I Am Able To Keep You From ...

I AM ABLE TO KEEP YOU FROM Stumbling.  I know how weak you are:  how easily you would stumble if I were not holding on to you.  I can also present you faultless before the Presence of My Glory.  You are growing in grace, but complete freedom from sin will not be possible till you leave this fallen world.  Nonetheless, because you truly trust Me as Savior I keep you from stumbling in the ultimate sense:  I won't let you lose your salvation.

I am able to present you faultless - blameless, perfect, unblemished - before the Presence of My Glory because I have clothed you with garments of salvation and arrayed you in a robe of righteousness.  I want you to wear this royal robe with confidence.  You are absolutely secure because it is My righteousness that saves you - not yours.

Exceeding Joy is for both you and me.  I delight in you now, but this Joy will be astronomically magnified when you join Me in Glory.  The Joy you will experience in heaven is so far beyond anything you have known on earth that it is indescribable.  Nothing can rob you of this glorious inheritance, which is imperishable and will not fade away.  Rejoice!

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  Jude 24:25; Isaiah 61:10 and 1 Peter 1:3-4

Though You May Not Be Much Of A ...

THOUGH YOU MAY NOT BE MUCH OF A Risk Taker, be willing to go out on a limb with Me.  If that is where I am leading you, it is the safest place to be.  I want you to follow wherever I lead- even if it's out of your comfort zone.  I will help you learn to follow me confidently rather than fearfully.

Bring all your fears to Me.  Fears that are not dealt with tend to magnify themselves.  Expose them to the revealing Light of My Presence, and they will shrink to manageable proportions.  Some of them may even appear comical in this Light.

As fearfulness loosens its grip on you, you are freed to follow Me.  Grasp My hand tightly as we edge our way onto the limb.  Since I go before you in this adventure, you can keep your eyes on Me as you step out in faith.  Soon we will get to a resting place, and then you can look back and see how far you have already come.  While gripping My hand to steady yourself, dare to venture a look toward the horizon; enjoy the view from this new perspective!

You are actually safer here - out on this limb with Me - than you would be on the ground.  In this new, challenging environment you stay alert: communicating with Me continually, holding My hand for support.  Overly familiar surroundings may feel more secure, but they can lull you into sleepy self-reliance.  That is when you tend to forget about Me; it's also when you are most likely to fall.  Follow Me confidently wherever I lead, and the shelter of My Presence will keep you safe.

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  Psalm 37:23-24; Hebrews 12:2 and Psalm 31:20

The More Intimately You Experience ...

THE MORE INTIMATELY YOU EXPERIENCE Me, the more convinced you become of My goodness.  You've known this intellectually for years, having been taught since childhood that I am good. However, that teaching did not change you significantly.  Eventually you became a Christian and tasted goodness, yet it was only a taste because you still did not know Me very deeply.  As a result, when things went badly in your life, you tended to resent My ways with you.  Only when you began investing time in seeking My Face did you start to know Me intimately. 

You are on a quest to know Me more fully, but I have actually been pursuing you for quite some time.  Long before you became a believer, I was working to reveal Myself to you.  I placed experiences in our life that exposed your deep need to know Me.  I brought you people in whom you could see the Light of My Presence.  Even after you trusted Me as Savior I continued to pursue your heart, which was divided between Me and worldly goals.  Finally, you began seeking Me with your whole heart, and I rejoiced!

Your wholeheartedness has opened the way for genuine intimacy between us.  You have tasted My goodness, and you want more.  I have responded to this desire in several ways:  I've allowed suffering in your life so that you can learn to trust Me more.  Also, I have blessed you with intimate experiences of My Presence - to boost your confidence in My perfection.  My goal is for you to become so convinced of My goodness that nothing can shake your trust in Me.  Then, your soul will be deeply satisfied as with the richest of foods.

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  Psalm 34:8; Jeremiah 29:13; Psalm 19:2
and Psalm 63:5

Forget The Former Things; Do Not Dwell On The ...

FORGET THE FORMER THINGS; DO NOT DWELL ON THE Past.  See, I am doing a new thing!  I am a God of surprises - infinitely more creative than you can imagine.  The universe displays some of My creativity, but there is more - much more.  I am making a new heaven and a new earth.  Moreover, I am preparing My people - all around the world - to live there with Me in endless ecstasy.  Let this eternal perspective strengthen and encourage you.

As you journey along your life - path with Me, refuse to let the past define you or your expectations of what lies ahead.  You may feel as if the road you are on is tiresome or even a dead end.  That is because you are projecting the past into the future.  The roadblock you are straining to see up ahead is really just an illusion.  The future is in My hands, and I can do surprising things with it!

Your gravest danger is giving up:  ceasing to believe I can still do wondrous new things in you and your world.  Your assignment is to keep moving forward in trusting dependence on Me.  Stop focusing on obstacles you might encounter, and concentrate on staying in touch with Me.  As you continue taking steps of trust, expect the path before you to open up in refreshing newness.  I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland!

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  Isaiah 43:18-19; Ephesians 3:20; Revelation 21:1 and
Psalm 25:4

I Am A Awesome God!

I AM A AWESOME GOD!  Who but I could be everywhere at every time, ceaselessly working on your behalf?  It amazes you that One so great as I would care about the many details of your life.  Yet I do!  When you ponder these glorious truths, you feel safe, knowing you are never alone.  When you don't keep these truths before you, you fall back into - your default mode: straining and striving as if outcomes were totally up to you.

What you really need is to keep Me always before you - not just truths about Me.  It's so easy for My children to confuse knowledge of Me with knowing Me experientially.  The apostle Paul understood this distinction: He wrote about needing Power,  My Spirit, to grasp how wide and long and deep is My Love - Love that surpasses knowledge!

Knowing Me is so much more than an activity of  the mind.  It is largely a matter of  trusting Me.  Sometimes you are keenly aware of My Presence; at other times, this awareness is minimal - or even absent.  When you feel alone, you need to rely on your trust in Me.  Continue to live and communicate as if I am with you, because I am! I have promised I will never leave you or forsake you.  Instead of running after other gods when you feel needy, concentrate on coming nearer to Me.  No matter what is happening, trusting Me and drawing close to Me are your best strategies for living well.

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  Psalm 16:8; Ephesians 3:16-19 and Hebrews 13:5

In My Unfailing Love I Will ...

IN MY UNFAILING LOVE I WILL Lead You.  Everything else, everyone else may fail you, but I never will.  You live in a world of brokenness, where promises and guarantees often come to naught.  However, My Love for you is not of this world: It is constant, perfect, and inexhaustible.  Nothing can separate you from this perpetual flow of Love, for I have redeemed you - purchased you with My blood. You belong to Me.

This bottom line of our life is that I am continually with you, holding you by your right hand.  As you follow the pathway to My holy dwelling place, be aware that you do so in my strength.  I strengthen you so that you can persevere in your journey and also glorify Me along the way.  Some of My followers bring Me Glory while enjoying vibrant health and multiple successes.  Others glorify Me in weakness and ongoing struggles - suffering well in the midst of adversity.  Know that I am smiling on you whether your path is arduous or easy at this time.  Continue your journey in My strength - which is limitless.  I assure you that your ultimate destination is none other than heaven itself!

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  Exodus 15:13; Deuteronomy 26:15; Psalm 73:23-24 and
Philippians 3:20

When Life Gets Really Difficult - Don't ...

WHEN LIFE GETS REALLY DIFFICULT, DON'T Jump To the Conclusion That I'm Not On The Job.  Instead, be glad you are in the thick of what I experienced.  Accept  your ordeal as a spiritual refining process, with Glory just around the corner.

There are many ways to suffer for Me.  The most obvious one is to experience persecution for presenting the gospel to others.  However, when you endure any kind of adversity in a Christ-like way because of your love for Me, I view this as suffering for Me.  So do not lose heart when the trials you are going through seem endless.  You can even rejoice that you are sharing in what I experienced as a Man of sorrows, familiar with suffering.  Invite Me into your struggles.  I understand them better than anyone else, and I want to help you with them.

When your suffering is prolonged, the  greatest temptation you face is escapism - trying to get away from your problems at all costs, even irresponsibly.  If you endure life's blows in trusting dependence on Me, I can bring much good out of them.   I make all things work together for good to those who love Me.  Consider your trials a part of your education:  a spiritual refining process.  Since you are My followers, your suffering will definitely end someday.  To help you persevere, keep focusing on your reward - Glory just around the corner!

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  1 Peter 4:12-13; Isaiah 53:3 and Romans 8:28

I Love You Regardless Of How Well You Are ...

I LOVE YOU REGARDLESS OF HOW WELL YOU ARE Performing.  Whenever you are struggling with performance anxiety, bring those feelings to Me.

Your mind has already unmasked this robber of Peace many times, but the rascal continues to claw at your heart when you let down your guard.  You find yourself struggling with feelings of failure, sometimes without even knowing why.  I want to help you break free of this bondage through the empowerment of My unfailing Love.

Come to Me with your feelings of failure.  Bring them into the Light of My Presence, where we can examine them together.  These feelings - based on lies and deception - thrive in the darkness, where you are hardly aware of them at all.  But they shrivel and shrink in My brilliant Light.  All in all, your performance anxiety is no match for Me.  I defeated this villain in the same way I triumphed over Satan - through My finished work on the cross!

