Unconditional Love

STOP JUDGING AND EVALUATING YOURSELF, for this is not your role.

Above all, stop comparing yourself with other people.

This produces feelings of pride or inferiority; sometimes, a mixture of both.

I lead each of My children along a path that is uniquely tailor-made for him or her.

Comparing is not only wrong; it is also meaningless.

Don't look for affirmation in the wrong places: your own evaluations, or those of other people.

The only source of real affirmation is My unconditional Love.

Many believers perceive Me as an unpleasable Judge, angrily searching out their faults and failures.

Nothing could be farther from the truth!

I died for your sins, so that I might clothe you in My garments of salvation.

This is how I see you: radiant in My robe of righteousness.

When I discipline you, it is never in anger or disgust; it is to prepare you for face-to-Face fellowship with Me throughout all eternity.

Immerse yourself in My loving Presence.

Be receptive to My affirmation, which flows continually from the throne of grace.

Stay Strong

"Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven."
   —LUKE 6: 37

"I will rejoice greatly in the LORD, my soul will exult in my God; for He has clothed me with garments of salvation, He has wrapped me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
—ISAIAH 61: 10 NASB

My son, do not despise the LORD's discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.
     —PROVERBS 3: 11–12

Beyond what you can bear

KEEP YOUR EYES ON ME!

Waves of adversity are washing over you, and you feel tempted to give up.

As your circumstances consume more and more of your attention, you are losing sight of Me.

Yet I am with you always, holding you by your right hand.

I am fully aware of your situation, and I will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able to bear.

Your gravest danger is worrying about tomorrow.

If you try to carry tomorrow's burdens today, you will stagger under the load and eventually fall flat.

You must discipline yourself to live within the boundaries of today.

It is in the present moment that I walk close to you, helping you carry your burdens.

Keep your focus on My Presence in the present.

Stay Strong!!

"Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand."
      —PSALM 73: 23

"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it."
      —1 CORINTHIANS 10: 13

Do not Worry....

I AM LEADING YOU, STEP BY STEP, through your life.

Hold My hand in trusting dependence, letting Me guide you through this day.

Your future looks uncertain and feels flimsy—even precarious.

That is how it should be.

Secret things belong to the Lord, and future things are secret things.

When you try to figure out the future, you are grasping at things that are Mine.

This, like all forms of worry, is an act of rebellion: doubting My promises to care for you.

Whenever you find yourself worrying about the future, repent and return to Me.

I will show you the next step forward, and the one after that, and the one after that.

Relax and enjoy the journey in My Presence, trusting Me to open up the way before you as you go.

Stay Strong!!!

"The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law."
      —DEUTERONOMY 29: 29

"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you."
       —PSALM 32: 8

In Everything Give Thanks...

REST IN MY PRESENCE, allowing Me to take charge of this day.

Do not bolt into the day like a racehorse suddenly released.

Instead, walk purposefully with Me, letting Me direct your course one step at a time.

Thank Me for each blessing along the way; this brings Joy to both you and Me.
A grateful heart protects you from negative thinking.

Thankfulness enables you to see the abundance I shower upon you daily.

Your prayers and petitions are winged into heaven's throne room when they are permeated with thanksgiving.

In everything give thanks, for this is My will for you.

Stay Strong!!

"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful."
     —COLOSSIANS 4: 2

"In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
    —1 THESSALONIANS 5: 18

Equipped for the journey

LET ME PREPARE YOU for the day that stretches out before you.

I know exactly what this day will contain, whereas you have only vague ideas about it.

You would like to see a map, showing all the twists and turns of your journey.

You'd feel more prepared if you could somehow visualize what is on the road ahead.

However, there is a better way to be prepared for whatever you will encounter today: Spend quality time with Me.

I will not show you what is on the road ahead, but I will thoroughly equip you for the journey.

My living Presence is your Companion each step of the way.

Stay in continual communication with Me, whispering My Name whenever you need to redirect your thoughts.

