Fog

AS YOU LOOK at the day before you, you see a twisted, complicated path, with branches going off in all directions.

You wonder how you can possibly find your way through that maze.

Then you remember the One who is with you always, holding you by your right hand.

You recall My promise to guide you with My counsel, and you begin to relax.

As you look again at the path ahead, you notice that a peaceful fog has settled over it, obscuring your view.

You can see only a few steps in front of you, so you turn your attention more fully to Me and begin to enjoy My Presence.

The fog is a protection for you, calling you back into the present moment.

Although I inhabit all of space and time, you can communicate with Me only here and now.

Someday the fog will no longer be necessary, for you will have learned to keep your focus on Me and on the path just ahead of you.

- From " Jesus Calling " by Sarah Young

Stay Strong!

"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."
—PSALM 73: 23–24

"Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known."
—1 CORINTHIANS 13: 12

Assurance

I have always found the passage below to be one of the most comforting, assuring and inspiring messages regarding our Faith and the Promise given to us all - in both good times and in times of challenge.

Happy Advent, Happy Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy, and Happy Sunday!

Stay Strong!

"Do not look forward in Fear to the changes in life;
rather look to them with full Hope that as they arise, God, whose very own you are, will lead you safely through all things;

And when you cannot stand it,
God will carry you in His arms.

Do not fear what may happen tomorrow;
the same understanding Father who cares for you today will take care of you then and every day.

He will either shield you from suffering or will give you unfailing strength to bear it.

Be at Peace, and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations."

- Saint Francis de Sales

Stay Strong!

Believing and Receiving

THIS IS A TIME OF ABUNDANCE in your life.

Your cup runneth over with blessings.

After plodding uphill for many weeks, you are now traipsing through lush meadows drenched in warm sunshine.

I want you to enjoy to the full this time of ease and refreshment.

I delight in providing it for you.

Sometimes My children hesitate to receive My good gifts with open hands.

Feelings of false guilt creep in, telling them they don't deserve to be so richly blessed.

This is nonsense-thinking, because no one deserves anything from Me.

My kingdom is not about earning and deserving; it's about believing and receiving.

When a child of Mine balks at accepting My gifts, I am deeply grieved.

When you receive My abundant blessings with a grateful heart, I rejoice.

My pleasure in giving and your pleasure in receiving flow together in joyous harmony.

- from " Jesus Calling " by Sarah Young

Stay Strong!

"Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over."
—PSALM 23: 5 KJV

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
—JOHN 3: 16

"So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened."
—LUKE 11: 9–10

"He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?"
—ROMANS 8: 32

Strengthen you Spiritually, Emotionally, and Physically

I GIVE STRENGTH TO THE WEARY AND INCREASE the power of the weak.

You live in a world where weakness is often pitied—or even despised.

People spend vast amounts of time, energy, and money on efforts to strengthen their bodies.

They also use various stimulants to avoid or disguise weariness.

However, weakness and weariness are simply part of the reality of living in a fallen world—and in a fallen body.

I invite you to come into My Presence confidently, with all your weariness and weakness.

I have experiential understanding of fatigue because I lived in your world for thirty-three years.

You can let down your guard with Me and admit how tired you really are.

Take time just to be with Me—basking in the Light of My Love.

As My Face shines upon you, I bless you and give you Peace.

Do not skimp on this time with Me, for I use it to strengthen you spiritually, emotionally, and physically.

Lift up wide-open arms, seeking My Presence in the present moment.

Be prepared to receive abundantly—Joy, Peace, unfailing Love.

From " JESUS TODAY " BY SARAH YOUNG

STAY STRONG!

"The LORD gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
—Isaiah 40: 29–31

"The LORD make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace."
—Numbers 6: 25–26 NKJV

"Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love."
—Psalm 31: 16

When you are Hurting, Come to me for Comfort

LET MY UNFAILING LOVE BE YOUR COMFORT.

Something that brings you comfort should be dependable, and My Love will never fail you.

My soothing Presence is always with you, but to receive the full benefits of this blessing, you need to trust Me wholeheartedly.

Comfort is not only for your blessing but for your empowerment.

When you feel secure in My Love, you are strengthened—and able to do the things I've prepared for you to do.

Love and comfort go together ever so naturally.

When a small child needs comforting, the best remedy is often soothing words and a gentle kiss.

Young children instinctively turn to their parents in such times of need, and you do well to learn from their example.

When you are hurting, come to Me for comfort.

Rest in Me, My child, and enjoy the gentle kiss of My Presence.

Listen to Me as I rejoice over you with singing.

To benefit fully from My comforting words, memorize scriptures that will assure you of My Love.

Remember: I love you always—with an everlasting Love.

