My Utmost for His Highest - June 2nd - What Are You Haunted By?

What man is he that feareth the Lord? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose. - Psalm 25:12

    What are you haunted by? You will say--By nothing, but we are all haunted by something, generally by ourselves, or if are Christians, by our experience. The Psalmist says we are to be haunted by God. The abiding consciousness of the life is to be God, not thinking about Him. The whole of our life inside and out is to be absolutely haunted by the presence of God. A child's consciousness is so mother-haunted that although the child is not consciously thinking of his mother, yet when calamity arises, the relationship that abides is that of the mother. So we are to live and move and have our being in God (see Acts 17:28), to look at everything in relation to God, because the abiding consciousness of God pushes itself to the front all the time. 

    If we are haunted by God, nothing else can get in, no cares, no tribulation, no anxieties. We see now why Our Lord so emphasized the sin of worry. How can we dare be so utterly unbelieving when God is round about us? To be haunted by God is to have an effective barricade against all the onslaughts of the enemy. 

    "His soul shall dwell at ease. (Psalm 25:13)" In tribulation, misunderstanding, slander, in the midst of all these things, if our life is hid with Christ in God (Colossians 3:3), He will keep us at ease. We rob ourselves of the marvelous revelation of this abiding companionship of God. "God is our Refuge (Psalm 46:1)"--nothing can come through that shelter. 

- From Oswald Chambers, "My Utmost for His Highest" - Classic Edition

Highlights and Underlines are courtesy of Mom from her print edition

My thoughts

The modern edition changes the word "haunted" to "obsessed." It seems like that changes the meaning and yet, haunted is a tough word to figure out. The dictionary says that "haunted" is showing signs of mental anguish or torment. It seems to be speaking of a power that overcomes a person. And then also today is "consciousness" which is changed to "awareness." That seems to be more in line with the idea. Yet, he speaks of a close relationship between a child to his mother. In that relationship it seems he is saying that the child may experience a difficulty and because there is so an intense closeness with his mother, the child immediately goes to mother. I saw this in our family with our children. Mom was the first name called in most situations, almost like it was unconscious. And so this is the relationship we as Christians are to have with God and to that end, the idea of "haunted" starts to make more sense. It speaks of this special connection or dependence the Christian has with God. And if that is occurring then worry really has no place in the life of the Christian. And that makes sense. When we are hid with Christ in God we are at ease. Thus, the word "haunted" seems to work better for it is a sort of antithesis of what we think with that word; a good "haunted." 

My Utmost for His Highest - May 23rd - Careful Infidelity

Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? - Matthew 6:25

    Jesus sums up common-sense carefulness in a disciple as infidelity. If we have received the Spirit of God, He will press through and say--Now where does God come in in this relationship, in this mapped out holiday, in these new books? He always presses the point until we learn to make Him our first consideration. Whenever we put other things first, there is confusion.

    "Take no thought. . ." don't take the pressure of forethought upon yourself. It is not only wrong to worry, it is infidelity, because worrying means that we do not think that God can look after the practical details of our lives, and it is never anything else that worries us. Have you ever noticed what Jesus said would choke the word He puts in? The devil? No, the cares of this world (Matthew 13:22). It is the little worries always. I will not trust where I cannot see, that is where infidelity begins. The only cure for infidelity is obedience to the Spirit.

    The great word of Jesus to His disciples is abandon.

- From Oswald Chambers, "My Utmost for His Highest" - Classic Edition

Highlights and Underlines are courtesy of Mom from her print edition.

My thoughts

Infidelity is to be unfaithful to a spouse or to have unbelief is a religion. Either one of these definitions could be would Chambers is saying here - that worry or not listening to what God tells us to do is infidelity. We must be careful that we don't let the cares of this world sabotage our focus on Him. That we don't get pre-occupied with earning money, listening to our leaders, being responsible -- the cares of this world - and stop listening to Him. 

