supernatural intervention

 Wednesday, August 23, 2023 (5:45 a.m.)

Lord God,

Thank You. Grudge holding is not Your best for us. Nor is the unforgiving bitter resentment of “drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die.”

I did it again yesterday, Lord. When will I learn? “I’ll show him” NEVER turns out well for us.

Thank You for intervening on our behalf. Mm. Yes. You got me out of my own way. Again! Thank You Father.

You reminded me that two wrongs never make a right. Another’s mistake doesn’t ever give me license to go against Your teachings of forgiveness.

Identifying our failure to communicate as the root of our problem allowed me to find and activate Your antidote. Respect! (1 Peter 3:1a). Appreciation. Admiration. Acceptance. And adaptation.

Thank You Father. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit’s supernatural intervention in my plotting. Breaking the evil one’s hold on my thoughts. Shifting them instead to what YOU would have me do. “Pull in my horns” as my mom used to warn me.

Standing firmly on Your Truth, I turn to the apostle Paul’s letter to young Titus. Encouraging him “to be faithful in applying the grace of God to various circumstances” (The Life Recovery Bible’s THE BOTTOM LINE).

In a title for chapter 3 we are told to “Do What Is Good” Reminding us that we are to “be obedient, always ready to do what is good” (v.1b). Not slandering anyone and must avoid quarreling. Instead, we are to be gentle and show true humility to everyone (v. 2).

Here I am again, asking (Matthew 7:7) Your forgiveness in my rush to judgment. And unseemliness.

Thank You for being the loving, forgiving, gracious, merciful God You are. Thank You for making us in Your image (Genesis 1:26) that we would aspire to love and forgive as Jesus taught (Luke 17:1-10).

Yes Father. Keep working in me. With. By. Through. For. Using me as only You know is best. Humbling me as I go.

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

(347 words ~ 7:12 a.m.)

unexpected treasures

 Tuesday, August 22, 2023 (7:01 a.m.)

Blessed Lord God,

Thank You for all You provide us. So many unexpected treasures.

That’s not a phrase I was planning to use. Yet here it is. Unexpected treasures. Thank You Lord.

Thank You for reminding me how easily I can become disappointed, even irritated, when I envision certain things in a particular way. Oh! But when I allow You to work and show me the unexpected so often I am completely blown away. Truly agog! Excited and eager to tell.

I have the opportunity to work hard in the yard this morning. I’m asking You to go before, behind, beside, beneath, above and within me as I prepare to set out. It seems like such a small ask. I truly want to experience all You have for me. On Your terms!

Searching Your unexpected treasures. Following that find to 1 Peter 2. Here I am asking (Matthew 7:7) You to use me this day [that You have made (Psalm 118:24a)]. Exactly as You know is best. Rejoicing and being glad (v. 24b).

The Life Recovery Bible introduces this letter as being written by Peter to hurting people. Showing “how to live well in a shattered and hopeless world.” We are told here that You ‘equip us to live at peace in the midst of tough times.’

“We obtain God’s powerful help when we hold fast to Christ and live according to His will.” Yes Father. His will. Not our own.

Continue teaching us the power of Your love which surrounds us “when problems seem overwhelming.” This introduction concludes with yet another completely unexpected treasure.

“The way out of the storm is to take comfort in God’s presence and persevere through it. As we do, God will use the trials to bring about our growth.” We are absolute, living proof of this Truth, Dearest God.

Use us as You know is best. Sharing our experience, strength and hope freely with others. Pointing to the joy Your Truth has to offer.

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

(355 words ~ 7:41 a.m.)

tall order

 Monday, August 21, 2023 (5:55 a.m.)

Blessed God,

Thank You. Praise You. You saved me from myself yesterday.

Hurt feelings didn’t stand a chance against Your Truth. And prayer. Thank You that Your “Word is alive and working” (Hebrews 4:12 Easy-to-Read Version).

Yes Father! “It IS sharper than the sharpest sword and cuts all the way into us. It cuts deep to the place where the soul and the spirit are joined.” It does Dad. Thank You!

“God’s Word cuts to the center of our joints and our bones. It judges the thoughts and feelings in our hearts.” Thank You Lord that Your Truth does not change. It guides and directs us. Even Especially when we don’t want to be led.

Holy God, I confess to wanting MY will and my way yesterday. I wanted to be

(8:21 a.m.)

How funny is that? Up and out right in the middle of a thought!

“I wanted to be... RIGHT!” Far more than I wanted to be kind. Or loving. Wow! Thank You God.

Thank You for our being able to bring all of our faults straight to You. Thank You that no matter the degree of our failings, You will forgive us. Thank You Lord.

Thank You for putting people into our lives to show us Your way.

Oh Your goodness Lord! Your great and glorious goodness!

I keep trying

(9:16 a.m.)

Mm, yes Lord. I DO keep trying!

