Wednesday, March 27, 2013

BUT GOD - He Is Faithful


Do you ever wonder “how much longer” when an enduring trial or maybe and abundance of sequential or even simultaneous trials come? We use phrases like, “up to my eyeballs,” “over my head,” going down for the third time,” and “I don’t know how much longer I can take it anymore.” Every single one of the phrases expresses a frustration with the overbearing presence of adversity or trials. And in them it is so easy to look to the size of the problem and lose sight of Who it is that has us firmly wrapped in His hands. If you have trusted Christ for your salvation you are a child of God, and as one He has enclosed us before and behind and He has every moment of our lives firmly under His watchful eye and in His powerful hands. This includes those things that haven’t happened yet over which we can worry and fret. God calls us to trust Him for today and then tomorrow we can trust Him for that also. This doesn’t mean we don’t have dreams and desires, but that those dreams and desires are loosely held in relation to His will, direction, and provision.

Today in Jesus Calling by Sarah Young (2/27)

Keep your eyes on Me! Waves of adversity are washing over you, and you feel tempted to give up. As your circumstances consume more and more of your attention, you are losing sight of Me. Yet I am with you always, holding you by your right hand. I am fully aware of your situation, I and I will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able to bear.

Your greatest danger is worrying about tomorrow. If you try to carry tomorrow’s burdens today, you will stagger under the load and eventually fall flat. You must discipline yourself to live within the boundaries of today. It is in the present moment that I walk close to you, helping you carry your burdens. Keep your focus on My Presence in the present.

Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. Psalm 73:23

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so you can stand up under it. 1 Corinthians 10:13

Personal note on 1 Corinthians 10:13, here is an amplification I wrote which has been very helpful to me. It came about when I realized that the Greek word translated “temptation” here is the same word elsewhere translated, “trials” or “testing.”

There is no test, no trial, no temptation to sin, no pushing, pulling, prodding, or anything else that comes my way that makes me any different than anyone else. We all experience these things, maybe in different ways and at times to different degrees, but I am no different than anyone else.

BUT GOD…. He is always faithful in all things. With every trial, test, or temptation—no matter how big or how small; with all of these things He has set a limit to them. He will not allow anything into my life beyond which He also has not given the ability to victoriously endure. With every single test, trial, and temptation He has provided a way of escape, and He will keep me from being crushed, and He will bring me out standing on the other side. This is true whether that other side is realized in this life or ultimately in His presence. This is a certain fact.

Therefore, I will place my trust in Him and look not to the size of the situation, BUT to the size and faithfulness of my GOD.

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Walking Today With Hopes For Tomorrow


Walking today with hopes for tomorrow is an exciting proposition. God has created us so that we might have desires, but it is His intention that our desires be fully centered in Him as we trust Him for our direction and our provision. Today’s devotion from Sarah Young is a very timely one for me as I continue to search out God’s placement of us, but also try to wisely engage now.

Walking today with hopes for tomorrow is an exciting proposition. God has created us so that we might have desires, but it is His intention that our desires be fully centered in Him as we trust Him for our direction and our provision. Today’s devotion from Sarah Young is a very timely one for me as I continue to search out God’s placement of us, but also try to wisely engage now.

Today in Jesus Calling by Sarah Young (2/26)

I am leading you, step-by-step, through your life. Hold My hand in trusting dependence, letting Me guide you through this day. Your future looks uncertain and feels flimsy – even precarious. That is how it should be. Secret things belong to the Lord, and future things are secret things. When you try to figure out the future, you are grasping at things that are Mine. This, like all forms of worry, is an act of rebellion: doubting My promises to care for you.

Whenever you find yourself worrying about the future, repent and return to Me. I will show you the next step forward, and the one after that, and the one after that. Relax and enjoy the journey in My Presence, trusting Me to open up the way before you as you go.

The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law. Deuteronomy 29:29

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. Psalm 32:8

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Given Freely And Without Reproach


One of my favorite (one of many) verses in speaking with others is James 1:5 which reads, “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God who gives generously and without reproach and it will be given to him.” Sometimes when we stumble or do something wrong and we seek to correct it there are those who while they may help also want to rub our face in our failings. Or they want to remind us how many times we may have come back with the same issue. James tells us that God gives us His wisdom freely and without reproach – without wagging His finger in our face. Forgiveness once and for all was given to us through the cross of Christ when we placed our trust in Him and received His gift of salvation. This means that there is nothing which would then come along and separate us from His love. We have peace with God, and as a result, we can experience the peace of God. James goes on to tell us that once we ask for and receive that wisdom that we then need to head it, because the one who doesn’t-who listens to God and to other conflicting voices-is the one who is tossed around by the wind like the surf of the sea. Yes, we will all fail, we all sin. But God’s answer is simply confess it to Him, commit to His ways, and continue in our relationship with Him (1 John 1:9). We have an accuser who gladly points to our failings. Yet we have a Savior who says, “It’s been taken care of. Rest firm in the shelter of My hand.”

