Who Rolled the Stone Away? {Read Luke 24:1-12}

They found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance (Luke 24:2).

When someone is healed from a serious illness, we might say, "The age of miracles has not yet passed." During Easter we celebrate one of God's greatest miracles of all time - the resurrection of Jesus from the dead!

     The question at that moment was, "Who rolled the stone aside?" How did Jesus' dead body come to life again and how did He leave the rock tomb when a heavy stone was covering the entrance? At that time, the guards that were specifically appointed to prevent the body from being stolen fabricated the story that the disciples stole the body. By means of a mighty act of His power, the Eternal God rolled away the stone, brought His Son back to life and by doing this, introduced a new era in history.

     That same God still rolls away stones. He rolls away the stone of our unbelief that declares, "This is impossible! Dead people don't return to life!" He rolls away the stone of our desperation that claims, "In the end, He is also subject to nature and death." He rolls away the stone of our fear and says, "I entered death and tasted the glory of resurrection from death. And so will you!" There is only one explanation of what happened that first Easter morning in the garden - God! Don't seek or ask for any other answer: "Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?" (1 Cor. 15:54-55). 

WHEN SOME BASIC NEED IS LACKING

--time, energy, money--consider yourself blessed. Your very lack is an opportunity to latch onto Me in unashamed dependence. When you begin a day with inadequate resources, you must concentrate your efforts on the present moment. This is where you are meant to live--in the present. It is the place where I always await you. Awareness of your inadequacy is a rich blessing, training you to rely wholeheartedly on Me.
     The truth is that self-sufficiency is a myth perpetuated by pride and temporary success. Health and wealth can disappear instantly, as life can itself. Rejoice in your insufficiency, knowing that My Power is made perfect in weakness.

JAMES 1:2;  2 CORINTHIANS 12:9 NASB 

An Independent Opinion {Read Luke 23:44-56}

When the Roman officer overseeing the execution saw what had happened, he worshiped God and said, "Surely this man was innocent" (Luke 23:47).

Soldiers are usually hardened people. Warfare makes those involved tougher than they would otherwise be. Being a soldier is not for the faint-hearted.

     The officer in charge of Jesus Christ's crucifixion was of a senior rank, a centurion. He had been part of military life for many years and had probably served in various places. To be put in control of a hundred soldiers meant that he was no fool. To be in control, often in difficult circumstances, you had to be sharp-witted. You had to earn the respect of those under you.

     This officer probably knew something about the farce that Jesus' hearing turned out to be. It is very likely that he saw right through the hypocrisy of the priests and of Pilate and was on guard while his soldiers mocked Jesus. He was in no way unfamiliar with death, and blood was nothing new to him. It was highly probable that he had heard about all the miracles.

     While watching Jesus' last moments, Pilate quietly spoke words that revealed insight and conviction. He could see that Jesus was not an ordinary criminal and he was undoubtedly disappointed that Roman justice had sunk so low to allow this good man to die. His considered opinion was "surely this man was innocent" (v. 47). And, like thousands through the ages, he praised God. Join him today in doing the same!

Lord, our God, we live to praise You. Amen.

LET ME TEACH YOU THANKFULNESS

Begin by acknowledging that everything--all your possessions and all that you are--belongs to Me. The dawning of each new day is a gift from Me, not to be taken for granted. The earth is vibrantly alive with My blessings, giving vivid testimony to My Presence. If you slow down your pace of life, you can find Me anywhere.
     Some of My most precious children have been laid aside in sickbeds or shut away in prisons. Others have voluntarily learned the discipline of spending time alone with Me. The secret of being thankful is learning to see everything from My perspective. My world is your classroom. My Word is a lamp to your feet and a light for your path.

HEBREWS 12:28-29;  PSALM 119:105 

Jesus Calling (April 28, 2017)

AS YOU LOOK into the day that stretches out before you, you see many choice-points along the way. The myriad possibilities these choices present can confuse you. Draw your mind back to the threshold of this day, where I stand beside you, lovingly preparing you for what is ahead.
     You must make your choices one at a time since each is contingent upon the decision that precedes it. Instead of trying to create a mental map of your path through this day, focus on My loving Presence with you. I will equip you as you go so that you can handle whatever comes your way. Trust Me to supply what you need when you need it.

