I Am Calling You To Live In Joyful ...

I AM CALLING YOU TO LIVE IN JOYFUL dependence on Me.  Many people view dependence as a despicable condition, so they strive to be as self-sufficient as possible.  This is not My way for you!  I designed you to need Me continually -- and to delight in that neediness.  When you live in harmony with your Creator's intentions for you, you can maximize your potential and enjoy your life more.

The apostle Paul exhorted Christians to be joyful always and to pray continually.  There is always Joy to be found in My Presence and I have promised I will not leave you or forsake you.  So you can speak to Me at all times, knowing that I hear and I care.  Praying continually is a way of demonstrating your deliberate dependence on Me -- the One to whom you pray.  Another powerful way of relying on Me is studying My Word, asking Me to use it to transform you through and through.  Those delightful disciplines help you live in joyful dependence on Me.  Delight yourself in Me more and more; this increases your Joy and glorifies Me.

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  1 Thessalonians 5:16-17; Deuteronomy 31:8; Psalm 119:10-12 and Psalm 37:4



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)

I, The Sovereign Lord -- Am Your Strength

I, THE SOVEREIGN LORD -- AM YOUR STRENGTH.  You are keenly aware of your weakness.  You know that your strength is insufficient to handle the many challenges you face.  Though this feels uncomfortable, it is actually a very blessed place to be.  Awareness of your neediness can help you keep turning to Me, letting Me supply all your needs according to My riches in Glory.

When your energy is running low, connect with Me -- your Strength.  Sometimes I pour abundant energy into you as you spend time in My Presence.  At other times I energize you only bit by bit, giving you just enough strength to keep moving slowly forward.  Although the abundant provision is more dramatic and satisfying, do not be discouraged when I choose to give you strength sufficient only for the moment.  This may be My way of keeping you ever so close to Me on your life-path, leaning on Me.  This closeness helps you hear My whispers -- telling you of My delight in you.  To hear these whispers clearly, you must trust that I, the Sovereign Lord, am in charge of your life and that your journey -- though difficult -- is full of blessing.

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  Habakkuk 3:19; Philippians 4:19 and Psalm 96:6-7



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)

I Have Called You By Name, You Are Mine

I HAVE CALLED YOU BY NAME, YOU ARE MINE.  No matter how isolated you may sometimes feel, you belong to Me!  I have redeemed you by paying the full penalty for your sins.  Nothing can separate you from My loving Presence.  I called you to Myself in the most personal way, reaching down into the circumstances of your life, speaking into the intricacies of your heart and mind.  Although I have vast numbers of followers, you are not a number to Me.  I always speak to you by name.  In fact, you are so precious to Me that I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands.

When world events are swirling around you and your personal world feels unsteady, don't let your mind linger on those stressors.  Tell yourself the truth.  "Yes, this world is full of trouble, but Jesus is with me and He is in control."  It is but this, the Jesus factor, that makes all the difference in your life.  Change the subject from problems to My Presence many times daily by whispering, "But Jesus ..." and looking to Me.

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  Isaiah 43:1; Romans 8:38-39 and Isaiah 49:16



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)

Worship Me In The Beauty Of Holiness

WORSHIP ME IN THE BEAUTY OF HOLINESS.  There is a great deal of beauty in your world, but none of it is perfectly holy.  So the beauty of holiness is something you know only in part - for now.  Someday you will know fully, even as you are fully known.  Even now, though, awareness of My holiness stimulates worship.  Pondering My perfection -- untainted by even a speck of sin -- delights you and fills you with awe.  I invite you to join with the angels in proclaiming: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His Glory!"

Worshiping Me will transform you -- changing you more and more into the one I designed you to be. Genuine worship requires that you know Me as I truly am.  You cannot comprehend Me perfectly or completely, but you can strive to know Me accurately, as I am revealed in the Bible.  By deepening your understanding of Me, you are transformed and I am glorified -- in beautiful worship.

