THERE IS NO CONDEMNATION FOR THOSE WHO Belong To Me, because through Me the law of the Spirit of Life set you free from the law of sin and death.
Dear Jesus, We believe You have freed us from condemnation through Your death on the cross for our sins. Yet we continue to struggle with feelings of condemnation - sometimes for no apparent reason. We long to experience the full freedom You have made possible. We know we need the help of Your Spirit, but we are unsure how to engage His assistance. Amen
Beloved, you can ask My Spirit to help you find freedom from condemning feelings. Acknowledge that those feelings have no basis in reality. Then, look to Me through eyes of faith. Delight yourself in my heavenly smile of approval. The more you connect with Me through focusing on My Presence, the more you can receive My loving affirmation. The best antidote to feelings of condemnation is experiencing My Love for you.
You can also fight condemning feelings by pondering the truths of the gospel. The devil is the father of lies and he specializes in deception. Fight the hellish lies with biblical truth.
Finally, remember that My Spirit is the Spirit of Life. Feelings of condemnation drain you of energy, leaving you vulnerable. As My Spirit fills you with Life, you are empowered to live abundantly - to the full.
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: Romans 8:1-2; Psalm 42:8; John 8:44 and
John 10:10
Tuesday, June 30, 2015
Monday, June 29, 2015
I Long For You To Trust ...
I LONG FOR YOU TO TRUST Me enough to be fully yourself with Me. When you are real with Me, I am able to bring out the best in you: the very gifts I have planted in your soul.
Dear Jesus, Being real with You can be quite painful, because we have to be real with ourselves. It is often easier to ignore how we are feeling than to face our misery head-on. When we are feeling bad about ourselves, we would rather numb our feelings than bring them to You. Give us the courage to face ourselves, so we can be real with you. Amen.
Beloved, the best way to face yourself is to remember you are constantly clothed in My robe of righteousness. I have no illusions about what lies beneath that pristine garment of salvation. Nonetheless, I take great delight in you. I even rejoice over you with singing.
Open yourself up to My unfailing Love. Talk with Me about whatever is bothering you. Experience your pain in the Light of My loving Presence. In that brilliant Light you can see your misery more clearly, but do not despair. Continue looking at your woeful condition, while resting in the assurance of My Love. What you most feared to expose is no match for the Power of My radiant Presence. Entrust yourself into My capable care, asking Me to transform you according to My plans for you. Collaborate with Me as I work on growing the gifts I planted in your soul.
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: Isaiah 61:10; Zephaniah 3:17and Psalm 13:5-6
Dear Jesus, Being real with You can be quite painful, because we have to be real with ourselves. It is often easier to ignore how we are feeling than to face our misery head-on. When we are feeling bad about ourselves, we would rather numb our feelings than bring them to You. Give us the courage to face ourselves, so we can be real with you. Amen.
Beloved, the best way to face yourself is to remember you are constantly clothed in My robe of righteousness. I have no illusions about what lies beneath that pristine garment of salvation. Nonetheless, I take great delight in you. I even rejoice over you with singing.
Open yourself up to My unfailing Love. Talk with Me about whatever is bothering you. Experience your pain in the Light of My loving Presence. In that brilliant Light you can see your misery more clearly, but do not despair. Continue looking at your woeful condition, while resting in the assurance of My Love. What you most feared to expose is no match for the Power of My radiant Presence. Entrust yourself into My capable care, asking Me to transform you according to My plans for you. Collaborate with Me as I work on growing the gifts I planted in your soul.
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: Isaiah 61:10; Zephaniah 3:17and Psalm 13:5-6
Sunday, June 28, 2015
This Is The Day That I Have ...
THIS IS THE DAY THAT I HAVE Made! As you rejoice in this day of life, it will yield up to you precious gifts and beneficial training.
Dear Jesus, Sometimes we find it easy to rejoice and be glad, but this is not one of those times. Today we feel as if we are climbing uphill on a barren mountain, with bitter words whipping around us. We know in our mind that You are with us, yet we feel very much alone. This is one of those days when rejoicing seems unattainable. Please help us find all that You have for us in this day. Amen.
Beloved, come to Me with all your neediness. Do not despise yourself for feeling joyless. Apart from Me your resources are ever so limited, and adverse circumstances only highlight that insufficiency. Your greatest need is to reconnect with Me at a deep level. You can cry out to Me, "Help me, Jesus!" Then wait patiently in My Presence. If you are able, sing praise songs to Me. Your weariness will eventually give way to new strength as you trustingly wait upon Me.
With My help you can find precious pleasures I have scattered alongside your path. Moreover, as you persevere in climbing this challenging trail with Me, you reap the benefits of tough training. You discover it is possible to be sorrowful, yet always rejoicing.
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: Psalm 118:24; John 15:5; Isaiah 40:30-31 and
2 Corinthians 6:10
Dear Jesus, Sometimes we find it easy to rejoice and be glad, but this is not one of those times. Today we feel as if we are climbing uphill on a barren mountain, with bitter words whipping around us. We know in our mind that You are with us, yet we feel very much alone. This is one of those days when rejoicing seems unattainable. Please help us find all that You have for us in this day. Amen.
Beloved, come to Me with all your neediness. Do not despise yourself for feeling joyless. Apart from Me your resources are ever so limited, and adverse circumstances only highlight that insufficiency. Your greatest need is to reconnect with Me at a deep level. You can cry out to Me, "Help me, Jesus!" Then wait patiently in My Presence. If you are able, sing praise songs to Me. Your weariness will eventually give way to new strength as you trustingly wait upon Me.
With My help you can find precious pleasures I have scattered alongside your path. Moreover, as you persevere in climbing this challenging trail with Me, you reap the benefits of tough training. You discover it is possible to be sorrowful, yet always rejoicing.
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: Psalm 118:24; John 15:5; Isaiah 40:30-31 and
2 Corinthians 6:10
Saturday, June 27, 2015
Thank Me When Things Do Not ...
THANK ME WHEN THINGS DO NOT go your way because spiritual blessings come wrapped in trials.
Dear Jesus, If we thank You every time things don't go our way, we'll be thanking You very frequently! Often we feel as if things are stacked against us, seemingly designed to frustrate us. We have to admit that thanking You is one of the last things we feel like doing when we are frustrated. Amen.
Beloved, earth as I originally created it was sublimely perfect. However, the world in its fallen condition is full of frustrations. I understand your feelings, but I still maintain that thanking Me is the best response. When you do so, you acknowledge that I am greater than you and your problems. Thanking Me when you feel like complaining is a supernatural response. It requires the help of My Spirit. As you give thanks in obedience to My Word and in reliance on the Spirit, your feelings of frustration will begin to diminish. Instead of trying harder and harder to make things go your way, you can release your concerns to Me.
