AS YOU COME TO ME AND TAKE MY Yoke upon you, I fill you with My very Life. This is how I choose to live in the world and accomplish My purposes. It is also how I bless you with inexpressible, glorious Joy.
Dear Jesus, We delight in coming to You, but we are not quite as eager to be yoked. That sounds restrictive, and we definitely like to feel free. However, we are gradually learning that You do know what is best for us, even when it involves restrictions or suffering. We want to be filled with Your Life and Joy, so please show us how to take Your yoke upon us. Amen.
Beloved, the simplest way is to say yes to Me and My ways. I want you to be teachable. Receive My yoke as a teaching tool that helps you learn more and more about Me. Being yoked keeps you close to Me, on the path I have chosen for you. While this may feel restrictive at times, it protects you from many dangers.
As you live close to Me, My Life within you is nourished and strengthened. This enables Me to live more fully in you, accomplishing My purposes through you. I assure you, though, that I do not use you in a mechanistic way. There is a vibrant kinship between us as I live in and through you. This intimate connection produces immense Joy - far beyond anything the world can offer. The Joy I give is so wondrously glorious that it cannot be expressed in words.
My yoke is not harsh, hard, sharp or pressing. On the contrary, it is comfortable, gracious, and pleasant. As you submit to these bonds of Love, I fill you with Life and Joy in overflowing abundance.
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: Matthew 11:29-30; 1 Peter 1:8-9 and John 15:11
Friday, July 31, 2015
Thursday, July 30, 2015
Anxiety Wraps You Up In ...
ANXIETY WRAPS YOU UP IN Yourself, trapping you in your own thoughts. When you look to Me and whisper My Name, you break free and receive My help.
Dear Jesus,
You understand us so well. When we are feeling anxious, we lose the ability to think clearly. Our thoughts spin out of control with ever-increasing velocity. This sets us on a downward spiral of increasing anxiety and runaway thoughts. At such times, it is hard to remember You are with us - ready to help. Amen.
Beloved, I know how difficult it is for you to break free when you are trapped in anxious thoughts. That's why I encourage you to change the subject by whispering My Name, "Jesus." The very simplicity of this act makes it possible to do - even when you are not thinking clearly. There is immense Power in My Name to help you break free from the anxiety closing in on you. When you speak My Name, however quietly, you acknowledge My continual Presence. This truth is promised to all My followers, and it sets you free. Freedom and My Presence make an excellent combination, enabling you to turn your thoughts into conversation with Me.
Begin by thanking Me for always hearing your prayers. Then, talk with Me about whatever is worrying you, trusting that I understand you and your situation perfectly. As you converse with me, the weight of your burden shifts to My strong shoulders, enabling you to relax. Now you are ready to receive My help, which I continually offer you.
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: John 8:31-32; Psalm 139:23 and Deuteronomy 33:12
Dear Jesus,
You understand us so well. When we are feeling anxious, we lose the ability to think clearly. Our thoughts spin out of control with ever-increasing velocity. This sets us on a downward spiral of increasing anxiety and runaway thoughts. At such times, it is hard to remember You are with us - ready to help. Amen.
Beloved, I know how difficult it is for you to break free when you are trapped in anxious thoughts. That's why I encourage you to change the subject by whispering My Name, "Jesus." The very simplicity of this act makes it possible to do - even when you are not thinking clearly. There is immense Power in My Name to help you break free from the anxiety closing in on you. When you speak My Name, however quietly, you acknowledge My continual Presence. This truth is promised to all My followers, and it sets you free. Freedom and My Presence make an excellent combination, enabling you to turn your thoughts into conversation with Me.
Begin by thanking Me for always hearing your prayers. Then, talk with Me about whatever is worrying you, trusting that I understand you and your situation perfectly. As you converse with me, the weight of your burden shifts to My strong shoulders, enabling you to relax. Now you are ready to receive My help, which I continually offer you.
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: John 8:31-32; Psalm 139:23 and Deuteronomy 33:12
Wednesday, July 29, 2015
Trouble And Distress Are Woven Into ...
TROUBLE AND DISTRESS ARE WOVEN INTO the very fabric of this perishing world. Only My Life in you can empower you to face this endless flow of problems with good cheer.
Dear Jesus, We confess that good cheer does not describe our usual attitude when we are faced with multiple problems. Difficulties tend to become our focus, obscuring our view of You. We know in our head that the world is in a state of brokenness, but our heart still yearns for a problem-free life. Help us to be realistic about the condition of this world without succumbing to despair. Amen.
Beloved, you need to remember that this fallen world is temporary: It is perishing! The world is not your true home, thus, it's normal for you to feel uncomfortable in it. The yearnings of your heart point to your real, eternal home, so do not squelch those longings. Instead, let them serve as reminders that your ultimate destination is heaven. Nonetheless, I do want you to live well in this world for as long as I keep you here.
I have not left you to handle by yourself the trouble and distress of this life. I have poured My very Being into you, in the Person of the Holy Spirit. Make plenty of space in your heart for this glorious One. Let Him empower you to live above your circumstances. I am telling you these things so that you can experience My Peace in the midst of a problem filled life. You will continue to have trials and frustration in this world, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: John 14:2; John 14:16-17 and John 16:33
Dear Jesus, We confess that good cheer does not describe our usual attitude when we are faced with multiple problems. Difficulties tend to become our focus, obscuring our view of You. We know in our head that the world is in a state of brokenness, but our heart still yearns for a problem-free life. Help us to be realistic about the condition of this world without succumbing to despair. Amen.
Beloved, you need to remember that this fallen world is temporary: It is perishing! The world is not your true home, thus, it's normal for you to feel uncomfortable in it. The yearnings of your heart point to your real, eternal home, so do not squelch those longings. Instead, let them serve as reminders that your ultimate destination is heaven. Nonetheless, I do want you to live well in this world for as long as I keep you here.
I have not left you to handle by yourself the trouble and distress of this life. I have poured My very Being into you, in the Person of the Holy Spirit. Make plenty of space in your heart for this glorious One. Let Him empower you to live above your circumstances. I am telling you these things so that you can experience My Peace in the midst of a problem filled life. You will continue to have trials and frustration in this world, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: John 14:2; John 14:16-17 and John 16:33
Tuesday, July 28, 2015
I Have Prepared This Day With ...
I HAVE PREPARED THIS DAY WITH The Most Tender Concern And Attention To Detail. Instead of approaching the day as a blank page you need to fill up, try living it in a response mode: being on the lookout for all that I am doing.
Dear Jesus, This is the way we want to live - discovering what You are doing, and responding to the opportunities You place before us. We know this is the most joyful and productive way to live. Nonetheless, the part of us that likes being in control resists this manner of living. Please teach us the art of living responsively. Amen.
Beloved, because I am your Creator, I am the Initiator of your very life. Your first cry as an infant was a response to the life I provided. Many people think they can live independently of Me, but that is an illusion. I sustain everything by My powerful word! When I cease sustaining someone's life, that person dies. So, living responsively is a matter of aligning yourself with ultimate reality. My sovereignty over the universe. The fact that I am sovereign over every aspect of your life can increase your sense of security, to the extent that you trust in My perfect Love. Thus, the art of living responsively rests upon a foundation of trust - in My absolute goodness. My infinite wisdom, My loving Presence.
To build on this trust foundation, you need to be perceptive, seeing things from My perspective as well as yours. Search for what I am doing in the big picture as well as in the details of your day. Living this way requires concentration, because the world is rigged to distract you from Me. However, the times when you do succeed in living responsively will be the best in your life. You will feel fully alive and richly connected with Me at such times. This is a foretaste of what awaits you in heaven, when you will respond to Me perfectly - throughout eternity!
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: Hebrews 1:3; Matthew 10:29-31 and Psalm 13:5
Dear Jesus, This is the way we want to live - discovering what You are doing, and responding to the opportunities You place before us. We know this is the most joyful and productive way to live. Nonetheless, the part of us that likes being in control resists this manner of living. Please teach us the art of living responsively. Amen.
Beloved, because I am your Creator, I am the Initiator of your very life. Your first cry as an infant was a response to the life I provided. Many people think they can live independently of Me, but that is an illusion. I sustain everything by My powerful word! When I cease sustaining someone's life, that person dies. So, living responsively is a matter of aligning yourself with ultimate reality. My sovereignty over the universe. The fact that I am sovereign over every aspect of your life can increase your sense of security, to the extent that you trust in My perfect Love. Thus, the art of living responsively rests upon a foundation of trust - in My absolute goodness. My infinite wisdom, My loving Presence.
To build on this trust foundation, you need to be perceptive, seeing things from My perspective as well as yours. Search for what I am doing in the big picture as well as in the details of your day. Living this way requires concentration, because the world is rigged to distract you from Me. However, the times when you do succeed in living responsively will be the best in your life. You will feel fully alive and richly connected with Me at such times. This is a foretaste of what awaits you in heaven, when you will respond to Me perfectly - throughout eternity!
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: Hebrews 1:3; Matthew 10:29-31 and Psalm 13:5
Monday, July 27, 2015
I Am Ever So ...
I AM EVER SO Near You, hovering over your shoulder, reading every thought. People think that thoughts are fleeting and worthless, but yours are precious to Me.
Dear Jesus, This is glorious - yet disconcerting! Our thinking is not only the part of us that feels most hidden and secret; it is also the most difficult part of our behavior to master. In relationships with other people we can interact with them while keeping our secret thoughts to ourselves. Your ability to read our every thought is alarming, but it is also wonderful. It is a relief that there is Someone from whom we cannot hide. Secretiveness breeds loneliness. Moreover, the fact that You care about every aspect of us - even all our thoughts - demonstrates how important we are to You. Amen.
