Never Walk in Darkness

I AM YOUR STRENGTH AND YOUR SHIELD.

When you trust in Me—My awesome strength and shielding protection—you are helped enormously.

Weights of worry fall off you as you connect with Me through trust.

The resulting lightness within you invites Joy to rush in, and you can bask in My merry Light.

I have told you that whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the Light of Life.

An excellent way to stay near Me is to place your confidence fully in Me.

A heart that trusts in Me can even leap for Joy!

Another good way to follow Me closely is to give thanks in every situation.

One of the simplest—yet most effective— prayers is, "Thank You, Jesus."

I encourage you to express your thankfulness in a variety of ways:

If you are artistic, you can express yourself through singing, dancing, painting, sculpting.

If you're verbally gifted, you can speak or write praises to Me.

More profoundly, you can learn to worship Me in everything you do.

Whatever you do, do it heartily—as to Me, your Lord.

Devote yourself to thanking and praising Me; these delightful disciplines glorify Me and fill you with gladness.

From " Jesus Lives " by Sarah Young

Stay Strong!

"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song."
PSALM 28:7

"When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." JOHN 8:12

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
1 THESSALONIANS 5:16–18 NKJV

"And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men."
COLOSSIANS 3:23 NKJV

Do Not Be Afraid; Do Not be Discouraged

I MYSELF GO BEFORE YOU—OPENING UP THE WAY.

I will never leave you nor forsake you.

Therefore, you need not be afraid or discouraged.

I realize, though, that feelings often fail to submit to logic.

So don't be surprised when your emotions rebel against your will.

David—who was both a mighty warrior and a gifted poet—expressed fearfulness, trembling, and even overwhelming horror in one of his psalms.

Yet his trust in Me was genuine and deep.

His life and his writing demonstrate that fear does not "trump" trust:

They can coexist.

This is why David could proclaim,

"When I am afraid, I will trust in You."

Trust is a relational word.

It's one of the prime ways you can draw near Me.

When you are afraid, don't blame yourself for having that very human emotion.

Instead, acknowledge what you are feeling; then affirm your trust in Me—out loud or in a whisper.

This affirmation protects you from the lie that feeling fearful means you don't trust Me.

Even better, it brings you consciously into My Presence, where you can find comfort and hope.

The Light of My Presence illuminates the vast dimensions of My Love for you—empowering you to grasp how wide and long and high and deep My Love is, and to know this Love that surpasses knowledge.

From " Jesus Lives " by Sarah Young

Stay Strong!

"The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."
DEUTERONOMY 31:8

"Fearfulness and trembling have come upon me, and horror has overwhelmed me."
PSALM 55:5 NKJV

"When I am afraid, I will trust in you." PSALM 56:3

"[I pray that you] 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 3:18–19

Ready to Catch You

WITH ME ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE.

When you bump into massive difficulties on your life-path, I want you to consider it pure Joy.

As you bounce off these "impossibilities," My everlasting arms are wide open—ready to catch you, calm you, and help you do what does not seem possible.

You can be joyful in the midst of perplexing problems because I am God your Savior.

I have already accomplished the greatest miracle—saving you from your sins.

If you keep looking to Me, your resurrected Lord and King, your pessimism will eventually yield to courage.

Though you are an earthbound creature in many ways, your soul shares in My eternal victory.

Since I am infinite, "impossibilities" are My specialty.

I delight in them because they display My Glory so vividly.

They also help you live the way I intended: in joyful, trusting dependence on Me.

The next time you face an "impossible" situation, turn to Me immediately with a hopeful heart.

Acknowledge your total inadequacy, and cling to Me—relying on My infinite sufficiency.

All things are possible with Me!

From " Jesus Lives " by Sarah Young

Stay Strong!

"Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."
MATTHEW 19:26

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
JAMES 1:2–3

"The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms." DEUTERONOMY 33:27 NKJV

"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

Break Free of Fear

FEAR OF MAN WILL PROVE TO BE A SNARE, BUT WHOEVER TRUSTS IN ME IS KEPT SAFE.

