Good morning, The Bible Recap Reading: Ezekiel 16-17 The Bible Recap Podcast: Day 243 Jesus Calling: August 31st Jesus Calling Devotional, Sarah Young Grow strong in your weakness. Some of My children I've gifted with abundant strength and stamina. Others, like you, have received the humble gift of frailty. Your fragility is not a punishment, nor does it indicate lack of faith. On the contrary, weak ones like you must live by faith, depending on Me to get you through the day. I am developing your ability to trust Me, to lean on Me, rather than on your understanding. Your natural preference is to plan out your day, knowing what will happen when. My preference is for you to depend on Me continually, trusting Me to guide you and strengthen you as needed. This is how you grow strong in your weakness. Proverbs 3:5 (NLT) 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Have a blessed day!
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Good morning, The Bible Recap Reading: Ezekiel 13-15) The Bible Recap Podcast: Day 242 Jesus Calling: August 30th Jesus Calling Devotional, Sarah Young There is no place so desolate that you cannot find Me there. When Hagar fled from her mistress, Sarah, into the wilderness, she thought she was utterly alone and forsaken. But Hagar encountered Me in that desolate place. There she addressed Me as the Living One who sees me. Through that encounter with My Presence, she gained courage to return to her mistress. No act of circumstances could ever isolate you from My loving Presence. Not only do I see you always; I see you as a redeemed saint, gloriously radiant in My righteousness. That is why I take great delight in you and rejoice over you with singing! Psalm 139:7-10 (NLT) 7 I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! 8 If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. 9 If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, 10 even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me. Have a blessed day! Good morning, The Bible Recap Reading: Ezekiel 9-12 The Bible Recap Podcast: Day 241 Jesus Calling: August 29th Demonstrate your trust in Me by sitting quietly in My Presence. Put aside all that is waiting to be done, and refuse to worry about anything. This sacred time together strengthens you and prepares you to face whatever the day will bring. By waiting with Me before you begin the day's activities, you proclaim the reality of My Living Presence. This act of faith--waiting before working--is noted in the spirit world, where your demonstration of trust weakens principalities and powers of darkness. The most effective way to resist evil is to draw near Me. When you need to take action, I will guide you clearly through My Spirit and My Word. The world is so complex and overstimulating that you can easily lose your sense of direction. Doing countless unnecessary activities will dissipate your energy. When you spend time with Me, I restore your sense of direction. As you look to Me for guidance, I enable you to do less but accomplish more. Ephesians 6:12 (NLT) 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Have a blessed day! Good morning, The Bible Recap Reading: Ezekiel 5-8 The Bible Recap Podcast: Day 240 Jesus Calling: August 28th Jesus Calling Devotional, Sarah Young Grow strong in the Light of My Presence. As My Face shines upon you, you receive nutrients that enhance your growth in grace. I designed you to commune with Me face-to-Face, and this interaction strengthens your soul. Such communion provides a tiny glimpse of what awaits you in heaven, where all barriers between you and My Glory will be removed. This meditative time with Me blesses you doubly: you experience My Presence here and now, and you are refreshed by the hope of heaven, where you will know Me in ecstatic joy. RELATED SCRIPTURE: Psalm 4:6-8 (NLT) 6 Many people say, “Who will show us better times?” Let your face smile on us, Lord. 7 You have given me greater joy than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine. 8 In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe. Have a blessed day! Good morning, The Bible Recap Reading: Ezekiel 1 - 4 The Bible Recap Podcast: Day 239 I'm still about 20 days behind on this. Tried to catch up a bit yesterday but seriously, might just jump into Ezekiel right now, on time. Interesting to read through the story of Ezekiel and his visions from God. Especially in this day we are living through right now. Jesus Calling - August 27th
