A Thankful Attitude Opens Windows Of ...

A THANKFUL ATTITUDE OPENS WINDOWS OF Heaven Through Which Spiritual Blessings Fall Freely.  And all I require to rain those blessings on you is your gratitude!  It seems such a simple choice; yet you stumble over it almost every day of your life.  Let Me help you become more grateful so you can receive bountiful blessings through those openings into eternity.

As you go about your day, keep these things in mind:  Throughout the Bible I repeatedly command thankfulness because it is vital to your well-being.  It is also crucial for a healthy relationship with Me, since I am your Creator, your Savior, your King.  When you thank Me, you acknowledge how much I have done for you.   This attitude brings Joy both to you and to Me.

Giving thanks is similar to priming a pump with water so that it will produce more water.  Since thankfulness is one of the spiritual blessings I bestow on you, it will increase along with the others when you "prime" Me with thanksgiving. 

Remember that I am the God of all grace.  When you fall in your endeavor to be thankful, simply ask Me for forgiveness.  As you freely receive this priceless gift - thinking about what it cost Me - your gratitude will grow.  Look up to Me and see spiritual blessings cascading down upon you through heaven's wide open windows.

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  Psalm 100:4; Ephesians 1:3; Colossians 4:2 and
Zechariah 9:9

I Live In You

I LIVE IN YOU.  This four-letter fact exponentially changes your life and improves your prospects for all eternity!  Don't worry about whether or not you are a fit home for Me.  I am well-accustomed to living in unfit houses.  Believers throughout the world and through all time have presented Me with a wide variety of deficient dwellings or inhabit.  I joyfully move into these humble homes and I work on renovating them from the inside.  However, I refuse to dwell in people who think they are already "good enough" without Me.  I have called such hypocrites whitewashed tombs:  beautiful on the outside but putrid on the inside.

As you ponder the miraculous truth that I live in you, let your heart overflow with Joy.  I am not a short-term tenant, indwelling you only as long as your behavior pleases Me.  I have come to stay - permanently.  Be aware,  though, that my renovations can be quite painful at times, and I don't adhere to a forty-hour workweek.  When My transforming work in you causes intense pain, cling trustingly to Me.  I want you to live by faith in the One who loved you and gave Himself for you.  Continue yielding to My renewal within you, and you will become more fully the masterpiece I designed you to be.  Collaborate with Me, and live abundantly!

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  Galatians 2:20; Matthew 23:27; Ephesians 2:10 and
John 10:10

Go Gently Through The Day, Leaning On ...

GO GENTLY THROUGH THE DAY, LEANING ON Me And Enjoying My Presence.  I say gently, not only because it is the best way for you to cope with the demands of the day, but because I Myself am gentle - especially with those who are weak.  You need to lean on someone, and I am definitely the most reliable Person you could ever find.  I - the Lord of the universe - am always available to help you.

My availability is based on My commitment to you, which is deeper and stronger than even the most ardent wedding vows.  No matter how passionately in love a bride and groom may be, their vows last only until one of them dies.  My commitment, however, is absolutely unlimited.  When you asked Me to be your Savior, I wed you for eternity.  Neither death nor life, nor anything else in all creation can separate you from My Love!

I invite you to lean on Me as much as you like, but I also want you to enjoy Me.  When you are weary, you find it easier to lean on Me than to enjoy My company.  In an attempt to save energy, you tend to shut down emotionally.  But it is possible for you to be joyful in Me - your Savior - even in desperate circumstances.  Remember that I am your strength.  Rejoice in Me, and relax while I speak to you in gentle whispers.

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  Romans 8:38-39; Habakkuk 3:17-19 and 1 Kings 19:12

Have No Fear ...