You're beginning to realize how much your life is hampered by fear of man, aren't you?

This condition has been so prevalent, so much a part of the fabric of your daily existence, that you failed to recognize it until recently.

Now that you realize what's going on, I can help you to break free from this fear: to stop being consumed with how you look in others' eyes.

I will give you a two-pronged approach for dealing with this crippling condition.

First, replace your fear of displeasing people with dread of displeasing Me—the Lord of the universe.

Make pleasing Me your highest priority.

Include Me in your thinking whenever you are making plans or decisions.

Let your desire to enjoy My approval shine brightly, illuminating your thoughts and choices.

The second way to free yourself from fear of man is to develop deeper trust in Me.

Instead of trying to please people so they will give you what you want, trust in Me—the Supplier of all your needs.

My glorious riches never run short, nor does My Love for you.

People can easily deceive you, promising you things with no intention of following through.

Even if they mean well at the time, they may change their minds later on.

Because I remain the same forever, I am absolutely dependable.

Trusting in people is risky.

Trusting in Me is wise: It keeps you safe.

From " Jesus Lives " by Sarah Young

Stay Strong!

"Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe." PROVERBS 29:25

"So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it."
2 CORINTHIANS 5:9

"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus."
PHILIPPIANS 4:19

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

Call Upon Me in the Midst of Trials

I AM ABLE TO SYMPATHIZE WITH YOUR WEAKNESSES, FOR I HAVE BEEN TEMPTED IN EVERY WAY.

Not only do I understand you perfectly with all your weakness, but I have infinite resources because I am both Man and God.

When friends try to help you with your problems, their own flaws and sinfulness can get in the way.

I, on the other hand, comprehend you from both a divine, all-knowing perspective and a sinless human viewpoint.

During my thirty-three years on earth I experienced terrible temptations, and I had to endure everything without sinning—in order to be your Savior.

If you ever doubt My Love for you, just look at all I suffered so that I could spend eternity with you!

When you are going through painful trials, it is tempting to blame Me because you know I have unlimited Power to intervene.

However, I refrained from using that Power to save Myself from brutal torture and execution.

Whenever I allow you to suffer, try to see it as My vote of confidence in you.

It's a way of affirming you as a member of My royal family: a co-heir with Me.

Call upon Me when you are in the midst of trials, and I will be ever so near you—entering into your suffering.

Remember that I allow you to share in My sufferings in order that you may also share in My Glory.

From " Jesus Lives " by Sarah Young

Stay Strong!

"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin."
HEBREWS 4:15

"For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. )"
HEBREWS 12:3 NKJV

"Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory." ROMANS 8:17

DO NOT WORRY ABOUT TOMORROW

DO NOT WORRY ABOUT TOMORROW.

This is simple, straightforward teaching, but My followers rarely make it through even one day without breaking this command.

It's good that you recognize your inability to live according to this instruction.

Your ongoing struggle protects you from self-righteous striving: trying to be good enough to deserve My Love.

Nonetheless, I do want to help you with your tendency to worry.

Because your mind is in a fallen condition, it will sometimes wander across the timeline into tomorrow's trouble.

However, early intervention can minimize the damage.

As soon as you realize you're worrying about tomorrow, take action: Simply leave those thoughts where they are (in the unreality of the future), and come quickly back to the present.

Since the future has such a strong pull on your mind, it's helpful to direct your thoughts to something that appeals to you in the present—an interesting activity, beautiful weather, a dear friend or family member.

At times when nothing about the present day seems appealing, My Presence lovingly awaits your attention.

I am always near, so turning your thoughts to Me is an excellent option at all times.

Come into My joyous Presence, and I will delight you with unmerited Love.

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. MATTHEW 6:34 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. EPHESIANS 2:4–5 Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess. HEBREWS 3:1 Then will I go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight. I will praise you with the harp, O God, my God. PSALM 43:4

From The Pit of Despair

MY POWER FLOWS MOST FREELY INTO WEAK ONES AWARE OF THEIR NEED FOR ME.

