Jesus Calling: January 31

I am your strength and shield. I plan out each day and have it ready for you, long before you arise from bed. I also provide the strength you need each step of the way. Instead of assessing your energy level and wondering about what's on the road ahead, concentrate on staying in touch with Me. My Power flows freely into you through our open communication. Refuse to waste energy worrying, and you will have strength to spare.
     Whenever you start to feel afraid, remember that I am your Shield. But unlike inanimate armor, I am always alert and active. My Presence watches over you continually, protecting you from both known and unknown dangers. Entrust yourself to My watch-care, which is the best security system available. I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go.

Psalm 28:7
English Standard Version
The LORD is my strength and my shield;
in him my heart trusts, and I am helped;
my heart exults,
and with my song I give thanks to him.

Matthew 6:34
English Standard Version
“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Psalm 56:3-4
English Standard Version
When I am afraid,
I put my trust in you.
In God, whose word I praise,
in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.
What can flesh do to me?

Genesis 28:15
English Standard Version
Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”

My Prayer
You are my strength Lord. I wish I would realize this more each day. My days have so many weak moments when all I need to do is call on You for strength. Like the disciples on the boat with You Jesus as the storm turns violent, too often my focus shifts to the storm instead of remaining on You. You are my shield. You are the Protector of me, protecting me from any harm. Nothing can hit me too hard. Even though Job lost family and belongings, his most important investment--You--remained. Remind me that You are there. I can see You and You are working in me throughout these moments in life that I often am struggling with.

Lord, you have set this day in motion. It's not a surprise to You or a mystery, so therefore, help me to walk in You, in Christ. I want to remain with You, in touch with You. Remove worry from my life, and let me rest in You. "Don't you worry, tomorrow will take care of itself, I'm taking care of you." Those are words from Allies, the music group, and it's a reminder that Anxiety and worry are not to be a part of me. If fear rises up in me, I can put my trust in You. When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.

Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author. 

Also, bookmark https://bibletags.blogspot.com/2019/06/jesus-calling-366-days.html to have an easy link to the entire year of these entries.

Jesus Calling: January 30

Worship Me only. Whatever occupies your mind the most becomes your god. Worries, if indulged, develop into idols. Anxiety gains a life of its own, parasitically infesting your mind. Break free from this bondage by affirming your trust in Me and refreshing yourself in My Presence. What goes on in your mind is invisible, undetectable to other people. But I read your thoughts continually, searching for evidence of trust in Me. I rejoice when your mind turns toward Me. Guard your thoughts diligently; good thought choices will keep you close to Me.

Psalm 112:7
English Standard Version
He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD.

I Corinthians 13:11
English Standard Version
When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways.

My Prayer
Only You Lord. I want to Worship You Alone. Remove any other little gods from my life. Lord, I don't want to worry. I really don't. I really want to lean on You and not worry today or tomorrow. I want to be a good steward of the money you have given us. Help us Lord. Lord, no one sees worry like You. Lord, may we find trust in You.

I read continually the verse to Trust in You Lord with all my heart and lean not on my own  understanding. I want my life to be marked by this.Lord, I want to take every thought captive, but I need your help. Thank you for the truth of You and the clarity of who I am in Christ.I want to stand above the good and bad news of life. I want to be an even current and live on the high road.I want to grow up Lord. I want to move beyond childish ways and become an adult of the Word.

Thank you for knowing me better than I know myself Lord. You do know my thoughts and for that, sometimes I'm not happy. Because my thoughts sometimes are not very good. Thank you for my wife and thank you for the work she did this evening to bring our family together. With our kids growing up, they will depart our family soon and so I appreciate nights like tonight that we can spend together sharing and then praying together. Thank you for my wife and what she is learning in her Bible study about abiding in you. Help Tyson's back to feel better, help Derek to have motivation and my daughter to get all of the therapy scheduled; provide people here that understand Functional Movement Disorder to help treat her. Give my wife the ability to complete all the notes she has to do for the children she treats each day at school. Thank you for being Lord and thank you for the good life you have given us. Help us to never not be thankful.

Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author. 

Also, bookmark https://bibletags.blogspot.com/2019/06/jesus-calling-366-days.html to have an easy link to the entire year of these entries.

Jesus Calling: January 29

Keep your focus on Me. I have gifted you with amazing freedom, including the ability to choose the focal point of your mind. Only the crown of My creation has such remarkable capability; this is a sign of being made in My image.Let the goal of this day be to bring every thought captive to Me. Whenever your mind wanders, lasso those thoughts and bring them into My Presence. In My radiant Light, anxious thoughts shrink and shrivel away. Judgmental thoughts are unmasked as you bask in My unconditional Love. Confused ideas are untangled while you reset in the simplicity of My Peace. I will guard you and keep you in constant Peace, as you focus your mind on Me.

Psalm 8:5
English Standard Version
Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings
and crowned him with glory and honor.

Genesis 1:26-27
English Standard Version
Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”
So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them.

2 Corinthians 10:5
English Standard Version
We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,

Isaiah 26:3
English Standard Version
You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace
whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You,
because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You [i.e. trusts  in you].

My Prayer
Lord, I want to focus on You and only You. Lord, I want You to get my praise. Lord, thank You for giving me the ability each day to be focused on You. That I don't have to be a product of my circumstances. My circumstances are there and make up my life, but my life in You, in Your presence, sits far above my circumstances and you define my life via my Trust in You. Lord, help me and others near me to see that we are made in Your image.

Lord, I want to surrender my thought life to You. To this day, I get weak and I plan out how I'm going to be far from You, I want to instead present my thoughts to You and be confident in You and trust in You.

Lord, my friend Karl really struggles with this and he has habitually now surrendered his flesh not to You, but to the one of this world. Lord, give him the strength each day to surrender his life to You. I pray that he would not be in a mode of defeat, but that you would give him a thirst for righteousness all the days of the month. Distract him from his sins. Help him to see that You are his strength. He is weak. You are strong. And your plan does not include his sins. Rescue him. Focus him on You. Help me to encourage him properly and in a way that honors You.

Peace. Lord, that is my desire. To have peace. I am restless instead. I am concerned. But, I want to stand in Your peace. Don't let me get distracted.

Lord, I want to destroy anything, any desire or craving that is against being about God, and instead take every thought and make it captive to Christ. So, that every thought enters my life on the high road.

