Hebrews 3:1-6 (verse 2 - Jesus is Faithful)

    Therefore, holy brothers, you who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession, who was faithful to him who appointed him, just as Moses also was faithful in all God's house. For Jesus has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses—as much more glory as the builder of a house has more honor than the house itself. (For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God.) Now Moses was faithful in all God's house as a servant, to testify to the things that were to be spoken later, but Christ is faithful over God's house as a son. And we are his house if indeed we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope.
   
(Hebrews 3:1-6 ESV)

[verse 2] - (Jesus) who was faithful to him (God) who appointed him, just as Moses also was faithful in all God's house.
He performed all his functions with faithfulness.
Jesus was faithful. He performed with faithfulness, with a degree of exactness, all the functions entrusted to him.

He is our example of faithful behavior.
And Jesus is faithful to God. Those that hear this need to stand firm in the faith and not fall way. Despite trials and temptations, we are to stand firm (Ephesians 4:1 - "stand firm thus in the Lord."). And also, His faithfulness reminds and teaches us the importance of fidelity in all of our roles in life.  Moses was an example of faithfulness, but Jesus is the ultimate example of faithfulness. This great example is to have a great impact on my life.

• A husband should maintain inviolate (free from violation) fidelity towards his wife, and a wife towards her husband
• A child should be faithful to a parent
• A clerk and apprentice to his employer
• A lawyer to his client
• A physician to his patient
• An ambassador to the government that commissions him

The temptations don't matter and don't sway us away from this faithfulness. 

His faithfulness acts as a guard from apostasy
God entrusted Jesus with a responsibility to live a perfect life. As a man, he had temptations, but he never wavered from the commission God had given Him. This is what I am to look at in my moments of weakness.

Moses was faithful in the family which he presided over, namely, the Jewish people. Numbers 12:7, "Not so with my servant Moses. He is faithful in all my house."

Daily Devotional

Ever since I returned from the time with Bruce at the cabin, my desire for Jesus Calling hasn't been as strong. He had mentioned that Challies had written that he had some concerns about it. I haven't read that review, but just that idea has me withdrawing. But, instead of replacing it with something, so far I'm doing nothing. Also, my prayer time in the morning has digressed and my studying of the word in 3 chapters of day has vanished. I'm not getting up early. I'm thinking about prayer and have had prayer moments, but mostly in the car as I drive in or on a Friday morning after Band of Brothers time.

Snow is on the ground this morning, but not on the streets. It is cold, but should be warming up this week. Snow is on the car. Got to get it off, scrap the windows and get inside a cold car. Not looking forward to that.

Jesus Calling: February 12

I am ever so near you, hovering over your shoulder, reading every thought. People think that thoughts are fleeting and worthless, but yours are precious to Me. I smile when you think lovingly of Me. My Spirit, who lives within you, helps you to think My Thoughts. As your thinking goes, so goes your entire being. 

Let Me be your positive Focus. When you look to Me, knowing Me as God with you, you experience Joy. This is according to My ancient design, when I first crafted man. Modern man seeks his positive focus elsewhere: in sports, sensations, acquiring new possessions. Advertising capitalizes on the longing of people for a positive focus in their lives. I planted that longing in human souls, knowing that only I could fully satisfy it. Delight yourself in Me; let Me become the Desire of your heart. 

Matthew 1:23
English Standard Version
 "Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall call his name Immanuel”
(which means, God with us).

Psalm 37:4
English Standard Version
Delight yourself in the LORD,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.

My Prayer
Lord, thanks for being with Me. Forgive me Lord for getting wrapped up in what I want out of ministry and life. You know Me right now and I'm hurting a little or am confused because all that I think people want out of me and value is my arms and legs, or me doing. They don't want my mind or thoughts. They don't even want to be questioned. But, just trust that their way is the best way. It's hard Lord. You have given me a longing and a desire within me. I want what is best for your church and yet it's hard when it feels like the church isn't getting what is best.

