Thursday, December 31, 2015

Consistently Trust

Wishing everyone a Safe, Peaceful and Blessed New Year!

May 2016 and beyond be filled with endless Blessings, Peace, Joy, and Good Health for you, your friends and your families!

God bless you all and Stay Strong!  :) 

TRUST ME with every fiber of your being!

What I can accomplish in and through you is proportional to how much you depend on Me.

One aspect of this is the degree to which you trust Me in a crisis or major decision.

Some people fail miserably here, while others are at their best in tough times.

Another aspect is even more telling: the constancy of your trust in Me.

People who rely on Me in the midst of adversity may forget about Me when life is flowing smoothly.

Difficult times can jolt you into awareness of your need for Me, whereas smooth sailing can lull you into the stupor of self-sufficiency.

I care as much about your tiny trust-steps through daily life as about your dramatic leaps of faith.

You may think that no one notices, but the One who is always beside you sees everything—and rejoices.

Consistently trusting in Me is vital to flourishing in My Presence.

- from " Jesus Today " by Sarah Young

Stay Strong!

"Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods."
—PSALM 40: 4

"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

"Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge".
—Psalm 62: 8

"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal."
—ISAIAH 26: 3–4

Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Therefore We Will Not Fear

I AM YOUR REFUGE AND STRENGTH, an ever-present Help in trouble.

Therefore, you don't need to be afraid of anything—not even cataclysmic circumstances.

The media are increasingly devoted to fear-inducing subject matter: terrorism, serial killers, environmental catastrophes.

If you focus on such dangers and forget that I am your Refuge in all circumstances, you will become increasingly fearful.

Every day I manifest My grace in countless places and situations, but the media take no notice.

I shower not only blessings but also outright miracles on your planet.

As you grow closer to Me, I open your eyes to see more and more of My Presence all around you.

Things that most people hardly notice, like shifting shades of sunlight, fill you with heart-bursting Joy.

You have eyes that see and ears that hear, so proclaim My abiding Presence in the world.

- from " Jesus Calling " by Sarah Young

Stay Strong!

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging." —PSALM 46: 1–3

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

Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Depending on My Strength

I AM PREPARING YOU for what is on the road ahead, just around the bend.

Take time to be still in My Presence so that I can strengthen you.

The busier you become, the more you need this time apart with Me.

So many people think that time spent with Me is a luxury they cannot afford.

As a result, they live and work in their own strength—until that becomes depleted.

Then they either cry out to Me for help or turn away in bitterness.

How much better it is to walk close to Me, depending on My strength and trusting Me in every situation.

If you live in this way, you will do less but accomplish far more.

Your unhurried pace of living will stand out in this rush-crazed age.

Some people may deem you lazy, but many more will be blessed by your peacefulness.

Walk in the Light with Me, and you will reflect Me to the watching world.

-from " Jesus Calling " by Sarah Young

Stay Strong!

"Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him.'
—ISAIAH 64: 4

"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."
—JOHN 15: 5

"For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light."
—PSALM 36: 9

Monday, December 28, 2015

Bring Them to Me, Your Refuge

COME TO ME WITH THE DIFFICULTIES THAT ARE WEIGHING YOU DOWN.

Even though there is no relief in sight, your troubles are actually light and momentary—from an eternal perspective.

Your problems feel so heavy because you have given them too much power.

Each time you focus on them and forget about Me, you empower them a bit more.

Even small objects placed very close to your eyes can obscure most of the vista before you.

I want you to put your troubles down long enough to view the vast expanse of Life that is spread out before you—all the way into eternity!

The best way to lay your problems down is:

Bring them to Me.

Unburden yourself by pouring out your heart to Me, for I am your Refuge.

As you release your woes to Me (even temporarily), your vision improves and you can see Me more clearly.

Linger with Me while My Light shines powerfully into your heart.

This Light illuminates the knowledge of the Majesty and Glory revealed in My Face.

This is the eternal Glory that outweighs all your troubles.

- from " Jesus Lives" by Sarah Young

Stay Strong!

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

"Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. Selah."
- PSALM 62:8

"For God Who said, Let light shine out of darkness, has shone in our hearts so as [to beam forth] the Light for the illumination of the knowledge of the majesty and glory of God [as it is manifest in the Person and is revealed] in the face of Jesus Christ (the Messiah)."
- 2 CORINTHIANS 4:6 AMP

Thursday, December 24, 2015

Do Not Fear Your Weaknesses

MY PLAN FOR YOUR LIFE is unfolding before you.