Beloved, I know how difficult it is for you to control your thoughts. Your mind is a battleground, and evil spirits work tirelessly to influence your thinking: even deceiving you with intrusive thoughts at times. Your own sinfulness also finds ample expression in your thoughts. You need to stay alert and fight against evil! I fought and died for you, so remember who you are and Whose you are. Thus you put on the helmet of salvation. This helmet not only protects your mind, it also reminds you of the victory I secured for you on the cross.
Your thoughts are precious to Me because you are My treasure. As soon as your thinking turns My way, I notice and rejoice. The more thoughts you bring to Me, the more you can share in My Joy. I disarm evil thoughts and render them powerless. Then I help you think about things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable - excellent and praiseworthy things. Ponder these things, while resting in the Peace of My Presence.
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: Psalm 139:1-2; Ephesians 6:17 and Philippians 4:8
Dear Jesus, This is glorious - yet disconcerting! Our thinking is not only the part of us that feels most hidden and secret; it is also the most difficult part of our behavior to master. In relationships with other people we can interact with them while keeping our secret thoughts to ourselves. Your ability to read our every thought is alarming, but it is also wonderful. It is a relief that there is Someone from whom we cannot hide. Secretiveness breeds loneliness. Moreover, the fact that You care about every aspect of us - even all our thoughts - demonstrates how important we are to You. Amen.
Beloved, I know how difficult it is for you to control your thoughts. Your mind is a battleground, and evil spirits work tirelessly to influence your thinking: even deceiving you with intrusive thoughts at times. Your own sinfulness also finds ample expression in your thoughts. You need to stay alert and fight against evil! I fought and died for you, so remember who you are and Whose you are. Thus you put on the helmet of salvation. This helmet not only protects your mind, it also reminds you of the victory I secured for you on the cross.
Your thoughts are precious to Me because you are My treasure. As soon as your thinking turns My way, I notice and rejoice. The more thoughts you bring to Me, the more you can share in My Joy. I disarm evil thoughts and render them powerless. Then I help you think about things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable - excellent and praiseworthy things. Ponder these things, while resting in the Peace of My Presence.
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: Psalm 139:1-2; Ephesians 6:17 and Philippians 4:8
Sunday, July 26, 2015
As The Holy Spirit Controls Your ...
AS THE HOLY SPIRIT CONTROLS YOUR Mind and Actions More Fully, you become free in Me. You are increasingly released to become the one I created you to be.
Dear Jesus, This sounds like a contradiction: becoming free through being controlled. Yet I know that when Your Spirit is controlling our thinking and behavior, we feel more alive -- more real! You have taught us to pray, "Holy Spirit, think through me, live through me, love through me." We have found we are most content when we intentionally yield to You: inviting You to live through us. Nonetheless, our desire to be in control and do things our way often sabotages us. Amen.
Beloved, in My kingdom freedom comes from yielding to My will, which is perfect. Because I am infinite and you are not, My will may appear to be anything but perfect. I want you to trust Me at all times, even when you cannot understand what I'm doing. The Holy Spirit will help you in this, as you invite Him to control your thinking. He lives in the depths of your spirit, and He knows you better than you know yourself. His work in you can liberate you to become more completely the one I designed you to be. The Spirit and I work together in perfect harmony.
I am pleased when you ask My Spirit to think, live, and love through you. This is the collaborative way of living I had in mind when I created mankind. The more you collaborate with the Spirit, the freer you become: free to live exuberantly, to love extravagantly, to know Me in ever-increasing intimacy!
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: Romans 8:6; Romans 12:2 and Romans 8:26-27
Dear Jesus, This sounds like a contradiction: becoming free through being controlled. Yet I know that when Your Spirit is controlling our thinking and behavior, we feel more alive -- more real! You have taught us to pray, "Holy Spirit, think through me, live through me, love through me." We have found we are most content when we intentionally yield to You: inviting You to live through us. Nonetheless, our desire to be in control and do things our way often sabotages us. Amen.
Beloved, in My kingdom freedom comes from yielding to My will, which is perfect. Because I am infinite and you are not, My will may appear to be anything but perfect. I want you to trust Me at all times, even when you cannot understand what I'm doing. The Holy Spirit will help you in this, as you invite Him to control your thinking. He lives in the depths of your spirit, and He knows you better than you know yourself. His work in you can liberate you to become more completely the one I designed you to be. The Spirit and I work together in perfect harmony.
I am pleased when you ask My Spirit to think, live, and love through you. This is the collaborative way of living I had in mind when I created mankind. The more you collaborate with the Spirit, the freer you become: free to live exuberantly, to love extravagantly, to know Me in ever-increasing intimacy!
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: Romans 8:6; Romans 12:2 and Romans 8:26-27
Saturday, July 25, 2015
I Know The Depth And Breadth Of Your ...
I KNOW THE DEPTH AND BREADTH OF YOUR Need For Me. I can read the emptiness of your thoughts when they wander away from Me.
Dear Jesus, The longer we live, the more we recognize how desperately we need You. We want You to be central in our lives. However, we can be easily distracted. Our thoughts wander away from You as readily as water flows downhill. We need your help all the time.
Amen.
Beloved, recognizing the extent of your neediness is one of your strengths. Humans can be divided into two categories: needy people who recognize their insufficiencies and needy people unaware of their inadequacies.
Recognition, however, is only half the battle. The other half is turning to Me -- rather than idolatrous substitutes -- to fill your emptiness. Though substitutes may seem appealing, they provide no lasting satisfaction.
Wandering thoughts are even so human. Your thoughts and feelings are constantly influenced by the heaviness of this fallen world. As long as you live on earth you will have to contend with this spiritual emotional "gravity" pulling you away from Me. Thankfully, returning your thoughts to Me is not as laborious as carrying water back uphill would be. A short prayer in My Name is usually sufficient to reconnect with Me, for I am never far from you. Indeed, I have promised to be with you always -- perpetually, uniformly and on every occasion - to the very close and consummation of the age.
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: Colossians 3:5; Acts 17:27 and Matthew 28:20
Dear Jesus, The longer we live, the more we recognize how desperately we need You. We want You to be central in our lives. However, we can be easily distracted. Our thoughts wander away from You as readily as water flows downhill. We need your help all the time.
Amen.
Beloved, recognizing the extent of your neediness is one of your strengths. Humans can be divided into two categories: needy people who recognize their insufficiencies and needy people unaware of their inadequacies.
Recognition, however, is only half the battle. The other half is turning to Me -- rather than idolatrous substitutes -- to fill your emptiness. Though substitutes may seem appealing, they provide no lasting satisfaction.
Wandering thoughts are even so human. Your thoughts and feelings are constantly influenced by the heaviness of this fallen world. As long as you live on earth you will have to contend with this spiritual emotional "gravity" pulling you away from Me. Thankfully, returning your thoughts to Me is not as laborious as carrying water back uphill would be. A short prayer in My Name is usually sufficient to reconnect with Me, for I am never far from you. Indeed, I have promised to be with you always -- perpetually, uniformly and on every occasion - to the very close and consummation of the age.
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: Colossians 3:5; Acts 17:27 and Matthew 28:20
Friday, July 24, 2015
Waiting, Trusting And Hoping Are ...
WAITING, TRUSTING AND HOPING ARE intricately connected like golden strands interwoven to form a strong chain. Trusting is the central strand, because it is the response from My children that I desire the most.
Dear Jesus, Often we feel as if waiting is what we do most of the time. We admit that it is difficult for us to wait. We prefer to make things happen ourselves, without delay. Hoping feels very similar to waiting; it is all about future things that are beyond our control. However, we have found that when we are actively trusting You, waiting and hoping flow naturally out of our closeness with You. Amen.
Beloved, trusting Me is crucial, and it gives meaning to your waiting and hoping. Without trust, your connection with Me quickly deteriorates. That's why the Bible contains so many commands to trust Me. As you affirm your faith in Me, I empower you to wait with positive expectations. Waiting on Me is actually a great privilege, full of promise and blessing. Waiting on royalty has always been considered a high position because it involves nearness to the royal persons. Ladies-in-waiting may perform humble services, such as helping people dress; yet these helpers are highly esteemed, even though they serve sinful, mortal royals. How much more should you treasure the privilege of serving Me - the king of eternity, immortal, invisible, the only God!
Hoping can be a joyful occupation, because it connects you to your promised inheritance in heaven. Such hope provides a rock solid foundation in the present, helping you face the daily struggles of living in a broken world. Hope also connects you with Me, for I am the God of hope. My death on the cross opened the way for you to join My royal family and live with Me forever.
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: Psalm 62:8; 1 Timothy 1:17 and Romans 15:13
Dear Jesus, Often we feel as if waiting is what we do most of the time. We admit that it is difficult for us to wait. We prefer to make things happen ourselves, without delay. Hoping feels very similar to waiting; it is all about future things that are beyond our control. However, we have found that when we are actively trusting You, waiting and hoping flow naturally out of our closeness with You. Amen.
Beloved, trusting Me is crucial, and it gives meaning to your waiting and hoping. Without trust, your connection with Me quickly deteriorates. That's why the Bible contains so many commands to trust Me. As you affirm your faith in Me, I empower you to wait with positive expectations. Waiting on Me is actually a great privilege, full of promise and blessing. Waiting on royalty has always been considered a high position because it involves nearness to the royal persons. Ladies-in-waiting may perform humble services, such as helping people dress; yet these helpers are highly esteemed, even though they serve sinful, mortal royals. How much more should you treasure the privilege of serving Me - the king of eternity, immortal, invisible, the only God!
