Tag: Christ

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MAKE GOD THE FOCAL POINT of your search for security. – ISAIAH 41 : 10, PSALM 139 : 10, JAMES 1 : 2

https://youtu.be/ccqGgjQVUS4

“MAKE GOD THE FOCAL POINT of your search for security. In your private thoughts, you are still trying to order your world so that it is predictable and feels safe. Not only is this an impossible goal, but it is also counterproductive to spiritual growth. When your private world feels unsteady and you grip GOD’S hand for support, you are living in conscious dependence on HIM. Instead of yearning for a problem-free life, rejoice that trouble can highlight your awareness of The LORD’S Presence. In the darkness of adversity, you are able to see more clearly the radiance of The LORD’S Face. Accept the value of problems in this life, considering them pure joy. Remember that you have an eternity of trouble-free living awaiting you in heaven.” para-phrased – “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” ISAIAH 41 : 10

Even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. PSALM 139 : 10

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds. JAMES 1 : 2

Prayer: Lord help me to make You my focal point for security and not anything in this world. Not my job, not money, not my relationships – only You. You always have me in the palm of your hands and your plans are always good. Even when they don’t feel good, help me to find purpose in my pain by pressing into You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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BE WILLING to go out on a limb with GOD. – PSALM 23 : 4, PSALM 9 : 10, JOHN 12 : 26

https://youtu.be/b1_qBQcnJbw

“BE WILLING to go out on a limb with GOD. If that is where GOD is leading you, it is the safest place to be. Your desire to live a risk-free life is a form of unbelief. Your longing to live close to GOD is at odds with your attempts to minimize risk. You are approaching a crossroads in your journey. In order to follow GOD wholeheartedly, you must relinquish your tendency to play it safe. Let The LORD lead you step by step through this day. If your primary focus is on GOD, you can walk along perilous paths without being afraid. Eventually, you will learn to relax and enjoy the adventure of our journey together. As long as you stay close to The LORD, HIS sovereign Presence protects you wherever you go.” para-phrased – “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. PSALM 23 : 4

Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you. PSALM 9 : 10

Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me. JOHN 12 : 26

Prayer: Lord give me the courage to follow wherever you lead me step by step. May my primary focus be on you, where I can walk on perilous paths you’ve called me to without being afraid because you go before me and beside me and behind me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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YOUR NEEDS AND GOD’S RICHES are a perfect fit. – PHILIPPIANS 4 : 19, COLOSSIANS 2 : 2 – 3

https://youtu.be/qVC-KzLoM7w

“YOUR NEEDS AND GOD’S RICHES are a perfect fit. GOD never meant for you to be self-sufficient. Instead, GOD designed you to need HIM not only for daily bread but also for fulfillment of deep yearnings. GOD carefully crafted your longings and feelings of incompleteness, to point you to HIM. Therefore, do not try to bury or deny these feelings. Beware also of trying to pacify these longings with lesser gods: people, possessions, power. Come to GOD in all your neediness, with defenses down and with desire to be blessed. As you spend time in GOD’S Presence, your deepest longings are fulfilled. Rejoice in your neediness, which enables you to find intimate completion in GOD.” para-phrased – “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. PHILIPPIANS 4 : 19

My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. COLOSSIANS 2 : 2 – 3

Prayer: Lord I know you carefully crafted my longings and feelings of incompleteness to point me to you – the only one who can fill my soul with fullness of peace and joy. Help me to spend time with you and your word where I can find completion in you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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GOD IS WITH YOU IN ALL THAT YOU DO, even in the most menial task. – MATTHEW 10 : 29 – 31, HEBREWS 11 : 27 , 2 CORINTHIANS 4 : 18

https://youtu.be/yKhUrt1KzSw

“GOD IS WITH YOU IN ALL THAT YOU DO, even in the most menial task. GOD is always aware of you, concerned with every detail of your life. Nothing escapes HIS notice-—not even the number of hairs on your head. However, your awareness of The LORD’S Presence falters and flickers; as a result, your life experience feels fragmented. When your focus is broad enough to include GOD in your thoughts, you feel safe and complete. When your perception narrows so that problems or details fill your consciousness, you feel empty and incomplete. Learn to look steadily at The LORD in all your moments and all your circumstances. Though the world is unstable and in flux, you can experience continuity through your uninterrupted awareness of GOD’S Presence. Fix your gaze on what is unseen, even as the visible world parades before your eyes.” para-phrased – “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” MATTHEW 10 : 29 – 31