What a beautiful picture of trust. Lord, I want that trust in my life. I want to commit myself to You. I want to lean on You. And hope confidently in You. That is trust.

Lord, you know that I'm unsettled with my job. There is emptiness there. There is not complete joy. I provide for my family as the provider and yet the future is not encouraging. I don't know what would hold for me in a future source of income, but I want to give You that idea and surrender to You and be ready if You direct me elsewhere. I want to be on the alert for that. Lord, as you speak to me, I want to listen and obey. (Update: July 2013 - God provided a new job for me and even 3 years later, while more challenging every day, it is not empty and there is joy. Thank you God.)

Bring me people to disciple and fellowship with. Give my wife and I unity on this so that we could discover a way to fellowship with others.

Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author. 

Also, bookmark https://bibletags.blogspot.com/2019/06/jesus-calling-366-days.html to have an easy link to the entire year of these entries.

Jesus Calling: January 28

I AM with you always. These were the last words I spoke before ascending into heaven. I continue to proclaim this promise to all who will listen. People respond to My continual Presence in various ways. Most Christians accept this teaching as truth but ignore it in their daily living. Some ill-taught or wounded believers fear (and may even resent) My awareness of all they do, and think. A few people center their lives around this glorious promise and find themselves blessed beyond all expectations. 

When My Presence is the focal point of your consciousness, all the pieces of your life fall into place. As you gaze at Me through the eyes of your heart, you can see the world around you from My perspective. The fact that I am with you makes every moment of your life meaningful. 

Matthew 28:20

English Standard Version (ESV)

teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.

Psalm 139:1-4

English Standard Version (ESV)

 O Lord, you have searched me and known me!
 You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
    you discern my thoughts from afar.
 You search out my path and my lying down
    and are acquainted with all my ways.
Even before a word is on my tongue,
    behold, O Lord, you know it altogether.

My Prayer
Lord, what a great reminder that You are with me always. How quickly I think that I'm living life on my own and having to will myself through life on my own. Lord, keep me on that high road, trusting you all the time, with my circumstances below. I think of Psalm 23 and that first line, "The Lord is My Shepherd, I shall not want." With you by my side and always with me, I can trust my life because it is in your hands. This doesn't mean the circumstances of life will always make sense to me, but I can trust you still. You have shown yourself to be faithful.

Lord, as I read or hear Your Word, I pray that it becomes a part of my life and not just head knowledge.

Help me to live in Your presence. I want to see life through Your perspective.

You know me Lord. You search Me and know Me and You are acquainted with all my ways. You know my thoughts and my days activities. How often do I pretend that you are not there.

Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author. 

Also, bookmark https://bibletags.blogspot.com/2019/06/jesus-calling-366-days.html to have an easy link to the entire year of these entries.

Jesus Calling: January 27

Trust is a golden pathway to heaven. When you walk on this path, you live above your circumstances. My glorious Light shines more brightly on those who follow this path of Life. Dare to walk on the high road with Me, for it is the most direct route to heaven. The low road is circuitous: twisting and turning in agonizing knots. There the air hangs heavy, and dark, ominous clouds predominate. Relying on your own understanding will weigh you down. Trust in Me absolutely, and I will make your paths straight. 

John 14:1-2
English Standard Version
“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?

Proverbs 3:5-6
English Standard Version
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.

My Prayer
That sounds exciting Lord: to live above my circumstances. Lord, that is an amazing idea. To think that I trust You way up high and evenly throughout my days, above the roller coaster of circumstances. What a great picture. Living on the high road. To think that any circumstances of my life, as they enter life, they must pass through the high road of trust. Lord, it would be amazing to think how sins not only be lessened but disappear altogether because sin is wanting something more than what God has provided for me. And with an attitude of Trust, I would be able to Trust you for the outcomes of life. I could be obedient to your commands for fear would not be at the forefront, but Trust would reign.

Lord, help me. I want so badly to reside there, above, trusting you for outcomes. I'm so weak and have such a difficult time trusting You and instead think my way is the better way. I get scared of outcomes. So I often take control, often not giving you the opportunity to be in charge. So I guess it is a dare to walk on that high road with You. I know that the high road doesn't mean that every trial will work out the way I design and maybe that is what scares me at times, so Lord, help me. Because you chose me, to be Yours, forever. So I want to trust you through each moment.

Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author. 

Also, bookmark https://bibletags.blogspot.com/2019/06/jesus-calling-366-days.html to have an easy link to the entire year of these entries.

Jesus Calling: January 21

I want you to be all Mine. I am weaning you from other dependencies. Your security rests in Me alone--and not in other people, not in circumstances. Depending only on Me may feel like walking on a tightrope, but there is a safety net underneath: the everlasting arms. So don't be afraid of falling. Instead, look ahead to Me. I am always before you, beckoning you on--one step at a time. Neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, can separate you from My loving presence.

Deuteronomy 33:27
English Standard Version
The eternal God is your dwelling place,
and underneath are the everlasting arms.
And he thrust out the enemy before you
and said, ‘Destroy.’

Romans 8:39
English Standard Version
nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

My Prayer
Lord, I haven't much strength at the moment, so this should remind that You are my strength. I seemed to have picked up a sickness bug. So, in these moments, use this time to help me depend on You even more. It's in this weakness that I can see more clearly my need for You. As these words state, my security is in You.

You are Power. You have everlasting arms. The enemy is not over You, but is under Your power. You keep me safe in your everlasting arms. (Reminds me of "Rest in Your Arms" by the Imperials).

Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author. 

Jesus Calling: January 20

Approach this day with awareness of who is Boss. As you make plans for the day, remember that it is I who orchestrate the events of your life. On days when things go smoothly, according to your plans, you may be unaware of My sovereign Presence. On days when your plans are thwarted, be on the lookout for Me! I may be doing something important in your life, something quite different from what you expected. It is essential at such times to stay in communication with Me, accepting My way as better than yours. Don't try to figure out what is happening. Simply trust Me and thank Me in advance for the good that will come out of it all. I know the plans I have for you, and they are good.

Isaiah 55:9-11
English Standard Version
For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.
For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven
and do not return there but water the earth,
making it bring forth and sprout,
giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater,
so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;
it shall not return to me empty,
but it shall accomplish that which I purpose,
and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.