Sometimes the road you are traveling seems blocked, or it opens up so painfully slowly that you must hold yourself back.

Then, when time is right, the way before you suddenly clears—through no effort of your own.

What you have longed for and worked for I present to you freely, as pure gift.

You feel awed by the ease with which I operate in the world, and you glimpse My Power and My Glory.

Do not fear your weakness, for it is the stage on which My Power and Glory perform most brilliantly.

As you persevere along the path I have prepared for you, depending on My strength to sustain you, expect to see miracles—and you will.

Miracles are not always visible to the naked eye, but those who live by faith can see them clearly.

Living by faith, rather than sight, enables you to see My Glory.

- from " Jesus Today " by Sarah Young

Stay Strong!

"I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. —PSALM 63: 2 We live by faith, not by sight."
—2 CORINTHIANS 5: 7

"Then Jesus said, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?"
—JOHN 11: 40

Wednesday, December 23, 2015

I Will Watch Over You

PROBLEMS ARE PART OF LIFE.

They are inescapable: woven into the very fabric of this fallen world.

You tend to go into problem-solving mode all too readily, acting as if you have the capacity to fix everything.

This is a habitual response, so automatic that it bypasses your conscious thinking.

Not only does this habit frustrate you, it also distances you from Me.

Do not let fixing things be your top priority.

You are ever so limited in your capacity to correct all that is wrong in the world around you.

Don't weigh yourself down with responsibilities that are not your own.

Instead, make your relationship with Me your primary concern.

Talk with Me about whatever is on your mind, seeking My perspective on the situation.

Rather than trying to fix everything that comes to your attention, ask Me to show you what is truly important.

Remember that you are en route to heaven, and let your problems fade in the Light of eternity.

- from "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young

Stay Strong!

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

"Martha, Martha,"the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."
—LUKE 10: 41–42

"But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body."
—PHILIPPIANS 3: 20–21

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Irrelevant Strengths and Glaringly Evident Weaknesses

Good Morning!

For anyone who is in need of strong reassurance and peace during a tough stretch and challenging period of storms and trials, I hope the passage below accomplishes just that - and just in time to truly celebrate the Birth and PROMISES of our Savior Jesus Christ :)

Stay Strong!

LET ME INFUSE MY PEACE into your innermost being.

As you sit quietly in the Light of My Presence, you can sense Peace growing within you.

This is not something that you accomplish through self-discipline and willpower; it is opening yourself to receive My blessing.

In this age of independence, people find it hard to acknowledge their neediness.

However, I have taken you along a path that has highlighted your need for Me: placing you in situations where your strengths were irrelevant and your weaknesses were glaringly evident.

Through the aridity of those desert marches, I have drawn you closer and closer to Myself.

You have discovered flowers of Peace blossoming in the most desolate places.

You have learned to thank Me for hard times and difficult journeys, Trusting that through them I accomplish My best work.

You have realized that needing Me is the key to knowing Me intimately, which is the gift above all gifts.

- from "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young

Stay Strong!

"The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail."
—ISAIAH 58: 11

"He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young."
—ISAIAH 40: 11

Monday, December 21, 2015

Release into My Care

REST IN THE DEEP ASSURANCE of My unfailing Love.

Let your body, mind, and spirit relax in My Presence.

Release into My care anything that is troubling you, so that you can focus your full attention on Me.

Be awed by the vast dimensions of My Love for you: wider, longer, higher, and deeper than anything you know.

Rejoice that this marvelous Love is yours forever!

The best response to this glorious gift is a life steeped in Thankfulness.

Every time you thank Me, you acknowledge that I am your Lord and Provider.

This is the proper stance for a child of God: receiving with thanksgiving.

Bring Me the sacrifice of gratitude, and watch to see how much I bless you.

From " Jesus Calling " by Sarah Young

Stay Strong!

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

"I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God."
—EPHESIANS 3: 16–19

"Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men. Let them sacrifice thank offerings and tell of his works with songs of joy. "
—PSALM 107: 21–22

Friday, December 18, 2015

No Matter How Dark Your Circumstances

I AM CHRIST IN YOU, THE HOPE OF GLORY. THE Messiah—the Savior of the world—lives in you!

