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 30

     When some basic need is lacking--time, energy, money--consider yourself blessed. Your very lack is an opportunity to latch onto Me in unashamed dependence. When you begin a day with inadequate resources, you must concentrate your efforts on the present moment. This is where you are meant to live--in the present; it is the place where I always await you. Awareness of your inadequacy is a rich blessing, training you to rely wholeheartedly on Me.
     The truth is that self-sufficiency is a myth perpetuated by pride and temporary success. Health and wealth can disappear instantly, as can life itself. Rejoice in your insufficiency, knowing that My Power is made perfect in weakness. 

James 1:2
English Standard Version
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,

2 Corinthians 12:9
New American Standard
And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.

My Prayer
Lord, You know me. You know me better than I know myself. And what you know about me would greatly embarrass me before others. You know my failures, my secret thoughts, everything about me. You know how hard I work many times to present myself before others as this person who looks good and plays the part and is highly esteemed and yet You know the real me. And that is the person that you love. I align myself so often with those that are strong or who exhibit strength and you accept me in my weakness. And in that weakness you make me strong. And what I need to be is that real person. I don't deserve you God. Your grace amazes me. I could never repay you and you don't even want me to try. Thank You for dwelling in me, for taking up residence in me. O God I thank 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: April 29

     Let Me teach you thankfulness. Begin by acknowledging that everything--all your possessions and all that you are--belongs to Me. The dawning of each new day is a gift from Me; not to be taken for granted. The earth is vibrantly alive with My blessings, giving vivid testimony from My Presence. If you slow down your pace of life, you can find Me anywhere.
     Some of My most precious children have been laid aside in sick beds or shut away in prisons. Others have voluntarily learned the discipline of spending time alone with Me. The secret of being thankful is learning to see everything from My perspective. My world is your classroom. My Word is a lamp to your feet and a light for your path. 

Hebrews 12:28-29
English Standard Version
²⁸ Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, ²⁹ for our God is a consuming fire.

Psalm 119:105
English Standard Version
Your word is a lamp to my feet
    and a light to my path.

My Prayer
Lord, I thank you for a new day. This day is a gift from You. It is not owed to me and it is not expected, but rather it is a gift. I must admit Lord that I often don't approach each day like this but instead I think I am owed something each day as I arise - perhaps peace, safety, freedom from all trials -- whatever it is I open start each day with an expectation rather than an acceptance of the gift that the day is for me. Lord, too often I stare at my condition. I wake up poor, wanting to be rich. I wake up sick, thinking I must be well. Instead of beginning my day with You, I begin it with what I want. O Lord, please forgive me for not starting out my day in thanks and remaining thankful throughout the day. Lord, I have salvation, your grace, your Word, your Spirit in me. Forgive me for starting the day comparing me to others rather than starting each day with You and You alone and being thankful for You. Lord, when you created man and placed him in the garden you let him know that he was to cultivate and keep the garden, thus look outward. When man sinned, suddenly he began to look at himself. And this continues to be my problem today - I look at myself instead of looking out at the world you have created. I think this is why you told me my greatest commandment is to love others because you know my greatest goal often is to focus on me. O God, I start this day with thanksgiving. Thank you God for salvation, for grace, for Your Word, for My Savior and Lord, for the peace I have in Christ, and for living each day in the gift of your creation.


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 28

     As you look into the day that stretches out before you, you see many choice-points along the way. The myriad possibilities these choices present can confuse you. Draw your mind back to the threshold of this day, where I stand beside you, lovingly preparing you for what is ahead.
     You must make your choices one at a time, since each is contingent upon the decision that precedes it. Instead of trying to create a mental map of your path through this day, focus on My loving Presence with you. I will equip you as you go, so that you can handle whatever comes your way. Trust Me to supply what you need when you need it. 

Lamentations 3:22-26
English Standard Version

²² The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
    his mercies never come to an end;
²³ they are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness.
²⁴ “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,
    “therefore I will hope in him.”

²⁵ The Lord is good to those who wait for him,
    to the soul who seeks him.
²⁶ It is good that one should wait quietly
    for the salvation of the Lord.

Verse Thoughts
Lamentations is called the book of mourning. The verses quoted here come to us in the midst of darkness.

Psalm 34:8
New King James Version

Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good;
Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!

My Prayer
Remind me Lord not to look too far ahead, but to trust you with each of my decisions. You will take care of my situations, in your way, by Your sovereign hand. Teach me to walk with you and trust you each day, each minute, each decision.  

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 27

     Come to Me with empty hands and an open heart, ready to receive abundant blessings. I know the depth and breadth of your neediness. Your life-path has been difficult, draining you of strength. Come to Me for nurture. Let me fill you up with My Presence: I in you, and you in Me.
     My Power flows most freely into weak ones aware of their need for Me. Faltering steps of dependence are not lack of faith; they are links to My Presence. 

