I Am Christ In You, The Hope Of ...

I AM CHRIST IN YOU, THE HOPE OF Glory.  The Messiah - the Savior of the world - lives in you!  This promise is for all who have faith in Me.  I dwell in your hearts through faith.  This amazing blessing is a work of My Spirit in your inner being.  The more you trust Me, the more you can enjoy My indwelling Presence - and the more effectively I can live through you.

In a world that may seem increasingly hopeless, remember that I am the hope of Glory.  This hope is ultimately about heaven, where you will live with Me forever.  But the Light of heaven's Glory is so brilliant that some of its rays can reach you even in the present - no matter how dark your circumstances may appear.  I am the Light that shines on in the darkness, for the darkness has never overpowered it.  As you follow Me along your life-path, clothed in My righteousness, this Light shines brighter and brighter until full day.

- Jesus


(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)


Scripture Insight:  Colossians 1:27; Ephesians 3:16-17; John 1:5 and
Proverbs 4:18

If You Have A Problem That Comes And ...

IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM THAT COMES AND goes over a long period of time, you may start dreading its recurrence.  This reaction only makes matters worse.  When the painful situation returns, you tend to feel tense and defeated.  You begin to judge each day  that this circumstance is present as a bad day.  This is a hurtful, negative focus.

Let me suggest a better way:  When the problem is absent or minimal, rejoice and thank Me continually - as often as you can remember.  If the problem is present, look to Me and affirm your trust in Me.  Ask My Spirit to help you persevere and keep your focus on Me.  In doing so, you connect a positive thing -- trusting Me -- with something you previously considered quite negative.

If you do this consistently, you will find you are in a win-win situation.  More importantly, you will no longer be letting your circumstances dictate the quality of your life.  Rejoice and be glad-hearted continually.  Be unceasing in prayer - praying perseveringly.   Thank Me in everything - no matter what the circumstances may be.

- Jesus


(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)


Scripture Insight: Romans 12:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 and
Psalm 143:8

My Word Is Living And Powerful; It Is ...

MY WORD IS LIVING AND POWERFUL; IT IS a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.  Because Scripture is alive, active and full of Power, it can touch hearts deeply and transform lives thoroughly.  I have changed your life through the wonders of biblical truth.  My Word is continually at work in you, transforming you in the depths of your being.  The more Scripture you have in your mind and heart, the more readily I can mold you.

Growing in grace is all about transformation - becoming more like Me.  I never change:  I am the same yesterday, today, and forever.  So you are the one who needs to change - to be molded increasingly into My likeness.  This is a glorious adventure and an awesome privilege!  Yet it is also painful at times.  Change always involves some loss, and it can trigger anxiety.  The remedy is to cling to My hand - walking with Me in trusting dependence along the path I've prepared for you.  My Word is a lamp to your feet and a light for your path.

- Jesus



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)


Scripture Insight: Hebrews 4:12; Hebrews 13:8; Romans 8:29 and
Psalm 119:105

Sun 10-26 Waiting Is An Inescapable Part Of Life In ...

WAITING IS AN INESCAPABLE PART OF LIFE IN this world.  One of the hardest times to wait is during the night, if you are having trouble sleeping.  As the darkness drags on while you're watching for the first rays of sunlight, you can identify with watchmen waiting for the morning.  However, no matter how long the night may feel, dawn eventually comes.  Since I created an orderly world, you can count on the rising of the sun.

There is much to learn from this pattern of expectant waiting followed by the dawning of a new day.  People who are struggling with long-term problems may feel as if their suffering  will go on interminably.   But for My children there is every reason to be hopeful, even while circumstances remain dark.  Relief will come!  I can change situations and relieve suffering in an instant.  Moreover, each of My followers is on a pathway leading to heaven.

Just as the night sometimes seems terribly long, yet always ends in dawn, so your journey through this world - no matter how long and hard it seems - will definitely end in Glory!

- Jesus


(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)



Scripture Insight: Psalm 130:5-6; Psalm 17:15; Ephesians 3:20-21 and
Isaiah 60:19

Sat 10-25 My Peace Is A Soft, Soothing Pillow For ...