Thus, you can walk through this day with your focus on Me.

My abiding Presence is the best road map available.

Stay Strong!

"The LORD replied, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest."
    —EXODUS 33: 14

"Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.  If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.  If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you."
     —JOHN 15: 4– 7

Self Pity

BE ON GUARD against the pit of self-pity.

When you are weary or unwell, this demonic trap is the greatest danger you face.

Don't even go near the edge of the pit.

Its edges crumble easily, and before you know it, you are on the way down.

It is ever so much harder to get out of the pit than to keep a safe distance from it.

That is why I tell you to be on guard.

There are several ways to protect yourself from self-pity.

When you are occupied with praising and thanking Me, it is impossible to feel sorry for yourself.

Also, the closer you live to Me, the more distance there is between you and the pit.

Live in the Light of My Presence by fixing your eyes on Me.

Then you will be able to run with endurance the race that is set before you, without stumbling or falling.

Stay Strong

"Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O LORD."
  —PSALM 89: 15

Keep on Asking

YOU NEED ME EVERY MOMENT.

Your awareness of your constant need for Me is your greatest strength.

Your neediness, properly handled, is a link to My Presence.

However, there are pitfalls that you must be on guard against: self-pity, self-preoccupation, giving up.

Your inadequacy presents you with a continual choice—deep dependence on Me, or despair.

The emptiness you feel within will be filled either with problems or with My Presence.

Make Me central in your consciousness by praying continually: simple, short prayers flowing out of the present moment.

Use My Name liberally, to remind you of My Presence.

Stay Strong!

"Keep on asking and you will receive, so that your gladness may be full and complete. Pray continually."
   —1 THESSALONIANS 5: 17

"Up to this time you have not asked a single thing in My Name; but now ask and keep on asking and you will receive, so that your joy, gladness, and delight may be full and complete."
  —JOHN 16: 24 AMP

TRUST AND THANKFULNESS

TRUST AND THANKFULNESS WILL get you safely through this day.

Trust protects you from worrying and obsessing.

Thankfulness keeps you from criticizing and complaining: those "sister sins"that so easily entangle you.

Keeping your eyes on Me is the same thing as trusting Me.

It is a free choice that you must make thousands of times daily.

The more you choose to trust Me, the easier it becomes.

Thought patterns of trust become etched into your brain.

Relegate troubles to the periphery of your mind, so that I can be central in your thoughts.

Thus you focus on Me, entrusting your concerns into My care.

Stay Strong

"So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness."
    —COLOSSIANS 2: 6–7

"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."
   —1 PETER 5: 7

Gold mine of Peace

LEARN TO LIVE from your true Center in Me.

I reside in the deepest depths of your being, in eternal union with your spirit.

It is at this deep level that My Peace reigns continually.

You will not find lasting peace in the world around you, in circumstances, or in human relationships.

The external world is always in flux—under the curse of death and decay.

But there is a gold mine of Peace deep within you, waiting to be tapped.

Take time to delve into the riches of My residing Presence.

I want you to live increasingly from your real Center, where My Love has an eternal grip on you.

I am Christ in you, the hope of Glory.

Stay Strong!!

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. —COLOSSIANS 3: 15 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory."
      —COLOSSIANS 1: 27

Joy despite adverse circumstances

YOU ARE FEELING WEIGHED DOWN by a plethora of problems, both big and small.

They seem to require more and more of your attention, but you must not give in to those demands.

When the difficulties in your life feel as if they're closing in on you, break free by spending quality time with Me.

You need to remember who I AM in all My Power and Glory.

Then, humbly bring Me your prayers and petitions.

Your problems will pale when you view them in the Light of My Presence.

You can learn to be joyful in Me, your Savior, even in the midst of adverse circumstances.

Rely on Me, your Strength; I make your feet like the feet of a deer, enabling you to go on the heights.

Stay Strong!!

"Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights."
    —HABAKKUK 3: 17–19

Safety Net

I AM WITH YOU.