John 17:20-23
English Standard Version 

²⁰ “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, ²¹ that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. ²² The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, ²³ I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.


Isaiah 40:29-31
English Standard Version

²⁹ He gives power to the faint,
    and to him who has no might he increases strength.
³⁰ Even youths shall faint and be weary,
    and young men shall fall exhausted;
³¹ but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
    they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
    they shall walk and not faint.

My Prayer (2018) - Lord, you know what is up with me, but I will say it. I am tired. I'm not sleepy, but I am tired. Renew me. Renew my strength. I want to fly like an eagle and not be weary. Rescue me. I let work drag me down. I let family life drag me down. I come to you Lord. Fill me up with your presence. I need that reminder that you are in Me. Holy Spirit, you have arrived and are living in me. So, raise me up. I don't want the world to see a tired person. I want them to see you living in me, giving me life, abundant life, through any circumstance. Raise me up, Lord. Raise me up. Give me power.

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 26

     Welcome problems as perspective-lifters. My children tend to sleepwalk through their days until they bump into an obstacle that stymies them. If you encounter a problem with no immediate solution, your response to that situation will take you either up or down. You can lash out at the difficulty, resenting it and feeling sorry for yourself. This will take you down into a pit of self-pity. Alternatively, the problem can be a ladder, enabling you to climb up and see your life from My perspective. Viewed from above, the obstacle that frustrated you is only a light and momentary trouble. Once your perspective has been heightened, you can look away from the problem altogether. Turn toward Me, and see the Light of My Presence shining upon you.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18
English Standard Version

¹⁶ So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. ¹⁷ For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, ¹⁸ 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.

Psalm 89:15
English Standard Version

Blessed are the people who know the festal shout,
    who walk, O Lord, in the light of your face,

My Prayer
Your word tells us O God to count it all joy whenever we encounter trials. Sometimes it is only when I am low that I lift up and see You over me, carrying 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: April 25

     Make Me your focal point as you move through this day. Just as a spinning ballerina must keep returning her eyes to a given point to maintain her balance, so you must keep returning your focus to Me. Circumstances are in flux, and the world seems to be whirling around you. The only way to keep your balance is to fix your eyes on Me, the One who never changes. If you gaze too long at your circumstances, you will become dizzy and confused. Look to Me, refreshing yourself in My Presence, and your steps will be steady and sure. 

Hebrews 12:2
English Standard Version

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

Psalm 102:27
English Standard Version

But You are the same,
And Your years will not come to an end.


My Prayer
Lord, hear my prayer. Listen to my words of groaning. I need you every moment. I need you to work in my life and in the lives of my family members. You are the worker of all things good in our lives. I cannot will them to act, but you Lord, can stir in them a desire to glorify you through their words and deeds.  

Lord, I am living my life the best I know how; trying to be sensitive to you, but as my children are now out of our home, they are not near to my guidance when they were young and reaching up their hands to mine, crying out for help. It is hard as a parent to transition to them being on their own, but I want to trust You for their lives continually. Help them to remember only the good of my parenting and to make you their focal point throughout each day. Show them the unrest and dissatisfaction when they seek help from places outside of You. 

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

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 24

     Rest in the stillness of My Presence while I prepare you for this day. Let the radiance of My Glory shine upon you, as you wait on Me in confident trust. Be still and know that I am God. There is both a passive and an active side to trusting Me. As you rest in My Presence, focusing on Me, I quietly build bonds of trust between us. When you respond to the circumstances of your life with affirmations of trust, you actively participate in the process.
     I am always with you, so you have no reason to be afraid. Your fear often manifests itself in excessive planning. Your mind is so accustomed to this pattern of thinking that you are only now becoming aware of how pervasive it is and how much it hinders your intimacy with Me. Repent of this tendency and resist it, whenever you realize you are wandering down this well worn path. Return to My Presence, which always awaits you in the present moment. I accept you back with no condemnation. 

Psalm 46:10
English Standard Version

“Be still, and know that I am God.
    I will be exalted among the nations,
    I will be exalted in the earth!”

Verse thoughts
I think the key for me is to be still and know that God is with me, that His presence is with me, throughout all of life's circumstances. And to realize that God has brought particular circumstances into my life so that I will know that I can trust in God's person and trust in God's plan.

Romans 8:1
English Standard Version

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

Verse thoughts
Condemnation is to judge, discriminate or pronounce sentence against. And so there is no judgment or there is no pronouncement of a sentence against me. Why? Because I am in Christ Jesus. A change has occurred and so judgment, talked about in Romans 2, doesn't have a hold on me any longer. What an incredible comfort in my life that I don't really comprehend until I see who I am in Christ. I have escaped death.

It's the Christian that sees that he has escaped death because the Christian knows what it is to be dead. I think this is an important point. As I talk to people that are seemingly lost (apart from Christ), it is hard for them to see they are lost. And it is hard for them to see any danger for them remaining where they are at - in Adam.