Consider the possibility that I may be bringing much good out of the very things that upset you. Open your eyes and your mind, to look, for something new. Seek to see things from My perspective, and you will discover treasures in your trials.
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: Genesis 1:31; 1 Thessalonians 5:18 and
Isaiah 43:18-19
Dear Jesus, If we thank You every time things don't go our way, we'll be thanking You very frequently! Often we feel as if things are stacked against us, seemingly designed to frustrate us. We have to admit that thanking You is one of the last things we feel like doing when we are frustrated. Amen.
Beloved, earth as I originally created it was sublimely perfect. However, the world in its fallen condition is full of frustrations. I understand your feelings, but I still maintain that thanking Me is the best response. When you do so, you acknowledge that I am greater than you and your problems. Thanking Me when you feel like complaining is a supernatural response. It requires the help of My Spirit. As you give thanks in obedience to My Word and in reliance on the Spirit, your feelings of frustration will begin to diminish. Instead of trying harder and harder to make things go your way, you can release your concerns to Me.
Consider the possibility that I may be bringing much good out of the very things that upset you. Open your eyes and your mind, to look, for something new. Seek to see things from My perspective, and you will discover treasures in your trials.
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: Genesis 1:31; 1 Thessalonians 5:18 and
Isaiah 43:18-19
Friday, June 26, 2015
If You Learn To Trust ...
IF YOU LEARN TO TRUST Me -- really trust Me -- with your whole being, then nothing can separate you from My Peace. Everything you endure can be put to good use by allowing it to train you in trusting Me. This is how you foil the works of evil, growing in grace through the very adversity that was meant to harm you.
Dear Jesus, My deepest desire is to trust You with our whole being, but trusting does not come easily to us. We have, however, become more open to accepting adversity as a gift from You. Sometimes we just want relief from our difficulties. At other times we are able to receive them as blessings. Help us to allow our problems to train us in trusting You. Amen.
Beloved, it helps to have an eternal perspective. If your life on earth were all there is, it might be reasonable to run from adversity and seek a life of pleasure. However, your earthly lifespan is miniscule compared with the Glory that awaits you in heaven. A large part of learning to trust Me is viewing your life through this big picture perspective.
Your openness to accepting adversity as blessing shows that you are indeed learning to trust Me more. Your anticipation of good outcomes, in the midst of hard times, is a profound form of trust.
Remember that the evil one attacks you continually with burning arrows of accusation. If you use your shield of faith skillfully, you can stop those missiles and extinguish their flames. Even if some of the arrows find their mark and wound you, do not despair. I am the Great Physician. My loving Presence can both heal your wounds and train you to trust Me more. When you are wounded, come close to Me and pay attention to My teaching. As you do so, your faith will be strengthened, enabling you to grow in grace and knowledge of Me -- the Lord of Peace.
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: Genesis 50:20; Ephesians 6:16 and 2 Peter 3:18
Dear Jesus, My deepest desire is to trust You with our whole being, but trusting does not come easily to us. We have, however, become more open to accepting adversity as a gift from You. Sometimes we just want relief from our difficulties. At other times we are able to receive them as blessings. Help us to allow our problems to train us in trusting You. Amen.
Beloved, it helps to have an eternal perspective. If your life on earth were all there is, it might be reasonable to run from adversity and seek a life of pleasure. However, your earthly lifespan is miniscule compared with the Glory that awaits you in heaven. A large part of learning to trust Me is viewing your life through this big picture perspective.
Your openness to accepting adversity as blessing shows that you are indeed learning to trust Me more. Your anticipation of good outcomes, in the midst of hard times, is a profound form of trust.
Remember that the evil one attacks you continually with burning arrows of accusation. If you use your shield of faith skillfully, you can stop those missiles and extinguish their flames. Even if some of the arrows find their mark and wound you, do not despair. I am the Great Physician. My loving Presence can both heal your wounds and train you to trust Me more. When you are wounded, come close to Me and pay attention to My teaching. As you do so, your faith will be strengthened, enabling you to grow in grace and knowledge of Me -- the Lord of Peace.
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: Genesis 50:20; Ephesians 6:16 and 2 Peter 3:18
Thursday, June 25, 2015
Guard Your Thoughts ...
GUARD YOUR THOUGHTS Diligently. Good thought choices will keep you close to Me.
Dear Jesus, Sometimes our thoughts seem disconnected from our will. They go off in many directions at once, making it very difficult to focus on one thing. We deeply desire to fix our thoughts on you, Jesus, but it's a constant struggle -- like swimming against a strong current. Amen.
Beloved, don't be surprised by the fierceness of the battle for your mind. The enemy and his evil army abhor your closeness to Me, so they send missiles of deception into your mind. Fixing your thoughts on Me will continue to be a struggle, because of this ongoing barrage of demonic interference. Another factor is your own fallen nature. Your mind did not escape the effects of the Fall.
Many things can affect your ability to think clearly -- poor sleep, health or nutrition, lack of fresh air and exercise, worries of the world, excessive busyness. Nonetheless, it is still possible to exert much control over your thinking. Ask My Spirit to help you in this endeavor. Don't simply let your thoughts run freely: set a guard over them. Be self-controlled and alert. When you become aware of hurtful or unholy thoughts, bring them to Me. Talk with Me about your struggles. Choose to make your thoughts a conversation with Me. As you persevere in making good thought choices, you will enjoy My refreshing Presence more and more.
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: Hebrews 3:1; Psalm 141:3; 1 Peter 5:8 and
Acts 3:19
Dear Jesus, Sometimes our thoughts seem disconnected from our will. They go off in many directions at once, making it very difficult to focus on one thing. We deeply desire to fix our thoughts on you, Jesus, but it's a constant struggle -- like swimming against a strong current. Amen.
Beloved, don't be surprised by the fierceness of the battle for your mind. The enemy and his evil army abhor your closeness to Me, so they send missiles of deception into your mind. Fixing your thoughts on Me will continue to be a struggle, because of this ongoing barrage of demonic interference. Another factor is your own fallen nature. Your mind did not escape the effects of the Fall.
Many things can affect your ability to think clearly -- poor sleep, health or nutrition, lack of fresh air and exercise, worries of the world, excessive busyness. Nonetheless, it is still possible to exert much control over your thinking. Ask My Spirit to help you in this endeavor. Don't simply let your thoughts run freely: set a guard over them. Be self-controlled and alert. When you become aware of hurtful or unholy thoughts, bring them to Me. Talk with Me about your struggles. Choose to make your thoughts a conversation with Me. As you persevere in making good thought choices, you will enjoy My refreshing Presence more and more.
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: Hebrews 3:1; Psalm 141:3; 1 Peter 5:8 and
Acts 3:19
Wednesday, June 24, 2015
My Power Flows Most Freely Into ...
