I am preparing you for what is on the road ahead, just around the bend. Take time to be still in My Presence so that I can strengthen you. The busier you become, the more you need this time apart with me. So many people think that time spent with Me is a luxury they cannot afford. As a result they live and work in their own strength -- until that becomes depleted. Then they either cry out to Me for help or turn away in bitterness.Isaiah 64:4
How much better it is to walk close to Me, depending on My strength and trusting Me in every situation. If you live in this way, you will do less but accomplish far more. Your unhurried pace of living will stand out in this rush-crazed age. Some people may deem you lazy, but many more will be blessed by your peacefulness. Walk in the Light with Me, and you will reflect Me to the watching world.
English Standard Version
From of old no one has heard
or perceived by the ear,
no eye has seen a God besides you,
who acts for those who wait for him.
John 15:5
English Standard Version
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.
Psalm 36:9
English Standard Version
For with you is the fountain of life;
in your light do we see light.
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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.
"The busier you become, the more you need this time apart from me"
ReplyDeleteI'm guessing that this should be "you knee this time apart WITH me"
Thank you. I corrected it. I appreciate the comment.
DeleteGood call, takes a village sometimes.
DeleteMany are suffering from power outages and minus degree weather. Although it is minus degree weather I am very thankful to be blessed with power, food and shelter.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like the same weather 5 years later. Hoping you have power again in 2022.
DeleteSC Anonymous
God let me feel your presence in my home please.🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
ReplyDelete🙇🏼♂️🙇🏼♂️🙇🏼♂️!!!
DeleteHe is there always.
DeleteHebrew 11:1
DeleteLord, help me to stay ever close to you. Help me to stop trying to do things in my own strength but rather step back and allow you inside of me so that you may guide and direct my ways. I submit my life unto you Oh Heavenly Father. Hold me by my hand and help me to release all the control unto you. Thank you for surrounding me with your favor like a sheild. I belong to you and you dwell on the inside of me always, Amen. 🙏🙇♀️🙇♂️🙏
ReplyDeleteAs we spend our time with Him, we will find ourselves transformed. It will cause us “to take time to smile with those who smile, to weep with those who weep, to walk along side those who are losing hope, to share our faith with those who are searching for meaning and happiness” (Pope Francis). When we take time with Him, we will find time for others.
ReplyDeleteAmen!
DeleteAmen Bob and thank you. Just received the book from my son by Pope Francis, Let Us Dream. Can’t wait to read it.
DeleteThank you Bob
DeleteSo powerful
God bless you
I really needed this today
ReplyDeleteMe too, thank you for this post and the responses ����
DeleteMichael Burns, where are you originally from? My brother Has not been heard from for the past almost 4 years. I was wondering if you are here! God bless
DeleteHeavenly Father, Thank you for speaking to me through this blog and reminding me to slow down and take time to be still in your presence. I am guilty of going through the holidays at a frantic pace seeking my own will and am exhausted and feeling empty. I need you Lord! I surrender this day to you, please guide me and help me seek your will.
ReplyDeleteI relate to your response. Let you, me, and everyone hold dear that when we feel weak and empty, it is a blessing of God pulling us closer to needing Him.
DeleteTruth
DeleteI agree!
DeleteThank you Jesus for today, may I cling to you and not my selfish agenda.
ReplyDeleteAmen
DeleteGod I will Be Still and Know that you are beside me. Walking me through this depression and anxiety of the unknown. You have never let me down. Your loving arms are there when I fall, cry, or need reassurrance. I am not worthy of that kind of love. But still, there you are. 🙏💖
ReplyDeleteWhat are we going to do with the days we are given? We have had some wonderful, strong messages & encouragement from devotional Jesus calling.The new year we will set our focus to the light and give the Lord our attention. Be still & sacrifice time for him.
ReplyDeleteUpdate on Lisa - Received text - Lisa will know Friday if they got all the cancer and requested continued PRAYER. Warriors, Thank you for joining me in prayer for Lisa and the others on here who have requested prayer.
ReplyDeletePraying for Lisa..Jesus we trust in you.
DeleteSassy Mom - continued prayers for Lisa. Jesus is holding her in His arms. KS
DeleteContinuing in prayer as requested. To God be the glory!
DeleteI Don’ t want to be so busy that I can’t feel the presence of God or recognize his voice Help me Lord to slow down and take time for God
DeleteThank you all for your prayers for Juan Carlos. He made it home by 9:30 this morning and then we were off to Houston to say goodbye to my 97 year old aunt (mom's sister) She's on her way to her eternal home..on her way to my mom. I can't even keep my eyes open, such an exhausting trip. Thank you again. Thank you Jesus.
ReplyDeleteLovesconquersall - prayers and blessings and peace for you and Juan Carlos and your aunt. KS
DeleteGod's peace be with you, LCA.
ReplyDeleteLoveconquersall - Joining Warriors in prayer as you travel to Houston for your goodbye's. Continued prayers for Juan Carlos.
ReplyDeleteUp earlier than I needed to be because of all there is to do. What a wonderful message this morning and all of the comments remind me to STOP, take a deep breath and pray. Yesterday, I was like a whirling dervish! I went from one thing to the next to the next and finally, just stopped, picked up my Bible and read and prayed. It calmed down and I got everything accomplished that HAD to be. Now I'm up to finish the remaining bit of activity (which includes a list for the dear hub!). I'll have my 3 & 5 year old grandsons with me, who have their little hearts set on making cookies (cookie dough made - check). And then 11 more by late afternoon for dinner, games, presents. Then NOTHING tomorrow and Sunday other than reflection on our blessings and time with my hubby, who has been the most help by giving me my space and letting me complete my list. He is so good at letting go and yes, there are times people think he should do more. But, without his calm nature and peaceful presence, I'm sure I'd be climbing the walls by now. We've always said he's the brakes and I'm the accelerator. Without BOTH, the car doesn't run!