MY PEACE IS A SOFT, SOOTHING PILLOW FOR your weary head.  Pry your mind away from plans and problems so you can rest in My healing Presence.  Whisper, "I trust You, Jesus," while you relax - body, mind and soul - in My protective Presence.  If anxious thoughts try to intrude you, give them over to Me with thanksgiving.  Be grateful that I understand about you and your circumstances; also, I love you eternally and take care of you continually.  Instead of pondering your problems, let these precious truths renew your mind.  They will set you free.

As you refresh yourself in My peaceful Presence - trusting and thanking Me - I go to work on your behalf.  While you stay in communication with Me, I show you the way forward.  I may open up a way that previously seemed blocked, or I may take you along a new path altogether.  Remember that you are never alone in your struggles. You have a Helper who is infinitely powerful, tenderly loving, and wise beyond all understanding.  So rejoice!

- Jesus


(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)



Scripture Insight: Exodus 33:14; Philippians 4:4-7; John 8:31-32 and
John 15:26

Be Of Good Courage, And I Will Strengthen ...

BE OF GOOD COURAGE, AND I WILL STRENGTHEN your heart.  I want you to face adversity with confidence and firm determination.  Because I am with you and the Holy Spirit lives in you, you have everything you need to be bold.  Cowardliness is not of My kingdom.  When you are feeling overwhelmed by your circumstances, remember who you are - a child of the eternal King!  Invite Me into the very circumstances that are intimidating  you, and let the Light of My powerful Presence strengthen you.  When you choose to live courageously, I am pleased.  And I respond by strengthening your heart, thus increasing your valor.

Expect to encounter hardships as you journey toward heaven, because you live in a very broken world.  This is why bravery is desperately needed among My followers.  You also need hope.  My promise to strengthen your heart is for those who hope in Me.  Courage and hope are closely connected in My kingdom.  So I urge you to hold on to your courage and your hope.  They are more precious than gold!

- Jesus


(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)


Scripture Insight: Psalm 31:24; Romans 8:15-17; 1 Timothy 1:17 and
Hebrews 3:6
 

Be Self-Controlled - Putting On Faith And ...

BE SELF-CONTROLLED - PUTTING ON FAITH AND love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.  Self-control definitely involves struggle as you exert your will to abstain from ungodly behavior.  Nonetheless, there is abundant help available to you in this battle.  My Spirit, who lives within you, is your Helper.  And the fruit of the Spirit is love ... self-control.

A breastplate is designed to protect your heart and other vital organs when you are in battle.  Faith and love combine to make an exceptionally effective breastplate.  Your faith in Me, your Savior, enables you to trust in My righteousness, which is yours now and always.  Love is the essence of My redeeming relationship with you.  The hope of salvation makes a wonderful helmet because it protects your mind and reminds you that you belong to Me forever.

Faith, hope and love all work together to shield you as you journey through this world.  They also keep you close to Me.

- Jesus



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)


Scripture Insight:  1 Thessalonians 5:8; Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 6:14-15 and 1 Corinthians 13:13

Direct Your Thoughts To Me More And ...

DIRECT YOUR THOUGHTS TO ME MORE AND more.  When you are working on a challenging project, you tend to seek My Face and My help frequently.  This pleases Me - and it enhances the work you are doing.  There is a delightful rhythm about this:  You look to Me in a listening mode; then you act with the help of My Spirit.  This is repeated over and over as you and I collaborate on the project.  Being attentive to Me takes sustained effort, but this collaborative way of doing things does not drain you.

I encourage you to live more  and more of your life in this way.  When the task before you is less challenging, you tend to be less attentive to Me.  You may even forget about Me for a while as your mind slips toward neutral.  You forget that you live in a world at war - with an enemy that never rests.  This is why the apostle Paul admonishes Christians to be alert and always keep on praying.

The more you direct your thoughts to Me, the more alive you feel.  This prayer - privilege is not a chore.  It's a joyous lifeline!

- Jesus



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)


Scripture Insight: Psalm 105:3; John 10:27-28; Mark 9:7-8 and Ephesians 6:18

I Am As Near As A Whispered Prayer ...