Hoping can be a joyful occupation, because it connects you to your promised inheritance in heaven. Such hope provides a rock solid foundation in the present, helping you face the daily struggles of living in a broken world. Hope also connects you with Me, for I am the God of hope. My death on the cross opened the way for you to join My royal family and live with Me forever.
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: Psalm 62:8; 1 Timothy 1:17 and Romans 15:13
Thursday, July 23, 2015
Entrust Your Loved Ones To ...
ENTRUST YOUR LOVED ONES TO Me. Release them into My protective care. They are much safer with Me than in your clinging hands.
Dear Jesus, Sometimes we think that loving others means rescuing them. When a loved one has a problem, we often feel responsible to come up with a solution. We plunge headlong into problem-solving mode, as if we are obliged to provide sound advice. Please help us stop feeling responsible to fix people, since that is Your role - not ours. Amen.
Beloved, it is indeed My prerogative to bring about change in people's lives, as I choose to do so. You can be part of the process, but remember that I am the Author and Director of the drama. You need to follow My script, rather than creating your own. Do not usurp My role in people's lives, no matter how much you long to help them.
When you feel compelled to rescue a loved one, take a good look at the quality of your love. Learn from Me, because I have all authority in heaven and on earth. I could rescue or control anyone at will. Yet I intentionally created people with the capacity to choose good or evil. I wanted them to be free to love Me - or not. Love that has no choice is not real!
Subordinate your deficient, controlling love to My perfect, empowering Love. Prayerfully release your loved ones to Me. Restrain your urges to solve their problems. Instead, use your time and energy to listen to them and pray for them. Trust in My Love and My unsearchable wisdom. I can work changes in your loved ones lives, beyond anything you might ask or imagine. As you release these precious ones to Me, linger a while in My unfailing Love - for them and also for you.
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: Matthew 28:18; Ephesians 3:20-21 and Psalm 143:8
Dear Jesus, Sometimes we think that loving others means rescuing them. When a loved one has a problem, we often feel responsible to come up with a solution. We plunge headlong into problem-solving mode, as if we are obliged to provide sound advice. Please help us stop feeling responsible to fix people, since that is Your role - not ours. Amen.
Beloved, it is indeed My prerogative to bring about change in people's lives, as I choose to do so. You can be part of the process, but remember that I am the Author and Director of the drama. You need to follow My script, rather than creating your own. Do not usurp My role in people's lives, no matter how much you long to help them.
When you feel compelled to rescue a loved one, take a good look at the quality of your love. Learn from Me, because I have all authority in heaven and on earth. I could rescue or control anyone at will. Yet I intentionally created people with the capacity to choose good or evil. I wanted them to be free to love Me - or not. Love that has no choice is not real!
Subordinate your deficient, controlling love to My perfect, empowering Love. Prayerfully release your loved ones to Me. Restrain your urges to solve their problems. Instead, use your time and energy to listen to them and pray for them. Trust in My Love and My unsearchable wisdom. I can work changes in your loved ones lives, beyond anything you might ask or imagine. As you release these precious ones to Me, linger a while in My unfailing Love - for them and also for you.
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: Matthew 28:18; Ephesians 3:20-21 and Psalm 143:8
Wednesday, July 22, 2015
As You Give Yourself More And More ...
AS YOU GIVE YOURSELF MORE AND MORE to a life of constant communion with Me, you will find that you simply have no time for worry.
Dear Jesus, We hate to say it, but we always find time for worrying! We have battled this worry beast for years, with little success. Trying not to worry is like trying not to think about something. The more we try, the more anxious we become. We definitely need Your help in this battle. Amen.
Beloved, you do need My help, because trying to fight this battle on your own has been so counterproductive. Now you're worrying about worrying! Your best strategy is to stop focusing on this problem and put your energy into communicating more with Me. This approach will help you achieve freedom from all sorts of negative tendencies, including worry. The idea is to replace hurtful, self-defeating behavior with something wondrously positive - communicating with your Creator and Savior.
Because I am your Creator, I know how you function best. I designed you for rich communion with Me. As your Savior, I also know how you function worst. Remember that I died for every one of your sins. Don't just talk to Me, listen to Me as well. I speak to you through My Word, My Spirit, My creation. As you give yourself more and more to communicating with Me, you will find your worry time vanishing.
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: Luke 12:25-26; Proverbs 12:25; Psalm 25:4-5 and
1 Thessalonians 5:17
Dear Jesus, We hate to say it, but we always find time for worrying! We have battled this worry beast for years, with little success. Trying not to worry is like trying not to think about something. The more we try, the more anxious we become. We definitely need Your help in this battle. Amen.
Beloved, you do need My help, because trying to fight this battle on your own has been so counterproductive. Now you're worrying about worrying! Your best strategy is to stop focusing on this problem and put your energy into communicating more with Me. This approach will help you achieve freedom from all sorts of negative tendencies, including worry. The idea is to replace hurtful, self-defeating behavior with something wondrously positive - communicating with your Creator and Savior.
Because I am your Creator, I know how you function best. I designed you for rich communion with Me. As your Savior, I also know how you function worst. Remember that I died for every one of your sins. Don't just talk to Me, listen to Me as well. I speak to you through My Word, My Spirit, My creation. As you give yourself more and more to communicating with Me, you will find your worry time vanishing.
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: Luke 12:25-26; Proverbs 12:25; Psalm 25:4-5 and
1 Thessalonians 5:17
Tuesday, July 21, 2015
Spend Time With Me For The ...
SPEND TIME WITH ME FOR THE Pure Pleasure of being in My company. I can brighten up the dullest of gray days. I can add sparkle to the routines of daily life.
Dear Jesus, Spending time in Your company, keenly aware of Your Presence, is utterly delightful. It's a foretaste of the eternal pleasures You have prepared for us. However, we confess that the "dailyness" of life tends to pull us down. Our focus on routine duties obscures our awareness of You. We want to enjoy Your continual Presence in all that we do.
Amen.
Beloved, wait in My Presence while I reveal Myself to you. Put aside thoughts of tasks awaiting as you focus pleasurably on Me. Allow awareness of My Presence to become imprinted on your consciousness. Then move gently from this contemplative time into your routine duties. Refuse to view this part of your life as boring. Instead, continue communing with Me, asking Me to be vibrantly involved in your work.
Having already connected with Me at a deep level, you can find Me more easily in the midst of your activities. Naturally, you will lose sight of Me at times, I know you are only human. But you can reconnect readily, by moving toward Me in your thoughts, words, and feelings. The more you include Me in your awareness, the brighter your day will be. Your routines will sparkle with the liveliness of My company.
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: Psalm 130:5-6 and Psalm 103:13-14
Dear Jesus, Spending time in Your company, keenly aware of Your Presence, is utterly delightful. It's a foretaste of the eternal pleasures You have prepared for us. However, we confess that the "dailyness" of life tends to pull us down. Our focus on routine duties obscures our awareness of You. We want to enjoy Your continual Presence in all that we do.
Amen.
Beloved, wait in My Presence while I reveal Myself to you. Put aside thoughts of tasks awaiting as you focus pleasurably on Me. Allow awareness of My Presence to become imprinted on your consciousness. Then move gently from this contemplative time into your routine duties. Refuse to view this part of your life as boring. Instead, continue communing with Me, asking Me to be vibrantly involved in your work.
Having already connected with Me at a deep level, you can find Me more easily in the midst of your activities. Naturally, you will lose sight of Me at times, I know you are only human. But you can reconnect readily, by moving toward Me in your thoughts, words, and feelings. The more you include Me in your awareness, the brighter your day will be. Your routines will sparkle with the liveliness of My company.
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: Psalm 130:5-6 and Psalm 103:13-14
Monday, July 20, 2015
I Am Not A ...
I AM NOT A Careless God. When I allow difficulties to come into your life, I equip you fully to handle them.
Dear Jesus, We know You are perfect in all Your ways, so it is impossible for You to be careless. However, we also know You are absolutely sovereign. Nothing happens that You have not allowed. When difficulties in our life overwhelm us - events You could have prevented - sometimes it feels as if You are being careless with us. We believe You do equip us to handle whatever comes our way, but we need Your help in using the equipment. Amen.
Beloved, realizing you need My help is half the battle. You also need My Word and My Spirit. The Bible imparts to you essential wisdom. My promises to be near you and take care of you, exhortations that help you avoid sinful snares, offers of forgiveness when you "miss the mark," and promises of My Spirit's living in you and empowering you.
It is important not to be surprised or alarmed by the many trials that enter your life. Until you reach your ultimate home in heaven, you will be at war. When you have a wartime mentality, it's easier to handle difficulties as they arise. You don't waste time and energy bemoaning your circumstances, you avoid the trap of feeling singled out for hardship.
I do indeed equip you fully to handle your difficulties. But you have to make the effort to use what I provide. My Presence. My Word. My Spirit. Come to Me when you are heavy laden and you will find rest for your soul.
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: Isaiah 42:10; 1 Peter 5:8-9 and Matthew 11:28-29
Dear Jesus, We know You are perfect in all Your ways, so it is impossible for You to be careless. However, we also know You are absolutely sovereign. Nothing happens that You have not allowed. When difficulties in our life overwhelm us - events You could have prevented - sometimes it feels as if You are being careless with us. We believe You do equip us to handle whatever comes our way, but we need Your help in using the equipment. Amen.