LAMENTATIONS 3:22-26;  PSALM 34:8 NKJV

Jesus Calling (April 27, 2017)

COME TO ME with empty hands and an open heart, ready to receive abundant blessings. I know the depth and breadth of your neediness. Your life-path has been difficult, draining you of strength. Come to Me for nurture. Let Me fill you up with My Presence: I in you, and you in Me.
     My Power flows most freely into weak ones aware of their need for Me. Faltering steps of dependence are not lack of faith; they are links to My Presence. 

JOHN 17:20-23;  ISAIAH 40:29-31

Jesus Calling (April 26, 2017)

WELCOME PROBLEMS as perspective-lifters. My children tend to sleepwalk through their days until they bump into an obstacle that stymies them.
     If you encounter a problem with no immediate solution, your response to that situation will take you either up or down. You can lash out at the difficulty, resenting it and feeling sorry for yourself. This will take you down into a pit of self-pity. Alternatively, the problem can be a ladder, enabling you to climb up and see your life from My perspective. Viewed from above, the obstacle that frustrated you is only a light and momentary trouble. Once your perspective has been heightened, you can look away from the problem altogether. Turn toward Me, and see the Light of My Presence shining upon you.

2 CORINTHIANS 4:16-18; PSALM 89:15

Jesus Calling (April 25, 2017)

MAKE ME YOUR FOCAL POINT as you move through this day. Just as a spinning ballerina must keep returning her eyes to a given point to maintain her balance, so you must keep returning your focus to Me. Circumstances are in flux, and the world seems to be whirling around you. The only way to keep your balance is to fix your eyes on Me, the One who never changes. If you gaze too long at your circumstances, you will become dizzy and confused. Look to Me, refreshing yourself in My Presence, and your steps will be steady and sure.

HEBREWS 12:2; PSALM 102:27

Jesus Calling (April 24, 2017)

REST IN THE STILLNESS of My Presence while I prepare you for this day. Let the radiance of My Glory shine upon you as you wait on Me in confident trust. Be still, and know that I am God. There is both a passive and active side to trusting Me. As you rest in My Presence, focusing on Me, I quietly build bonds of trust between us. When you respond to the circumstances of your life with affirmations of trust, you actively participate in this process.
     I am always with you, so you have no reason to be afraid. Your fear often manifests itself in excessive planning. Your mind is so accustomed to this pattern of thinking that you are only now becoming aware of how pervasive it is and how much it hinders your intimacy with Me. Repent of this tendency and resist it whenever you realize you are wandering down this well-worn path. Return to My Presence, which always awaits you in the present moment. I accept you back with no condemnation.

PSALM 46:10; ROMANS 8:1

Jesus Calling (April 23, 2017)

KEEP YOUR EYES ON ME, not only for direction but also for empowerment. I never lead you to do something without equipping you for the task. That is why it's so important to seek My will in everything you do. There are many burned-out Christians who think more is always better, who deem it nonspiritual to say no.
     In order to know My will, you must spend time with Me--enjoying My Presence. This is not an onerous task but a delightful privilege. I will show you the path of Life; in My Presence is fullness of Joy; at My right hand there are pleasures forevermore.

PSALM 141:8; PSALM 16:11 NKJV 

Jesus Calling (April 22, 2017)

LISTEN TO ME CONTINUALLY. I have much to communicate to you, so many people and situations in need of prayer. I am training you to set your mind on Me more and more, tuning out distractions through the help of My Spirit.
     Walk with Me in holy trust, responding to My initiatives rather than trying to make things fit your plans. I died to set you free, and that includes freedom from compulsive planning. When your mind spins with a multitude of thoughts, you cannot hear My voice. A mind preoccupied with planning pays homage to the idol of control. Turn from this idolatry back to Me. Listen to Me and live abundantly!