But, Lord, I put so much stake in a message or a program when You are the real answer. Prayer is what changes hearts. Your Word reminds us that for a need in the harvest the answer is prayer. You send out laborers to the harvest. So, Lord, are you sending me in this way. Is this what You are pushing me to do?

Lord, I'm amazed at how full each day is. There is so much to each day. There is so much wrapped up in it. Lord, I do want my thoughts to center on You. I don't want to be trained or coerced by the world and its ways. I know I tend to fill up my world with a lot of stuff. I have a hard time saying "no" to things. I want to try and fit it all in.

Lord, I pray for my kids and my family. Lord, I give them to You. I bring them to You like Abraham brought Isaac and placed him on the altar. They are in Your hands. I trust You for their outcomes. I pray for them. I pray for their strong growth in You. Define their world. Help my son Derek and his growing up time that he is experiencing and the pressure to fit in and go along and be a part of others. We haven't sheltered him, but have allowed him to roam and be. At times, he doesn't make good decisions. I pray that he would learn from his choices and most importantly, I want to encourage him to return to You. Give him wisdom. Give him zeal to do the work of his school work to the best of his ability. Bring good people into his life that can encourage him to be him, not simply to fit within a crowd. Bring people that make wise choices not simply choices to rebel the establishment or the tradition.

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: February 11

My Peace is like a shaft of golden Light shining on you continuously. During days of bright sunshine, it may blend in with your surroundings. On darker days, My Peace stands out in sharp contrast to your circumstances. See times of darkness as opportunities for My light to shine in transcendent splendor. I am training you to practice Peace that overpowers darkness. Collaborate with Me in this training. Do not grow weary and lose heart. 

In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
(John 1:4-5 ESV)

Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.
(Hebrews 12:3 ESV)


My Prayer
Lord, I want to daily consider You in all my circumstances. And I want to remember You and remember what You did for me in dying for Me. I don't want a moment to go by that I don't think of this. Let this transform my thinking. Renew my mind daily Lord.

Help me in my circumstances. I pray that I would walk in Your Peace. Whatever the circumstances I can trust You to help and to guide me. Help our family to be marked by Peace.

Train up my children and my wife in godly behavior and I pray that they would look to You each day. Help them to be bold in their spheres of influence and to readily speak of You. May it be the same in my life.

Help my children to have strong relationships, to have good friends. Bring people into their lives that will challenge them spiritually. I pray the same for my wife. I pray that You would enlarge her friendships and bring people into her life that will encourage her in her faith.

Help me as a father to be encouraging to my children. Help me to be vocal in the right ways and to model good behavior. Help me to not be so tough with them. I need Your help God. I am weak and make bad decisions each day. I want to honor You and have that Peace throughout circumstances of my families life.

Lord, we are wanting to place our dependence on You for all things. Our finances are in your control.

I pray for the church and that we as a people and as Your body would reflect You daily. I pray that our leaders would think about the Body that we have at our church and the type of people that are there, their lifestyles and how we as a congregation can best encourage people. Lord, there are a lot of great things we can do as a Body, but what are you leading our church to be? Show us Lord. Inspire us and then help our leaders to be obedient. I pray that You would send out workers to Your harvest. Send me Lord. Send me. Help me to be bold. Help me to stand out. Help me to give people an apt word. Lord, don't let me be comfortable in my life. I want to shine your truth.

How would I speak to someone in an elevator? How would I speak to someone walking on the street? I pass people all the time. I am near these people at work, but I don't mention You. Why? Because I fear rejection and I'm concerned I will look crazy. Why do I fear what people think of me? These people are potentially lost and rather than bringing you up, I stay comfortable. Make me bold Lord in every place, in every part of my life.

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: February 8

I AM above all things: your problems, your pain, and the swirling events in this ever-changing world. When you behold My Face, you rise above circumstances and rest with Me in heavenly realms. This is the way of Peace, living in the Light of My Presence. I guarantee that you will always have problems in this life, but they must not become your focus. When you feel yourself sinking in the sea of circumstances, say “Help me, Jesus!” and I will draw you back to Me. If you have to say that thousands of times daily, don’t be discouraged. I know your weakness, and I meet you in that very place.  