This is why it is so important to read and meditate on the scripture. When I don't read it and meditate on it, then I am really living in Adam, with all of my focus on life and how my life should improve. This is the way the world lives. The world is all about self-improvement. The Prince of the World--Satan--deceives people into thinking life is all about self-improvement.  When we are reading God's Word and studying it, there is a shift in our life from self-improvement to self-awareness. This moves me to embrace people and be concerned about them.

My Prayer
Lord, it is hard for me to comprehend your words to me of 'no condemnation.' But, it makes me love you more. I know that I can return to you and that there is nothing in my life so grave, so ill, so bad that you will not forgive me and open back up your arms for me. I pray that I would respond to the circumstances of life trusting You and not by being afraid. It is hard because there are so many things that come up in my life that are unpredictable and unsettling and uncomfortable and I am so weak. Give me your strength. I do pray that I can rest in You each day. And that I will believe more and more each day that I am in Christ and all I need is 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.

Romans 12:21 - Overcoming Evil with Good

Romans 12:21 - Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Message: The commands of God do not change because evil has been done to us. We are continue to treat others with respect and do good, not evil.

Time: Written in AD 57 from Greece, to the Christians, both Gentile and Jewish in Rome

What the Lord is Saying:

I think the big point of this text is nothing changes when a person does evil to us. We continue to desire to do good. 

In Tabletalk, it remarks that there are three primary reasons here in this statement of overcoming evil with God. 

1. We keep ourselves from being corrupted by the world and its ways of doing things. It is correct that often our role as a Christian is to do the opposite. The world trains us in one way of living and often we are commanded to live a different way. The world's approach to all things is often laden with sin. Yes, we are not to love the world or the things of the world. One thing I notice in the world is how easy commandment breaking occurs. Lying is rampant in our world, as is blasphemy. Do people even realize that every time they say OMG they are taking the Lord's name in vain? And "O God" is a normal exclamation in people's lives. It seems to have reached a point that people have no idea they are even doing this when they speak. 
2. When we do good in response to evil we help people run from evil. People often experience shame and regret when instead of fighting back with fire, we give them Love. God can use us to bring about a person's repentance. 
3. When we do good we share the character of Christ to the world. When we act this way we imitate Christ and allow others to see Christ in us. 

Do the opposite
Proverbs 16:32 - He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit, than he who captures a city.  

Luke 6:27-30 -  27 “But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29 “Whoever hits you on the cheek, offer him the other also; and whoever takes away your coat, do not withhold your shirt from him either. 30 “Give to everyone who asks of you, and whoever takes away what is yours, do not demand it back.

 

I Peter 3:9 - not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing. 

 

What is amazing about each of these verses is how opposite this is to the way of the world. I don't have to act the way of the world. How often have I just let evil win the day in my life. How often do I allow anger to rule the day. How often have I exasperated my children. The crazy thing is that it is so easy to act and live in this manner. It almost is somewhat natural. 

Proverbs 15:1 - A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. This is the mark of a Christian. When wrath comes to the forefront, gentleness is the response. God, what a huge and total failure I am in regards to this. 

This is a command

I should not approach this verse like it is an option or a suggestion or a like-to-do, but rather it is a command, "Do not be overcome." And this is something I can't do. I need the Spirit to work in my life continually and show me how quick I am to engage in evil. 

One thing I notice about myself that I really don't like, but I continue to do is how quickly I bring another person down. It amazes me, how in a conversation, how quickly I can belittle another person. I so quickly make myself out to better than another person. I often do this with those that are over me. I often do this toward my boss. I pick on the things that I think other people are also thinking. They are thinking them because I am often bringing them to mind or they are probably thinking them because they don't have the love of Christ in them, enabling them or encouraging them to think differently. I shame others too quickly. I belittle others too quickly. I hate that. I hate the competition that so quickly swells up in me, to where I belittle others. It doesn't need to be said. But, I say it anyway. Why? Because I thirst for people's favor. I thirst for people to agree with me. I thirst for their approval. Like sin, it feels good for a moment, but then God's conviction meets me and I feel ugly. Naturally, I don't want people to do this to me and yet, I know it probably occurs. 

Making evil out to be good

The amazing thing in all of this is that I redefine evil as good. Isn't this what I find so reprehensible in the world today? People repeat and repeat and repeat evil acts, to the point that the evil is acceptable behavior and no longer something distasteful. I think when people stare at evil, they know it is wrong. The problem becomes when a desire for acceptance or validation or approval begins to outweigh what is defined as evil. Natural man despises the things of God. Without the Spirit in man's life, man will not run to good, but instead will seek approval and validation and acceptance of natural man. And in so doing, our natural ways no longer are sin. We justify the behavior to the point that we redefine what is evil as good. 

What has happened with abortion? It seems that what has happened is we have placed on a high level a woman's right to choose her own timing for bringing a life into the world. The woman wants to play God. Instead of surrendering, she thinks that choices are random and so she wants to be at the control switches for deciding when life begins. When this separation occurs, it is no longer a life, but a choice. 