Jeremiah 29:11
English Standard Version
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

My Prayer
You are in charge Lord. You are in charge. Which means you have control. Which means I don't. Which means I am not in charge. Being in charge means you orchestrate the events of my life. You align my life. This means I can trust You no matter how I see things or think things are going. You don't grade me, nor should I put a grade to my life. No matter the events of my life, You are present. Your sovereign will is at work. Lord, help me not to ever lose sight of the fact that you are working. You are active. You are doing. Your will is at work. I don't have to grow impatient. My life is in Your hands.

Your ways are higher than my ways. Your thoughts higher than my thoughts. Lord, I don't feel like I am to figure out everything about You and how You work. I feel I am to trust You. You have created and ordained things to be a certain way and all of these things fit. All creation sings Your praise.

Help me to see that you are always working out the best for me in my life. This doesn't mean that my life will always experience good and happy times. I will experience trials and heartaches and devastation. At times, you are disciplining and correcting me. At times, you are wanting me to trust you through those tough circumstances that are simply the result of sin. People are watching me and seeing how I will respond. You are the Boss. I want people to see that in my life that I believe and know You to be in charge. The goal of my life isn't to know everything, but it is to trust You in everything that occurs in my life. Give me strength.

Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author. 

Jesus Calling: January 19

Seek My face, and you will find more than you ever dreamed possible. Let Me displace worry at the center of your being. I am like a supersaturated cloud, showing Peace into the pool of your mind. My Nature is to bless. Your nature is to receive with thanksgiving. This is a true fit, designed before the foundation of the world. Glorify Me by receiving My blessings gratefully.

I am the goal of all your searching. When you seek Me, you find Me and are satisfied. When lesser goals capture your attention, I fade into the background of your life. I am still there, watching and waiting; but you function as if you were alone. Actually, My Light shines on every situation you will ever face. Live radiantly by expanding your focus to include Me in all your moments. Let nothing dampen your search for Me.

When You said, “Seek my face.”

My heart said to You, "Your face, LORD, I will seek.”

(Psalm 27:8 NKJV)

Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.

(Philippians 4:7 MSG)

You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.

(Jeremiah 29:13 ESV)

My Prayer
Lord, I want to do this. I want to Seek Your Face. As I read the word and read Spurgeon I am just amazed of the clarity of You and knowing You are the Truth. It is amazing. I know you hold the keys to my future, but I want this to really capture my heart. I really want to know you more. Remove worry from me. I get distracted thinking of events of my life, that remain uncertain. I get too focused on what I do not know rather than what I do know; but Lord, help me to place my trust in You for the future.

I know God that worry is not to be the calling card of my life, but rather it is thanksgiving. I want to have a thankful heart and recognize all your blessings in my life.

You are the goal of all my searching. When I seek You, I will find You and be satisfied. 

Lord, help me to be wise. And to think about my days. God's peace will guard my heart and my mind. Give me strength each day to seek You.

Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author. 

Jesus Calling: January 18

I am leading you along the high road, but there are descents as well as ascents. In the distance you see snow-covered peaks glistening in brilliant sunlight. Your longing to reach those peaks is good, but you must not take shortcuts. Your assignment is to follow Me, allowing Me to direct your path. Let the heights beckon you onward, but stay close to Me.
     Learn to trust Me when things go "wrong." Disruptions to your routine highlight your dependence on Me. Trusting acceptance of trials brings blessings that far outweigh them all. Walk hand in hand with Me through the day. I have lovingly planned every inch of the way. Trust does not falter when the path becomes rocky and steep. Breathe deep draughts of My presence, and hold tightly to My hand. Together we can make it. 

John 21:19
English Standard Version
(This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.”

2 Corinthians 4:17
English Standard Version
For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,

Habakkuk 3:19
English Standard Version
GOD, the Lord, is my strength;
he makes my feet like the deer's;
he makes me tread on my high places.
To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments.

My Prayer
Father, thank you for your great love and care you have for me. Thank you for the peaks and the valley's. Lord, I'm amazed at how often I only want the good in every situation and I guard myself so much against the bad. I must remember that I can't compromise any of your commands for getting the good. Lord, direct me away from taking shortcuts. Lord, I want to follow You in every circumstance of my life and choose only Your way. Thank you for the promise of directing my paths.

Lord, I want to stay close to You. Lord, help me to be open to new heights. I want to serve You with all my heart and I pray that You would direct me to the best place for me to serve You. Lord, I don't know if I'm in the best place right now. It's providing for me and yet it is very empty. I do love so much ministry and serving You. Do you want me to change? Is there another path you want to direct me towards?

Things won't always go the way I want them to and when this happens keep me connected to You Lord. Don't let me venture off. Especially I pray I wouldn't venture off to sin and in a place that I regret. I feel my road is steep right now and I admit, I think the answer often is for me to run out and solve a problem in a way I only think it can be solved. In those moments, I feel like I'm not trusting You. Why would I think compromising my beliefs is the answer?

Lord, I sit here and read these verses and I wonder if I really believe them. Do I think that you really can do something beyond my understanding? Lord, i want to trust you. I want to believe You. More than I know myself. Lord, a life lived with you is continually lived with you. In all circumstances, whether they seem troublesome or not, whether they seem hard or not, is meant to be lived with You. Help me to walk in those ways. Thank you for the grace and hand of providence You have given me. I do not deserve to be your child. It makes no sense, but I am forever grateful.

Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author. 

Testimony and Gospel

Testimony
I grew up in a Christian home. We went to church every Sunday. My mom played the organ at church. I lived what I thought was a pretty good life, thinking I had never done anything really bad. When I was 14, I saw a movie on TV called Brian's Song and saw a man die a painful death. After watching it, I wondered what would happen to me when I died. I sought out a friend at church who was a couple of years older than me. My friend explained to me that there was nothing I could do to get eternal life. He told me that no amount of good works or good deeds are possible to merit God's love. My sins (even if I had just one sin) separates me from God. Jesus lived a perfect life. And took My sins to the cross when He died. He paid the penalty for all sins. My response is to trust in Him and not myself. So, on August 10, 1982, in the parking lot of Wendy's, I trusted in Christ as my Savior. Immediately I saw a change in me. I thought all of my problems would go away. I was wrong. They were still there, but God helped me through them. I now know for certain that when I die I will go to heaven.