- from " Jesus Today" by Sarah Young

Stay Strong!

"May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant."
—Psalm 119: 76

"The LORD your God in your midst, the Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing."
—Zephaniah 3: 17 NKJV

"The LORD has appeared of old to me, saying: "Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with loving kindness I have drawn you."
—Jeremiah 31: 3 NKJV

Remember My Promise in Times of Trouble

I AM GOOD—A REFUGE IN TIMES OF TROUBLE.

I care for those who trust in Me.

Even though you inhabit a world full of trouble, I assure you that I am completely, 100 percent good!

I am light, and in Me there is no darkness at all.

Seek in Me the perfection you have longed for all your life.

Because of the brokenness of this world, you always need a refuge—but especially in times of trouble.

When you are hurting, I yearn to shelter you in My powerful, loving Presence.

So turn to Me in tough times, and you will find Me faithful.

Many of My children fail to receive My help during difficult times because they don't really trust Me.

When adversity strikes, they either lash out angrily at Me or become so focused on their problems that they forget I am with them.

An essential element of trusting Me is remembering My promise to be with you always.

Trust in Me, My child, and I will take care of you.

- From " Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young

Stay Strong!

"The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him."
—Nahum 1: 7

"This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all."
—1 John 1: 5 NKJV

"When I am afraid, I put my trust in you."
—Psalm 56: 3 ESV

"Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
—Matthew 28: 19–20

Through our Difficulties

LEAN ON, TRUST IN, AND BE CONFIDENT IN ME.

The more challenging your life circumstances, the more you need to affirm—and lean on—your confident trust in Me.

During difficult times, your natural tendency is to rely heavily on your own understanding.

However, your human understanding is not up to this task; it will fail you time and again.

You have every reason to be confident in Me.

I am the Creator and Sustainer of the universe, and I am in charge of every aspect of your life.

Because the world is in such a fallen condition, it may seem as if I'm not in control.

I could end all suffering instantly—by destroying the earth and taking My children Home—but I am waiting to bring many sons and daughters to Glory.

So take heart as you live in this broken world, believing that My eternal purposes are being worked out through your difficulties.

Your troubles are part of My majestic Master Plan, and they are achieving an eternal Glory that far outweighs them all!

- From " Jesus Today " by Sarah Young

Stay Strong!

"Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding."
—Proverbs 3: 5 AMP

"It was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings."
—Hebrews 2: 10 NKJV

"Our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all."
—2 Corinthians 4: 17

I am in Control and I am Taking Care of You

Happy Friday and Happy Weekend!

I AM CALLING YOU TO LIVE JOYFULLY IN THE midst of your struggles.

You yearn for a freer, more independent way of life than you're currently experiencing.

You pray fervently—and then wait hopefully for the changes you desire.

When I don't answer your prayers according to your will, you sometimes get discouraged.

It's easy for you to feel as if you're doing something wrong—as if you're missing out on what is best for you.

When you think that way, you are forgetting a most important truth: that I am Sovereign. I am in control, and I am taking care of you.

I want you to accept your dependent way of living as a gift from Me.

Moreover, I want you to receive this gift joyfully—with a glad and thankful heart.

Actually, nothing will lift you out of the doldrums faster than Thanking and Praising Me.

And nothing will help you enjoy My Presence more delightfully!

Enter My gates with thanksgiving and My courts with Praise.

- From " Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young

Stay Strong!

"The Sovereign LORD comes with power, and his arm rules for him. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him."
—Isaiah 40: 10

"Indeed, O man, who are you to reply against God? Will the thing formed say to him who formed it, "Why have you made me like this?"
—Romans 9: 20 NKJV

"Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations."
—Psalm 100: 4–5

I Will Strengthen You and Help You

LEARN TO APPRECIATE difficult days.

Be stimulated by the challenges you encounter along your way.

As you journey through rough terrain with Me, gain confidence from your knowledge that together we can handle anything.

This knowledge is comprised of three parts:

Your relationship with Me

Promises in the Bible

Past experiences of coping successfully during hard times

Look back on your life, and see how I have helped you through difficult days.

If you are tempted to think, "Yes, but that was then, and this is now," remember who I am!

Although you and your circumstances may change dramatically, I remain the same throughout time and eternity.

This is the basis of your confidence.

In My Presence you live and move and have your being.

- from " Jesus Today " by Sarah Young

Stay Strong!

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
—ISAIAH 41: 10

"But you remain the same, and your years will never end."
—PSALM 102: 27

"For in him we live and move and have our being." As some of your own poets have said, "We are his offspring."
—ACTS 17: 28

Therefore I Tell You, Do Not Worry about Your Life

SIT QUIETLY WITH ME, letting all your fears and worries bubble up to the surface of your consciousness.