Beloved, realizing you need My help is half the battle. You also need My Word and My Spirit. The Bible imparts to you essential wisdom. My promises to be near you and take care of you, exhortations that help you avoid sinful snares, offers of forgiveness when you "miss the mark," and promises of My Spirit's living in you and empowering you.
It is important not to be surprised or alarmed by the many trials that enter your life. Until you reach your ultimate home in heaven, you will be at war. When you have a wartime mentality, it's easier to handle difficulties as they arise. You don't waste time and energy bemoaning your circumstances, you avoid the trap of feeling singled out for hardship.
I do indeed equip you fully to handle your difficulties. But you have to make the effort to use what I provide. My Presence. My Word. My Spirit. Come to Me when you are heavy laden and you will find rest for your soul.
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: Isaiah 42:10; 1 Peter 5:8-9 and Matthew 11:28-29
Sunday, July 19, 2015
Instead Of Single-Mindedly Pursuing A ...
INSTEAD OF SINGLE-MINDEDLY PURSUING A Goal, talk with Me about it. Let the Light of My Presence shine on this pursuit, so you can see it from My perspective.
Dear Jesus, Pursuing goals comes almost as naturally to us as breathing. When a goal grabs our attention, our instinct is to go for it, without really thinking it through. We may invest a lot of time and energy in something, only to realize later that it was the wrong pursuit. When we take the time to first discuss matters with You, our lives are much more satisfying. Amen.
Beloved, there are many benefits to talking with Me - before, during and after pursuing a goal. The Light of My Presence illuminates your pursuit, so you can see it more clearly. As you talk it over with Me, you gain a new perspective on the endeavor. The most important change in your perspective is a growing desire to please Me. This desire produces benefits far beyond the task at hand. It deepens your relationship with Me.
If you discern that your goal accords with My will, then you can pursue it confidently. As you work collaboratively with Me, continue to communicate about what you are doing. When the goal has been reached, thank Me for My help and guidance. Rejoice in what we have accomplished together!
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: Psalm 89:15-16; Proverbs 19:21; Psalm 37:5 and
Philippians 4:13
Dear Jesus, Pursuing goals comes almost as naturally to us as breathing. When a goal grabs our attention, our instinct is to go for it, without really thinking it through. We may invest a lot of time and energy in something, only to realize later that it was the wrong pursuit. When we take the time to first discuss matters with You, our lives are much more satisfying. Amen.
Beloved, there are many benefits to talking with Me - before, during and after pursuing a goal. The Light of My Presence illuminates your pursuit, so you can see it more clearly. As you talk it over with Me, you gain a new perspective on the endeavor. The most important change in your perspective is a growing desire to please Me. This desire produces benefits far beyond the task at hand. It deepens your relationship with Me.
If you discern that your goal accords with My will, then you can pursue it confidently. As you work collaboratively with Me, continue to communicate about what you are doing. When the goal has been reached, thank Me for My help and guidance. Rejoice in what we have accomplished together!
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: Psalm 89:15-16; Proverbs 19:21; Psalm 37:5 and
Philippians 4:13
Saturday, July 18, 2015
The Intimacy I Offer You Is Not ...
THE INTIMACY I OFFER YOU IS NOT an invitation to act as if you were My equal. Worship Me as Kings of kings while walking hand in hand with Me down the path of Life.
Dear Jesus, We know we often treat You with less reverence than You deserve, especially when we are upset with the way things are going in our lives. When we are hurting, we look for someone to blame - and sometimes it is You. Forgive us for rebelling against You and Your ways. Thank You for the amazing privilege of knowing You intimately. Amen.
Beloved, I took a huge risk when I created mankind in My own image. I made you with the potential to reverence and love Me freely, without coercion. In doing so, I gave you freedom to treat Me as an equal -- or worse. I paid enormously for your freedom - with My own blood. This payment has made it possible for you to know Me - the Kings of kings and Lord of lords. When one of My children draws near to Me in reverent awe, I open My heart and offer intimate friendship. The Joy we share in one another cannot be measured.
From time to time you overstep your bounds, forgetting who I AM. You talk to Me carelessly, even slanderously. Our intimacy is hindered by your irreverent attitude, but My Love for you is constant. When you remember My majestic Presence and return to Me repentantly, I rush to meet you and enfold you in My embrace. I celebrate with you the Joy of being close again, as we walk together down the path of Life.
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: 1 Timothy 6:14-15; John 8:58 and Luke 15:20
Dear Jesus, We know we often treat You with less reverence than You deserve, especially when we are upset with the way things are going in our lives. When we are hurting, we look for someone to blame - and sometimes it is You. Forgive us for rebelling against You and Your ways. Thank You for the amazing privilege of knowing You intimately. Amen.
Beloved, I took a huge risk when I created mankind in My own image. I made you with the potential to reverence and love Me freely, without coercion. In doing so, I gave you freedom to treat Me as an equal -- or worse. I paid enormously for your freedom - with My own blood. This payment has made it possible for you to know Me - the Kings of kings and Lord of lords. When one of My children draws near to Me in reverent awe, I open My heart and offer intimate friendship. The Joy we share in one another cannot be measured.
From time to time you overstep your bounds, forgetting who I AM. You talk to Me carelessly, even slanderously. Our intimacy is hindered by your irreverent attitude, but My Love for you is constant. When you remember My majestic Presence and return to Me repentantly, I rush to meet you and enfold you in My embrace. I celebrate with you the Joy of being close again, as we walk together down the path of Life.
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: 1 Timothy 6:14-15; John 8:58 and Luke 15:20
Friday, July 17, 2015
I Created Mankind To ...
I CREATED MANKIND TO Glorify And Enjoy Me forever. I provide the Joy, your part is to glorify Me by living close to Me.
Dear Jesus, We long to have a fully awakened soul! We have discovered that nothing is more satisfying than the Joy of your Presence. However, we are often subject to a slumbering soul: taking for granted our life with all its blessings, being overly focused on negative things, buying into the world's version of the good life. Help us break free from these worldly weights, so our soul can soar in the heights with You. Amen.
Beloved, the fact that you yearn for an awakened soul is itself a source of pleasure to Me. Many of My children view devotion to Me as a duty, and they look elsewhere for their pleasures. They fail to understand that the Joy of My Presence outshines even the most delightful earthly joy. Of course, it is not an either/or situation. You don't have to choose between enjoying Me or enjoying the many good gifts I provide. It is simply a matter of priorities: I want you to treasure Me above all else. Actually, the more fully you enjoy Me, the more capacity you have to appreciate the blessings I shower upon you. When you make Me your ultimate Pleasure, you glorify Me by desiring closeness with Me. As you delight in Me, I am free to bless you with many things that please you. If you keep Me first in your life, My good gifts will not become idols. Delight yourself in Me, and I will give you the desires and secret petitions of your heart.
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: 2 Chronicles 16:9; Acts 2:28; James 1:17 and
Psalm 37:4
Dear Jesus, We long to have a fully awakened soul! We have discovered that nothing is more satisfying than the Joy of your Presence. However, we are often subject to a slumbering soul: taking for granted our life with all its blessings, being overly focused on negative things, buying into the world's version of the good life. Help us break free from these worldly weights, so our soul can soar in the heights with You. Amen.
Beloved, the fact that you yearn for an awakened soul is itself a source of pleasure to Me. Many of My children view devotion to Me as a duty, and they look elsewhere for their pleasures. They fail to understand that the Joy of My Presence outshines even the most delightful earthly joy. Of course, it is not an either/or situation. You don't have to choose between enjoying Me or enjoying the many good gifts I provide. It is simply a matter of priorities: I want you to treasure Me above all else. Actually, the more fully you enjoy Me, the more capacity you have to appreciate the blessings I shower upon you. When you make Me your ultimate Pleasure, you glorify Me by desiring closeness with Me. As you delight in Me, I am free to bless you with many things that please you. If you keep Me first in your life, My good gifts will not become idols. Delight yourself in Me, and I will give you the desires and secret petitions of your heart.
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: 2 Chronicles 16:9; Acts 2:28; James 1:17 and
Psalm 37:4
Thursday, July 16, 2015
Look For A Star Of ...
LOOK FOR A STAR OF Guidance in your life, and be willing to follow wherever I lead. I am the Light from on high that dawns upon you, to guide your feet into the way of Peace.
Dear Jesus, We so long to walk in the way of Peace, and we believe that You are the only Way. We ask that Your Light may shine upon us more and more. We continually need the Light of Your Presence, because, we live in a cold, dark world. We desire Your radiant Presence not only for warmth but also for guidance. Please lead us along the path of Peace. Amen.
Beloved, My Presence radiates Light that helps you find the way of Peace. My Word enlightens your mind and head, empowering you to stay on the right path. As you read the Scripture, look for a star of guidance. Ask My Spirit to illumine those words to your seeking heart. They are words of Life!
Remember that I am your Shepherd. To walk in the way of Peace, you must follow Me wholeheartedly. If you drift even slightly from following My lead, you are at risk. For a while you will still be able to see Me, as you go your own way "just a bit." Eventually, however, you will lose sight of Me altogether. Veering even a few degrees off course will ultimately take you far from Me. With your feet no longer on the path of Peace, you will find yourself becoming increasingly anxious. The most important thing at this point is to realize you have lost your way. If you are humble enough, you can call out to Me for help. I am near to all who call on Me. I will hear your cry and save you, leading you back to the way of Peace.
