Be Still And Know That I Am God

BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD.  Your life has been tumultuous recently --- full of change and new responsibilities.  You have continued to spend time alone with Me, but you have found it hard to really be still and focus on Me.  You need to set aside time for listening to Me -- blocking out distractions and reconnecting with Me in the depths of your soul.  Without this focused time in My Presence, your soul will become malnourished.  Other people may not notice, but you can tell the difference.  Of course, I notice the difference even before you do.  I can see the neediness within you -- needs that only I can meet.

As you pour yourself into listening to Me, I want you to experience My delight in you.  I see you as you truly are:  My beloved child, gloriously clothed in My righteousness.   Open your arms and your heart -- to receive My delight in full measure.  The Light of My Love is shining upon you.  Be still in this holy Light, resting in the assurance of My unfailing Love.

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  Psalm 46:10; Psalm 16:3; Isaiah 61:10 and Exodus 15:13



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)

Lean On, Trust In, And Be Confident In Me

LEAN ON, TRUST IN, AND BE CONFIDENT IN ME.  The more challenging your life circumstances, the more you need to affirm -- and lean on -- your confident trust in Me.  During difficult times, your natural tendency is to rely heavily on your own understanding.  However, your human understanding is not up to this task; it will fail you time and again.

You have every reason to be confident in Me.  I am the Creator and Sustainer of the universe, and I am in charge of every aspect of your life.  Because the world is in such a fallen condition, it may seem as if I'm not in control.  I could end all suffering instantly -- by destroying the earth and taking My children home -- but I am waiting to bring many sons and daughters to Glory.

So take heart as you live in this broken world, believing that My eternal purposes are being worked out through your difficulties. Your troubles are part of My majestic Master Plan, and they are achieving an eternal Glory that far outweighs them all!

- Jesus


Scripture Insight:  Proverbs 3:5; Hebrews 2:10 and 2 Corinthians 4:17



(Jesus Today / Sarah Youmg)

Sunday, Sept 28th -- I Turn Your Darkness Into Light

I TURN YOUR DARKNESS INTO LIGHT.  AFTER ALL, I am the Light of the world, and I am both with you and within you.  Every day, you encounter darkness in the world -- and in your heart -- but remember that I have overcome the world.  You can choose to focus on hurtful, wrong things or to focus on Me -- the brilliant Overcomer!

I am calling you to walk with Me along the way of Peace.  I know that many things tug at your consciousness and you have very real responsibilities in your life.  However, I am training you to turn your thoughts to Me more and more -- enjoying My Presence in tough times as well as good times. You will not be able to do this perfectly, but you can make progress bit by bit.  As you direct your attention to Me, I push back the darkness with my invincible Light!  This is how you walk in the way of Peace.  This is how I turn your darkness into Light.

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  2 Samuel 22:29; John 8:12; John 16:33 and Luke 1:76, 79



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)

Saturday, Sept 27th -- Be Willing To Keep Climbing This ...

BE WILLING TO KEEP CLIMBING THIS HIGH mountain with Me.  Sometimes you look back nostalgically at a long ago stage of your journey.  You yearn for that easier, less complicated time in your life.  But I want you to recognize it for what it was:  a base camp.  It was a time and place of preparation for the arduous adventure ahead of you.

The mountain you are climbing is exceedingly high; the top of it is hidden in clouds.  So it is impossible for you to know how far up those heights you have come -- and how far you have yet to go.  However, the higher you go, the better view you have.

Although each day is a challenge and you often feel weary, take time to enjoy the magnificent scenery!  This journey with Me is training you to see from a heavenly perspective that transcends your circumstances.  The higher up the mountain you climb, the steeper and more challenging the path becomes -- but the greater your adventure as well.  Remember that the higher you go with Me, the closer you get to your ultimate goal -- the heights of heaven!

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  Matthew 17:1-2; Habakkuk 3:19 and Philippians 3:20-21



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)

Friday, Sept 26th -- By Day I Direct My Love ...

BY DAY I DIRECT MY LOVE; AT NIGHT MY SONG is with you -- for I am the God of your life. Take heart, My child, knowing that I am in charge of everything in your life.  During the day, I command My Love to bless you in countless ways!  So be on the lookout for the many good things I place along your path.  Ask My Spirit to open your eyes so that you can perceive and receive all these blessings.  Do not be discouraged by the hard things you encounter, for this is part of living in a deeply fallen world.