Jesus Calling Devotional, Sarah Young Spend time with Me for the pure pleasure of being in My company. I can brighten up the dullest of gray days; I can add sparkle to the routines of daily life. You have to repeat so many tasks day after day. This can dull your thinking until your mind slips into neutral. A mind that is unfocused is vulnerable to “the world, the flesh, and the devil,” all of which exert a downward pull on your thoughts. As your thinking processes deteriorate, you become increasingly confused and directionless. The best remedy is to refocus your mind and heart on Me, your constant Companion. Psalm 63:7-8 (NLT) 7 Because you are my helper, I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings. 8 I cling to you; your strong right hand holds me securely. Have a blessed day! Good morning, The Bible Recap Reading: Lamentations 3-5 The Bible Recap Podcast: Day 238 Jesus Calling: August 26th Jesus Calling Devotional, Sarah Young Trust Me in the midst of a messy day. Your inner calm--your Peace in My Presence--need not be shaken by what is going on around you. Though you live in this temporal world, your innermost being is rooted and grounded in eternity. When you start to feel stressed, detach yourself from the disturbances around you. Instead of desperately striving to maintain order and control in your little world, relax and remember that circumstances cannot touch My Peace. Seek My Face, and I will share My mind with you, opening your eyes to see things from My perspective. Do not let your heart be troubled, and do not be afraid. The Peace I give is sufficient for you. RELATED BIBLE SCRIPTURE: John 16:33 (NLT) 33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” This song will run through my mind all day.... enjoy! Have a blessed day! Good morning, The Bible Recap Reading: Lamentations 1-2 The Bible Recap Podcast: Day 237 Jesus Calling: August 25thI am the eternal I am; I always have been, and I always will be. In My Presence you experience Love and Light, Peace and Joy. I am intimately involved in all your moments, and I am training you to be aware of Me at all times. Your assignment is to collaborate with Me in this training process. I have taken up residence within you; I am central in your innermost being. Your mind goes off to tangents from its holy Creator, time after time. Do not be alarmed by your inability to remain focused on Me. Simply bring your thoughts gently back to Me each time they wander. The quickest way to redirect your mind to me is to whisper My Name. Psalm 25:14-15 (NLT) 14 The Lord is a friend to those who fear him. He teaches them his covenant. 15 My eyes are always on the Lord, for he rescues me from the traps of my enemies. Have a blessed day! Good morning, The Bible Recap Reading: Jeremiah 51-52 The Bible Recap Podcast: Day 236 Jesus Calling: August 24thI am all around you, hovering over you even as you seek My Face. I am nearer than you dare believe, closer than the air you breathe. If My children could only recognize My Presence, they would never feel lonely again. I know every thought before you think it, every word before you speak it. My Presence impinges on your innermost being. Can you see the absurdity of trying to hide anything from Me? You can easily deceive other people, and even yourself; but I read you like an open, large-print book. Deep within themselves, most people have some awareness of My imminent Presence. Many people run from Me and vehemently deny My existence, because My closeness terrifies them. But My own children have nothing to fear, for I have cleansed them by My blood and clothed them in My righteousness. Be blessed by My intimate nearness. Since I live in you, let Me also live through you, shining My light into the darkness. Psalm 139:1-4 (NLT) For the choir director: A psalm of David. 1 O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. 2 You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. 3 You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. 4 You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. Have a blessed day! Good morning, The Bible Recap Reading: Jeremiah 49-50 The Bible Recap Podcast: Day 235 Jesus Calling: August 23rd Jesus Calling Devotional, Sarah Young Entrust your loved ones to Me; release them into My protective care. They are much safer with Me than in your clinging hands. If you let a loved one become an idol in your heart, you endanger that one--as well as yourself. Remember the extreme measures I used with Abraham and Isaac. I took Isaac to the very point of death to free Abraham from son-worship. Both Abraham and Isaac suffered terribly because of the father's undisciplined emotions. I detest idolatry, even in the form of parental love. When you release loved ones to Me, you are free to cling to My hand. As you entrust others into My care, I am free to shower blessings on them. My Presence will go with them wherever they go, and I will give them rest. This same Presence stays with you, as you relax and place your trust in Me. Watch to see what I will do. Ephesians 3:20 (NLT) 20 Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Have a blessed day! Good morning, The Bible Recap Reading: Jeremiah 46-48 The Bible Recap Podcast: Day 234 Jesus Calling: August 22nd, 2023Jesus Calling Devotional, Sarah YoungTrust Me, and don't be afraid. I want you to view trials as exercises designed to develop your trust-muscles. You live in the midst of fierce spiritual battles, and fear is one of Satan's favorite weapons. When you start to feel afraid, affirm your trust in Me. Speak out loud, if circumstances permit. Resist the devil in My Name, and he will slink away from you. Refresh yourself in My Holy Presence. Speak or sing praises to Me, and My Face will shine radiantly upon you.