These four words are like a safety net, protecting you from falling into despair.

Because you are human, you will always have ups and downs in your life experience.

But the promise of My Presence limits how far down you can go.

Sometimes you may feel as if you are in a free fall, when people or things you had counted on let you down.

Yet as soon as you remember that I am with you, your perspective changes radically.

Instead of bemoaning your circumstances, you can look to Me for help.

You recall that not only am I with you, I am holding you by your right hand.

I guide you with My counsel, and afterward I will take you into Glory.

This is exactly the perspective you need: the reassurance of My Presence, and the glorious hope of heaven.

Stay Strong

"The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing."
    —ZEPHANIAH 3: 17

"Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
    —PSALM 73: 23–26

Even in Darkness Light Dawns...

GIVE UP THE ILLUSION that you deserve a problem-free life.

Part of you is still hungering for the resolution of all difficulties.

This is a false hope!

As I told My disciples, in the world you will have trouble.

Link your hope not to problem solving in this life but to the promise of an eternity of problem-free life in heaven.

Instead of seeking perfection in this fallen world, pour your energy into seeking Me: the Perfect One.

It is possible to enjoy Me and glorify Me in the midst of adverse circumstances.

In fact, My Light shines most brightly through believers who trust Me in the dark.

That kind of trust is supernatural: a production of My indwelling Spirit.

When things seem all wrong, trust Me anyway.

I am much less interested in right circumstances than in right responses to whatever comes your way.

Stay Strong! !!

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
    —JOHN 16: 33

"Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man. . . . He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD."
      —PSALM 112: 4, 7

Invest in Trusting Me...

EVERY TIME YOU AFFIRM YOUR TRUST IN ME, you put a coin into My treasury.

Thus you build up equity in preparation for days of trouble.

I keep safely in My heart all trust invested in Me, with interest compounded continuously.

The more you trust Me, the more I empower you to do so.

Practice trusting Me during quiet days, when nothing much seems to be happening.

Then when storms come, your trust balance will be sufficient to see you through.

Store up for yourself treasure in heaven, through placing your trust in Me.

This practice will keep you in My Peace.

Stay Strong

"When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In
God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?
    —PSALM 56: 3– 4

"But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
     —MATTHEW 6: 20– 21

Shepherd. ..

COME TO ME with all your weaknesses: physical, emotional, and spiritual.

Rest in the comfort of My Presence, remembering that nothing is impossible with Me.

Pry your mind away from your problems so you can focus your attention on Me.

Recall that I am able to do immeasurably more than all you ask or imagine.

Instead of trying to direct Me to do this and that, seek to attune yourself to what I am already doing.

When anxiety attempts to wedge its way into your thoughts, remind yourself that I am your Shepherd.

The bottom line is that I am taking care of you; therefore, you needn't be afraid of anything.

Rather than trying to maintain control over your life, abandon yourself to My will.

Though this may feel frightening—even dangerous, the safest place to be is in My will.

Stay Strong

"For nothing is impossible with God."
     —LUKE 1: 37

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.
    —EPHESIANS 3: 20–21

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
       —PSALM 23: 1–4

Do Not Fear

GIVE YOURSELF FULLY to the adventure of today.

Walk boldly along the path of Life, relying on your ever-present Companion.
You have every reason to be confident, because My Presence accompanies you all the days of your life— and onward into eternity.

Do not give in to fear or worry, those robbers of abundant living.

Trust Me enough to face problems as they come, rather than trying to anticipate them.

Fix your eyes on Me, the Author and Perfecter of your faith, and many difficulties on the road ahead will vanish before you reach them.

Whenever you start to feel afraid, remember that I am holding you by your right hand.

Nothing can separate you from My Presence!

"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
      —HEBREWS 12: 2

"For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you."
    —ISAIAH 41: 13

Continue to Thank Me for answers that are on the way....

TRUST ME by relinquishing control into My hands.