This promise is for all who have faith in Me:   I dwell in your hearts through Faith.

This amazing blessing is a work of My Spirit in your inner being.

The more you trust Me, the more you can enjoy My indwelling Presence—and the more effectively I can live through you.

In a world that may seem increasingly hopeless, remember that I am the hope of Glory.

This hope is ultimately about heaven, where you will live with Me forever.

But the Light of heaven's Glory is so brilliant that some of its rays can reach you even in the present—no matter how dark your circumstances may appear.

I am the Light that shines on in the darkness, for the darkness has never overpowered it.

As you follow Me along your life-path, clothed in My righteousness, this Light shines brighter and brighter until full day.

- from " Jesus Today " by Sarah Young

Stay Strong!

"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

"I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith."
—Ephesians 3: 16–17

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

"The path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day.'
—Proverbs 4: 18 ESV

PC: Bobby OT - Thank you

Thursday, December 17, 2015

With You Continually

PUT YOUR HOPE IN ME, AND MY UNFAILING Love will rest upon you.

Some of My children have forgotten how to hope.

They have been disappointed so many times that they don't want to risk being let down again.

So they forge ahead stoically—living mechanically.

Other people put their hope in problem solving, medical treatments, the stock market, the lottery, and so on.

But I challenge you to place your hope fully in Me.

No matter what is happening in your life now, your story has an amazingly happy ending.

Though the way ahead may look dark to you, there is brilliant, everlasting Light at the end of your earth-journey.

My finished work on the cross secured this heavenly hope for you, and it is absolutely assured.

Moreover, knowing that your story finishes well can fill your present journey with Joy.

The more you put your hope in Me, the more My Love-Light shines upon you—brightening your day.

Remember that I am with you continually, and I Myself am your Hope!

Stay Strong!

"We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in you."
—Psalm 33: 20–22

"A faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time."
—Titus 1: 

"Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the commandment of God our Savior and the Lord Jesus Christ, our hope."
—1 Timothy 1: 1 NKJV

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Ask My Spirit to Help You Persevere

IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM THAT COMES AND goes over a long period of time, you may start dreading its recurrence.

This reaction only makes matters worse.

When the painful situation returns, you tend to feel tense and defeated.

You begin to judge each day that this circumstance is present as a bad day.

This is a hurtful, negative focus.

Let Me suggest a better way: When the problem is absent or minimal, rejoice and thank Me continually—as often as you can remember.

If the problem is present, look to Me and affirm your trust in Me.

Ask My Spirit to help you persevere and keep your focus on Me.

In doing so, you connect a positive thing—trusting Me—with something you previously considered quite negative.

If you do this consistently, you will find you are in a win-win situation.

More importantly, you will no longer be letting your circumstances dictate the quality of your life.

Rejoice and be glad-hearted continually.

Be unceasing in prayer—praying perseveringly.

Thank Me in everything—no matter what the circumstances may be.

- from " Jesus Today " by Sarah Young

Stay Strong!

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.'
—Romans 12: 12

"Be happy [in your faith] and rejoice and be glad-hearted continually (always); be unceasing in prayer [praying perseveringly]; thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus [the Revealer and Mediator of that will].
—1 Thessalonians 5: 16–18 AM

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Hand it over. ...

I came across this passage today and it drove home a point that took me 47 years to Comprehend, Believe and Trust!

It is written by Saint Gregory of Narek and it lays out perfectly what we need to do on this earth to obtain peace and joy and prosperity.

The key is that none of these things can be obtained by us alone - by us pursuing the typical things we believe and have most likely been taught will get us to that point we all are convinced we want to reach! 

In fact, the pursuit of these things with the belief that we alone can reach them and bring ourselves happiness and peace is a gigantic myth that many of us learn way too late in the game.

The good news?

It is never too late to change gears and switch strategies!

Never, ever too late.....

I hope this passage is as clear to you as it is to me now and that the key and the path to all we desire, aspire to obtain and be, and seek during this fleeting time on earth is so very close to our reach and obtainable immediately if we simply choose correctly.

As a wise friend told me recently,  "Hey you have tried your way all these years, perhaps it is time for you to hand it over to someone else for a try? Afterall, what do you really have to lose?"

:)

Enjoy. .. Stay Strong!

"As the Good Book foretold
alien, evil forces stole the wise treasure of my heart.