Ephesians 2:6
English Standard Version 
...and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,

Matthew 14:28-32
English Standard Version

And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.

My Prayer
Lord, you are in charge. You are high above everything in my life. Lord, You are over it all and not surprised about anything that is going on in my life. I see events of my life often for the first time and cringe, get stressed, and wonder how can I make it. I have fear. I feel embarrassed. I get impatient and think I won't be able to make it. I know this is normal, but I want You to be my peace. Give me the strength to not be fearful and instead cry out to you, "Help me, Jesus!" 

Lord, You are there. You are with me. I cry out to You. Help 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: February 7

    Come to Me for Rest and refreshment. The journey has been too much for you, and you are bone-weary. Do not be ashamed of your exhaustion. Instead, see it as an opportunity for Me to take charge of your life.

    Remember that I can fit everything into a pattern for good, including the things you wish were different. Start with where you are at this point in time and space, accepting that this is where I intend you to be. You will get through today one step, one moment at a time. Your main responsibility is to remain attentive to Me, letting Me guide you through the many choices along your pathway.

    This sounds like an easy assignment, but it is not. Your desire to live in My Presence goes against the grain of "the world, the flesh, and the devil." Much of your weariness results from your constant battle against these opponents. However, you are on the path of My choosing, so do not give up! Hope in Me, for you will again praise Me for the help of My Presence. 

Romans 8:28

Amplified Bible (AMP)

We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose.

Psalm 42:11

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

 Why are you in despair, O my soul?
And why have you become disturbed within me?
Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him,
The help of my countenance and my God.

My Prayer
I am tired. I don't feel right. I wake up in the morning, cloudy and just off. My head is spinning. I felt this way yesterday afternoon as well. Maybe it is still remnants of the illness. I'm not sure, but it doesn't feel right. Take charge Lord. Take charge of My life.

Lord, help me to be guided by You each step. I want to remain attentive to You. Guide me. Direct my paths and my time.

Forgive me for the way I choose things often that don't glorify You. I get impatient. I want rest and I want it in my way. I need Your strength.

I want to be bold. Help me look for ways to share You with others

Help me to Hope in God. And trust in His providence. 

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.

Hebrews 3:1-6 (verse 1 - Consider Jesus)

    Therefore, holy brothers, you who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession, who was faithful to him who appointed him, just as Moses also was faithful in all God's house. For Jesus has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses—as much more glory as the builder of a house has more honor than the house itself. (For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God.) Now Moses was faithful in all God's house as a servant, to testify to the things that were to be spoken later, but Christ is faithful over God's house as a son. And we are his house if indeed we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope.
   
(Hebrews 3:1-6 ESV)

[Verse 1] - Therefore, holy brothers, you who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession
Jesus - His Nature
Since Jesus assumed the nature of man, and he would be our merciful and our high priest, his character ought to be attentively considered and we ought to endeavor to fully understand it.  We are holy brothers. We are of one family. And we have been set apart to God. Our position is not of this world. We don't serve at the pleasure and honor of the world. We are of a different nature, a heavenly nature.

Jesus - His Purpose
So, consider Jesus. Think of his rank. Think of his dignity (He is worthy of honor and respect). Think of his holiness (He is completely devoted to God). Think of his sufferings (He came to die so that we may live). Think of his death (He took upon sin and bore the ultimate consequence of sin). Think of his resurrection (He had victory over death; He is one of a kind; He achieved something unique and different from anyone else). Think of his ascension (He resides with the father; he prepares a future home for us and this preparation is ongoing). Think of his intercession (He never leaves us, but stays with us, giving care to us). What He did for Me cannot be equaled.

Jesus - The Apostle
Jesus, the apostle. This is the only place that applies "apostle" to the Lord Jesus. The author telling us that Jesus is the apostle must be significant. The apostle is one who is sent. He is THE one.