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: Luke 1:78-79; John 14:6; Psalm 119:105 and
Psalm 145:18-19
Dear Jesus, We so long to walk in the way of Peace, and we believe that You are the only Way. We ask that Your Light may shine upon us more and more. We continually need the Light of Your Presence, because, we live in a cold, dark world. We desire Your radiant Presence not only for warmth but also for guidance. Please lead us along the path of Peace. Amen.
Beloved, My Presence radiates Light that helps you find the way of Peace. My Word enlightens your mind and head, empowering you to stay on the right path. As you read the Scripture, look for a star of guidance. Ask My Spirit to illumine those words to your seeking heart. They are words of Life!
Remember that I am your Shepherd. To walk in the way of Peace, you must follow Me wholeheartedly. If you drift even slightly from following My lead, you are at risk. For a while you will still be able to see Me, as you go your own way "just a bit." Eventually, however, you will lose sight of Me altogether. Veering even a few degrees off course will ultimately take you far from Me. With your feet no longer on the path of Peace, you will find yourself becoming increasingly anxious. The most important thing at this point is to realize you have lost your way. If you are humble enough, you can call out to Me for help. I am near to all who call on Me. I will hear your cry and save you, leading you back to the way of Peace.
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: Luke 1:78-79; John 14:6; Psalm 119:105 and
Psalm 145:18-19
Wednesday, July 15, 2015
Rather Than Planning And Evaluating, Practice ...
RATHER THAN PLANNING AND EVALUATING, PRACTICE Trusting And Thanking Me Continually. This is a paradigm shift that will revolutionize your life.
Dear Jesus, You certainly know us well! When our mind is idle, it veers toward planning and evaluating. We seem to be addicted to planning. We think it is a way we try to feel more powerful, but it actually has the opposite effect: increasing anxiety. Evaluating also seems to be second nature to us - as if it is our responsibility to pass judgment on everything and everyone. Please help us break free of these harmful tendencies. Amen.
Beloved, an effective way of dealing with addictions is to substitute good responses for the harmful behavior. When you find yourself flitting down your well-worn path of planning, stop and affirm your trust in Me. It can be as simple as saying, "I trust you, Jesus, to help me with this." Remember that I will be with you at that future time, helping you make decisions when needed. So, you can substitute affirmations of trust for compulsive planning. As you do so, your anxiety level will drop dramatically.
Your sense of responsibility to make judgments about everything is both hurtful and distorted. This attitude easily deteriorates into criticizing and complaining. Though you may not realize it, much of this negativity is ultimately directed at Me - the One who is sovereign over all things. Thankful words are the best replacements for your criticisms and complaints. There are always so many things you can think Me for, especially My provision of eternal Life. As you practice trusting and thanking Me, the quality of your life will improve immensely.
Changing your thought patterns requires time and mental discipline. However, the results are well worth the effort. Your thankful, trusting attitude will bring good pleasure to Me and abundant blessing to you.
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: 1 Peter 5:6-7; Psalm 29:11 and Matthew 7:1
Dear Jesus, You certainly know us well! When our mind is idle, it veers toward planning and evaluating. We seem to be addicted to planning. We think it is a way we try to feel more powerful, but it actually has the opposite effect: increasing anxiety. Evaluating also seems to be second nature to us - as if it is our responsibility to pass judgment on everything and everyone. Please help us break free of these harmful tendencies. Amen.
Beloved, an effective way of dealing with addictions is to substitute good responses for the harmful behavior. When you find yourself flitting down your well-worn path of planning, stop and affirm your trust in Me. It can be as simple as saying, "I trust you, Jesus, to help me with this." Remember that I will be with you at that future time, helping you make decisions when needed. So, you can substitute affirmations of trust for compulsive planning. As you do so, your anxiety level will drop dramatically.
Your sense of responsibility to make judgments about everything is both hurtful and distorted. This attitude easily deteriorates into criticizing and complaining. Though you may not realize it, much of this negativity is ultimately directed at Me - the One who is sovereign over all things. Thankful words are the best replacements for your criticisms and complaints. There are always so many things you can think Me for, especially My provision of eternal Life. As you practice trusting and thanking Me, the quality of your life will improve immensely.
Changing your thought patterns requires time and mental discipline. However, the results are well worth the effort. Your thankful, trusting attitude will bring good pleasure to Me and abundant blessing to you.
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: 1 Peter 5:6-7; Psalm 29:11 and Matthew 7:1
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
Remember That I Can Fit Everything Into A ...
REMEMBER THAT I CAN FIT EVERYTHING INTO A Pattern For Good, including the things you wish were different. Start with where you are at this point in time and space, accepting that this is where I intend you to be.
Dear Jesus, How we long to see this all embracing pattern for good! We can't begin to imagine how You can fit everything into such a pattern. Our current situation seems like a gigantic mistake to us, something we should have been able to prevent. We are trying to accept our circumstances as Your will, but we feel as if we are clawing our way up a sheer cliff. Help us make a new beginning, right where we are. Amen.
Beloved, even if I showed you the all-encompassing pattern, you wouldn't be able to understand it. Some things - many things - are simply beyond your comprehension. Do not indulge in obsessing about what you could have done differently, for that is an exercise in unreality. The past cannot be different from what has actually occurred.
There is only one place to make a new beginning, and that is NOW: the unique intersection of time and space you currently inhabit. I believe you can accept the present moment without too much difficulty. After all, you are conversing with Me, your Savior and Shepherd, this very moment. You can also handle the next moment as it comes - and the next. What you find most difficult to accept is the way the future looks to you: basing your predictions on current circumstances. But the future is one of those secret things beyond your domain: release it to Me, the rightful Owner. Refuse to worry about the future, and you will find your resources for today quite sufficient. Remember that I am part of those resources, and nothing is impossible with Me!
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: Romans 8:28; Deuteronomy 29:29 and Luke 1:37
Dear Jesus, How we long to see this all embracing pattern for good! We can't begin to imagine how You can fit everything into such a pattern. Our current situation seems like a gigantic mistake to us, something we should have been able to prevent. We are trying to accept our circumstances as Your will, but we feel as if we are clawing our way up a sheer cliff. Help us make a new beginning, right where we are. Amen.
Beloved, even if I showed you the all-encompassing pattern, you wouldn't be able to understand it. Some things - many things - are simply beyond your comprehension. Do not indulge in obsessing about what you could have done differently, for that is an exercise in unreality. The past cannot be different from what has actually occurred.
There is only one place to make a new beginning, and that is NOW: the unique intersection of time and space you currently inhabit. I believe you can accept the present moment without too much difficulty. After all, you are conversing with Me, your Savior and Shepherd, this very moment. You can also handle the next moment as it comes - and the next. What you find most difficult to accept is the way the future looks to you: basing your predictions on current circumstances. But the future is one of those secret things beyond your domain: release it to Me, the rightful Owner. Refuse to worry about the future, and you will find your resources for today quite sufficient. Remember that I am part of those resources, and nothing is impossible with Me!
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: Romans 8:28; Deuteronomy 29:29 and Luke 1:37
Monday, July 13, 2015
As You Live In Close Contact With ....
AS YOU LIVE IN CLOSE CONTACT WITH Me, the Light of My Presence filters through you to bless others. Your weakness and woundedness are openings through which the Light of the knowledge of My Glory shines forth.
Dear Jesus, You are absolutely perfect in all Your ways! It's awesome that You want to live in close contact with us, because You know how flawed we can be. We wish we could bring You a more cleaned up version of ourselves, but we know better than to try pretending with You. So we come near You just as we are: weak and wounded. Amen.
Beloved, your honesty and vulnerability draw Me closer to you. Feel the Light of My Presence shining upon you and within you. Let these healing rays soak deep into your being. I want you to both receive My blessings and be a source of blessing to other people. The very things that trouble you most - your weaknesses and wounds - are of greatest use to Me in helping others.
I have shone into your heart the knowledge of the Glory revealed in My Face. That much Light and Glory simply cannot be contained within you! Your weaknesses and wounds provide openings through which some of this glorious Light spills out of you. By letting these humble, hurting parts of you be exposed, you bless others - as My Light shines through you into their lives. Thus, your weakness and woundedness, consecrated to Me, become treasures in My kingdom.
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: 2 Corinthians 4:6; Psalm 89:15 and 2 Corinthians 4:7-9
Dear Jesus, You are absolutely perfect in all Your ways! It's awesome that You want to live in close contact with us, because You know how flawed we can be. We wish we could bring You a more cleaned up version of ourselves, but we know better than to try pretending with You. So we come near You just as we are: weak and wounded. Amen.
Beloved, your honesty and vulnerability draw Me closer to you. Feel the Light of My Presence shining upon you and within you. Let these healing rays soak deep into your being. I want you to both receive My blessings and be a source of blessing to other people. The very things that trouble you most - your weaknesses and wounds - are of greatest use to Me in helping others.
I have shone into your heart the knowledge of the Glory revealed in My Face. That much Light and Glory simply cannot be contained within you! Your weaknesses and wounds provide openings through which some of this glorious Light spills out of you. By letting these humble, hurting parts of you be exposed, you bless others - as My Light shines through you into their lives. Thus, your weakness and woundedness, consecrated to Me, become treasures in My kingdom.
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: 2 Corinthians 4:6; Psalm 89:15 and 2 Corinthians 4:7-9
Sunday, July 12, 2015
Do Not Be Afraid, For I Am ...
DO NOT BE AFRAID, FOR I AM With You. Hear Me saying, "Peace, be still!" to your restless heart.
Dear Jesus, Fearfulness seems to come so naturally to us, as if it's the default setting when we let our thoughts run freely. Peacefulness, on the other hand, requires continual effort and a degree of vigilance. We need to stay aware of Your Presence, to quiet our anxious hearts. We confess that we often lose sight of You, as the visible world lures our attention away from Your unseen Reality. Amen.