JOHN 8:36; PROVERBS 19:21; JOHN 10:27

Jesus Calling (April 21, 2017)

LET ME CONTROL YOUR MIND. The mind is the most restless, unruly part of mankind. Long after you have learned the discipline of holding your tongue, your thoughts defy your will and set themselves up against Me. Man is the pinnacle of My creation, and the human mind is wondrously complex. I risked all by granting you freedom to think for yourself. This is godlike privilege, forever setting you apart from animals and robots. I made you in My image, precariously close to deity.

     Though My blood has fully redeemed you, your mind is the last bastion of rebellion. Open yourself to My radiant Presence, letting My Light permeate your thinking. When My Spirit is controlling your mind, you are filled with Life and Peace.

GENESIS 1:26-27; ROMANS 8:6 

Jesus Calling (April 20, 2017)

DO NOT BE AFRAID, for I am with you. Hear Me saying, "Peace, be still," to your restless heart. No matter what happens, I will never leave you or forsake you. Let this assurance soak into your mind and heart until you overflow with Joy. Though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, you need not fear!
     The media relentlessly proclaim bad news: for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A steady diet of their fare will sicken you. Instead of focusing on fickle, ever-changing news broadcasts, tune in to the living Word--the One who is always the same. Let Scripture saturate your mind and heart, and you will walk steadily along the path of Life. Even though you don't know what will happen tomorrow, you can be absolutely sure of your ultimate destination. I hold you by your right hand, and afterward I will take you into Glory.

MARK 4:39 NKJV; DEUTERONOMY 31:6; PSALM 46:2; PSALM 73:23-24 

Jesus Calling (April 19, 2017)

I LOVE YOU regardless of how well you are performing. Sometimes you feel uneasy, wondering if you are doing enough to be worthy of My Love. No matter how exemplary your behavior, the answer to that question will always be no. Your performance and My Love are totally different issues, which you need to sort out. I love you with an everlasting Love that flows out from eternity without limits or conditions. I have clothed you in My robe of righteousness, and this is an eternal transaction: Nothing and no one can reverse it. Therefore, your accomplishments as a Christian has no bearing on My Love for you. Even your ability to assess how well you are doing on a given day is flawed. Your limited human perspective and the condition of your body, with its mercurial variations, distort your evaluations.
     Bring your performance anxiety to Me, and receive in its place My unfailing Love. Try to stay conscious of My loving Presence with you in all that you do, and I will direct your steps.

JEREMIAH 31:3;  ISAIAH 61:10;  PSALM 31:16;  PSALM 107:8

Jesus Calling (April 18, 2017)

PEACE IS MY CONTINUAL GIFT TO YOU. It flows abundantly from My throne of grace. Just as the Israelites could not store up manna for the future but had to gather it daily, so it is with My Peace. The day-by-day collecting of manna kept My people aware of their dependence on Me. Similarly, I give you sufficient Peace for the present when you come to me by prayer and petition with thanksgiving. If I gave you permanent Peace, independent of My Presence, you might fall into the trap of self-sufficiency. May that never be!
     I have designed you to need Me moment by moment. As your awareness of your neediness increases, so does your realization of My abundant sufficiency. I can meet every one of your needs without draining My resources at all. Approach My throne of grace with bold confidence, receiving My Peace with a thankful heart.

EXODUS 16:14-20;  PHILIPPIANS 4:6-7, 19;  HEBREWS 4:16
     

Jesus Calling (April 17, 2017)

I AM TRAINING YOU IN STEADINESS. Too many things interrupt your awareness of Me. I know that you live in a world of sight and sound, but you must not be a slave to those stimuli. Awareness of Me can continue in all circumstances, no matter what happens. This is the steadiness I desire for you.
     Don't let unexpected events throw you off course. Rather, respond calmly and confidently, remembering that I am with you. As soon as something grabs your attention, talk with Me about it. Thus I share your joys and your problems; I help you cope with whatever is before you. This is how I live in you and work through you. This is the way of Peace.