But, here, since this chapter refers to Moses and draws a comparison to Moses, one could then think about how Moses was also sent by God. Moses was the great apostle of God to the Jewish people. [The Hebrew word for "send" is the basis for the word "apostle".] Though he may have never been called an apostle, he was the one sent by God to His people. And so, here, Jesus filled the place of Moses. He filled the place of an apostle (Moses) and high priest (Aaron). These two callings of old are now blended in Jesus.

Jesus - The High Priest
Jesus, the high priest. This epistle shows us that Jesus is superior in all respects to the high priest of the Jews. The high priest office was central and distinguished the Jewish religion, so it is necessary to show that all that dignified and valued the office of the high priest was to be found in the Christian system. Jesus performs all the functions of the high priest. But for now, Jesus is simply named the high priest. His characteristics will follow later.

Jesus - Our confession
This is Him. He is who we profess. He is who we confess. When we embrace Christianity, we embrace Jesus the apostle and Jesus the High Priest.

Jesus Calling: February 6

Come to Me and Rest. I am all about you, to bless and restore. Breathe Me in with each breath. The way just ahead of you is very steep. Slow down and cling tightly to My hand. I am teaching you a difficult lesson, learned only by hardship.  

     Lift up empty hands of faith to receive My precious Presence. Light, Life, Joy, and Peace flow freely through this gift. When your focus turns away from Me, you grasp for other things. You drop the glowing gift of My Presence as you reach for lifeless ashes. Return to Me; regain My Presence. 

Matthew 11:28-29
English Standard Version
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

I Timothy 2:8
English Standard Version
I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling;

My Prayer
Lord, that's what I need. Rest. I think of rest as doing nothing or not having to tend to all of my responsibilities. But, I think the Rest you are talking about here is giving you all of my life, giving You all of my problems and resting then at Your feet. It's a daily Rest. Once again, it's living the high road and realizing You have given me talents.

Lord, at times I wonder if I'm working too hard, if I'm trying to do anything, and think I must be in everything for their to be success. I'm reaching this stage of not wanting to continue my empty existence or my going through the motions of work, life, and play. I stay busy but am I doing the things that really honor You? I don't know. I don't know if I analyze too much or if I'm supposed to just live. It's hard. You know the kind of person I am. Lord, I just want to honor You and do things in the right way.

Help me to grab onto You Lord and cling tightly to Your hand.

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: February 5

Seek My Face, and you will find not only My Presence but also My Peace. To receive My Peace, you must change your grasping, controlling stance to one of openness and trust. The only thing you can grasp without damaging your soul is My hand. Ask My Spirit within you to order your day and control your thoughts, for the mind controlled by the Spirit is Life and Peace.  

      You can have as much of Me and My Peace as you want, through thousands of correct choices each day. The most persistent choice you face is whether to trust Me or to worry. You will never run out of things to worry about, but you can choose to trust Me no matter what. I am an ever-present help in trouble. Trust Me, though the earth give way and the mountains fall in the heart of the sea. 

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.

Psalm 46:1-2
English Standard Version
God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,

My Prayer
Lord, set my mind on the Spirit where there is life and peace. You are my refuge and my strength, my help in times of trouble. I have no need of fear on this earth, no matter what the earth experiences. Order my day, control my thoughts. I pray that You would be honored with the words that come out of my mouth, even my thoughts. Forgive me for not being kind in my words toward others. Give me strength to change and do things in a way that honor You.

Lord, help me to not rest in my ability or the words that I say. I need to give You opportunity to work in My life. I too often think it is my words that will change situations, but You want to work in people's lives around me. I have no need to worry or be anxious.

Lord, Jesus take the wheel. Take it from my hands cause I can't do this on my own. I'm letting go, so give me one more chance, save me from this road I'm on - Jesus take the wheel. You are the driver; don't let me take the wheel, but give it to you and let you drive in life. I am to lean on Your word of truth and the Law of the Lord.