Mark 8:16-21 - The Disciples' Hardness

Mark 8:16-21
16 They began to discuss with one another the fact that they had no bread. 17 And Jesus, aware of this, *said to them, “Why do you discuss the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet see or understand? Do you have a hardened heart? 18 Having eyes, do you not see? And having ears, do you not hear? And do you not remember, 19 when I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces you picked up?” They *said to Him, “Twelve.” 20 “When I broke the seven for the four thousand, how many large baskets full of broken pieces did you pick up?” And they *said to Him, “Seven.” 21 And He was saying to them, “Do you not yet understand?”

Message: The Disciples' Hardness

Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying:

Preface: Jesus continues his journey to preach the Gospel: Repent and Believe. Along the way I see 3 main ideas mentioned:
1. Healings that Jesus performs;
2. Lessons primarily to the disciples about the power of God.
3. Questions from the Pharisees about the validity of Jesus.
In the previous 2 verses, there was 1 verse from the disciples that there was no bread and Jesus responded by talking about the leaven of the Pharisees. I was a little bewildered with the leaven response after the exclamation from the disciples that they had no bread, but I suppose we are picking that up here now.

R.C. Sproul states, “We all need to examine ourselves in the light of God’s Word to be sure the deadly leaven of the Pharisees is not working in us, blinding us to the light and making us deaf to the life-giving Word.” Various places in the Bible it mentions that we need to guard our hearts. We need to not think that simply going to church every week or even reading our Bible regularly keeps us safe from temptations we have in our lives to have our light blinded. We always need to be on the alert.

Now I see the link between those words yesterday about the leaven and the disciples being more focused on the current condition of not having bread. The disciples are often staring at seemingly shortages in providence and assuming that their lack of something is a problem. Jesus clearly doesn't want them to worry about things. Instead of worrying God wants us to ask him for what we need. But their shortsightedness is frustrating to the Lord. He was saying to them, “Do you not yet understand?”

Do you have a hardened heart? - This seems like a strong statement by Jesus. I mean, a hardened heart because they are not trusting God for his providence but instead worried about their next meal? That's it. They are worried about their next meal. They are worried. And Jesus is like, "don't you get it. You can trust me."

But, I struggle with even this. I spend so much of my day worrying. I'm concerned about so many things. But, aren't these things to trust God on? Or are they? I think that is where I struggle. I mean, how far-reaching do I apply this? For instance, my son and his problem of not listening to us. The fact that he comes home late at night sometimes, after midnight, way past our curfew. He isn't out every night late, but sometimes, maybe once a week he will come home at 2am. Do I say anything? Sometimes I do. His behavior will change one evening and then he will be back at it. Do I say anything again? Where on this continuum with him do I simply say, "God I trust you." Or am I supposed to intercede as a parent? Lord, that's where I struggle. I read these words to trust you, but what does it mean? I struggle with being passive or active in my life. It is an either/or sort of thing for me. I don't know how to do both. We've set a priority of school and yet, it feels like the priority is only our priority and not his.

His heart is hard. That's clear. But, is mine hard too? I mean, is it hard because I'm not trusting you but instead relying on what I know? Here, Jesus, explains to them everything. when I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces you picked up?” They *said to Him, “Twelve.” Here is the evidence guys. I took five loaves and I fed 5,000 and there were leftovers. Jesus is saying, "Guys, I took care of your need for food, for the meal, and for after that." When I broke the seven for the four thousand, how many large baskets full of broken pieces did you pick up?” And they *said to Him, “Seven.” Two times he does it. Two times. He provides.

Summary - The disciples don't get it. Jesus keeps taking care of their needs and yet, the disciples continue to not see it. They continue to be bothered and worried that they don't have what they need. Jesus calls out that they have a hardened heart. God is providing, but they are not trusting Him and at the next moment, they are worried about their next meal. Jesus reviews to them what he had done in feeding 5,000 and 4,000 and having food left over. They see it. But, do they understand?

Promise: Jesus teaches us continually. He continually shows us his ways. I do not have to worry. He will take care of my basic needs, not necessarily all of my needs but He is there. I can trust Him. I don't need to worry.