An inquiring phone call concerning our most recent weather event. Tropical Storm Hilary. Directly relating to my hurt feelings from yesterday. AND the songs that keep trying to present themselves this morning.

It’s truly been a battle Lord. Of wills. And won’ts!

(9:32 a.m.)

Here I thank You again for reminding us to bring it ALL to You. Our attitudes. Our wants. Our feelings. Thank You that You are indeed such a ♪Good Good Father♪

Your Truth reminds us to “Be angry and do not sin” (Ephesians 4:26a). How tall is THAT order?!

Not only that, we are to “not go to bed angry” (v. 26b). Thank You Father. You truly DO know best!

Knowing, believing and trusting Your commands are all well and good. It’s the following them that often has me feeling as though I am tilting at windmills.

Very much like the apostle Paul wrote to the church at Rome. “”I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead I do what I hate” (Romans 4:15).

That’s me in the nutshell right there Dear Lord. My opinion wasn’t heeded yesterday and my own hurt feelings got in the way of what You call me to do. Forgive!

Instead, I plotted. Toyed with smug, self satisfaction. Stopping short of actually asking You for a “symbolic victory.”

(10:48 a.m.)

Here I am. Back again. Confessing to You how desperately I wanted to be “right.” Thank You again for reminding me it’s Your desire for us to be loving. Kind. Forgiving. Leaning not on our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5).

You would not have us spin our minds in momentary “gotcha”s. You would have us stand firmly, staying our minds on Your Truth and promises. Thank You God.

Now back to those songs that I keep trying to sing to You. First being the one with which I awoke. ♪Crazy Love♪ Yes Father. ♪It happens all the time This crazy love of mine Wraps around my heart Refusing to unwind♪

Yes. Yes. Yes! Thank You that Your love wraps around my heart. Refusing to let me unwind myself back into the grudge holding, vindictive woman I used to be. You have better plans (Jeremiah 29:11) for me than I could ever create for myself.

Now. The other two songs have to do with me telling ♪You what I want What I really, really want♪ To do that, You’ve been teaching me to determine what it is that I desire. As well as how I feel about certain circumstances.

(11:59 a.m.)

Back again. Still singing. The other song about wanting. ♪Oh won’t You Show Me the Way I want You to show me the way… Oh won’t You show me the way I want You day after day♪

Oh yes, Blessed God! I absolutely want You. Leading. Guiding. Directing me. In Your way!

Continue Your work in, with, by, through and for us that we will come to living each day Your way. Not our own. Thank You Lord. Praise You. Amen.

(765 words ~ 12:21 p.m.)

"safe from the evil one"

 Sunday, August 20, 2023 (5:59 a.m.)

Holy God,

(6:28 a.m.)

Father, thank You for the opportunity of sitting with You. Following weather reports. Preparing for what could develop.

Thank You for waking with Your Truth. ♪Anxiety in the heart of a man weighs it down… but a good word makes it glad♪ (Proverbs 12:25). As well as “better is a crust of bread…” (Proverbs 17:1).

Lord God, how deeply I thank You for Your Truth. Your promises. Your Word on which we can stand firmly (1 Peter 5:9). Staying our minds on Your instructions (Proverbs 4:2).

It is Your work in, with, by, through and for us that enables and empowers us to change. From who and what we once were to all You would have us become. Your loving, forgiving sons and daughters.

Thank You for wanting us to live our lives as Your beloved children. Unafraid of the power of the world around us.

Thank You for directing me in Your Word right now. Not focusing on the Proverbs with which I awoke. No. Following Your lead to John 17. The Prayer of Jesus.

The Life Recovery Bible comment for this chapter says, “17:1-26 Jesus is our high priest and intercessor (Hebrews 8:1-6). He makes God’s will known to us and our heartfelt needs known to God. Jesus’ words and deeds reveal God’s mercy, justice, glory, truth, and His desire to establish a personal relationship with each of us.” Thank You that He does Dear Lord.

“Jesus intercedes with God the Father on out behalf, bringing our needs and requests continually before God. He prays that we would know His perfect joy, be protected from all evil, grow in Truth and holiness, and show love toward all people.” Oh yes, Blessed Father! Yes, please.

“Jesus prayed this prayer for His twelve disciples as they faced His imminent death. Yet this prayer is for all of us as we follow Jesus through the process of recovery.”

It is “THY will be done” not “my will.” You provide for us the “courage to change the things which should be changed.” As well as the ability to “accept with serenity the things that cannot be changed.” And possibly the most important aspect, “the wisdom to distinguish the one from the other.”

Thank You Father. Praise You Lord. It is absolutely Your Spirit, alive and well in each of us, that has us wanting to surrender ourselves to You.

It was searching “God’s Word is Truth” that led me first to John 17:17. Then straight up to verse 15.

Jesus praying, “I’m not asking you to take them [the ones You gave Him (v. 6)] out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one.” Yes Father! Safe from that ‘great enemy, the devil who prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour’ (1 Peter 5:8).

