stick with GOD; I’ve got a good thing going and I’m not letting go. I’m happy from the inside out, and from the outside in, I’m firmly formed. You canceled my ticket to hell - that’s not my destination! Now You’ve got my feet on the life path, all radiant from the shining of Your face. Ever since You took my hand, I’m on the right way.”

(9:00 a.m.)

Yes! You. God. Praise You. ♪… from Whom all blessings flow!♪

All political correctness aside, Dear God. I know You as my Father. Jesus as Your Son. And the Holy Spirit as the Holy Ghost. Until such time as YOU would have me change my thinking I will continue singing as I originally learned.

Praising ♪Father, Son and Holy Ghost♪

Lord, You are my Master. My Maker. I want to live as You would have me. ‘Carefully determining what pleases You’ (Ephesians 5:10).

“Don’t waste your time on useless work, mere busywork, the barren pursuits of darkness (11) …Don’t live carelessly, unthinkingly. Make sure you understand what the Master wants. Don’t drink too much wine. That cheapens your life. Drink the Spirit of God, huge drafts of Him. Sing hymns instead of drinking songs! Sing songs from your heart to Christ. Sing praises over everything, any excuse for a song to God the Father in the name of our Master, Jesus Christ (Ephesians 5:17-20).

Thank You God for centering me in the truth of Your Word. I love, need, trust and want You.

♪Praise You from Whom all blessings flow Praise You all creatures here below Praise You above ye heavenly hosts Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost♪

Yes! Praise You. Use me. Amen.

(574 words ~ 9:38 a.m.)

lasting value

 Saturday, October 14, 2023 (5:55 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You. Thank You. Thank You.

You provide us choices. Where to put our focus. How to use (or store) our resources. Thank You Father.

You alone are good. Gracious. Glorious. Great (Psalm 145:5-8). I am grateful to be reminded of all the potential joy there is to be found in You.

Thank You for colorful reminders of Your presence here with us. The morning sky. Tropical orange hibiscus blooming in our yard. Various shades of green. Each bringing a smile to both my face and inner being.

Here I am, again reading the apostle Paul’s words to the Philippian believers. Reminding them to “Always be full of joy in the Lord; I say it again, rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4).

The Life Recovery Bible comment for this section (4:4-9) declares the importance of recognizing You as being “at work and always in control” of every situation. How often we forget this vital truth.

We are to ‘not worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell You what we need, and thank You for all You have done’ (v. 6). You have done so very much Dear Lord. And we truly are grateful.

‘Then we will experience Your peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. Your peace will guard our hearts and minds as we live in Christ’ (7). Thank You Father for the joy that truly is found as we intentionally focus on all You provide.

Quoting Illustrated Bible Handbook concerning “Chapter 4. Joy in the Lord A Plea for Perspective; 4:2-9… In Christ we have release from anxiety, for we can express every need to God and experience peace (5-7). In Christ we can concentrate our attention on the true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, and praiseworthy (8). In Christ we can put godly living into practice, and have the assurance that the God whose presence means inner peace will be with us (9).”

Father, it’s all so hopeful. And True! I want to live as though I truly believe and trust all You have promised us.

You allow us to choose where we place our perspective on life. Seeking and finding the constant source of joy You both promise and provide.

Thank You, thank You Lord. It’s The Living Bible speaking to me with words easy enough for me to understand. “… Fix your thoughts on what is true and good and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and dwell on the fine, good things in others. Think about all You can praise God for and be glad about” (8).

This morning I am especially glad to have such ready access to Your Word. Your reminders. Your promises.

Back to The Life Recovery Bible comment. Beginning by declaring, “True happiness can be found in every situation of life…” Oftentimes we must search for it longer and harder than at others.

We are reminded that “…we can act calmly in pain and difficulty. Peace and joy come when we focus on those things that provide lasting value to our life.”

Thank You Father for providing so many ways for us to be mindful of Your Truth. Your promises. Your will. Your way. 

Continue Your work in us. Using us as You know is best. We love, need, trust and want You. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(564 words ~ 7:55 a.m.)

TLC

 Friday, October 13, 2023 (6:14 a.m.)

Blessed God,

Thank You! You take such tender care of us.

(7:04 a.m.)

How very cool is this? ALL this time spent reading of Your tenderness. Your loving care. Psalm 27. And the Genesis story of Joseph. Starting at chapter 37. He experienced Your faithful provision first hand.

Thank You for his example of forgiveness toward his brothers Dear Lord. Chapter 50. Verse 20a. “You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good.”

How perfect You are Father. Providing Your protection and presence in the form of the Holy Spirit. Here to pray for us in our weakness (Romans 8:26). Thank You for knowing our hearts (v. 27). And for causing “everything to work together for the good of those who love” YOU (28).

All of this Truth taking me to one verse below what I’ve been quoting back to You for months. Intentionally remembering the faithfulness of Your goodness. Your grace. Your greatness. And Your glory (Psalm 145:5-8).

Verse 9. “The LORD is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works.” The Message describes everything You do as being “soaked through with grace.” Thank You God!

Use us Lord. Exactly as You know is best. Treating one another tenderly. Lovingly. Carefully. We love You. We need You. We want You. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(235 words ~ 7:39 a.m.)

One Thing

 Thursday, October 12, 2023 (5:18 a.m.)

Blessed God,

We love You. You are good. Great. Glorious. Gracious. Thank You that no matter what is going on in the world or our own private lives, You never change.