MY POWER FLOWS MOST FREELY INTO Weak Ones Aware of Their Need For Me. Faltering steps of dependence are not lack of faith, they are links to My Presence.
Dear Jesus, Our journey is indeed one of faltering steps. Today we feel as if it's a challenge just to take the next step. We find it all too easy to be aware of our neediness. If we didn't know You were with us, we would despair. We confess that we sometimes get discouraged about our ongoing weaknesses. We know that dependence on You brings spiritual blessings, yet at times we feel trapped by our limitations. Amen.
Beloved, awareness of your need for Me creates a strong connection to My Presence. My Power flows into you continually. It gives you strength to take the next faltering step, strength to resist discouragement and despair, strength to know Me in intimate dependence. Only My Power can provide such strength, enabling you to live abundantly in the midst of your limitations. Your day-to-day perseverance, in dependence on Me, is every bit as supernatural as an outright miracle.
Because you are My beloved child, I choose to bless you. However, I bless you in ways that are unique to your needs and My design for you. Your difficulties do not signify lack of faith or lack of blessing. They are means to help you stay on the path I have chosen for you. Though the way before you may be steep and rocky, it is nonetheless the path of Life. It is where you encounter My luminous Presence - radiating Peace that transcends your limitations.
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: Habakkuk 3:17-19; Jude 3:24-25 and Philippians 4:7
Dear Jesus, Our journey is indeed one of faltering steps. Today we feel as if it's a challenge just to take the next step. We find it all too easy to be aware of our neediness. If we didn't know You were with us, we would despair. We confess that we sometimes get discouraged about our ongoing weaknesses. We know that dependence on You brings spiritual blessings, yet at times we feel trapped by our limitations. Amen.
Beloved, awareness of your need for Me creates a strong connection to My Presence. My Power flows into you continually. It gives you strength to take the next faltering step, strength to resist discouragement and despair, strength to know Me in intimate dependence. Only My Power can provide such strength, enabling you to live abundantly in the midst of your limitations. Your day-to-day perseverance, in dependence on Me, is every bit as supernatural as an outright miracle.
Because you are My beloved child, I choose to bless you. However, I bless you in ways that are unique to your needs and My design for you. Your difficulties do not signify lack of faith or lack of blessing. They are means to help you stay on the path I have chosen for you. Though the way before you may be steep and rocky, it is nonetheless the path of Life. It is where you encounter My luminous Presence - radiating Peace that transcends your limitations.
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: Habakkuk 3:17-19; Jude 3:24-25 and Philippians 4:7
Tuesday, June 23, 2015
My Grace Is Sufficient For ...
MY GRACE IS SUFFICIENT FOR You, but its sufficiency is for one day at a time.
Dear Jesus, We desperately need to learn how to live in the present moment. Our minds so easily slip into the future, where worries abound. We also spend way too much time analyzing things in the past. Meanwhile, splendors of the present moment parade before us and we are too preoccupied to notice. Part of the problem is our tendency to strive for self-sufficiency. Help us learn to rest in Your sufficiency, depending on You more and more. Amen.
Beloved, you need My grace in order to live in the present. Grace is all about My provision for you, and accepting that goes against the grain of your natural tendencies. Do you really believe My grace is sufficient for you? If so, then it makes sense to stop your anxious striving.
My grace is indeed sufficient for every situation you will ever encounter. However, you must learn to receive My provisions by looking to Me continually.
Each day you face a number of situations requiring My help. Moment by moment, I proffer to you the needed assistance. Your part is to recognize your neediness and receive what I offer. My Presence is with you always, providing everything you need. Don't worry about tomorrow's needs. My sufficiency is for one day at a time - today!
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: 2 Corinthians 12:9; Psalm 24:1; Philippians 4:19 and
Matthew 6:34
Dear Jesus, We desperately need to learn how to live in the present moment. Our minds so easily slip into the future, where worries abound. We also spend way too much time analyzing things in the past. Meanwhile, splendors of the present moment parade before us and we are too preoccupied to notice. Part of the problem is our tendency to strive for self-sufficiency. Help us learn to rest in Your sufficiency, depending on You more and more. Amen.
Beloved, you need My grace in order to live in the present. Grace is all about My provision for you, and accepting that goes against the grain of your natural tendencies. Do you really believe My grace is sufficient for you? If so, then it makes sense to stop your anxious striving.
My grace is indeed sufficient for every situation you will ever encounter. However, you must learn to receive My provisions by looking to Me continually.
Each day you face a number of situations requiring My help. Moment by moment, I proffer to you the needed assistance. Your part is to recognize your neediness and receive what I offer. My Presence is with you always, providing everything you need. Don't worry about tomorrow's needs. My sufficiency is for one day at a time - today!
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: 2 Corinthians 12:9; Psalm 24:1; Philippians 4:19 and
Matthew 6:34
Monday, June 22, 2015
Whenever You Are Tempted To ...
WHENEVER YOU ARE TEMPTED TO Grumble, come to Me and talk it out. As you open up to Me, I will put My thoughts in your mind and My song in your heart.
Dear Jesus, We are frequently tempted to grumble - more often than we like to admit. There are so many things we would like to be different: in us, in others, in the world. Our natural tendency is to brood over these matters, rather than talking them over with you. The longer we focus on these negatives, the more likely we are to grumble. Even when we control what we say out loud, our thoughts tend to be full of complaints. Please help us to think Your thoughts. Amen.
Beloved, trust Me by opening up to Me, consistently. Don't wait till you are already discouraged to bring Me your concerns. As we talk about these matters, remember to thank Me. In spite of how you are feeling, you can thank Me for listening and caring; also for loving you sufficiently to die for you. Your thankfulness will provide a helpful framework for viewing the things that concern you. Talk about these concerns with Me. Let the Light of My Face shine upon you, as we discuss these matters. Eventually, this heavenly Light will break through the fog in your mind, enabling you to see things from My perspective.
Your communion with Me will bless you in another way also. You will find in My Presence irrepressible Joy. Whether or not I change your circumstances, you will discover I have put a new song in your heart.
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: 2 Corinthians 9:15; Numbers 6:25 and Acts 2:28
Dear Jesus, We are frequently tempted to grumble - more often than we like to admit. There are so many things we would like to be different: in us, in others, in the world. Our natural tendency is to brood over these matters, rather than talking them over with you. The longer we focus on these negatives, the more likely we are to grumble. Even when we control what we say out loud, our thoughts tend to be full of complaints. Please help us to think Your thoughts. Amen.
Beloved, trust Me by opening up to Me, consistently. Don't wait till you are already discouraged to bring Me your concerns. As we talk about these matters, remember to thank Me. In spite of how you are feeling, you can thank Me for listening and caring; also for loving you sufficiently to die for you. Your thankfulness will provide a helpful framework for viewing the things that concern you. Talk about these concerns with Me. Let the Light of My Face shine upon you, as we discuss these matters. Eventually, this heavenly Light will break through the fog in your mind, enabling you to see things from My perspective.