I AM AS NEAR AS A WHISPERED PRAYER:  listening attentively even to your softest utterance.  People who are in love like to be near each other - usually as close as possible.  Often they whisper words of endearment to each other, words that no one else can hear.  This sort of closeness, with hushed words of love, is always available to you in your relationship with Me.  I am near to all who call on Me, even if your call is the faintest whisper.  This promise is for all who call on Me in truth - who know Me as the Truth.

Of course, I respond also to silent prayers, but whispering your words can help you feel closer to Me.  Hearing your own voice - however faintly - reinforces your connection with Me.  It strengthens your awareness of My unseen Presence and draws you into My loving embrace.  Although I rarely speak audibly to My children, you can hear My gentle whispers in your heart.  Hear Me saying, "I am with you.  I love you.  I will never leave you or forsake you."

- Jesus


Scripture Insight: Psalm 145:18; John 14:6; Joshua 1:5 and 1 Kings 19:11-12 





(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)

My Ways Are Very Mysterious At Times ...

MY WAYS ARE VERY MYSTERIOUS AT TIMES, even to those who know Me intimately.  It's temping for My followers to try to control the circumstances of their lives by being good enough.  They may not even realize this is motivating their behavior.  But when circumstances come crashing down around them - sometimes in tragic ways - they may feel as if I have let them down.

You must leave room for mystery in your worldview - accepting the limitations of your understanding and knowledge.  I will never be predictable or controllable, but I am trustworthy.  When adversity strikes you or your loved ones, remember the words of Job:
"The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away.  Blessed be the name of the Lord."

Though Job faltered at times during his excruciating ordeal, at the end of it he confessed, "Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know." Likewise, I urge you to view matters you cannot understand as divine mysteries: things too wonderful for you to know.

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  1 Timothy 3:16; Job 1:20-22 and Job 42:3



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)

Sometimes Your Journey Through This World Is ...

SOMETIMES YOUR JOURNEY THROUGH THIS WORLD IS wearisome.  You feel as if you have been plodding uphill wearing heavy clothing, and you don't want to take another step.  At such times you need to stop and re-center your thoughts on Me.  Remember that I am your constant Companion, eager to help you take the next step - and then the next.  You have to take only one at a time!  Instead of staring grimly into the future, dreading the journey ahead of you, direct your focus to the present and to My Presence with you.

As you walk with Me along your life-path, let the hope of heaven shine brightly on you, lighting up your perspective dramatically.  Though the way ahead may be steep and difficult, the end of your journey is stunningly glorious -- beyond description!  And every moment you are getting closer to your heavenly home.  As you look to Me in faith - trusting in My finished work on the cross - the Light of heaven's hope shines upon you and brightens the path just before you.

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  Matthew 11:28; Romans 8:24-25; 2 Timothy 4:18 and Psalm 89:15



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)

Cast All Your Cares On Me, For I Am ...

CAST ALL YOUR CARES ON ME, FOR I AM watching over you.  I am actually a very good Catcher, so throw Me your cares - your anxieties and concerns -- with abandon.  As soon as you release those worrisome things, you can breathe a sign of relief and refresh yourself in My loving Presence.  It doesn't matter if you have to do this many times each day -- and sometimes during the night too. I am always awake, ready to catch your cares and bear your burdens.

Because I am infinitely powerful, bearing your burdens does not weigh Me down at all.  In fact, I enjoy this game of catch very much because I see your load becoming lighter and your face becoming brighter.  No matter how much you throw at Me, I never miss!  So refuse to let your worries weigh you down.  Remember that I am with you -- ready to help with whatever you are facing. Instead of mulling over your problems, look to Me lightheartedly and say, "Catch, Jesus!"  Then fling your cares into My strong, waiting hands.

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  1 Peter 5:7; Psalm 139:23; Psalm 121:5-8 and Psalm 68:19



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)

I Am God Your Savior - I Guide You And ...

I AM GOD YOUR SAVIOR - I GUIDE YOU AND teach you, so put your hope in Me all day long.  I guide you according to My truth, and I teach you important lessons as you follow the path I've prepared for you.  Because I am both your Savior and your God, I'm able to help you with the obstacles you will encounter.  Your difficulties can even be blessings when they draw you into deeper dependence on Me.