When feelings of failure weigh you down, look up to Me.  Let the Light of My Love shine upon you: dispelling the darkness, lifting you closer and closer to Me.  The nearer you are to Me, the better you can see My smile of approval.  As you bask in this unconditional Love, you gain strength to break free from performance anxiety.  Even if you slip into old habits again, you can turn back to Me anytime.  My unfailing Love is always available to restore you, because you belong to Me forever.

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  Psalm 6:4; Psalm 36:7-9 and 1 Corinthians 15:57

Sacrifice Thank Offerings To ...

SACRIFICE THANK OFFERINGS TO Me.  Tell of My works with songs of joy!  Bearing your circumstances bravely - even thanking Me for them - is one of the highest forms of praise.  I have been training you in the discipline of thankfulness for a long time.  Yet you still find it difficult to thank Me for suffering - your own or others'.  Sometimes you are able to do this, and when you do, you find that you relax and feel closer to Me.

Thanking Me for adversity requires a deep level of trust:  in My goodness, My mercy, My Love.  People who are leaning on their own understanding cannot achieve this depth of trust.  So, handling difficulties courageously involves relinquishing your demand to understand.

You are learning to endure your circumstances bravely - with thankfulness - and you have experienced personal benefits from this.  But there is more - much more!  Your grateful acceptance of adversity has major repercussions far beyond yourself:  in heaven as well as on earth.  Besides having divine Power to weaken spiritual strongholds of evil, your sacrifice of thanksgiving rings bells of Joy throughout heavenly realms.  On earth, your patient endurance of suffering sends out ripples of good tidings in ever-widening circles to strengthen and encourage My people.

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  Psalm 107:22; Ephesians 5:20; Proverbs 3:5 and
2 Corinthians 10:3-4

I Am The Lord Of Peace, The Only Source Of ...

I AM THE LORD OF PEACE, THE ONLY SOURCE OF Genuine Peace.  I give you this gift, not as something separate from Myself, but as part of My core essence.  As you open your heart and mind to Me, My Peace is present - readily available to you.  However, this glorious gift is not something you can grab on the run.  You need to take time to focus on Me and enjoy My Presence, putting everything else aside for a while. 

You live in the midst of intense spiritual battles, and My Peace is an essential part of the armor I provide for you.  To stay on your feet during combat, you need to wear sturdy warfare boots - the Gospel of Peace.  This good news assures you that I love you and I am for you:  I am on your side.

Many of My followers forfeit Peace because they view Me as someone who is constantly scrutinizing their lives - peering at them through critical eyes.  On the contrary, I gaze at you through eyes of perfect Love.  When you are feeling like a failure, talk to yourself and tell yourself the truth:  My death on the cross covers all your sins.  I love you regardless of how well or poorly you perform - simply because you are Mine.  Rejoice in this Gospel-Peace; it is yours to enjoy at all times and in every way.

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  2 Thessalonians 3:16; Ephesians 6:15; and Romans 8:31

When The Journey You Are On Feels ...

WHEN THE JOURNEY YOU ARE ON FEELS overwhelming, the very best thing you can do is cling to Me.  At such times the future seems unreal - unreachable - and the past feels remote, but this can actually be a blessing.  My followers tend to waste vast quantities of time and energy thinking about past and future matters.  Thus they neglect the present - where they actually live - and My Presence, though I am always near.

When adverse circumstances surround you and seem to be closing in on you, it is still possible to be joyful in Me, your Savior.  Since you cannot find a way out of your circumstances, accept the situation and search for Me in the midst of it. 

Sometimes you may feel as if you can hold on to Me no longer.  I remind you, though, that you have been able to cling to Me to this day.  You have powerful backup because the Holy Spirit lives in you.  He can give you supernatural strength, far beyond your own.  In addition to this, My hand has an eternal grip on yours.  Though your strength to keep holding on may run out, Mine never will.  So do not fear, for I - your God - am with you.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  Joshua 23:8; Habakkuk 3:17-18; Psalm 63:8 and
Isaiah 41:10

Great Is My Love, Reaching To The ...

GREAT IS MY LOVE, REACHING TO THE Heavens; My faithfulness reaches to the skies.  You can feel wonderfully secure in Love that has no limits - no boundaries beyond which it ceases to exist.  My faithfulness also has no bounds, so it will never run short.  Your best response to these marvelous gifts is worship.

I take much pleasure in your praise, which blesses both Me and you - putting you into proper alignment with My glorious Presence.  The more you praise Me, the more you will be able to reflect My Glory among the peoples.  This is the work of the Holy Spirit, who is transforming you into My likeness with ever-increasing Glory.  As you draw near Me through worship, I change you profoundly - empowering you to make Me known to others.

My Love not only reaches to the heavens but also descends upon you from heavenly realms.  Trust Me, beloved, and keep looking up to Me.  See Me smiling down on you in radiant approval.  My boundless Love falls continuously upon you like heavenly snowflakes - melting into your body and soul.  No matter how difficult your circumstances may be, this Love is sufficient to sustain you.  Someday you will even ascend to heaven on it!  I eagerly await the time when I will take you into Glory - to be with Me forever in the perfection of paradise.

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  Psalm 57:9-10; 2 Corinthians 3:18 and
Psalm 73:23-24

Do Not Judge Or You Too Will Be ...

DO NOT JUDGE OR YOU TOO WILL BE Judged.  I am aware of your judgmental tendencies, and they grieve Me.  Judging is actually My prerogative.  The Father has entrusted all judgment to Me.  Moreover, Scripture makes it clear that when you pass judgment on others, you are condemning yourself.  I realize that much of your
judgment-making happens almost automatically - without consciously willing it - and I want to help you deal with this hurtful habit.

Judging others is a classic way of distracting yourself from your own flaws.  Ever since the Fall, people have been using this technique to avoid facing themselves honestly.  To stop this harmful practice, you need to examine yourself regularly in the Light of My holy Presence.  Though this tends to be painful, it can also be a rich blessing.  In My brilliant Light you see many ways in which you fall short of My holy standard.  This heightened awareness highlights your need of a great Savior and points you to My sacrificial provision.  As you ponder the blood-bought miracle of eternal Life - My free gift to believers - you receive My Joy in full measure.  Let this overflowing mirth stream through you, washing away the plank in your eye.  This will enable you to see others clearly - from My perspective.  Then you can help them remove their "specks" as you love them with My Love.

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  Matthew 7:1-2; John 5:22; Romans 2:1 and Luke 6:41-42

I Want You To Say With Confidence ...

I WANT YOU TO SAY WITH CONFIDENCE:  "The LORD is my helper; I will not be afraid.  What can man do to me?"  This bold confidence is not a denial that bad things happen to My people.  It is a declaration of transcendent courage - in the midst of hardships and dangers.  The basis for this courage is My tenacious Presence with you:  I will never leave you or forsake you.  I Myself go before you and will be with you wherever you go.

I am well aware of your fearful tendencies, and I long to help you break free from them.  Most of your fear stems from pondering bad things that could happen - leaving Me out of that imaginary scenario.  This is a very harmful practice; it is also an exercise in unreality.  Although your future stretches all the way into eternity, there is not even one second when I will be absent from you.

While the psalmist David was being pursued by King Saul, he was in constant danger.  Yet he was able to write:  The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?  I am also your strength.  Whenever your mind wanders into the future, make  the effort to include Me in that imagery.  See Me helping you, strengthening you, encouraging you.  Instead of being intimidated by tough times ahead, view them as adventures that you and I together can handle.  If fearful thoughts start closing in on you, push back the darkness with a shout of "Victory!" - confident in the Victorious One who will never leave you or forsake you.

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  Hebrews 13:6; Deuteronomy 31:8; Psalm 27:1

I Have Awakened In Your Heart A ...

I HAVE AWAKENED IN YOUR HEART A Strong Desire To Know Me.  This longing originated in Me, though it now burns brightly in you.

Before you knew Me, you tried to find life in many different places.  Often you would think you had found what you were searching for - only to be disappointed later.   After you became thoroughly disillusioned, I reached down and took you into My own family.  Later, you began thirsting for Me, longing to know Me at a deeper heart level.  You set aside time to meet with Me as your living God - vibrantly present with you.

When you set out to know Me more intimately, I rejoiced but I wasn't surprised.  I had been pursuing you long before you began your quest.  I was working in your life experiences, as well as in your heart, mind, and spirit.  Your desire for a closer walk with Me grew out of my painstaking work in you.  I initiated your longing for Me, and your response delights Me.

It is important for you to know Me as the Initiator in our relationship.  If you think it is your spiritual disciplines that keep you close to Me, you are at risk.  Some days you may skimp on your time with Me or not be able to concentrate well.  If you're depending on your own efforts to stay near Me, you will feel distant from Me at such times.  But if you are relying on Me - what I have done, am doing, will do - you know My Love for you is always assured.  So you can rest in Me:  trusting in My unfailing Love, flourishing in My abiding Presence.

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  Psalm 63:1; Psalm 42:2; John 15:5 and Psalm 12:8

Come To Me

COME TO ME.  Come to Me.  Come to Me.  This is My continual invitation to you, proclaimed in holy whispers.

Unfortunately, you are often distracted by the noise of your worries and the clamor of the world.  I want to help you remember My inviting Presence even when you are too flustered to hear My Love-whispers.

My children so often need help in remembering.  They consistently forget Me and the great works I have done on their behalf.  For instance, I made a dry path through the Red Sea for the Israelites, saving them from the pursuing Egyptians.  Yet many of those former slaves remembered the tasty food they had eaten in Egypt better than they recalled My miraculous deeds to set them free.