Today in “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young (3/19)

I speak to you from the depths of your being. Hear Me saying soothing words of Peace, assuring you of My Love. Do not listen to voices of accusation, for they are not from Me. I speak to you in love-tones, lifting you up. My Spirit convicts cleanly, without crushing words of shame. Let the Spirit take charge of your mind, combing out tangles of deception. Be transformed by the truth that I live within you.

The Light of My Presence is shining upon you, in benedictions of Peace. Let My Light shine in you; don’t dim it with worries or fears. Holiness is letting Me live through you. Since I dwell in you, you are fully equipped to be holy. Pause before responding to people or situations, giving My Spirit space to act through you. Hasty words and actions leave no room for Me; this is atheistic living. I want to inhabit all your moments-gracing your thoughts, words, and behavior.

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life sets me free from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:1-2

To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Colossians 1:27

Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own. 1 Corinthians 6:19

Monday, March 18, 2013

Getting Ahead Of God Or At Least His Timing


This is a big one for me. My mind is regularly racing ahead to work out the details of things that have not yet happened. This in itself is not the problem. Otherwise we would never set schedules, plan events, develop work plans, or….. The problem comes when there are things or details related to those things over which I have no control, and I begin to wring my hands over them. Again, this may not even be a big problem depending on how far I go. But when I grab hold of these things and the associated worries and insist on resolving them then I’ve gone too far, especially since I already stated that many of these things are ones over which I have little to no control. I try to snatch out of God’s hands those things which truly only belong in His hands. Allowing Him to hold onto that which is His when we are included in that which is His is called trust. I once heard somewhere that the best way for us to hold onto things like this is “palms down fingers apart.” Grab and ball and try it.

Today in “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young (3/18)

Trust Me one day at a time. This keeps you close to Me, responsive to My will. Trust is not a natural response, especially for those who have been deeply wounded. My Spirit within you is your resident Tutor, helping you in this supernatural endeavor. Yield to His gentle touch; be sensitive to His prompting.

Exert your will to trust Me and all circumstances. Don’t let your need to understand distract you from My Presence. I will equip you to get through this day victoriously, as you live in deep dependence on Me. Tomorrow is busy worrying about itself; don’t get tangled up in its worry-webs. Trust Me one day at a time.

O Lord Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in you. Psalm 84:12

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:34

Sunday, March 17, 2013

Need Understanding?


NEED UNDERSTANDING? I bet this gets your attention, because it’s true for most of us. Being in a relationship means being in a union with others who seek to know you and care for and with you. We have a God who knows every day of our life before there was ever one of them and a God who scrutinizes every single one of our thoughts and knows every word on our tongue, including the thoughts we can't shape and the words we have not said and maybe only thought or muttered and he knows them before they ever happen. So, NEED UNDERSTANDING?

Today in “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young (3/17)

Come to Me for understanding, since I know you far better than you know yourself. I comprehend you in all your complexity; no detail of your life is hidden from Me. I view you through the eyes of grace, so don’t be afraid of My intimate awareness. Allow the Light of My healing Presence to shine into the deepest recesses of your being - cleansing, healing, refreshing, and renewing you. Trust Me enough to accept the full forgiveness that I offer you continually. This great gift, which cost Me My Life, is yours for all eternity. Forgiveness is at the very core of My abiding Presence. I will never leave you or for sake you.

When no one else seems to understand you, simply draw closer to Me. Rejoice in the One who understands you completely and loves you perfectly. As I fill you with My Love, you become a reservoir of love, overflowing into the lives of other people.

O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all of my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord. Psalm 139:1-4

Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. 2 Corinthians 1:21-22

No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Joshua 1:5

Thursday, March 14, 2013

Receiving Joy


It seems strange to post a devotional talking about not hesitating to receive joy from God when I am racing to get a bunch of stuff accomplished. But even in the rush it could have been a highly frustrated one or one with relative peace. I am so thankful that today's rush was a peaceful one, one where I was working to equip others for tasks that I once did and rejoicing in their excitement to step into new positions.