Wisdom waned in me, as the Proverb-teller says,
and evil impulses grew.

I did not fix the eye of my soul on the head of my life, Christ,
who would have led me down the straight path.

For in trying to run too quickly, I dug myself in deeper.

In trying to reach the unreachable, I failed to reach my own level.

In pretending to greatness, I slipped from where I was.

From the heavenly path, I sank to the abyss.

Trying to avoid harm, I was permanently debilitated.

Trying to be completely pure, I was corrupted completely.

I dodged to the left, and left myself open from the right.

Chasing the second, I lost the first.

Seeking the insignificant, I forfeited the important.

Keeping the small vow, I broke the covenant.

Trying to break a habit, I picked up a vice.

Avoiding the petty, I fell prey to the weighty.

What I did, I did to myself,
which is the worst testimony against me.

Only You are able to deliver me, a captive slave, from these things,
restoring to life a soul devoted to death.

For you alone, Lord Christ, revered as Doer of Good,
with the boundless glory of the Father and the Holy Spirit are
blessed forever and ever.
Amen."

    (Prayer 55f)
Saint Gregory of Narek (1003)

Relief Will Come

WAITING IS AN INESCAPABLE PART OF LIFE IN this world.

One of the hardest times to wait is during the night, if you're having trouble sleeping.

As the darkness drags on while you're watching for the first rays of sunlight, you can identify with watchmen waiting for the morning.

However, no matter how long the night may feel, dawn eventually comes.

Since I created an orderly world, you can count on the rising of the sun.

There is much to learn from this pattern of expectant waiting followed by the dawning of a new day.

People who are struggling with long-term problems may feel as if their suffering will go on interminably.

But for My children there is every reason to be hopeful, even while circumstances remain dark.

Relief will come!

I can change situations and relieve suffering in an instant.

Moreover, each of My followers is on a pathway leading to heaven.

Just as the night sometimes seems terribly long, yet always ends in dawn, so your journey through this world—no matter how long and hard it seems—will definitely end in Glory!

- From " Jesus Today " by Sarah Young

Stay Strong!

"I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning."
—Psalm 130: 5–6

"As for me, I will see Your face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness."
—Psalm 17: 15 NKJV

"Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever."
—Ephesians 3: 20–21 NKJV

"The sun shall be no more your light by day, nor for brightness shall the moon give you light; but the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory. "
—Isaiah 60: 19 ESV

Monday, December 14, 2015

Refuse to Worry - Trust!

Today's Scripture

"Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?"
- (Matthew 6:27, NIV)

Are you worrying about something today?

To worry means to allow something to revolve in your mind over and over again.

God doesn't want you to live worried or anxious about anything.

He knows that worry steals your peace and joy.

It affects every area of your life.

Have you heard the saying, "Don't worry yourself sick?"

That's because worrying affects your physical body.

It affects your sleep.

You won't ever gain anything by worrying; in fact, you'll lose precious moments that you can never get back again.

The good news is that God has promised that you can have victory over worry.

It starts by making the choice to trust in Him.

When you cast your cares on Him, He will give you His peace.

Decide today to put an end to worry in your life.

Feed your faith and fill your mind with God's promises.

Focus on God's Word and refuse to worry!

A Prayer for Today
"Father, today I choose to put an end to worry in my life. I choose to feed my faith by studying Your Word and declaring it over my life. Help me to totally TRUST in You today and every day in Jesus' name. Amen.

Stay Strong!

Friday, December 11, 2015

Never Alone in Your Struggles

MY PEACE IS A SOFT, SOOTHING PILLOW FOR your weary head.

Pry your mind away from plans and problems so you can rest in My healing Presence.

Whisper, "I trust You, Jesus," while you relax—body, mind, and soul—in My protective Presence.

If anxious thoughts try to intrude, give them over to Me with thanksgiving.

Be grateful that I understand everything about you and your circumstances; also, I love you eternally and take care of you continually.

Instead of pondering your problems, let these precious truths renew your mind.

They will set you free.

As you refresh yourself in My peaceful Presence—trusting and thanking Me—I go to work on your behalf.

While you stay in communication with Me, I show you the way forward.

I may open up a way that previously seemed blocked, or I may take you along a new path altogether.

Remember that you are Never Alone in your struggles!

You have a Helper who is infinitely powerful, tenderly loving, and wise beyond all understanding.