Gospel
My chief aim in life is to glorify God in everything I do and everything I say. I live my life by Ephesians 2:10 which states, "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." As the verse states, I am His workmanship. I am created in Christ Jesus for good works. God prepared these good works for me before hand. He wants me to walk in them. All that I'm doing with that verse is breaking it apart. I'm not weaving any church or seminary thought or teacher, but just reading the Word of God as it states.

Ephesians 2:10 follows Ephesians 2:8-9. The workmanship I perform is a response to God's grace in Ephesians 2:8-9. The workmanship does not precede grace. It's a response to God loving me, not a condition I am doing to merit his love. As Ephesians 2:8-9 states, "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." Again, to re-iterate those words. My salvation is by grace. Grace is receiving something you don't deserve. If a homeless man asks you for food and you give it, you have been gracious. The homeless man hasn't earned it nor can do anything to pay it back, when you give the homeless man food you have been gracious. In the same way Ephesians 2:8 states, "For by grace you have been saved." God is giving us riches at Christ's expense.

Romans 3:23 tells us "all have sinned." This is significant because sin separates us from God. Isaiah 59:2 states, "Your iniquities (sin) have made a separation between you and your God." When God sent Jesus (as you stated in John 3:16) to this earth, God was making Jesus the mediator between God and man. 2 Corinthian 5:19, "God was in Christ, reconciling the world into himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them." Galatians 3:13 states, "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree."

Jesus Calling: January 17

Come to Me with a thankful heart,, so that you can enjoy My presence. This is the day that I have made. I want you to rejoice today, refusing to worry about tomorrow. Search for all that I have prepared for you, anticipating abundant blessings and accepting difficulties as they come. I can weave miracles into the most mundane day if you keep your focus on Me.
     Come to Me with all your needs, knowing that My glorious riches are a more-than-adequate supply. Stay in continual communication with Me, so that you can live above your circumstances even while you are in the midst of them. Present your requests to Me with thanksgiving, and My Peace, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your heart and mind.

Psalm 118:24
English Standard Version
This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Philippians 4:19
New American Standard
And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7
New American Standard
Be anxious for nothing, anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

My Prayer
Lord, thank you for the class yesterday. It was nice seeing four people there. And I appreciate the words from Harriett she shared about the devotional she had read and the impact one lady had to many people. Lord, it was a great time of sharing our testimonies once again. To hear these folks share them. I had them write them down and they each got emotional sharing. It reminded me of the words from Spurgeon I had read earlier in the day.

Lord, help me and others to focus on today and let it take care of itself and not worry about tomorrow. Lord, help me to focus on You this day. Lord, I listed a bunch of difficulties or worry's in my life yesterday. Lord, I want to direct my hope on You. Help me to not think that answers are found in myself taking control.

This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it. It is a good day because You made it Lord. Thank you for the promise of supplying me with every need. You don't say you will supply me with every want, but every need. Lord, your word tells me not to be anxious. It reminds me that you will guard my heart and mind.

I get tired of seeing my life get my focus off of You and onto myself and what I think I need. I have no need to be anxious or to worry Lord for you are there and you will take care of the situation in your way. I can be confident in You O God.

Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author. 

Jesus Calling: January 16

Come to Me, and rest in My loving Presence. You know that this day will bring difficulties, and you are trying to think your way through these trials. As you anticipate what is ahead of you, you forget that I am with you--now and always. Rehearsing your troubles results in experiencing them many times, whereas you are meant to go through them only when they actually occur. Do not multiply your suffering in this way! Instead, come to Me, and relax in My peace. I will strengthen you and prepare you for this day, transforming your fear into confident trust.

Matthew 11:28-30
English Standard Version
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Joshua 1:5,9
English Standard Version
No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

My Prayer
Lord, I want to rest. I'm tired of playing the game and thinking that my way is the best way. I want to rest with You. Lord, as I learned yesterday, as trials come my way, I want to call on You for help. I don't want to simply think my way through trials, analyzing every part, is the answer to navigating through a trial. Lord, my trials and tough decisions tend to overtake me to the point that I am not productive with the tasks that you have given me. I stare at them, dwell on them, all the time figuring out how to get it over as fast as possible. Lord, remind me that You are there. You are with me, now and always. I can acknowledge them, but then give them to You and let You take care of them.

What is clouding my mind? This car purchase is bothering me. Help me Lord. This car we have purchased for Tyson is bothering me. Help us Lord. This school year and the kid's level of responsibility with their classes. Help me Lord. Teaching the evangelism class at church. Maintaining our home. Providing for the kids future education expenses. Getting my work done each day. Following through on passing out the Snapshot publication. These are my trials. Knowing whether or not I'm parenting correctly. Help Me Lord. I am meant to go through them only when they actually occur. Some are future issues. Teach me to walk in Your presence and surrender them to You and be wise about how my mind thinks of them. There will always be trials, but I don't want them to be my livelihood and God.

Lord, your word declares and tells me to come to You, all who labor and are heavy laden or burden. That is me. I don't need to be frightened or dismayed because You Lord are with me all of my days. I want to be strong and courageous and need you to make me that way. You are with me wherever I go.

Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author. 

Jesus Calling: January 15

My face is shining upon you, beaming out Peace that transcends understanding. You are surrounded by a sea of problems, but you are face to Face with Me, your Peace. As long as you focus on Me, you are safe. If you gaze too long at the myriad problems around you, you will sink under the weight of your burdens. When you start to sink, simply call out "Help me, Jesus!" and I will lift you up.
     The closer you live to Me, the safer you are. Circumstances around you are undulating, and there are treacherous-looking waves in the distance. Fix your eyes on Me, the One who never changes. By the time those waves reach you, they will have shrunk to proportions of My design. I am always beside you, helping you face today's waves. The future is a phantom, seeking to spook you. Laugh at the future! Stay close to me.

Philippians 4:7
English Standard Version
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Matthew 14:30
English Standard Version
But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.”

Hebrews 12:2 
English Standard Version
looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

My Prayer
There is peace in You Jesus. You bring peace. I know I am justified. I know that I don't have to do anything to earn Your affection, Your Love, Your approval. You give me peace that surpasses all understanding. If You saved me, then You can handle my day to day struggles. Nothing should be able to steal the peace in my life.