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: February 4

Bring Me your weakness, and receive My peace. Accept yourself and your circumstances just as they are, remembering that I am sovereign over everything. Do not wear yourself out with analyzing and planning. Instead, let thankfulness and trust be your guides through this day; they will keep you close to Me. As you live in the radiance of My Presence, My Peace shines upon you. You will cease to notice how weak or strong you feel, because you will be focusing on Me. The best way to get through this day is step by step with Me. Continue this intimate journey, trusting that the path you are following is headed for heaven. 

Psalm 29:11

English Standard Version

May the LORD give strength to his people!
May the LORD bless his people with peace!

Numbers 6:24-26

English Standard Version

The LORD bless you and keep you;
the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.

Psalm 13:5

English Standard Version

But I have trusted in your steadfast love;
my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.


My Prayer
Lord, what is my weakness? Being in a state of happiness is sometimes my weakness. Looking on the bright side and living like I have the Peace of God is a weakness. Not giving You control over my finances. The busy-ness of life. Lord, help me think about my weaknesses.

Help me to accept myself for who I am. Help me to accept my circumstances. You are sovereign and in control. Lord, help me to not analyze every circumstance. Let thankfulness and trust be the guides throughout the day. Help me to remember what You have provided throughout my days. Help me get my eyes off of my circumstances and believing in You alone, confident that whatever I go through can be for Your glory.

Lord, I want to walk with You. I need Your strength.

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.

Interesting Thoughts _ January 2013

Something or someone had to have always existed, or else everything that exists now would have ultimately come from nothing. Nothing causes nothing, so the fact that something exists today means that something or someone must have always existed. Think about it.

-- Source: http://www.toughquestionsanswered.org/2009/03/17/who-made-god/

Therefore, by placing a resident apologist at each university, Ratio Christi is training Christian students not only that their faith is solidly grounded in truth (reality), but that every conversation is an opportunity to lead others to Christ.

AND

To win our postmodern culture to Christ and to keep Christians from falling away from the faith, churches are going to have to equip their congregations with more than how to have financial peace, or how to laugh their way to a better marriage.
-- Source: http://blog.epsociety.org/2013/01/ratio-christi-interview-with-president.html

My thought:  Looks like a great mission. It seems like Way of the Master's mission to bypass the intellect (the place of argument) and speaking directly to the conscience (the place of the knowledge of right and wrong). Make it personal. But, at some point the intellect may become necessary. Thus, the apologist.  

http://www.labri.org/ - L'Abri Fellowship retreat place to discuss apologetics - in Minnesota and Massachussets; $25/night

Jesus Calling: February 3

I am with you and for you. You face nothing alone--nothing! When you feel anxious, know that you are focusing on the visible world and leaving Me out of the picture. The remedy is simple: Fix your eyes not no what is seen but on what is unseen. Verbalize your trust in Me, the Living One who sees you always. I will get you safely through this day and all your days. But you can find Me only in the present. Each day is a precious gift from My Father. How ridiculous to grasp for future gifts when today's is set before you! Receive today's gift gratefully, unwrapping it tenderly and delving into its depths. As you savor this gift, you find Me.

Romans 8:31

English Standard Version

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

2 Corinthians 4:18

English Standard Version
...as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

Genesis 16:13-14

English Standard Version
So she called the name of the LORD who spoke to her, “You are a God of seeing,” for she said, “Have I [not] even here [in the wilderness] looked upon Him who sees me [and lived]?” Or have I hear also seen [the future purposes or designs of] Him Who sees me? Therefore the well was called Beer-lahai-roi [A well to the living One who sees me]; it is between Kadesh and Bered.


My Prayer
Lord, thank you for being my advocate. Thank You for choosing me and calling me to be Yours. You are with me every step of the way. I am never alone.

Lord, take away my anxiety and help me to not be worrisome. To keep You at the forefront, I need to stay on the high road and let you define the roller coaster of life.

Help me to fix my eyes on the unseen. To pray. To lean on You Father for everything. To trust in Your word. In Your way. To worship You. Lord, help me to not be quiet about my trust but to be vocal about it.