Beloved, I understand how vulnerable you are to things that impact your senses. It's good that you, too, are aware of this weakness. Also, you recognize that I am the answer to your vulnerability. The condition of yours is ever so human. The visible world tugs at the heartstrings of all My children. Because of this common human tendency, My Word exhorts you to be alert and prayerful - fixing your eyes on Me, bringing every thought captive to Me.
The sounds of the world (as well as its sights) tend to lead you away from Me. You need a quiet place in order to hear My voice. As you listen intently in My Presence, I guide your mind to think My thoughts. Bring Me your restless heart, and wait while I speak Peace into its depths - stilling the troubled waters of your soul.
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: Mark 4:39; Ephesians 6:18; Hebrews 12:2 and
2 Corinthians 10:5
Dear Jesus, Fearfulness seems to come so naturally to us, as if it's the default setting when we let our thoughts run freely. Peacefulness, on the other hand, requires continual effort and a degree of vigilance. We need to stay aware of Your Presence, to quiet our anxious hearts. We confess that we often lose sight of You, as the visible world lures our attention away from Your unseen Reality. Amen.
Beloved, I understand how vulnerable you are to things that impact your senses. It's good that you, too, are aware of this weakness. Also, you recognize that I am the answer to your vulnerability. The condition of yours is ever so human. The visible world tugs at the heartstrings of all My children. Because of this common human tendency, My Word exhorts you to be alert and prayerful - fixing your eyes on Me, bringing every thought captive to Me.
The sounds of the world (as well as its sights) tend to lead you away from Me. You need a quiet place in order to hear My voice. As you listen intently in My Presence, I guide your mind to think My thoughts. Bring Me your restless heart, and wait while I speak Peace into its depths - stilling the troubled waters of your soul.
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: Mark 4:39; Ephesians 6:18; Hebrews 12:2 and
2 Corinthians 10:5
Saturday, July 11, 2015
I Comprehend You In All Your ...
I COMPREHEND YOU IN ALL YOUR Complexity; no detail of your life is hidden from Me. I view you through eyes of grace, so don't be afraid of My intimate awareness.
Dear Jesus, It is totally amazing that You understand us - all of us - with absolute accuracy. That could also be terrifying, if You saw us through eyes of law rather than grace. Unfortunately, we often view ourselves legalistically: evaluating how well we are performing. We realize how silly that is, because our performance will always be insufficient to meet Your holy standard. That's why we desperately need Your grace! Please help us to see ourselves, as well as others, through eyes of grace. Amen
Beloved, come to Me and receive My unfailing Love. You are troubled by fear of failure, but My Love for you will never fail. Let Me describe what I see, as I view you through eyes of grace. You look, regal, for I have clothed you in My royal righteousness. You also look radiant, especially when you are gazing at Me. You are lovely as you reflect My Glory back to Me. In fact, you delight Me so much that I rejoice over you with shouts of Joy! This is how you appear through My vision of grace.
Because I am infinite, I can see you simultaneously as you are now and as you will be in heaven. The present view helps Me work with you on things you need to change. The heavenly vision enables Me to love you with perfect, everlasting Love.
The best way to see through eyes of grace is to look through the lens of My unfailing Love. As you persevere in this practice, you will gradually find it easier to extend grace both to yourself and to others.
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: Psalm 36:7; Psalm 34:4-5 and Zephaniah 2:17
Dear Jesus, It is totally amazing that You understand us - all of us - with absolute accuracy. That could also be terrifying, if You saw us through eyes of law rather than grace. Unfortunately, we often view ourselves legalistically: evaluating how well we are performing. We realize how silly that is, because our performance will always be insufficient to meet Your holy standard. That's why we desperately need Your grace! Please help us to see ourselves, as well as others, through eyes of grace. Amen
Beloved, come to Me and receive My unfailing Love. You are troubled by fear of failure, but My Love for you will never fail. Let Me describe what I see, as I view you through eyes of grace. You look, regal, for I have clothed you in My royal righteousness. You also look radiant, especially when you are gazing at Me. You are lovely as you reflect My Glory back to Me. In fact, you delight Me so much that I rejoice over you with shouts of Joy! This is how you appear through My vision of grace.
Because I am infinite, I can see you simultaneously as you are now and as you will be in heaven. The present view helps Me work with you on things you need to change. The heavenly vision enables Me to love you with perfect, everlasting Love.
The best way to see through eyes of grace is to look through the lens of My unfailing Love. As you persevere in this practice, you will gradually find it easier to extend grace both to yourself and to others.
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: Psalm 36:7; Psalm 34:4-5 and Zephaniah 2:17
Friday, July 10, 2015
Although Self-Sufficiency Is ...
ALTHOUGH SELF-SUFFICIENCY IS Acclaimed In The World, Reliance On Me Produces Abundant Living In My Kingdom.
Dear Jesus, Walking to the world's tempo is tempting at times. The desire to blend in can be both subtle and powerful. Self-sufficiency is certainly promoted in the world, sometimes to the point of self-deification. Though we don't really want to be self-sufficient, we sometimes find ourselves trying to appear as if we are. We know better: We have discovered that depending on You is the way to live more abundantly. Whenever we face difficult situations, we are grateful we can rely on You to help us. Teach us to depend on You more and more. Amen.
Beloved, the first thing you must deal with is being overly concerned about appearances. Remember that I look at your heart, not your outward appearance. What is most important to Me should also be most important to you. Reset the desire to look good and blend in with the world. Recognize that most people who appear self-sufficient are actually struggling deeply, many are even dependent on harmful substances to help them keep up appearances.
Reliance on Me results in abundant living because it is the way I designed you to live. I created people to be dependent on Me. The essence of Adam and Eve's first sin was that desire to be like God and thus capable of living independently. Ever since then, depending on Me continually has gone against the grain of human nature. Notice I said "continually"; this is the way I want you to rely on Me. Depending on Me in difficult circumstances is a good start. However, the more frequently you look to Me for help, the more you will find Me faithful. I sustain you moment by moment, so there is never a time when you don't need Me. Awareness of your neediness is actually a rich blessing - connecting you to Me and My abundant supply!
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: 1 Samuel 16:7; Genesis 3:4-5 and Psalm 16:8
Dear Jesus, Walking to the world's tempo is tempting at times. The desire to blend in can be both subtle and powerful. Self-sufficiency is certainly promoted in the world, sometimes to the point of self-deification. Though we don't really want to be self-sufficient, we sometimes find ourselves trying to appear as if we are. We know better: We have discovered that depending on You is the way to live more abundantly. Whenever we face difficult situations, we are grateful we can rely on You to help us. Teach us to depend on You more and more. Amen.
Beloved, the first thing you must deal with is being overly concerned about appearances. Remember that I look at your heart, not your outward appearance. What is most important to Me should also be most important to you. Reset the desire to look good and blend in with the world. Recognize that most people who appear self-sufficient are actually struggling deeply, many are even dependent on harmful substances to help them keep up appearances.
Reliance on Me results in abundant living because it is the way I designed you to live. I created people to be dependent on Me. The essence of Adam and Eve's first sin was that desire to be like God and thus capable of living independently. Ever since then, depending on Me continually has gone against the grain of human nature. Notice I said "continually"; this is the way I want you to rely on Me. Depending on Me in difficult circumstances is a good start. However, the more frequently you look to Me for help, the more you will find Me faithful. I sustain you moment by moment, so there is never a time when you don't need Me. Awareness of your neediness is actually a rich blessing - connecting you to Me and My abundant supply!
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: 1 Samuel 16:7; Genesis 3:4-5 and Psalm 16:8
Thursday, July 9, 2015
I Am The Creator Of The ...
I AM THE CREATOR OF THE Universe, Yet I Choose To Make My Humble Home In Your Heart. It is there where you know Me most intimately, it is there where I speak to you in holy whispers.
Dear Jesus, This is more than we can fathom - that Someone so great and majestic would choose to live in people like us, who are so small and sinful. Our minds almost recoil at the thought of Your perfect holiness living in us. Indeed, we are an exceedingly humble home for You. It helps to remember that though You live in us, You also inhabit the highest heavens. Someday we will behold You in the courts of heaven, where we will see You in all Your Glory.
We are thankful You are willing to live in our hearts, because we deeply desire intimacy with you. However, we are weak, easily distracted by the noise of the world. Help us hear Your whispers in our hearts. Amen.
Beloved, you do well to struggle with the thought of My holiness inhabiting your body. That shows Me you have some understanding of the absolute unity of My Being. Nonetheless, be assured that your sinfulness cannot taint My holiness. The influence goes the other direction. My righteousness purifies you! Delight in this blessed transaction, gratefully receiving My goodness.
You need stillness - outer and inner - to hear My gentle whispers in your heart. Find a quiet place, where the noise of the world is minimal. Then, focus your mind on this verse, "Cease striving and know that I am God." Be still, let go and relax in My Presence, while I commune with you in holy whispers.
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: Hebrews 1:2; Ephesians 3:16-17; 1 Kings 19:12 and
Psalm 46:10
Dear Jesus, This is more than we can fathom - that Someone so great and majestic would choose to live in people like us, who are so small and sinful. Our minds almost recoil at the thought of Your perfect holiness living in us. Indeed, we are an exceedingly humble home for You. It helps to remember that though You live in us, You also inhabit the highest heavens. Someday we will behold You in the courts of heaven, where we will see You in all Your Glory.