My Prayer: Lord, in these verses, you seem impatient with your disciples. It is like you are tired of them not believing in you, not trusting in you. You are with them through everything and you continue to provide. And they continue to not trust. Is this me Lord, as well? I feel like it is because I wallow back and forth between reading Your Word and even memorizing it, and then not trusting. I have this problem of wanting to be in control. And when I don't get my way, I get mad or sad. I've never noticed this before God, but my heart is hardened. I always thought a person with a hard heart was someone rejecting you. But, these disciples dropped everything to follow you and then struggled with faith in you at the given moments of their lives.
That's me.
That's me.
Lord, I take this moment, out of my day and for this moment, I see myself. I see that my heart is hardened. Lord, I don't know even know how to pray at this moment, what to pray for, so I will just rest in You. And trust that you will speak to me. 

Mark 4:18-20 - The Thorns and the Harvest

Mark 4:18-20
18 And others are the ones on whom seed was sown among the thorns; these are the ones who have heard the word, 19 but the worries of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. 20 And those are the ones on whom seed was sown on the good soil; and they hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold.”

Message: The Thorns and the Harvest

Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying:

Now I look at the next 2 surfaces:
3. Among the thorns
these are the ones who have heard the word, but the worries of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.
4. The Good Soil
they hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold.

3. The second surface received a temporary message and then when hard times came, the message faded from their lives. Here, the distraction is in the form of the worries and pressures of the world. In addition, there is the quest for riches above all and the overall desire for other things to the point that it is unfruitful.

I remember a friend making a comment once that he went to church, followed the Lord, but good things didn't happen to him. He didn't get the Christian wife, he didn't get the good job, religion didn't merit the results he had in mind. And he sort of punted the faith. We live in such a world of comparison where our eyes are constantly viewing what our friends have, our other family members, and we often get distracted. I get distracted. I have been provided everything I need and yet, all too often, I act like it isn't enough. Because others have something I think I must have it. Money isn't the key to happiness, but it sure is nice to have plenty of it. There is that deceitfulness of having lots, of riches. Do my desires for other things prevent me sometimes from seeking God and His word and telling others about him? Do I ignore the prompting of the Holy Spirit because I am more concerned about other things?

The temptations of the world are compelling. They are most attractive. I am often thinking of my correspondence with James Lumbuku in Tororo Uganda. His life is about survival, working hard, and ministry. They have a simple goal often and that is to not go hungry and yet they often have long periods of starvation (months). They live in a hot climate and yet they are farmers, again, for the purpose of survival. I just checked and on this January 14, 2018 day it is 80 degrees Fahrenheit. There crops are basic - corn, potatoes. Perhaps these two items can somewhat make it in the heat. He has real struggles and yet he is so focused on ministry. He is a pastor, a shepherd of his flock, so that would make sense. As I listen to his stories, I am at times compelled to give him money. He desires to get his children through school. One of his children is a Compassion funded child. While they struggle for survival, they are rich in love and mercy toward one another and the temptations of the world don't even seem plausible.

4. They hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold. Something different has happened now - these hear the word and accept it. The turning point is acceptance. They receive it into their lives and make it a part of themselves. By accepting it, something happens, they bear fruit. It is automatic, it happens. If the plant is watered appropriately and receives the nourishment it needs, there is no more effort, but waiting to see the fruit. This last surface is rather simple, actually.

Promise: The result from the word landing on good soil and being received is a harvest. None of us can anticipate the size of the harvest that will be produced, but a harvest will come. We may not even see the result in our lifetime. But, fruit is inevitable. It will come.

Prayer: Thank you Lord for the clarity of your message. Thank you for calling people to yourself. It is thrilling to see the harvest take place and the way it does multiply. Continue to change hearts and uproot soil so that many more can come to accept your truths.

Jesus Calling: January 22

STRIVE TO TRUST ME in more and more areas of your life. Anything that tends to make you anxious is a growth opportunity. Instead of running away from these challenges, embrace them, eager to gain all the blessings I have hidden in the difficulties. If you believe that I am sovereign over every aspect of your life, it is possible to trust Me in all situations. Don't waste energy regretting the way things are or thinking about what might have been. Start at the present moment--accepting things exactly as they are--and search for My way in the midst of those circumstances.
     Trust is like a staff you can lean on, as you journey uphill with Me. If you are trusting in Me consistently, the staff will bear as much of your weight as needed. Lean on, trust, and be confident in Me with all your heart and mind. 