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  Psalm 29:2; 1 Corinthians 13:12 and Isaiah 6:3



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young) 

I Am A Very Present And Well - Proved Help In ...

I AM A VERY PRESENT AND WELL-PROVED HELP in trouble.  My Presence is always with you, but I am very present in times of distress.  Because you are a member of My royal family -- a citizen of My heavenly kingdom -- I am committed to caring for you.  During stressful times, your heart may race and your adrenaline level may soar.  These physiological changes can block your awareness of My Presence.  So it is vital at such times to remind yourself: "Jesus is here with me; in fact, He is very present with me in this hard situation."  Then, take some slow, deep breaths so you can relax enough to connect with Me and draw strength from Me.

Biblical history has many examples of My faithfulness during times of trouble.  World history - including current events - also contains proof of My powerful Presence.  You won't hear of this in secular news reports, but I continue to do miracles in your world.  Moreover, as you look back over the years of your own life, you will see many instances of My meeting your needs in hard times. Since I am such a well - proved Help, you can trust Me to help you now!

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  Psalm 46:1; Joshua 4:23 and Jude 24-25



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)

Tuesday, August 26th - I Am the Light Of The World

I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD.  My followers will not walk in darkness, but will have the Light of Life.  Even though there is much darkness in this world, you always have access to Me.  So you are never in total darkness.  The trail before you may look obscure, especially as it disappears into the future.  You would like it to be flood-lit so you could anticipate what's up ahead.  But I tell you:  I am enough!  I am with you, and I also go before you -- illuminating the way.  Your assignment is to trust Me and follow the Light I provide.  No matter how dim it may seem, it is sufficient for your journey through today.

Someday you will be with Me in heaven, and there you will see My Light in all its Glory.  Darkness will be a thing of the past, and you will see everything clearly.  There will be no more night.  You will not need the light of a lamp or of the sun, for I will give you Light -- beyond anything you can imagine.  Live close to Me, and you will have the Light of Life.

- Jesus

Scripture Insight: John 8:12; Proverbs 4:18 and Revelation 22:5



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young) 

Monday, August 25th - Blessed Are The Poor In Spirit, For Theirs Is ...

BLESSED ARE THE POOR IN SPIRIT, FOR THEIRS IS the kingdom of heaven.  So when you are acutely aware of your insufficiency -- rejoice!  This is what being poor in spirit is all about.  The world applauds self-sufficiency, and bookstores abound with volumes designed to help you reach this goal. However, this is not the way of My kingdom.  I want My children to recognize and rejoice in their utter dependence on Me.

You have been saved by grace, through faith.  Both grace and faith are gifts!  Your part is to be receptive and responsive to these glorious gifts.  The best response is gratitude -- a heart overflowing with thankfulness for all I have done.  You are exceedingly blessed because the kingdom of heaven is yours.  When the strain of living in this fallen world is getting you down, resist the temptation to feel sorry for yourself.  Instead, say to yourself, "I am blessed and thankful -- and on my way to Glory!"

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  Matthew 5:3; Ephesians 2:8; 2 Corinthians 9:15 and Psalm 73:24



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)

Sunday, August 24th - Wait in Hope For Me; I Am Your Help And ...

WAIT IN HOPE FOR ME; I AM YOUR HELP AND your Shield.  Waiting in itself is not a virtue.  The important thing is how you wait:  in a resigned, impatient way or in hope -- keeping your focus on Me.  One aspect of hope is confident expectation.  When your overarching hope is for Me, you have every reason to be confident.  I have promised to be with you always, even to the end of the age. Moreover, at the end of time, I am coming back in  glorious Power to judge the world and establish My kingdom.

While you are waiting, remember that I am your Help and your Shield.  My unfailing Love guarantees that I am always available to help you.  You access this loving help through your trust in Me.  No matter what is happening or how bad you feel, voice your trust in Me!  I have shielded you from many hardships, and I will continue to protect you.  So put your hope fully in Me, and the Light of My Presence will shine into your waiting times.