How often Lord do I let a little problem sink me. I over-analyze it and search for a man-made solution rather than calling on You first and seeking You first. I found myself doing this yesterday and through it I could get very little done. Teach me and train me to call on You saying, "Help me, Jesus." Last night, there was anger in me and I found myself darting off into areas I should not go. When through it all, you are there, ready to help me.

Your peaces surpasses understanding. This verse reminds me of Proverbs 3:5-6 and how I am not to lean on my own understanding. I focus too much on how I think I see things and not enough resting with You and realizing that peace is what has solved my ultimate problem in life.

Keep me close to You Lord. Lord, trials will come. Problems will surface. But, help me to call on You and seek Your answer to any of those problems. Let me surround myself with You, confident that You, through me, can conquer anything. When Peter walked on water, it was You working through him, but the moment he took his eyes off of You, he sunk. I sink when I take my eyes off of You.

Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author. 

Jesus Calling: January 14

Let Me bless you with My grace and Peace. Open your heart and mind to receive all that I have for you. Do not be ashamed of your emptiness. Instead, view it as the optimal condition for being filled with My Peace.
     It is easy to touch up your outward appearance, to look as if you have it all together. Your attempts to look good can fool most people. But I see straight through you, into the depths of your being. There is no place for pretense in your relationship with Me. Rejoice in the relief of being fully understood. Talk with Me about your struggles and feelings of inadequacy. Little by little, I will transform your weaknesses into strengths. Remember that your relationship with Me is saturated in grace. Therefore, nothing that you do or don't do can separate you from My presence.

1 Samuel 16:7
English Standard Version
But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.”

Romans 8:38-39
English Standard Version
For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

My Prayer
Lord, I want to lean on You and allow You to bless me with Your grace and peace. Peace is something I readily understand, but grace is still a puzzling idea. When I see it, I think of salvation because it is receiving something I don't deserve. But, I also think of it as forgiveness. Help me to understand that.

Before You Lord, I stand empty. I don't come before You on my own merit or my own justification. Lord, there are troubles and toils in my life (back pain, needing a car, teaching class, getting work done, training my children, working around the house) that I confront, accept, and often dodge. Through them all, I need your help and guidance. I need Your strength.

Lord, I do feel inadequate. I feel inadequate at work to do the job I'm hired to do. I get so weak and want to give up. Lord, help me to take the right steps day by day to do my tasks. At home, I am exhausted and with my back hurting I don't want to do much. I want to just rest with my wife. Keep me alert and ready to work with my children. Thank you for your strength.

Lord, I pray that Your scripture and Your words would be in my life. Lord, apply them to the circumstances of my life so that I'm thinking the way You think.

Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author. 

Jesus Calling: January 13

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 118:2
English Standard Version
This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

1 Peter 2:21
English Standard Version
For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.


My Prayer
Rough night last night with my back hurting. Lord, remove me from the pain I still have today and focus myself on You and Your plan for me, your plan for this day. Lord, I pray You would draw people to yourself this morning. I pray that the people at church would surrender to You and accept Your hand of provision in their life. Lord, take my focus off of myself and my pains and help me to focus on others and lifting them up to you. Lord, thank you for the wonderful time with Patrick yesterday. Thank you for the time to hear what is going on in his life and his life of ministry. Lord, you have gifted him in several ways and it is great to hear his heart for you and his heart for people. People are hurting in our midst and need your biblical guidance in their life and I pray that You would strengthen Patrick and people would conform to Your word in their life.

Lord, I thank You for this day of life you have given. Lord, this day is a gift. And this day will not happen again. Thank you for being with me and help me to rely on You each moment, in my pain, in my weaknesses, in my celebrations. Lord, keep my eyes focused on the way You see things.

Lord, help me to be sensitive to You and what You are doing in the world. I look at things selfishly, with how it will affect me. I want to be focused on how You are working and then show me how I can join You in what You are doing. Thank you for being with me, every step of the way. You are my anchor and I am Your child. You make me strong.

Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author. 

Jesus Calling: January 12

Let Me prepare you for the day that stretches out before you. I know exactly what this day will contain, whereas you have only 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.

Exodus 33:14
English Standard VersionAnd he said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

John 15:4-7
English Standard Version
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

My Prayer
Lord, you are over all. You are king. You are creator and Lord. You are my deliverer. You are my redeemer and Savior. You are the healer, the restorer of life, the sanctifier of mankind. You uphold all things by the Word of Your Power. You are the First and the Last. You are Peace. You are My presence. You are my guide and shepherd. You are all glory and might. You are the faithful One. You are ever so faithful. You are love. You are forgiveness. You have perfect timing. Lord, I can lean on You because You are strength.

Lord, I think knowing the road is the key. I think having the map in my hands is what I need. But, the secret lies in my time with You. I need to walk with You. You are my guide. You are my map. This week I have been talking to You a lot about trust and walking in Your presence and having peace. That is where I need to stay. My back hurts. I don't know why, but it hurts. I need your strength. I need you to restore my strength. I feel unsettled. My head is hurting, my stomach is empty. I don't feel right. Lord, I want to lean on You and rest in You. Help me Lord not to bury myself in my hurts, but use this time to rely on Your strength. May it be a reminder that You are my health.

Lord, help me to see that I don't need a road, but what I need is Your to be beside me. Help me to know the Holy Spirit better in my life. And help me to stay in constant communication with You.

I must abide in You. You are the vine. I am the branch. And fruit is what we both want. Fruit isn't just what I want. It is what we both want. Lord, I want to trust in You for the Outcome that you have prescribed for my life. With you, everything is right. I want to stay close to You and close to trusting in You. May your words abide in Me so that the things I'm asking are of You.

Lord, thank You for your Word and giving it to us. Thank you for illuminating us with clarity of thought.

I thank you for these men and women of God that you have placed in our midst in our churches. Lord, thank you for bringing each one. Lord, we live in a world of constant temptations and constant distractions. These electronic devices we now have beside us, the iPhones, iPods, Kindles, iPads can add to the distraction. Lord, I pray for these leaders that they would never be comfortable with their repentance, but would always be bothered by it. Lord, may it be continually difficult. Dig up all sins in their lives and may they present them before You. Lord, help them to walk with integrity and strong character. Train them in their private thoughts, that they would honor You. Lord, never allow them to just go through the motions, but to stay strong with You every step of the way. Lord, we need You and need to stay on the alert. Give them accountability partners and friends that they can confide in and trust. Thank You for your presence. We praise You. In Christ.

Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author. 

Jesus Calling: January 11

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 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. 

Psalm 46:10
Amplified Version
Let be and be still, and know (recognize and understand) that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth!

Colossians 4:2
English Standard Version
Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.

2 Peter 1:3-4
English Standard Version
His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.

My Prayer
Lord, you created. You saved. You reign. It's all about You. So, daily my task is believing this. It's believing that you know what You are doing in my life and therefore, I don't have to worry or be concerned. I can rest, be obedient to Your words, and be satisfied. You are God.

Lord, you have chosen Me. That's the amazing thing. You have chosen Me. Of all the people in this world, we are Your chosen ones. Each day I see people far from You. I see people living in the world, walking the way of the world, trusting in themselves solely. But, in me, you have chosen Me. How can I just then live a life that isn't in direct service to You? How could I live a life of just pleasure and be no different than in any other person I see except for the simple fact that my eternal destiny is different. Fire me up. Light me up. Increase my love for You. Increase my faith in You. May my life really look different because it is different.

When I pray Lord, my prayers should be with confidence and not with question. They should be steeped in Holy Hope. Move me to confidence in You.

Train me to walk in your divine power; to subscribe to it; to live in it. It is life. It is godliness. We mirror His divine nature then versus living in the corruption that is in the world, subscribing the entire time to sinful desires. Shift me Lord. Shift Me away from this world.

Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author. 

Jesus Calling: January 10

Every time you affirm your trust in Me, you put a coin into 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
English Standard Version
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?

Matthew 6:20-21
English Standard Version
...but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.


Personal reflection
Why do we trust the Lord? Because he made us, saved us, and sanctifies us. He knows me. As I learn to trust Him more my days of trouble lessen. I don't think that means I will go through less trials necessarily, but how I view bumps in the road will be different.

My Prayer
Lord, thank you for yesterday and providing better work habits for me. Thank you for providing 3 people at the Way of the Master class. Lord, it is just the number I need. Like Fred said, it will be nice to have a small group discussion and work through these ideas together. Challenge me Lord in this process. I want You to expand my witness so talking to people about You and representing You is a part of my entire life and not just something I do when I sign on the computer or when I walk in the doors of a shopping center with Bobby to strike up spiritual conversations with people. I do not want the Gospel to be a part of my life; I want it to be my life.

Lord, trust is something Karl has been recognizing and I pray that you would help him to trust You with his life. Sink that desire in him to lean on you and believe Lord that you can sustain his life and provide him with what his soul and life desires. Trust builds upon itself. Give Karl understanding of this so that he can defeat the demons raging in him.

Lord, this is simple. It should be simple to trust You and yet it goes against my training in the world that I control my own destiny, that I'm in charge.

Show me Lord more each day what are those treasures in heaven. And then re-prioritize my life so my focus is on those treasures and building them up.

Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author. 

Jesus Calling: January 9

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 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
English Standard Version

 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

Psalm 46:1-3
New King James Version
46  God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed,
And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
Though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah (It is well)

Luke 1:37
English Standard Version
For nothing will be impossible with God.

My Prayer
Lord, thank you for being with me and thank you for being my biggest advocate. I want to lean on You and I want you to draw my kids and wife to You so that they will lean on You, so that they will trust in You. Lord, two things are hitting hard. One, my daughter Megan and her defensiveness over thinking at any time that we, as parents, may be thinking ill of her. She gets so defensive so quick and wants to be so clear that she doesn't ever do anything wrong or do anything that would make us think that she has done anything wrong. It's a character that I don't even think she knows that she is doing. Lord, I'm also having trouble working. I'm not getting my work done on the job. I'm not working hard. I've been distracted at work. I have other burdens, but I can't let my work slide, though right now, it is. I need your help. I'm weak. I need your strength.

Lord, I want to be about your will. I want to do this evangelism class because I want to be in Your will and be obedient to Your commands and help people, encourage people, to share their faith with others. Lord, help me to make choices in life that are in line with Your will. Not my will be done, but Yours. Guide me and direct me to those things that are Your will for me.

Lord, it is amazing the easy path I expect. Lord, I want to be ready for obstacles and difficulties. I'm kind of expecting a low turn out tonight or no one. Help me not to change my commitment based on response, but to continue to be there and be faithful. If no one is there, I can spend the time praying. Lord, I just want to do Your will and do things with the right motive. Change my heart O God.

Lord, I want to walk in Your presence. I want to be about your ways. Lord, I thank you for Warren and his words of encouragement to me. He said to me, "You need to do something with your passion for Christ.  I am serious. I know that you have obligations, etc, but 2013 should be about seeking out the next step for Chris Payton.  Your passion, belief, and understanding makes it a perfect fit. I don't know what that looks like, but I am convinced that this is the direction that you need to move in.  You are most alive when you talk about Christ and your love for him, and you need to act on it!  GO CHRIS!!"

"I am most alive when I talk about Christ." Those are wise words and I appreciate them. And those are visionary words that no one has spoken to me about. No one has encouraged me like this. What is the next step for Me Lord? Where would you want to take me on my journey with you in Your presence? Do you have a different route for Me than what I am accustomed to? Do you have a different road? Lord, I need you. You are--for me--Lord. You are for me. You are for us. 

Lord, I keep praying and lifting up the leaders at church. Lord, I pray these men and women, the elders would be men of integrity and character. Lord, help them not to be haughty or self-righteous or bitter or infer disunity in the Body, but to be blameless and above reproach in all things. Lord, keep them moral, ethical, financially strong. Lord, I pray they aren't hiding sin from You, but keeping it front and center. Give them each accountability partners in their life. 

Lord, for the staff, direct them in Your ways. Give them confidence continually in You. Change their hearts Lord and align them with You. Help them to be men and women of integrity. Lord, keep them and their staff above reproach and don't ever let them be complacent in their service. Draw them closer and give them recognition continually of their sin and where they are falling from your grace. Right their wrongs and make them authenticate. 

Lord, I pray for volunteers. Deepen them and align their thinking. Give them a vision. Help them to be men of integrity and character continually. Lord, help them not be haughty or self-righteous or bitter, but to be blameless before you, to be moral, ethical, and responsible with the money you have given them. I pray they would have accountable relationships in their lives.  