So Rejoice!

- From " Jesus Today " by Sarah Young

Stay Strong!

"And He said, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest."
—Exodus 33: 14 NKJV

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
—Philippians 4: 4–7

"Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
—John 8: 31–32 ESV

"But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me."
—John 15: 26 NKJV

Thursday, December 10, 2015

Courage and Hope

BE OF GOOD COURAGE, AND I WILL STRENGTHEN your heart.

I want you to face adversity with Confidence and firm Determination.

Because I am with you and the Holy Spirit lives in you, you have everything you need to be bold.

Cowardliness is not of My kingdom.

When you are feeling overwhelmed by your circumstances, remember who you are—a child of the eternal King!

Invite Me into the very circumstances that are intimidating you, and let the Light of My powerful Presence strengthen you.

When you choose to live courageously, I am pleased.

And I respond by strengthening your heart, thus increasing your valor.

Expect to encounter hardships as you journey toward heaven, because you live in a very broken world.

This is why Bravery is desperately needed among My followers.

You also need Hope.

My promise to strengthen your heart is for those who Hope in Me.

Courage and Hope are closely connected in My kingdom.

So I urge you to hold on to your courage and your hope.

They are more precious than gold!

- From " Jesus Today " by Sarah Young

Stay Strong! 

"Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the LORD."
—Psalm 31: 24 NKJV

"For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father." The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together."
—Romans 8: 15–17 NKJV

"Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever."
—1 Timothy 1: 17

"Christ is faithful as a son over God's house. And we are his house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast."
—Hebrews 3: 6

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Your Constant Companion

SOMETIMES YOUR JOURNEY THROUGH THIS world is wearisome.

You feel as if you've been plodding uphill wearing leaden clothing, and you don't want to take another step.

At such times you need to stop and re-center your thoughts on Me.

Remember that I am your constant Companion, eager to help you take the next step—and then the next.

You have to take only one at a time!

Instead of staring grimly into the future, dreading the journey ahead of you, direct your focus to the present and to My Presence with you.

As you walk with Me along your life-path, let the hope of heaven shine brightly on you, lighting up your perspective dramatically.

Though the way ahead may be steep and difficult, the end of your journey is stunningly glorious—beyond description!

And every moment you are getting closer to your heavenly home.

As you look to Me in faith—trusting in My finished work on the cross—the Light of heaven's hope shines upon you and brightens the path just before you.

- from " Jesus Today" by Sarah Young

Stay Strong!

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."—Matthew 11: 28

"For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance."
—Romans 8: 24–25 NKJV

"The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever."
—2 Timothy 4: 18 ESV

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

Tuesday, December 8, 2015

"Catch, Jesus"

CAST ALL YOUR CARE ON ME, FOR I AM watching over you.

I am actually a very good Catcher, so throw Me your cares—your anxieties and concerns—with abandon.

As soon as you release those worrisome things, you can breathe a sigh of relief and refresh yourself in My loving Presence.

It doesn't matter if you have to do this many times each day—and sometimes during the night too.

I am always awake, ready to catch your cares and bear your burdens.

Because I am infinitely powerful, bearing your burdens does not weigh Me down at all.

In fact, I enjoy this game of catch very much because I see your load becoming lighter and your face becoming brighter.

No matter how much you throw at Me, I never miss!

So refuse to let your worries weigh you down.

Remember that I am with you—ready to help with whatever you are facing.

Instead of mulling over your problems, look to Me lightheartedly and say:

"Catch, Jesus!"

Then fling your cares into My strong, waiting hands.

     - from "Jesus Today" by Sarah Young

Stay Strong!

"[Cast] all your care upon Him, for He cares for you."
—1 Peter 5: 7 NKJV

"Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties."
—Psalm 139: 23 NKJV

"The LORD watches over you—the LORD is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the LORD will watc5h over your coming and going both now and forevermore. "
—Psalm 1Z21: –8 NKJV

"Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens."
—Psalm 68: 19

Happy Feast of the Immaculate Conception!

Monday, December 7, 2015

Fear Not - You will Always Have Me

Happy Monday to All!  ;)
Stay Strong!

APPROACH PROBLEMS with a light touch.

When your mind moves toward a problem area, you tend to focus on that situation so intensely that you lose sight of Me.

You pit yourself against the difficulty as if you had to conquer it immediately.