Your communion with Me will bless you in another way also. You will find in My Presence irrepressible Joy. Whether or not I change your circumstances, you will discover I have put a new song in your heart.
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: 2 Corinthians 9:15; Numbers 6:25 and Acts 2:28
Sunday, June 21, 2015
My Kingdom Is Not About ...
MY KINGDOM IS NOT ABOUT earning and deserving, it is about believing and receiving.
Dear Jesus, That is very good news, because we could never work hard enough or be good enough to deserve Your kingdom. Yet we struggle with a strong desire to earn our way - at least partially - rather than simply receive everything from You. In some ways, believing and receiving seem more difficult than earning and deserving. We find ourselves wanting recognition for our efforts and accomplishments. Help us to desire Your way more than mine. Amen.
Beloved, we know how vulnerable you are to idolatry. One of the most prevalent temptations is to idolize yourself or your own good works. For this reason, I often withhold success until people are weak enough to handle it. When they have been sufficiently broken by adversity and failure, they are better able to deal with success. So, when trials of many kinds come your way, receive those things as gifts from Me. Believe that I know what I am doing and my way is perfect. After you have suffered a little while, I Myself will make you what you ought to be, ground you securely, and strengthen you. This is how I prepare you to share in My eternal Glory.
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: James 1:2-3; 2 Samuel 22:31 and 1 Peter 5:10
Dear Jesus, That is very good news, because we could never work hard enough or be good enough to deserve Your kingdom. Yet we struggle with a strong desire to earn our way - at least partially - rather than simply receive everything from You. In some ways, believing and receiving seem more difficult than earning and deserving. We find ourselves wanting recognition for our efforts and accomplishments. Help us to desire Your way more than mine. Amen.
Beloved, we know how vulnerable you are to idolatry. One of the most prevalent temptations is to idolize yourself or your own good works. For this reason, I often withhold success until people are weak enough to handle it. When they have been sufficiently broken by adversity and failure, they are better able to deal with success. So, when trials of many kinds come your way, receive those things as gifts from Me. Believe that I know what I am doing and my way is perfect. After you have suffered a little while, I Myself will make you what you ought to be, ground you securely, and strengthen you. This is how I prepare you to share in My eternal Glory.
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: James 1:2-3; 2 Samuel 22:31 and 1 Peter 5:10
Saturday, June 20th - In A World Of Unrelenting ...
IN A WORLD OF UNRELENTING change, I am the One who never changes. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. Find in Me the stability for which you have yearned.
Dear Jesus, Sometimes our head spins with all the changes going on in the world around us. The more we focus on them,, the more unsteady we feel. We long for stability, for permanence of some sort, but the world provides only ever-increasing rates of change. So we look to You, to provide what this world cannot. Amen.
Beloved, your yearning for permanence is good because it is a longing for eternal, invisible reality. That reality is primarily about Me, and I draw near to responses to your seeking heart. I am able to give you a firm place to stand, setting your feet on a rock. You may wonder where such a place can be found. It also is invisible. I am your Rock, your Fortress, your Stronghold. Take refuge in Me, and you will find Me sufficient.
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: Revelation 21:6; 1 Timothy 1:17; Psalm 40:2 and
Psalm 18:2
Dear Jesus, Sometimes our head spins with all the changes going on in the world around us. The more we focus on them,, the more unsteady we feel. We long for stability, for permanence of some sort, but the world provides only ever-increasing rates of change. So we look to You, to provide what this world cannot. Amen.
Beloved, your yearning for permanence is good because it is a longing for eternal, invisible reality. That reality is primarily about Me, and I draw near to responses to your seeking heart. I am able to give you a firm place to stand, setting your feet on a rock. You may wonder where such a place can be found. It also is invisible. I am your Rock, your Fortress, your Stronghold. Take refuge in Me, and you will find Me sufficient.
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: Revelation 21:6; 1 Timothy 1:17; Psalm 40:2 and
Psalm 18:2
Friday, June 19, 2015
To Recieve My Peace, You Must ...
TO RECEIVE MY PEACE, YOU MUST change your grasping, controlling stance to one of openness and trust. The only thing you can grasp without damaging your soul is My hand.
Dear Jesus, Grasping and controlling are ways we try to feel safe. However, we have come to realize they are hurtful ways that are actually counterproductive. The more we manipulate and grasp for control, the more anxious we become. Even if we succeed through these means, we know the success may be only temporary. Since we are the ones who make things happen, we have to patrol the situation vigilantly - or risk losing the ground we have gained. Help us open our grasping hands to You, Lord, trustfully receiving all that You have for us. Amen.
Beloved, what you do with your body can help or hinder what goes on in your soul. When you realize you are grasping for control, become aware of your body language. Intentionally open your hands releasing the matter to Me and inviting Me to take charge. Open your heart and mind also, as you lift your hands to Me. You are now in a good position to receive many blessings from Me, not the least of which is awareness of My Presence. Enjoy the Peace that flows out from Me, while you bask in the Light of My Love. When you move back into your activities, consciously grasp My hand in childlike dependence. For I am the Lord your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, "Do not fear, I will help you."
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: 1 Timothy 2:8; John 20:19; Matthew 18:4 and
Isaiah 41:13
Dear Jesus, Grasping and controlling are ways we try to feel safe. However, we have come to realize they are hurtful ways that are actually counterproductive. The more we manipulate and grasp for control, the more anxious we become. Even if we succeed through these means, we know the success may be only temporary. Since we are the ones who make things happen, we have to patrol the situation vigilantly - or risk losing the ground we have gained. Help us open our grasping hands to You, Lord, trustfully receiving all that You have for us. Amen.
Beloved, what you do with your body can help or hinder what goes on in your soul. When you realize you are grasping for control, become aware of your body language. Intentionally open your hands releasing the matter to Me and inviting Me to take charge. Open your heart and mind also, as you lift your hands to Me. You are now in a good position to receive many blessings from Me, not the least of which is awareness of My Presence. Enjoy the Peace that flows out from Me, while you bask in the Light of My Love. When you move back into your activities, consciously grasp My hand in childlike dependence. For I am the Lord your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, "Do not fear, I will help you."
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: 1 Timothy 2:8; John 20:19; Matthew 18:4 and
Isaiah 41:13
Thursday, June 18, 2015
Accept Each Day Just As It ...
ACCEPT EACH DAY JUST AS IT comes to you. Do not waste your time and energy wishing for a different set of circumstances. Instead, trust Me enough to yield to My design and purposes.