We are thankful You are willing to live in our hearts, because we deeply desire intimacy with you. However, we are weak, easily distracted by the noise of the world. Help us hear Your whispers in our hearts. Amen.
Beloved, you do well to struggle with the thought of My holiness inhabiting your body. That shows Me you have some understanding of the absolute unity of My Being. Nonetheless, be assured that your sinfulness cannot taint My holiness. The influence goes the other direction. My righteousness purifies you! Delight in this blessed transaction, gratefully receiving My goodness.
You need stillness - outer and inner - to hear My gentle whispers in your heart. Find a quiet place, where the noise of the world is minimal. Then, focus your mind on this verse, "Cease striving and know that I am God." Be still, let go and relax in My Presence, while I commune with you in holy whispers.
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: Hebrews 1:2; Ephesians 3:16-17; 1 Kings 19:12 and
Psalm 46:10
Wednesday, July 8, 2015
Thank Me For The Gift Of ...
Thank Me For The Gift Of My Peace: a gift of such immense proportions that you cannot fathom its depth or breadth.
Dear Jesus, We have searched for Peace in many different places but only Yours is real and enduring. Wonderful as Your Peace is, it often eludes me. When we let down our guard, anxiety creeps in without our permission. It tugs at the corners of our mind, drawing us away from awareness of You. Please teach us how to enjoy Your Peace more continually. Amen.
Beloved, you can thank Me for the gift of My Peace even when you're feeling anxious. My Peace is not so much a feeling as it is an unchangeable condition. It is permanent forgiveness. My eternal gift to you through My blood. I am not only the Giver of true Peace, I Myself am your Peace. It is every bit as available to you as I am. When you seek My Presence and find Me, you also encounter My Peace.
Thinking Me for the gift of My Peace, regardless of how you feel, is ultimately an act of trust. Your gratitude and trust will draw you closer to Me - the Lord of Peace. Rejoice as you explore with Me the immense proportions of My gift. Peace is all times and in every way!
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Scripture Insight)
Scripture Insight: Colossians 1:19-20; Ephesians 2:14; 1 Peter 5:7 and
2 Thessalonians 3:16
Dear Jesus, We have searched for Peace in many different places but only Yours is real and enduring. Wonderful as Your Peace is, it often eludes me. When we let down our guard, anxiety creeps in without our permission. It tugs at the corners of our mind, drawing us away from awareness of You. Please teach us how to enjoy Your Peace more continually. Amen.
Beloved, you can thank Me for the gift of My Peace even when you're feeling anxious. My Peace is not so much a feeling as it is an unchangeable condition. It is permanent forgiveness. My eternal gift to you through My blood. I am not only the Giver of true Peace, I Myself am your Peace. It is every bit as available to you as I am. When you seek My Presence and find Me, you also encounter My Peace.
Thinking Me for the gift of My Peace, regardless of how you feel, is ultimately an act of trust. Your gratitude and trust will draw you closer to Me - the Lord of Peace. Rejoice as you explore with Me the immense proportions of My gift. Peace is all times and in every way!
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Scripture Insight)
Scripture Insight: Colossians 1:19-20; Ephesians 2:14; 1 Peter 5:7 and
2 Thessalonians 3:16
Tuesday, July 7, 2015
Marvel At The Awesome Wonder Of ...
MARVEL AT THE AWESOME WONDER OF Being Able To Commune With The King of The Universe Any Time, Any Place. Never take this amazing privilege for granted.
Dear Jesus, We confess that often we do take this awesome prayer privilege for granted. Even worse, at times we act as if we are doing You a favor by spending time talking with You. Forgive us for our foolish arrogance! Amen.
Beloved, I am pleased that you recognize and repent of your foolishness. The best antidote to such thoughts is remembering who I AM: King of kings and Lord of lords, dwelling in dazzlingly inapproachable Light. My eyes are like blazing fire. My voice is like the sound of rushing waters. My face is like the sun shining in all its brilliance. I am also your Shepherd, tenderly leading you step by step through your life. We want you to realize how precious you are to Me - how much I delight in you. I long for you to reciprocate by delighting in Me.
I listen to your heart as well as to your words. When you approach My throne of grace joyfully, anticipating the wondrous pleasure of communing with Me, both you and I are blessed!
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: 1 Timothy 6:15-16; Revelation 1:14-16; Psalm 37:4 and
Hebrews 4:16
Dear Jesus, We confess that often we do take this awesome prayer privilege for granted. Even worse, at times we act as if we are doing You a favor by spending time talking with You. Forgive us for our foolish arrogance! Amen.
Beloved, I am pleased that you recognize and repent of your foolishness. The best antidote to such thoughts is remembering who I AM: King of kings and Lord of lords, dwelling in dazzlingly inapproachable Light. My eyes are like blazing fire. My voice is like the sound of rushing waters. My face is like the sun shining in all its brilliance. I am also your Shepherd, tenderly leading you step by step through your life. We want you to realize how precious you are to Me - how much I delight in you. I long for you to reciprocate by delighting in Me.
I listen to your heart as well as to your words. When you approach My throne of grace joyfully, anticipating the wondrous pleasure of communing with Me, both you and I are blessed!
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: 1 Timothy 6:15-16; Revelation 1:14-16; Psalm 37:4 and
Hebrews 4:16
Monday, July 6, 2015
Nothing Is Wasted When You ...
NOTHING IS WASTED WHEN YOU Walk Close To Me. Even your mistakes can be recycled into something good, through My transforming grace.
Dear Jesus, We desperately want to believe that our mistakes can somehow be used for good in Your kingdom. The truth is, we hate making mistake! This attitude can easily translate into hating ourselves for having messed up. When we let our mind run freely at such a time, we find ourselves fantasizing about what might have been - if only we had acted or chosen differently. We definitely need a strong dose of your transforming grace! Amen.
Beloved, the best strategy for accepting yourself, even when you make mistakes, is living close to Me. This nearness helps you see things from My perspective. You tend to view yourself as someone who should be almost perfect, making very few errors. My perspective is quite different. I see you as My beloved child - weak in many ways, prone to wandering from Me. However, your weakness and waywardness cannot diminish My constant Love for you. Moreover, My infinite wisdom enables Me to take your errors and weave them into an intricate work that is good.
You need to accept not only yourself but also the choices you have made. Fantasizing about having done things differently is a time-wasting trap. It is impossible to live close to Me while you are indulging in such unreality. The more you fantasize, the further from Me you wander. When you realize this has happened, turn around and run back to Me! Take time to talk with Me and relax in My Presence. Your perfectionist tendencies will dissolve as you soak in My transforming grace.
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: Psalm 103:13-14; Psalm 119:76 and Ephesians 1:7-8
Dear Jesus, We desperately want to believe that our mistakes can somehow be used for good in Your kingdom. The truth is, we hate making mistake! This attitude can easily translate into hating ourselves for having messed up. When we let our mind run freely at such a time, we find ourselves fantasizing about what might have been - if only we had acted or chosen differently. We definitely need a strong dose of your transforming grace! Amen.
Beloved, the best strategy for accepting yourself, even when you make mistakes, is living close to Me. This nearness helps you see things from My perspective. You tend to view yourself as someone who should be almost perfect, making very few errors. My perspective is quite different. I see you as My beloved child - weak in many ways, prone to wandering from Me. However, your weakness and waywardness cannot diminish My constant Love for you. Moreover, My infinite wisdom enables Me to take your errors and weave them into an intricate work that is good.
You need to accept not only yourself but also the choices you have made. Fantasizing about having done things differently is a time-wasting trap. It is impossible to live close to Me while you are indulging in such unreality. The more you fantasize, the further from Me you wander. When you realize this has happened, turn around and run back to Me! Take time to talk with Me and relax in My Presence. Your perfectionist tendencies will dissolve as you soak in My transforming grace.
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: Psalm 103:13-14; Psalm 119:76 and Ephesians 1:7-8
Sunday, July 5, 2015
Invite Me Into Your Thoughts By ...
INVITE ME INTO YOUR THOUGHTS BY Whispering My Name. Suddenly your day brightens and feels more user-friendly.
Dear Jesus, When we speak Your Name in loving trust, we sense Your Presence and feel ourselves drawing closer to You. There is great Power in Your Name. We have found that simply whispering "Jesus" can turn a hard day into a good one. By calling upon Your name frequently we acknowledge our continual need of You. Amen.
Beloved, when you pray My Name, you are actually calling upon Me, My very Being. I joyfully respond to your invitation by coming nearer to you.
I am pleased by your desire to rely on Me in your small moments, as well as in the big events of your life. When you whisper My Name, I respond not only to your neediness but also to your love. As you look to Me, My Face shines upon you in radiant approval - brightening your day and helping you feel secure.
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: Acts 4:12; James 4:8; Acts 2:21; Numbers 6:25-26
Dear Jesus, When we speak Your Name in loving trust, we sense Your Presence and feel ourselves drawing closer to You. There is great Power in Your Name. We have found that simply whispering "Jesus" can turn a hard day into a good one. By calling upon Your name frequently we acknowledge our continual need of You. Amen.
Beloved, when you pray My Name, you are actually calling upon Me, My very Being. I joyfully respond to your invitation by coming nearer to you.
I am pleased by your desire to rely on Me in your small moments, as well as in the big events of your life. When you whisper My Name, I respond not only to your neediness but also to your love. As you look to Me, My Face shines upon you in radiant approval - brightening your day and helping you feel secure.
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: Acts 4:12; James 4:8; Acts 2:21; Numbers 6:25-26
Saturday, July 4, 2015
I Am Always ...