PSALM 112:7; ISAIAH 41:10 NKJV

Jesus Calling (April 16, 2017)

I AM CALLING YOU to a life of thankfulness. I want all your moments to be punctuated with thanksgiving. The basis for your gratitude is My sovereignty. I am the Creator and Controller of the universe. Heaven and earth are filled with My glorious Presence.
     When you criticize or complain, you are acting as if you think you could run the world better than I do. From your limited human perspective, it may look as if I'm mismanaging things. But you don't know what I know or what I see. If I pulled back the curtain to allow you to view heavenly realms, you would understand much more. However, I have designed you to live by faith, not by sight. I lovingly shield you from knowing the future or seeing into the spirit world. Acknowledge My sovereignty by giving thanks in all circumstances.

ISAIAH 6:3; 2 CORINTHIANS 5:7; 1 THESSALONIANS 5:18 

Jesus Calling (April 15, 2017)

TRUST ME, and don't be afraid. Many things feel out of control. Your routines are not running smoothly. You tend to feel more secure when your life is predictable. Let Me lead you to the rock that is higher than you and your circumstances. Take refuge in the shelter of My wings, where you are absolutely secure.
     When you are shaken out of your comfortable routines, grip My hand tightly and look for growth opportunities. Instead of bemoaning the loss of your comfort, accept the challenge of something new. I lead you on from glory to glory, making you fit for My kingdom. Say yes to the ways I work in your life. Trust Me, and don't be afraid.

ISAIAH 12:2; PSALM 61:2-4; 2 CORINTHIANS 3:18 NKJV

Heaven and Hell, Do Tell

Directions: Find your answers in Psalm 9:17; Matthew 5:22, 29; 7:13-14; 18:3; 22:30; 25:46; Mark 9:46; Luke 16:22-23; John 14:2; Acts 1:9; 7:49; Philippians 2:9-11; Colossians 3:2; 2 Peter 2:4; Revelation 7:9-11; 20:10; 15; 21:1-16.

True/False:
1. There will be marriage in heaven.
2. The path to hell is narrow because God loves all.
3. The road to heaven is narrow.
4. Punishment for the unrighteous is forever.
5. Satan will be tormented forever.
6. Heaven is a literal place that God has prepared for His children.
7. Jesus preached about hell.
8. Heaven is described as a beautiful city.
9.  We must have faith as a child to enter heaven.
10. Jesus ascended into heaven.
11. Jesus will be confessed as Lord even in hell.
12. Those not found in the book of life will be cast into the lake of fire.

Short Answer:
1. It is better to live without _____ if they offend you than it is to go to hell.
2. "The wicked shall be turned into _____ and all the _____ that forget God." 
3. Those not found in the book of life will be cast into the _____ of _____.
4. "God spared not the _____ that _____, but cast them down to hell."
5. "Where their worm dieth not, and the _____ is not _____."
6. "The rich man also died, and was buried; and in hell he lifted up his eyes, being in _____."
7. "Set your _____ on things _____, not on things on the earth."
8. "I beheld . . . a great multitude, which no man could number, of _____, and kindreds . . . stood before the throne."
9. "Heaven is my _____, and earth is my footstool." 

Being a Kid Is Tough

"One of the great puzzles in my life is when Daddy spanks me for smoking a cigarette butt he threw away. And Mommy sometimes washes my mouth out with soap for saying a word that I learned from her. Ever since I can remember, my parents have taught me not to tell lies, but the other day Mommy sent me to the door to tell a salesman that she was gone. Maybe when we get big and our folks get little, we can enjoy the privilege of telling whoppers. You know, being a parent must be fun . . . but being a kid is tough with so many restrictions."
     Remember that every word spoken before our children and every action observed contribute to the formation of their character. -Author Unknown

The Best Things

"The best things are nearest: breath in your nostrils, light in your eyes, flowers at your feet, duties at your hand, the path of right just before you. Then do not grasp at the stars, but do life's plain, common work as it comes, certain that daily duties and daily bread are the sweetest things of life."
                                                                      --Robert Louis Stevenson

"I will praise the Lord according to His righteousness, and will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High."
                                 Psalm 7:17 

THEY BURNED TRUTH

They burned Truth in the marketplace,

And thought their work complete;

But next day, with a smiling face,

They met it on the street.