ReplyDeleteSo, I am taking a deep breath and praying for Lisa's results and for your rest, Loveconquersall. I pray that Juan Carlos is peaceful and received good results and I thank God that you got to see your dear Aunt. What a blessing to know, 'the rest of the story.' Our evening last night included another visitation for the passing of the 97 year old mother of a dear friend. The family was blessed knowing they had provided her a home up to the the very end and that her future is solid. They were all exhausted from the week leading up to this but at peace that she was a firm believer and they'll see her again. I thought of you, Sassy Mom, as this family has a son who hasn't spoken to any of them for years. He did finally go to say goodbye to his Grandmother, who loved him all his life and I pray that this brings mending to the family.
Prayers for all of you, dear JC Family and thank you again, Peytons, for providing a space to remember our lives in Christ and request prayers for specifics (I thought of the prayers being said for ALL separated families yesterday). I am sure that I will hop on here at different times throughout the day to remember to stop and pray. Your post, Bob M. will remind me to take TIME for others, not just focus on the perfection of earthly food and gifts.
Lord, help me be your instrument of love for this family of mine. All so different, all so dear. Let me see the value in each of them and remind them of their special place in our hearts and lives.
Appreciated, Norah, your analysis of your covenant of marriage, "he is the brakes and I am the accelerator. Without BOTH, the car doesn't run!" Could we say in a good marriage opposites attract so we can compliment each other and be a strength to each other in our own weaknesses? Am going to share that one with my wife of 49 years for it is a good one. Question to you, are there times in your marriage when you switch roles?
DeleteBob and Norah... well and all the JC group! I've always felt that temperaments can be opposites in a marriage but in all else opposites tend to be a marriage divider. So the brake and accelerator in personality is often complimentary but to be opposites morally or in goals or in religion usually is disastrous. My wife and I are on the same ground with worldview, our faith, and goals but definitely differ on temperament. She's the go slow risk adverse thinker... I'm the entrepreneur comfortable with moderate risk and glib in most any situation. I thank God for her personality difference every day for over 4 decades!
DeleteBob - yes, we have 'switched roles' often in our 45+ year marriage! In fact, a couple of years ago, I told a friend of mine that I had become the introvert while he had become extrovert! It was difficult maneuvering around that. He suddenly wanted to go everywhere and be with everyone and I was suddenly the home-body! God has been good to us in that we do often switch roles - I will calm him down, he will rev me up and vise versa. To MadFox's point: we are always like-minded on the important things: our Faith, our Biblical beliefs, moral beliefs, how we raised our children, our political stance.
DeleteIn 1995, we found ourselves back in College, about to graduate with degrees. I got very scared b/c for the first time I disagreed with my one. true. love. He calmed me down by telling me that 'difference' is the spice of life. We've never disagreed on the 'important' things, but I am the bleeding heart conservative while he is a staunch, conservative, libertarian. We balance each other. Our children knew they'd never win the 'Mom said I can if you say I can...' argument b/c we went behind closed doors (& often disagreed), but came out like-minded. Our kids had little fighting room. We never let them pit us against each other. We DID disagree on how to handle a particular incident, but we did it behind closed doors and came out united. While we've shared with them since they've become parents, how we accomplished that, they see that the 'Mom said I can, if you say I can,' argument NEVER worked! They gave up quickly, knowing it was a moot point.
So, yes, we do switch roles at times: He will suddenly become the accelerator (to your point, MadFox - he's into investments and is a risk-taker, whereas I'm the one wanting the immediate gratification ('Let's do something for our home!'); he is going to Germany in Feb, whereas I'm a homebody (wouldn't you expect ME to be the one to travel and he stay home? Just the opposite!).
For 45 years - 46 on 2/16; we've grown and learned from each other. It hasn't always been pleasant or 'graceful' - there have been some shouting matches & firm stances taken. But, we always bring it back to The Word. That is the LAST word. And, that is what we've tried to share with our adult children - some who now say they don't even believe what they were raised with, which is hard to hear. We are still learning and growing and doing our best to communicate honestly, which usually comes in the early morning hours. It's been hard for him to be retired (in his 3rd yr - we have a 11 1/2 yr age-gap) and I'm still working. But, we have those rare moments in the morning, when we talk, hold hands and remember why we married in 1974. We'd both do it all again...we've been in sickness and in health, richer and poorer, and will be together until death do us part. Scary, Fun, Maddening, Exhilarating, Comforting. He's my best friend, my soul-mate; but not always my kindred spirit! Do you know what I mean? We don't always mesh. But out of the 5 off-spring we've had, I do have several 'kindred spirits.' I'm afraid if he and I were totally alike, the car would have broken down long ago! Maybe our kids are our transmission! I know this is probably WAY MORE than you wanted for an explanation, but I thank you for asking, because in answering, it has helped me solidify our 'covenant of marriage.' Thank you, Friend(s), Bob and MadFox! Love to all of my JC Family!
Thank you for sharing, Norah. It is good to explain to a willing listener your situation. I have found in doing so, I understand my situation clearer. I am listening!
DeleteI so identify with what you and your husband go through in parenting your children. Your story is so similar to my wife and my story. We usually disagreed when it came to our children but it was always behind closed doors. When we would approach our children with whatever was the issue, all they say was an impenetrable front they could not hope to change. Amidst all the differences we hold in how we view things, there is one primary thing we have in common which is the Lordship of Jesus Christ. That one belief makes everything else secondary. Actually I have learned to appreciate my wife's different perspectives for she usually is seeing things that I am missing. Together we have a more complete perspective on matters. God be with you!