Dear Jesus, We waste so much time and energy yearning for different circumstances. When it's cold, we long for warmer weather. When it's hot, we look forward to the crisp coolness of autumn. This is illustrative of how our mind works: rejecting the day's circumstances and daydreaming about how we would like things to be. We realize this is arrogant and foolish, but our mind - left to itself - tends to work that way. We really want to accept each day just as it comes to us, but we seem to have little control over our thoughts.
Beloved, you are right in recognizing that you need more control over your thinking. Human minds, though capable of brilliance, tend to be undisciplined and rebellious. To counteract this weakness, I have provided help in the Person of the Holy Spirit. As you allow Him, He will control your mind. He offers Life and Peace to those who yield themselves to Him.
Your time and energy are limited, only I know how much of each you have. Try to accept each day as a precious gift from Me, thanking Me for it rather than wishing it away. Ask Me to accomplish My purposes in and through you this day. Instead of wasting so much energy longing for what is not, invest that energy in trusting Me. Daydreaming will leave you empty and discontent, whereas trusting will draw you into My joyful Presence. As you come close to Me, I embrace you in My everlasting arms.
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: Romans 8:5-6; Romans 8:28 and Psalm 118:24
Dear Jesus, We waste so much time and energy yearning for different circumstances. When it's cold, we long for warmer weather. When it's hot, we look forward to the crisp coolness of autumn. This is illustrative of how our mind works: rejecting the day's circumstances and daydreaming about how we would like things to be. We realize this is arrogant and foolish, but our mind - left to itself - tends to work that way. We really want to accept each day just as it comes to us, but we seem to have little control over our thoughts.
Beloved, you are right in recognizing that you need more control over your thinking. Human minds, though capable of brilliance, tend to be undisciplined and rebellious. To counteract this weakness, I have provided help in the Person of the Holy Spirit. As you allow Him, He will control your mind. He offers Life and Peace to those who yield themselves to Him.
Your time and energy are limited, only I know how much of each you have. Try to accept each day as a precious gift from Me, thanking Me for it rather than wishing it away. Ask Me to accomplish My purposes in and through you this day. Instead of wasting so much energy longing for what is not, invest that energy in trusting Me. Daydreaming will leave you empty and discontent, whereas trusting will draw you into My joyful Presence. As you come close to Me, I embrace you in My everlasting arms.
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: Romans 8:5-6; Romans 8:28 and Psalm 118:24
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
Instead Of Striving For A ...
INSTEAD OF STRIVING FOR a predictable, safe lifestyle, seek to know Me in greater depth and breadth! I want to make your life a glorious adventure, but you must stop clinging to old ways.
Dear Jesus, You know how ambivalent our hearts are. We long for the glorious adventure that a life abandoned to You can be. At the same time we cling to old ways, because change frightens us. We feel safest when our life is predictable and things seem to be under control. Help us break free and discover the adventures You have planned for us. Amen.
*************************************************************
Beloved, the greatest adventure is knowing Me superabundantly: discovering how wide and long and high and deep is My Love for you. The power of My vast Love can feel overwhelming. That is why more people choose to limit their knowledge of Me, keeping Me at a safe distance. How that grieves Me! People settle for mediocrity because it feels more comfortable. However, they continue to battle fear. Only My Love is strong enough to break the hold that fear has on you. A predictable lifestyle may feel safer, but it can shield you from what you need most of all - Me!
When unexpected events shake up your routines: rejoice! This is exactly what you need, to wake you up and point you toward Me. Recognize that you are on the threshold of a new adventure, and that I will be with you every step of the way. As we venture out together, cling tightly to My hand. The more you abandon yourself to Me, the more exuberantly you can experience My Love.
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: Ephesians 3:17-18; 1 John 4:18 and Psalm 63:8
Dear Jesus, You know how ambivalent our hearts are. We long for the glorious adventure that a life abandoned to You can be. At the same time we cling to old ways, because change frightens us. We feel safest when our life is predictable and things seem to be under control. Help us break free and discover the adventures You have planned for us. Amen.
*************************************************************
Beloved, the greatest adventure is knowing Me superabundantly: discovering how wide and long and high and deep is My Love for you. The power of My vast Love can feel overwhelming. That is why more people choose to limit their knowledge of Me, keeping Me at a safe distance. How that grieves Me! People settle for mediocrity because it feels more comfortable. However, they continue to battle fear. Only My Love is strong enough to break the hold that fear has on you. A predictable lifestyle may feel safer, but it can shield you from what you need most of all - Me!
When unexpected events shake up your routines: rejoice! This is exactly what you need, to wake you up and point you toward Me. Recognize that you are on the threshold of a new adventure, and that I will be with you every step of the way. As we venture out together, cling tightly to My hand. The more you abandon yourself to Me, the more exuberantly you can experience My Love.
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: Ephesians 3:17-18; 1 John 4:18 and Psalm 63:8
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
Do Not Feel Guilty About ...
DO NOT FEEL GUILTY ABOUT taking time to be still in My Presence. You are simply responding to the tugs of divinity within you. I made you in My image, and I hid heaven in your heart.
Dear Jesus, Being still in Your Presence is quite a challenge, partly because we have to fend off guilt feelings. It seems somehow selfish to spend so much time seeking Your Face. However, at a deeper level, it seems like the more important thing to do. We yearn for more than this world can provide. We know heaven will satisfy all those longings perfectly. Yet our seeking hearts look to You even now for a taste of that eternal reality. Amen.
**********************************************
You were not designed to find total satisfaction in this world, because you were crafted in My image. Heaven is your ultimate home and I placed a bit of heavenly matter in your heart so you would week Me. I delight in your seeking heart. Refuse to feel guilty about something that brings Me such pleasure!
Much of this world's angst is actually a longing for the perfection of heaven. Blatant sin is often a misguided attempt to fill that emptiness. The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so they search for heaven in hellish ways: excesses and perversions of every kind. However, great sinners can be transformed into exceptional Christians when they turn their passionate appetites toward Me. My Love and forgiveness satisfy soul-hunger as nothing else can.
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: Psalm 105:4; 2 Corinthians 4:4 and Isaiah 55:2
Dear Jesus, Being still in Your Presence is quite a challenge, partly because we have to fend off guilt feelings. It seems somehow selfish to spend so much time seeking Your Face. However, at a deeper level, it seems like the more important thing to do. We yearn for more than this world can provide. We know heaven will satisfy all those longings perfectly. Yet our seeking hearts look to You even now for a taste of that eternal reality. Amen.
**********************************************
You were not designed to find total satisfaction in this world, because you were crafted in My image. Heaven is your ultimate home and I placed a bit of heavenly matter in your heart so you would week Me. I delight in your seeking heart. Refuse to feel guilty about something that brings Me such pleasure!