By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible. HEBREWS 11 : 27

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 CORINTHIANS 4 : 18

Prayer: Lord thank you for caring about every detail of my life. What an honor that the one who put the stars in the sky and set the earth perfectly spinning around the sun at just the right speed and angle would care about me. You know the number of hairs on my head and you equip me with everything I need. Thank you Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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GOD’S THOUGHTS are not your thoughts; neither are your ways GOD’S ways. – ISAIAH 55 : 8 – 9, COLOSSIANS 4 : 2, PSALM 116 : 17

https://youtu.be/eP8FfuPrri8

“GOD’S THOUGHTS are not your thoughts; neither are your ways GOD’S ways. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are GOD’S ways and thoughts higher than yours. Remember who GOD is when you spend time with HIM. Marvel at the wonder of being able to commune with the King of the universe—any time, any place. Never take this amazing privilege for granted! Though GOD is vastly higher and greater than you, GOD is training you to think HIS thoughts. As you spend time in The LORD’S Presence, HIS thoughts gradually form in your mind. GOD’S Holy Spirit is the Director of this process. Sometimes HIS Spirit brings Bible verses to mind. Sometimes The HOLY Spirit enables you to hear GOD “speak” directly to you. These communications strengthen you and prepare you for whatever is before you on your life-path. Take time to listen to GOD’S voice. Through your sacrifice of precious time, GOD blesses you far more than you dare to ask.” para-phrased – “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” ISAIAH 55 : 8 – 9

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. COLOSSIANS 4 : 2

I will sacrifice a thank offering to you and call on the name of the LORD. PSALM 116 : 17

Prayer: Lord help me to spend time sitting in your presence each day, spending time with you. And allowing your thoughts to gradually form in my mind. Help me to think about the birth of Jesus and what that means for me and every child you created. What an impact. An eternal impact. Thank you Jesus. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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When you struggle to find GOD and to live in GOD’S Peace, don’t let discouragement set in. – EPHESIANS 6 : 12, 1 SAMUEL 17 : 47, PHILIPPIANS 2 : 9 – 10, 1 PETER 1 : 8 – 9

https://youtu.be/K_zx0Uodxz0

“DO NOT BE SURPRISED by the fiery attacks on your mind. When you struggle to find GOD and to live in GOD’S Peace, don’t let discouragement set in. You are engaged in massive warfare, spiritually speaking. The evil one abhors your closeness to GOD, and his demonic underlings are determined to destroy your intimacy. When you find yourself in the thick of battle, call upon The LORD’S Name: “Jesus, help me!” At that instant, the battle becomes The LORD’S; your role is simply to trust HIM as HE fights for you. GOD’S name, properly used, has unlimited Power to bless and protect. At the end of time, every knee will bow (in heaven, on earth, and under the earth), when The LORD’S Name is proclaimed. People who have used “Jesus” as a shoddy swear word will fall down in terror on that awesome day. But all those who have drawn near CHRIST, The LORD through trustingly uttering HIS Name will be filled with inexpressible and glorious Joy. This is your great hope, as you await CHRIST’S return.” para-phrased – “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. EPHESIANS 6 : 12

“All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.” 1 SAMUEL 17 : 47

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth. PHILIPPIANS 2 : 9 – 10

Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 1 PETER 1 : 8 – 9

Prayer: God I do struggle to find you and to live in peace in this broken world sometimes. Help me to remember all I have to do is call on your name, Jesus, and you will fight my battle for me. You are a gracious and kind and gentle Father. Thank you for who you are Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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THE LORD IS THE PRINCE OF PEACE – ISAIAH 9 : 6, JOHN 20 : 19 – 21, PSALM 25 : 4

https://youtu.be/7M9bU1x_bjY

“THE LORD IS THE PRINCE OF PEACE. As Jesus Christ said to HIS disciples, GOD says also to you: Peace be with you. Since The LORD is your constant Companion, HIS Peace is steadfastly with you. When you keep your focus on GOD, you experience both HIS Presence and HIS Peace. Worship Christ The LORD as King of kings, Lord of lords, and Prince of Peace. You need The LORD’S Peace each moment to accomplish HIS purposes in your life. Sometimes you are tempted to take shortcuts, in order to reach your goal as quickly as possible. But if the shortcut requires turning your back on GOD’S peaceful Presence, you must choose the longer route. Walk with GOD along paths of Peace; enjoy the journey in HIS Presence.” para-phrased – “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. ISAIAH 9 : 6