So take heart: Though the journey you're on is one of faltering steps, such steps of dependence are links to My Presence.

Today you feel the journey more than usual.

It's a challenge to take the next step—and all too easy to be aware of your neediness.

Sometimes you get discouraged about your ongoing weaknesses.

You know that dependence on Me brings spiritual blessings, yet at times you feel trapped by your limitations.

Only the knowledge that I am with you keeps you out of the pit of despair.

Awareness of your need for Me is what creates a strong connection to My Presence.

My Power flows into you continually: It gives you strength to take the next step, strength to resist discouragement and despairing, strength to know Me in intimate dependence.

Only My Power can enable you to live abundantly in the midst of your limitations.

Your day-to-day perseverance, in dependence on Me, is every bit as supernatural as an outright miracle.

So don't think that your difficulties signify lack of faith or lack of blessing.

They are means to help you stay on the path I have chosen for you.

Because you are My beloved child, I choose to bless you, but I bless you in ways that are unique to your needs and My design for you.

Though the way before you may be steep and rocky, it is nonetheless the path of Life.

It is where you encounter My luminous Presence—radiating Peace that transcends all understanding.

From " Jesus Lives " by Sarah Young

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

"To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy—to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen."
JUDE 1:24–25

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

A Surrounding Stronghold

FIND COMFORT IN KNOWING I AM PERFECTLY GOOD AND INFINITELY STRONG.

If I were good but lacking in strength, you would have no stronghold in times of trouble.

If I were strong but not totally good, My massive strength could be terrifying.

In fact, My Power is threatening to those who oppose Me.

However, I am the Good Shepherd; I know My sheep, and My sheep know Me.

Sheep have nothing to fear from a shepherd who is good.

On the contrary, they feel safe in his protective presence.

So it is with Me: You can feel safe and secure in My sheltering Presence.

The best way to avail yourself of My protection is to trust Me wholeheartedly.

My unfailing Love surrounds all those who trust in Me.

So your most important task as a sheep in My pasture is to keep on trusting Me—the perfect Shepherd of your soul.

Find rest in Me alone, for I am a surrounding stronghold of unfailing Love.

From " Jesus Lives " by Sarah Young

Stay Strong!

"The Lord is good, A stronghold in the day of trouble; And He knows those who trust in Him."
NAHUM 1:7 NKJV

"I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me."
JOHN 10:14

"Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord's unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him."
PSALM 32:10

"My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken."
PSALM 62:1–2

Safety in Turbulent Waters

WHEN YOU PASS THROUGH THE WATERS, I WILL BE WITH YOU.

I want you to trust in My protective Presence even while deep waters of affliction are rising around you.

Remember that you are precious in My sight and I love you.

I will never, ever abandon you!

Though you may lose sight of Me, I am constantly aware of you and your circumstances.

When you cry out to Me for help, I am already fully apprised of your situation.

So you don't need to take time telling Me what is happening or what you think I should do.

In the midst of emergencies, short pithy prayers are extremely effective:

"Help me, Jesus!"
"Show me Your way."
"Your will be done."

Do not be overly concerned about your feelings during emergencies.

The most important thing is that you turn to Me, trusting that I am indeed with you.

When you cannot sense My Presence, it is enough to know that I love you with compassionate, unfailing Love.

If your heart is sinking under waves of panic, don't focus on those feelings.

Instead, look up to Me!

As your soul clings to Me, My right hand will uphold you—keeping you safe in turbulent waters.

From " Jesus Lives " by Sarah Young

Stay Strong! ! !

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you . . . Since you are precious in My sight . . . and I love you . . ."
ISAIAH 43:2–4 NASB

"Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven."
MATTHEW 6:10 NKJV

"Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love."
LAMENTATIONS 3:32

"My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.'
PSALM 63:8

No Matter How Hopeless....Refuge and Strength

THOUGH DIFFICULTIES ABOUND IN THIS WORLD, REJOICE THAT I AM EVER PRESENT WITH YOU.