Let go, and recognize that I am God.

This is My world: I made it and I control it.

Yours is a responsive part in the litany of Love.

I search among My children for receptivity to Me.

Guard well this gift that I have planted in your heart.

Nurture it with the Light of My Presence.

When you bring Me prayer requests, lay out your concerns before Me.   Speak to Me candidly; pour out your heart.

Then thank Me for the answers that I have set into motion long before you can discern results.

When your requests come to mind again, continue to thank Me for the answers that are on the way.

If you keep on stating your concerns to Me, you will live in a state of tension.

When you thank Me for how I am answering your prayers, your mind-set becomes much more positive.

Thankful prayers keep your focus on My Presence and My promises.

Happy Friday - Stay Strong!!

"Let be and be still, and know (recognize and understand) that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth!
     —PSALM 46: 10 AMP

"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful."
   —COLOSSIANS 4: 2

"His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires."
     —2 PETER 1: 3– 4

A Precious, Unrepeatable Gift. ...

TRY TO VIEW EACH DAY as an adventure, carefully planned out by your Guide.

Instead of staring into the day that is ahead of you, attempting to program it according to your will, be attentive to Me and to all I have prepared for you.

Thank Me for this day of life, recognizing that it is a precious, unrepeatable gift.

Trust that I am with you each moment, whether you sense My Presence or not.

A thankful, trusting attitude helps you to see events in your life from My perspective.

A life lived close to Me will never be dull or predictable.

Expect each day to contain surprises!

Resist your tendency to search for the easiest route through the day.

Be willing to follow wherever I lead.

No matter how steep or treacherous the path before you, the safest place to be is by My side.

Stay Strong!!

"This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."
    —PSALM 118: 24

"To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps."
      —1 PETER 2: 21

Slow down. ..

I AM WITH YOU AND FOR YOU.

When you decide on a course of action that is in line with My will, nothing in heaven or on earth can stop you.

You may encounter many obstacles as you move toward your goal, but don't be discouraged— never give up!

With My help, you can overcome any obstacle.

Do not expect an easy path as you journey hand in hand with Me, but do remember that I, your very-present Helper, am omnipotent.

Much, much stress results from your wanting to make things happen before their times have come.

One of the main ways I assert My sovereignty is in the timing of events.

If you want to stay close to Me and do things My way, ask Me to show you the path forward moment by moment.

Instead of dashing headlong toward your goal, let Me set the pace.

Slow down, and enjoy the journey in My Presence.

Stay Strong! !!

"What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?"
     —ROMANS 8: 31

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling.
    —PSALM 46: 1– 3 NKJV

"For nothing is impossible with God."
     —LUKE 1: 37

Just call out....

MY FACE IS SHINING UPON YOU, beaming out Peace that transcends understanding.

You are surrounded by a sea of problems, but you are face to Face with Me, your Peace.

As long as you focus on Me, you are safe.

If you gaze too long at the myriad problems around you, you will sink under the weight of your burdens.

When you start to sink, simply call out, "Help me, Jesus!" and I will lift you up.

The closer you live to Me, the safer you are.

Circumstances around you are undulating, and there are treacherous-looking waves in the distance.

Fix your eyes on Me, the One who never changes.

By the time those waves reach you, they will have shrunk to proportions of My design.

I am always beside you, helping you face today's waves.

The future is a phantom, seeking to spook you.

Laugh at the future!

Stay close to Me.

"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
     —PHILIPPIANS 4: 7

"Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!"
    —MATTHEW 14: 29– 30

Help ..always

I AM ABOVE ALL THINGS: your problems, your pain, and the swirling events in this ever-changing world.

When you behold My Face, you rise above circumstances and rest with Me in heavenly realms.

This is the way of Peace, living in the Light of My Presence.

I guarantee that you will always have problems in this life, but they must not become your focus.

When you feel yourself sinking in the sea of circumstances, say "Help me, Jesus!" and I will draw you back to Me.

