TRY TO VIEW EACH DAY

TRY TO VIEW EACH DAY as an adventure, carefully planned out by your Guide. Instead of staring into the day that is ahead of you, attempting to program it according to your will, be attentive to Me and to all I have prepared for you. Thank Me for this day of life, recognizing that it is a precious, unrepeatable gift. Trust that I am with you each moment, whether you sense My Presence or not. A thankful, trusting attitude helps you to see events in your life from My perspective.

A life lived close to Me will never be dull or predictable. Expect each day to contain surprises! Resist your tendency to search for the easiest route through the day. Be willing to follow wherever I lead. No matter how steep or treacherous the path before you, the safest place to be is by My side.

Psalm 118:24; 1 Peter 2:21

Men: They're Human, Too

Men: They're Human, Too

 

Much is said today about how men treat women, but we rarely hear about how women treat men. We need to admit that as women we are not always in the right in relationship to men. There is a plethora of advice in women's magazines about how to appeal to a man sexually, and how to live with his "male ego." Let's remember that beyond a man's ego and sexuality lies a real human being, a regular "guy." Men know feelings of hurt, embarrassment, failure and tenderness, just as women do.

I overheard a woman recently talking about her husband in a deprecating way while he stood there mute, not knowing what to say. I cringed inside, wishing she would stop telling the personal details and embarrassing moments of his life. This was a human being she was talking about! He was obviously respected by others, but his wife took center stage by getting some laughs at his expense.

A woman's tendency to treat a man as if he has no feelings seems to begin in adolescence, when girls run roughshod over boys' feelings, turning them down for dates and telling everyone that they did, or spitefully making fun of the boy who doesn't return some flirting gesture. We know this is a mark of immaturity, but some women simply don't mature beyond that point.

It is easy to fall into a habit of deprecating humor. If you are constantly using someone in your family or group of friends to laugh about, think it over. "Oh, it doesn't bother him," is not really a valid statement. If he is alive and breathing, he is affected by the words of others as that is part of being human.

I NEED SOME HELP

God,
I need some outside help tonight.
I want so much to be free,
But I don't feel free.

I know it all in my head
that your life is living in me,
that my life is a miracle,
But in my heart
It seems as if life is pressing in on me
And squeezing me,
Until I feel empty and limp.

Free . . .
What can that word mean
When my life belongs to so many other
people,
When I get squeezed between the
generation gap
And the tax bill,
And I want to walk out of the door and
keep on walking and never stop . . .
Then what does it mean to be free?
God,
I need some help outside myself tonight.

LET ME PREPARE YOU

LET ME PREPARE YOU for the day that stretches out before you. I know exactly what this day will contain, whereas you only have vague ideas about it. You would like to see a map, showing all the twists and turns of your journey. You’d feel more prepared if you could somehow visualize what is on the road ahead. However, there is a better way to be prepared for whatever you will encounter today: Spend quality time with Me.
I will not show you what is on the road ahead, but I will thoroughly equip you for the journey. My living Presence is your Companion each step of the way. Stay in continual communication with Me, whispering My Name whenever you need to redirect your thoughts. Thus, you can walk through this day with your focus on Me. My abiding Presence is the best road map available.

SCRIPTURE READING:

{Exodus 33:14} The LORD replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

{John 15:4-7} (4) Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. (5) “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. (6) If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. (7) If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.

January 11, 2015

TRUST ME by relinquishing control into My hands. Let go and recognize that I am God. This is My world: I made it and I control it. Yours is a responsive part in the litany of Love. I search among My children for receptivity to Me. Guard well this gift that I have planted in your heart. Nurture it with the Light of My Presence.

When you bring Me prayer requests, lay out your concerns before Me. Speak to Me candidly; pour out your heart. Then thank Me for the answers that I have set into motion long before you can discern the results. When your requests come to mind again, continue to thank Me for the answers that are on the way. If you keep on stating your concerns to Me, you will live in a state of tension. When you thank Me for how I am answering your prayers, your mind-set becomes much more positive. Thankful prayers keep your focus on My Presence and My promises.

SCRIPTURE READING:

{Psalm 46:10}  “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.

{Colossians 4:2}  Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

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

EVERY TIME YOU AFFIRM YOUR TRUST IN ME

 EVERY TIME YOU AFFIRM YOUR TRUST IN ME, you put a coin in My treasury. Thus you build up equity in preparation for days of trouble. I keep safely in My heart all trust invested in Me, with interest compounded continuously. The more you trust Me, the more I empower you to do so.
     Practice trusting Me during quiet days, when nothing much seems to be happening. Then when storms come, your trust balance will be sufficient to see you through. Store up for yourself treasure in heaven through placing your trust in Me. This practice will keep you in My Peace.

Psalm 56:3-4; Matthew 6:20-21
Jesus Calling

I AM WITH YOU AND FOR YOU

   I AM WITH YOU AND FOR YOU. When you decide on a course of action that is in line with My will, nothing in heaven or on earth can stop you. You may encounter many obstacles as you move toward your goal, but don't be discouraged--never give up! With My help, you can overcome any obstacle. Do not expect an easy path as you journey hand in hand with Me, but do remember that I, your very-present Helper, am omnipotent.
     Much, much stress results from your wanting to make things happen before their times have come. One of the main ways I assert My sovereignty is in the timing of events. If you want to stay close to Me and do things My way, ask Me to show you the path forward moment by moment. Instead of dashing headlong toward your goal, let Me set the pace. Slow down, and enjoy the journey in My Presence.

Romans 8:31; Psalm 46:1-3; Luke 1:37
Jesus Calling

SOFTLY I ANNOUNCE MY PRESENCE

SOFTLY I ANNOUNCE MY PRESENCE. Shimmering hues of radiance tap gently at your consciousness, seeking entrance. Though I have all Power in heaven and on earth, I am infinitely tender with you. The weaker you are, the more gently I approach you. Let your weakness be a door to My Presence. Whenever you feel inadequate, remember that I am your ever-present Help.