They threw it in a dungeon damp,

And thought it was no more;

But lo, it walked with lighted lamp 

Among them as before.

They scorned and ostracized it,

And ordered it to depart;

But still it dwelt in all the land

And challenged every heart.

                                                                       --Author Unknown 

"The word of the Lord endureth forever."

1 Peter 1:25 

AT HIS POST

When Pompeii was destroyed, many were buried in its ruins. These were later found in very different situations.
     Some were in the streets as if they had been attempting to escape. Some were found in deep vaults as if seeking security. Some were found in lofty chambers as if trying to get above the lava.
     Where did they find the Roman sentinel? He was standing at the city gate where he had been placed by his captain, with his hand still grasping the war weapon.
     There, while the heavens threatened him; there, while the earth shook beneath him; there, while lava streams rolled, he had stood at his post; and there, after a thousand years had passed, was he still found.
     May we as Christians stand to our duty, in the post at which our Captain has placed us. --Author Unknown

"Be thou faithful unto death."

REVELATION 2:10

Jesus Calling (April 14, 2017)

HEAVEN IS both present and future. As you walk along your life-path holding My hand, you are already in touch with the essence of heaven: nearness to Me. You can also find many hints of heaven along your pathway because the earth is radiantly alive with My Presence. Shimmering sunshine awakens your heart, gently reminding you of My brilliant Light. Birds and flowers, trees and skies evoke praises to My holy Name. Keep your eyes and ears fully open as you journey with Me.
     At the end of your life-path is an entrance to heaven. Only I know when you will reach that destination, but I am preparing you for it each step of the way. The absolute certainty of your heavenly home gives you Peace and Joy to help you along your journey. You know that you will reach your home in My perfect timing: not one moment too soon or too late. Let the hope of heaven encourage you as you walk along the path of Life with Me.

1 CORINTHIANS 15:20-23; HEBREWS 6:19

Jesus Calling (April 13, 2017)

WHEN I GIVE YOU no special guidance, stay where you are. Concentrate on doing your everyday tasks in awareness of My Presence with you. The Joy of My Presence will shine on you, as you do everything for Me. Thus you invite Me into every aspect of your life. Through collaborating with Me in all things, you allow My Life to merge with yours. This is the secret of not only joyful living but of victorious living. I designed you to depend on Me moment by moment, recognizing that apart from Me you can do nothing.
     Be thankful for quiet days, when nothing special seems to be happening. Instead of being bored by the lack of action, use times of routine to seek My Face. Although this is an invisible transaction, it speaks volumes in spiritual realms. Moreover, you are richly blessed when you walk trustingly with Me through the routines of your day.

COLOSSIANS 3:23; JOHN 15:5; PSALM 105:4

Jesus Calling (April 12, 2017)

TRUSTING ME is a moment-by-moment choice. My people have not always understood this truth. After I performed miracles in the wilderness, My chosen children trusted Me intensely--but only temporarily. Soon the grumbling began again, testing My patience to the utmost.
     Isn't it often the same way with you? You trust Me when things go well, when you see Me working on your behalf. This type of trust flows readily within you, requiring no exertion of your will. When things go wrong, your trust-flow slows down and solidifies. You are forced to choose between trusting Me me intentionally or rebelling, resenting My ways with you. This choice constitutes a fork in the road. Stay on the path of Life with Me, enjoying My Presence. Choose to trust Me in all circumstances.