I can enable you to cope with any and all circumstances, strengthening you as you look trustingly to Me.

No matter how hopeless your situation may seem, I assure you that all things are possible with Me.

I am the Truth, and therefore I am true to all My promises.

They provide a rock-solid foundation on which you can live and move and have your being.

Since I am the living Word, affirming your trust in My promises is an excellent way to draw near Me.

As you bask in the beauty of My Presence, you may find yourself wanting to praise Me.

Do not restrain that holy impulse; instead, give it voice.

While you are worshiping Me, new hope will grow within you.

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

From " Jesus Lives " by Sarah Young

Stay Strong!

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."
PSALM 46:1

"Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God."
MARK 10:27

"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

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." JOHN 1:1

"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

Trust with Confidence

TRUST IN ME WITH ALL YOUR HEART AND MIND, AND DO NOT LEAN ON YOUR OWN UNDERSTANDING.

In all your ways acknowledge Me, and I will make your path straight.

Such complete and utter confidence in Me has been your goal for years, but you continue to struggle with this.

The main culprit is your mind's ravenous appetite for understanding, fueled by a strong desire to feel in control of your life.

You want to trust Me wholeheartedly, but you feel stuck.

Beloved, your desire to rely on Me wholly is a worthy goal.

Now also believe that I am providing training through your life experiences, and that many of the difficulties you encounter are designed to help in this endeavor.

Allow Me to do this supernatural work in your heart.

The Holy Spirit will help you think trusting thoughts, but He requires your cooperation.

Instead of relying on your understanding to help you feel in control, ask My Spirit to control your mind.

Then, wait confidently to see results.

As you look to Me—trusting Me, talking with Me—I straighten out the path before you.

From "Jesus Lives " 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. In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths."
PROVERBS 3:5–6 AMP

"Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass." PSALM 37:5 NKJV

"The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace."
ROMANS 8:6

Trust me Fully in Temporary Trials

WHEN YOU'RE FEELING SAD, I WANT YOU TO ANTICIPATE FEELING JOYFUL AGAIN.

This takes the sting out of your sorrow, because you know it is only temporary.

Sadness tends to duplicate itself along the timeline—convincing you that you will always be unhappy.

But that is a lie!

I urge you to turn away from the lie, choosing rather to trust Me and all I have promised you.

The truth is, all My children have infinite Joy ahead of them: reserved in heaven, guaranteed throughout eternity!

No one can take this away from you.

While you are journeying toward heaven, your earthly path has many ups and downs.

Though your down times are uncomfortable, they are not worthless.

Pain and struggle can be highly productive when you trust Me in the midst of suffering.

Your anguish is comparable to a woman enduring labor pains: Her suffering is very real, and she may wonder how much longer she can bear so much pain.

However, all this agony produces a wonderful result—a newborn baby.

The mother's memories of her suffering retreat to the background of her mind as she focuses on this joyous gift.

While you labor through your earthly trials and afflictions, keep your eyes on the promised reward: boundless Joy in heaven!

Even now you can enjoy growing awareness of Me. No matter what is happening, there is fullness of Joy to be found in My Presence.

"From " Jesus Lives " by Sarah Young

Stay Strong!

"Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you."
JOHN 16:22 NKJV

"A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world."
JOHN 16:21

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." JAMES 1:2–3

"You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore."
PSALM 16:11 NKJV

Day 5 - The St. Joseph, Husband of Mary Novena - For Unemployed and Under- Employed

"So today, let's pray for everyone who is is unemployed and under-employed.

Let's pray for all of those who are working non-stop to make ends meet, and for those who struggle to provide food and shelter for their families..."