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  Psalm 33:20; Matthew 28:18-20; and Psalm 52:8



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)

Saturday, August 23rd - I Empower You ...

I EMPOWER YOU --- INFUSING INNER STRENGTH into you so that you are ready for anything and equal to anything.  It's essential to remember that this inner strength comes through Me, through your connection with Me.  It comes to you as you need it -- as you take trusting steps of dependence, moving forward with your eyes on Me.  This promise is a powerful antidote to fear -- especially your fear of being overwhelmed by circumstances you see looming ahead.  They may look daunting, but in Me you are indeed ready for anything and equal to anything.

Of course, you are not currently ready for every imaginable situation.  I carefully control what happens in your life.  I am constantly protecting you from both known and unknown dangers.  And I provide strength, just when you need it, for everything I allow to touch your life.  Many of the future things you anxiously anticipate will not actually reach you.  My promise is for things you face in the present, and it is sufficient.  So when you are feeling the strain of an uphill journey, tell yourself the truth:  "I have strength for all things through Christ who empowers me!"

- Jesus

Scripture Insight: Philippians 4:13; John 15:4 and Psalm 28:7



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young) 

Trust Me In Times Of ...

TRUST ME IN TIMES OF CONFUSION --- WHEN things don't make sense and nothing you do seems to help.  This type of trust delights Me, because I know it is real.  Invite Me to enter into your struggles -- to be ever so close to you.  Though other people may not really understand what you are going through, I understand.  I understand perfectly.  Find comfort in knowing you are not alone in your struggles.  I am with you, watching over you continually.

Long - term trials can drain you of energy and hope, making it hard for you to keep trusting Me.  But I have given you a wonderful Helper, the Holy Spirit, who never runs out of strength.  You can ask for His help, praying:  "I trust You, Jesus; help me, Holy Spirit".  Instead  of trying to resolve all your problems, simply rest in My Presence.  Trust that there is a way forward, even though you can't yet see it.  I am providing a good way for you, though it is bumpy at times.  When the road is rough, cling all the more tightly to Me.  As your soul clings to Me, My right hand upholds you.

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  Genesis 28:15; John 15:26 and Psalm 63:8



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)

Remember Me On Your Bed; Think Of Me ...

REMEMBER ME ON YOUR BED; THINK OF ME through the watches of the night.  When you are wakeful during the night, thoughts can fly at you from all directions.  Unless you take charge of them, you are likely to become anxious.  Your best strategy is to think about Me during your night watches.  Start communicating with Me about whatever is on your mind.  Cast all your anxiety on Me because I care for you.  I am taking care of you!  This makes it possible for you to relax and rejoice in the shadow of My wings.

When you remember Me during the night, think about who I really am.  Ponder My perfections: My Love, Joy,  and Peace.  Rejoice in My majesty, wisdom, grace and mercy.  Find comfort in My names:  Shepherd, Savior, Immanuel, Prince of Peace.  Be awed by My Power and Glory, for I am King of kings and Lord of lords.  Thus you worship Me and enjoy My Presence.  These thoughts of Me will clear your mind -- helping you see things from My perspective -- and refresh your entire being.

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  Psalm 63:6; 1 Peter 5:7; Psalm 63:7 and 1 Timothy 6:12-16



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)

You Are Being Transformed Into My ...

YOU ARE BEING TRANSFORMED INTO MY image from Glory to Glory.  Trust My Spirit to do this massive work in you.  Yield to My ways,  wisdom and will.  When life gets tough, don't waste those hard circumstances.  Instead, ask Me to use them to transform you more and more into My likeness - helping you become your true self.  You must be willing to share in My sufferings so that you may also share in My Glory.

Though your troubles may seem heavy and endless, they are actually light and momentary - compared to the eternal Glory they are achieving for you.  This is why it is reasonable and right to thank Me for hard times, to praise Me for ongoing troubles.  This serves a dual purpose:  When you give thanks in the midst of adversity (trouble) - because of who I am and what I have done for you - I am glorified.  And your thankfulness helps you make progress in your transformation from Glory to Glory.