HAVE NO FEAR Of Bad News.  I want your heart to be steadfast, trusting in Me - in My unfailing Love.  Remember that My Love for you is independent of your performance.  So, when you become anxious or fearful, I do not love you less.  Having a steadfast heart is an excellent goal, and you are making some progress in this quest.  I am like a proud parent watching his baby learn to walk, eager to see you take each step of  trust - however small.  No matter how unsteadily you walk, I applaud each trust-step as if it were an Olympic feat.  When you stumble or fall, I give you time to pull yourself back up.  However, if you lift your arms to Me, seeking My help, I cannot resist coming to your aid.

Looking to Me for help demonstrates genuine trust in Me.  It is easy to turn against yourself when you have failed, but this is not pleasing to Me.  Some of My children blame others - or Me - for their failures.  All of these responses are hurtful and counterproductive.  The sooner you turn toward Me, the better.  My tender Love can soothe your wounded pride and help you learn from your mistakes.  As you sit in ashes of failure, looking up to Me, you grow more humble.  You realize that you need Me continually to develop a steadfast heart.  In My unfailing Love, I will lead you.  In My strength, I will guide you - all the way to My holy dwelling.

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  Psalm 112:7; Psalm 143:8; Isaiah 61:3 and
Exodus 15:13

My Eyes Range Throughout the Earth To ...

MY EYES RANGE THROUGHOUT THE EARTH TO Strengthen Those Whose Hearts Are Fully Committed To Me.  In this world of "spin" and outright lies, I assure you that My eyes see everything with perfect clarity.  Of course, that means I also see everything about you.  The human heart - in its fallen condition - is deceitful above all things.  Idol making comes naturally to all people, including My followers.  Even good things can become idols if they slither into first place in your heart.  Nonetheless, your longing for a heart fully committed to Me makes you fear it as sin and turn back to Me:  your First Love.  In response, I strengthen you - empowering you to live for Me more and more.  Thus, as we work together, your heart becomes increasingly devoted to Me.

If you cringe at the thought of My seeing everything about you, remember that I look at you through eyes of grace.  Though nothing is hidden from My sight, I choose to view you through grace-vision.  I see you radiantly attired in garments of salvation, and this is a glorious sight!  Look up to Me; let the approving Love in my eyes strengthen and delight you.

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  2 Chronicles 16:9; Jeremiah 17:9; Revelation 2:4 and
Isaiah 61:10

My Love Goes On And On Into The ...

MY LOVE GOES ON AND ON INTO THE Future-Glory of Forever.  I am the mysterious Lover who will never let you go.  Many people despise mystery, because they want to reduce life to what they can comprehend through their senses and reasoning.  This is like trying to love someone by spending time with the person's picture rather than with the living human being.  Love is both mysterious and sacred because it is the essence of the perfect relationships We enjoy within the Trinity.  It is also how I - your living Savior - choose to relate to you.  There is no barrier between us because My blood keeps on cleansing you from all sin.  So you are free to draw near Me; in response, I come closer to you.

A blessed way to come near Me is to ponder the strength of My Love:  Many water cannot quench it; rivers cannot wash it away.  This Love is the most powerful force in the universe, and it will ultimately prevail - in your current life (as you trust Me) and throughout eternity.  Remember that you are My beloved; this is your forever-identity.  Rejoice in this ultimate security, for it is worth more than all the wealth in the world!

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  1 John 1:7; James 4:8; Song of Songs 8:7 and
1 John 4:16-18

I Am The Sun Of Righteousness, Gloriously Brilliant And ...

I AM THE SUN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, GLORIOUSLY BRILLIANT AND Worthy Of All Adoration.  There is healing in My wings and My beams of Glory-Light.  Wait with Me while My healing Presence shines brightly upon and within you.  Open your soul to receive the full spectrum of these Glory-beams.  Let My living Light energize you so bountifully that you go out from this waiting time like a calf released from its stall, leaping for Joy!