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” JOHN 20 : 19 – 21

Show me Your ways, O LORD; Teach me Your paths. PSALM 25 : 4 (NKJV)

Prayer: Jesus thank you for being my constant peace and companion. I need your peace each moment to accomplish what you’ve put me on this earth to do. Above all else, help me to love you and love others well today. To put relationships over my to do list. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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GOD LOVES YOU with an everlasting Love, which flows out from the depths of eternity. – JEREMIAH 31 : 3, LAMENTATIONS 3 : 22 – 26

https://youtu.be/MGLUtxw-Xfw

“GOD LOVES YOU with an everlasting Love, which flows out from the depths of eternity. Before you were born, GOD knew you. Ponder the awesome mystery of a Love that encompasses you from before birth to beyond the grave. Modern man has lost the perspective of eternity. To distract himself from the gaping jaws of death, he engages in ceaseless activity and amusement. The practice of being still in GOD’S Presence is almost a lost art, yet it is this very stillness that enables you to experience GOD’S eternal Love. You need the certainty of GOD’S loving Presence in order to weather the storms of life. During times of severe testing, even the best theology can fail you if it isn’t accompanied by experiential knowledge of GOD. The ultimate protection against sinking during life’s storms is devoting time to develop your friendship with GOD.” para-phrased – “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness.” JEREMIAH 31 : 3

Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD. LAMENTATIONS 3 : 22 – 26

Prayer: Lord help me to live with eternity in mind, having one foot in heaven and one on earth, to be Kingdom-minded. Help me to make time to develop my friendship with you so that I can rely on you when the storms of life come. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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PROBLEMS ARE PART OF LIFE. – PSALM 32 : 8, LUKE 10 : 41 – 42, PHILIPPIANS 3 : 20 – 21

https://youtu.be/mgPocnpizOg

“PROBLEMS ARE PART OF LIFE. They are inescapable: woven into the very fabric of this fallen world. You tend to go into problem-solving mode all too readily, acting as if you have the capacity to fix everything. This is a habitual response, so automatic that it bypasses your conscious thinking. Not only does this habit frustrate you, it also distances you from GOD. Do not let fixing things be your top priority. You are ever so limited in your capacity to correct all that is wrong in the world around you. Don’t weigh yourself down with responsibilities that are not your own. Instead, make your relationship with GOD your primary concern. Talk with GOD about whatever is on your mind, seeking HIS perspective on the situation. Rather than trying to fix everything that comes to your attention, ask GOD to show you what is truly important. Remember that you are en route to heaven, and let your problems fade in the Light of eternity.” para-phrased – “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

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

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” LUKE 10 : 41 – 42

But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. PHILIPPIANS 3 : 20 – 21

Prayer: Lord help me not to go into problem-solving mode too quickly and instead make my relationship with you my primary concern. To seek your perspective on the situation so you can show me what is truly important. In Jesus’ precious name. Amen.

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LET THANKFULNESS RULE in your heart. – COLOSSIANS 3 : 15, ACTS 9 : 18, PSALM 100 : 4 – 5, REVELATION 19 : 5 – 6

https://youtu.be/jhyF-WIBQyg

“LET THANKFULNESS RULE in your heart. As you thank GOD for blessings in your life, a marvelous thing happens. It is as if scales fall off your eyes, enabling you to see more and more of GOD’S glorious riches. With your eyes thus opened, you can help yourself to whatever you NEED from The LORD’S treasure house. Each time you receive one of GOD’S golden gifts, let your thankfulness sing out praises to HIS Name. “Hallelujahs” are the language of heaven, and they can become the language of your heart. A life of praise and thankfulness becomes a life filled with miracles. Instead of trying to be in control, you focus on GOD and what HE is doing. This is the power of praise: centering your entire being in The LORD. This is how GOD created you to live, for GOD made you in HIS own image. Enjoy abundant life by overflowing with praise and thankfulness.” para-phrased – “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. COLOSSIANS 3 : 15

Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized. ACTS 9 : 18

Then a voice came from the throne, saying: “Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, both small and great!” Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: “Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns.” REVELATION 19 : 5 – 6

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. PSALM 100 : 4 – 5

Prayer: Lord let thankfulness rule in my heart. The more I’m grateful the more you open my eyes to see even more of your glorious riches. May Hallelujah be the language of my heart so I can live the abundant life you created me for. In Jesus’ name. Amen.