Do not let trivial matters distract you from Me.  Remember that My sacrificial death and miraculous resurrection shed Light on each moment of your life.  I want you to live vibrantly in this Light, increasingly aware of My nearness.

To help in your endeavor to remember, think of Me as the Lover of your soul:  the One who delights in your now and forevermore.  View yourself first and foremost as My beloved, since this is your ultimate identity.  Fill your mind with biblical truth about My perfect Love for you. 

Come to Me at all times.  My loved one.  Pour out your heart to Me, for I am your Refuge.

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  Matthew 11:28;  Exodus 4:21-22 and Psalm 62:8

Beloved, The Light Of My Presence Can ...

BELOVED, THE LIGHT OF MY PRESENCE CAN Flow Through You To Bless Others As You Live In Close Contact With Me.  So come near Me just as you are.  Through seeking Me and opening up to Me you will experience My Light shining upon you - and within you. Let these healing rays soak deep into your being:  blessing you and making you a source of blessing to other people.

You may wonder how that can happen when you are so flawed.  Actually, the very things that trouble you most - your weaknesses and wounds - are of greatedst use to Me in helping others, for I have shone into your heart the Light of the knowledge of My Glory.  This much Light and Glory simply cannot be contained within you!  Your wounds and weaknesses provide openings through which some of this glorious Light spills out of you into the world.

By letting your humble, hurting parts be exposed, you allow My Light to shine through you into others' lives.  Thus, your neediness and hurts, consecrated to Me, become treasures in My kingdom.

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  Psalm 89:15; 2 Corinthians 4:6 and 2 Corinthians 4:7-9

There Is No Condemnation In My ...

THERE IS NO CONDEMNATION IN MY Presence, for I view you robed in My righteousness.  If you focus too much on all the ways you "miss the mark, you can easily fall prey to self-hatred.  You need to remind yourself daily that I have clothed you with garments of salvation, setting you free from the condemning law of sin and death.

I want to help you see yourself the way I always view you:  dazzling in royal righteousness.  You may find it easier to view yourself this way when you are living up to your standard of performance, but you can never live up to My standard - in this life.  You need My righteousness just as much on good days as on bad ones.

A common pitfall is to think you can manage your life without Me when things are going well for you.  At such times you may feel as if you have no need of my royal robe.  Another common mistake is to become so preoccupied with your sinfulness and failures that you despair - forgetting that My salvation - clothing is sufficient to cover all your sins.

I want you to enjoy the riches of your salvation, the delightfulness of your guilt-free existence in Me.  I arrayed you in a robe of perfect righteousness when I became your Savior.  Nothing and no one can strip you of that covering!  The more consistently you see yourself clothed in My royal garments, the more you can rejoice in My radiant Presence.  You are chosen royalty, belonging to Me - that you may proclaim My excellencies.  I am the One who called you out of darkness into My marvelous Light!

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  Romans 8:1-2; Isaiah 61:10; and 1 Peter 2:9

I Am Your Strength and Your ...

I AM YOUR STRENGTH AND YOUR Shield.  I continually work - sometimes in  wondrous ways - to help and protect you.  As you put your trust in Me, your heart can leap for Joy!

Trusting Me and loving Me go hand in hand.  When I search the hearts of My children, what I focus on most of all is the measure of love and trust within them. If you say you love Me but you do not really trust Me - to take care of you and your loved ones, providing what is best in your lives - then your words ring hollow.

To trust Me wholeheartedly, you must rest in My sovereignty:  My absolute control over the universe.  When circumstances seem to be spinning out of control, it's essential to believe I know what I am doing.  I orchestrate every event of your life - including suffering and loss - to benefit you in this world and the next.  While you are in the throes of adversity, your greatest challenge is to keep trusting that I am both sovereign and good.  Do not expect to understand My ways.  For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than yours.  The best response is simply to thank Me, believing I can bring much good out of the unwanted circumstances.  This act of faith will encourage you and glorify Me.  I rejoice when My struggling children give thanks to Me in song.

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  Psalm 28:7; Psalm 18:1-2 and Isaiah 55:9

Be Angry, And Yet Do Not ...

BE ANGRY, AND YET DO NOT Sin; Do not let the sun go down on your anger.  Although this is a biblical command, anger is treated as taboo in many Christian circles.  Repression of this normal, human emotion is neither righteous nor healthy; in fact, in can lead to serious problems.  If you fail to recognize your anger, you are likely to let the sun go down on it and  take it to bed.  This gives the devil an opportunity - a place of entrance into your life.  It can also result in various health problems.  Therefore, early recognition of these powerful feelings is vital. 

The first step is to bring your anger to Me.  I will help you discern whether or not it is legitimate.  If it is, then I will help you figure out what to do about it.  Anger can be a signal that something is wrong and needs to be addressed.  Sometimes, though, your wrathful feelings are based on distortions:  misunderstandings or misinterpretations.  Recognizing such distortions can be very freeing.  If you have not acted on these feelings in hurtful ways, you can simply release them.  However, if you have dealt with your anger in sinful ways, you will need to ask forgiveness of Me and anyone else you have hurt.

Remember that I came to make you free.  Dealing with anger in a responsible way frees you to live abundantly, enjoying My Presence more fully.

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  Ephesians 4:26; Psalm 51:4 and John 8:32

Though The Mountains Be ...

THOUGH  THE MOUNTAINS BE Shaken And The Hills Be Removed, Yet My Unfailing Love For You Will Not Be Shaken Nor My Covenant of Peace Be Removed.  Nothing on earth seems as enduring or immovable as huge, majestic mountains.  When you stand on their heights - breathing in that rarified air - you can almost smell eternity.  Yet My Love and Peace are even more enduring than the greatest mountain on earth!

Think deeply about My unfailing Love.  One of the meanings of "unfailing" is:  inexhaustible.  No matter how needy you are or how many times you fail Me, My supply of Love for you will never run low.  Another meaning of "unfailing" is:  constant.  I do not love you more on days when you perform well, nor do I love you less when you fail miserably.  My Love is more persistent, invariable, and steadfast than you can comprehend.  Open your heart to receive this amazing gift in full measure.

My covenant of Peace is a sovereign gift of grace, and it is utterly secure.  I can no more withdraw this blessing from you than I can no more withdraw tis blessing from you than I can stop being God.  Moreover, I Myself am your Peace.  So the more intimately you know Me, the more you can experience My unfathomable Peace.  Take time, take time to draw  near Me; seek Me in the moments of your life.   Come freely into My Presence even when
you are feeling bad about yourself.  Remember who I am - the Lord who has compassion on you.

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  Isaiah 54:10; Isaiah 51:6 and Ephesians 2:14

Whatever Is ...

WHATEVER IS True, Noble, Right, Pure, Lovely, Admirable - Think About Such Things.  You live in a world where media direct your attention to what is false, degrading, wrong, impure, ugly.  Truth has been displaced by "spin," and sensational stories attract advertisers.  It is no accident that "true" is the first adjective in this list of excellent qualities.  Without truth, there is nothing worth pondering.  That is why it's essential to fill your mind with Scripture - developing a biblical worldview.

Even though there is so much brokenness in the world, you can still find much that is excellent or praiseworthy in it.  Search for such things as for buried treasure.  When you unearth something lovely, meditate on it and praise Me for it.  Tell others about such things; help them find beauty and meaning in their lives.

True, noble, admirable things can still be found in many places on earth, but they are most abundantly available in Me.  So I urge you to fix your thoughts on Me as much as you can.  Whisper my Name to remind yourself that I am always within "whispering distance."  Look at the world around you through eyes of gratitude; thank Me for the many good things you can see.  Bring Me your problems as well as your praises, and watch Me transform trouble into something praiseworthy.

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  Philippians 4:8; Hebrews 3:1 and Psalm 91:15

Do Not Dread Walking Through ...

DO NOT DREAD WALKING THROUGH The Valley Of The Shadow Of Death.  My radiant Presence shines brightly in that deep, sunless valley - strengthening, encouraging, and comforting you.  Beloved, there is no valley or pit so deep and dark that I cannot see all the way to the bottom of it.  Even if you wander from Me and fall into a slimy pit, you need not despair.  When you cry out to Me, I will lift you out of the mud and mire and set your feet on a rock - giving you a firm place to stand.

Whenever you start to feel afraid, remember that I - your Shepherd - am armed.  I am never without My rod of protection, and I use it with deadly accuracy.  My shepherd's staff is for guiding you. The hooked end of the staff is perfect for pulling you back from danger or rescuing you when you have fallen out of arm's reach.  Find comfort in the constant protection and guidance I provide.

As you face your fears, remember that I am the One who goes before you and will be with you; I will never leave you.   While you are walking through the valley of adversity, let these ten short words cascade through your mind:  I will fear no evil, for You are with me

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  Psalm 23:4; Psalm 40:1-2; John 10:11 and
Deuteronomy 31:8 

In This Scattered, Fragmented World I Am ...

IN THIS SCATTERED, FRAGMENTED WORLD I AM The Central Reality That Holds Everything Together.  When you keep your focus on Me, your life has meaning and beauty.  Without Me the world would be utterly desolate - without meaning or hope.  I came into the world to show you the way to the Father, the way to eternal Life.  However, I am infinitely more than a sign pointing you in the right direction.  I Myself am the Way.  Since I and My Father are one, I am Almighty God!  Yet I condescended to become a man so I could bear your sins and be your Friend.  I also wanted to show you the Father's Face - in and through Me.