It is important to have your hope in Me all day long.  It's easy to be confident and trusting sometimes - when you are well rested and things are going smoothly. However, when things get hectic or unpleasant, you often forget the object of your hope:  Me.  Yet this is when you need Me the most!  So make it your goal to keep your eyes on Me all day long.  You won't be able to do this perfectly, but it is a worthy goal - one that gives focus to your thoughts.  It also helps you enjoy My Presence as you go along the path of Life.

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  Psalm 25:5; James 1:2 and Psalm 16:8-9, 11



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)

I Brought You Out Into A Spacious Place ...

I BROUGHT YOU OUT INTO A SPACIOUS PLACE.  I rescued you because I delighted in you.  No matter what your circumstances, if you belong to Me, you are in a spacious place of salvation.  You may be feeling cramped in your current situation, but your salvation is an ever-expanding gift.  My Spirit lives inside you, and He is always working to sanctify you - making you more like Me.  This is an inner expansion, and it will continue till I call you home to Glory.

Heaven is a wondrously spacious place; you will never feel camped or frustrated there.  I will wipe away every tear from the eyes of My people.  There will be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying, and no more pain.  Everything and everyone in heaven will be perfect.  My limitless ocean of Love will wash over you and fill you to overflowing.  You will finally be able to love Me - and other people - with perfect Love untainted by sin.  This heavenly experience will continue to expand in ever-increasing gladness throughout eternity.

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  2 Samuel 22:20; Psalm 73:24 and Revelation 21:3-4



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)

Set Priorities In Your Life According To ...

SET PRIORITIES IN YOUR LIFE ACCORDING TO My will.  You will not be able to do all the things you want to do -- or all the things other people would like you to do.  Setting priorities helps you make good decisions about what gets done and what does not.

Your time and energy are limited, so you may be able to accomplish only a small percentage of what you would like to do or feel that you "should" do.  Therefore, seek My Face and My will as you look at the possibilities before you.  Let biblical principles and promises guide you in determining what is most important.

Being intentional in this way will help you make the best use of your time and energy.  It will also protect you from feeling anxious or guilty about all the things you are not doing.  In order to do something well, you need to feel at peace about the many other things you could be doing -- but are not.  When you have set your priorities according to My will, you can relax and focus on accomplishing what I deem important.  As you seek to please Me above all else, you will grow more and more into the workmanship -- the masterpiece -- I created you to be.

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  Psalm 105:4; Psalm 119:103-105 and Ephesians 2:10



Jesus Today / Sarah Young

Your Light And Momentary Troubles Are ...

YOUR LIGHT AND MOMENTARY TROUBLES ARE achieving for you an eternal Glory that far outweighs them all.  The Greek word the apostle Paul used for light means "a weightless trifle."  Yet he had endured tremendous affliction:   He had been imprisoned, beaten, and stoned - received thirty-nine lashes five times, was beaten with rods three times.  He had been shipwrecked three times and spent a day and a night adrift at sea.  He had often been hungry, thirsty, and cold.  Yet Paul considered his massive troubles a weightless trifle because he was comparing them with eternal Glory.  I am training you to view your problems this way too - from an eternal perspective.

I don't waste anything in your life, including your suffering.  I use it to teach you important lessons here and now.  But there is more:  Your troubles are also accomplishing something in heavenly realms.  They are achieving eternal Glory - contributing to the reward you will receive in heaven.  However, for that to happen, you need to handle well the adversity in your life, trusting Me no matter what.  When troubles are weighing you down, try to view them as momentary, weightless trifles that are producing Glory!

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  2 Corinthians 4:17 and 2 Corinthians 11:24-27



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)

I Have Come So That You May Have Life ...

I HAVE COME SO THAT YOU MAY HAVE LIFE -- and have it more abundantly.  The chief purpose of My incarnation was to secure eternal Life for you.  However, I also want you to live abundantly today - and all your days.  To do this, you need to remember Whose you are and who you are.  You belong to Me, the Creator and Sustainer of the universe.  And you are  My beloved child, adopted into My royal family.  Adoption is a forever - transaction:  I have not hired you as My employee.  I have made you a permanent member of My family.