Lord, move us to do your Will in all things. To not be led in the directions we think are best, but where You want us to reside. 

Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author. 

Jesus Calling: January 8

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
English Standard Version
God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.

Romans 12:12
English Standard Version
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

Romans 15:13
English Standard Version
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

My Prayer
Lord, you are in my life. You are with me. Every day I need you. Every moment. Lord, You are over all this earth. You created it. You ordained righteousness, my highest goal. And you are personal. Again,  you are with me. Thank you for living alongside me. Thank you for living in me.

Lord, yesterday was a day of trial and being unsettled about that car purchase. Lord, I prayed for your peace and never got it. There were signs everywhere that I shouldn't get it, and yet I pressed on, not wanting to upset the buyer. Thank  you for my wife and her common sense. O how I needed her. I had prayed that she would be there and would speak. She has good sense. And she spoke when I couldn't. I saw once again Lord how you made her to complement me. You made her for me. She is my Eve. Thank you Lord. Thank you for Your presence through my wife. I sat there in the mechanics window and thought of You and Your presence, realizing I was weak and needed Your guidance. Thank You for showing me Your presence in my weakness.

Father, I pray for Hope. Hope tells me that my tomorrow with You will always be better. My hope of heaven and being in Your presence, intimately connected with You relieves me of the discomfort of this present life. Remind me of this hope. And center me on this future glory. Bruce and I talked yesterday about how we cling to our problems. When we are struck with an illness or medical problem, it begins to take over our life. And all we want is to be free from it. And yet Lord, it should move us to a greater desire for You and a greater hope to be in You. And a greater reminder that in saving me, my future hope is secure. Nothing can hurt me. So, as future hurts come my way and as I age, and health issues become larger, may my Hope remain in You and not simply focused on being freed from current burdens. As a people of God, help us to be focused on this.

Lord, you are my refuge. You are my strength. You are my help in trouble. Teach me patience in tribulation versus a quick exit to the tribulation. Through it may I rejoice in hope and be in constant prayer. Lord, give me peace and joy in believing, so that my hope abounds.

Lord, I pray for the spiritual leaders of our church, all of them. Guide them in their teaching and passing on of the Word. I pray for effective teaching that Your word would be received well. I pray they would each be bold, would look to be bold both in the church and outside of it. Raise each of them up to be laborers for You. Give them humility and help them to be respectful and gentle. Help them to listen and confide in others, to know when there message needs to be altered.

Lord, I pray for my pastors. You have gifted each of these individuals in different areas of the church. In each of their disciplines, may the message of Your Hope and Your Gospel and Presence be clear. Help them to be bold in their witness. Increase their dependence on You. As they have moments of teaching others, may their teaching be accurate and authentic. Help them to be clear and accurate, bold and humble, gentle and respectful. Guide the worship ministries, the youth ministries, missions and evangelism, military, small group, discipleship. Raise up people that want to be more than just buckets, but be hoses that want to carry Your message.

Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author. 

Ephesians 4:1-6

Erik Christensen Message on January 6, 2013

Ephesians 1-3 = Our Identity in Christ
Ephesians 4-6 = Our Walk in Christ

We need to remember that our identity precedes our walk. We do not picture Christ walking alongside us, but rather He lives in us. It's not a cane, but a stretcher. It also isn't a checklist of do's or don't's.

Paul encourages us to walk worthy of our calling.

• In Love for one another.
• In Peace preserving the Unity of the Spirit
• In Hope of our calling.

I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

(Ephesians 4:1-6 ESV)

• I am not a prisoner of circumstances, but a "prisoner for the Lord." 
• "urge you" or implore you to come alongside You. Same words as are used for the work of the Holy Spirit. 
• We walk in a manner worth of the calling, remembering the greatness of our salvation. 

Our Calling is there because of the blood of Christ. We have been purchased by the blood of Christ

for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

(1 Corinthians 6:20 ESV)

Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.

(Acts 20:28 ESV)

What does a worthy walk look like?
1. In Love (verse 2)

• Humility (a low mind)
• Gentleness (meekness, not weakness)
• Strength under control
• Like breaking in a horse
• Do we explode or not even care - this gentlness resides in the middle
• Patience (long-suffering with people)
• Tolerance (to hold back; to bear with one another in love)

All of this is with Agape love. Agape love is not a feeling, but a decision. And these are all relational issues that we do based on a decision, and not on a feeling.

Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.
(Colossians 3:12-13 ESV)

2. In Peace (verse 3)

• Constant awareness to guard the unity we have in the Spirit
• Diligence - watching over something carefully
• Bond of Peace - like a bone ligament that is connected (ACL break example; very painful surgery; not good to be a part)

3. In Hope (verse 4)

And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

(Ephesians 1:22-23 ESV) -- One Body

In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.

(Ephesians 1:13-14 ESV) -- One Spirit

having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,

(Ephesians 1:18 ESV) -- One Hope

• One assurance - only one way that is assured of God in Christ
• One Lord (over all)
• One Faith (conviction or firm persuasion) - Hebrews 11;1
• One Baptism (the identification with Christ; it is a picture or exterior of what God has done on the inside)
• One God and Father

Jesus Calling: January 7

It is impossible to praise or thank me too much. As it is written, I inhabit the praises 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
King James Version
But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.

Psalm 146:1-2
English Standard Version

Praise the LORD!

Praise the LORD, O my soul!

I will praise the LORD as long as I live;

I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.

I Thessalonians 5:18
English Standard Version
give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

My Prayer - 1/7/13
Lord, I do praise You. I do thank You for life, for blessing me with salvation. I don't deserve it and never will. I am a wicked man that is often so far from Your ways. There is sin which creeps up in me day by day. I am not gentle. The pastor spoke about this in church yesterday and it was really something that stood out to me as to how I'm not gentle. Lord, make me gentle with my family and with those that I care about the most. I want to learn Your holiness in my life. I do praise You. I thank You for the wonderful praise songs that you have given to us. Thank you for the new songs that have been written. The new ways of taking to music the same ideas that are so true about you. You are a love we don't deserve, we can't comprehend, and yet we have.

Lord, help me not to be a judge or jury of others. Lord, you know me and I tend to be critical of other people and how I think they are expressing or not expressing You. Lord, keep me focused on myself and not on others. If there are things I see in others, may this prompt me to pray for them and not to be critical of them.

