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
Wednesday, January 4, 2017
Tuesday, January 3, 2017
How Can I Serve God? {Read Philemon 1-9}
Our Lord does not care so much for the importance of our works as for the love with which they are done. ~ Teresa of Avila ~
Your love has given me much joy and comfort, my brother, for your kindness has often refreshed the hearts of God's people {Philem. 7}
Many people want to serve God, but don't know how. The result is inevitable - they experience a vacuum in their spiritual life and become frustrated because they feel that their lives lack fulfillment. They search in vain for ways to witness for the Lord and serve Him, but every avenue seems to be a dead-end. In their disappointment, they withdraw more and more, until, inmany cases, they reject a faith that seems meaningless to them.
Every one of the Lord's disciples has a capacity for loving and there can be no better way of serving the Lord than to share the love of Christ with others. Love can encourage, save and give the helpless and the desperate hope. It can break down dividing walls, build relationships, bridge all gaps and heal all wounds. As Paul puts it, "Love is the greatest of all!"
If you are looking for a way to serve the Lord, why not start by loving others in His name? A telephone call, a note, paying someone in need a visit, or contacting someone involved in the Lord's work can bring great joy and encouragement. Even more important, it will bring fulfillment to your own life while you serve the Lord in this way.
Use me, heavenly Father, to share Your love with others on the road of life. Amen.
Your love has given me much joy and comfort, my brother, for your kindness has often refreshed the hearts of God's people {Philem. 7}
Many people want to serve God, but don't know how. The result is inevitable - they experience a vacuum in their spiritual life and become frustrated because they feel that their lives lack fulfillment. They search in vain for ways to witness for the Lord and serve Him, but every avenue seems to be a dead-end. In their disappointment, they withdraw more and more, until, inmany cases, they reject a faith that seems meaningless to them.
Every one of the Lord's disciples has a capacity for loving and there can be no better way of serving the Lord than to share the love of Christ with others. Love can encourage, save and give the helpless and the desperate hope. It can break down dividing walls, build relationships, bridge all gaps and heal all wounds. As Paul puts it, "Love is the greatest of all!"
If you are looking for a way to serve the Lord, why not start by loving others in His name? A telephone call, a note, paying someone in need a visit, or contacting someone involved in the Lord's work can bring great joy and encouragement. Even more important, it will bring fulfillment to your own life while you serve the Lord in this way.
Use me, heavenly Father, to share Your love with others on the road of life. Amen.
Jesus Calling 1-3-17
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 also 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 NASB; JOHN 16:33 AMP
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 NASB; JOHN 16:33 AMP
Monday, January 2, 2017
The Mark of Distinction {Read John 13:31-38}
Our only business is to love and delight ourselves in God. ~ Brother Lawrence ~
"Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are My disciples" {John 13:35}.
Each Christian church has its own distinctive teachings. In most cases, it is claimed that the teachings are inspired by the Holy Scriptures, yet in spite of this, these teachings can drive God's children apart and bring division.
This conflicting dogma has already caused much confusion and done great harm to the faith. People who have given up Christianity point to the division in the church and say, "See there, that's how Christians love each other!" Many earnest seekers don't know what they should believe anymore.
The Master made it clear that His disciples would be known by their attitude toward one another. This kind of love is not selective, and chooses not to be displayed only in religious fellowships and gatherings. If someone loves Christ, they must also love other people who love Him. Failing to do this is denying the Master's instructions.
The obstacles that cause division between God's people are often very hard to overcome. Dogma, religious organizations, pride and control all contribute to estrange churches from each other. It is essential that the spirit of love increase so that we can overcome obstacles created by human thinking. We must also love those who have conflicting theological opinions. This is only possible if our love for the Master is the most important experience in our lives.
Grant, Holy Spirit, that I express my religious convictions with love and understanding. Amen.
"Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are My disciples" {John 13:35}.
Each Christian church has its own distinctive teachings. In most cases, it is claimed that the teachings are inspired by the Holy Scriptures, yet in spite of this, these teachings can drive God's children apart and bring division.
This conflicting dogma has already caused much confusion and done great harm to the faith. People who have given up Christianity point to the division in the church and say, "See there, that's how Christians love each other!" Many earnest seekers don't know what they should believe anymore.
The Master made it clear that His disciples would be known by their attitude toward one another. This kind of love is not selective, and chooses not to be displayed only in religious fellowships and gatherings. If someone loves Christ, they must also love other people who love Him. Failing to do this is denying the Master's instructions.
The obstacles that cause division between God's people are often very hard to overcome. Dogma, religious organizations, pride and control all contribute to estrange churches from each other. It is essential that the spirit of love increase so that we can overcome obstacles created by human thinking. We must also love those who have conflicting theological opinions. This is only possible if our love for the Master is the most important experience in our lives.
Grant, Holy Spirit, that I express my religious convictions with love and understanding. Amen.
Jesus Calling 1-2-17
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
PSALM 105:4; LUKE 10:39-42
Sunday, January 1, 2017
No Sunday Christians! {Read Proverbs 8:12-21}
Do not let Sunday be taken from you ... If your soul has no Sunday, it becomes an orphan. ~Albert Schweitzer~
All who fear the LORD will hate evil! Therefore, I hate pride and arrogance, corruption and perverse speech {Prov. 8:13}.
When you surrender yourself to Christ and you are dedicated, it is a permanent and unconditional act. The Lord gave a clear indication of this when He said, "Anyone who isn't with Me opposes Me, and anyone who isn't working with Me is actually working against Me" {Matt. 12:30}.
The implication cannot be missed: Christians must identify with Christ in every aspect of their lives. By demonstrating it in the way they live, they attract others to Jesus because they are an example of His love.
It is a sad fact that very little of the godliness many people reveal during Sunday worship is seen in the way they do business. They are involved in shady business transactions; they show their dishonesty, through their social agendas and lack of compassion, understanding and love. These things have no place in the Christian faith, and are a total denial of Jesus Christ.
Your love for God must always be evident in your love for one another, and you should behave like you do in the house of the Lord on Sundays. Remember, as a Christian, you constantly live with, and are in the presence of, the Master. Turn away from everything unchristian and honor God the Father every hour of every day.
Give me the grace, God, to live to Your glory and honor every day. Amen.
All who fear the LORD will hate evil! Therefore, I hate pride and arrogance, corruption and perverse speech {Prov. 8:13}.
When you surrender yourself to Christ and you are dedicated, it is a permanent and unconditional act. The Lord gave a clear indication of this when He said, "Anyone who isn't with Me opposes Me, and anyone who isn't working with Me is actually working against Me" {Matt. 12:30}.
The implication cannot be missed: Christians must identify with Christ in every aspect of their lives. By demonstrating it in the way they live, they attract others to Jesus because they are an example of His love.
It is a sad fact that very little of the godliness many people reveal during Sunday worship is seen in the way they do business. They are involved in shady business transactions; they show their dishonesty, through their social agendas and lack of compassion, understanding and love. These things have no place in the Christian faith, and are a total denial of Jesus Christ.
Your love for God must always be evident in your love for one another, and you should behave like you do in the house of the Lord on Sundays. Remember, as a Christian, you constantly live with, and are in the presence of, the Master. Turn away from everything unchristian and honor God the Father every hour of every day.
Give me the grace, God, to live to Your glory and honor every day. Amen.
Jesus Calling 1-1-17
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
ROMANS 12:2; JEREMIAH 29:11
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