Rejoice that My song is with you throughout the night as I lovingly watch over you.  If you are wakeful, use this time to seek My Face and enjoy My peaceful Presence.  A tender intimacy with Me can develop when you remember Me on your bed -- meditating on Me in the night watches.  Whether you are waking or sleeping, I am always present with you.  For I am indeed the God of your life!

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  Psalm 42:8; 1 Peter 5:8-9 and Psalm 63:6-8



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)

Thursday, Sept 25th -- I Am Calling You To Live Joyfully In The ...

I AM CALLING YOU TO LIVE JOYFULLY IN THE midst of your struggles.  You yearn for a freer, more independent way of life than you are currently experiencing.  You pray fervently -- and then wait hopefully for the changes you desire.  When I don't answer your prayers according to your will, you sometimes get discouraged.  It's easy for you to feel as if you are doing something wrong - as if you are missing out on what is best for you.  When you think that way, you are forgetting a most important truth:  that I am Sovereign.  I am in control, and I am taking care of you.

I want you to accept your dependent way of living as a gift from Me.  Moreover, I want you to receive this gift joyfully - with a glad and thankful heart.  Actually, nothing will lift you out of the doldrums faster then thanking and praising Me.  And nothing will help you enjoy My Presence more delightfully!  Enter My gates with thanksgiving and My courts with praise. 

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  Isaiah 40:10; Romans 9:20 and Psalm 100:4-5



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young) 

Wednesday, Sept 24th -- Make Me Your Primary Focus ...

MAKE ME YOUR PRIMARY FOCUS.  I am all around you -- constantly aware of you.  I take note of all your thoughts and prayers.  Many, many things vie for your attention, but do not let them crowd Me out.  Directing your mind toward Me requires very little energy and is imperceptible to others. Yet the more often you do this, the more fully I can live in you and through you.

Remember that I am present with you each moment of your life, watching over you with perfect Love.  In fact, My unfailing Love surrounds the one who trusts in Me.  I am training you to be increasingly aware of My loving Presence, even when other things demand you attention.  I want to be the constant in your life that provides stability and direction in an unpredictable environment. Since I am the same yesterday, today, and forever, I can be the fixed point that helps you stay on course as you make your way through this ever - changing world.  As you keep redirecting your thoughts to Me, I show you the way forward -- and I give you My Peace.

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  Psalm 121:1-3; Psalm 32:10; Hebrews 13:8 and John 14:27




(Jesus Today / Sarah Young) 

Tuesday, Sept 23rd - My Ways Are Higher Than Your Ways ...

MY WAYS ARE HIGHER THAN YOUR WAYS, and My thoughts than your thoughts -- as the heavens are higher than the earth.  People are always trying to diminish Me:  to cut Me down to a god who is understandable and predictable.  When these attempts fail, they often respond by judging Me or denying My very existence.

You are not immune to such struggles.  Leaning on your own understanding is your strong inclination, and this mind set dies hard.  But the truth is, you can no more understand the infinite wisdom of My ways than you can create something out of nothing.  I made people in My image, and I have gifted some of them with remarkable creativity.  However, every human creation is formed from substances that I made when I spoke the world into existence.

Whenever you find yourself struggling to accept My ways with you or My ways with the world, stop and remember who I AM.  Bow your mind and heart before My infinite intelligence, and worship Me -- the mysterious, majestic, holy One who suffered and died for you.

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  Isaiah 55:6-9; Proverbs 3:5 and Genesis 1:3, 9



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)

Monday, Sept 22nd -- I Am The Light That Shines On In The ...

I AM THE LIGHT THAT SHINES ON IN THE darkness, for the darkness has never overpowered it -- and it never will.  When multiple problems are closing in on you, the Light of My Presence may seem like a dim memory.  If you are feeling distant from Me, it's time for you to stop everything and pour out your heart to Me.  Carve out some time and space to talk with Me about your problems and your feelings.  Let Me help you carry your burdens and show you the way forward.

No matter how much darkness you see in the world around you, My Light continues to shine on, for it is infinitely more powerful!  Because you are My child, this Light shines not only upon you but also within you.  You live in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, and this is the perfect backdrop for you to shine as light in the world.  Take time to bask in My radiant Presence.  Let My boundless energy recharge your strength so you can blaze boldly in the darkness around you.