My promises are  ripe with abundant blessings, but they are not for everyone.  Only those who revere and worshipfully fear My Name will receive the promised benefits.  Many people casually abuse My Name, using it as a cheap swearword.  This is blasphemy, and it carries serious consequences.  Blasphemers cannot expect to receive favor from Me unless they repent.  I want all people to revere My Name - regarding it as sacred because it represents Me, the King of Glory.  Since you do honor My Name, you are free to enjoy the good things I have promised:  healing in the intimacy of My Presence, exuberant Joy that cannot be contained, and much more.  As you bask in these delightful blessings,  remember to tell others about your glorious King.  Then they also can become worshipers who revere Me and praise My holy Name.

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  Malachi 4:2; Exodus 20:7 and Psalm 24:7

Glorifying & Enjoying Me Is A Higher ...

GLORIFYING & ENJOYING ME IS A HIGHER Priority Than Maintaining A Tidy, Structured Life.  Your heart resonates with this truth, but in practice, you usually strive to keep things under control. I read your thoughts with perfect accuracy, so I know how easily you lose perspective.  When "order" becomes your focus, you often try to enlist My help in getting control of your circumstances.

Let's think together about this:  To glorify and enjoy Me as you desire, you need to relinquish control to Me.  You may feel as if this would involve giving up something valuable, because controlling things is a way you try to feel safe.  In reality, however, what I'm asking you to give up -  the striving to maintain control - is something that frustrates you far more than it helps you.  Even if you succeed in creating a tidy life for a time, you will not be able to maintain it.

Instead of wasting energy on an impossible task, endeavor to celebrate your relationship with Me.  Learn to walk more consistently in the Light of My Presence.   Indeed, those who walk in this Light can rejoice in Me all day long, exalting in My righteousness.  Glorify Me by living joyously in My energizing Light.

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  John 17:4-5; Psalm 139:1-2 and Psalm 89:15-16

Without Faith It Is Impossible To ...

WITHOUT FAITH IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO Please Me.  This may seem obvious, but there are actually many people who try to approach Me without truly believing I exist.  Some people simply want to cover all their bases, so they toss up an occasional prayer to Me - just in case I might really exist and someday be their Judge.  Others cry out to Me at times of extreme distress and then forget about Me when the crises is over.  This is not genuine faith, and it does not please Me at all.  Faith that pleases Me is much more substantial.  It perceives as real fact what is not revealed to the senses.

I enjoy rewarding those who earnestly seek Me.  I don't expect perfection in your search for Me, because I remember you are dust.  I do, however, rejoice in your seeking Me persistently, day in and day out.  This is extremely pleasing to Me, and I reward you in numerous ways:  I whet your appetite to know Me ever more intimately.  I gradually change the desires of your heart so they line up more and more with the contents of My heart.  When you are going through tough times, I pour out upon you tender, overflowing Love.  As you open your heart to receive this Love-flow, you are ravishingly pleasingly to Me.

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  Hebrews 11:6; Hebrews 11:1; Jeremiah 29:13 and
Psalm 103:14

I Am Your Living Redeemer

I AM YOUR LIVING REDEEMER.  Before you knew Me, you were a slave to sin.  In order to redeem you - to deliver you from this bondage - I paid the full penalty for your sins.  The price was astronomical:  the sacrifice of My own blood!  So now you belong to Me, and you will live with Me throughout eternity.

Since you were bought at such an immeasurable price, I want you to glorify Me in your body and in your spirit.  You glorify Me in your body by taking good care of yourself and abstaining from immorality.  Your life is a precious gift from Me, and I want you to live it fully - in ways that bring Me Glory and give you healthy pleasure.  You glorify Me in your spirit by delighting in Me above all else.  This is a most joyful pursuit!  The world contains much beauty and many sources of enjoyment, but I outshine them all.  As you orient your spirit toward Me, I bless you with the Joy of My Presence.  This pleasure is independent of your circumstances; it flows from the foundation of My eternal Love.  Because you are My redeemed one, I take great delight in you.  I quiet you with My Love; I rejoice over you with singing.

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young). 

Scripture Insight:  Job 19:25-27; John 8:34; 1 Corinthians 6:20 and
Zephaniah 3:17

People Often Consider Thoughts To Be ...