Hope in Me, and you will be protected from depression and self-pity. Hope is like a golden cord connecting you to heaven. The more you cling to this cord, the more I bear the weight of your burdens; thus, you are lightened. Heaviness is not of My kingdom. Cling to hope, and My rays of Light will reach you through the darkness.

Psalm 46:1; Romans 12:12; Romans 15:13
Jesus Calling

IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO THANK ME TOO MUCH

IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO THANK ME TOO MUCH. As it is written, I inhabit the praise of My people. Sometimes your adoration is a spontaneous overflow of Joy, in response to radiant beauty or rich blessings. At other times your praise is more disciplined and measured--an act of your will. I dwell equally in both types of praise. Thankfulness, also, is a royal road to draw near Me. A thankful heart has plenty of room for Me.

When you thank Me for the many pleasures I provide, you affirm that I am God, from whom all blessings flow. When adversity strikes and you thank Me anyway, your trust in My sovereignty is a showpiece in invisible realms. Fill up the spare moments of your life with praise and thanksgiving. This joyous discipline will help you live in the intimacy of My Presence.

Psalm 22:3; Psalm 146:1-2; 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Jesus Calling

I AM ABLE

I AM ABLE to do far beyond all that you ask or imagine. Come to Me with positive expectations, knowing that there is no limit to what I can accomplish. Ask My Spirit to control your mind so that you can think great thoughts of Me. Do not be discouraged by the fact that many of your prayers are yet unanswered. Time is a trainer, teaching you to wait upon Me, to trust Me in the dark. The more extreme your circumstances, the more likely you are to see My Power and Glory at work in the situation. Instead of letting difficulties draw you into worrying, try to view them as setting the scene for My glorious intervention. Keep your eyes and your mind wide open to all that I am doing in your life.

Ephesians 3:20-21; Romans 8:6; Isaiah 40:30-31; Revelation 5:13
Jesus Talking

YOU CAN ACHIEVE THE VICTORIOUS LIFE

YOU CAN ACHIEVE THE VICTORIOUS LIFE through living in deep dependence on Me. People usually associate victory with success: not falling or stumbling, not making mistakes. But those who are successful in their strength tend to go their own way, forgetting about Me. It is through problems and failure, weakness and neediness, that you learn to rely on Me.

True dependence is not simply asking Me to bless what you have decided to do. It is coming to Me with an open mind and heart, inviting Me to plant My desires within you. I may infuse within you a dream that seems far beyond your reach. You know that in yourself you cannot achieve such a goal. Thus begins your journey of profound reliance on Me. It is a faith-walk, taken one step at a time, leaning on Me as much as you need. This is not a path of continual success but of multiple failures. However, each failure is followed by a growth spurt, nourished by increased reliance on Me. Enjoy the blessedness of a victorious life through deepening your dependence on Me.

Psalm 34:17-18; 2 Corinthians 5:7
Jesus Calling

I WANT YOU TO LEARN A NEW HABIT January 4, 2015

I WANT YOU TO LEARN A NEW HABIT. Try saying, "I trust You, Jesus," in response to whatever happens to you. If there is time, think about who I Am in all My Power and Glory; ponder also the depth and breadth of My Love for you.

This simple practice will help you see Me in every situation, acknowledging My sovereign control over the universe. When you view events from this perspective--through the Light of My universal Presence--fear loses its grip on you. Adverse circumstances become growth opportunities when you affirm your trust in Me no matter what. You receive blessings gratefully, realizing they flow directly from My hand of grace. Your continual assertion of trusting Me will strengthen our relationship and keep you close to Me.

Psalm 63:2; Isaiah 40:10-11; Psalm 139:7-10
Jesus Calling

REFRESH YOURSELF January 3, 2015

REFRESH YOURSELF in the Peace of My Presence. This Peace can be your portion at all times and in all circumstances. Learn to hide in the secret of My Presence, even as you carry out your duties in the world. I am both with you and within you. I go before you to open up the way, and I walk alongside you. There could never be another companion as devoted as I am

Because I am your constant Companion, there should be a lightness to your step that is observable to others. Do not be weighed down with problems and unresolved issues, for I am your burden-bearer. In the world you have trials and distress, but don't let them get you down. I have conquered the world and deprived it of power to harm you. In Me you may have confident Peace.

Psalm 31:19-20; John 16:33
Jesus Calling

RELAX IN MY HEALING PRESENCE January 2, 2015

RELAX IN MY HEALING PRESENCE. As you spend time with Me, your thoughts tend to jump ahead to today's plans and problems. Bring your mind back to Me for refreshment and renewal. Let the Light of My Presence soak into you as you focus your thoughts on Me. Thus I equip you to face whatever the day brings. This sacrifice of time pleases Me and strengthens you. Do not skimp on our time together. Resist the clamor of tasks waiting to be done. You have chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from you.

Psalm 105:4; Luke 10:39-42
Jesus Calling

COME TO ME January 1, 2015

COME TO ME with a teachable spirit, eager to be changed. A close walk with ME is a life of continual newness. Do not cling to old ways as you step into a new year. Instead, seek My Face with an open mind, knowing that your journey with Me involves being transformed by the renewing of your mind. As you focus your thoughts on Me, be aware that I am fully attentive to you. I see you with a steady eye because My attention span is infinite. I know and understand you completely; My thoughts embrace you in everlasting Love. I also know the plans I have for you; plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Give yourself fully to this adventure of increasing attentiveness to My Presence.

Romans 12:2; Jeremiah 29:11
Jesus Calling