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  John 1:5; Psalm 62:8 and Philippians 2:14-15



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young) 

Sunday, Sept 21st -- Hope In Me, For You Will Again Praise Me ...

HOPE IN ME, FOR YOU WILL AGAIN PRAISE Me for the help of My Presence.  Sometimes -- especially when you are feeling downcast or disturbed -- it is hard to continue hoping in Me.  At such times it's important to remember that Christian hope is much more than a feeling.  It is confidence in Me: who I am (your Savior-God) and what I have promised to do (receive you into eternal Glory).

The help of My Presence is a constant in your life, but you are not always receptive to it.  I am training you to exercise your trust and hope in Me by praising Me regardless of your feelings.  The day will come when you will spontaneously burst into songs of worship -- joyously praising Me for My glorious Presence!  However, when you rejoice in Me during times of sadness, a marvelous thing happens:  Your words of hope and trust in Me lift you above your circumstances.  This sets your feet on an upward path of gratitude -- where your Joy increases step by step.  This sacrifice of praise is most pleasing to Me!

- Jesus

(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)

Saturday, Sept 20th -- You Are A Delight To Me! I Know You Find ...

YOU ARE A DELIGHT TO ME!  I KNOW YOU FIND it difficult to receive this blessing.  It is based on the unconditional Love I have for all of My followers.  I love you more than you can begin to imagine, so just relax in the Light of My Presence -- and take time to soak in this luminous Love. Relax with Me and listen while I rejoice over you with singing.

Living in a fallen world is a constant challenge.  There is brokenness all around you, as well as within you.  Each moment, you can choose to focus on what is wrong or to seek My Face and enjoy My approval.  Even in the midst of important activities, you can breathe this short prayer:  "I seek You, Jesus."

Remember that My delight in you is based on My finished work on the cross.  So don't fall into the trap of trying to earn My Love.  Instead, live as the one you truly are -- My beloved -- and let your gratitude keep you close to Me, eager to follow wherever I lead.  I delight in you!

- Jesus


(Jesus Today / Sarah Young) 

Friday, Sept 19th --- My Eyes Are On Those Whose Hope Is In My ...

MY EYES ARE ON THOSE WHOSE HOPE IS IN MY unfailing Love.  To enjoy abundant Life, it is essential for you to have hope.  However, many people indulge in false hopes and find themselves increasingly disillusioned as the years go by.  So I urge you to choose well the object of your hope. The best choice is:  My unfailing Love.  From the time you first trusted Me as Savior, nothing -- including death, life, things present or things to come -- can separate you from this Love.

When you follow My divine guidelines, you can enjoy the Peace of My Presence.  I am everywhere and I see everything, but My eyes are especially on those who are putting their hope in Me.  Such people are ever so precious to Me, and I watch over them vigilantly.  This does not mean I shield them from all adversity.  It means I bless them with My nearness in good times, in hard times -- at all times.

So persevere in placing your hope in My perfect Love.  Look up to Me in the midst of your moments, for My eyes are indeed on you!

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  Psalm 33:18; Romans 8:38-39 and 2 Thessalonians 3:16



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young) 

Thursday, Sept 18th -- I Have Done Great Things For You, So Let Me ...

I HAVE DONE GREAT THINGS FOR YOU, SO LET ME fill you with Joy.  Take ample time to ponder all I have done for you.  Rejoice in My goodness and My greatness as you remember My marvelous deeds.  Rest in My intimate Presence; relax in My everlasting arms.  I long to fill you with Joy, but you must collaborate with Me in this process.

Do not be like a spoiled child on Christmas Day -- hastily tearing open all the presents and then saying, "Is that all?"  Every single day is a precious gift from Me!  Search for Me within the boundaries of this day, and you will surely find Me.  I am present not only in pleasant things but also in unwanted circumstances.  My Joy is sufficient for all situations, and I adjust it according to your need.  When things are going your way, My gladness intensifies your delight.  When you encounter hard things, I give you a deep, bold Joy that clings to Me for help.  Receiving My Joy requires not only time but also courage.