This is the scare thing about evil. Evil becomes good. 

Ray Stedman states, "I was reading one day a story about a boy who was in the army. He was a Christian and had formed the habit of praying beside his bed before he went to sleep. He kept up this practice in the army, but he became an object of mockery and ridicule to the entire barracks. One night he knelt to pray after a long, weary march. As he was praying, one of his tormentors took off his muddy boots and threw them at the boy, one at a time, hitting him on each side of his head. The Christian said nothing about it, and just took the boots and put them beside the bed and continued to pray. But the next morning, when the other man woke up, he found his boots sitting beside his bed, all shined and polished. It so broke his heart that he came to that boy and asked him for forgiveness. That led, after a time, to that man becoming a Christian. This is what Paul means when he says you overcome evil with good. As Abraham Lincoln once said, "The best way to overcome an enemy is to make him your friend.""

 

This chapter continues to mention this thought over and over. 

Romans 12:14 - Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.

Romans 12:17 - Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men.

Romans 12:21 - Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. 

 

Wow, how clear it should be to me that evil is not a reaction I am to have in my life. 

 

My Prayer

Lord, help me to be more careful with the words that I say. And help me to change my thought life. Re-train me. There are so many relationships that I have Lord in which I have now trained myself to talk about that person in an evil way or make remarks about them. I too quickly now want to puff myself up by taking them down. Lord, I need changed. I need your reproof. Make it a part of my life to repay evil with good. Help me Lord. I need Your Power. I have trained myself in the wrong way. I blaspheme your name continually by acting in a way that does not honor you. Lord, in the name of humor and a good laugh I allow this type of evil to occur and re-occur in my life. 

Promise: God gives us a supernatural love in loving our enemies.

Jesus Calling: April 23

     Keep your eyes on Me, not only for direction but also for empowerment. I never lead you do something without equipping you for the task. That is why it's so important to seek My will in everything you do. There are many burned out Christians who think more is always better, who deem it unspiritual to say no.
    In order to know My will, you must spent time with Me--enjoying My Presence. This is not an onerous task but a delightful privilege. I will show you the path of Life; in My Presence is fullness of Joy; at My right hand are pleasures forevermore. 

Psalm 141:8
English Standard Version

But my eyes are toward you, O God, my Lord;
    in you I seek refuge; leave me not defenseless!

Psalm 16:11
New King James Version

You will show me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Verse Thoughts
There isn't any problem with enjoying life and what God has provided: good food, friends, spending time together, even going to a good movie together or a sporting event - Solomon reminded us often to enjoy life - we work hard and enjoying life is not anti-God. Yet, I wonder if in my life 'fullness of joy' is equated with being in His presence. I wonder if fullness is equated with God in my life and the peace that comes with Him or if a big house, nice cars, great vacations is what I call fullness of joy. David records a journey for His called ones - the path of life, fullness of joy, and pleasures forevermore. God takes us from our lowest point - living life apart from Him and promises fullness and pleasures forevermore. Yet, the Bible does not describe what these pleasures will be except by providing a basic outline. We wait in anticipation. God says to us, "wait and see." In this immediate gratification world in which I live in where creature comforts are now simply the standard versus the goal, wait and see is sometimes hard for me (O God) to be patient for. Help me God to not be blinded by only what I see.

My Prayer
Lord, I look to You. My eyes are toward you, O God. In you I seek refuge. You will show me the path of life. I want to keep my eyes on You, not simply for knowing the way to go, but because as I surrender to You, Your Spirit enables me, empowers me each day to live. I can be confident in the tasks that are before me because you have equipped me. You will show me. You will show me. You will show me the way. You will show me pleasures forevermore. O God, I want to rest in that truth. 

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 22

     Listen to Me continually. I have much to communicate to you, so many people and situations in need of prayer. I am training you to set your mind on Me more and more, tuning out distractions through the help of My Spirit.
     Walk with Me in holy trust, responding to My initiatives rather than trying to make things fit your plans. I died to set you free, and that includes freedom from compulsive planning. When your mind spins with a multitude of thoughts, you cannot hear My voice. A mind preoccupied with planning pays homage to the idol of control. Turn from this idolatry back to Me. Listen to Me and live abundantly!

John 8:36
English Standard Version
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

Proverbs 19:21
English Standard Version
Many are the plans in the mind of a man,
    but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.

Verse Thoughts - It is apparent that man is constantly believing and thinking that he is in control of his outcomes and the matters of this world. Man wants to believe over and over that he can will God to change and that man's will and knowledge of events is the greatest. We want the easy path and we want worldly prosperity. We really want "my will be done." These are our plans. Although we may make many and varied plans, these plans will only come to fruition if they reflect our Creator's purpose: "it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand." This is such a hard truth because we think that we are the reasons we are such successful people with no wants or needs. We have become so good at making money and doing things in such a way that we have so few wants or needs. Generally, what upsets us is illness or disease. We have walked through life getting what we want, but then something happens that is an unknown and it sends us to God to ask for help. And yet, God wants to show us that asking Him for help is where we need to be all the time.