I can think of other "foolish" days when I have snapped back with words to the effect that I did not have time to enjoy what God was doing. It is such an easy trap to fall into if you are a detail kind of person. I guess it can even be an easy one to fall into if you are a disorganized person chasing your tail. Either way, it is easy to let our circumstance cloud our relationship with our God. It is so important that we don't do this and the benefits are so unquestionably good.

Today in “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young (3/14)

Do not hesitate to receive joy from Me, for I bestow it on you abundantly. The more you rest in My Presence, the more freely My blessings flow into you. In the Light of My Love, you are gradually transformed from glory to glory. It is through spending time with Me that you realize how wide and long and high and deep is My Love for you.

Sometimes the relationship I offer you seems too good to be true. I pour My very Life into you, and all you have to do is receive Me. In a world characterized by working and taking, the admonition to rest and receive seems too easy. There is an intricate connection between receiving and believing: as you trust Me more and more, you are able to receive Me and My blessings abundantly. Be still, and know that I am God.

But we all, was unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the spirit of the Lord. 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NK JV)

… So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love in Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge-that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:17-19

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Hold On To The Right Rope


Today I met with someone who is at the end of his rope. Everything he has invested in has gone sour and he is left alone. As we talked I shared some of my thoughts from yesterday about placing our trust in our hopes or even our ability to endure or wait as opposed to placing our trust in God who is powerful to bring about those things we hope in and to do them in His perfect timing. Then we talked about the critical need that he had to first of all trust God for His salvation and then see what God does afterward.

Following my time with this man, I answered my phone to talk with another individual who has walked through a difficult situation for a long time and who has struggled like all of us with hopes and waiting, yet has found God to be faithful in directing her steps and guarding her heart. The difference between these two individual is not that one really is “better” than the other, but that one has and is continuing to learn to trust God for the really hard stuff and the other is still trusting in his ability, or lack thereof, to manage his circumstances. Today Sarah writes about how we can learn to live above our circumstances.

Today in “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young (3/13)

Learn to live above your circumstances. This requires focused time on Me, the One who overcame the world. Trouble and distress are woven into the very fabric of this perishing world. Only My Life in you can empower you to face this endless flow of problems with good cheer.

As you sit quietly in My Presence, I shine Peace into your troubled mind and heart. Little by little, you are freed from the shackles and lifted up above your circumstances. You gain My perspective on your life, enabling you to distinguish between what is important and what is not. Rest in My Presence, receiving Joy that no one can take away from you.

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NKJV)

So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. John 16:22

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Wait On Him


Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us to trust in the Lord with all of our heart. This is so important because if we trust in our hopes, we hope without a clear understanding of the future and we can be disappointed when our hope doesn’t come to pass as we anticipated. When we trust in our endurance or our ability to wait, we always do so with an uncertain expectation as to when or if something might come about. But when we trust in God, we are then trusting in the One who knows the future and with whom there is certainty and who is in absolute control of His timing in our lives such that things come to pass just when and as He intends. Waiting and hoping are things we are expected to do by God, but they are always to be centered in our trust of Him.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.

Today by “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young (3/12)

Waiting, trusting, and hoping are intricately connected, like golden strands interwoven to form a strong chain. Trusting is the central strand, because it is the response of My children that I desire the most. Waiting and hoping embellish the central strand and strengthen the chain that connects you to Me. Waiting for me to work, with your eyes on Me, is evidence that you really do trust Me. If you mouth the words “I trust You” while anxiously trying to make things go your way, your words ring hollow. Hoping is future-directed, connecting you to your inheritance in heaven. However, the benefits of hope fall fully on you in the present.

Because you are Mine, you don’t just pass time in your waiting. You can wait expectantly, in hopeful trust. Keep your “antennae” out to pick up and even the faintest glimmer of My Presence.

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.” John 14:1

Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. Psalm 27:14

God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek. Hebrews 6:18-20

Monday, March 11, 2013

God Knows, We Walk In Trust


I was looking at a posting for a church today where they wrote, “We know that God already knows who is to be called, but we are faithful to search and to listen for His direction.” As we walk through our search from the other side we do so with the same confidence. This is only possible because the One in whom we trust is imminently trustworthy and fully inclined to accomplish His work in us. There are plenty of times for all of us when we would like some of these journeys to be over or we would at least like to know what lies at the next bend or how we will climb the next hill. This part of our wiring and we are expected to put our feet out and take steps. The big difference comes in trusting that God is the one who places the stepping stones and that He is the One who knows how to direct our paths by their very placement.  As that church said, are we going to be faithful to search and to listen to His direction?