I say it again Dearest God, it is YOUR Truth on which we stand and depend! Right up to verses 6 and 7 here.

“So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time He will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you.” We trust these Truths and promises.

Empower and enable us in living Your will. Your way. Forgiving. Not being angry (Ephesians 4:26-27).

We love, need, trust and want You and Your goodness, grace, mercy and teachings. Use us Lord. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(595 words ~ 8:26 a.m.)

Moses' song

 Saturday, August  19, 2023 (5:49 a.m.)

Blessed God,

You are so good. Great. Glorious. Gracious. Kind. Loving. Perfect. In all of Your ways. Thank You Lord.

♪I’ve heard a thousand stories of what they think You’re like But I’ve heard the tender whispers of love in the dead of night And You tell me that You’re pleased And that I’m never alone You’re a Good Good Father It’s who You are… Because You are perfect in all of Your ways…♪

Thank You Father! You taught me. Through Psalty the Singing Songbook. More than forty years ago. The importance of singing praise to You. Always.

Moses sang of Your perfection (Deuteronomy 32:4) “He is the Rock; His deeds are perfect. Everything He does is just and fair. He is a faithful God who does no wrong; how just and upright He is!”

Thank You God that any time we can’t figure out circumstances surrounding us we can always depend on Your perfection. Your will. Your way.

Your Word tells us to lean not on our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5). The Message says “Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; He’s the one who will keep you on track” (vs. 5-6).

♪Trust in the Lord with all Your heart And lean not on your own understanding In all your ways acknowledge Him And He shall direct your path♪

Thank You Father. It is only because of Your love, Your perfection that my heart sings. And my face smiles.

The Life Recovery Bible comment in Deuteronomy expresses more of Your Truth. “32:3-4 An important part of spiritual growth is learning to worship God. An important part of worship is praise. Moses takes time to praise God for who He is - glorious, strong, perfect, just and fair, faithful, upright. We also need to take time to rejoice in who God is and praise Him for His greatness. He is the Rock - our foundation for a stable life. His work in our life is perfect. We need to recognize God’s ability to help us and then allow Him to do His mighty work on our behalf.”

Yes God! Do in, with, by, through and for us ALL that You alone know is best. We love, need, trust and want You. Use us for Your good and to Your glory. Loving and praising You all the way. Thank You. Amen.

(423 words ~ 7:06 a.m.)

Dream Weaver

 Friday, August 18, 2023 (6:52 p.m.)

Such a different approach to the day!

Wake up singing. ♪Ooh, Dream Weaver I believe you can…♪ Start reading [and finishing] a fifth grade mystery novel. The Westing Game. Start breakfast. Oatmeal. Decide to avoid impending storm and do Monday traveling today.

Learn new volunteer office skills. Return home. Afternoon swim. Impromptu yard work. And now? Time with You!

Thank You God. Thank You for the opportunity of changing things up. And still getting to be here with You.

Thank You for the privilege of reading the songwriter’s reflection on what the waking song meant. “♪Dream Weaver, I believe You can get me through the night…♪ was a song about someone with infinite compassion and love carrying us through the night of our trials and suffering. None other than God Himself.”

SomeOne with infinite compassion and love. Carrying us through. Thank You Father for being that SomeOne!

I love, need, trust and want You Lord. Thank You for such a different approach to the day. Amen and good night. ♪…Ooh, Dream Weaver I believe we can reach the morning light♪ Amen.

(188 words ~ 8:17 p.m.)

so much Truth

 Thursday, August 17, 2023 (3:21 a.m.)

Blessed God,

There’s so much. So, so much!

(4:00 a.m.)

I don’t even have words for the “so much” You provide for us. So much stability. So much hope. So much love. Joy. Peace. Patience. Kindness. Goodness. Faithfulness. Gentleness. And self-control (Galatians 5:22-23a).

So much opportunity to smile. Sing. Stand firm. Staying our minds on You. And Your Word. Yes Lord! There’s so much. So much Truth.

We’re living in a time of such uncertainty. So much conflict. Thank You that we have Your Truth on which to stand. To lean. To fully depend.

Your Truth to sing out. ♪Anxiety in the heart of a man weighs it down… but a good word makes it glad♪ (Proverbs 12:25). Thank You Father for the ways You sing to my soul.

There is so much going on in the world Dear Lord. None of which You are unaware. We turn to You. Trusting You with all our hearts. Leaning not on our own understanding. In all our ways acknowledging You. Believing You will direct our paths (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Yes Lord. Direct our paths!

Use me this day [that You have made (Psalm118:24a)] exactly as You know is best. Rejoicing and being glad (v. 24b). Trusting. Standing firm. Knowing You as the good, good God that You are.

Thank You Father. We love, need, trust and want You as the Great Provider You are. Praise You Lord. Amen.

(252 words ~ 5:11 a.m.)