John 10:27
English Standard Version
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.

My Prayer (2016)
Lord, teach me to listen more. I get so busy doing and going and doing, that I don't take the time to be quiet. I don't give you a chance to speak to me. Help me slow down and listen. I wonder if you are wanting to do things in my life, but I am to busy to listen?

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.

Romans 12:19-20 - Leaving Vengeance to the Lord

Romans 12:19-20  Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. ²⁰ “But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.”

Message: Vengeance is an outcome; leave outcomes to God; take care of people as that is my role here on earth.

Time: Written in AD 57 from Greece, to the Christians, both Gentile and Jewish in Rome

What the Lord is Saying:

Background
I was speaking to someone yesterday in church and we were reminded of how Paul grounds us in truth. And we must be grounded in truth before we can understand application. And it is interesting how I so often want to know how this applies to me, but I must first look at how it is defined. And Paul in Romans spent 11 chapters laying the groundwork and then follows it with 5 chapters of application. Doctrine and application work together. 

This is a chapter of service. Paul sets the tone in verse 1 and 2 by encouraging the person in Christ to present themselves before God. Our service to others is an act of worship. We praise God through our good deeds in serving others. Is it fair to say that if we truly lived our lives in constant service to others that there would be no need for selfish behavior? Selfishness is often a byproduct of not getting what we think we deserve.  

Paul has dealt with our thought life (verse 3), our acts of service (verse 4-8), our authentic behavior as members of Christ's kingdom (verse 9), our desires-for good (verse 9), our devotion to our brothers (verse 10), perseverance and hospitality (verse 12, 13), our attitude toward those who have selfish motives and take it out on us (verse 14), our empathy (verse 15), our feeling of superiority because of all the preceding verses, if we do them, and our position in Christ (verse 16)), our attitude to those who want evil for us (verse 17) and our disposition with all people (verse 18). 

Revenge is in God's Hands
Now in verse 19, we are commanded to not try to get even with a person that has done us wrong. I think the bottom line in this verse is trust. Do I trust God in light of the evil that has been done toward me? Even though all the voices around me are telling me to fight back, do I trust God for His outcome in that person's life? 

I think the problem with this is we want to be seen as the victor. We want this victory for ourselves, but we also want to be seen by others, that everyone sees that in the end, I was right. All those TV shows that we watch where the bad person does an act that hurts another person and the police person shows up and gives the idea, "They will get what is coming to them." Yes, we need to punish evil in this life. But, not for the benefit of ourselves or the person that has been wronged but because evil is evil. 

But rather meet his needs
Instead of revenge, verse 20 offers that we are to help meet the needs of the person that has wronged you. This will make the person realize he has been silly in committing deeds of evil. 

Easier said than done. In the moment, this is hard. It is hard because everything in the world has us reacting in a different manner. We are trained to frustrate our offender.  

Unfortunately, I see myself doing this in too many ways, but mostly to the people that I love the most: my family. But, mostly my kids. They do something out of disrespect, and I take an offense to this and rather than being diplomatic I want to get even. This is a hard line for me to draw. What isn't revenge and what is instead punishment? 

Promise: God calls us to trust Him to set things right.

 

Jesus Calling: April 21

     Let Me control your mind. The mind is the most restless, unruly part of mankind. Long after you have learned the discipline of holding your tongue, your thoughts defy your will and set themselves up against Me. Man is the pinnacle of My creation, and the human mind is wondrously complex. I risked all by granting you freedom to think for yourself. This is god-like privilege, forever setting you apart from animals and robots. I made you in my image, precariously close to deity.
     Though My blood has fully redeemed you, your mind is the last bastion of rebellion. Open yourself to My radiant Presence, letting My Light permeate your thinking. When My Spirit is controlling your mind, you are filled with Life and Peace.

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

²⁷ So God created man in his own image,
    in the image of God he created him;
    male and female he created them.

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 - When we have trusted in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, the Spirit of God comes to live inside of us. However, we are not yet with God in paradise, instead we still have our mortal body's, living on this earth and our flesh continues to seek to only satisfy itself. The natural conclusion of living a life set on the flesh is death. The mind set on the Spirit is life and peace. This is the deception of the flesh. The flesh thinks it is alive. The flesh thinks it is about life, but in reality there is no peace in that life. There is living and going through the motions and not really thinking beyond the grave or in the afterlife or in outcomes. The mind set on the flesh is death. The mind set on the Spirit is life and peace. The Spirit is there to take us through life, not help us or assist us, but take us through life.

