Jesus Calling

Hold My Hand, and walk joyously with Me through this day. Together we will savor the pleasures and endure the difficulties it brings. 

Be on the lookout for everything I have prepared for you:

stunning scenery, bracing winds of adventure

cozy nooks for resting when you are weary, and much more. I am your Guide, as well as your constant Companion. I know every step of the journey ahead of you, all the way to heaven.

You don't have to choose between staying close to Me and staying on course. Since I am the Way, staying close to Me is staying on course. As you focus your thoughts on Me, I will guide you carefully along today's journey. 

Don't worry about what is around the next bend.

Just concentrate on enjoying My Presence and staying in step with Me. 

Jesus Calling

Seek my face, and you will find all that you have longed for. The deepest yearnings of your heart are for intimacy with Me. I know, because I designed you to desire Me. Do not feel guilty about taking time to be still in My Presence. You are simply responding to the tugs of divinity within you. I made you in My image, and I hid heaven in your heart. Your yearning for Me is a form of homesickness: longing for your true home in heaven. ~ by Sarah Young from Jesus Calling.

As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. 

My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. 

Psalm 42:1-2

Jesus Calling

If you don't have the devotional book "Jesus Calling", I highly recommend it. The copy I have was given to me from a dear friend, Kim, who I met through blogging almost two years ago.

Each entry is short in length but so full of encouragement. It never fails that within each beautifully,  inspired word from Sarah Young, there is a truth nestled within the day's entry that ministers to my heart. There are reminders of who God is and the character He displays to His children. I hear the sweet and loving words that He sings over me, and feel His loving arms hold me close.

As I was opening the book and turning to April 1st this morning, the page of the book fell out. The odd thing is, the binding of the book isn't so tattered and worn that there would be a reason for the pages to begin falling out. I suppose I couldn't help but wonder if perhaps I am to place this page in a special place where I can see it regularly, instead of just once a year.

Perhaps these words will minister to your heart today as well.

"I am calling you to a life of constant communion with Me. Basic training includes learning to live above your circumstances, even while interacting on that cluttered plane of life. You yearn for a simplified lifestyle, so that your communication with Me can be uninterrupted. But I challenge you to relinquish the fantasy of an uncluttered world. Accept each day just as it comes, and find Me in the midst of it all.

Talk with me about every aspect of your day, including your feelings. Remember that your ultimate goal is not to control or fix everything around you; it is to keep communing with Me. A successful day is one in which you have stayed in touch with Me, even if many things remain undone at the end of the day. Do not let your to-do list (written or mental) become an idol directing your life. Instead, ask My Spirit to guide you moment by moment. He will keep you close to Me." ~ Sarah Young

1 Thessalonians 5:17 & Proverbs 3:6

Just What I Needed To Be Reminded Of

"Come to me with all your weaknesses: physical, emotional, and spiritual. Rest in the comfort of my Presence, remembering that nothing is impossible for me.

Pry your mind away from your problems so that you can focus your attention on Me. Recall that I am able to do far beyond all that you ask or imagine. Instead of trying to direct Me to do this and that, seek to attune yourself to what I am already doing.

When anxiety attempts to wedge its way into your thoughts, remind yourself that I am your Shepherd. The bottom line is that I am taking care of you; therefore, you needn't be afraid of anything. Rather than trying to maintain control over your life, abandon yourself to My will." ~ Sarah Young "Jesus Calling"