Much of this world's angst is actually a longing for the perfection of heaven. Blatant sin is often a misguided attempt to fill that emptiness. The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so they search for heaven in hellish ways: excesses and perversions of every kind. However, great sinners can be transformed into exceptional Christians when they turn their passionate appetites toward Me. My Love and forgiveness satisfy soul-hunger as nothing else can.
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: Psalm 105:4; 2 Corinthians 4:4 and Isaiah 55:2
Monday, June 15, 2015
Enslaved Is An Appropriate Word ...
Do not seek approval in the mirror or in the eyes of other people. In My Presence you have infinite approval.
Dear Jesus, It is so easy for us to judge ourselves on the basis of what we see in the mirror. We know that is fickle and shallow, because our mirror image is always changing. We are equally enslaved to viewing ourselves through the eyes of other people. We tend to evaluate our interpersonal performance rigorously, and we are almost always displeased with something we have said or done. We desperately desire to experience Your approval!
ENSLAVED IS AN APPROPRIATE WORD to use. You are indeed a slave when you try to see and judge yourself through people's eyes. Evaluating your worth on the basis of how you look to yourself or to others is always a trap. It is as if you are sifting sand, searching for gold - yet looking only at the grains of sand filtering through the sieve, ignoring the gold nuggets that remain. The gold represents the eternal part of you, your soul.
It is invisible to everyone but Me, the One who plans to spend eternity with you. Though invisible, a well nurtured soul can actually improve your appearance. As you rest in the certainty of My unfailing Love, your face glows with the Joy of My Presence.
My approval of you is infinite because it will continue forever. It is based entirely on My righteousness, which is yours for all eternity. When you look in a mirror, try to see yourself as you truly are - arrayed in perfect righteousness, adorned in glowing approval.
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: Psalm 90:14; Psalm 21:6 and Isaiah 61:10
Dear Jesus, It is so easy for us to judge ourselves on the basis of what we see in the mirror. We know that is fickle and shallow, because our mirror image is always changing. We are equally enslaved to viewing ourselves through the eyes of other people. We tend to evaluate our interpersonal performance rigorously, and we are almost always displeased with something we have said or done. We desperately desire to experience Your approval!
ENSLAVED IS AN APPROPRIATE WORD to use. You are indeed a slave when you try to see and judge yourself through people's eyes. Evaluating your worth on the basis of how you look to yourself or to others is always a trap. It is as if you are sifting sand, searching for gold - yet looking only at the grains of sand filtering through the sieve, ignoring the gold nuggets that remain. The gold represents the eternal part of you, your soul.
It is invisible to everyone but Me, the One who plans to spend eternity with you. Though invisible, a well nurtured soul can actually improve your appearance. As you rest in the certainty of My unfailing Love, your face glows with the Joy of My Presence.
My approval of you is infinite because it will continue forever. It is based entirely on My righteousness, which is yours for all eternity. When you look in a mirror, try to see yourself as you truly are - arrayed in perfect righteousness, adorned in glowing approval.
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: Psalm 90:14; Psalm 21:6 and Isaiah 61:10
Sunday, June 14, 2015
Your Desire To Trust Me ...
Trust in Me with all your heart and mind and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Me and I will make your path straight. Proverbs 3:5-6
Dear Jesus, Trusting You with all of our hearts has been our goal for years, but we seem to be making little progress. We suspect the culprit is our mind's ravenous appetite for understanding. Behind this impetus to understand, there lies a strong desire to feel in control of our lives. We want to trust You wholeheartedly, but we feel stuck.
YOUR DESIRE TO TRUST ME Wholeheartedly is a worthy goal and it is pleasing to Me. I am providing training through your life experiences. Allow Me to do this supernatural work in your heart. Recognize that many of the difficulties in your life are designed to help in this endeavor.
I want you to trust Me with all your heart and all your mind. The Holy Spirit will help you think trusting thoughts, but He requires your cooperation. Instead of relying on your own understanding to help you feel in control, ask My Spirit to control your mind. Then, wait confidently to see results. As you look to Me, trusting Me and talking with Me, I straighten out the path before you.
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: Psalm 37:5 and Romans 8:6
Dear Jesus, Trusting You with all of our hearts has been our goal for years, but we seem to be making little progress. We suspect the culprit is our mind's ravenous appetite for understanding. Behind this impetus to understand, there lies a strong desire to feel in control of our lives. We want to trust You wholeheartedly, but we feel stuck.
YOUR DESIRE TO TRUST ME Wholeheartedly is a worthy goal and it is pleasing to Me. I am providing training through your life experiences. Allow Me to do this supernatural work in your heart. Recognize that many of the difficulties in your life are designed to help in this endeavor.
I want you to trust Me with all your heart and all your mind. The Holy Spirit will help you think trusting thoughts, but He requires your cooperation. Instead of relying on your own understanding to help you feel in control, ask My Spirit to control your mind. Then, wait confidently to see results. As you look to Me, trusting Me and talking with Me, I straighten out the path before you.
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: Psalm 37:5 and Romans 8:6
Saturday, June 13, 2015
There Are Indeed Many Measures Of ...
A successful day is one in which you have stayed in touch with Me, even if many things remain undone at the end of that day.
Dear Jesus, That sounds almost too good to be true. We rarely reach the end of the day feeling successful. We nearly always experience a sense of some degree of failure. There are numerous ways of measuring success, and we feel the pull of many of them. That can leave us in a fragmented, unfocused condition. Help us to view success from your perspective.
THERE ARE INDEED MANY MEASURES OF Success In The World, And Most Of Them Are Meaningless. To avoid confusion, you need a rule of thumb. Seek to please Me, when communicating with Me is your highest priority. I am pleased the more you commune with Me as you go through a day, the more you walk in My ways. The Light of My Presence illumines the path before you, making sin both obvious and abhorrent. This same Light satisfies your soul. So, staying in touch with Me is an excellent measure of success.
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: Matthew 22:37-38; Psalm 90:8; Jeremiah 6:16 and
Psalm 63:5
Dear Jesus, That sounds almost too good to be true. We rarely reach the end of the day feeling successful. We nearly always experience a sense of some degree of failure. There are numerous ways of measuring success, and we feel the pull of many of them. That can leave us in a fragmented, unfocused condition. Help us to view success from your perspective.
THERE ARE INDEED MANY MEASURES OF Success In The World, And Most Of Them Are Meaningless. To avoid confusion, you need a rule of thumb. Seek to please Me, when communicating with Me is your highest priority. I am pleased the more you commune with Me as you go through a day, the more you walk in My ways. The Light of My Presence illumines the path before you, making sin both obvious and abhorrent. This same Light satisfies your soul. So, staying in touch with Me is an excellent measure of success.
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: Matthew 22:37-38; Psalm 90:8; Jeremiah 6:16 and
Psalm 63:5
Friday, June 12, 2015
I Don't Expect You To Like Your ...