Your mind gears up for battle, and your body becomes tense and anxious.

Unless you achieve total victory, you feel defeated.

There is a better way.

When a problem starts to overshadow your thoughts, bring this matter to Me.

Talk with Me about it and look at it in the Light of My Presence.

This puts some much-needed space between you and your concern, enabling you to see from My perspective.

You will be surprised at the results.

Sometimes you may even laugh at yourself for being so serious about something so insignificant.

You will always face trouble in this life.

But more importantly, you will ALWAYS have Me with you, helping you to handle whatever you encounter.

Approach problems with a light touch by viewing them in My revealing Light.

- from " Jesus Calling " by Sarah Young

Stay Strong!

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

"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

Saturday, December 5, 2015

I..Am...Here

Hola All!

A tad long but hopefully worth it today for those who can make through!

Enjoy and Stay Strong!
;)

"Peter learned the lesson the hard way.

"But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary"(Matt. 14: 24).

As famous lakes go, Galilee—only thirteen miles at its longest, seven and a half at its widest—is a small, moody one.

The diminutive size makes it more vulnerable to the winds that howl out of the Golan Heights.

They turn the lake into a blender, shifting suddenly, blowing first from one direction, then another.

Winter months bring such storms every two weeks or so, churning the waters for two to three days at a time.

Peter and his fellow storm riders knew they were in trouble.

What should have been a sixty-minute cruise became a nightlong battle.

The boat lurched and lunged like a kite in a March wind.

Sunlight was a distant memory.

Rain fell from the night sky in buckets.

Lightning sliced the blackness with a silver sword.

Winds whipped the sails, leaving the disciples "in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves."

Apt description, perhaps, for your stage in life?

Perhaps all we need to do is substitute a couple of nouns . . .

In the middle of a divorce, tossed about by guilt.

In the middle of debt, tossed about by creditors.

In the middle of the loss of a loved one, tossed about by fear and loneliness?

In the middle of a recession, tossed about by stimulus packages and bailouts.

The disciples fought the storm for nine cold, skin-drenching hours.

And about 4: 00 a.m. the unspeakable happened.

They spotted someone coming on the water.

"'A ghost!' they said, crying out in terror"(v. 26 MSG).

They didn't expect Jesus to come to them this way.

Neither do we.

We expect him to come in the form of peaceful hymns or Easter Sundays or quiet retreats.

We expect to find Jesus in morning devotionals, church suppers, and meditation.

We never expect to see him in a bear market, pink slip, lawsuit, foreclosure, or war.

We never expect to see him in a storm.

But it is in storms that he does his finest work, for it is in storms that he has our keenest attention.

Jesus replied to the disciples'fear with an invitation worthy of inscription on every church cornerstone and residential archway.

"'Don't be afraid,'he said. 'Take courage. I am here!'"(v. 27 NLT).

Power inhabits those words.

To awaken in an ICU and hear your husband say, "I am here."

To lose your retirement yet feel the support of your family in the words

"We are here."

When a Little Leaguer spots Mom and Dad in the bleachers watching the game,

"I am here" changes everything.

Perhaps that's why God repeats the "I am here" pledge so often.

The Lord is near. (Phil. 4: 5 NIV)

You are in me, and I am in you. ( John 14: 20 NIV)

I am with you always, to the very end of the age. (Matt. 28: 20 NIV)

I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. ( John 10: 28 NIV)

Nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love. (Rom. 8: 38 NLT)

We cannot go where God is not.

Look over your shoulder; that's God following you.

Look into the storm; that's Christ coming toward you.

Much to Peter's credit, he took Jesus at his word.

"'Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.'

So He said, 'Come.'And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus"(Matt. 14: 28–29).

Peter never would have made this request on a calm sea.

Had Christ strolled across a lake that was as smooth as mica, Peter would have applauded, but I doubt he would have stepped out of the boat.

Storms prompt us to take unprecedented journeys.

For a few historic steps and heart-stilling moments,

Peter did the impossible. He defied every law of gravity and nature; "he walked on the water to go to Jesus."

Matthew moves us quickly to the major message of the event: where to stare in a storm.

"But when [Peter] saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, 'Lord, save me!'"(v. 30).

A wall of water eclipsed his view.

A wind gust snapped the mast with a crack and a slap.

A flash of lightning illuminated the lake and the watery Appalachians it had become.