Everything you need is concentrated in Me.  Truth is in short supply in the world, but I am the Truth.  As you fill your heart and mind with the wonders of My glorious Being.  I keep your mind in bright focus - driving back the darkness of worldly thinking.  This creates sacred space within you - space where My very Life can thrive.

There is no way to eternal Life besides Me, but you need no other way.  Why would you want to follow a manmade path when My path of Life is wide open before you?  This path glows with My radiant Presence and it stretches all the way into eternity.  As you persevere along this way with Me, I give you samples of forevermore pleasures.

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  John 14:6; John 10:30; Hebrews 1:3 and Psalm 16:11

I Am Not A ...

I AM NOT A CARELESS GOD.  However, when I allow difficulties to come into your life - events that you know I could have prevented - you may feel as if I am being careless with you.  In these times, remember that I have fully equipped you to handle whatever comes your way.  What you need is:  help in using the equipment.

My Word and My Spirit are freely available to help you.  The Bible imparts to you essential wisdom:  My promises to be near you and take care of you, exhortations that help you avoid sinful snares, offers of forgiveness when you "miss the mark," and much more. 

It is important not to be surprised or alarmed by the many trials that enter your life.  Until you reach your ultimate home in heaven, you will be at war.  Adopting a wartime mentality makes it easier to handle difficulties as they arise.  You don't waste time and energy bemoaning your circumstances, and you avoid the trap of feeling singled out for hardship.

I do indeed equip you to handle adversity well.  But you have to make the effort to use what I provide:  My Presence, My Word, My Spirit.  Come to Me when you are heavy laden, and you will find rest for your soul.

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  Isaiah 41:10; 1 Peter 5:8-9 and Matthew 11:28-29

I Have Prepared This Day With The ...

I HAVE PREPARED THIS DAY WITH THE Most Tender Concern And Attention To Detail.  Instead of approaching the day as a blank page you need to fill up, try living it in a responsive mode:  being on the lookout for all that I am doing.  This will enable you to discover and respond to the opportunities I place before you today.

Many people think they can live independently of Me, but that is an illusion.  I sustain everything by My powerful word!  Not only that, I am your Creator - the Initiator of your very life.   Your first cry as an infant was a response to the life I provided.  When I cease sustaining someone's life, that person dies.  So, living responsively is a matter of aligning yourself with ultimate reality:  My sovereignty over every aspect of your life.  This can increase your sense of security if you really trust Me.  Thus, the art of living well rests upon a foundation of trust - in My absolute goodness, My infinite wisdom, My unfailing Love.

To build on this foundation, you need to be perceptive - seeing things from My perspective as well as yours.  Search for what I am doing in the big picture as well as in the details of your day.  Conducting your life in this way requires concentration, because the world is rigged to distract your from Me.  However, when you do succeed in living responsively, you will feel fully alive and richly connected with Me. This is a foretaste of what awaits you in heaven, where you will respond to Me perfectly - throughout eternity!

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  Hebrews 1:3; Matthew 10:29-31 and Psalm 13:5

I Long For You To ...

I LONG FOR YOU TO Trust Me Enough to Be Fully Yourself With Me.  When you are real with Me, I am able to bring out the best in you:  the very gifts I planted in your soul.

Granted, being real with Me can be quite painful, because first you have to be real with yourself.  When you're feeling bad about yourself, you would rather numb or ignore your feelings than bring them to Me.  But do not be afraid:  I will give you the courage to face yourself honestly.

The best way to face yourself is to remember you are constantly clothed in My robe of righteousness.  I have no illusions about what lies beneath that pristine garment of salvation.  Nonetheless, I take great delight in you; I even rejoice over you with singing.

Open yourself up to My unfailing Love.  Talk with Me about whatever is bothering you; experience your pain in the Light of My loving Presence.  In this brilliant Light you can consider your woeful condition without despair, for the assurance of My Love provides hope.  You'll also find that what you most feared to expose is no match for the Power of My radiant Presence.  Entrust yourself into My capable care, asking Me to transform you according to My plans for you.  Collaborate with Me as I work on growing the gifts I seeded within your soul.

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  Isaiah 54:4-5; Isaiah 61:10; Zephaniah 3:17 and
Psalm 13:5-6

Your Steps Are Directed By ...

YOUR STEPS ARE DIRECTED BY Me, Even Though Your Journey Often Feels Haphazard.  The path that lies before you now is veiled in uncertainty:  You have choices to make but too little information to see the way you should go.  Taking the next step feels risky - like leaping into the unknown.  The best thing you can do at such times is cling to Me. Imagine a young girl walking along busy city streets with a trustworthy adult.  She may feel overwhelmed by all the sensory stimulation, all the possible ways to get lost.  However, if she keeps holding on to the adult's hand, she will get safely to her destination.  Similarly, as you cling to My hand for help and guidance, you are ultimately safe.

Though you may not know the way you should go, you do know the One who is the Way.  Stay near Me, and you will not go astray.  Because I am sovereign over your life, I actually direct your steps and make them sure even when they feel random to you.  Talk with Me about your uncertainty, your fear of making wrong choices.  Remember that the most important choice you make moment by moment is to stay in communication with Me.  This is how you cling to My hand.  This is how you trust My guiding  Presence as you go - step by step - along the path you cannot see.

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  Proverbs 20:24; John 14:6; Proverbs 16:9 and
2 Corinthians 5:7

Be Joyful Always ...

BE JOYFUL ALWAYS; Pray Continuously; Give Thanks In All Circumstances.  The only way to be joyful consistently is to take pleasure in your invincible relationship with Me - the One who rules the universe.  This relationship is full of hope, so it is possible to be joyful in hope even in the midst of ongoing affliction.

The simplest way to find Joy in Me is to give in all circumstances.  There is immense Power in praying simply, "Thank You, Jesus."  This brief prayer is appropriate for all times and all situations because of My great sacrifice for you.  I encourage you to thank Me for every good thing as soon as you become aware of it.  This practice adds sparkle to your blessings, increasing your Joy; it also helps you pray continuously - persistently, perseveringly.

When you are feeling dull or downhearted, it is still a good time to thank Me.  This tiny act of gratitude can brighten your perspective immediately.  To deepen your thankfulness, ponder specific things about Me that delight you - for instance:  My lavish grace, My unfailing Love, My continual Presence.  Giving thanks in all circumstances is a joyous discipline; it empowers you to lift up your soul and live close to Me.

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; Romans 12:12;
Ephesians 1:7-8 and Psalm 143:8

A Life Lived Close To Me Will ...

A LIFE LIVED CLOSE TO ME WILL Never Be Dull Or Predictable.  Expect each day to contain some surprises!  I know you greet that prospect with mixed emotions because of your love-hate relationship with surprises.  You enjoy the adrenaline rush that accompanies new, unexpected experiences; this wakes you up and takes you beyond your ordinary routine.  Yet there is also a part of you that longs for your life to be predictable.  In fact, you usually try to arrange things so as to minimize the possibility of being taken by surprise.

I will never limit Myself to doing only what you can anticipate and understand.  My ways and thoughts are too high above yours for that to be possible.  To do so would be to cease being God!  So, expect your life to become increasingly surprising as you grow closer to Me.  Still, I want to help you become more joyful about your unpredictable journey with Me.

There is actually much merit in expecting surprises.  This helps you view an unforeseen event not as something wrong but as something from Me.  With this mind-set you are more likely to turn to Me immediately rather than getting upset.  You can ask Me to help you find all the good I have infused into the event so you can respond appropriately.  If you feel unsteady, simply draw nearer to Me.

As you learn to expect surprises each day , your life will become more exciting.  You will discover traces of My vibrant Presence in unusual places.  Increasingly, you will find your days bright with Joy - the pleasure of knowing Me more intimately.

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  Isaiah 55:9; Psalm 18:29 and 1 Peter 1:8

I Wrap You In ...

I WRAP YOU IN GOODNESS AND RENEW YOUR YOUTH.  I delight in giving you these marvelous gifts because I take pleasure in you.  Let My delight in you sink into the depths of your being.  This satisfies your soul as nothing else can.  Although I see your sins and flaws, my perfect Love for you never wavers.  I see you first and foremost as My redeemed one - wearing a paradise crown and wrapped in beauty eternal.

I want your identity as My beloved to be front and center in your mind.  However, your thoughts often get stuck on trivial matters, especially when your mind is in neutral.  This is why I urge you to be alert and always keep on praying.  In fact, praying is one of the most effective ways to keep your mind well-focused.  As you face your circumstances here and now, invite Me to enter into them.  Bring Me whatever you are doing, thinking, feeling:  stay in conversation with Me.  This will help you focus not on trivial matters but on glorious realities.  While you commune with Me, I will renew your strength.  No matter how old you are in years, you're always young in My Presence!

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  Psalm 103:4-5; Psalm 149:4; Ephesians 6:18 and
Isaiah 40:31

I Am Faithful: I Will Not Let You Be ...

I AM FAITHFUL:  I WILL NOT LET YOU BE Tempted Beyond What You Can Bear.  Find comfort and hope in the powerful promise.  I know you sometimes feel as if you're at the outer limits of your endurance.  Nonetheless, I am present in the midst of your struggles - available to help you.

Every trial that comes into your life can either strengthen you (if you keep on trusting in My care) or become a temptation to sin (if you choose instead to doubt Me and go on your own way).  Thus, any difficulty you face becomes a test of your faith.  This faith of yours is much more precious than gold, and it grows deeper through the testing process.  So your trials contain meaning and purpose.