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  2 Corinthians 3:18; Romans 8:17; 2 Corinthians 4:17 and Ephesians 5:19-20



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)

Rejoice In Me Always. Let Your Gentleness ...

REJOICE IN ME ALWAYS.  LET YOUR GENTLENESS be evident to all.  I am near.  Rejoicing in Me can protect you from the temptation to complain.  When your circumstances are stressful, it is easy for you to become irritable.  But I want you to demonstrate gentleness -- not irritability.  This is possible to the extent that you find Joy in Me.  Since I am the same yesterday, today and forever, there is always much for your to rejoice about.

You can be joyful in the knowledge that I am near.  When a man and woman are deeply in love, they often bring out the best in each other.  Just being near the beloved can soothe irritations and increase happiness.  I am the One who is always nearby -- unseen yet tenderly present.  I can soothe your frustrations and fill you with Joy as you tune in to My loving Presence.  One way to do this is to thank Me for My continual Presence and My constant Love.  When circumstances are getting you down, turn your attention to Me and consider the great Love I have for you.  Rejoice!

- Jesus


Scripture Insight: Philippians 4:4-5; Galatians 5:22-23; Hebrews 13:8 and Psalm 107:43



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)

Monday, August 18th - Sing To Me, Because I Have ...

SING TO ME, BECAUSE I HAVE dealt bountifully with you.  When singing praises is the last thing you feel like doing, it is probably just what you need.  I have indeed been gracious in My dealings with you -- whether or not it seems that way.  You have been on an uphill journey for a long time, and you are growing weary.  You yearn for some easy days, for a path that is not so steep.  But it is the strenuous climbs that take you ever upward -- closer and closer to the summit.

The difficulty of your life circumstances is not a mistake!  It's a matter of My Sovereign will and -- to some extent -- your own goals.  You desire to live close to Me and to grow more fully into the one I created you to be.  Pursuing these goals has put you on an adventurous trail where difficulties and dangers abound. Sometimes you compare your journey with those of your friends who seem to be on easier paths.  But you cannot fully comprehend the problems they face.  Nor do you know what the future holds for them.  Remember My response to Simon Peter when he asked about My dealings with John:  "What is that to you?  You follow Me!"

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  Psalm 13:6; 2 Samuel 22:33-34 and John 21:22



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)

Sunday, August 17th - I Will Fill You With Joy & Peace As You ...

I WILL FILL YOU WITH JOY & PEACE AS YOU wait in My Presence.  Spending time with Me demonstrates that you really do trust Me.  People who trust mainly in themselves and their own abilities often crowd Me out of their lives.  As you learn to trust Me more, you increasingly delight in time spent with Me. And the more you wait in My Presence, the deeper your faith grows - increasing your Joy and Peace.

Because you belong to Me, My Spirit lives in you.  You may sometimes be unaware of His Presence, but He is always aware of you.  Moreover, He is continually at work within you -- transforming you into My likeness with ever-increasing Glory.  You cooperate in this process by focusing on Me.  As you become more and more like Me, hope grows within you.  With the Spirit's help, this hope can well up inside you till it overflows -- spilling out and splashing into the lives of other people!

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  Romans 15:13; Isaiah 26:3; Romans 8:9 and 2 Corinthians 3:18



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)

Worry Is Largely A Matter Of Thinking About ...

WORRY IS LARGELY A MATTER OF THINKING about things at the wrong time.  I have built into your brain the amazing capacity to observe your own thoughts.  So it is possible to monitor your thoughts and make choices about them.

To avoid wasting mental and emotional energy, timing is very important.  If you think about certain things at the wrong time -- for example, when you are lying in bed -- it is all too easy to start worrying about them. This is why it is so helpful to monitor your thinking.  Instead of waiting until you are deep in worry, you can interrupt anxious thoughts and change the subject.