Psalm 52:8
English Standard Version

But I am like a green olive tree
    in the house of God.
I trust in the steadfast love of God
    forever and ever.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Amplified Version
5 
Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart
And do not rely on your own insight or understanding.
6 
In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him,
And He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way].

My Prayer
Lord, so many times in my life you are there, simply saying "I got this." In turn, all that I need to do is trust You. You remind me to not worry, but instead pray about everything and you are teaching me that when I pray it is turning the control over to you. Why is it that prayer is too often the last thing I do when faced with a difficult situation? It's like I try to solve the problem my way and then when I can't, I say, "Well, I guess God is going to have to care of this." Lord, forgive me for putting you second or third or even last. I want to put you first, instead.

When I pray it is often simply asking to remove something in my life making me anxious, and yet you remind me that these are the instances when I often grow the most and even experience great blessings. My problem Lord, I admit, is that I don't trust you in every aspect of my life; too often, it is me that is saying "I got this." But, yes, it is possible to trust You in all situations.

Yet Lord, as Daniel Amos sang, don't let me take another trip down memory lane. Instead, I can start afresh and anew each day. I can pray, "Thank you for a new day." I can begin again. I can start at the present moment.

I really do want to trust in You Lord with all my heart and not lean on my own understanding. In all my ways I want to acknowledge You for the promise is real that you will remove obstacles in my life as I do and keep me on a straight path.


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.

Proverbs 27:1 - Boasting about the Future

Proverbs 27:1

Do not boast about tomorrow,
For you do not know what a day may bring forth.

Message: Boasting about the Future

Time: It seems that Proverbs was written and then compiled sometime between the tenth and sixth centuries B.C. Proverbs was probably written during the reign of Solomon, 971-931 B.C.

What the Lord is Saying:

In Romans 2:17, it says we are to boast in God. Romans 4:2 presents the idea that boasting is only something we do before other men, but that's only if our works would merit God's acceptance and we know this is not so. Romans 5:3 says we exult or boast in our tribulations. God's grace is a gift from God, so that no one can boast (Ephesians 2:8-9). I go back and look at these verses as a reminder that the boasting I can do is towards God. As this verse in Proverbs says, I am not to boast about tomorrow. Lord, help me guard myself against this. Matthew 6:34 says, "So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Focus on today. The Lord's prayer is clear that we pray, "Give us this day our daily bread."

Life is uncertain. What I do know is now, for sure. I know this one moment. There was a song from the 80s that simply said, "One day at a time." Lord, help me to focus on this. I can make plans for the future, but I do this with an eye of uncertainty because I do not know what tomorrow may present itself. Lord, I am weak with this. Often, I stop giving and tithing because I am worried about tomorrow. Help me to make good decisions today.

Here is a poem by Robert Smith, a Lutheran theologian (1932-2006):

“The clock of life is wound but once,
And no man has the power
To tell just when the hands will stop
At late or early hour. 

To lose one's wealth is sad indeed,
To lose one's health is more,
To lose one's soul is such a loss
That no man can restore. 

The present only is our own,
So live, love, toil with a will,
Place no faith in "Tomorrow,"

For the Clock may then be still.”

Isaiah 46:10 - God is the one declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,’

Promise: From Tabletalk - It is good and right to plan for the days ahead, but if our plans succeed, it is not because of our wisdom or because we were certain that they would. Our plans succeed only if that success is ordained by our heavenly Father.

Jesus Calling: November 9

Sit quietly with Me, letting all your fears and worries bubble up to the surface of your consciousness. There, in the Light of My Presence, the bubbles pop and disappear. However, some fears surface over and over again, especially fear of the future. You tend to project yourself mentally into the next day, week, month, year, decade; and you visualize yourself coping badly in those times. What you are seeing is a false image, because it doesn't include Me. Those gloomy times that you imagine will not come to pass, since My Presence will be with you at all times.
     When a future-oriented worry assails you, capture it and disarm it by suffusing the Light of My Presence into that mental image. Say to yourself, "Jesus will be with me then and there. With His help, I can cope!" Then, come home to the present moment, where you can enjoy Peace in My Presence. 