You are so blessed that your spouses know and love Jesus and the Word. My good husband admits often that he really doesn’t know what he believes and isn’t sure if he believes in Jesus Christ. But he always attends Mass, now virtually. I have never seen him pick up a Bible to read. But he respects my faith and asks how my Bible group goes each week. He doesn’t understand why I pray so much. We are opposites physically since I am 5 feet tall and he is 6’6” tall. We were college sweethearts. We were both raised Catholic and attended all Catholic schools right through College but I surrendered to Christ 25 years ago and the Lord is everything to me. Once my husband got upset when I told him that if I was faced with two open doors, one for Jesus and one for him, I would choose Jesus. But Rick is a wonderful man, honest and loving, a great father and good and devoted husband. He is the calm river and I am the energizer bunny. I love art, cooking, baking, crafts, music, playing guitar, watching Hallmark movies and anything with a happy ending. He loves golf, history, documentaries, biographies, murder mysteries, violence and what I call his dark programs. He loves to drink every day. I don’t understand it. I might have some wine but it’s not an absolute need. But we also love much of the same things especially our family above all, music, good movies, exercise and good food. He is full of gratitude and always puts things into perspective for me when I get upset about a trivial thing. We complement each other and he is my best friend and one true love. He makes me laugh. Blessed to have him walking with me through my life.
DeleteThank you for opening up dear brothers and sisters.
DeleteJeanne - I'm praying for your husband to come to Christ, may his eyes, mind, soul, ears and heart be opened to receive the gift of salvation that only God can provide.
God bless you all abundantly ❤
Blessings from France
I repeat BfFrance
DeleteThank you dear BFF and Keith. Praying with you for his salvation. It is my daily prayer and I believe God will lead him to open his heart mind and soul to Jesus.
DeleteJeanne - I pray that Rick finds the Lord in his life. My estranged husband isn't a believer either, but he respects my faith also. I pray for him daily as well. Have faith. God works in mysterious ways and He is always on time 🙏 🙌.
DeleteLoved reading this and soaking it all in
DeleteThank You Father for another blessed and gifted day.
ReplyDeleteThe year is coming to an end, You are the only one who knows my tomorrow. Whatever is on the road ahead for these next 5 days and the New Year, I surrounder all to You in total trust.
Holy Spirit keep me still and slow me down to rest in Your Presence. I need Your strength to walk in the Light with You so that the world can see You in me. Thank You for loving me unconditionally.
In prayers for you Loveconquersall and thanking God for Juan.
Sassy Mom, continuing prayers for Lisa and trusting God to turn it all around for good.
Blessings and Peace to all.
Maplewood NJ
Lord, I find more and more how time spent with you is essential. Gar too long I have tried to live life on my drive alone. Since I have been connecting with You daily, I have a much deeper peace and confidence thst,You are in control and Your will be done. Thank you for being Lord over my life and having a perfect plan for me. Please help me in securing grant money for transcendental meditation whuch will sllow me to draw cliser to You.
ReplyDeleteToday on the Catholic calendar, John, the Apostle and Evangelist, is remembered and celebrated. When the Reformation took place, the Reformers took issue with some of the practices within the church related to the communion of saints. As a result, most churches stopped having special remembrances of both biblical figures and devout individuals who had a profound influence on the Church over time. I would put that decision under the heading of "throwing the baby out with the bath water". As I have incorporated more of the remembrance of these individuals into my spiritual practice, they have helped me grow in my love of the Lord as I have read of their devotion to Him. The Apostle John is a favorite of mine; he soooo loved Jesus. And he wrote his gospel and his letters specifically for the purpose of sharing this love that he literally touched with those who would come after so we all could touch Jesus. (Do I dare say virtually?) In this blog, we share with each other how Jesus has touched our heart. It is the essence of what John and others were doing when they wrote of their experiences with Jesus. During the 12 days of Christmas (today is the 3rd day), First John has historically been the reading of the day. I have been blessed by reading I John during the present season of Christmas to hear him speak of the intimate relationship he shared with our Lord. (Put this writing under the heading "for what it is worth".) God be with you.
ReplyDeleteThank you Bob. My JC Warriors, every one whether known by name or not have shown me their love for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. By the grace of God they give me hope, teach me faith, and their love for all of us hurting, grieving shines through their writings including you. Thank you. Thank you Jesus for this great blessing.
DeleteThank you Maplewood for shortening my name to LCA..I do regret using such a long one. Hope all is well with you and yours. Norah I so love "he's the brakes and I'm the accelerator. I'll have to share that with my daughter and son. No results yet on my Juan Carlitos. JESUS we trust in you.
ReplyDeleteThank You Jesus 😊
ReplyDeleteYes! Thank You Jesus! As part of my 10,000 Reasons for Joy and Gratitude commmitment,I began today with this song:
Deletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCa4FZkdyJE&list=RDnCa4FZkdyJE&start_radio=1
Thank you sister Brie for the song to start our day. It is uplifting and a delight to be introduced to. God be with you!
DeleteBrie what a beautiful song. As I go into day 2 of my Joy and gratitude commitment may the Holy Spirit take over my thoughts and my mouth and only what is honoring to our Lord Jesus come out.
DeleteBeautiful song Thank you Brie ��❤
DeleteBlessings from France
I just loved that song sweet Brie, Thank you for adding light to my day. <3
DeleteFROM PHILIPPIANS 4
ReplyDeleteLIVING A BALANCE LIFE
✝️ Let everyone see that you are considerate of them in all you do, remembering that The Lord is coming soon! Pray about everything. Tell God all your needs remembering to Thank Him for all His Answers. When you do this, then you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your heart quiet, at rest, and in balance as you trust in Christ Jesus alone.