Peter shifted his attention away from Jesus and toward the squall, and when he did, he sank like a brick in a pond.

Give the storm waters more attention than the Storm Walker, and get ready to do the same.

Whether or not storms come, we cannot choose.

But where we stare during a storm, that we can.

God's call to courage is not a call to naïveté or ignorance.

We aren't to be oblivious to the overwhelming challenges that life brings.

We're to counterbalance them with long looks at God's accomplishments.

"We must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it"(Heb. 2: 1 NASB).

Do whatever it takes to keep your gaze on Jesus.

Memorize scripture.

Read biographies of great lives.

Ponder the testimonies of faithful Christians.

Make the deliberate decision to set your hope on him.

Courage is always a possibility.

C. S. Lewis wrote a great paragraph on this thought:

Faith . . . is the art of holding on to things your reason has once accepted, in spite of your changing moods. For moods will change, whatever view your reason takes. I know that by experience. Now that I am a Christian I do have moods in which the whole thing looks very improbable: but when I was an atheist I had moods in which Christianity looked terribly probable. . . . That is why Faith is such a necessary virtue: unless you teach your moods "where they get off," you can never be either a sound Christian or even a sound atheist, but just a creature dithering to and fro, with its beliefs really dependent on the weather and the state of its digestion."

Feed your fears, and your faith will starve.

Feed your faith, and your fears will.

Jeremiah did this.

Talk about a person caught in a storm! Slide down the timeline to the left about six hundred years, and learn a lesson from this Old Testament prophet.

"I am the man who has seen affliction under the rod of [God's] wrath; he has driven and brought me into darkness without any light; surely against me he turns his hand again and again the whole day long"(Lam. 3: 1–3 RSV).

Jeremiah was depressed, as gloomy as a giraffe with a neck ache.

Jerusalem was under siege, his nation under duress. His world collapsed like a sand castle in a typhoon. He faulted God for his horrible emotional distress. He also blamed God for his physical ailments.

"He [God] has made my flesh and my skin waste away, and broken my bones"(v. 4 RSV).

His body ached.
His heart was sick.
His faith was puny.

"[ God] has besieged and enveloped me with bitterness and tribulation"(v. 5 RSV).

Jeremiah felt trapped like a man on a dead-end street. "He has walled me about so that I cannot escape; he has put heavy chains on me; though I call and cry for help, he shuts out my prayer; he has blocked my ways with hewn stones, he has made my paths crooked"(vv. 7–9 RSV).

Jeremiah could tell you the height of the waves and the speed of the wind. But then he realized how fast he was sinking.

So he shifted his gaze.

"But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope:
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness. 'The Lord is my portion,' says my soul, 'therefore I will hope in him'"(vv. 21–24 RSV). "But this I call to mind . . ."

Depressed, Jeremiah altered his thoughts, shifted his attention.

He turned his eyes away from the waves and looked into the wonder of God.

He quickly recited a quintet of promises. (I can envision him tapping these out on the five fingers of his hand.)
1. The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases.
2. His mercies never come to an end.
3. They are new every morning.
4. Great is thy faithfulness.
5. The Lord is my portion.

The storm didn't cease, but his discouragement did.

So did Peter's.

After a few moments of flailing in the water, he turned back to Christ and cried,
"'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"(Matt. 14: 30–32 NIV).

Jesus could have stilled this storm hours earlier.

But he didn't.

He wanted to teach the followers a lesson.

Jesus could have calmed your storm long ago too.

But he hasn't.

Does he also want to teach you a lesson?

Could that lesson read something like this:

"Storms are not an option, but fear is"?

God has hung his diplomas in the universe.

Rainbows, sunsets, horizons, and star-sequined skies.

He has recorded his accomplishments in Scripture.

We're not talking six thousand hours of flight time.

His résumé includes:

Red Sea openings.
Lions'mouths closings.
Goliath topplings.
Lazarus raisings.
Storm stillings and strollings.

His lesson is clear.

He's the commander of every storm.

Are you scared in yours?

Then stare at him.

This may be your first flight.

But it's certainly not Hjs.

Your pilot has a call sign too: I Am Here.

----  "Fearless " by Max Lucado

Thursday, December 3, 2015

Trusting Me No Matter What

YOUR LIGHT AND MOMENTARY TROUBLES ARE achieving for you an eternal Glory that far outweighs them all.