Luke 12:22-26
English Standard Version
22 And he said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. 23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing.24 Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! 25 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? 26 If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest?

Deuteronomy 31:6
English Standard Version
Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.

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.

My Prayer

Lord, I cast my cares upon your throne. Help me see you are with me today, tomorrow and every day in the future. I want to live obedient to Your Word, trusting in You, not anxious about today. You remind me the way you provide for the birds and animals that you created. I am much more valuable than them. Forgive me for thinking at times that I must prepare for the future and not seeing You already in my future. I can be strong and courageous for every 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: October 27

As you become increasingly aware of My Presence, you find it easier to discern the way you should go. This is one of the practical benefits of living close to Me. Instead of wondering about what is on the road ahead or worrying about what you should do if . . . or when . . . , you can concentrate on staying in communication with Me. When you actually arrive at a choice-point, I will show you which direction to go.
     Many people are so preoccupied with future plans and decisions that they fail to see choices they need to make today. Without any conscious awareness, they make their habitual responses. People who live this way find a dullness creeping into their lives. They sleepwalk through their days, following well-worn paths of routine.
     I, the Creator of the universe, am the most creative Being imaginable. I will not leave you circling in deeply rutted paths. Instead, I will lead you along fresh trails of adventure, revealing to you things you did not know. Stay in communication with Me. Follow My guiding Presence.

Psalm 32:8
English Standard Version

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
    I will counsel you with my eye upon you.

Genesis 1:1
English Standard Version

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.

My Prayer
Lord, why don't I pray more? I spend so much time of  my day trying to figure out the next decision or the next turn in the road for me, or a friend or a family member -- and you meanwhile desire me to talk to you about it, to surrender it to you and allow you to work a solution. Help me to stay in better communication with You. The problem Lord is I don't trust you; I don't think that praying to you will make that big of a difference and for that I am sorry; please, forgive me. You created me and everything I see so help me with my unbelief so that I'm turning to you first, not as a last resort.  

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: August 5

Sit quietly in My Presence while I bless you. Make your mind like a still pool of water, ready to receive whatever thoughts I drop into it. Rest in My sufficiency, as you consider the challenges this day presents. Do not wear yourself out by worrying about whether you can cope with the pressures. Keep looking to Me and communicating with Me, as we walk through this day together.
     Take time to rest by the wayside, for I am not in a hurry. A leisurely pace accomplishes more than hurried striving. When you rush, you forget who you are Whose you are. Remember that you are royalty in My kingdom.

Psalm 37:7
English Standard Version

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him;
    fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way,
    over the man who carries out evil devices!
 
Romans 8:16-17
English Standard Version 

¹⁶ The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, ¹⁷ and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

I Peter 2:9
English Standard Version 

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

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: August 4

Hold My hand, and walk joyously with Me through this day. Together we will savor the pleasures and endure the difficulties it brings. Be on the lookout for everything I have prepared for you: stunning scenery, bracing winds of adventure, cozy nooks for resting when you are weary, and much more. I am your Guide, as well as your constant Companion. I know every step of the journey ahead of you, all the way to heaven.
     You don't have to choose between staying close to Me and staying on course. Since I am the Way, staying close to Me is staying on course. As you focus your thoughts on Me, I will guide you carefully along today's journey. Don't worry about what is around the next bend. Just concentrate on enjoying My Presence and staying in step with Me.

John 14:6
English Standard Version 
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
 
Colossians 4:2
English Standard Version
Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.

My Prayer
Lord, I want to see you as the way in my life. Keep me focused on You, trusting you moment by moment. Help me to find my Rest in You O God. I want to be defined by Your Way in my life. Help me to not stare and linger on those things in my life that too easily get me off course. Help me to really trust you, not lean on my own understanding, acknowledge You and You will make my paths straight.