When you feel as if your faith is being stretched to the breaking point, it's helpful to remember that what you are experiencing is common to man.  You have not been uniquely singled out to endure adversity; suffering is inevitable in a fallen world.  The most important thing to remember is that I am faithful - totally worthy of your trust in all situations.   I know exactly how much you can bear, and I set limits to your suffering.  Do not multiply your trouble by projecting it into the future as if it were endless, for I can relieve or  remove it at any moment.  Your job is to continue trusting Me in the present, waiting for Me to provide a way out - in My way and timing!  As you wait in My Presence, be of good courage.  I will strengthen your heart.

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  1 Corinthians 10:13; 1 Peter 1:7 and Psalm 27:14

Listen To Me!

LISTEN TO ME!  You can live in peace and safety, unafraid.  Listening to Me is the way of wisdom.  I make wisdom available to everyone who is willing to hear Me.  Wisdom calls aloud in the street, she raises her voice in the public squares - proclaiming the truth openly.  Those who ignore her message will cry out for mercy on the day of judgment, but it will be too late.  Now is the time to listen!

It is vital for you to hear Me accurately and consistently.  If you hear Me inaccurately, you may find yourself worshiping a false god:  practicing idolatry.  The best safeguard against this deadly deception is studying My Word and meditating on it.  As you do so, Scripture takes root and flourishes within you - changing the way you think.  My Word is living and powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword - able to accomplish great things in you.

Listening to Me consistently is both a discipline and a matter of the heart.  The more convinced you are of My Love for you, the more motivated you are to listen.  I have deep, unfailing Love for all who know Me as Savior - God.  Look up to Me through eyes of faith, and see My Face shining on you with loving approval.  Listen to Me, for this is the way of Peace.

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  Proverbs 1:33; Proverbs 1:20-22; Hebrews 4:12 and
Psalm 31:16

I Want You To Be ...

I WANT YOU TO BE All Mine.  Your security rests in Me alone:  not in other people, not in circumstances.  However, you are not yet weaned from the dependencies:  You want to depend on helpful people and favorable circumstances, as well as Me.

I am not asking you to become a hermit or otherwise isolate yourself from other people.  On the contrary, I want My children to help and love one another.  One of the main ways I bless people is through the loving acts of others.  However, you need to remember that every good and perfect gift is ultimately from Me, even if it comes to you through human hands.

The main danger of misplaced dependence is that it can border on idolatry.  If you let your basic well-being depend on another person's behavior, you elevate that person to a position that only I should occupy.  This is not only displeasing to Me, it is destructive.  Because people are imperfect and unpredictable, your life may come to resemble roller-coaster ride:  subject to the whims and moods of another.  Even worse, your intimacy with Me will be hindered by your preoccupation with someone else.  I deserve first place in your heart!

I want you to rejoice in Me always, in all kinds of circumstances.  You may ask freely for whatever you desire, bringing Me your petitions with thanksgiving.  Regardless of how I answer your requests, this prayer transaction comes with a promise:  My Peace will guard your heart and your mind, keeping you close to Me.

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  James 1:17; Revelation 2:4 and Philippians 4:4-7

There Is No Veil Between Your ...

THERE IS NO VEIL BETWEEN YOUR Face And Mine.  As you gaze upon My radiant perfection, you are being transformed into My likeness.  Focusing on Me sounds like an easy assignment, but - as you know - it is not.  The world, the flesh (fallen nature), and the devil all conspire to distract you from Me:  Godless people seek to delete any reminders of Me from public places, from schools - even from Christmas!  Your mind, already in a fallen condition, is relentlessly exposed to unbiblical media messages.  At the root of all this opposition is your enemy, the devil.  Resist him, steadfast in the faith.

I understand your weakness and the fierceness of the battles you face.  I rejoice in your desire to contemplate Me and reflect My Glory.  Having planted that longing in your heart, I want to see it flourish.  Take time, take time with Me.  Refuse to be discouraged by distractions and the fickleness of your mind.  Simply return your focus to Me whenever you realize it has wandered.  As you wait persistently in My Presence, ask the Spirit to help you.  Little by little, He will conform you to My likeness.  You may be unaware of these changes, because self-forgetfulness grows through focusing on Me.  Increasingly, though, My Glory will reflect from you - pointing others toward Me.

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  2 Corinthians 3:18, 1 Peter 5:9, Lamentations 3:25-26 and
Romans 8:29

Receive My Glory - Strength ...

RECEIVE MY GLORY - STRENGTH.  When ongoing problems require you to stick it out over the long haul, your faith sometimes falters.  That's when you resort to grimly gritting your teeth - simply passing time in a negative frame of mind.  This is not the way I want you to deal with difficulties.  I am sovereign over the circumstances of your life, so there are always opportunities to be found in them.  Sometimes those opportunities are so obvious you can't miss seeing them.  At other times - especially when the journey is hard and seems endless - you have to search for hidden treasure.  Do not be like the man who hid his master's talent in the ground because he was disgruntled with his circumstances.  He gave up and took the easy way out: blaming his hard situation rather than making the most of his opportunity.  The truth is, the more difficult your situation, the more treasure there is for you to discover in it.

I gladly give you Glory-strength; it is limitless and freely available to each of My followers.  It is exceedingly potent, because the Spirit Himself empowers you - strengthening you with Power in your inner being.  Moreover, Glory-strength enables you to keep on enduring the unendurable.  Since this strength has no limits, there is more than enough of it to spill over into Joy!

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  Colossians 1:11; Isaiah 40:10; Matthew 25:25 and
Ephesians 3:16

I Offer You Inexpressible And Glorious ...

I OFFER YOU INEXPRESSIBLE AND GLORIOUS Joy - Straight From Heaven Itself.  This triumphant, heavenly Joy can be found only in Me.  It is easy for you to slide, ever so gradually, from exulting in Me to living for the next spiritual "high."  Though I do grant you some heavenly pleasure while you still live on earth, this is mainly to whet your appetite for the next life.  Do not underestimate the brokenness of the world where you live now.  Your exuberant enjoyment of My Presence will always intermingle with the sorrows of living in this fallen world - until I take you into Glory.

Someday you will see Me face to Face, but for now you love Me without having seen Me.  You believe in Me even though you do not see Me.  This is a most blessed way to live, and it demonstrates your membership in My royal family.  Your love for Me - My unseen Person - is not irrational or whimsical.  It is a response to My boundless Love for you - dramatically displayed on the cross and verified by My resurrection.  You worship a risen, living Savior!  Blessed are those who have not seen Me and yet have believed.

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  1 Peter 1:8; Psalm 73:23-24; 1 John 4:19 and
John 20:29

Look To Me And My ...

LOOK TO ME AND MY Strength; Seek My Face Always.  While you are seeking Me, I want you to let your heart rejoice.  This will strengthen our Love-relationship. Imagine an engaged couple who are passionately in love.  When the man goes to visit his betrothed, she doesn't open the door and say blandly, "Oh, it's you."  Nor does he look past her as if she were invisible and say, "What do you have to eat?"  Rather, their hearts rejoice because they are together.  You are My betrothed, and I am the forever-Lover of your soul.  When you seek My Face, take time to remember who I am - King of the universe - and rejoice in the astonishing Love I have for you.  This will bring Power to your prayers as well as Joy to your heart.

I also want you to glory in My holy Name.  My Name is holy because it represents Me and I am holy - perfect in all My ways.  My Name is above every name, yet you may use it freely to commune with Me and worship Me joyously.  You are indeed privileged to have such easy access to Me. Some people glory in their wealth, achievements, beauty, fame; but I invite you to glory in Me - your Savior, Lord, and intimate Friend.  Glorifying Me will strengthen and delight you.  Look to Me and My strength.  Enjoy My loving Presence more and more.

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  1 Chronicles 16:10-11; 2 Corinthians 11:2;
John 15:13 and Philippians 2:9-10

You Are My ...

YOU ARE MY Beloved.  Although you experience many difficulties in your life, I shield you all day long.  You cannot imagine what your life would be like if I were not protecting you continually.  The adversity I do allow you to experience is ultimately for your good and My Glory.  You can rest secure by trusting that My protective Presence is with you always, no matter what trials you may be enduring.

You must be clear about one thing above all else:  You are most assuredly the one the Lord loves!  In fact, I love you so much that I carry you through your toughest times.  Beloved, you can even rest between My shoulders like a lamb being tenderly carried by its shepherd.

In addition to being your Shepherd, I am also like an eagle caring for its young while they are learning to fly.  Though I stir up the nest - getting you out of your comfort zone - I watch over you constantly.  When your strength fails as you are "flying" and you start to plummet, I spread My wings and catch you on them.  I continue to carry you until you are ready to fly again.  The better you understand My constant, nurturing watch-care, the more you can rest secure in Me.

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  Deuteronomy 33:12; John 10: 14-15 and
Deuteronomy 32:11

I Give You ...

I GIVE YOU Hope - Hope That The Best Part Of Your Life Is Not Behind You.  Rather, it stretches out before you gloriously:  into an eternity of experiences that will get better and better and better.  For now, though, you inhabit a world of death, sorrow, crying, and pain.  Let the hope of heaven empower you to live well in this broken world that is passing away.  In heaven I will wipe away every tear from your eyes - permanently!