Lord, help me to thank You and realize the precious gift of each new day.

Lord, you have saved me by Your Grace, not by My efforts or works therefore, even as I walk through life, each day, I do not need to focus on My efforts, but instead fix my eyes on You and let You take the wheel and drive. You know the road better than I so let me trust You for each moment.

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

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

Jesus Calling: February 2

I am renewing your mind. When your thoughts flow freely, they tend to move toward problems. Your focus gets snagged on a given problem, circling round and round it in attempts to gain mastery. Your energy is drained away from other matters through this negative focus. Worst of all, you lose sight of Me.
     A renewed mind is Presence-focused. Train your mind to seek Me in every moment, every situation. Sometimes you can find Me in your surroundings: a lifting birdsong, a loved one's smile, golden sunlight. At other times, you must draw inward to find Me. I am always present in your spirit. Seek My Face, speak to Me, and I will light up your mind.

Romans 12:2
English Standard Version
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Psalm 105:4
English Standard Version
Seek the LORD and his strength;
seek his presence continually!

My Prayer
Lord, I want my mind to be renewed. Thank you for changing me and changing my focus. Thank you for making my thoughts new and different. Continue to free me from my problems and distract me from them. They are there. And if nothing can be done about them at any moment, then I don't need to turn my focus to them. I know that me and my family members have a tendency to let problems begin to snare them and control them and they obsess with them. But, Lord, let us turn our focus on You and realize that You want us to not be anxious about our problems. Lord, I present them to You and pray that we would be drawn to You and understand that Your peace will pass all understanding.

Lord, remind me of Your presence. Remind me that You are in my surroundings. I can see You in nature, in other people. Keep my focus on You throughout the day. I don't want to wallow back and forth, but always be present on that High Road of faith.

Give me strength to be bold in my conversations, always looking for an opportunity to speak of You and share You with others.

Lord, the way of the world is not what I want to be about. Lord, train up me and train up churches and the people in them to seek You daily. Deepen all of our walks with You and make us Your ambassadors, always eager to speak of Your name.

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: February 1

Follow Me one step at a time. That is all I require of you. In fact, that is the only way to move through this space/time world. You see huge mountains looming, and you start wondering how you're going to scale those heights. Meanwhile, because you're not looking where you're going, you stumble on the easy path where I am leading you now. As I help you get back on your feet, you tell Me how worried you are about the cliffs up ahead. But you don't know what will happen today, much less tomorrow. Our path may take an abrupt turn, leading you away from those mountains. There may be an easier way up the mountains than is visible from this distance. If I do lead you up the cliffs, I will equip you thoroughly for that strenuous climb. I will even give My angels charge over you, to preserve you in all your ways.
     Keep your mind on the present journey, enjoying My Presence. Walk by faith, not by sight, trusting Me to open up the way before you.

Psalm 18:29
English Standard Version
For by you I can run against a troop,
and by my God I can leap over a wall.

Psalm 91:11-12
Amplified Version
For he will give His angels (especial) charge over you 
to accompany and defend and preserve you in all your ways [of obedience and service]. 
They shall bear you up on their hands,
lest you dash your foot against a stone.

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

My Prayer
Lord, don't let me be far from you, but help me to concentrate and focus on You each step. Keep me under Your control. Lord, I want to be ready for what is before me and that means that instead of focusing on what is ahead, I focus on You. I keep my focus on the High Road and let you define my walk. Don't let me get bogged down in what I see, but rather focus on Faith and living and walking by faith, not by sight. Lord, I admit that is really hard. Sometimes I think it would be easier if I was blind, literally, because then I would be forced to be led. Yet, my guess is, I would still think I am in control. Yet this is the picture I want in my life, to be blind and led by You.

Don't let me get ahead of myself. I do need to think about the big picture in decisions and even child rearing, but help me to not be stressed by future events that are completely uncertain. I can trust You for those outcomes. I can trust You; no, really, I can do it. Don't let me get sidetracked from today that I miss opportunities you have given me to talk to people about You and remind them that You are all we need.

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.