Don't let the familiarity of these truths lull you into sleepwalking through your days.  I, your faithful Guide, am more vibrantly alive than you can fathom!  As you stay close to Me, some of My Life "rubs off" on you - awakening your heart so you can live more fully.  This helps you see that you are on an adventurous journey with Me -- where you make a difference, where your choices significantly impact the world.  And I, your God, will be your Guide even to the end.

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  John 10:7-10; Romans 8:16 and Psalm 48:14



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)

Hold Unswervingly To The Hope You ...

HOLD UNSWERVINGLY TO THE HOPE YOU profess, for I am faithful.  Sometimes - especially when many  things are going wrong - all you can do is hold on to Me.  You would love to sort things out in your mind and find a way to go forward, but often this is impossible.  The best thing to do at such times is seek My Face and profess your hope.

To profess hope is to affirm it openly.  Your words matter!  They make a difference, not only to other people but also to you.  They have a strong influence on your physical and emotional well-being.  Negative words will pull you down.  But when you openly affirm your hope and trust in Me, you gain strength to move forward with confidence.

The basis of this confidence is that I am faithful.  Moreover, I will not let you be tempted beyond your ability to endure.  Sometimes the way of escape I provide is through your own words, such as:  "I trust you, Jesus; my hope is in You."  This sort of affirmation helps you hold on to your hope unswervingly - persistently.

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  Hebrews 10:23; Psalm 27:7-8 and 1 Corinthians 10:13



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)

You Are Holy And Blameless In My Sight

YOU ARE HOLY AND BLAMELESS IN MY SIGHT.  Let these words of blessing sink into your heart, mind and spirit. You may find it hard to believe this amazing truth because you know that you fall short of My holy standard every single day.  Indeed, you are not holy and blameless in yourself, and you will never be sinless in this life.  Nonetheless, in My sight you are gloriously righteous.  When you trusted Me as Savior, you gave Me all your sins -- past, present and future -- and I gave you My perfect righteousness.  This is an eternal exchange, securing your place in My royal family forever.

This was a most costly transaction for Me.  Your redemption, the forgiveness of sins, was accomplished through My blood -- poured out freely because I love you.  I want you to ponder how wide and long and high and deep is this vast ocean of Love I have for you.  As you spend time in My Presence -- opening your heart to Me -- you are able to receive more and more of this Love that surpasses knowledge!

- Jesus

Scripture Insight::  Ephesians 1:4; Ephesians 1:7 and Ephesians 3:16-19



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)

Hope And Courage Go Hand In Hand

HOPE AND COURAGE GO HAND IN HAND.  When you are waiting, waiting, waiting for longed-for answers to prayer, it takes courage to continue hoping in Me.  The world, the flesh, and the devil all tell you it's easier to just give up and give in to dull disappointment.  In a sense, this is true.  To keep praying with positive expectation requires a lot of effort and perseverance; giving up is momentarily easier.  However, a resigned, I give-up attitude is always hurtful in the long-run.  Often, this leads to cynicism -- and eventually despair.  So it's well worth the effort to keep your hopefulness alive. 

Courage comes from the French word for "heart."  Since I live in your heart, you can call upon Me to help you live courageously - facing adversity or danger with confidence and determination.  I am well aware of your circumstances, and I take pleasure in helping you cope with them.  So stand firm in My strength, beloved, refusing to give in or give up.  I take pleasure in you always, but especially when you are bravely hoping in My steadfast Love.

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  Deuteronomy 31:6; Ephesians 1:18-19 and Psalm 147:11



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)

I Am Able To Do Immeasurably More Than ...

I AM ABLE TO DO IMMEASURABLY MORE THAN all you ask or imagine. So think big when you pray, but remember that I always think bigger!  I am continually at work in your life, even when you can see nothing happening.  It's easy for you to feel stuck in a situation you'd like to change because you can see only the present moment.  But I look at the big picture -- all the moments of your life -- and I am doing more than you can imagine. 

Try to stay in communication with Me as you go through this day.  You can talk with Me about anything because I understand you perfectly.  The easiest way to keep in touch is to begin each day with Me -- bringing Me your praises and requests.  Then, as you get into your activities, it's more natural to continue talking with Me.