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  Psalm 126:3; Deuteronomy 33:27; Jeremiah 29:13 and 1 Peter 1:6-8



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young) 

Wednesday, Sept 17th -- Find Rest In Me Alone, Dear One ...

FIND REST IN ME ALONE, DEAR ONE; YOUR hope comes from Me.  You have a restless mind. It skips and scampers about continually, rarely taking time to be still.  Listen, and you will hear Me saying, "Come to Me." I am the only resting place for your mind that will truly satisfy and strengthen you.  Take time -- make time -- to direct your thoughts to Me. Whisper My Name and wait in My sacred Presence.  You are on holy ground.  This provides refreshment not only for your mind but also for your soul.

True hope comes from Me.  False hope comes from many sources, including persuasive advertising. Ask Me to give you discernment as you seek to walk along a hopeful path.  Many voices call out to you:  "This is the way!"  Do  not be deceived; learn to be wise and alert when you are trying to process all the information shouting at you.  Break free from information overload by refocusing your thoughts on Me.  As you rest in My peaceful Presence, true hope grows within you.

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  Psalm 62:5; Matthew 11:28-29; Exodus 3:3-5 and Matthew 10:16



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)

Tuesday, Sept 16th -- I Enable You To Go On The Heights, To ...

I ENABLE YOU TO GO ON THE HEIGHTS, TO wander with Me in the Glory of My Presence. You may feel as if you can barely take the next step on this long journey upward.  As you look ahead, you see cliffs that seem impossible for you to climb.  Yet I am with you always, holding you by your right hand.  I guide you with My counsel, helping you find the best way to scale those heights. 

Though you are on a challenging -- at times, grueling -- journey with Me, it is much more than an endurance contest.  The fact that I am with you can infuse Joy into the steepest climb!  Be on the lookout for all the pleasures I have prepared for you, and take time to enjoy your devoted Companion.

You may think that "the heights" refers to the very top of the mountain you are climbing.  But if you stop and look back at how far up you have come, you'll realize you are already on a high place.  So relax a bit and gaze lovingly at Me.  The Glory of My Presence is all around you!

- Jesus 

Scripture Insight:  Habakkuk 3:19; Psalm 73:23-24; Isaiah 6:1-3

(Jesus Today / Sarah Young) 

Monday - Sept 15th -- Take Hold Of The Hope That I Offer To ...

TAKE HOLD OF THE HOPE THAT I OFFER TO you -- and be greatly encouraged.  The hope of heaven is your birthright as a Christian.  Many, many blessings flow out of that glorious promise into your present life in this world.  Notice, however, that take hold is an active verb -- requiring effort on your part.  As the apostle Paul taught, you need to press on toward the goal and live up to what you have already attained.  This requires you to exert yourself -- grasping onto the heavenly hope from which so many blessings flow.

One of those blessings is encouragement.  Be encouraged is a passive form of the verb.  You receive encouragement as a free gift from Me when you make the effort to hold on to your hope -- focusing on what I've already done (died for your sins), what I am doing (living in you), and what I will do (take you home to heaven).  I love to give good gifts in generous proportions.  So cling to hope, beloved, and you will be greatly encouraged.

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  Hebrews 6:18; Philippians 3:14-16 and Galatians 2:20



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)

Sunday, Sept 14th -- I Am Immanuel -- God With You -- And I Am ...

I AM IMMANUEL -- GOD WITH YOU -- AND I am enough!  When things in your life are flwoing smoothly, it is easy to trust in My sufficiency.  However, when you encounter rough patches -- one after another after another -- you may sometimes feel that My provision is inadequate.  This is when your mind tends to go into high gear; obsessing about ways to make things better.  There is nothing wrong with seeking solutions, but problem - solving can turn into an addiction:  your mind spinning with so many plans and possibilities that you become confused and exhausted.

To protect yourself from this mental exhaustion, you need to remind yourself that I am with you always, taking care of you.  It is possible to rejoice in Me -- to proclaim My sufficiency -- even during the most difficult times.  This is a supernatural work, empowered by My Spirit who lives in you.  It is also a decision that you make - day by day and moment by moment.  Choose to be joyful in Me, your Savior, for I am indeed enough!

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  Matthew 1:21-23; Matthew 28:20 and Habakkuk 3:17-18



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young) 

Saturday, Sept 13th - Lay Down Your Problems Long Enough To ...