♥🙏🙇♀️🙏♥ Dear Heavenly Father God,
Thank You for everything you have given us; keeping them all in balance could be a root cause to enjoying life.
😊 Would you help us maintain a life of balance in every area and in all activities?
😊 Would you help us keep all things in proper perspective?
😊 Would you help us do all things in moderation?
😊 Would You help is take the time to be still in Your Presence so You can adjust, balance, and strengthen us?
I ask. I seek. I knock. I praise. I thank. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Amen ❤
DeleteBlessings from France
Amen Brie. I pray this along with you. Mindy
DeleteAmen and Thanks dear Sis!
DeleteRepeating my 2017 prayer.
ReplyDeleteMany are suffering from power outages and minus degree weather. Although it is minus degree weather I am very thankful to be blessed with power, food and shelter.
Let all that I am praise the LORD; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. Let all that I am praise the LORD; may I never forget the good things he does for me. - Psalm 103:1-2 NLT
Thankful for the workers who worked all night on Christmas eve until 8 AM on Christmas day to clear the roads in my town, thankful for the neighbor's grandson, Stephen who shoveled the deep snow from my driveway. I am blessed!
"GOD is in control and you just can’t beat that. RDS" Yes, dear husband, God is in control.
Father, Your grace is sufficient for ALL. May those who are out of power and in cold weather temperatures feel Your warmth, peace and love as You supply all that they stand in need of at this time, in Jesus's name. Amen.
DeleteMaplewood NJ
Please include my brother Keith, in your power outage prayers for warmth during cold weather. Thank you
DeleteEchoing your prayers for all suffering power outages, including your brother, dear Brie.
DeleteI too am very thankful to be blessed with power, food and shelter. May I never take it for granted. Thank you Lord.
Blessing from France
Prayers please for all the homeless. Lord meet their needs and show them who you are. You are the one true God. You are the mirical worker, the promise keeper. You Lord created us in your image, created to worship you and bring you joy. Put your promises in them and have them see themselves through your eyes. Please Lord protect Michelle as she seeks safety and shelter (my daughter) restore to her who she is in you. Give to her please Lord the mind of Christ so that she can regain her right mind. Show her she is loved by her family but most of all loved by you. Lord I am able to not worry over her because I know she is in your hands. Father each homeless person is someone's child, sister, brother, friend, parent Lord please restore them to the life you desire for them. Even if the place they're in is exactly where you planted them work in them and through them for their good and your glory. Thank you Lord. In the name of Jesus Amen.
DeleteAmen Terri joining in your beautiful prayer for the homeless and your dear daughter. ❤
DeleteBlessings from France
I am praying with you Terri, for Michelle, and for all the homeless children, sisters, brothers, friends, parents, military veterans, etc.
DeleteTerri, I am praying for your daughter Michele and prayers for continued peace for you as her Momma. Lord Jesus I ask that you wrap your loving arms around these ladies.
DeletePraying for all those affected by power outages and those who are homeless. Father, take good care of Keith and Michelle. Your beloved children need You more than ever. Thank You for opening up their eyes and softening their hearts to seek You and find You. Shelter them and protect and heal them. And warm them with Your love. Help them to realize all things are possible in Your presence. Thank You in the Name of Your Son Jesus Christ.
DeleteAmen 🙏. Father, please shelter and comfort all Your children.
DeletePraying for you now, our dear Terri. Michelle is protected, sheltered, safe and restored in the Everlasting Arms and surrounded by His Angels.
DeleteTo God Be The Glory for all the Good that only comes from Him that our Michelle is now receiving.
My prayer is for you, Hub and your grandkids. In Jesus' Name. Amen. .
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
ReplyDeleteHe maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Amen! (Psalm 23).
Thank You for carrying us from the first Sunday of 2020 to this last Sunday, and thank You for preparing us for whats on the road ahaed. We are holding on to Your Peace, Your Restoration, Your Healing, Your Protection, You Provisions and Abundance, but mostly, Your Mercy and Grace! THANK YOU for JESUS! AMEN.
Blessings and Peace.
Maplewood NJ
Amen! One of my favorite psalm ❤ There's a French song that I love with the lyrics of this psalm. I find it so peaceful.
Deletehttps://youtu.be/clpEYDjy3DQ
Blessings from France
That is beautiful BFF. Thank you for sharing.
DeleteThank you dear Maplewood and Thank You Jesus.
DeleteAmen! Thank you Jesus!
ReplyDeleteChoosing to spend time with you and reflect your peace, Papa. May we be peace for this frantic world. Thank you Lord for this space and all who read and contribute.
ReplyDelete"So many people think that time spent with Me is a luxury they cannot afford. As a result they live and work in their own strength -- until that becomes depleted. Then they either cry out to Me for help or turn away in bitterness...." Ouch, so true! Help me to see that my time with you in the quiet is what I need to be nourished and strengthened. Please dear Lord help me to "do less and accomplish more". How can I not when you are with me every step of the way? What a great way to approach life using your guidance, strength and faith. Amen.
ReplyDeleteAmen to that, Nothing is more important than spending precious time with Jesus our best friend, the Lover of our Soul and the Keeper of our heart. We can do all things through Him and in Him.
DeleteHappy Sunday to all,😊🙂😇🌸🌺🌼🌷🌻💗✝️
DeleteAmen 🙏.
DeleteLess of me, more of thee my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Thank you Lord for not giving up on me. Thank you for your mercy and forgiveness. Thank you for your everlasting love. Amen!
ReplyDeleteAmen 🙏.