> Douglas - Peace be with you!
>  
> Saint Joseph was a working man, a carpenter. He is also the patron saint of the unemployed. 
>  
> So today, let's pray for everyone who is is unemployed and under-employed. 
>  
> Let's pray for all of those who are working non-stop to make ends meet, and for those who struggle to provide food and shelter for their families.
>  
> Here are the prayers for today: 
> Day 5 - St. Joseph, Husband of Mary Novena 
> (Audio/Video Version)
>
> Saint Joseph, you are the faithful protector and intercessor of all who love and venerate you. You know that I have confidence in you and that, after Jesus and Mary, I come to you as an example for holiness, for you are especially close with God. Therefore, I humbly commend myself, with all who are dear to me and all that belong to me, to your intercession. I beg of you, by your love for Jesus and Mary, not to abandon me during life and to assist me at the hour of my death.
>
> Glorious Saint Joseph, spouse of the Immaculate Virgin, pray for me to have a pure, humble, charitable mind, and perfect resignation to the divine Will. Be my guide, my father, and my model through life that I may die as you did in the arms of Jesus and Mary.
>
> Loving Saint Joseph, faithful follower of Jesus Christ, I raise my heart to you to implore your powerful intercession in obtaining from the Divine Heart of Jesus all the graces necessary for my spiritual and temporal welfare, particularly the grace of a happy death, and the special grace I now implore:
>
> (Mention your request)
>
> Guardian of the Word Incarnate, I feel confident that your prayers on my behalf will be graciously heard before the throne of God.
>
> St. Joseph, Most Obedient, Pray for us! 
>
> Amen.
>
> Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end.
>
> Amen.
>
> SHARE THE ST. JOSEPH, HUSBAND OF MARY NOVENA! 
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> John-Paul & Annie - PrayMoreNovenas.com
>  
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Challenging Journey

YOU WILL SEEK ME AND FIND ME WHEN YOU SEEK ME WITH ALL YOUR HEART.

I know the full extent of your weaknesses, and I realize that seeking Me wholeheartedly requires massive, sustained effort.

I understand the brokenness within you and all around you.

You are easily distracted by this disjointed world and by your restless thoughts.

I don't expect perfection in your pursuit of Me; it's not about that at all.

It is the effort itself that pleases Me—seeking Me even though it's so hard.

Moreover, the strenuousness of this pursuit blesses you!

As you strive to find Me in your moments, your focus is on Me.

While you plow your way toward Me through countless distractions, your awareness of Me increases.

Even if you don't feel close to Me, you find yourself communicating with Me.

So there is a sense in which your efforts to find Me are self-fulfilling: I am richly present in your striving.

As a result, you feel more alive— more solid and real—when you are actively pursuing Me.

Your willingness to pour yourself into this quest delights My heart.

This challenging journey is all about perseverance.

As long as you continue seeking Me, you are on the right path.

My Presence continually moves along before you—keeping you from stagnating and showing you the way forward.

In spite of the difficulties of the arduous trail you are following, your success is certain: I will be found by you!

From " Jesus Lives " by Sarah Young

Stay Strong!

"You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the Lord . . . JEREMIAH 29:13–14

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.
HEBREWS 12:1

And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance . . .
ROMANS 5:3 NKJV

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness . . . 2 PETER 1:5–6

Refuse to Worry - A New Beginning

I CAN FIT EVERYTHING INTO MY MAJESTIC PLAN FOR GOOD, INCLUDING THE THINGS YOU WISH WERE DIFFERENT.

How you long to see that all-embracing pattern, even though you can't begin to imagine it—and wouldn't understand it even if I showed you!

Your current situation feels like a gigantic mistake to you— something you should have been able to prevent.

I urge you not to indulge in obsessing about what you could have done differently, for that is an exercise in unreality:

The past cannot be different from what has actually occurred.

I want to help you make a new beginning instead, starting right where you are.

NOW is the only place to begin anew: It's the unique intersection of time and space you currently inhabit, and it's the space-time location where I intend for you to live.

Some things—many things—may be beyond you, but you are capable of living joyfully in the present.

After all, you are communicating with Me, your Savior and Lord, this very moment.

You can also handle the next moment as it comes—and the next.