EXODUS 15:22-25; PSALM 31:14

Jesus Calling (April 11, 2017)

THIS IS THE DAY THAT I HAVE MADE. Rejoice and be glad in it. Begin the day with open hands of faith, ready to receive all that I am pouring into this brief portion of your life. Be careful not to complain about anything, even the weather, since I am the Author of your circumstances. The best way to handle unwanted situations is to thank Me for them. This act of faith frees you from resentment and frees Me to work My ways into the situation, so that good emerges from it.
     To find joy in this day, you must live within its boundaries. I knew what I was doing when I divided time into twenty-four hour segments. I understand human frailty, and I know that you can bear the weight of only one day at a time. Do not worry about tomorrow or get stuck in the past. There is abundant Life in My Presence today.

PSALM 118:24; PHILIPPIANS 3:13-14

Jesus Calling (April 10, 2017)

TRUST ME IN EVERY DETAIL OF YOUR LIFE. Nothing is random in My kingdom. Everything that happens fits into a pattern for good, to those who love Me. Instead of trying to analyze the intricacies of the pattern, focus your energy on trusting Me and thanking Me at all times. Nothing is wasted when you walk close to Me. Even your mistakes and sins can be recycled into something good through My transforming grace.
     While you were still living in darkness, I began to shine the Light of My Presence into your sin-stained life. Finally, I lifted you up out of the mire into My marvelous Light. Having sacrificed My very Life for you, I can be trusted in every facet of your life.

JEREMIAH 17:7; ROMANS 8:28 AMP; PSALM 40:2; 1 PETER 2:9 NKJV

Jesus Calling (April 9, 2017)

YOU ARE MINE FOR ALL TIME; nothing can separate you from My Love. Since I have invested My very Life in you, be well assured that I will also take care of you. When your mind goes into neutral and your thoughts flow freely, you tend to feel anxious and alone. Your focus becomes problem solving. To get your mind back into gear, just turn toward Me, bringing yourself and your problems into My Presence.
     Many problems vanish instantly in the Light of My Love because you realize you are never alone. Other problems may remain, but they become secondary to knowing Me and rejoicing in the relationship I so freely offer you. Each moment you can choose to practice My Presence or to practice the presence of problems.

ROMANS 8:38-39; EXODUS 33:14

Jesus Calling (April 8, 2017)

I AM WITH YOU AND FOR YOU, your constant Companion and Provider. The question is whether you are with Me and for Me. Though I never leave you, you can essentially "leave" Me by ignoring Me: thinking or acting as if I am not with you. When you feel distance in our relationship, you know where the problem lies. My Love for you is constant; I am the same ysterday, today, and forever. It is you who change like shifting sand, letting circumstances toss you this way and that.
     When you feel far from Me, whisper My Name. This simple act, done in childlike faith, opens your heart to My Presence. Speak to Me in love-tones; prepare to receive My Love, which flows eternally from the cross. I am delighted when you open yourself to My loving Presence.

GENESIS 28:15; ROMANS 8:31; HEBREWS 13:8

Jesus Calling (April 7, 2017)

I AM THE POTTER; you are My clay. I designed you before the foundation of the world. I arrange the events of each day to form you into this preconceived pattern. My everlasting Love is at work in every event of your life. On some days your will and Mine flow smoothly together. You tend to feel in control of your life when our wills are in harmony. On other days you feel as if you are swimming upstream, against the current of My purposes. When that happens, stop and seek My Face. The opposition you feel may be from Me, or it may be from the evil one.
     Talk with Me about what you are experiencing. Let My Spirit guide you through treacherous waters. As you move through the turbulent streams with Me, let circumstances mold you into the one I desire you to be. Say yes to your Potter as you go through this day.

ISAIAH 64:8; pSALM 27:8

Jesus Calling (April 6, 2017)

BRING ME THE SACRIFICE of thanksgiving. Take nothing for granted, not even the rising of the sun. Before Satan tempted Eve in the garden of Eden, thankfulness was as natural as breathing. Satan's temptation involved pointing Eve to the one thing that was forbidden her. The Garden was filled with luscious, desirable fruits, but Eve focused on the one fruit she couldn't have rather than being thankful for the many good things freely available. This negative focus darkened her mind, and she succumbed to temptation.
     When you focus on what you don't have or on situations that displease you, your mind also becomes darkened. You take for granted life, salvation, sunshine, flowers, and countless other gifts from Me. You look for what is wrong and refuse to enjoy life until that is "fixed."
     When you approach Me with thanksgiving, the Light of My Presence pours into you, transforming you through and through. Walk in the Light with Me by practicing the discipline of thanksgiving.