You deserve praise at all times. Lord, it is a good thing we have church and scheduled time to praise You because sometimes I don't feel like it or rush to it. And yet other times it comes easy.

Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author. 

Jesus Calling: January 6

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
English Standard Version
Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.


Romans 8:6
English Standard Version
For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.

³⁰ Isaiah 40:30-31
New King James Version 
Even the youths shall faint and be weary,
And the young men shall utterly fall,
But those who wait on the Lord
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.


Revelation 5:13
English Standard Version
And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, "To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!”

My Prayer (1/6/13)
Lord, here I am; still wanting to depend on you; still wanting to walk in Your presence; still desiring to have peace and trust in You for everything. And You are still there reminding me that you can do far beyond all that I could ask or imagine. Once again, I'm working to surrender to You this car situation. It has come down whether to agreeing to buy it and yet my wife woke up in the middle of the night (1) smelling fireplace smoke coming out of the vent and (2) also wondering why the car didn't go up a very small hill very well. So, I'm thinking about just asking him to have my mechanic check it out. I just have to be careful.

Lord, whatever you want to do with this defending your faith class at church, I'm good. If it is to have a couple of people, no people, or a big crowd, I'm good. My time has lots to fill it and I'm good at whatever you provide. I'd love to see people desiring to be laborers of your harvest. And I continue to pray you would raise up individuals and burden them with a desire to preach Your word and be more fired up than me. I am anxious to learn through this course as well. And yet, even I, am nervous about the material and what it asks of me.

Lord, I ask Your Spirit to control my mind. I ask that my thoughts would be held captive to only thinking of things that honor you. Lord, I lift up my friend K and pray that you would discipline him. Discipline my oldest son. Train them both to do things each day that need to be done. And help them to make wise decisions. And to have peace each day as they lay their head down to rest on their pillow.

Lord, I lift up the leaders of my church and their staff. I pray for each one and any other elders you have of this body. Lord, for each one, I pray they are earnestly desiring and seeking to know You more. I pray they would surrender themselves to You daily and spend time praying and reading Your word. Deepen them and challenge them to be ambassadors for Your name. Move them to be laborers for the harvest. I pray for their marriages, that they would honor You, And I pray that they would be an encouragement to people in their life, in and outside of the Body. Draw them closer to You and give them peace and contentment. Help them to trust You each day and maintain joy and gratitude. Lord, give them sound wisdom. And train the body and us in what elders are and meant to be in the Body. And help the Body of Christ to submit to their leadership 100%. Lord, I pray that agreement to their decisions is not the catalyst that moves people to submission, but Lord, You would teach the body that in surrendering to them we are surrendering to You, Lord.

I pray for the deacon leaders, guide them in their service and strengthen them daily as they continue to work outside the home. Give them quality time with You and with their obligations and guidance as they look to you for direction on the work of deacons in our body.

Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young and you can find the book at many online and local stores.

Jesus Calling: January 5

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 own 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
English Standard Version

When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears
and delivers them out of all their troubles.
The LORD is near to the brokenhearted
and saves the crushed in spirit.

2 Corinthians 5:7
New King James Version
For we walk by faith, not by sight.

My Prayer (1/5/13)
Wow God. So, the secret to victorious living is not to try my hardest, but to relinquish all to you. Lord, how opposite to that have I trained myself to be in life. My dependence is not deep. Train me Lord to depend on You. Lord, in this time, when we are struggling to pay bills and have enough, in this adverse circumstance we find ourselves in, that in some ways we have chosen, change us. Help us to increase our dependence on You.

Lord, show me how to depend on Your strength. Help me to redefine success in life. So, that I'm walking in Victory versus aiming towards personal success.

Lord, I want your desires to be my desires. I want to be trained by You. Lord, I pray that you would start me going and I would follow, versus me deciding what I want and then asking You to bless it.

I admit that this reliance and trust and dependence on You is something that I don't completely comprehend. I can't see it. I don't know what it looks like. I want to see steps to this.

For instance, this car buying decision. I stare out at our finances and see we are already committed with our future money and to buy this car we need more future money. Can we survive without a car? Do I need to consider the bus or my bike? Lord, 3 months ago we started praying for a 3rd car and now we need a second car. I want to rely on You Lord.

Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young and you can find the book at many online and local stores.

Jesus Calling: January 4

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
English Standard Version 
 So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary,
beholding your power and glory.

Isaiah 40:10-11
English Standard Version

Behold, the Lord GOD comes with might,
and his arm rules for him;
behold, his reward is with him,
and his recompense before him.
He will tend his flock like a shepherd;
he will gather the lambs in his arms;
he will carry them in his bosom,
and gently lead those that are with young.

Psalm 139:7-10
English Standard Version
Where shall I go from your Spirit?
Or where shall I flee from your presence?
If I ascend to heaven, you are there!
If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!
If I take the wings of the morning
and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
even there your hand shall lead me,
and your right hand shall hold me.

My Prayer - Jan 4, 2013
Lord, it's no secret that right now, in our household, there is a weight on us, as we try to find a car. So, learning to Trust You, like all things in life, "whatever happens" remains key. Lord, we desire to make wise decisions. I'm thankful for friends at work that are so helpful in giving me rides to work. Please direct our paths as we trust in You. It was great to hear my son Tyson remind us all last night that we need to pray for this process.

You Lord have all Power and all Glory. You come with might. Your arm rules for You. You take care of your flock and gather your children in your arms. You carry us and gently lead us. There is no place to go from You. Your presence is with me always. You are there, everywhere. You have power over all that we see and can't see. Your glory is magnificent. You are here with us. And your love for me and my family, all of us, is never ending. Lord, I can't fathom that Love. I know you care. Your love, Your power, Your glory are more ways we can see to trust in You.

Lord, You rule over all the affairs of my life. You have supreme authority. I can't flee from your presence. Lord, I trust that You are sovereign, though I admit, I don't really understand it. Lord, help me to remove this fear of my life in the unknown and realize that I can trust You for this unknown. I'm weak. I only want good circumstances to occur in my life. I only want things to go smoothly. Lord, help me to rely on You and trust in You through the adverse circumstances of life, the circumstances that I don't welcome. I can still trust You in those. In riches and in poverty, I can still trust You. The bottom line is I need to Trust in You no matter the outcomes; no matter how I define them.

You are over all.

Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. Please purchase the book and support the author.