What you find most difficult to accept is the way the future looks to you: basing your predictions on current circumstances.

But the future is one of those secret things beyond your domain.

Release it to Me, the rightful Owner.

Refuse to worry about the future, and you will find your resources for today quite sufficient.

Remember that I am part of those resources, and nothing is impossible with Me!

From " Jesus Lives " by Sarah Young

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

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

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

CAST ALL YOUR ANXIETY ON ME

"Unless you deal with it properly, anxiety can be toxic—both to you and to others.

Simply releasing it is not sufficient.

You need to project it vigorously away from yourself, toward Me.

Consider the following illustration: If you accidentally pulled the pin out of a hand grenade, you would not hold onto the grenade or drop it near your feet.

Nor would you pitch it to another person.

You would throw it as far away as possible from yourself and others.

When you cast your anxiety on Me, I remove it so far away that it cannot harm anyone.

In fact, I delight in doing this very thing, because I care for you so compassionately.

Ever since the Fall, human emotions have been out of kilter.

People often "act out" painful feelings without even realizing what is bothering them.

Or they may bottle up their emotions and pretend everything is all right.

I urge you to be self-controlled and alert so you can identify hurtful feelings and confess them to Me.

Ask the Holy Spirit to help you with this.

As you yield to His work within you, your anxious feelings will subside.

My Spirit can accomplish holy changes in you—producing Love, Joy, Peace . . . and self-control."

From " Jesus Lives " by Sarah Young

Stay Strong!

"Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. Be self-controlled and alert."
1 PETER 5:7–8

"Shout for joy, O heavens; rejoice, O earth; burst into song, O mountains! For the Lord comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones." ISAIAH 49:13

"You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ."
ROMANS 8:9

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.' GALATIANS 5:22–23 NKJV

Testing of Faith

CONSIDER IT ALL JOY WHEN YOU ENCOUNTER VARIOUS TRIALS.

You can consider something a joyful opportunity even when you are feeling quite joyless.

Some definitions of "consider" are: "to think about seriously; to regard as; to believe after deliberation."

You may need to ponder your circumstances at length before you can view them in a positive light.

You need to give yourself time for your feelings to settle down.

It's hard to think clearly with high levels of emotions surging through your brain.

Once you have calmed down, you will be able to think seriously about your situation.

Invite Me into this process of deliberation, and My Presence will improve your perspective: helping you see your trials in the Light of eternity.

As you look at your circumstances from My perspective, you come to understand that these multiple problems are testing your faith.

This is both an opportunity (to strengthen your faith) and a temptation (to let your feelings "trump" your faith).

One of the hardest things about trials is the uncertainty about how long they will last.

Usually, you can't predict or control the unpleasant circumstances.

You just have to live with them indefinitely.

At times you may feel as if you can endure no more, but you can always reach out to Me for help.

As you cling to Me moment by moment, I enable you to persevere.

This produces in you not only endurance but also a harvest of righteousness and peace.

From " Jesus Lives " by Sarah Young

Stay Strong! !

"Consider it all joy . . . when you encounter various trials, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance."
JAMES 1:2–3

"But Jesus looked at them and said to them, "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." MATTHEW 19:26 NKJV

"No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it."
HEBREWS 12:11

In this World You Will have Trouble, but Take Heart....

I TURN YOUR DARKNESS INTO LIGHT.

AFTER ALL, I am the Light of the world, and I am both with you and within you.

Every day, you encounter darkness in the world—and in your heart—but remember that I have overcome the world.

You can choose to focus on hurtful, wrong things or to focus on Me—the brilliant Overcomer!

I am calling you to walk with Me along the way of Peace.

I know that many things tug at your consciousness and you have very real responsibilities in your life.

However, I am training you to turn your thoughts to Me more and more—enjoying My Presence in tough times as well as good times.

You will not be able to do this perfectly, but you can make progress bit by bit.

As you direct your attention to Me, I push back the darkness with My invincible Light!

This is how you walk in the way of Peace.

This is how I turn your darkness into Light.