PSALM 116:17 NKJV; GENESIS 3:2-6; 1 JOHN 1:7

Jesus Calling (April 5, 2017)

LET ME FILL YOU with my Love, Joy, and Peace. These are Glory-gifts, flowing from my living Presence. Though you are an earthen vessel, I designed you to be filled with heavenly contents. Your weakness is not a deterrent to being filled with My Spirit; on the contrary, it provides an opportunity for My Power to shine forth more brightly.
     As you go through this day, trust Me to provide the strength you need moment by moment. Don't waste energy wondering whether you are adequate for today's journey. My Spirit within you is more than sufficient to handle whatever this day may bring. That is the basis for your confidence! In quietness (spending time alone with Me) and confident trust (relying on My sufficiency) is your strength.

2 CORINTHIANS 4:7 NASB; ISAIAH 30:15

Jesus Calling (April 4, 2017)

I MEET YOU in the stillness of your soul. It is there that I seek to commune with you. A person who is open to My Presence is exceedingly precious to Me. My eyes search to and fro throughout the earth, looking for one whose heart is seeking Me. I see you trying to find Me; our mutual search results in joyful fulfillment.
     Stillness of soul is increasingly rare in this world addicted to noise and speed. I am pleased with your desire to create a quiet space where you and I can meet. Don't be discouraged by the difficulty of achieving this goal. I monitor all your efforts and am blessed by each of your attempts to seek My Face.

ZECHARIAH 2:13; 2 CHRONICLES 16:9 NKJV; PSALM 23:2-3 NKJV

Jesus Calling (April 3, 2017)

IN ME YOU HAVE EVERYTHING. In Me you are complete. Your capacity to experience Me is increasing through My removal of debris and clutter from your heart. As your yearning for Me increases, other desires are gradually lessening. Since I am infinite and abundantly accessible to you, desiring Me above all else is the best way to live.
     It is impossible for you to have a need that I cannot meet. After all, I created you and everything that is. The world is still at My beck and call, though it often appears otherwise. Do not be fooled by appearances. Things that are visible are brief and fleeting, while things that are invisible are everlasting.

EPHESIANS 3:20; 2 CORINTHIANS 4:18 AMP

Jesus Calling (April 2, 2017)

I HAVE PROMISED to meet all your needs according to My glorious riches. Your deepest, most constant need is for My Peace. I have planted Peace in the garden of your heart, where I live, but there are weeds growing there too: pride, worry, selfishness, unbelief. I am the Gardener, and I am working to rid your heart of those weeds. I do My work in various ways. When you sit quietly with Me, I shine the Light of My Presence directly into your heart. In this heavenly Light, Peace grows abundantly and weeds shrivel up. I also send trials into your life. When you trust Me in the midst of trouble, Peace flourishes and weeds die away. Thank Me for troublesome situations; the Peace they can produce far outweigh the trials you endure.

PHILIPPIANS 4:19; 2 CORINTHIANS 4:17

Jesus Calling (April 1, 2017)

I AM CALLING YOU to a life of constant communion with Me. Basic training includes learning to live above your circumstances, even while interacting on that cluttered plane of life. You yearn for a simplified lifestyle so that your communication with Me can be uninterrupted. But I challenge you to relinquish the fantasy of an uncluttered world. Accept each day just as it comes, and find Me in the midst of it all.  

     Talk with Me about every aspect of your day, including your feelings. Remember that your ultimate goal is not to control or fix everything around you; it is to keep communing with Me. A successful day is one in which you have stayed in touch with Me, even if many things remain undone at the end of the day. Do not let your to-do list (written or mental) become an idol directing your life. Instead, ask My Spirit to guide you moment by moment. He will keep you close to Me.

1 THESSALONIANS 5:17; PROVERBS 3:6