DeleteAmen LCA,
ReplyDeleteJoy and gratitude for a wonderful visit with daughter and beau, now a fiance! What a joyful Christmas watching a proposal shared via zoom with families in both coasts. Blessings out to all in this JC family. Thank you for your prayers as I offer mine to you. 🙏✝️🥂
ReplyDeleteOh Audra, what happiness, what a Joy Divine! I shall pray blessings for their marriage to be a long, successful and Godfilled one.
DeleteSo happy for you Audra! Congratulations! An engagement is such a wonderful gift. The promise of love and joy and fulfillment. God bless them and both families!
DeleteHow amazing! So glad for you and yours! Praying blessings for you all!
DeleteBlessings from France
Thank you! And a year later enjoyed our together time, setting strong, differing opinions aside. Much more fun to think wedding planning!
DeleteAnd again, time together for the holidays. Come Holy Spirit, we can plant seeds of a closer relationship with them and God, and trust you to bring it forth. Guide my thoughts and words all my days. Inn Jesus's name I pray. 🙏♥️
DeleteWe had a nice gathering in Brooklyn with my Mom. Thanks for all your prayers for traveling mercy and protection. God is so good. Tomorrow or I should say later today 2 of my sons are coming over with their families for brunch and they will stay through dinner time. Can't wait to see the little ones together. It was so rushed today and I was in the kitchen a lot being more of a Martha than a Mary. Praying to have a sweet and peaceful day. I have plenty of leftovers to share so I can rest in the Lord and be blessed. God bless you all.
ReplyDeleteThis is such truth to live by from today's devotion:
"Walk in the Light with Me, and you will reflect Me to the watching world". Let us go therefore and be beacons to all those we love and all those who need light in their darkness. Thank You Lord for showing us how to share your beautiful light and lead others to You. Amen.
Amen dear Jeanne. I'm so glad you had a good time with your family and I pray that will continue through today as well. God bless 🙏.
DeleteThanks sweet Janet! They are coming for dinner tonight. I will try to sit in the living with them. I got all the food ready so God will make it happen. God bless you too. Praying for you.
DeleteDear JC family, I enjoyed reading the earlier descriptions of marriage differences, and how they were lived out/resolved. My husband and I have been married for 48 years (!) and are very different, and it hasn’t always felt easy. We agree in the important areas, but are so different in time frame for planning, risk taking, etc. He lives in the moment and finds time to savor life, and I am always looking to complete a task, and do something productive. I wanted to share something that has been SO helpful in understanding each other, even after all of this time together. For the past year, we have each had a journal of just things that we appreciate about each other. Every morning we write in it, and then we share it aloud these positive things about the other one with each other. It has done so much to fill in “the well” of good will and understanding as issues come up in the day. It has brought such joy and ease throughout the day. I believe it was a gift from God to help us through a difficult season in our lives, and I wanted to share it with you. Blessings to all of you!
ReplyDeleteWow Ellen, thats a wonderful and beautiful gift to each other. A form of Agape love. I believe Love is: willing the good of the other. This yr. it will be 39 yrs of marriage for my wife and I. I think our love is still evolving, growing and strengthening. We start our day with devotions together, and try to keep God with us every step of the way. Amen.
DeleteI think that is so beautiful. What a blessing. As long as God is in your lives, all will be well. Praying that you Ellen and you ABC have many more years of blissful marriage yet to come. Peace be with you.
DeleteThat is such a lovely way to share your hearts dear Ellen. So special that you write sweet things in it every day to share. Definitely a gift from God.
DeleteEllen - I LOVE your Journal! My Dear Hubby and I will celebrate 48 years in February. We have always been opposites: we decided a long time ago that he was the Brakes and I was the Accelerator - without either, the car doesn't run! Yet, over the years, Cancer, multiple surgeries, chemo, bone marrow transplant - I became the brakes and he, the accelerator. He wants to travel the world; I want to stay home and clean out this house (that we decided NOT to sell), a place where we enjoy each other and our family of 20+. Yes, we are different. We write each other Love Letters, now and then and that's a blessing. We start each day, with coffee and prayer. Our lives are good, but the differences (I want to get rid of ALL the cars and have one; he wants to hold on to two that are WAY TOO OLD). It's funny in a way, but I love that you do a Journal and share it with each other. My hubby and I, every day, try to 'out-give' the other. We are both pleasantly surprised with the outcome. <3
DeleteEllen, praying that you are continuing your gift of journaling to each other? So nice. Praying that all marriages are flourishing and strengthening with God as the Head of the union. Even with struggles and challenges, HE is with us every step of the way! Amen.
DeleteThanks again, Ellen.
DeleteDH and I stole your Journal idea, and it worked great.
We fell off the wagon, and plan to hop back on in restart mode for the upcoming New Year, 2023!
I am reminded of our journaling practice, and we have “fallen off the wagon” too. I am going to get out those appreciation journals and start them again. It makes co-living so much easier and more pleasant if you are always thinking of nice things to say about your spouse. Thanks for the reminder!
DeleteHere's to Blessed Journaling in 2024 for both of us, Ellen. Thanks for your post which is a foothold for us to also get back on the wagon again!
DeleteSharing morning devotions prayer:
ReplyDeleteFather, I pray that I will spend my days working for the furthering of Your Kingdom and not my own personal gain. May I build on the foundation of Christ with worthy materials that will withstand the test of fire (1 Corinthians 3:12-14). I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Amen Sassy Mom! God bless.
DeleteBeautiful prayer. Let us all try to serve Him instead of ourselves.
DeleteAMEN, Sassy Mom! I loved, "How much better it is to walk close to Me, depending on My strength and trusting Me in every situation. If you live in this way, you will do less but accomplish far more. Your unhurried pace of living will stand out in this rush-crazed age."