If this world were all there is, it would be tragic beyond description.  When the day of the Lord comes, I will destroy the entire universe as you know it.  And I will replace it with a new universe where My followers will live forever in ceaseless ecstasy.  Let this hope give you courage to keep holding your head up high as you endure suffering and sorrow.

The best part of your life lies ahead - stored up for you in heaven, awaiting your arrival.  This is true for all Christians, both young and old.  As you grow older and deal with infirmities, you may feel as if your life is closing in on you.  Physically, your limitations do increase with age and illness.  However, your spiritual life can open up ever wider as your soul grows strong in the nourishing Light of My Presence.  When you "graduate" to heaven,, your soul-Joy will instantly expand - exponentially!  Blessed is the one who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God.

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  Revelation 21:4 and Joel 1:15

I Take Great Delight in ...

I TAKE GREAT DELIGHT IN You, I Rejoice Over You With Singing.  Sometimes you feel unworthy of this amazing Love.  No one could ever be good enough or work hard enough to deserve My Love, but I have chosen to relate to you mercifully.  My death on the cross completely satisfied justice, opening the way for Me to show you mercy.  As your resurrected Savior, I am free to bestow eternal Life and Love on all who believe in Me.  I beautify the humble with salvation, and I unashamedly take pleasure in My people.

I love you passionately, but I don't want you to feel overwhelmed by the force of My Love.  Be assured that I restrain Myself  from "crushing" anyone with My mighty ardor.  I know precisely what each of My children can handle.  However, it is possible to increase your capacity for Me.  One of the best ways is to delight yourself in Me - taking pleasure in Me above all else.  Ask My Spirit to help you in this endeavor.  Your growing enjoyment of Me will strengthen your spiritually, empowering you to receive ever greater portions of My Love.

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  Zephaniah 3:17; John 3:16; Psalm 149:4 and
Psalm 37:4

I Am the High And Exalted One Whose Name Is ...

I AM THE HIGH AND EXALTED ONE WHOSE NAME IS Holy.  Yet I choose to dwell with people who are contrite and lowly of spirit.  I know how prone to pride My people are, so I provide a variety of circumstances to humble them.  You don't need to look for ways to become more humble.  If you try with all your might to be lowly of spirit, you are more likely to become proud - or even ridiculous.  Instead, you need to be on the lookout for what I am doing in your life and yield yourself to My ways.  Your focus should not be on how humble you are but on how you can please Me in the present moment.

Being contrite - repentant for your sins - is another matter altogether.   You do need to examine yourself and become aware of your sins, so you can confess them to Me and enjoy the freedom of forgiveness.  Ask the Holy Spirit to help you see what is truly sinful, while protecting you from the trap of false guilt.  As you face your flaws, open your heart to My loving Presence.  I am near to those who have a broken heart and a contrite spirit.  Moreover, I revive the spirit of the lowly and the heart of the contrite.  So this way of humility and repentance is actually a path of intimacy with Me - leading to bountiful Joy.  As you walk trustingly along this path with Me, My unfailing Love surrounds you.

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  Isaiah 57:15; 1 Peter 5:6; Psalm 34:18 and
Psalm 32:10

Your Relationship With Me Is ...

YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH ME IS Saturated In Grace.  Therefore, nothing you do or don't do can separate you from My Presence.  When you are keenly aware of having failed Me, feelings of guilt and fear will conspire to convince you that you have lost My Love.  Your sense of unworthiness will tempt you to punish yourself for your sins.  But remember:  I have clothed you with garments of salvation - arrayed you in My own righteousness.  Your salvation is all about Me and what I have done to rescue you.  Let me help you feel more secure in My Love.

At times of deep regret, you need to grasp onto grace for dear life.  It is utterly impossible for Me to stop loving you.  Your relationship with Me is so saturated in grace that the two are forever inseparable.  Consider the following:  Meat that has been marinated cannot become unmarinated.  The longer it soaks, the deeper the marinade penetrates, flavoring and tenderizing the meat.  You have been soaking in grace ever since you trusted Me as Savior.  The longer you "marinate," the more fully My grace permeates our relationship.  It is impossible for you to become un-graced!

I want you  to rest in the perfection of your salvation.  My glorious grace makes you holy and blameless in My sight.  So, nothing you do or fail to do could ever separate you from My Love.

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  Ephesians 2:8-9; Isaiah 61:10; Ephesians 4:1-6 and
Romans 8:39

The Ultimate Protection Against Sinking During Life's Storms Is ...

THE ULTIMATE PROTECTION AGAINST SINKING DURING LIFE'S STORMS IS Developing Your Friendship With Me.  You waste a lot of time, however, worrying about storms you can see forming along the horizons of your life.  In the past many of the storms you had anticipated veered off in another direction, never reaching you.  Although some of them did actually hit, usually they had lost much of their power by the time they got to you.  I urge you to switch your focus from difficulties that may come your way to My Presence, which is always with you.

You will never find security by trying to anticipate all the storms that may reach you someday.  Remember that I control the atmosphere of your life.  Trust Me by relaxing and releasing your concerns into My capable care.  It saddens Me to see you obsessing about possible problems rather than bringing these matters to Me.  When you find yourself anxiously scanning the horizon of your life, use that as a reminder to seek My Face.  You will not find Me off in the distance.  I am here beside you, nearer than you dare believe.

Instead of wasting time worrying, devote that time to building close friendship with Me.  Talk with Me about everything that concerns you - your pleasures as well as your problems.  I am interested in everything that matters to you because I am your perpetual Lover.  Remember that I am holding you by your right hand.  I guide you with My own counsel, based on eternal wisdom; so there's no need to worry about the future.  When the time comes, I will personally take you into Glory.  For now just live near Me.  My friendship is your best refuge in the storms of life.

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  1 Corinthians 16:11; Jeremiah 31:3 and
Psalm 73:23-24, 28

You Are A Child Of God, And You Are ...

YOU ARE A CHILD OF GOD, AND YOU ARE MINE FOREVER.  Someday you will see Me as I am - face to Face in Glory.  You have been a member of My royal family since the moment you trusted Me as Savior.  I am training you in the ways of My kingdom:  to be made new in the attitude of your mind; to put on the new self, created to be like Me.  Although your new self is being conformed to My image, this process does not erase the essence of who you are.  On the contrary, the more you become like Me, the more you develop into the unique person I designed you to be.

Since you are part of My royal family, you're a fellow heir with Me - sharing My inheritance.  However, you must share My suffering if you are to share My Glory.  You don't need to search for ways to suffer.  Living in this broken world provides ample opportunity to experience pain of many kinds.  When adversity comes your way, search for Me in the midst of your struggles.  Ask Me to help you suffer well, in a manner worthy of royalty.  Everything you endure can help you become more like Me.  Remember the ultimate goal:  You will see My Face in righteousness - and be satisfied!

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  1 John 3:2; Ephesians 4:22-24; Romans 8:17 and
Psalm 17:15

Real, Eternal Wisdom Is All About ...

REAL, ETERNAL WISDOM IS ALL ABOUT Knowing Me.  There is not only wisdom but also great pleasure to be found in heart-knowledge of Me.  This pleasure far surpasses anything the world has to offer.  Moreover, those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens.  So you will be wonderfully rewarded for your wise practice of enjoying My Presence - an incredible privilege in itself.  The perceptive ones in My kingdom are those who have true understanding of Me that is grounded in My Word.  The more you absorb Scripture - allowing it to penetrate your heart, mind, and spirit - the better you can know.  All those who know Me as Savior will shine in heaven forever. Let this sparkling promise fill you with bright hope.

Another awesome privilege I offer you is to lead many to righteousness.  Your life and your words can influence others for righteousness in various ways:  If anyone among you wanders from the truth, I can use you to help that straying one turn from the error of his way.  Also, as you seek to live near Me, enjoying My Presence, your light shines before men - helping them find Me.  Influencing others for righteousness increases your ability to shine like the stars for ever and ever.  Thus, living close to Me not only blesses you now but also enlarges your capacity to reflect My Glory through all eternity!

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  Daniel 12:3; Psalm 119:105; James 5:19-20 and
Matthew 5:16

Come To Me Just As You ...

COME TO ME JUST AS YOU ARE.  Let Me enfold you in My compassionate embrace.  I know the depth and breadth of your weariness.  I see you from the inside out, as well as from the outside in.  Nothing about you escapes My attention -  or My tender concern.   I offer you rest, My child, but in order to receive it you must stop for a time and simply wait with Me.  When you are physically tired, your mind easily succumbs to anxious thoughts.  Then, although your body needs rest, the anxiety drives you harder than ever.  This is hurtful and counterproductive.

Discipline yourself to stop whatever you are doing, and take time to fix your thoughts on Me.  I provide rest not only for your mind and body but also for your soul.  However, your body and soul cannot rest until your mind settles down.  Take quiet, slow breaths while you focus your attention on Me.  It can be helpful to say a simple prayer such as:  "Jesus, fill me with Your Peace."  Since My Peace surpasses all understanding, your mind will eventually relax in My Presence.  You can unburden yourself by making your requests known to Me.  This transfers your burdens to My strong shoulders.  Remember to bring Me your requests with thanksgiving, for I delight in responding to thankful prayers.  Moreover, your grateful attitude will bless you immeasurably - opening wide your heart to receive more and more of Me.

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  Matthew 11:28-29; Hebrews 3:1 and Philippians 4:6-7

I Approach You With Tenderness, Because You Are ...