I AM ALWAYS Before You, Beckoning You On -- one step at a time. Neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation can separate you from My loving Presence.
Dear Jesus, We want to live our lives focused on Your Presence in the present. We believe You are always before us, leading and encouraging us, but we need to live out of that reality moment by moment. Our minds tend to leap over the present moment to the next task, ignoring the one that is before us and the One who is before us. During rare times when we are able to stay focused on You, our work is infused with Your Presence. It is no longer laborious but delightful: more like play than work. Amen.
Beloved, living in collaboration with Me can be a foretaste of heaven. It is wonderful, though not easy. It requires a level of spiritual and mental concentration that is extremely challenging. In the Psalms, David wrote about this collaborative way of living, declaring that he had set Me always before him. As a shepherd, he had plenty of time to seek My Face and enjoy My Presence. He discovered the beauty of days lived with Me always before him - and beside him. I am training you to live this way too. This endeavor requires more persistent effort than anything else you have attempted. Yet, rather than detracting from your other activities, it fills them with vibrant Life.
Whatever you do, do it for Me - with Me, through Me, in Me. Even menial tasks glow with the Joy of My Presence when you do them for Me. Ultimately, nothing will be able to separate you from Me. So this you-and-I-together-venture can continue throughout eternity.
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: Romans 8:38-39; Psalm 16:8 and Colossians 3:23-24
Dear Jesus, We want to live our lives focused on Your Presence in the present. We believe You are always before us, leading and encouraging us, but we need to live out of that reality moment by moment. Our minds tend to leap over the present moment to the next task, ignoring the one that is before us and the One who is before us. During rare times when we are able to stay focused on You, our work is infused with Your Presence. It is no longer laborious but delightful: more like play than work. Amen.
Beloved, living in collaboration with Me can be a foretaste of heaven. It is wonderful, though not easy. It requires a level of spiritual and mental concentration that is extremely challenging. In the Psalms, David wrote about this collaborative way of living, declaring that he had set Me always before him. As a shepherd, he had plenty of time to seek My Face and enjoy My Presence. He discovered the beauty of days lived with Me always before him - and beside him. I am training you to live this way too. This endeavor requires more persistent effort than anything else you have attempted. Yet, rather than detracting from your other activities, it fills them with vibrant Life.
Whatever you do, do it for Me - with Me, through Me, in Me. Even menial tasks glow with the Joy of My Presence when you do them for Me. Ultimately, nothing will be able to separate you from Me. So this you-and-I-together-venture can continue throughout eternity.
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: Romans 8:38-39; Psalm 16:8 and Colossians 3:23-24
July 3rd - Nothing Is Wasted When It Is ...
NOTHING IS WASTED WHEN IT IS Shared With Me. I can bring beauty out of the ashes of lost dreams. I can glean Joy out of sorrow, Peace out of adversity. Only a Friend who is also the King of kings could accomplish this divine alchemy.
Dear Jesus, We are so blessed to have a Friend like you! We want to learn how to share more and more of our life with You. We believe You are capable of bringing beauty out of our lost dreams, Joy out of our sorrow, Peace out of our problems. However, we confess that often we get stuck in brokenness and struggles. Help us bring all these things to You for transformation. Amen.
Beloved, you have made a request that pleases Me greatly. I delight in transforming My precious children. Give Me your broken dreams. Release them into My care and keeping. I will not only heal the brokenness. I will give you a new dream - one that is in harmony with My plans for you. As you work to actualize this fresh dream, you will find yourself becoming more content and increasingly aware of My beautiful Presence.
Give Me also your sadness and your problems. Sorrow shared with Me is permeated with brilliant sparkles of Joy - like numerous Christmas lights glittering in the darkness. Accept adversity as My gift to you. Search for golden pockets of Peace hidden in the stony hardness of your problems.
I am your devoted Friend and also your King of kings, accomplishing My divine transformation in you. All things are possible with Me!
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: Isaiah 61:1-3; John 14:27 and Matthew 19:26
Dear Jesus, We are so blessed to have a Friend like you! We want to learn how to share more and more of our life with You. We believe You are capable of bringing beauty out of our lost dreams, Joy out of our sorrow, Peace out of our problems. However, we confess that often we get stuck in brokenness and struggles. Help us bring all these things to You for transformation. Amen.
Beloved, you have made a request that pleases Me greatly. I delight in transforming My precious children. Give Me your broken dreams. Release them into My care and keeping. I will not only heal the brokenness. I will give you a new dream - one that is in harmony with My plans for you. As you work to actualize this fresh dream, you will find yourself becoming more content and increasingly aware of My beautiful Presence.
Give Me also your sadness and your problems. Sorrow shared with Me is permeated with brilliant sparkles of Joy - like numerous Christmas lights glittering in the darkness. Accept adversity as My gift to you. Search for golden pockets of Peace hidden in the stony hardness of your problems.
I am your devoted Friend and also your King of kings, accomplishing My divine transformation in you. All things are possible with Me!
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: Isaiah 61:1-3; John 14:27 and Matthew 19:26
Thursday, July 2, 2015
Gently Bring Your Attention Back To ...
GENTLY BRING YOUR ATTENTION BACK TO Me, whenever it wanders away. I look for persistence - rather than perfection - in your walk with Me.
Dear Jesus, It is such a relief to know that You accept our persistence and do not reject us for our many failures. We are amazed that our minds can wander so far from You very quickly. When we realize this has happened (again!), our natural tendency is to feel discouraged and disappointed with ourselves. Thank You for accepting us in all our imperfections. Amen
Beloved, I not only accept you as you are. I love you as you are. I died a criminal's death so I could adorn you with My own perfection. That is why bringing your thoughts to Me is so important. It is My perfect righteousness that saves you, and it will never be taken away from you!
You can easily fall prey to self rejection if you have unrealistic expectations for yourself. I want you to bring your focus back to Me gently: without judging yourself. If you express disappointment about your wandering mind, that response will only distract you further. Instead of engaging in such hurtful activity - putting yourself down - persist in returning your attention to Me. I always welcome you back with unfailing Love.
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: Hebrews 10:12-14; Luke 10:41-42 and Psalm 36:7
Dear Jesus, It is such a relief to know that You accept our persistence and do not reject us for our many failures. We are amazed that our minds can wander so far from You very quickly. When we realize this has happened (again!), our natural tendency is to feel discouraged and disappointed with ourselves. Thank You for accepting us in all our imperfections. Amen
Beloved, I not only accept you as you are. I love you as you are. I died a criminal's death so I could adorn you with My own perfection. That is why bringing your thoughts to Me is so important. It is My perfect righteousness that saves you, and it will never be taken away from you!
You can easily fall prey to self rejection if you have unrealistic expectations for yourself. I want you to bring your focus back to Me gently: without judging yourself. If you express disappointment about your wandering mind, that response will only distract you further. Instead of engaging in such hurtful activity - putting yourself down - persist in returning your attention to Me. I always welcome you back with unfailing Love.
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: Hebrews 10:12-14; Luke 10:41-42 and Psalm 36:7
Wednesday, July 1, 2015
By Gazing At Me, You Gain My ...
BY GAZING AT ME, YOU GAIN MY Perspective on your life. This time with Me is essential for untangling your thoughts and smoothing out the day before you.
Dear Jesus, You can easily read our thoughts, and You assess their condition with perfect accuracy. We wake up each morning with thought-fragments racing through our mind. It's hard to untangle our own thinking, because our mental capacity is so limited when we first awake. However, we can look to You, to do for us what we are unable to do for ourselves. Amen.
Beloved, even when your thoughts are scrambled you can indeed look to Me for help. Many people stumble out of bed in the morning and head straight for the coffee pot. Though they are not yet thinking clearly they are conscious enough to move toward something that will help untangle their thoughts. I perform a similar function for you, when your mind stumbles in My direction. Ask Me to help you think My thoughts and see things from My perspective. I created you in My image so that you would have this amazing capacity.
As you wait in My Presence, I not only unscramble your thinking, I also straighten your path through the day. I am sovereign over every aspect of your life, so opening up the way before you is no problem for Me. Some people think they don't have time to begin their day with Me. They don't realize how much I can facilitate their activities - removing obstacles, giving insights that save time, and so on. When you spend precious time with Me, I compensate you generously: smoothing out the circumstances of your day.
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: Psalm 139:1-2; Genesis 1:27 and Psalm 33:20-22
Dear Jesus, You can easily read our thoughts, and You assess their condition with perfect accuracy. We wake up each morning with thought-fragments racing through our mind. It's hard to untangle our own thinking, because our mental capacity is so limited when we first awake. However, we can look to You, to do for us what we are unable to do for ourselves. Amen.
Beloved, even when your thoughts are scrambled you can indeed look to Me for help. Many people stumble out of bed in the morning and head straight for the coffee pot. Though they are not yet thinking clearly they are conscious enough to move toward something that will help untangle their thoughts. I perform a similar function for you, when your mind stumbles in My direction. Ask Me to help you think My thoughts and see things from My perspective. I created you in My image so that you would have this amazing capacity.
As you wait in My Presence, I not only unscramble your thinking, I also straighten your path through the day. I am sovereign over every aspect of your life, so opening up the way before you is no problem for Me. Some people think they don't have time to begin their day with Me. They don't realize how much I can facilitate their activities - removing obstacles, giving insights that save time, and so on. When you spend precious time with Me, I compensate you generously: smoothing out the circumstances of your day.
- Jesus
(Dear Jesus / Sarah Young)
Scripture Insight: Psalm 139:1-2; Genesis 1:27 and Psalm 33:20-22
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