Delete"And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God." (Revelations 21:3). "And they shall see His face; and His name shall be in their foreheads." (Revelations 22:4).
ReplyDeleteI hope and pray that everyone had a very enjoyable Christmas with loved ones and their families and friends. I haven't been able to post too much this past week because I haven't had the internet where I am at now. I ended up moving on Monday. It happened pretty quickly and unexpectedly. Isn't that just how God works?! I am living with a lady from my church named Ms. Suzie. I asked her Sunday night after church service if she would like to rent me a room in her house and it caught her a bit off guard (me too), but she said that she had an extra room so okay. As you know, the situation at the motel with my roommate has been getting a bit much recently and I have been trying to find a place since May, but to no avail. I'm not sure what is going to be in the future (but who does know), so I'm being hopeful and am very grateful to finally be out of a hotel. I think I have forgotten how to live (lol). I can tell you that God is working in my life. I see things all the time and it's too much to even repeat everything or remember off the top of my head, but I need to start bringing a notebook around with me and writing stuff down. God is so good -- ALWAYS! The last couple of days have been a bit rough for Ms. Suzie. She has been having a problem breathing. She may have pneumonia or bronchitis. She tried to see her doctor this morning, but couldn't get an appointment so they scheduled one for her for tomorrow. Prayers are much appreciated for her. I told her to rest while I came over here to McDonald's to use the internet. There is also a family at my church that is really having a lot of different health problems. The 2 daughters both have a type of cancer, the son has pneumonia, and the one daughter is getting ready to have surgery on her kidney. Please pray for them. I can't remember their last name, but God knows who they are. Please remember them in your prayers. They are faithful followers of Christ and from all the things that I've been seeing lately, the devil is on the move. He is trying to take out so many good people, but we are all strong in Christ and God knows it. We must stand together and pray for one another, now more than ever. I just wanted to give you a small synopsis. There's a lot more, but I will have to share another time with you. I have been praying for all of you and your loved ones. Thank you for all your support, love, thoughts, and prayers. We are all God's children. God bless and peace be with you!
ReplyDeleteDear Janet. I am so relieved that you are out of that motel and in a room in Ms. Suzie's house. Praying for her health and that it is not Covid. Also for the family from your Church. May God heal Ms. Suzie and also all of their infirmities. May He remove every cancer cell and give the son a strength of breathing and heal his lungs and bring the whole family back to perfect health so they can continue to sing His praises. God bless the new path ahead of you dear Sister. The spirit is on the move and you are moving. Much love.
ReplyDeleteThank you sweet Jeanne. I went back to see what the Jesus Calling message was for Tuesday morning because that was the start of my "new living" arrangements and it's right there in the message. The things that have been happening all around me and to me are so amazing and even miraculous. I can't wait to share some of them with you all. Jesus even carried me to work the other morning. I can't wait to break that one down for you guys. He is definitely moving and very powerful. Hallelujah!
DeleteYour good news of God's faithfulness is joy to my heart. Can't wait to hear more details! Hallelujah!
DeleteI'm praying for you, Dear Janet. God is definitely working in your life! I'm so glad you are out of that Motel! You will be a blessing to Ms. Suzie. Love in Christ, Dear Sister.
DeleteAsking for prayers for my friends wife Sally.She is a cancer survivor but it has come back after a couple of years and has spread rapidly… doctors say there is not much they can do….
ReplyDeleteMy friend is looking for new clinical trials, not giving up hope….
I pray for a miracle
Nothing is impossible for God. Praying for Sally to receive that amazing miracle. Father, We are thanking You for removing every single cancer cell from Sally's body and bringing her back to perfect health. We know you can do ALL Things. We trust in Your promises and mercy. Praying in the powerful Name of Christ Jesus our Risen Lord. Amen.
DeleteJohn S and Sally - You have come to the right place for miracle prayers. Dear JC Warriors, join me in storming the gates of heaven and pray for a Sally miracle, THY will be done. Thank You Jesus.
ReplyDeleteAmen!Thank You Jesus.
DeletePraying for each and every one of you. Our lives have been 'off the chart,' busy, exciting, scary, blessed and still 'in the works,' but I am SO thankful! Just posted my favorite part of today's devotion, "How much better it is to walk close to Me, depending on My strength and trusting Me in every situation. If you live in this way, you will do less but accomplish far more. Your unhurried pace of living will stand out in this rush-crazed age." Praying that, tomorrow, I do far less and accomplish far more! The whirlwind of activity has me a bit flustered, but I'm trying to take a deep breath and give it all to God, who has our every side, back and front!
ReplyDeletePrayers for all of you, my Dear JC Family!
Amen! Joining in prayer♥️🙏♥️🙏♥️🙏
ReplyDeletePraying with you and for you dear Norah and Audra. It has been so busy but despite some bumps in my road today, I'm trying to catch a breath now and be still in His sweet Presence. May we all take a deep breath and give it all to God! Amen.
ReplyDeleteToday’s devotion spoke right to my heart. Walking so very close to the Lord and feeling Him with me reading my thoughts, soothing my mind, and reassuring me. Time spent with Him is precious time indeed. I have been a real help to my sister and Mom today. Janet had all these presents for our family in bags all mixed up. I told her I like to wrap. So while she organized them and put them into boxes I wrapped all of them. God was my strength and we were praising Him and singing Great is Thy Faithfulness. Blessed to be in His able Hands. Stay close to the Lord and He will stay close to you. Thank You Jesus.
ReplyDeleteLamentations 3:22-23. It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
Amen Jeanne 🙏. I am so glad that you and your family had such a wonderful time together. Those moments are so precious. God bless.