I APPROACH YOU WITH TENDERNESS, BECAUSE YOU ARE Precious To Me And I Know How Fragile You Are.  I draw you with gentle cords, with hands of Love.  These Love-cords keep you connected to Me; they also help you discern the way you should go.  Though My bands of Love are unbreakable, they do no curtain your freedom.  These highly elastic bands allow you to go your own way for a while.  However, even if they are stretched out for a long time - as you seek to live independently of Me - they retain their drawing power.  Eventually, when you grow weary of worldly ways, the cords draw you gently back to Me.  No matter how far you have roamed, I welcome you with unfailing Love.

I stoop down both to nourish you and to liberate you:  take the yoke from your neck.  This yoke is a symbol of slavery, and you have been a slave to sin. My death on the cross for your sins provided a way to free you from this slavery.  I have broken the bands of your yoke and replaced them with bands of Love.  Now you can walk upright - with your head held high - rejoicing in Me, your Savior.  When the Son sets you free, you are free indeed!

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  Hosea 11:4; Psalm 143:8; John 8:34-36 and
Leviticus 26:13

Do Not Fear, For I - Your God - Am With ...

DO NOT FEAR, FOR I - YOUR GOD - AM WITH You!  I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.  Let these words enfold you like a warm blanket, sheltering you from the coldness of fear and dismay.  When trouble seems to be stalking you, grip My hand tightly and stay in communication with Me.  You can trust and not be afraid, for I am your Strength and Song.  My powerful Presence is with you at all times; you face nothing alone.  Moreover, I have promised to strengthen you and help you.  Awareness of these truths can fill you with Joy and Peace.

My righteous right hand holds you up in both good times and bad.  When things are flowing smoothly in your life, you may be unaware of My sustaining Presence.  Should I case to support you, though, you would quickly fall.  When you are walking through the valley of the shadow of death - keenly aware of your neediness - you gratefully cling to My strong hand.  My right hand sustains you during these times of affliction, enabling you to keep putting one foot in front of the other.  As you endure your trials in trusting dependence on Me, I bless you in the midst of hardship.  I even stoop down to make you great:  I reach down - into the valley of affliction - and lift you up into sacred pleasures shared with Me.

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  Isaiah 41:10; Isaiah 12:2; Psalm 23:4 and
Psalm 18:35

My Compassions Never Fail; They Are ...

MY COMPASSIONS NEVER FAIL; THEY ARE New Every Morning.  You can begin each day confidently, knowing that My vast reservoir of blessings is full - to the brim.  This knowledge helps you wait for Me, entrusting your long-unanswered prayers into My care and keeping.  I assure you that not one of your prayers has slipped past Me, unnoticed.  I want you to drink deeply from My fountain of limitless Love and unfailing compassion.  As you wait in My Presence, these divine nutrients are freely available.  You may drink without cost from the spring of the water of Life.

Although many of your prayers remain unanswered, you can trust in My great faithfulness:  I keep all My promises in My perfect way and timing.  Among other things, I have promised to give you Peace that displaces the trouble and fear in your heart.

If you become weary of waiting for answers to your prayers, remember that I also wait:  so that I may be gracious to you and have mercy on you.  I wait till you are ready to receive the things I have lovingly prepared for you.  Blessed are all those who wait for Me - expectantly, longingly, trustingly.

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  Lamentations 3:22-24; Revelation 21:6; John 14:27
and Isaiah 30:18

Lift Up Your Eyes To Me, And See ...

LIFT UP YOUR EYES TO ME, AND SEE Me Shining Brightly On Your Future.  Your body, especially when it is weak and weary, can exert a strong downward pull on your thinking.  This is very natural, but you are not limited to natural abilities.  When your thoughts are on a downhill path, you need to access supernatural resources.  Ask Me to help you think My thoughts.  Refuse to entertain a gloomy view of the future.  Reject such imagery as unreal, because that is what it is.  Any future-view that does not include Me is simply false!  I am the most important ingredient in the mix of your life.  The more of Me you include, the better your outlook will be.

Do not be overly focused on the condition of your body, since it is temporary.  Instead, rejoice that your inner being - the eternal part of you - is being renewed day by day.  You can even glean some good from the progressive wasting away of your outer self.  As your natural strengths and abilities wane, you become more aware of your need to rely on Me.  This can create a relaxed intimacy between us as you include Me in more and more of your moments.  Not only does this increase your Joy in the present, it also prepares you for an eternal face to Face with Me.  This is the true view of your future, and it is glorious! So, fix your eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen.  For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  Psalm 121:1-2; 2 Corinthians 10:5 and
2 Corinthians 4:16-18

I Am Nearer Than You Dare ...

I AM NEARER THAN YOU DARE Believe, Closer Than The Air You Breathe.  Usually, you're not conscious of being enveloped in air because it is invisible and constantly available to you.  Similarly, My unseen Presence is a constant in your life, but you often fail to recognize Me.  This leaves you vulnerable to loneliness.  If you could always recognize My Presence, you would never feel lonely again.

I deeply desire for you to experience My nearness - and the peaceful contentment it brings - more consistently.  There is a close connection between feeling lonely and being unaware of My Presence.  This is a age-old  problem:  When the patriarch Jacob was in a barren place - far from his family - he was quite conscious of his isolation.  However, I poured out My Presence upon him in the form of a glorious dream.  When Jacob awoke, he responded, "Surely the LORD is in this place, and I was not aware of it."

Awareness of My abiding Presence will protect you from loneliness.  Not only am I constantly with you, but I am also within you:  in the inner recesses of your heart and mind.  My knowledge of you is picture-perfect, and it is framed in unconditional Love.

Let feelings of loneliness remind you of your need to seek My Face.  Come to Me with your ever-so-human emptiness, and My divine Presence will fill you with Life to the full!

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  Psalm 41:12; Genesis 28:16; Psalm 139:1-2 and
John 10:10

I Am The Perfect Savior - 100 Percent God And ...

I AM THE PERFECT SAVIOR - 100 PERCENT SAVIOR And 100 Percent Man.  I came to earth in a physical body so I could bear all the punishment for your sins.  Because you are Mine, you are indeed holy in My sight, without blemish and free from accusation.  I know you sometimes feel blemished and accused, but this is not your true identity.  Now that you're My redeemed follower, a good word to describe you is "blameless."  Since I paid the penalty through death for all your sins, you are utterly free from blame.  There is no condemnation for those who are united with Me through faith!

Although you are forever free from accusation, you have a persistent adversary.  Satan is a relentless accuser of Christians; he accuses them day and night.  His demonic underlings, who seek to deceive and destroy My followers, rely heavily on this tactic.  These evil spirits attack your mind with a mixture of lies and truth.  To counteract their attacks, try writing down the accusing thoughts so you can pick out the distortions and outright lies.  Once you have done this, the most effective response is straightforward:  Reject the lies and distortions; repent of any actual sin.  Remember, though, that the bottom line is not what you do but what I have already done - redeemed you fully so you can live with Me eternally.  When the Son makes you free, you are free indeed!

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  Colossians 1:22; Romans 8:1; Revelation 12:10 and
John 8:36

You Live By The ...

YOU LIVE BY THE Spirit: He is the very source of your eternal life.  When you were dead in trespasses and sins, it was impossible for you to receive Me as Savior.  The Holy Spirit had to make you alive before you could respond to Me.  So you do quite literally live by the Spirit.

I want you to go forward along your life-path in step with the Spirit.  He will not help you go backward, so beware of seeking refuge in the past.  You need to keep moving forward and also to walk in the direction I choose.  Moreover, it's vital to pace yourself according to My timing: neither dashing ahead nor lagging behind.  The Spirit will help you in all these matters, as you live in reliance on Him. You can engage His help any time, any place - simply by asking.  If you find yourself anxiously rushing, pray, "Slow me down, Holy Spirit."  If you're uncertain about your direction, ask Him to show you the way.  When you don't know how to pray as you should, cry out "Help me, Holy Spirit!"  He will intercede for you with groanings too deep for words. 

The more you seek My Spirit's help and yield to His loving guidance, the better your life will be.  As you keep in step with the Spirit, you find yourself walking close to Me.

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 2:1-2; Psalm 25:4-5 and
Romans 8:26

Rest In The Assurance Of My Sheltering ...

REST IN THE ASSURANCE OF MY SHELTERING Presence that keeps you safe.  Let My promises of protection strengthen and comfort you - like huge heavenly bells pealing out ancient, changeless truth.  I want you to take refuge in My Shaddai-shadow more and more, by placing your trust fully in Me.  It is tempting to take shelter in people, money, success, good health. These are blessings from Me, but you must not rely on them.  Any or all of them could vanish instantly.  The unending protection I offer - refuge in the shadow of My wings - is available to both high and low among men.  In addition, I freely give you the priceless gift of My unfailing Love!

Since I offer you so much, it makes sense to put your trust in Me above all else.  Listen to the psalmist's proclamation:  It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.  It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes.  Solomon, the wisest of  all men, wrote He who trusts in his riches will fall.  Whenever you start to feel anxious, let these feelings serve as a warning that you're putting your trust in the wrong place.  You need to stop listening to your worry - thoughts, and instead tell yourself the truth - that I am totally trustworthy.  Then turn your attention to Me, saying, "Lord, You're my refuge.  I trust in You and I'm safe!"

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  Psalm 91:1-2; Psalm 36:7; Psalm 118:8-9 and Proverbs 11:28

I Am Your Intimate ...