An ongoing problem is like a tutor who is always by your side. The learning possibilities are limited only by your willingness to be teachable.
Dear Jesus, We confess that we don't like this tutor at all! What we really want is to break free and run away from our problems. Haven't we spent enough time with this teacher? Surely there must be other ways we could learn.
I DON'T EXPECT YOU TO LIKE YOUR Tutor. No one enjoys having problems. However, I do require you to accept your tutor's presence with you as long as I choose. The bottom line is whether you trust Me to use the difficulty for good in your life. Beware of feeling entitled to an easy life. I actually promised the opposite when I said, "In this world you will have trouble." If you want to learn all that I have prepared for you, you must accept My teaching methods. Remember that I am the Potter, and you are the clay. You need to be flexible - malleable in My skillful hands.
Try to see your problems as a disguised blessing gradually transforming you into My likeness. When you accept My ways with you trustingly - without rebelling or running away-you find freedom through My Spirit. Even more wondrously, I empower you to reflect Me to others with ever-increasing Glory!
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: John 16:33; Isaiah 64:8 and 2 Corinthians 3:17-18
Dear Jesus, We confess that we don't like this tutor at all! What we really want is to break free and run away from our problems. Haven't we spent enough time with this teacher? Surely there must be other ways we could learn.
I DON'T EXPECT YOU TO LIKE YOUR Tutor. No one enjoys having problems. However, I do require you to accept your tutor's presence with you as long as I choose. The bottom line is whether you trust Me to use the difficulty for good in your life. Beware of feeling entitled to an easy life. I actually promised the opposite when I said, "In this world you will have trouble." If you want to learn all that I have prepared for you, you must accept My teaching methods. Remember that I am the Potter, and you are the clay. You need to be flexible - malleable in My skillful hands.
Try to see your problems as a disguised blessing gradually transforming you into My likeness. When you accept My ways with you trustingly - without rebelling or running away-you find freedom through My Spirit. Even more wondrously, I empower you to reflect Me to others with ever-increasing Glory!
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: John 16:33; Isaiah 64:8 and 2 Corinthians 3:17-18
Thursday, June 11, 2015
Come Into The Radiance Of My ...
Dear Jesus, We want to see Your Glory! Please give us discerning eyes, so we can recognize miracles when we see them. Help us to be increasingly aware of You - living by faith, not by sight!
COME INTO THE RADIANCE OF MY Love-Light. Let My healing Presence nourish and renew you. Be content with a simple, quiet life. Instead of shaking the bushes - trying to make things happen - wait to see what I am doing. I am at work in many areas of your life long before you can discern results. Trust Me by waiting patiently, accepting each moment as a gift from Me. When time is right, you will see the results of My handiwork. You may even get a glimpse of My Glory. Don't try to hold on to Glory moments. Simply enjoy them gracefully, then release them back to Me.
Anticipate living with Me in heaven, where My Glory will be your continual experience: lighting up your life forever. Look forward to the radiant perfection awaiting you, but remember that the world you now inhabit is deeply fallen. Living by faith enables you to accept this world's brokenness, yet remain open to seeing My glorious miracles.
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: John 11:40, 2 Corinthians 5:7, Psalm 38:15 and
Revelation 21:23
COME INTO THE RADIANCE OF MY Love-Light. Let My healing Presence nourish and renew you. Be content with a simple, quiet life. Instead of shaking the bushes - trying to make things happen - wait to see what I am doing. I am at work in many areas of your life long before you can discern results. Trust Me by waiting patiently, accepting each moment as a gift from Me. When time is right, you will see the results of My handiwork. You may even get a glimpse of My Glory. Don't try to hold on to Glory moments. Simply enjoy them gracefully, then release them back to Me.
Anticipate living with Me in heaven, where My Glory will be your continual experience: lighting up your life forever. Look forward to the radiant perfection awaiting you, but remember that the world you now inhabit is deeply fallen. Living by faith enables you to accept this world's brokenness, yet remain open to seeing My glorious miracles.
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: John 11:40, 2 Corinthians 5:7, Psalm 38:15 and
Revelation 21:23
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
I Know What Goes On In Your ...
Dear Jesus, We know we are supposed to give thanks in all circumstances. But sometimes our words ring hollow. We can say them without feeling the least bit thankful. It's especially hard for us to be thankful in the midst of a bad day, when everything seems to be going wrong.
I KNOW WHAT GOES ON IN YOUR Heart far better than you do. I know when you feel thankful and when you don't. However, I can also see in the depths of your heart a desire to please Me by offering thanks even when you don't feel like it.
When you struggle to be thankful, stop and remember who I Am: the Author of our life and your faith. You are utterly dependent on Me for everything including your next breath. Every good gift is from Me!
When you thank Me during a difficult day, you are assuming the proper stance for a child of God. If you persevere in this thankfulness, resisting the temptation to grumble, you can find Joy and Peace in the midst of your struggles.
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: 1 Thessalonians 5:18; Acts 3:15; James 1:17 and
Hebrews 12:28
I KNOW WHAT GOES ON IN YOUR Heart far better than you do. I know when you feel thankful and when you don't. However, I can also see in the depths of your heart a desire to please Me by offering thanks even when you don't feel like it.
When you struggle to be thankful, stop and remember who I Am: the Author of our life and your faith. You are utterly dependent on Me for everything including your next breath. Every good gift is from Me!
When you thank Me during a difficult day, you are assuming the proper stance for a child of God. If you persevere in this thankfulness, resisting the temptation to grumble, you can find Joy and Peace in the midst of your struggles.
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: 1 Thessalonians 5:18; Acts 3:15; James 1:17 and
Hebrews 12:28
Tuesday, June 9, 2015
Begin By Lingering In My ...
Dear Jesus, We long to dance for You, sing praises to You, and celebrate Your Presence continually. However, most of the time we feel earthbound and weighed down. Worshiping you requires the engagement of our entire being -- something we delight in and yet somehow resist. Teach us how to celebrate You more consistently, more abundantly.
BEGIN BY LINGERING IN MY peaceful Presence. As you relax in My everlasting arms, sense how safe and secure you are. I am indeed the rock, solid Foundation on which you can live exuberantly. Dancing, singing, and praying are ways you can express your delight in Me.
My very Presence radiates Joy in vast, unmeasured fullness! When you praise Me, your Joy increases, as does your awareness of My holy Presence. Your body may or may not be mightily engaged in this endeavor, but I see into your heart. That is where the ultimate celebration of My Presence takes place.
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: Deuteronomy 33:27; Psalm 16:11; 2 Samuel 6:14 and
1 Samuel 16:7
BEGIN BY LINGERING IN MY peaceful Presence. As you relax in My everlasting arms, sense how safe and secure you are. I am indeed the rock, solid Foundation on which you can live exuberantly. Dancing, singing, and praying are ways you can express your delight in Me.