The Greek word the apostle Paul used for light means "a weightless trifle."

Yet he had endured tremendous affliction: He had been imprisoned, beaten, and stoned—received thirty-nine lashes five times, was beaten with rods three times.

He had been shipwrecked three times and spent a day and a night adrift at sea.

He had often been hungry, thirsty, and cold.

Yet Paul considered his massive troubles a weightless trifle because he was comparing them with eternal Glory.

I am training you to view your problems this way too—from an eternal perspective.

I don't waste anything in your life, including your suffering.

I use it to teach you important lessons here and now.

But there is more.

Your troubles are also accomplishing something in heavenly realms.

They are achieving eternal Glory—contributing to the reward you will receive in heaven.

However, for that to happen, you need to handle well the adversity in your life, trusting Me no matter what.

When troubles are weighing you down, try to view them as momentary, weightless trifles that are producing endless Glory!

- From " Jesus Today " by Sarah Young

Stay Strong!

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

"From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.'
—2 Corinthians 11: 24–27 NKJV

Choose Freedom

Today's Scripture

"...The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."
(1 Samuel 16:7, NIV)

Seek Love

Is there someone in your life who has wronged or offended you?

Maybe it was intentional, or maybe they don't even know they've hurt you.

No matter what the circumstance, as believers, we are called to forgive.

When we forgive, we seek love, and the Bible says that God is love. If we don't forgive, we are turning in the opposite direction—away from God.

Choosing forgiveness doesn't excuse the other person's behavior. It simply releases the debt they owe you so that God can release the debt you owe Him.

Forgiveness opens the door so that you can be free.

Choose freedom today by choosing forgiveness. Seek love and know that God is looking at your heart!

A Prayer for Today
"Father, today I seek love by choosing forgiveness. I open my heart to You today and ask You to heal my hurts. I look forward to the future You have for me. Help me to be a testimony of Your love and forgiveness to those around me today in Jesus' name.
Amen."

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Unswervingly; Persistently

"HOLD UNSWERVINGLY TO THE HOPE YOU profess, for I am faithful.

Sometimes—especially when many things are going wrong—all you can do is hold on to Me.

You would love to sort things out in your mind and find a way to go forward, but often this is impossible.

The best thing to do at such times is seek My Face and profess your hope.

To profess hope is to affirm it openly.

Your words matter!

They make a difference, not only to other people but also to you.

They have a strong influence on your physical and emotional well-being.

Negative words will pull you down.

But when you openly affirm your hope and trust in Me, you gain strength to move forward with confidence.

The basis of this confidence is that I am faithful.

Moreover, I will not let you be tempted beyond your ability to endure.

Sometimes the way of escape I provide is through your own words, such as:

"I trust You, Jesus; my hope is in You."

This sort of affirmation helps you hold on to your hope unswervingly—persistently."

- from " Jesus Today " by Sarah Young

Stay Strong!

"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. —Hebrews 10: 23

"Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice! Have mercy also upon me, and answer me. When You said, "Seek My face,"my heart said to You, "Your face, LORD, I will seek."
—Psalm 27: 7–8

"No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it."
—1 Corinthians 10: 13 ESV

Tuesday, December 1, 2015

He Will Not Leave You or Forsake You

HOPE AND COURAGE GO HAND IN HAND.

When you are waiting, waiting, waiting for longed-for answers to prayer, it takes courage to continue hoping in Me.

The world, the flesh, and the devil all tell you it's easier to just give up and give in to dull disappointment.

In a sense, this is true. To keep praying with positive expectation requires a lot of effort and perseverance; giving up is momentarily easier.

However, a resigned, I-give-up attitude is always hurtful in the long run.

Often, this leads to cynicism—and eventually to despair.

So it's well worth the effort to keep your hopefulness alive.

Courage comes from the French word for "heart."

Since I live in your heart, you can call upon Me to help you live courageously—facing adversity or danger with confidence and determination.

I am well aware of your circumstances, and I take pleasure in helping you cope with them.

So stand firm in My strength, beloved, refusing to give in or give up.

I take pleasure in you always, but especially when you are bravely hoping in My steadfast Love.

- from " Jesus Today " by Sarah Young

Stay Strong!

"Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you."
—Deuteronomy 31: 6 NKJV

"I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe."
—Ephesians 1: 18–19

"The LORD takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love."
—Psalm 147: 11 E