If you have to say that thousands of times daily, don't be discouraged.

I know your weakness, and I meet you in that very place.

"Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water."   "Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him.  "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?" And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down.
      —MATTHEW 14: 28– 32

Stay Strong

COME TO ME FOR REST

COME TO ME FOR REST and refreshment.

The journey has been too much for you, and you are bone-weary.

Do not be ashamed of your exhaustion.

Instead, see it as an opportunity for Me to take charge of your life.

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.

You will get through today one step, one moment at a time.

Your main responsibility is to remain attentive to Me, letting Me guide you through the many choices along your pathway.

This sounds like an easy assignment, but it is not.

Your desire to live in My Presence goes against the grain of "the world, the flesh, and the devil."

Much of your weariness results from your constant battle against these opponents.

However, you are on the path of My choosing, so do not give up!

Hope in Me, for you will again praise Me for the help of My Presence.

Stay Strong

We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose.
      —ROMANS 8: 28 AMP

Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God.
    —PSALM 42: 11 NASB

Rest

COME TO ME AND REST.

I am all around you, to bless and restore.
Breathe Me in with each breath.

The way just ahead of you is very steep.

Slow down and cling tightly to My hand.

I am teaching you a difficult lesson, learned only by hardship.

Lift up empty hands of faith to receive My precious Presence. Light, Life, Joy, and Peace flow freely through this gift.

When your focus turns away from Me, you grasp for other things. You drop the glowing gift of My Presence as you reach for lifeless ashes.

Return to Me; regain My Presence.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." 
      —MATTHEW 11: 28– 29

STAY STRONG! !

Far more than you ask....

I AM ABLE to do far beyond all that you ask or imagine.

Come to Me with positive expectations, knowing that there is no limit to what I can accomplish.

Ask My Spirit to control your mind, so that you can think great thoughts of Me.

Do not be discouraged by the fact that many of your prayers are yet unanswered.

Time is a trainer, teaching you to wait upon Me, to trust Me in the dark.

The more extreme your circumstances, the more likely you are to see My Power and Glory at work in the situation.

Instead of letting difficulties draw you into worrying, try to view them as setting the scene for My glorious intervention.

Keep your eyes and your mind wide open to all that I am doing in your life.

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen."
    —EPHESIANS 3: 20– 21

Stay Strong

Peace during distress and trials

REFRESH YOURSELF in the Peace of My Presence.

This Peace can be your portion at all times and in all circumstances.

Learn to hide in the secret of My Presence, even as you carry out your duties in the world.

I am both with you and within you.

I go before you to open up the way, and I also walk alongside you. There could never be another companion as devoted as I am.

Because I am your constant Companion, there should be a lightness to your step that is observable to others.

Do not be weighed down with problems and unresolved issues, for I am your burden-bearer.

In the world you have trials and distress, but don't let them get you down.

I have conquered the world and deprived it of power to harm you.

In Me you may have confident Peace.

"I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have perfect peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you."
     —JOHN 16: 33 AMP

Stay Strong!

You are Not battling Alone!

Feb 3
>
> I AM WITH YOU AND FOR YOU.
>
> You face nothing alone— NOTHING!
>
> When you feel anxious, know that you are focusing on the visible world and leaving Me out of the picture.
>
> The remedy is simple: Fix your eyes not on what is seen but on what is unseen.
>
> Verbalize your trust in Me, the Living One who sees you always.
>
> I will get you safely through this day and all your days.
>
> But you can find Me only in the present.
>
> Each day is a precious gift from My Father.
>
> How ridiculous to grasp for future gifts when today's is set before you!
>
> Receive today's gift gratefully, unwrapping it tenderly and delving into its depths.
>
> As you savor this gift, you find Me.
>
> "What, then, shall we say in response to this?    If God is for us, who can be against us?"
>        —ROMANS 8: 31
>
> "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."
>    —2 CORINTHIANS 4: 18
>
> STAY STRONG! !!