There, in the Light of My Presence, the bubbles pop and disappear.

However, some fears surface over and over again, especially fear of the future.

You tend to project yourself mentally into the next day, week, month, year, decade; and you visualize yourself coping badly in those times.

What you are seeing is a false image, because it doesn't include Me.

Those gloomy times that you imagine will not come to pass, since My Presence will be with you at all times.

When a future-oriented worry assails you, capture it and disarm it by suffusing the Light of My Presence into that mental image.

Say to yourself:

"Jesus will be with me then and there. With His help, I can cope!"

Then, come home to the present moment, where you can enjoy Peace in My Presence.

From " Jesus Today " by Sarah Young

Stay Strong!

"Then Jesus said to his disciples: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?"
—LUKE 12: 22–25

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."
—DEUTERONOMY 31: 6

"We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."
—2 CORINTHIANS 10: 5

Recharge Your Strength

I AM THE LIGHT THAT SHINES ON IN THE darkness, for the darkness has never overpowered it—and it never will!

When multiple problems are closing in on you, the Light of My Presence may seem like a dim memory.

If you are feeling distant from Me, it's time for you to stop everything and pour out your heart to Me.

Carve out some time and space to talk with Me about your problems and your feelings.

Let Me help you carry your burdens and show you the way forward.

No matter how much darkness you see in the world around you, My Light continues to shine on, for it is infinitely more powerful!

Because you are My child, this Light shines not only upon you but also within you.

You live in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, and this is the perfect backdrop for you to shine as light in the world.

Take time to bask in My radiant Presence.

Let My boundless energy recharge your strength so you can blaze boldly in the darkness around you.

- From "Jesus Today " by Sarah Young

Stay Strong! 

"The Light shines on in the darkness, for the darkness has never overpowered it, put it out or absorbed it or appropriated it, and is unreceptive to it."
—John 1: 5 AMP

"Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge."
—Psalm 62:

"Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world."
—Philippians 2: 14–15 NKJV

Great Endurance in Troubles, Hardships and Distresses

HOPE IN ME, FOR YOU WILL AGAIN PRAISE Me for the help of My Presence.

Sometimes—especially when you are feeling downcast or disturbed—it is hard to continue hoping in Me.

At such times it's important to remember that Christian hope is much more than a feeling.

It is confidence in Me: who I am (your Savior-God) and what I have promised to do (receive you into eternal Glory).

The help of My Presence is a constant in your life, but you are not always receptive to it.

I am training you to exercise your trust and hope in Me by praising Me regardless of your feelings.

The day will come when you will spontaneously burst into songs of worship—joyously praising Me for My glorious Presence!

However, when you rejoice in Me during times of sadness, a marvelous thing happens: Your words of hope and trust in Me lift you above your circumstances.

This sets your feet on an upward path of gratitude—where your Joy increases step by step.

This sacrifice of praise is most pleasing to Me!

"Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him for the help of His presence."
—Psalm 42: 5 NASB

"You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory."
—Psalm 73: 24 ESV

"As servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance, in troubles, hardships and distresses. . . . sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything."
—2 Corinthians 6: 4, 10

"Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess his name."
—Hebrews 13: 15

The Promise of Powerful Protection

TRY TO STAY CONSCIOUS OF ME as you go step by step through this day.

My Presence with you is both a promise and a protection.

My final statement just before I ascended into heaven was:

"Surely I am with you always."

That promise was for all of My followers, without exception.

The promise of My Presence is a powerful protection.

As you journey through your life, there are numerous pitfalls along the way.

Many voices clamor for your attention, enticing you to go their way.

A few steps away from your true path are pits of self-pity and despair, plateaus of pride and self-will.

If you take your eyes off Me and follow another's way, you are in grave danger.

Even well-meaning friends can lead you astray if you let them usurp My place in your life.

The way to stay on the path of Life is to keep your focus on Me.

Awareness of My Presence is your best protection.

Stay Strong!

"And teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
—MATTHEW 28: 20

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 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: 1–2

True Hope

FIND REST IN ME ALONE, DEAR ONE; YOUR hope comes from Me.

You have a restless mind. It skips and scampers about continually, rarely taking time to be still.

Listen, and you will hear Me saying, "Come to Me."

I am the only resting place for your mind that will truly satisfy and strengthen you.

Take time—make time—to direct your thoughts to Me.

Whisper My Name and wait in My sacred Presence.

You are on holy ground.

This provides refreshment not only for your mind but also for your soul.

True hope comes from Me.

False hope comes from many sources, including persuasive advertising.

Ask Me to give you discernment as you seek to walk along a hopeful path.

Many voices call out to you:

"This is the way!"