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: July 15

Do not worry about tomorrow! This is not a suggestion, but a command. I divided time into days and nights, so that you would have manageable portions of life to handle. My grace is sufficient for you, but its sufficiency is for only one day at a time. When you worry about the future, you heap day upon day of troubles onto your flimsy frame. You stagger under this heavy load, which I never intended you to carry.
     Throw off this oppressive burden with one quick thrust of trust. Anxious thoughts meander about and crisscross in your brain, but trusting Me brings you directly into My Presence. As you thus affirm your faith, shackles of worry fall off instantly. Enjoy My Presence continually by trusting Me at all times.

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.
 
2 Corinthians 12:9
English Standard Version

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
 
Psalm 62:8
New King James Version

Trust in Him at all times, you people;
Pour out your heart before Him;
God is a refuge for us.    Selah

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: June 30

I am the Truth: the One who came to set you free. As the Holy Spirit controls your mind and actions more fully, you become free in Me. You are increasingly released to become the one I created you to be. This is a work that I do in you as you yield to My Spirit. I can do My best handiwork when you sit in the stillness of My Presence, focusing your entire being on Me.
     Let My thoughts burst freely upon your consciousness, stimulating abundant Life. I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. As you follow Me, I lead you along paths of newness: ways you have never imagined. Don't worry about what is on the road up ahead. I want you to find your security in knowing Me, the One who died to set you free. 

John 8:32
English Standard Version

and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
 
Philippians 2:13
English Standard Version

for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
 
John 14:6
English Standard Version

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

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: June 22

     Thank Me for the very things that are troubling you. You are on the brink of rebelling, precariously close to shaking your fist in My Face. You're tempted to indulge in just a little complaining about My treatment of you. But once you step over that line, torrents of rage and self-pity can sweep you away. The best protections against this indulgence is thanksgiving. It is impossible to thank Me and curse Me at the same time.
     Thanking Me for trials will feel awkward and contrived at first. But if you persist, your thankful words, prayed in faith, will eventually make a difference in your heart. Thankfulness awakens you to My Presence, which overshadows all your problems.

Psalm 116:17
New King James Version

I will offer to You the sacrifice of thanksgiving,
And will call upon the name of the Lord.

Verse Thoughts
Interesting that sacrifice or offering is connected with thanksgiving. Take a moment to thank God, calling up His name, for what is occurring in life.

Philippians 4:4-6
English Standard Version

⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. ⁵ Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; ⁶ do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Verse Thoughts
Joy rests not on favorable circumstances, but “in the Lord.” I need to think about the Lord's coming ("at hand") like it is happening tomorrow which will keep my focus on that and not my present circumstances. Instead of being worried, I am to be thankful. 

My Prayer
This is so true, Lord. It just does not come natural to thank You for things that are troubling me. Lord, help me to never complain about these trials. Keep me thankful for all the ways You provide.  

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: June 11

     Trust Me and don't be afraid, for I am your Strength and Song. Do not let fear dissipate your energy. Instead, invest your energy in trusting Me and singing My Song. The battle for control of your mind is fierce, and years of worry have made you vulnerable to the enemy. Therefore, you need to be vigilant in guarding your thoughts. Do not despise this weakness in yourself, since I am using it to draw you closer to Me. Your constant need for Me creates an intimacy that is well worth all the effort. You are not alone in this struggle for your mind. My Spirit living within you is ever ready to help in this striving. Ask Him to control your mind; He will bless you with Life and Peace.

Isaiah 12:2
English Standard Version

“Behold, God is my salvation;
    I will trust, and will not be afraid;
for the Lord God is my strength and my song,
    and he has become my salvation.”

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.

Verse Thoughts
There is a contrast here - a mind set on the flesh vs a mind set on the Spirit; flesh and Spirit. Flesh is death; Spirit is life and peace. Where is my mind set? We "need to be vigilant in guarding our thoughts." There are a lot of good things in this world I can set my mind on, but what I am asked to do is set my mind not simply on good things, but on the Spirit. 

My Prayer
Lord, teach me to trust you and not my circumstances. I don't want to march through life because of what I am feeling, but I want to hang on your promises. I have everything that I need in Christ. Keep my eyes focused on those truths. Help my thoughts to glorify you. Control my mind.  