My very Presence radiates Joy in vast, unmeasured fullness! When you praise Me, your Joy increases, as does your awareness of My holy Presence. Your body may or may not be mightily engaged in this endeavor, but I see into your heart. That is where the ultimate celebration of My Presence takes place.
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: Deuteronomy 33:27; Psalm 16:11; 2 Samuel 6:14 and
1 Samuel 16:7
Monday, June 8, 2015
No Matter How ...
Dear Jesus, We want to be available for the display of Your Power and Glory. But we feel more like a splintery, unfinished platform than a polished, ready to use stage. We may not even be safe enough for Your performance, since some of our boards aren't nailed down properly.
NO MATTER HOW Polished You Might Become, you could never be good enough for the display of My radiant holiness. However, I have chosen you to reflect My Glory, despite your imperfections. Moreover, your weakness is the ideal stage for the exhibition of My Power. Your part in this drama is to look away from yourself and gaze at Me in My awesome splendor. Forget about your unworthiness and delight yourself in My glorious Being. Watch while I perform great things for you.
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: 2 Corinthians 12:9; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Exodus 15:11 and
Psalm 37:4
NO MATTER HOW Polished You Might Become, you could never be good enough for the display of My radiant holiness. However, I have chosen you to reflect My Glory, despite your imperfections. Moreover, your weakness is the ideal stage for the exhibition of My Power. Your part in this drama is to look away from yourself and gaze at Me in My awesome splendor. Forget about your unworthiness and delight yourself in My glorious Being. Watch while I perform great things for you.
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: 2 Corinthians 12:9; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Exodus 15:11 and
Psalm 37:4
Sunday, June 7, 2015
Trust Me To Do ...
TRUST ME TO DO in you what you could never do for yourself. I am indeed with you - watching over you wherever you are, wherever you go. Simply accept My Presence with you as reality: the deepest Reality. Build your life on this absolute truth, which is like building your house on a rock.
Your heart and mind will wander away from Me, but My Spirit within can remind you to return. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you in this way. He delights in being your Helper.
Rejoice that I am with you not only in this life, but also in the life to come. Let the promise of heaven flood your heart with My eternal Presence!
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Dear Jesus, There is no deeper comfort than knowing in our hearts that You are with us always: here on earth and throughout eternity in heaven. We have known this great truth in our head for many years. However, our heart is fickle and tends to chase after other gods. Only as Your Spirit helps us can we grasp the awesomeness of Your Presence with us forever.
Scripture Insight: Genesis 28:15; Matthew 7:24; John 14:16-17 and
John 14:2-3
Your heart and mind will wander away from Me, but My Spirit within can remind you to return. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you in this way. He delights in being your Helper.
Rejoice that I am with you not only in this life, but also in the life to come. Let the promise of heaven flood your heart with My eternal Presence!
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Dear Jesus, There is no deeper comfort than knowing in our hearts that You are with us always: here on earth and throughout eternity in heaven. We have known this great truth in our head for many years. However, our heart is fickle and tends to chase after other gods. Only as Your Spirit helps us can we grasp the awesomeness of Your Presence with us forever.
Scripture Insight: Genesis 28:15; Matthew 7:24; John 14:16-17 and
John 14:2-3
Saturday, June 6, 2015
Come To Me And Rest In ...
COME TO ME AND REST IN My sufficiency. Stop trying to fix yourself by focusing on your failures. Remember that the world you inhabit is fallen, and you are part of that brokenness. You can no more practice My Presence perfectly than you can save yourself from your sins. In a fallen world, all your default settings are tainted by sin. Nonetheless, you are being transformed and renewed by My Spirit within you.
Collaborate with Me as I work to set you free from hurtful ways. View each moment as a fresh opportunity to draw near Me. I welcome you with open arms.
- Jesus
Dear Jesus: You know how we long to practice Your Presence more consistently. When we keep our focus on You, our whole perspective is brighter, more joyful. When we are preoccupied with problems, we feel weighed down and anxious. Yet the default setting of our minds seems to be problem solving. Our thoughts tend to flow toward finding what is wrong and trying to fix it. We want to break free from this hurtful pattern, but its roots go deep into our being.
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: Matthew 11:28; Romans 12:2 and Psalm 119:23-24
Collaborate with Me as I work to set you free from hurtful ways. View each moment as a fresh opportunity to draw near Me. I welcome you with open arms.
- Jesus
Dear Jesus: You know how we long to practice Your Presence more consistently. When we keep our focus on You, our whole perspective is brighter, more joyful. When we are preoccupied with problems, we feel weighed down and anxious. Yet the default setting of our minds seems to be problem solving. Our thoughts tend to flow toward finding what is wrong and trying to fix it. We want to break free from this hurtful pattern, but its roots go deep into our being.
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: Matthew 11:28; Romans 12:2 and Psalm 119:23-24
Friday, June 5, 2015
Relax In My ...
RELAX IN MY loving Presence. Let the Light of My Love soak into your entire being. Rest deeply while I massage your thoughts and feelings, helping you change your focus from yourself to Me. Cease striving and know that I am God. I created you to know Me: to enjoy Me and center your life in Me.
The world abounds with idols - things you turn to when you want to feel better about yourself: eating, entertainment, exercise, mastery of something or someone. However, none of these things can shake the thirst of your soul, which yearns for Me alone. Idolatrous substitutes may suppress your appetite for Me, mainly by distracting you, but they provide no satisfaction. When you get that gnawing sensation around the edges of your soul, return to Me. Your soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods.
- Jesus
Dear Jesus,
We are thankful it is our soul You love, rather than our appearance or performance. So often, we are dissatisfied with both of these, especially when we make them our focus. We are grateful for Your perfect understanding, since we sometimes feel misunderstood or simply overlooked. Help us experience more fully Your compassionate, unfailing Love.
(Seeking His Light In Your Life / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: Isaiah 54:10; Psalm 46:10; Psalm 63:1-5
The world abounds with idols - things you turn to when you want to feel better about yourself: eating, entertainment, exercise, mastery of something or someone. However, none of these things can shake the thirst of your soul, which yearns for Me alone. Idolatrous substitutes may suppress your appetite for Me, mainly by distracting you, but they provide no satisfaction. When you get that gnawing sensation around the edges of your soul, return to Me. Your soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods.
- Jesus
Dear Jesus,
We are thankful it is our soul You love, rather than our appearance or performance. So often, we are dissatisfied with both of these, especially when we make them our focus. We are grateful for Your perfect understanding, since we sometimes feel misunderstood or simply overlooked. Help us experience more fully Your compassionate, unfailing Love.
(Seeking His Light In Your Life / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: Isaiah 54:10; Psalm 46:10; Psalm 63:1-5
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