The longer you wait to start communicating with Me, the more effort it will take.  So come to Me early, before you get too far into your day.  You may think you cannot spare the time for this, but remember that you don't handle things alone.  You work collaboratively with the One who can do far more than you ask or imagine.

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  Ephesians 3:20; Psalm 93:1-2 and Psalm 5:3




(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)

The Alpha And Omega, The ...

I AM THE ALPHA AND OMEGA, THE Beginning and the End, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.  This planet you inhabit is in such a big mess that sometimes you feel overwhelmed.  Just watching the news on television can make you anxious.  World events and economics seem to be spinning out of control more and more.  This is why it's so very important to focus on Me and consider who I am:  the Beginning and the End.  I -- the Creator of this plant -- transcend time.  I know the end of the world's story just as well as I know its beginning.

I not only know how everything will turn out, but I am absolutely Sovereign.  I am the Almighty; nothing is beyond My control.  The more helpless you feel as you face the challenges in your life, the more comforting it is to trust that I am all-powerful.  Remember that I am also compassionate.  I am the Lord who comforts His people and will have compassion on His afflicted ones.  You can transcend your troubles because I am both powerful and compassionate.  So you have good reason to rejoice; sometimes you may even burst into song!

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  Revelation 1:8; Psalm 91:1-2 and Isaiah 49:13



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)

I Give Strength To The Weary & Increase ...

I GIVE STRENGTH TO THE WEARY & INCREASE the power of the weak.  You live in a world where weakness is often pitied - or even despised.  People spend vast amounts of time, energy, and money on efforts to strengthen their bodies.  They also use various stimulants to avoid or disguise weariness.  However, weakness and weariness are simply part of the reality of living in a fallen world -- and in a fallen body.

I invite you to come into My Presence confidently, with all your weariness and weakness.   I have experiential understanding of fatigue because I lived in your world for thirty-three years.  You can let down your guard with Me and admit how tired you really are.

Take time just to be with Me -- basking in the Light of My Love.  As My Face shines upon you, I bless you and give you Peace.  Do not skimp on this time with Me, for I use it to strengthen you spiritually, emotionally, and physically.  Lift up wide-open arms, seeking My Presence in the present moment.  Be prepared to  receive abundantly - Joy, Peace, unfailing Love. 

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  Isaiah 40:29-31; Numbers 6:25-26 and Psalm 31:16




(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)

Watch In Hope For Me. Wait For Me -

WATCH IN HOPE FOR ME.  WAIT FOR ME - YOUR Savior; I will hear you.  Your hope derives from the rock-solid fact that I am God your Savior.  If I were only a human savior, my sacrificial life could not save your from your sins.  If I were truly God but unwilling to become a human Redeemer, you have no Savior.  But since I am your Savior - God, you have every reason to watch in hope!

Look carefully for evidence of My working in your life circumstances.  Do not grow weary in your waiting; trust that indeed I will hear you.  In fact, I always hear your prayers - and also the Spirit's groanings for you which cannot be uttered.  Believe that I am with you in the midst of your circumstances and that I am working on your behalf.  Breathe in deep draughts of My calming Presence; fill yourself up with My Peace.  Finally, hope in thinking about who I AM:  I am He  who will sustain you; I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  Micah 7:7; Romans 8:26 and Isaiah 46:4



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)

Let My Unfailing Love Be Your Comfort

LET MY UNFAILING LOVE BE YOUR COMFORT.  Something that brings you comfort should be dependable, and My Love will never fail you. My soothing Presence is always with you, but to receive the full benefits of this blessing, you need to trust Me wholeheartedly.  Comfort is not only for your blessing but for your empowerment.  When you feel secure in My Love, you are strengthened -- and able to do the things I've prepared for you to do.

Love and comfort go together ever so naturally. When a small child needs comforting, the best remedy is often soothing words and a gentle kiss.  Young children instinctively turn to their parents in such times of need, and you do well to learn from their example.  When you are hurting, come to Me for comfort.  Rest in Me, My child, and enjoy the gentle kiss of My Presence.  Listen to Me as I rejoice over you with singing.  To benefit fully from My comforting words, memorize scripture that will assure you of My Love.  Remember, I love you always -- with an Everlasting Love.