LAY DOWN YOUR PROBLEMS LONG ENOUGH TO gaze at Me.  Picture yourself standing at the edge of an ocean, on a beach covered with pebbles.  The pebbles represent problems -- yours, your family's, your friends', the world's.  As you pick up these small stones and hold them close to your eyes -- examining their details -- they obscure your view of the grandeur all around you.   Usually, as soon as you put down one pebble problem, you pick up another.  Thus, you fail to enjoy the beauty of My Presence and to receive My help.

The ocean represents Me -- endlessly glorious and continually present with you.  I am calling you to put down all the pebbles for a time so that we can experience My Presence and receive My unfailing Love.  Draw near Me by praying, "I choose You, Jesus.  I choose to see You - to find You - in this moment."  Practice doing this until it becomes a habit: a delightful habit that will keep you close to Me on the path of Life.

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  Hebrews 3:1; Psalm 33:5; Hebrews 11:27; and Psalm 16:11



(Jesus Calling / Sarah Young)

You Can Rejoice In Your Sufferings, because ...

YOU CAN REJOICE IN YOUR SUFFERINGS, because you know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.  Problems that cause you pain can ultimately increase your hope.  However, this does not happen automatically.  You have to cooperate with My Spirit as He guides you through times of suffering.

Perseverance is a rare commodity in this day and age.  Most people look for and long for a quick fix. But lingering adversity -- accepted with trust and confidence in Me -- develops Christ-like character. This prepares you for an eternity of problem-free living with Me.  Your changed character will bless you and others in this world also, because I crafted you in My own image -- to be like Me.

The more you become like Me, the more you can experience hope.  Your transformed character convinces you that you do indeed belong to Me.  This helps you cope with the problems you face, trusting that you and I together can handle them.  And the wondrous hope of heaven shines on your daily, strengthening and encouraging you.

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  Romans 5:3-5; John 14:15-17 and Philippians 4:13



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young) 

I Am Taking Care Of You ...

I AM TAKING CARE OF YOU.  I know how hard this is to believe when conditions that are troubling you get worse instead of better.  It is easy to feel as if I am letting you down -- as if I really don't care about what you are going through.  You know I could instantly change your circumstances, and you can't understand why I seem to be so unresponsive to your prayers.  But I repeat:  I am taking care of you.

To become aware of My loving Presence, you need to relax and stop trying to control things.  Give up your futile efforts to think your way through your problems.  Fall back into My strong arms with a sigh of trust.  Cease striving and simply enjoy being in My Presence.  Though there are many things you do not understand, you can rest in My unfailing Love.  This Love is independent of all circumstances, and it will never be taken away from you.

Although My ways may be mysterious and unfathomable, My Love is perfect and everlasting.  Watch in hope for Me, remembering that I am God your Savior.

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  1 Peter 5:6-7; Psalm 46:10; Exodus 33:14 and Micah 7:7



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young) 

Take Time To Meditate On My Unfailing ...

TAKE TIME TO MEDITATE ON MY UNFAILING LOVE.  For I am your God forever and ever; I will be your Guide even to the end.  Ask the Holy Spirit to help you meditate on My loving Presence -- to bring your mind back to Me whenever it wanders.  Encourage yourself with the words of the patriarch Jacob:  Surely the Lord is in this place. Rejoice that I am your God forevermore -- today, tomorrow, and throughout all eternity.

I am also your Guide.  It is easy to be spooked by the future when you forget that I am leading you each step along your life path.  Ever since you trusted Me as Savior, My guiding Presence has been available to you.  I am training you to be increasingly aware of Me as you go about your daily activities.  You can draw near Me at any time simply by whispering My Name.  Later, when you have more time, bring Me your prayer and supplication with thanksgiving.  Relax in the wondrous assurance that I am your Guide even to the end.

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  Psalm 48:9-10, 14; Genesis 28:16; Philippians 4:6-7



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young) 

The World Abounds With Negative Things ...

THE WORLD ABOUNDS WITH NEGATIVE THINGS to think about.  Sometimes problems -- yours or others' -- seem to shout for your attention.  They can occupy more and more of your thinking, causing you to become weary and discouraged in your soul.  But remember: You can choose the subject of your thoughts.  Cry out to Me and I will help you.  Turn toward Me, letting My Light shine upon you.