My Prayer (2018) - Lord, I am exhausted as my mind dwells, stares, compares, competes, is in fear, is restless, is discouraged by what I see, goes from worry to worry to worry. Bring back the joy of my salvation. Your Spirit lives inside of me. Jesus, you told me that believing in You means that I can do even greater things than what you did. Forgive me God for getting my mind off of this track and instead staring at my world around me. Instead, I want to set my mind on the Spirit. I want to resolve to be conformed to the image of Your Son. Holy Spirit, I give you my mind. Take Control.


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 20

     Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Hear Me saying Peace, be still to your restless heart. No matter what happens, I will never leave you or forsake you. Let this assurance soak into your mind and heart, until you overflow with Joy. Though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, you need not fear!
     The media relentlessly proclaim bad news: for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A steady diet of their fare will sicken you. Instead of focusing on fickle, ever-changing news broadcasts, tune in to the living Word--the One who is always the same. Let Scripture saturate your mind and heart, and you will walk steadily along the path of Life. Even though you don't know what will happen tomorrow, you can be absolutely sure of your ultimate destination. I hold you by your right hand, and afterward I will take you into Glory. 

Mark 4:39 
New King James Version
Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.

Verse Thoughts - This is more than about simply calming a storm. This is about our lives, that we bring before the Lord continually. We come to him and he rescues us from our eventual death, sealing us with Him for all time, giving us the assurance that we will live for eternity with Him (I John 5:11-12). However crazy the storms occur in our lives, He is there. He calms the storms. He rescues us from the perils of life. He brings peace to us. This doesn't always mean that we win the game. In our sports heavy culture, where we consider the outcome of the game that the winner walks off with complete peace, God does not work in this way. There is peace no matter the outcome, because He is in control of all. We can submit and surrender to Him and then He will give us strength through the outcome.

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.”

Psalm 46:2
English Standard Version
Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
    though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,

Psalm 73:23-24
English Standard Version
²³ Nevertheless, I am continually with you;

    you hold my right hand.
²⁴ You guide me with your counsel,
    and afterward you will receive me to glory.

My Prayer (2018)
Lord, thank you so much for commanding my life and declaring the storms of my life to be still. This does not mean that bad times always become good or the trial comes to an end, but you remind me that you can lift me up out of those situations and bring me peace. And then as I continue through those times - like a pain in my foot that now seems to not ever be going away or not being able to just fix the unpleasant environment of my work  - You are there showing me I don't need to fear and I can be strong and courageous. Lord, if I'm not careful I will get trained by this world I live in, to worry about my safety, to worry about whether my leaders are leading, to worry that sin is increasing all around me. O Lord, I am continually with you. You hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel. Get my eyes off of this world and tune into the Living Word - You who is always the same. Glory awaits and therefore peace is mine, today, right now, at this very 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: April 19

     I love you regardless of how well you are performing. Sometimes you feel uneasy, wondering if you are doing enough to be worthy of My Love. No matter how exemplary your behavior, the answer to that question will always be no. Your performance and My Love are totally different issues, which you need to sort out. I love you with an everlasting Love that flows out from eternity without limits or conditions. I have clothed you in My robe of righteousness, and this is an eternal transaction: Nothing and no one can reverse it. Therefore, your accomplishment as a Christian has no bearing on My Love for you. Even your ability to assess how well you are doing on a given day is flawed. Your limited human perspective and the condition of your body, with its mercurial variations, distort your evaluations.
     Bring your performance anxiety to Me, and receive in its place My unfailing Love. Try to stay conscious of My loving Presence with you in all that you do, and I will direct your steps. 

Jeremiah 31:3
English Standard Version 
    the Lord appeared to him from far away.
I have loved you with an everlasting love;
    therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.

Isaiah 61:10
English Standard Version
I will greatly rejoice in the Lord;
    my soul shall exult in my God,
for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation;
    he has covered me with the robe of righteousness,
as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress,
    and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

Psalm 31:16
English Standard Version
Make your face shine on your servant;
    save me in your steadfast love!

Psalm 107:8
English Standard Version
Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love,
    for his wondrous works to the children of man!

My Prayer
Lord, thank you for loving me with an everlasting love. Thank you for believing in me, for placing me where you have placed me. You have equipped me and made me to be the person I am. You have made me and you have value for me. I love you Lord and I rejoice in You. You have made me clean and righteous. You have given me the riches of life. Shine on me so that I feel your love every day of my life. Lord, I can get so wrapped up in the events of my life, having anxiety, nervousness, fear, feeling attacked, not of value. I too quickly stare at my situations and surroundings, forgetting your Love, your steadfast love. Get my eyes to dwell on You throughout my day. As I encounter difficult situations, I want to bring them to you. I bring to you my work relationships that lately are tense. There is a discord in the office that makes it an unpleasant place to come. I haven't done this well in the past, that is bringing this to you, but seek to solve these tough situations outside of you. But, Lord, on this day I want to bring this environment to you. Like the Syrophonecian woman that came to you in faith to have you heal her demon possessed daughter, I come to you in the same way. I believe in you Jesus. Heal this office of mine. And my son, my youngest son who continues to set his own parameters and not respect our house rules. You know the anger that springs up in me, sometimes too quickly, when I just want to throw him out, to the dogs, Lord, I bring him to you and commit him to you. These are my anxieties Lord. Direct my steps. Draw people to you. Bring harmony where there is just confusion and keep my confidence in you. I love you 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: April 18