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  Psalm 119:76; Zephaniah 3:17 and Jeremiah 31:3



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)

Enter My Gates With Thanksgiving And My ...

ENTER MY GATES WITH THANKSGIVING AND My courts with praise.  A thankful heart is a joyful heart, and this is what I want for you.  When you neglect the sacrifices of thanksgiving, your soul suffers.

Many of My children who live in impoverished nations are more joyful than Christians in "rich" countries with material abundance.  Even the greatest blessings can fail to bring Joy unless they are received with gratitude.

I am training you to thank Me not only for obvious blessings but also for situations you would never have chosen -- a wayward child or spouse; loss of health, home or employment.  This is counterintuitive thankfulness, and it is possible only to the extent that you trust Me at a deep level.  It is also a matter of self-discipline:  willing yourself to thank Me even when your circumstances are screaming at you to find a way out.  Though it is wise to look for ways to improve your situation, you cannot force My hand -- or My timing.  Just keep coming into My Presence with thanksgiving.  Your persistent thankfulness may actually provide the long awaited key I will use to unlock major difficulties in your life.  Giving thanks to Me can open doors in ways that transcend your understanding.

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  Psalm 100:4-5; Psalm 107:21-22 and John 16:22




(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)

Rejoice In The Hope Of My Glory ...

REJOICE IN THE HOPE OF MY GLORY.  Even though many people use the word hope to denote wishful thinking.  My Glory-hope rings with the certainty of absolute truth!  I have promised that all My children will share My Glory, and I intend to keep that promise.  Moreover, I have all the Power I need -- infinite Power -- to enable Me to do so.

The nature of hope is that it refers to something in the future, something not yet.  So you need to wait patiently for Me to fulfill My promises.  If patience is not your strong point, remember that it is a fruit of the Spirit to help you wait hopefully in My Presence.  Waiting is often a boring task unless you have something interesting to do or  someone interesting to be with.  When you wait in My Presence, rejoice that you are in the company of the Creator and Sustainer of the universe.  I am infinitely more brilliant and creative than you can imagine.  Delight yourself in this awesome privilege of being with Me now and throughout eternity.

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  Romans 5:1-2; Romans 8:18; Galatians 5:22-23 and Psalm 37:4



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)

All Things Were Created By ...

ALL THINGS WERE CREATED BY ME:  Things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible.  I am your Creator as well as your Savior.  Every breath you breathe is a gift from Me.  So it is wise to begin each day thanking Me for the precious gift of life, regardless of how you are feeling.  This act of thankfulness connects you with Me -- your living Savior -- and helps you find your way through the day.

In Me all things hold together.  Your life often feels fragmented, with many things pulling you this way and that.  Your time and energy permit you to do only a small percentage of the possibilities that are beckoning you.  So you need to set priorities and do the most important things first.  I will help you with this as you stay in communication with Me.  The more you bring your thoughts and plans to Me -- seeking My guidance -- the more effectively I can show you the way forward.  Since all things hold together in Me, your life holds together better when there is more of Me in it.

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  Colossians 1:16-17; Psalm 32:8 and Psalm 143:8



(Jesus Today / Sarah Young)

I Am Good -- A Refuge In Times Of Trouble

I AM GOOD -- A REFUGE IN TIMES OF TROUBLE. I care for those who trust in Me.  Even though you inhabit a world full of trouble.  I assure you that I am completely, 100 percent good!  I am light, and in Me there is no darkness at all.  Seek in Me the perfection you have longed for all your life.

Because of the brokenness of this world, you always need a refuge -- but especially in times of trouble.  When you are hurting, I yearn to shelter you in My powerful, loving Presence.  So turn to Me in tough times, and you will find Me faithful.

Many of My children fail to receive My help during difficult times because they don't really trust Me.  When adversity strikes, they either lash out angrily at Me or become so focused on  their problems that they forget I am with them.  An essential element of trusting Me is remembering My promise to be with you always.  Trust in Me, My child, and I will take care of you.

- Jesus

Scripture Insight:  Nahum 1:7; 1 John 1:5; Psalm 56:3; Matthew 28:19-20



(Jesus  Calling / Sarah Young)