I want you to discipline your mind to minimize worry and maximize worship.  This will require much ongoing effort, but you will find that it is a path to freedom.  When you realize you are thinking about something at the wrong time -- a worrisome thought at a time when you can do nothing about it -- take swift action.  Tell yourself, "Not now!" and direct your mind elsewhere.  The best direction for your thinking is toward Me.  Draw near to Me by expressing your trust in Me, your love for Me.  This is worship.

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  Luke 12:22-26 and Revelation 14:7



(Jesus Calling / Sarah Young)

My Steadfast Love Never ...

MY STEADFAST LOVE NEVER CEASES.  My mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning.  I know how desperately you want to believe this and how much you are struggling to do so. Today, the only things that seem endless are your problems and your pain. But I am here -- tenderly present -- ready to help you get safely through this day.  Believing this truth can make the difference between coping and giving up in despair.

Some days, when things are going reasonably well, it is easy to trust in My steadfast Love.  But when new, unexpected problems strike, trusting Me takes much more effort.  At such times it can help to remember that you receive new mercies every morning.  When you are getting dressed, recall that I have clothed you in garments of salvation.  Because you wear My robe of righteousness, you are on your way to heaven.  This is an incredible act of mercy - snatching you from the jaws of hell and putting you on the path to Glory. Nothing you face today can compare with this mercy-gift of eternal Life!

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  Lamentations 3:22-23; Isaiah 61:10 and John 3:16



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)

I Am The One Who Keeps You Safe

I AM THE ONE WHO KEEPS YOU SAFE.  You tend to rely heavily on your thinking and planning, as if that is where your security lies.  When you start to feel anxious about something, your mind goes into overdrive -- searching for solutions, searching for security.  All the while I am with you, holding you by your right hand.

Beware of trusting in yourself -- which is foolish.  Instead, walk in wisdom and you will be kept safe.  The essence of wisdom is to trust in Me more than in yourself or other people.  I stand ready to guide you with My counsel, so bring all your concerns to Me.  When you are feeling confused, it may be helpful to write out your prayers, asking Me to show you the way forward.  Then wait in My Presence, giving Me time to guide your mind while you focus on Me and My Word.  You can whisper, "Jesus," to help you stay focused.  My Name -- representing all that I AM -- is a strong tower; those who run to it are safe.

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  Psalm 73:23-26; Proverbs 28:26 and Proverbs 18:10



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young) 

I Watch Over All Who Love ...

I WATCH OVER ALL WHO LOVE Me.  Let this promise of My watch-care comfort you -- especially during difficult days.  This promise is for you  because you love Me.  Of course, it is not a matter of earning My protection by loving Me.  However, those who belong to Me - and are under My watchful care - are the ones who love Me.   This is a response to what I have done: You love Me because I first loved you. 

In times of extreme danger and destruction, even courageous adults sometimes cry out for their parents' help, This is an instinctive response, flowing out of childhood memories.  When people are afraid, they long to feel protected by someone who is bigger and stronger.  Be assured that I am always watching over you - like a shepherd watching over his flock.  Sometimes you may feel alone and unprotected.  The remedy is to trust that I am with you and to start communicating with Me -- pouring out your heart.  Expressing yourself freely to Me will help you become aware of My watchful, loving Presence.

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  Psalm 145;20; 1 John 4:19; Jeremiah 31:10 and Psalm 62:8



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young) 

Lean On Me As You Face ...

LEAN ON ME AS YOU FACE the circumstances of this day.  Whether or not they realize it, all people lean on - depend on - something:  physical strength, intelligence, beauty, wealth, achievements, family, friends, and so on.  All of these are gifts from Me, to be enjoyed gratefully.  However, relying on any of these things is risky, because every one of them can let you down.

When your circumstances are challenging and you are feeling weak, you  tend to obsess about how you are going to make it through the day.  This wastes a lot of time and energy; it also distracts you from Me. Whenever this happens, ask Me to open your eyes so you can find Me in the moment.  "See" Me standing nearby, with My strong arm extended toward you - offering you My help.  Don't try to pretend that you have it all together or that you are stronger than you really are.  Instead, lean hard on Me, letting Me bear most of your weight and help you with your problems.  Rejoice in Me -- your Strength -- and worship while leaning on Me.