     Peace is My continual gift to you. It flows abundantly from My throne of grace. Just as the Israelites could not store up manna for the future but had to gather it daily, so it is with My Peace. The day-by-day collecting of manna kept My people aware of their dependence on Me. Similarly, I give you sufficient Peace for the present, when you come to me by prayer and petition with thanksgiving. If I gave you permanent Peace, independent of My Presence, you might fall into the trap of self-sufficiency. May that never be!
     I have designed you to need Me moment by moment. As your awareness of your neediness increases, so does your realization of My abundant sufficiency. I can meet every one of your needs without draining My resources at all. Approach My throne of grace with bold confidence, receiving My Peace with a thankful heart. 

Exodus 16:14-20
English Standard Version (ESV)

¹⁴ And when the dew had gone up, there was on the face of the wilderness a fine, flake-like thing, fine as frost on the ground. ¹⁵ When the people of Israel saw it, they said to one another, “What is it?” For they did not know what it was. And Moses said to them, “It is the bread that the Lord has given you to eat. ¹⁶ This is what the Lord has commanded: ‘Gather of it, each one of you, as much as he can eat. You shall each take an omer, according to the number of the persons that each of you has in his tent.’” ¹⁷ And the people of Israel did so. They gathered, some more, some less. ¹⁸ But when they measured it with an omer, whoever gathered much had nothing left over, and whoever gathered little had no lack. Each of them gathered as much as he could eat. ¹⁹ And Moses said to them, “Let no one leave any of it over till the morning.” ²⁰ But they did not listen to Moses. Some left part of it till the morning, and it bred worms and stank. And Moses was angry with them.

Philippians 4:6-7, 19
ESV

⁶ do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
¹⁹ And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Hebrews 4:16
ESV

¹⁶ Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

My Prayer
Lord, I come to you for answers in my life. Instead of worrying, I look to you. Thank you for the peace that you give so freely. Thank you for providing for my needs. Provide for everyone's needs. Help me to know 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: April 17

     I am training you in steadiness. Too many things interrupt your awareness of Me. I know that you live in a world of sight and sound, but you must not be a slave to those stimuli. Awareness of Me can continue in all circumstances, not matter what happens. This is the steadiness I desire for you.
     Don't let unexpected events throw you off course. Rather, respond calmly and confidently, remembering that I am with you. As soon as something grabs your attention, talk with Me about it. Thus I share your joys and your problems; I help you cope with whatever is before you. This is how I live in you and work through you. This is the way of Peace. 

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

Isaiah 41:10
New King James Version
Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’

My Prayer
Lord, this reminds me once again of the importance of talking to you about all the events of my life. Your disciples and followers did this while you walked the earth. When they didn't understand something, they asked you. I need to do this instead of running off and figuring it out on my own or seeking after other people for answers.  As the Psalm says, you are not afraid of bad news or anything I bring to you. You will strengthen me and help me and uphold me by Your righteous right 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: April 16

     I am calling you to a life of thankfulness. I want all your moments to be punctuated with thanksgiving. The basis for your gratitude is My sovereignty. I am the Creator and Controller of the universe. Heaven and earth are filled with My glorious Presence. 

     When you criticize or complain, you are acting as if you think you could run the world better than I do. From your limited human perspective, it may look as if I'm mismanaging things. But you don't know what I know or see what I see. If I pulled back the curtain to allow you to view heavenly realms, you would understand much more. However, I have designed you to live by faith, not by sight. I lovingly shield you from knowing the future or seeing into the spirit world. Acknowledge My sovereignty by giving thanks in all circumstances. 

Isaiah 6:3
English Standard Version
And one called to another and said:

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts;
the whole earth is full of his glory!”

2 Corinthians 5:7
English Standard Version
for we walk by faith, not by sight.

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

My Prayer
Lord, help me to realize that you provide information to me as I need it. I always need to be living by faith. Sometimes I take uncertainty to mean that you are mismanaging things, but you have taken care of my needs thus far and so I can trust you for today and tomorrow. Help me to not get unhappy or stressed when things don't go my way. Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of Hosts. The whole earth is full of your glory. 


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 15

     Trust Me, and don't be afraid. Many things feel out of control. Your routines are not running smoothly. You tend to feel more secure when your life is predictable. Let Me lead you to the rock that is higher than you and your circumstances. Take refuge in the shelter of My wings, where you are absolutely secure.