- from " Jesus Today" by Sarah Young

Stay Strong!

"You are my lamp, O LORD; the LORD turns my darkness into light."
—2 Samuel 22: 29

Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life."
—John 8: 12 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: 33

"And you, [John the Baptist], will be called the prophet of the Highest; for you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways. . . . [in order for Jesus] to give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace."
—Luke 1: 76, 79 NKJV

Our Refuge and Strength

"Utterly Safe"

I AM IMMANUEL—GOD WITH YOU—AN EVER-PRESENT HELP IN TROUBLE.

No matter what may happen, I am sufficient to provide whatever you need.

Instead of imagining how you might respond to terrible things that could happen, draw your mind back to the present and take refuge in My Presence.

I am much like a mother hen, eager to cover you with My protective pinions.

As you snuggle under My wings, you will not only find refuge; you will also discover a growing ability to trust Me.

It is in closeness to Me that you realize how trustworthy I am.

Remember that I am both your Rock and your Redeemer.

Though I am impregnable in My vast strength, I became a vulnerable Man so I could redeem you from your sins.

The more you take refuge in Me, the more aware you become of My overflowing Love.

In Me you are utterly safe, for I am your Rock of everlasting Love!

From " Jesus Lives " 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."
PSALM 46:1–2

"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!"
MATTHEW 23:37 NKJV

"[Then] He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings shall you trust and find refuge; His truth and His faithfulness are a shield and a buckler."
PSALM 91:4 AMP

"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer."
PSALM 19:14

Peace in the Midst of Your Struggles

EVERY TIME YOU THANK ME, YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT I AM YOUR LORD AND PROVIDER.

And every time you receive with thanksgiving, you demonstrate your kinship with Me.

Yet even though you are My child, and you know you're supposed to give thanks in all circumstances, sometimes your words ring hollow:

You can say them without feeling the least bit thankful.

It's especially hard for you to be grateful in the midst of a bad day, when everything seems to be going wrong.

I know what goes on in your heart far better than you do.

I know when you feel thankful, and when you don't.

However, I can also see in the depths of your heart a desire to please Me by offering thanks even when you don't feel like it.

When you struggle to be grateful, stop and remember who I AM: the Author of your life and your faith.

You are utterly dependent on Me for everything, including your next breath.

Every good gift is from Me!

When you thank Me during a difficult day, you are assuming the proper stance for a child of God.

If you persevere in this thankfulness, resisting the temptation to grumble, you can find Joy and Peace in the midst of your struggles.

From " Jesus Lives " by Sarah Young

Stay Strong!  Enjoy the Weekend!

"Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
1 THESSALONIANS 5:18

"You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this."
ACTS 3:15

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."
JAMES 1:17

"Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe."
HEBREWS 12:28

I Never Give Up on You

YOU ARE FEELING BROKENHEARTED AND BOUND: ENTANGLED IN WEBS OF DISCOURAGEMENT.

Pick up the pieces of your broken heart—scattered all around you—and bring them to Me.

Place them on the white linen cloth I provide, and wait in My healing Presence.

Sit still in My holy Light while I cleanse you from binding webs of discouragement.

Look into My Face and see the great Love I have for you.

Because My Love is limitless, I never run out of compassion.

When you feel on the brink of giving up, remind yourself of My great faithfulness:

I never give up on you!

Though your disappointment is real, My Presence with you is even more real.

Stay close to Me as I work on mending your broken heart.

Of course, your repaired heart will not be exactly as it was before, but in some ways it will be much better.

Your renewed heart—stripped of its cherished hopes —will have more space for Me.

From " Jesus Lives " by Sarah Young

Stay Strong!

"The Spirit of the Lord . . . has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound." ISAIAH 61:1 NKJV

"As the eyes of slaves look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maid look to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the Lord our God, till he shows us his mercy."
PSALM 123:2

"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." LAMENTATIONS 3:22–23

"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." PSALM 51:10 NKJV

Everything You Need To Persevere

NO MATTER WHAT HARDSHIPS THE WORLD MAY THROW AT YOU, YOU HAVE—IN ME— EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO PERSEVERE.