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: June 7

I am all around you, like a cocoon of Light. My Presence with you is a promise, independent of your awareness of Me. Many things can block this awareness, but the major culprit is worry. My children tend to accept worry as an inescapable fact of life. However, worry is a form of unbelief; it is anathema to Me.
     Who is in charge of your life? If it is you, then you have good reason to worry. But if it is I, then worry is both unnecessary and counterproductive. When you start to feel anxious about something, relinquish the situation to Me. Back off a bit, redirecting your focus to Me. I will either take care of the problem Myself or show you how to handle it. In this world you will have problems, but you need not to lose sight of Me. 

Luke 12:22-31
English Standard Version

²² And he said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. ²³ For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. ²⁴ Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! ²⁵ And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? ²⁶ If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest? ²⁷ Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. ²⁸ But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! ²⁹ And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. ³⁰ For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. ³¹ Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you.

John 16:33
English Standard Version

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.

- Sorry, I had a few mistakes in earlier versions of the words from Sarah Young, leaving out a couple of words. 

My Prayer (2018) 
Lord, continue to train me daily to not worry, to not have anxiety, but instead to trust You, have faith in You. I do not want to have a hardened heart and think that I must be in control, but you know that is my tendency Lord. Some days are worse than others. I want to be rooted in You. Sometimes I need to be like a race horse, with blinders on the side of me, so that I'm not looking at other people, but staying focused on You. You are not surprised by the tribulation that is in the world, for you have predicted it, but I thank you for the peace that you give me. And help me to not think that by trusting You I will necessarily get everything the way I want it.

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: June 2

     Relax in My healing, holy Presence. Be still, while I transform your heart and mind. Let go of cares and worries, so that you can receive My Peace. Cease striving, and know that I am God. 
     Do not be like Pharisees who multiplied regulations, creating their own form of "godliness." They got so wrapped up in their own rules that they lost sight of Me. Even today, man-made rules about how to live the Christian life enslave many people. Their focus is on their performance, rather than on Me.
     It is through knowing Me intimately that you become like Me. This requires spending time alone with Me. Let go, relax, be still, and know that I am God. 

Psalm 46:10
New American Standard

Cease striving and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.

Verse thoughts

My default reaction to almost everything in life is to "try harder." God knows this and knows that I need these words each day, to be reminded, that my first reaction to things does not have to be to "try harder" but instead to cease striving, to silently and quietly wait on Him, without fear; to be calm and not tremble, but know Him to be God. I need to leave it to Him to fulfill His own counsel and support His own interests in the world.
 
I John 3:2
English Standard Version

Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.

My Prayer
Lord, so often my emotions get the better of me. This past week I saw something my son was doing and my emotions swelled up and I started to get angry at him, come down upon him. Thankfully God, you gave me the good sense to talk to my wife who helped me see that my emotions were getting the better of me and my son would have frozen up and not done his school work if I came down on him. I wanted to take action and take control, quickly. I wanted to react. But I didn't. I stopped and was silent and ceased striving and instead simply waited. You are God and You got this. You know me better than I know myself. And by the end of the week, he was making good decisions and having success. I got scared God and I wanted to just take control of the situation. I wanted to make my own rules. Lord, sometimes I do need to speak up but only after I have taken it before You and given You the opportunity to give me peace about me speaking up. Lord, thank You for waking me up and using my wife to help me not do something I would have regretted. I am Your child and I want to be like You.

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: May 21

     I, the Creator of the universe, am with you and for you. What more could you need? When you feel some lack, it is because you are not connecting with Me at a deep level. I offer abundant Life; your part is to trust Me, refusing to worry about anything.
     It is not so much adverse events that make you anxious as it is your thoughts about these events. Your mind engages in efforts to take control of a situation, to bring about the result you desire. Your thoughts close in on the problem like ravenous wolves. Determined to make things go your way, you forget that I am in charge of your life. The only remedy is to switch your focus from the problem to My Presence. Stop all your striving, and watch to see what I will do. I am the Lord! 

Romans 8:31-32
English Standard Version

³¹ What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? ³² He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?


Micah 7:7
English Standard Version

But as for me, I will look to the Lord;
    I will wait for the God of my salvation;
    my God will hear me.