Do not be deceived; learn to be wise and alert when you're trying to process all the information shouting at you.

Break free from information overload by refocusing your thoughts on Me.

As you rest in My peaceful Presence, true hope grows within you.

From "Jesus Today " by Sarah Young

Stay Strong!

"Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him."
—Psalm 62: 5

"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

Then Moses said, "I will turn aside and see this great sight, why the bush does not burn."So when the LORD saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, "Moses! Moses!"And [Moses] said, "Here I am."Then [God] said, "Do not draw near this place. Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground."
—Exodus 3: 3–5 NKJV

"I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves."
—Matthew 10: 16 NKJV

...the More Help you Can Expect

WALK PEACEFULLY WITH ME through this day.

You are wondering how you will cope with all that is expected of you.

You must traverse this day like any other: one step at a time.

Instead of mentally rehearsing how you will do this or that, keep your mind on My Presence and on taking the next step.

The more demanding your day, the more help you can expect from Me.

This is a training opportunity, since I designed you for deep dependence on your Shepherd-King.

Challenging times wake you up and amplify your awareness of needing My help.

When you don't know what to do, wait while I open the way before you.

Trust that I know what I'm doing, and be ready to follow My lead.

From "Jesus Today " by Sarah Young

Stay Strong!

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

"The bolts of your gates will be iron and bronze, and your strength will equal your days."
—DEUTERONOMY 33: 25

"May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.'
—HEBREWS 13: 20–21

"The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace." —PSALM 29: 11

Joy in the Midst of Adversity

EVERY TIME something thwarts your plans or desires, use that as a reminder to communicate with Me.

This practice has several benefits.

The first is obvious: Talking with Me blesses you and strengthens our relationship.

Another benefit is that disappointments, instead of dragging you down, are transformed into opportunities for good.

This transformation removes the sting from difficult circumstances, making it possible to be joyful in the midst of adversity.

Begin by practicing this discipline in all the little disappointments of daily life.

It is often these minor setbacks that draw you away from My Presence.

When you reframe setbacks as opportunities, you find that you gain much more than you have lost.

It is only after much training that you can accept major losses in this positive way.

But it is possible to attain the perspective of the apostle Paul, who wrote: Compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus, I consider everything I once treasured to be as insignificant as rubbish.

From "Jesus Calling"  by Sarah Young

Stay Strong!

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

"But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ."
—PHILIPPIANS 3: 7–8

Every Day a Fresh Opportunity

Happy Feast of All Souls!

Remembering all of those who have passed and have been welcomed into the light and arms of our Lord in Heaven.  And praying for the repose of those souls who are still in need of our prayers and God's Mercy and Blessings.

Stay Strong!

THE WORLD ABOUNDS WITH NEGATIVE THINGS to think about.

Sometimes problems—yours or others'—seem to shout for your attention.

They can occupy more and more of your thinking, causing you to become weary and discouraged in your soul.

But remember: You can choose the subject of your thoughts.

Cry out to Me and I will help you.

Turn toward Me, letting My Light shine upon you.

Do not be defeated by wrong choices you have made in the past.

And don't let past decisions define who you are in the present.

Each moment provides a fresh opportunity to draw near Me and enjoy My Presence.

One way to do this is to pray, "Jesus, I choose to seek You in the midst of my problems."

Refuse to get discouraged, even if you have to say this hundreds of times daily.

In this world you will have trouble. But take heart!

I have overcome the world. You can find Peace in Me.

From "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young

Stay Strong!

"Consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls."
—Hebrews 12: 3 NKJV

"This poor man cried out, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the LORD encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them."
—Psalm 34: 6–7 NKJV

"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: 3

I Am With You Always - Taking Care of You

I AM IMMANUEL—GOD WITH YOU—AND I am enough!

When things in your life are flowing smoothly, it is easy to trust in My sufficiency.

However, when you encounter rough patches—one after another after another—you may sometimes feel that My provision is inadequate.

This is when your mind tends to go into high gear: obsessing about ways to make things better.

There is nothing wrong with seeking solutions, but problem-solving can turn into an addiction: your mind spinning with so many plans and possibilities that you become confused and exhausted.

To protect yourself from this mental exhaustion, you need to remind yourself that I am with you always, taking care of you.

It is possible to rejoice in Me—to proclaim My sufficiency—even during the most difficult times.

This is a supernatural work, empowered by My Spirit who lives in you.

It is also a decision that you make—day by day and moment by moment.

Choose to be joyful in Me, your Savior, for I am indeed enough!

"She will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins." So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,"which is translated, "God with us."
—Matthew 1: 21–23 NKJV "

"Go and make disciples, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
—Matthew 28: 20

"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."
—Habakkuk 3: 17–18