Remember that there is no condemnation for those who belong to Me. You have been judged NOT GUILTY for all eternity. Trust Me, and don't be afraid; for I am your Strength, Song, and Salvation. James 4:7 (NLT) 7 So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Have a blessed day! Good morning, The Bible Recap Reading: Jeremiah 41-45 The Bible Recap Podcast: Day 233 Jesus Calling: August 21st
Jesus Calling Devotional, Sarah Young Wait with Me for a while. I have much to tell you. You are walking along the path I have chosen for you. It is both a privileged and a perilous way: experiencing My glorious Presence and heralding that reality to others. Sometimes you feel presumptuous to be carrying out such an assignment. Do not worry about what other people think of you. The work I am doing in you is hidden at first. But eventually blossoms will burst forth, and abundant fruit will be borne. Stay on the path of Life with Me. Trust Me wholeheartedly, letting My Spirit fill you with Joy and Peace. Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT) 22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Have a blessed day! Good morning, The Bible Recap Reading: Habakkuk 1 - 3 The Bible Recap Podcast: Day 232 Jesus Calling: August 20th, 2023Jesus Calling Devotional, Sarah YoungI am a God who heals, I heal broken bodies, broken minds, broken hearts, broken lives, and broken relationships. My very Presence has immense healing powers. You cannot live close to Me without experiencing some degree of healing. However, it is also true that you have not because you ask not. You receive the healing that flows naturally from My Presence, whether you seek it or not. But there is more--much more--available to those who ask. The first step in receiving healing is to live ever so close to Me. The benefits of this practice are too numerous to list. As you grow more and more intimate with Me, I reveal My will to you more directly. When the time is right, I prompt you to ask for healing of some brokenness in you or in another person. The healing may be instantaneous, or it may be a process. That is up to Me. Your part is to trust Me fully and to thank Me for the restoration that has begun. I rarely heal all the brokenness in a person's life. Even My servant Paul was told, "My grace is sufficient for you," when he sought healing for the thorn in his flesh. Nevertheless, much healing is available to those whose lives are intimately interwoven with Mine. Ask, and you will receive. RELATED SCRIPTURE: Psalm 103:3 (NLT) 3 He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. "The Lord isn't slow in keeping his promises, as some understand slowness to be." Something about this made me think of Charlie Peacock this morning.... "Dear Friend". Charlie Peacock. Interesting guy. I've always loved this song. Have a blessed day! Good morning, The Bible Recap Reading: 2 Kings 24-25, 2 Chronicles 36) The Bible Recap Podcast: Day 231 Jesus Calling: August 19th, 2023Jesus calling Devotional, Sarah YoungI continually call you to closeness with Me. I know the depth and breadth of your need for Me. I can read the emptiness of your thoughts when they wander away from Me. I offer rest for your soul, as well as refreshment for your mind and body. As you increasingly find fulfillment in Me, other pleasures become less important. Knowing Me intimately is like having a private wellspring of Joy within you. The spring flows freely from My throne of grace, so your Joy is independent of circumstances. Waiting on My Presence keeps you connected to Me, aware of all that I offer you. If you feel any deficiency, you need to refocus your attention on Me. This is how you trust Me in the moments of your life. RELATED SCRIPTURE: Psalm 131:2 (NLT) 2 Instead, I have calmed and quieted myself, like a weaned child who no longer cries for its mother’s milk. Yes, like a weaned child is my soul within me. Psalm 21:6 (NLT) 6 You have endowed him with eternal blessings and given him the joy of your presence. Psalm 37:7 (NLT) 7 Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes. Have a blessed day! Good morning, The Bible Recap Reading: Jeremiah 38 - 40 The Bible Recap Podcast: Day 230 Jesus Calling: August 18th, 2023 Jesus Calling Devotional, Sarah Young Expect to encounter adversity in your life, remembering that you live in a deeply fallen world. Stop trying to find a way that circumvents difficulties. The main problem with an easy life is that it masks your need for Me. When you became a Christian, I infused My very Life into you, empowering you to live on a supernatural plane by depending on Me. Anticipate coming face to face with impossibilities: situations totally beyond your ability to handle. This awareness of your inadequacy is not something you should try to evade. It is precisely where I want you - the best place to encounter Me in My Glory and Power. When you see armies of problems marching toward you, cry out to Me! Allow Me to fight for you. Watch Me working on your behalf, as you rest in the shadow of My Almighty Presence. Revelation 19:1 (NLT) Songs of Victory in Heaven 1 After this, I heard what sounded like a vast crowd in heaven shouting, “Praise the Lord! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God." Psalm 91:1 (NLT) 1 Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Have a blessed day! Good morning, The Bible Recap Reading: Jeremiah 35 - 37 The Bible Recap Podcast: Day 229 Jesus Calling: August 17th, 2023 by Sarah Young Find Me in the midst of the maelstrom (a powerful whirlpool in the sea or a river). Sometimes events whirl around you so quickly that they become a blur. Whisper My Name in recognition that I am still with you. Without skipping a beat in the activities that occupy you, you find strength and Peace through praying My Name. Later, when the happenings have run their course, you can talk with Me more fully. Accept each day just as it comes to you. Do not waste your time and energy wishing for a different set of circumstances. Instead, trust Me enough to yield to My design and purposes. Remember that nothing can separate you from My loving Presence; you are Mine. RELATED BIBLE VERSES: Philippians 2:9-11 (NLT) 9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Have a blessed day! |