DeleteSo glad dear Jeanne of your time together with your mom & sister. Time spent with loved ones are always precious & sorely needed for physical & spiritual health & healing. God bless your day with more of Him!, Amen!😍🙏🌈
DeleteHow awesome that you had this time with them, Jeanne. Closeness and memories made...that in itself is such a gift. Happy for you all and that you're together!
DeleteThanks dear Janet and Jan! Yes it sure is precious time spent with our loved ones building memories to cherish. God is so good! Blessed and grateful I am. God bless you and your dear ones too.
DeleteSince you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God. (1 Peter 1:23). Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men. (Colossians 3:23).
ReplyDeleteGood food today sweet sister! Thanks
DeleteI have heard of you, that the Spirit of God is in you, and that light and understanding and excellent wisdom are found in you. (Daniel 5:14).
ReplyDeleteAmen dear Janet!, Always look forward to the scriptures you share with us. Thank you for taking the time to post them. Bless you as you bless us. 😍🙏🌈
DeletePraying for this dear JC Family as I prepare to return to work today. Please pray with me for the trip to my DH's Oncologist for the blood work that got postponed last week; for a safe and efficient move for our office this week; and for continued health for my family.
ReplyDeleteI got scammed yesterday and it took several hours to get everything resolved and for me to get peaceful, again. Be careful dear Family - there are many "realistic" looking posts and while I thought I was checking on a package coming to us from Germany and one we had sent, it was a scam that compromised our credit card. WHEW! I'm so thankful it was caught within minutes. " How much better it is to walk close to Me, depending on My strength and trusting Me in every situation." Yes, I was rushing and also tired from the full weekend we had with our family.
God Bless each of you as you start this day - this "short" work week and praying for the individual requests and needs. Our God is an awesome God - He will go before us and protect us.
Praying for good results for your husband's blood work Norah. 🙏🙏🙏
DeleteTJ
Thank God you got your problems with your credit card resolved. So many ungodly people out there. But our God is greater. May He protect you as you travel to your DH’s appointment and may your good husband receive good blood test results. God is your strength as you return to work dear sister. We know Who goes before us. Let’s just stay close to our life giving vine and all will go well.
DeleteJohn 15:5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.
I am not very good at being still. I try to sit in quiet and listen, but my mind begins to spin in thoughts and the next minute I'm realize though I'm sitting still, my mind is far from God. I know I need the quiet to hear him. It's just so rare the I can find the calm between my earsGod please help me to quiet my mind and listen for your voice. Please remind me to turn to you and stop when everything around me is rushing about.
ReplyDelete"I AM preparing you for what is on the road ahead, just around the bend."
ReplyDeleteWhat is on the road ahead, just around the bend?
We do not know the detail but God does!
Jeremiah 29:11, NIV
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
John 14:26 (AMPC)
But the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will help you remember everything that I have told you.
Proverbs 3:5-6
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Isaiah 55:8-9
8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD.
9 "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Proverbs 16:3 (AMPC)
Roll your works upon the Lord [commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and] so shall your plans be established and succeed.
John 14:3
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and I will take you to Myself, so that where I am you may be also.
(Jesus is the Way to our Heavenly destination).
God knows everything we are going through at this very moment and everything we will go through in the future.
He knows the best way to handle every situation for the best possible outcome and we need to trust him with that.
The outcome may not be what we think it should be, but in His wisdom it will be the best outcome for the greatest good.
We need to follow His path, His guidance and trust that He knows best, because He does.
You matter to your Heavenly Father:
He had you in mind long before you were ever a glimmer in your parent’s eyes.
Jesus had you in mind on the cross.
The Holy Spirit is ever mindful of you because He lives in you.
Your future begins NOW in the present and moves forward, not backwards.
The future God has planned for you existed before you were born. You start your journey into that future with your decision to say YES Lord, and involves yielding to the plan and will of God.
Your future involves being obedient to His plan and not demanding your own plan.
Your future involves listening to God rather than to the enemy’s deception or other voices in this world that have no understanding of God’s plan.
God is all-knowing, all-powerful and ever-present.
God knows the future and He has a plan for your life, which is a million times better than any plan you may have.
-His plan is perfect.
-His timing is perfect.
-His motive and heart of love is for your good.
With God failure is not an option, He NEVER fails.
If there is any situation in life that seems impossible, remember with God NOTHING, NO THING is impossible:
Numbers 11:23: "The Lord said to Moses, ‘Is the Lord’s power limited? Now you shall see whether My word will come true for you or not.'"
Job 42:2: "I know that You can do all things, and that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted."
Jeremiah 32:27: "Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh; is anything too difficult for Me?"
Luke 1:37 (AMPC)
"For with God nothing is ever impossible and no word from God shall be without power or impossible of fulfillment."
Now is the time to slow down, to switch off external inputs. To focus on Him. If (and it often does) your mind like mine wanders, bring it back to Him, He understands perfectly; "Sorry Lord, I got lost there for a moment". Acknowledge He is your Lord. Tell Him you trust Him for the whole of your future. "Lead on my Lord and God".
Amen and thank you, dear Peter! Lead me Lord and keep my eyes on You today! Thank You for every blessing dear Father and for your healing presence. I love You Lord and You know how much I need you. You are the greatest part of me, and my life is yours. Lead me forward according to your marvelous Will and Plan. Amen
ReplyDeletePsalm 25:5 Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; On You I wait all the day.
How much better it is to walk close to Me, depending on My strength and trusting Me in every situation..
ReplyDeleteReading between the lines, I find that It is said that there are two different types of faith: proFessing faith and poSSessing faith.