     When you are shaken out of your comfortable routines, grip My hand tightly and look for growth opportunities. Instead of bemoaning the loss of your comfort, accept the challenge of something new. I lead you on from glory to glory, making you fit for My kingdom. Say yes to the ways I work in your life. Trust Me and don't be afraid. 

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.”

Verse Thoughts

“Salvation” is taken, as in the New Testament (John 4:22; 1Peter 1:9-10), as meaning more than mere deliverance from danger, and including the highest spiritual blessings. This verse is also a quote from Exodus 15:2. 

Psalm 61:2-4

English Standard Version

² from the end of the earth I call to you

    when my heart is faint.
Lead me to the rock
    that is higher than I,
³ for you have been my refuge,
    a strong tower against the enemy.

⁴ Let me dwell in your tent forever!
    Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings! Selah

Verse Thoughts

I have often seen in western movies where people will hide themselves behind a rock to shelter themselves or hide themselves from gunfire or battle. Thus we see here we are led to the rock, to something that is my refuge. But it is also higher than I am. A Savior or Redeemer on the same level as us could not save us. We must have one that is supreme over all things, that which is divine. Psalm 62:2,6,7 says God himself is my Rock.

2 Corinthians 3:18 

New King James Version

But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.

My Prayer
I will not be afraid because You God are my salvation, my strength and my song. You have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy. Let me dwell with You forever, hidden under the shelter of your wings. Help me to not forget you are Near.

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 14

     Heaven is both present and future. As you walk along your life-path holding My hand, you are already in touch with the essence of heaven: nearness to Me. You can also find many hints of heaven along your pathway, because the earth is radiantly alive with My Presence. Shimmering sunshine awakens your heart, gently reminding you of My brilliant Light. Birds and flowers, trees and skies evoke praises to My holy Name. Keep your eyes and ears fully open as you journey with Me. 

     At the end of your life-path is an entrance to heaven. Only I know when you will reach that destination, but I am preparing you for it each step of the way. The absolute certainty of your heavenly home gives you Peace and Joy, to help you along your journey. You know that you will reach your home in My perfect timing; not one moment too soon or too late. Let the hope of heaven encourage you, as you walk along the path of Life with Me. 

I Corinthians 15:20-23
English Standard Version
But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ.

Verse Thoughts
In fact -- Paul seems almost impatient here with these words, but he obviously had never been more surer of anything. He had witnessed this. But, it also speaks of the transition from the previous verse that we don't simply believe in a Christ that lived, but one that lived, died, and rose again. First fruits - speaks of priority; there were others that had been resurrected (Lazarus, widow's son). Fallen asleep -- This is the usual expression employed in the Scripture to describe the death of saints. It denotes: (1)The calmness and peace with which they die, like sinking into a gentle sleep; (2)The hope of a resurrection, as we sink to sleep with the expectation of again awaking. And verse 18 speaks of those falling asleep as being those in Christ. And then just as sin came into the world through one man and death, so in Christ all are made alive through the resurrection.

Hebrews 6:19
English Standard Version
We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain. 

Verse thoughts
An anchor does not move. It is thrown down and keeps a giant ship from moving. We are meant to always hold on to the truth that hope, for the future, of being in Christ, will make an amazing impact on our life, now and in the future.  

My Prayer
Lord, everywhere I look outside, are pictures of your provision. I look outside my window and see the sky, trees, bushes -- all signs of your creation. Thank you for the birds flying through the air, they all evoke a praise to your name. How sad that I drive by this daily and take it for granted. And you are preparing a place for me to live forever with you, better than anything I can see on this earth. Help me to never forget your promise of my future.


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 13

     When I give you no special guidance, stay where you are. Concentrate on doing your everyday tasks in awareness of My Presence with you. The Joy of My Presence will shine on you, as you do everything for Me. Thus you invite Me into every aspect of your life. Through collaborating with Me in all things, you allow My Life to merge with yours. This is the secret not only of joyful living but also of victorious living. I designed you to depend on Me moment by moment, recognizing that apart from Me you can do nothing. 

     Be thankful for quiet days, when nothing special seems to be happening. Instead of being bored by the lack of action, use times of routine to seek My Face. Although this is an invisible transaction, it speaks volumes in spiritual realms. Moreover, you are richly blessed when you walk trustingly with Me through the routines of your day.

Colossians 3:23
English Standard Version
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.

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

My Prayer
Lord, I admit, there are parts of my life that I don't welcome you into. I'm segmented. I give you time in the mornings, on Sunday, at various Bible Studies, but then often make decisions about entertainment that don't involve you. How often do the movies and shows I watch use your name in vain or promote values that I don't agree with and that violate your Word. Too often, I want to conform to the standards of the society in which I live, and that is the goal of the world I live in, to conform me to its standards. Help me instead to enjoy the quiet days and make different choices and let you entertain me, in Your way. I read this verse 'seek his presence continually' and right now, I can honestly say, that is not by everyday goal. Move me there, Lord. Move 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.