Despair is a deep pit, and sometimes you totter around its edges, precariously close to falling in.

Your only hope at such times is to fix your eyes on Me.

The more perplexed you are—bewildered by complex circumstances—the easier it is to lose your balance.

To keep from falling, you must change your focus: from your circumstances to My Presence.

This requires strenuous effort on your part, because you have not fully accepted the limitations of your mind.

Your natural tendency is to keep thinking about a difficult situation ad nauseam—trying to figure it out.

However, I am always nearby, eager to help you change your focus time after time.

Though you may be hard pressed on every side , you need not be crushed by your difficulties.

You are not alone in your battles because I will never, ever abandon you.

Even if you are struck down by a fatal blow, you will not be destroyed.

I am the Shepherd and Guardian of your soul—the part of you that is indestructible.

I give you eternal Life, and you will never perish.

No one can snatch you out of My hand!

From "Jesus Lives" by Sarah Young

Stay Strong!

"We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.
- 2 CORINTHIANS 4:8

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 you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.
- 1 PETER 2:25 NASB

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

Do Not Be Afraid

I OFFER YOU GODLY CONTENTMENT: A STATE OF SERENITY THAT FLOWS OUT OF TRUSTING IN MY GREAT SUFFICIENCY.

I am teaching you to depend on Me alone—content with whatever I provide.

Relying solely on Me is a way of rich blessing, even though it may lead you along paths you would not have chosen.

If you are truly content to live with My provisions for you—now and in the future—you will not be plagued by anxiety.

Instead of worrying about "what ifs" your heart will be firmly fixed—confident in Me.

I realize this world is full of fear-inducing messages.

Daily news reports can fill your mind with fearful thoughts.

Advertisers intentionally stimulate anxiety and insecurity, so they can demonstrate how their products will help you— making you happy and secure.

To counteract these harmful messages, it's essential for you to exert some control over your thinking.

Ask the Holy Spirit to help you think My thoughts.

The more He controls your mind, the more you will experience Life and Peace.

REMEMBER that you brought nothing into the world: Everything you have is a gift from Me, including each breath you breathe.

Though you can carry nothing out of this world, the spiritual transformation I am working in you is eternal.

Collaborate with Me as I transform you into My likeness, preparing you for the ultimate in blissful contentment—heaven!

From "Jesus Lives " by Sarah Young

Stay Strong!

"Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out."
- 1 TIMOTHY 6:6–7 NKJV

"He shall not be afraid of evil tidings; his heart is firmly fixed, trusting (leaning on and being confident) in the Lord."
- PSALM 112:7 AMP

"The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace."
- ROMANS 8:6

Of Elephants and Forgiveness

"In the Gospel reading from Matthew 18, Peter asks Jesus, "How often must I forgive? As many as seven times?"

Jesus replies, "Not seven times, but seventy-seven times."

Some translations render it "seventy times seven times."

Of course, Jesus means that there should be no end to our forgiveness, just as there is no end to God's forgiveness.

But what's in a number?

I want to offer a different perspective today.

I would say that we need to only forgive once. Controversial?

Let me explain.

Have you ever heard this question: How do you eat an elephant?

The answer is one bite at a time.

Don't think about the whole elephant.

Just take that first bite, and think only about that. 

I believe the same principle applies with forgiveness.

If we think about having to forgive someone who has hurt us or offended us over and over again, 490 times even, it can easily overwhelm us.

God, I just can't do that!

And God says, okay, fine. Can you forgive just this one time?

And that's all we need.

If anger and resentment and bitterness rear their ugly heads again somewhere down the road, even a few seconds later, then all we have to do is forgive right then.

Just once.

Try it today.

Forgive, just once.

Father, give us the grace to forgive, just once, just for now. We thank you in Jesus' name.
Amen."

From "Gus Lloyd ' s 60 Second Reflections"

Stay Strong