I AM YOUR INTIMATE Friend, but I am also unfathomable and mysterious; infinitely great and glorious!  I want you to contemplate Me in My Glory so you can worship Me exuberantly.  Sometimes, though, you struggle with My unsearchable decisions and untraceable ways - seeking to control Me rather than abandoning yourself to Me in worship.  You need to recognize "control" for what it is:  an idol.  I created you in My image and endowed you with free will.  I gave you amazing linguistic abilities so you could communicate richly with Me.  Instead, of using these gifts in manipulative ways - trying to control Me - devote them to worshiping Me in spirit and truth.

I encourage you to pray freely:  Ask and it will be given to you.  Nonetheless, when you bring me your petitions, you need to keep in mind the depth of My wisdom and knowledge.  This will protect you from being presumptuous or manipulative.  I never fail to hear your prayers and answer them wisely, but I do not always grant your petitions - no matter how heartfelt they may be and how utterly right they may seem.  If it becomes clear that My will differs from what you have requested, the best response is to say simply, "Yes, Jesus."  This will draw you closer to Me, even in the midst of your disappointment.  Though My ways - My methods, My paths - may be mysterious from your perspective, I assure you they are good.

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  Romans 11:33; John 4:24 and Matthew 7:7

Rejoice In This Day Of ...

REJOICE IN THIS DAY OF Life, Being Willing To Follow Me Wholeheartedly - Wherever I Lead.  Anticipate blessings as we journey together.  Since I have created this day of life and presented it to you free of charge, I want you to receive it gratefully.  Your natural tendency when you awaken is to assess the day before you, discern trying to how good (or bad) it will be.  You do this almost unconsciously, often basing your conclusions on something as trivial as the weather.  I urge you to break free from this habit so you can be more receptive to Me and My blessings.

A thankful attitude is immensely helpful.  If you awaken to find a dark, rainy day, you can thank Me for the rain.   Having done so, you will be much less likely to grumble about the weather.  Also, remember that I have arranged the conditions of your day.  So you can assume there is much good to be found in it.

Rejoicing will help you find many blessings in this day.  If your circumstances are looking rather bleak, then be joyful in Me - your faithful Companion.  I want you to enjoy Me and look for precious gifts I've placed along the path we are following.  In faith, be on the lookout for good things both great and small.  Also, because I am your Teacher, I promise to provide learning opportunities as we travel together.

When you reach the end of this day, stop and look back at the distance we have covered.  Take time to ponder what you have learned and to savor the gifts you have found.  Let your mind dwell on these things as you lie down to sleep, rejoicing in Me and My blessings.

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  Psalm 118:24; John 13:13 and Psalm 3:5

I Am Immanuel - God With ...

I AM IMMANUEL - GOD WITH You.  Your pursuit of Me is actually a response to My ardent pursuit of you.  You don't have to batter down doors between us.  Rather, as you open the door of your heart to Me, you find Me gloriously present - having already thrown open My door to you!

My death on the cross for your sins was sufficient to open up My door  to you permanently.  Ever since you trusted Me as Savior, your standing with Me has been eternally secure.  So you need not fear that on a day when your performance is below par I might shut the door in your face.  With My help you can break out of that narrow enclosure of performance anxiety. I designed you to flourish in the wide open spaces of My grace and glory, where you are free to celebrate My Presence exuberantly.  Stand tall and shout praises to Me, remembering you are royalty to My kingdom of never-ending Life.

I want you to realize how utterly safe you are - in My perfect, persistent Love.  You understand that the strength of your love is insufficient to keep you connected with Me.  You know you cannot rely on your own faithfulness.  That's why you must depend on My unfailing provision. Love and faithfulness meet together in Me; moreover, through the sacrifice of My blood, righteousness and peace kiss each other.

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  Matthew 1:23; Romans 5:2; Psalm 18:19 and
Psalm 85:10

Though You Sit In Darkness I Will Be Your ...

THOUGH YOU SIT IN DARKNESS I WILL BE YOUR Light.  Sometimes you need to rest in the shadows.  If you continue pushing yourself - ignoring how weary you are - you may collapse altogether.  Many of My followers drive themselves to the point of exhaustion or utter discouragement, while pretending everything is all right.  Your enemy the devil rejoices-even gloats-when he sees this happening.  He understands the power of pretense to weaken My children till they are easy prey for him.

Do not panic when you have fallen, for you will rise again.  Be content to sit in darkness while I refresh your spirit, mind and body.  I am as fully present with you when you are sitting as when you are standing or walking.   Look for Me in the shadowy place where you find yourself now.  I want to shelter and nurture you under my wings, where you will find refuge.  While you are relaxing, I will be your Light - protecting, healing, and restoring you.

When My work of restoration is finished, you can crawl out from under My wings:  ready to rise again and continue your journey.  My Presence will go with you, illuminating the way before you - strengthening and encouraging you.  Hope in Me, My child, for you will again praise Me for the help of My Presence.

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  Micah 7:8; 1 Peter 5:8; Psalm 91:4 and Psalm 42:5

Seek To Please ...

SEEK TO PLEASE Me Above All Else.  Let this be your guiding focus throughout the day so that you won't be sidetracked by lesser goals.

You will not be able to achieve success through discipline alone, for this pursuit requires more than your willpower:  It is mainly powered by what is in your heart.  As your Love for Me grows stronger, so does your desire to please Me.  When a man and a woman are deeply in love, they take great delight in pleasing one another.  They may spend hours pondering ways to surprise their beloved with unexpected pleasures.  Simply anticipating the loved one's happiness is exciting to such a lover.  I delight in increasing your Joy: making it complete.  The best way to grow in your passion for Me is to increase your awareness of My ardent Love for you.

Whenever you seek to please Me, think about Me as the Lover of your soul:   the One who loves you perfectly every nanosecond of your existence.  Let your budding desire to please Me flourish in the Light of My unfailing Love.

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  Colossians 1:10; Hebrews 3:1; John 15:9-11 and
Psalm 52:8

I Am Your Sunrise From On ...

I AM YOUR SUNRISE FROM ON High!  While you were still sitting in darkness and the shadow of death, My Light shone upon you - giving you a reason to live, a reason to hope.  Now you are Mine, and you can approach Me confidently because of My tender mercy.  My heart is full of unfailing Love for you; it overflows from My heart into yours.  As you receive good things from Me with thanksgiving, you experience rich soul-satisfaction.  I want you to sing for Joy and be glad in response to all that I give you.  You can relax and enjoy My Presence since you know I am taking care of you.  In your time of need, I will provide mercy and grace to help you.

I want you to enjoy not only My Presence but also My Peace.  I came into your world to guide your feet into the way of Peace.  When you are anxious or fearful, it is as if you are doubting My promises to supply all you need.  My followers tend to think of worry as natural, even inevitable.  At worst, they consider it their personal problem or quirk - harming no one but themselves.   But the truth is, your tendency to be anxious grieves Me.  Awareness of My pain can help motivate you to break free from this hurtful habit.  Seek to bring Me Joy by walking trustingly with Me along the path of Peace.

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  Luke 1:78-79; Psalm 90:14; Hebrews 4:16 and
Philippians 4:19

Be Content To Be One Of My ...

BE CONTENT TO BE ONE OF MY Sheep - eternally known, eternally secure.  I want you to hear My voice, so you can follow Me closely all the days and moments of your life.  I speak to you in many ways, though most clearly through My Word.  You need to maintain a listening attitude in order to hear Me.  This requires both patience and perseverance:  waiting in My Presence, eager to hear from Me.  I, your Shepherd-King, not only lead you through each day of your life; I also open to you the gates of heaven.  You do well to remember that the Shepherd who so tenderly leads you is the King of eternity.

Though your earth-body will someday die, you yourself will never perish.  When you become absent from the body, you will be present with Me in a deep, rich, glorious way beyond anything you can imagine!  No one will be able to snatch you out of My hand.  This assurance of your eternal destiny sets you free from fear of death.  It also strengthens you to live bountifully today - joyously following your Shepherd.

Sheep are not designed to live independently.  They need a wise, loving shepherd to guide them carefully.  Similarly, you live best when you follow Me humbly, in sheep-like fashion.  As you trust Me to know what is best for you, I lovingly guide you in paths of righteousness.

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  John 10:27-28; 2 Corinthians 5:8 and
Psalm 23:1-3

Long Before You Began Seeking ...

LONG BEFORE YOU BEGAN SEEKING Me, I had designs on you for glorious living.  My overall purpose embraces and enfolds you - helping you understand who you are, giving meaning to your life.  In Me you live and move and have your being.  Even before the earth's creation I chose you as the focus of My Love, to be made whole and holy by My Love.  Until you came to know Me as Savior, your life was painfully incomplete.  Your inner being was rife with gaping holes.  Only My limitless Love is sufficient to fill all that emptiness.  The healing and wholeness you are finding in Me will continue to increase as you mature in My ways.

My Love not only completes you; it also makes you holy.  Your awareness that I love you with perfect, unending Love helps you break free from sinful ways.  Growth in holiness is a process, of course, and sometimes it is painful.  But the pleasures of My boundless Love outweigh any amount of pain and trouble you experience.  When you are suffering, talk with Me about your struggles.  Pour out your heart to Me.  As I soothe you with My loving Presence, I reassure you of the overall purpose I am working out in everything and everyone-in you!

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  Ephesians 1:11-13; Acts 17:18; Ephesians 1:4 and
Psalm 62:8