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  Proverbs 18:24; Psalm 59: 16-17 and Hebrews 11:21



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)

Give Your Entire Attention To ...

GIVE YOUR ENTIRE ATTENTION TO what I am doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow.  This sounds so simple, but it goes against the grain of human nature -- against the strong desire to feel in control.  Mankind longs to be able to forecast the future, and some people peddle their "expertise" in this area to make money.  But the future belongs to Me, so you don't need to worry about it. 

Trying not to think about something is usually ineffective and counterproductive.  The effort to stop thinking about the matter keeps you chained to those thoughts.  However, you can break free by focusing your attention on Me and on what I am doing in your life.  I am your living Savior, and I am always doing new things.

What keeps most people chained to future thoughts is their fear of what tomorrow may bring -- wondering whether they will be able to cope with it.  But remember this:  I will help you deal with whatever hard things come up -- when the time comes!

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  Matthew 6:34; Luke 4:18; and Isaiah 42:9

(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)

Praise Will Get You Victoriously Through ...

PRAISE WILL GET YOU VICTORIOUSLY THROUGH this day.  When you worship Me, you connect with Me in a powerful way that transcends time and circumstances.  I live in your praises, and you live and move and have your being in Me.  Praising Me draws you into the depths of My Presence, where you can glimpse My Power and Glory.

Depression, fear, and self-pity vanish when you engage in heartfelt worship.  The evil one and his demonic followers flee from these glorious strains.  So it is wise to praise Me.  However, the most important reason for worship is that I am worthy to receive honor and glory and praise!  The Bible is full of commands to give Me praise.

No matter how dark and difficult your day may seem, the Light of My Presence will shine through the darkness as you worship Me.  This glorifies Me and enables you to live above your circumstances -- victoriously!

- Jesus


Scripture Insight: Psalm 22:3; Acts 17:28 and Revelation 5:11-12



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)

Saturday, Aug 9th - I Myself Go Before You And ...

I MYSELF GO BEFORE YOU AND WILL BE WITH you.  So do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. I, your loving Savior, am also infinite God! I am omnipresent: present everywhere at once.  This makes it possible for Me to go ahead of you -- opening up the way -- without ever leaving your side.

The promise of My Presence is for all time. No matter where you go or what circumstances you encounter, I will be with you.  This is the basis of your courage and confidence.  Though fear and discouragement may sometimes slink into your heart, this is not their rightful home.  Your heart is My dwelling place, and those hurtful emotions are not from Me.  In fact, My perfect Love casts out fear. So check your heart from time to time, to see if fear and discouragement are loitering there.  If you discover those unwelcome intruders, ask the Holy Spirit to function as a bouncer and boot them out! Then, encourage yourself with My promise to go before you and be with you -- and let My perfect Love renew your hope.

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  Deuteronomy 31:8; Ephesians 3:16-17 and 1 John 4:18



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)

Seeking To Please Me Is A ...

SEEKING TO PLEASE ME IS A joyous way to live.  Of course, without faith it is impossible to please Me.  You must really believe that I exist and that I reward those who earnestly seek Me.

Living to please Me is a wise investment - not only for rewards in heaven but also for daily pleasure on earth. I am meant to be the Center of your existence, the Sun around which you orbit.  When you live this way - enjoying Me, serving Me, desiring to please Me - you stay in your proper orbit.  When you live in a self - centered way, you go off course.

The challenge is to keep Me central in what you do, say, and think.  This battle begins in your mind, so work on taking captive every thought to make it obedient to Me.  Study My Word to find out what pleases Me, and remember how wonderfully well I love you.  Awareness of My amazing Love will help you stay in orbit around the Son - enjoying the radiant pleasures of My Presence.