Thank You for the song that started singing. ♪Your love never fails, and never gives up It never runs out on me♪ Mm, yes. A very easy find for ♪One Thing Remains♪

Thank You Father. Thank You for the way You change our focus. 

While the news of the world often goes from bad to worse, the One Thing that never changes is Your love (1 John 4:16). The love You placed in each of us through Your Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5).

Father, I want to continue learning to use that love well. Do all You must to this end.

Quoting the lyrics here as Your Truth, I rejoice Father. Knowing, trusting, believing that Your love DOES remain! Thank You that it does.

Your love IS higher than any mountain we face. It’s stronger than the power of the grave. And constant through every trial and change.

Thank You Father that we have You on Whom to build and trust and place our hope. ♪And I never, ever, have to be afraid 

(12:05 p.m.)

What a perfect place to have been paused by a loving phone call. Father, thank You for the ways You work in, with, by, through and for us.

Use me this day [the one YOU made (Psalm 118:24a)] that I will continue rejoicing and being glad in it (24b). Singing of Your unfailing love as I go.

One Thing Remains! ♪…Your love never fails, never gives up Never runs out on me On and on and on and on it goes It overwhelms and satisfies my soul And I never, ever, have to be afraid One thing remains♪

Thank You Father that You and Your love are our One Thing. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(333 words ~ 12:22 p.m.)

the Spirit of Truth

 Wednesday, October 11, 2023 (6:01 a.m.)

So much to say. And think. And feel. What a difference one day makes. Yesterday less was more. This morning there are not enough words.

Let me turn to Yours instead. John 16:12-13. So much more than I can understand.

Thank You Father!

You created us. You knew our nature before we were ever born (Psalm 139:16). Yes! You know everything about us. Nothing is surprising to You. Thank You Lord.

Back to John. Blessed God, there is so much to learn. To read. Be reminded. And hope.

Jesus’ promise to His disciples. The Life Recovery Bible “RECOVERY THEMES God’s Power Can Be within Us: …The Holy Spirit would be available to teach us, comfort us, and empower us daily. When we turn our life over to God, the Holy Spirit comes to live within us and take us step-by-step to wholeness and healing.”

Mm. Step-by-step. Yes. Please!

The Voice. Jesus speaking. “I have so much more to say, but you cannot absorb it right now. The Spirit of Truth will come and guide you in all truth. He will not speak His own words to you; He will speak what He hears, revealing to you the things to come and bringing glory to Me.”

The Spirit of Truth. Father, do all You must that we become open to and fully aware of His presence. His leading authority in guiding us as You alone know is best.

We love You Lord. We need, trust and want You. Use us to Your good and for Your glory. Singing. Smiling. Standing firmly and staying our minds on Your Truth and promises. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(289 words ~ 7:31 a.m.)

so few words

 Tuesday, October 10, 2023 (6:01 a.m.)

Lake Arrowhead, CA

♪Amen, Amen, Amen, Amen, Amen…♪

I thought it was going to be the easiest find ever. So few words.

Mm. The smiles just keep coming! Thank You Father.

I don’t need a lot of words for You to speak to me. Especially right here and now.

Searching about coming to You with an open heart, what a treasure I find. Thank You God!

A photo showing a jagged heart shaped cutout. Beyond the opening is a breath taking view of cloud covered mountains. A person stands near the edge. Walking stick in hand. Pack on back. Seemingly taking in the beauty of the rising sun.

Wait! What I originally thought to be notches on a dark paper. Are these uneven rocks? Is this a cave opening?

Blessed God, thank You for the privilege of sitting. Observing. Contemplating. Exploring. Getting to know You even better.

Bible verses with the emphasis on opening our hearts to Your love. Waves of peace. And joy. Contentment. Along with the desire just to be still.

Yes! “Be still, be calm, see and understand I am the True God. I am honored among all the nations. I am honored over all the earth” (Psalm 46:10 The Voice).

Thank You Father that we have You to turn toward. Worshiping. Adoring. Opening our hearts. To Your love. And all You want to provide. Thank You Dad.

Elizabeth Peale Allen describes, “By deepening your relationship with God, you enhance your relationships with others.” I absolutely find this to be the case! Praise You, Lord

Directed to Ephesians 4:32. I begin at verse 31. “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of malicious behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”

All this contentment because I couldn’t find the song I was originally searching. How easily my focus changes. Readily shifting gears to further acceptance. Thank You God.

One song [♪Amen…♪] giving way to another [♪Let My Words Be Few♪] and its associated Bible verse. Ecclesiastes 5:1-2.

“As you enter the house of God, keep your ears open and your mouth shut! Don’t be a fool who doesn’t realize that mindless offerings to God are evil. And don’t make rash promises to God, for He is in heaven, and you are here on earth. So let your words be few.”

Yes! Lord. Let my words be few.

(11:04 a.m.)

And they have been. But not my joy! Thank You Father.

Use us this day. The one YOU have made (Psalm 118:24a). Exactly as You know is best. Keep us delighting in You. Rejoicing and being glad (v. 24b).

Thank You. Praise You. We love, need, trust and want You. Amen!

(484 words ~ 11:08 a.m.)

blessings provided

 Monday, October 9, 2023 (4:35 p.m.)

Lake Arrowhead, CA

Holy God,

How good and great and glorious You are! Thank You for all You are and the blessings You provide.

Joys untold! Autumn in the mountains. Memories that came flooding to mind while climbing hills after nearly 50 years. Blessings Father. Pure blessings! Blessings You provided.