Today by “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young (3/11)

Walk by faith, not by sight. As you take steps of faith, depending on Me, I will show you how much I can do for you. If you live your life too safely, you will never know the thrill of seeing Me work through you. When I gave you my Spirit, I empowered you to live beyond your natural ability and strength. That’s why it is so wrong to measure your energy level against the challenges ahead of you. The issue is not your strength but Mine, which is limitless. By walking close to Me, you can accomplish My purposes in My strength.

For we walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NKJV)

Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Galatians 5:25

Sunday, March 10, 2013

Freedom In Security


Today Sarah writes about being eternally secure and the freedom that comes with knowing that we are secure. It is so easy to withdraw from God because of the sin in our lives. We can buy into the lie that where once we were worthy we no longer are. The reality is that our righteousness was never anything found in us, but that of Christ being put upon us. And our forgiveness was not because of anything we did to earn it, but Christ giving up His life in order to pay for our sins. Knowing these things and reminding ourselves of them and of God’s love for us that moved these actions on our behalf brings a great freedom – a freedom that makes is such that we can truly live today a life empowered by His Spirit.

by “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young (3/10)

You are Mine for all time – and beyond time, into eternity. No power can deny you your inheritance in heaven. I want you to realize how utterly secure you are! Even if you falter as you journey through life, I will never let go of your hand.

Knowing that your future is absolutely assured can free you to live abundantly today. I have prepared this day for you with the most tender concern and attention to detail. Instead of approaching the day as a blank page that you need to fill up, try living it in a responsive mode: being on the lookout for all that I am doing. This sounds easy, but requires a deep level of trust, based on the knowledge that My way is perfect.

If the Lord delights in a man’s way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand. Psalm 37:23-24

As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him. Psalm 18:30

Saturday, March 9, 2013

A Good Tired


Today was one of those days full of activity and tired when it was all over, yet filled with that which was thoroughly enjoyable things. Sometimes events can overwhelm, especially when you don’t know how all of the details will work out. Other times you can have such a peace about the events that you can leave some of the other stuff for later, and amazingly enough the later seems to be taken care of. Our God is pretty amazing that way.

Today was a baby shower for Lydia which Robin and Lydia’s mom, Mary, worked together to put together with each having their own incredible help by their side at the most critical times. The shower was a great success and now Tommy and Lydia just need to figure out how to squeeze everything into their vehicle to come home.

Also able to come down were Hannah, her mom, and her two precious daughters (Katie and Madeline) It was so nice to be able to see them after the shower and to hold our newest grandbaby and see her beautiful blue eyes and to watch Katie have so much fun.

While the shower was happening I got to go to lunch and bowling with the guys, and then to dinner with both families. All of this, and the details and even the provision all worked themselves out. Sarah talks today about finding light in turbulence. Today was a good reminder.

Today by “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young (3/9)

Rest in My radiant presence. The world around you seems to spin faster and faster, till everything is a blur. Yet there is a cushion of calm at the center of your life, where you live in union with Me. Return to the soothing Center as often as you can, for this is where you are energized: filled with My Love, Joy, and Peace.

The world is a needy place; do not go there for sustenance. Instead, come to Me. Learn to depend on Me alone, and your weakness will become saturated with My Power. When you find your completeness in Me, you can help other people without using them to me your own needs. Live in the Light of My Presence, and your light will shine brightly into the lives of others.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness. Galatians 5:22

No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. 1 John 4:12

Thursday, March 7, 2013

In God's Hands Is A Good Place To Be


Have you ever wanted to do something, but the power to decide whether or not you could lay in someone else’s hand? This is how it is when you apply for a job. This is how it is in so many other circumstances of life. There is so much that really is outside of our control, and even those things we deem in our control usually involve weighing them against other things before a decision can be made. This has been a part of our life particularly these past few years as I am sure it is a part of so many others. From our side we can really feel helpless. BUT GOD, He is never helpless and Scripture says that He is our help in time of need. Our choice is really just to trust Him in these times as we are expected to do in all times.

Today by “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young (3/7)

Let Me help through this day. The challenges you face are far too great for you to handle alone. You are keenly aware of your helplessness in the scheme of events you face. This awareness opens up a choice: to doggedly go alone or to walk with Me in humble steps of dependence. Actually, the choice is continually before you, but difficulties highlight the decision-making process. So, consider it all joy whenever you are enveloped by various trials. These are gifts from Me, reminding you to rely Me alone.

Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me. Psalm 63:7-8

Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort or fall into various temptations. Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience. James 1:2-3 (AMP)

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Remaining True When Others Don't


Last night I read the history of the conservative Baptist movement and saw how over time they developed into the organization they are as they were challenged in their previous associations by those who would stand for another gospel and a lesser truth. They choose to remain true to the inerrant word of God and to stand with those who did likewise without forcing any additional unnecessary strings. It was a long path and it had much adversity. It was a real encouragement to me to read of these men of God and how He blessed their stand with Him. They didn't do everything perfectly, but they did endeavor to do it faithfully and in dependence on Him.

Today in “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young (3/6)

Continue on this path with Me, enjoying My Presence even in adversity. I am always before you, as well as alongside you. See Me beckoning to you: Come! Follow Me. The One who goes ahead you, opening up the way, is the same One who stays close and never lets go of your hand. I am not subject to limitations of time or space. I am everywhere at every time, ceaselessly working on your behalf. That is why your best efforts are trusting Me and living close to Me.

Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. Hebrews 7:25

Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:3-4

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

God Is Working


I’ve been posting from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young on a regular basis, and I have thoroughly enjoyed what she has had to share finding it to be scripturally sound and encouraging. Though I have never met the author of “Jesus Calling,” over the past nine months I feel I have really grown to know her heart. She has endured many hardships and God has done an incredible work in and through her to encourage others by what she has learned and seen and known of God. But every now and then there is a sentence or a thought that I have to step back from and say, “Wait a minute. Is this really what Scripture has to say?” Something about the statement just doesn’t sit right.

Today she encourages us to make friends with our problems. I really struggled with this statement. I don’t know that I would agree, but I can definitely understand how she would say this. When we understand that everything that God allows into our lives has come through His strong hands and is limited to the degree that He has enabled us to endure and even work toward our maturity and even good, then you can possibly look at your problems as friends. Rather than use “friends” I might use the word “embrace.” In this world, Scripture tells us, we will have tribulation, but we are to take courage because Jesus Christ has overcome the world (John 16:33). So, when problems come I can embrace them and come through them victoriously because of my God and what His Son and His Spirit have, are, and will do in and through me.

Today in “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young (3/5)

Make friends with the problems in your life. Though many things feel random and wrong, remember that I am sovereign over everything. I can fit everything into a pattern for good, but only to the extent that you trust Me. Every problem can teach you something, transforming you little by little into the masterpiece I created you to be. The very same problem can become a stumbling block over which you fall, if you react with distrust and defiance. The choice is up to you, and you will have to choose many times each day whether to trust Me or defy Me.

The best way to befriend your problems is to thank Me for them. This simple act opens your mind to the possibility of benefits flowing from your difficulties. You can even give persistent problems nicknames, helping you to approach them with familiarity rather than with dread. The next step is to introduce them to Me, enabling Me to embrace them in My loving Presence. I will not necessarily remove your problems, but My wisdom is sufficient to bring good out of every one of them.

We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose. Romans 8:28 (AMP)

But we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 1 Corinthians 1:23 – 24

Monday, March 4, 2013

No, It's Not All Good - BUT GOD IS


One phrase I respond to when used by others is, "it's all good." The truth is that not everything is good. Since sin entered the world and man became spiritually dead things have been impacted by sin and death in every way. It is not that things are good, but that our God is good and He has absolutely everything under His control and He reigns over evil and He will work even those things intended for evil to accomplish His good. So, face the reality that it is not all good and with that in everything place your trust in our good God. He is sovereign over absolutely everything. Even in the death of His children there is the assurance that they step immediately into His presence. And in the case of those left temporarily behind there is the hope that comes from knowing that His promises are true and His hand never lets go.

Today I am praying for a husband of 63 years and his family as his high school sweetheart has set aside her earthy tent to receive a building eternal in the heavens not made with human hands.

Today in “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young (3/4)

Refuse to worry! In this world there will always be something enticing you to worry. This is the nature of a fallen, fractured planet: Things are not as they should be. So the temptation to be anxious is constantly with you, trying to worm its way into your mind. The best defense is continual communication with Me, richly seasoned with thanksgiving. Awareness of My Presence feels your mind with Light and Peace, leaving no room for fear. This awareness lifts you up above your circumstances, enabling you to see problems from My perspective. Live close to Me! Together we can keep the wolves of worry at bay.

“Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?” Luke 12:25 – 26

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16 – 18