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  Hebrews 11:6; 2 Corinthians 10:5; Colossians 1:9-10



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young) 

You Can Find Joy In The Midst Of ...

YOU CAN FIND JOY IN THE MIDST OF BROKENNESS. One of the hardest times to be joyful is when you are dealing with multiple problems -- seeking solutions but finding none -- and then several new difficulties beset you.  If you focus  too much on finding solutions, you will sink under the weight of your problems.  So it's vital to remember that I am present with you in adversity.  I am at work in your situation, and My matchless wisdom enables Me to bring good out of evil -- ultimately outsmarting evil with good!

The way to find Joy in adversity is to encounter Me.  You can pray, "Jesus, help me find You in the midst of this mess!"  As you unplug your emotions from all the problems and plug them into My Presence, good things start to happen.  Your dark mood grows steadily lighter and brighter.  Also, as you remain in Me -- plugged in to My Presence -- I enable you to see things from My perspective. You can be joyful in the midst of brokenness by staying connected to Me.

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  James 1:2-3; Romans 11:33 and John 15:4



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)

There Is An Open Road Ahead Of You ...

THERE IS AN OPEN ROAD AHEAD OF YOU -- all the way to heaven.  I am your traveling Companion, and I know every twist and turn of your path.  You see problems and limitations impeding your progress no matter which direction you look.  But your vision is ever so limited.  All I ask of you is to take the next small step - refusing to give up, refusing to stop trusting Me.

Your life is truly a faith-walk, and I am absolutely faithful!  Though your understanding will fail you, I never will.  The challenge before you is to stop focusing on your problems and limitations -- and to believe that the way ahead really is an open road, in spite of how it looks.

I am the Way to the Father in heaven.  Remember how much I had to suffer in order to open up the path of Life for you.  No one else will ever have to endure what I went through.  When you are struggling, simply take the next step and thank Me for clearing the way before you -- all the way to heaven.

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  1 Corinthians 10:13; 2 Corinthians 5:7; John 14:6 and Psalm 16:11



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)

Tuesday, Aug 5th - You Are Being Renewed ...

YOU ARE BEING RENEWED DAY BY DAY.  So do not be weighed down by yesterday's failures and disappointments.  Begin this day anew, seeking to please Me and walk in My ways -- focusing on today!  As you do, I am able to transform you little by little.  This is a lifelong process - a journey with problems and pain.  It is also a journey full of Joy and Peace because I am with you each step of the way.

Notice that you are being renewed.  This is not something you can do by your effort and willpower alone.  My Spirit is in charge of your renewal, and He is alive within you -- directing your growth in grace.  Do not be discouraged when you encounter problems and pain along your way.  These are vital parts of the renewal process.  Muster the courage to thank Me when you are going through painful experiences. Find hope through  trusting that I continually hold you by your right hand -- and I am preparing you for Glory!

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  2 Corinthians 4:16; Romans 8:9 and Psalm 73:23-24



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)

Monday, Aug 4th - Don't Be Afraid To Be ...

DON'T BE AFRAID TO BE HAPPY.  Because you are Mine, you can expect to experience some happiness -- even in this broken world.  Yet anxiety sometimes intrudes upon your carefree moments.You start wondering if there are things you should be doing or plans you should be making. Your underlying feeling is that it isn't safe to let down your guard and simply be happy in the moment. How wrong this is, My child!

I have called you to cease striving -- let go, relax -- and know that I am God.  You may think that you need to have all your ducks in a row before you can relax and enjoy My Presence.  But consider the overall context of this command:  though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.  The psalmist who penned these words was describing a terrifying catastrophe.  So you don't need to wait till you have solved all the problems in your life; this very moment is the right time to enjoy Me.  Come boldly into My Presence, saying, "Jesus, I choose to enjoy You -- here and now".