Do not be defeated by wrong choices you have made in the past.  And don't let past decisions define who you are in the present.  Each moment provides a fresh opportunity to draw near Me and enjoy My Presence.  One way to do this is to pray, "Jesus, I choose to seek You in the midst of my problems."  Refuse to get discouraged, even if you have to say this hundreds of times daily.  In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world.  You can find Peace in Me.

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  Hebrews 12:3; Psalm 34:6-7 and John 16:33



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young) 

Monday, September 8th - I Have Good Plans For You ...

I HAVE GOOD PLANS FOR YOU:  I OFFER YOU hope and a future.  Many people fear the future, but ultimately yours is glorious -- beyond anything you can imagine!  Knowing that you are on your way to heaven is immensely important for your well - being.  This knowledge can help you every day, every moment of your life.  Though your residence in paradise is in the future, heavenly Light transcends time and shines upon you even in the present.

Because I paid the penalty for your sins, I am your Hope -- and I will never let you down.  No matter what is happening in your life, it is still realistic to hope in Me.  If you persist in trusting Me no matter what, you will again praise Me for the help of My Presence.  Moreover, you can anticipate, via faith, the blessing that is ahead of you and start praising Me even in the dark.  As you keep looking to Me in hope, My heavenly Light shines more brightly in your heart.  This is the Light of the knowledge of My Glory!

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  Jeremiah 29:11; Psalm 42:5; and 2 Corinthians 4:6



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)

Sunday, Sept 7th - My Unfailing Love Is Your "Fuel" ...

MY UNFAILING LOVE IS YOUR "FUEL" -- The best source of energy for you.  This glorious source of strength is limitless, so it is always abundantly available.  You tend to get quite focused on your health and energy.  There is a place for such concerns, but they can occupy more and more of your thoughts.  When you are preoccupied with the condition of your body, I slip from the center of your mind to the periphery.  At such times, you are unable to receive much help from Me.  The remedy is to repent quickly -- turning away from obsessive thinking and turning whole-heartedly toward Me.

The more you focus on Me, the more access you have to My unfailing Love.  This supernatural source of energy flows through you freely as you look to Me in trust.  Not only does this increase your energy level; it also provides a pathway for Me to love other people through you.  So let My limitless Love energize and empower you as you walk along your life-path close to Me.

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  Psalm 33:5; Philippians 4:4; Colossians 1:29 and 1 John 4:15



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young) 

Saturday, Sept 6th - Keep Returning Your Focus To Me

KEEP RETURNING YOUR FOCUS TO ME!  I am always thinking about you and watching everything that concerns you.  You, however, are only human, and you will lose sight of Me at times. I know how hard it is for you to stay focused on Me, especially when you are feeling weak or weary.  So give yourself grace whenever you realize your mind and heart have wandered from Me.  And waste no time in returning to Me by praising Me in thought, word, or song.  Even whispering My Name -- reverently, lovingly -- can be worship.

Let Me have all your worries and cares.  This may sound easy, but it is not; you are accustomed to worry-thoughts roaming freely in your brain.  So you must train yourself to bring all your cares into My Presence, trusting Me to help you.  Remember that you are never alone in your struggles:  I am always aware of you and your circumstances.  I can help you because I have all authority in heaven and on earth.  As you come into My Presence, let go of your worries and cares -- so you can cling to Me in childlike trust.

-- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  1 Peter 5:7; Matthew 28:18 and Matthew 18:1-4



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)

Friday, September 5th - You Are On An Adventurous Trail With ...

YOU ARE ON AN ADVENTUROUS TRAIL WITH Me.  This is not an easy time, but it is nonetheless good -- full of blessings as well as struggles.  Be open to learning all that I want to teach you as you journey through challenging terrain.  And be willing to let go of familiar comforts so you can say a wholehearted "Yes"! to this adventure.

I will give you everything you need to cope with the challenges you face.  Don't waste energy projecting yourself into the future -- trying to walk through those "not yet" times in your mind.  This is a form of unbelief.   I have unlimited resources to provide what you need, including a vast army of angels at My beck and call.

Pray continuously as you make decisions about this journey.  I can help you make wise choices because I know everything -- including what lies ahead on your path.  Your mind makes various plans about your way, but I am the One who directs your steps and makes them sure.