So much of the Western Christian is embodied in the ways of the world and end up looking like a full-time follower of the world and those things of the world, and just a part-time Christian and those things of the Truly Christlike, according to Christ.
Dear Heavenly Father God,
Would You help me POSSESS more Faith, than I profess? In Jesus' Name. Amen.
If I didn’t have my Faith I would be like a piece of driftwood floating around in a big dark ocean but I am filled with light and peace, and I am tethered to heaven and well taken care of. Hallelujah!
ReplyDeleteI must trust in God’s timing. Just found out: due to a scheduling mishap I can’t see the Oncologist until the 30th. I’m upset but my sister Janet’s thrilled because I can stay an extra day at my Mom’s with her. Going with the flow of God’s grace. He holds the reins of my life.
Yes, Jeanne.
DeleteDriftwood reminds me of my post, from Brie September 9, 2021 at 6:39 AM !!
Lord, would You keep us all connected to Your Vine (aka Suzanne R) in Jesus' Name. Amen.
All is well. Let It Be. It Is Well. It Is Well With My Soul. Love you
DeleteHis timing, not ours, dear Jeanne. Be blessed with more time with your mom and sister!
ReplyDeleteWishing a happy Christmas season and healthy new year to all our dear jC Family especially Sassy Mom, Terri, MadFox, Bob and all those going through hard and challenging times. We are never alone.
ReplyDeleteDear Jeanne --- I join you in your prayer. Our Lord has said that with long life He will satisfy us. So, I Declare in the name of Jesus that you and those we pray for will live long and strong on the earth. Jesus is the name above all names. His name is above every sickness and disease, and every sickness and disease must bow to His name!
DeleteSo I speak the name of Jesus over your body, Jeanne, and all of JCFAMILY in need! I Declare His name is driving out anything that is under the curse, because He has redeemed you from the curse. HALLELUJAH!!! In Jesus's Miracle Working Name, AMEN and AMEN. JJ
Galatians 3:13. "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us ..."
Amen and Amen dear JJ! Praying with you and for you. God is so much greater than our infirmities, problems and circumstances! We are well taken care of. Leaning on His promises.
DeleteJeanne - Thank you, I receive your wishes for a happy season. Remembering Terri and her Michelle. Echoing your wishes for JC Prayer Warriors.
ReplyDeleteLove you Sassy Mom! Debbi would want you to continue to rejoice and be glad in your days despite your broken heart. God knows how you and Terri feel. He is holding you both very tight. May this new year be a blessing to you. I’m trusting in the Lord’s help too. The year ahead feels like a bit of a wilderness for me because I must go through treatment for lymphoma but God is right here with me and He’s not going anywhere. Thank You Jesus.
ReplyDeleteDear Sassy Mom, I am sure you have been missing Debbi every day and especially remembering the sweet joy of sharing Christmas with her. Keeping you and dear Terri in my prayers for comfort and guidance. May God continue to hold you both very tight and strengthen you in every way. Sending much love and many prayers.
ReplyDeleteLooking back at this time from last year, I am awed by God's faithfulness in my cancer treatment. I lean as always on His Words and Promises as I begin my new mission as my mom's Caregiver on 12/29. God carries us through every day and equips us for everything. We have a constant Help so we are well taken care of. Be not afraid.
Psalm 34:18
The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart,
And saves such as have a contrite spirit.
Hebrews 13:20-21
Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Sassy Mom, you've been on my heart all during the Christmas Season. Praying that you are comforted, held tightly and blessed in spite of your grief.
DeleteDear Jeanne, I am holding you tight in prayer, as well as Brie, Audra and all of the rest of this Dear JC Family. As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord. Many things to give thanks for. Praying for my DH's upcoming Carotid surgery on 1/17/24. He is always on my heart. Such a stellar man of God. I've been nibbling away at Christmas clean-up. Heading to bed to cozy up under my weighted blanket - gift from my KS Son. Last night I slept so sweet. Looking forward to another night.
God Bless you, JC Family. Sleep sweet, as God is on the Night Watch.
I pray that all here had a very Merry Christmas and enjoyed time with family and loved ones. May our heavenly Father lift up everyone, especially those who are missing loved ones that are now with Him. May His loving arms be wrapped tightly around you and His precious touch be felt deep in your hearts. May He strengthen, comfort, and pour His perfect love, peace, and joy into our hearts and lives and renew us for the upcoming new year. He will ALWAYS see us through everything and be with us forever. In Jesus name, I pray, Amen 🙏. Peace be with you! God bless!
DeleteI will lift up my eyes to the hills--from whence comes my help? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. (Psalm 121:1-2).
I join you in this wonderful prayer, Janet. AMEN and AMEN
DeleteAmen, blessed by your prayer Janet, Merry Christmas to everyone.
DeleteBless you for sharing dear Janet. Hoping you also had a merry Christmas. 🥰
DeleteAs this year draws to a close, I count my online friendships and prayer comfort from this group as one of my favorite blessings. May God's light continue to shine upon you all!
DeleteYou've been on mind also SassyMom. Missing loved ones are amplified during this time. A friend of mine commented on wishing she could have her loved ones back just for a moment, of which I said to her, but then you would miss & long for them all over again. God is kinder than that. He has a better plan😊🙌💕
ReplyDeleteYes Sassy Mom and Terri,
ReplyDeleteI have no words 😢 other than I ❤️ YOU.
In Jesus' Name. AMEN!
AMEN, Jan and Brie, AMEN!!! And Audra, you are absolutely correct -- what an EXTRAORDINARY and INCREDIBLE BLESSING the AMAZING JC FAMILY/WARRIORS represent!
DeleteYes dear JJ! We are One in the Spirit. We are One in the Lord and we are Thankful together. Much love to all.
ReplyDelete