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  Psalm 144:15; Psalm 46:10 and Psalm 46:1-3



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)

Sunday, Aug 3rd - Hope For What You Do Not See

HOPE FOR WHAT YOU DO NOT SEE; EAGERLY wait for it with perseverance.  Among the five senses, sight is often the one that people value the most. I created the world gloriously beautiful and I want you to appreciate beauty when you see it.  However, even more beneficial than sight is hope, which is itself a kind of vision.  It enables you to see - through the eyes of your heart - things that are not yet.  The most stunning example of this is the hope of heaven.  Your ultimate destiny is to share in My Glory!  This is My promise to you, secured through My finished work on the cross and My resurrection.

Practice hoping for things you do not see - both for this life and the next.  Ask Me to guide you into hopes and dreams that are in line with My will.  Train the eyes of your heart to "see" these  blessings, while praying for My will to be done fully and only.  Discipline yourself to wait eagerly -- with your focus on Me and the longed-for outcome.  Remain hopeful and expectant as you wait with perseverance. 

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  Romans 8:25; John 17:22 and Hebrews 11:1

(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)

Saturday, Aug 2nd - Be Of Good Courage, And I Will ...

BE OF GOOD COURAGE, AND I  WILL STRENGTHEN your heart.  I want My children to be brave -- not cowardly.  In fact, the Bible contains warnings of dire consequences for "the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers."

When you are going through very tough times and there is no relief in sight, you usually start looking for a way out.  These escapist longings stem from self-pity and a sense of entitlement:  You think you deserve better conditions than your current situation.  But when you think this way, you are ignoring My sovereignty over your life.  Though your circumstances may indeed be painful and difficult, they are not worthless.  So muster the courage to say yes to your life, trusting that I am in control and I am with you in your struggles.

Come to Me with a courageous heart, hoping in Me, and I will bless you in many ways.  Moreover, I will multiply your small act of bravery:  I will strengthen your heart. 

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  Psalm 31:24; Revelation 21:8 and Isaiah 40:10-11



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)

Friday, Aug 1st - I Am The God of Love And Peace ...

I AM THE GOD OF LOVE AND PEACE.  LET THE splendor of this glorious truth sink into the depths of your heart, mind and spirit.  The One who is always with you is the God of Love and Peace!  When you feel a need for more Love, come to Me and let Me lavish it upon you.  Whenever you are feeling anxious or afraid, come into My peaceful Presence -- and relax in the everlasting arms awaiting you.

I want your character to reflect Me more and more.  So endeavor to be loving and peaceful in your relationships with other people.  When someone irritates or upsets you, try to see Me in that person. Remember that I created everyone in My own image.  The most effective way to love people is to allow My Love to flow through you to them.  My Spirit lives inside you, and you can ask Him to love others through you.  To live peacefully, you need to forgive people quickly -- including yourself.  Make every effort to live close to Me, the God of Love and Peace.

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  2 Corinthians 13:11; Deuteronomy 33:27; and Genesis 1:27



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)

Thursday, July 31st - Make Me Your Default Focus. Try To ...

MAKE ME YOUR DEFAULT FOCUS.  TRY TO become conscious of what you think about when your mind is at rest.  Many people's minds gravitate toward worries, work, plans, food, pleasure seeking.  Some of these thoughts are useful, while others are not.  Most people are not very aware of their thoughts during their "down times," but  I am quite aware of them.  I want you to train your mind to turn toward Me more and more.  Think about who I am -- Creator, Savior, King of kings.  Ponder also My amazing, unending Love for you.

Training your mind to make Me your default Focus is not easy.  Ask the Holy Spirit to help you in this challenging endeavor, and He will.  However, you must be prepared to cooperate with Him.  You need to spend some time in quietness -- away from the television, the radio and other distracting noise.  Communicate with Me frequently throughout the day.  Using a short prayer such as, "Jesus, draw me  close to You," can hep you return your focus to Me time after time.  Also, it is vital to saturate your mind with Scripture, which is all about Me.  As you practice these disciplines, you will gradually be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  Psalm 8:3-4; Psalm 119:11 and Romans 12:2



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)