My Prayer
Lord, I want to begin every day with You, connecting with You. When I stare at the world and what is going on, it can be depressing, but as I go to Your Word, Spirit, you are speaking to me and reminding me that there is always hope because you have given me a peace that surpasses all understanding.

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: May 1

     You are on the path of My choosing. There is no randomness about your life. Here and Now comprise the coordinates of your daily life. Most people let their moments slip through their fingers, half-lived. They avoid the present by worrying about the future or longing for a better time and place. They forget that they are creatures who are subject to the limitations of time and space. They forget their Creator, who walks with them only in the present.
     Every moment is alive with My glorious Presence, to those whose hearts are intimately connected with Mine. As you give yourself more and more to a life of constant communion with Me, you will find that you simply have not time for worry. Thus, you are freed to let My Spirit direct your steps, enabling you to walk along the path of Peace. 

Luke 12:25-26
English Standard Version

²⁵ And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? ²⁶ If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest?

Verse Thoughts - This statement is contrasting the words from 24 which speak of Jesus feeding the birds, providing them what they need. Just as he takes care of the birds he takes care of us. We do not have the ability to make ourselves taller nor lengthen our days. Again, as learned yesterday we tend to think we control our lives rather than God being in control. And that tension is present each day. That seems to be the consistent message of these devotions - the daily reminder that God is in control, right down to our individual lives.  

Luke 1:79
English Standard Version

to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
    to guide our feet into the way of peace.

My Prayer
Lord, you have rescued me from darkness and you are guiding me in the way of peace. Help me to trust in what you are doing in my life. Forgive my impatience. Forgive me for not being content and questioning your work in me. Help me to stay in today and not be so focused on the unknown of tomorrow, but instead let you take care of tomorrow. Keep me connected with You. Help me to embrace of life of praying, talking, conversing with You, so I'm reminded daily of your great love for me. I can walk each day with confidence, with peace.

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: April 9

     YOU ARE MINE FOR ALL TIME; nothing can separate you from My Love.  Since I have invested My very Life in you, be well assured that I will also take care of you.  When your mind goes into neutral and your thoughts flow freely, you tend to feel anxious and alone.  Your focus becomes problem solving.  To get your mind back into gear, just turn toward Me, bringing yourself and your problems into My Presence.

     Many problems vanish instantly in the Light of My Love, because you realize you are never alone.  Other problems may remain, but they become secondary to knowing Me and rejoicing in the relationship I so freely offer you.  Each moment you can choose to practice My Presence or to practice the presence of problems. 

Romans 8:38-39
English Standard Version (ESV)
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.

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

My Prayer
Lord, I pray that I can rest in the fact that I will always be Yours and there is nothing I can do to separate myself from You just as their was nothing I could do to make myself worthy before You. Jesus did it all for me and has made me right with You for all eternity. I want to surrender each day to You and not surrender each day to my problems. I need Your strength to do this.


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: March 18

Trust Me one day at a time. This keeps you close to Me, responsive to My will. Trust is not a natural response, especially for those who have been deeply wounded. My Spirit within you is your resident Tutor, helping you in this supernatural endeavor. Yield to His gentle touch; be sensitive to His prompting. 

Exert your will to trust Me in all circumstances. Don't let your need to understand distract you from My Presence. I will equip you to get through this day victoriously, as you live in deep dependence on Me. Tomorrow is busy worrying about itself; don't get tangled up in its worry-webs. Trust Me one day at a time. 

Psalm 84:12
English Standard Version

     O Lord of hosts,

    blessed is the one who trusts in you!

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.

My Prayer
Lord, help me to not get ahead of myself and to thank you about today and focus on today. You tell me to be content. Help me Lord because I tend to continually look anxiously to the future for things that are not known and worry about future outcomes. Help me to stay in the moment. Lord, I realize that it is not natural for me to Trust You. But, You have clearly shown me who You are and what You have done in this world and in My Life. I want to trust You in all circumstances. Give me the Power to do just that. Help me to not focus on understanding before trusting. I pray that the mark of my life would be trusting You.

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