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  Deuteronomy 29:29; Psalm 91:11-12; 1 Thessalonians 5:17 and Proverbs 16:9



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young) 

Thursday, Sept 4th - I Give Strength To My People ...

I GIVE STRENGTH TO MY PEOPLE; I BLESS MY people with Peace.  "My people" are all those who trust Me as their Savior - God.  My death on the cross for your sins was sufficient to provide everlasting Life because I am truly God.  So rest assured that the One who provides eternal Life will also give you strength.

When you are feeling weak, don't waste energy worrying about whether you can cope with the challenges you face.  I know better than what is on the path before you, and I stand ready to help -- every step of the way.  Having bought you with My own blood, I have a huge vested interest in you.

Because you are Mine, I want to bless you with My Peace.  The Peace I give you is not as the world gives; it can coexist with the most difficult situations because it is transcendent.  It rises above both your circumstances and your understanding -- and it can lift you up too!

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  Psalm 29:11; John 3:16; John 14:27 and Philippians 4:7



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young) 

Wednesday, Sept 3rd - I Call You To Lead The Life That I Have ...

I CALL YOU TO LEAD THE LIFE THAT I HAVE assigned to you, and to be content.  Beware of comparing your situation with that of someone else -- and feeling dissatisfied because of the comparison.  It is also harmful to compare your circumstances with what they used to be or with fantasies that bear little resemblance to reality.  Instead, make every effort to accept as your calling the life I have assigned to you.  This perspective helps take the sting out of even the harshest circumstances.  If I have called you to a situation, I will give you everything you need to endure it -- and even to find Joy in the midst of it.

Learning to be content is both a discipline and an art:  You train your mind to trust My Sovereign ways with you -- bowing before My mysterious, infinite intelligence.  You search for Me in the details of your day, all the while looking for good to emerge from trouble and confusion.  You accept the way things are without losing hope for a better future.  And you rejoice in the hope of heaven, knowing that indescribably joyful Life is your ultimate calling!

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  1 Corinthians 7:17; Philippians 4:12; and Romans 11:33-36



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)

Tuesday, Sept 2nd - I Am A Shield For All Who Take Refuge In ...

I AM A SHIELD FOR ALL WHO TAKE REFUGE IN Me.  So come close to Me and hover under the umbrella of My shielding Presence.  

You sometimes feel unprotected and exposed to dangers. This happens when you crawl out from under My protective Presence and try to face the world on your own.  You do this unconsciously, whenever you forget the essential truth that I am with you.  The fear you feel at such times can alert you to what has happened, and the remedy is simple:  Take refuge in Me.

Shielding you from dangers is part of My job description because I am Your Shepherd.  I am vigilant, and I know exactly what is on the path ahead of you.  I anticipate perilous situations and prepare you for them.  A masterful shepherd can often take care of trouble so skillfully that his sheep remain blissfully unaware of it.  So it is wise to choose carefully the one whom you will follow -- your 'shepherd."  I am the only absolutely Good Shepherd.  Follow Me and My ways; let Me protect you from danger and from fear.

- Jesus 

Scripture Insight:  2 Samuel 22:31; Psalm 23:1-4 and John 10:11, 14-15

(Jesus Today / Sarah Young) 

Monday, Sept 1st - Walk In The Light Of My Presence

WALK IN THE LIGHT OF MY PRESENCE -- rejoicing in My Name all day long, exulting in My righteousness.  This world is increasingly dark, but the Light of My Presence is as bright as ever.  In fact, My Glory shines more vividly against the dark backdrop of evil.  When Christlike goodness collides with worldly vileness, be on the lookout for miracles!  This collision of spiritual opposites creates atmospheric conditions that are conducive to My powerful interventions.

No matter how difficult your circumstances may be, you can still rejoice in My Name.  The essence of all that I am is distilled into this one word:  Jesus.  You can use My Name as a whispered prayer, as a praise, as a protection -- and it never loses its potency.  Even in the darkest situations, you can exult -- rejoice jubilantly -- in my righteousness!  Nothing can tarnish this righteousness, which I have woven into shining garments of salvation for you to wear forever.  This is how you walk in My Light:  by making full use of My holy Name and by wearing the robe of righteousness joyfully.

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  Psalm 89:15-16; Philippians 2:9-11 and Isaiah 61:10



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)