PEOPLE OFTEN CONSIDER THOUGHTS TO BE Fleeting And Worthless, But Yours Are So Precious To Me That I Read Each One.  My ability to read your every thought may be disconcerting to you.  You're able to interact with other people while keeping your secret thoughts to yourself, but not so with Me.  However, since secretiveness breeds loneliness, isn't it a relief that there is Someone from whom you cannot hide?  Moreover, the fact that I care about every aspect of you - even all your thoughts - demonstrates how important you are to Me.

I know how difficult it is for you to control what courses through your brain.  You mind is a battleground, and evil spirits work tirelessly to influence your thinking.  Your own sinfulness also finds ample expression in your thought life.  You need to stay alert and fight against evil!  I fought and died for you, so remember who you are and Whose you are - putting on the helmet of salvation with confidence.  This helmet not only protects your mind, it also reminds you of the victory I secured for you on the cross.

Because you are My treasure, I notice and rejoice as soon as your thinking turns My way.  The more thoughts you bring to Me, the more you can share in My Joy.  I disarm evil thoughts and render them powerless.  Then I help you  think about things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable - excellent and praiseworthy things.  Ponder these things while resting in the Peace of My Presence.

- Jesus


(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)


Scripture Insight:  Psalm 139:1-2; Ephesians 6:17 and Philippians 4:8

I Want You To Spend Time With ...

I WANT YOU TO SPEND TIME WITH Me For The Pure Pleasure Of Being In My Company.  When you take delight in My Presence, you experience a foretaste of the eternal pleasures I have prepared for you.  Unfortunately, the "dailyness" of life tends to pull you down, and your focus on routine duties often obscures your awareness of Me.

To enjoy My companionship in all that you do, wait in My Presence while I reveal Myself to you.  Put aside thoughts of tasks awaiting you as you focus pleasurably on Me.  Allow awareness of My Presence to become imprinted on your consciousness.  Then move gently from this contemplative time into your routine duties and continue communing with Me, asking Me to be vibrantly involved in your work.

Having already connected with Me at a deep level, you can find Me more easily in the midst of your activities.  Naturally, you will lose sight of Me at times; I know you're only human.  But you can reconnect readily by moving toward Me in your thoughts, words and feelings.  The more you include Me in your awareness, the brighter your day will be.  Your routines will sparkle with the liveliness of My company.

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  Psalm 130:5-6; Psalm 103:13-14 and Acts 17:28

I Am Your Strength And Your Shield ...

I AM YOUR STRENGTH AND YOUR SHIELD.  When you trust in Me - My awesome strength and shielding protection - you are helped enormously.  Weights of worry fall off you as you connect with Me through trust.  The resulting lightness within you invites Joy to rush in, and you can bask in My merry Light.  I have told you that whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the Light of Life.  An excellent way to stay near Me is to place your confidence fully in Me.  A heart that trusts in Me can even leap for Joy!

Another good way to follow Me closely is to give thanks in every situation.  One of the simplest - yet most effective - prayer is, "Thank you, Jesus."  I encourage you to express your thankfulness in a variety of ways.  If you are artistic, you can express yourself through singing, dancing, painting, sculpting.  If you're verbally gifted, you can speak or write praises to Me.  More profoundly, you can learn to worship Me in everything you do.  Whatever you do, do it heartily - as to Me, your Lord.  Devote yourself to thanking and praising Me these delightful disciplines glorify Me and fill you with gladness.

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  Psalm 28:7; John 8:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; and
Colossians 3:23

I Myself Go Before You - Opening Up The ...

I MYSELF GO BEFORE YOU - OPENING UP THE Way.  I will never leave you nor forsake you.  Therefore, you need not be afraid or discouraged.  I realize, though, that feelings often fail to submit to logic.  So don't be surprised when your emotions rebel against your will.  David - who was both a mighty warrior and a gifted poet - expressed fearfulness, trembling, and even overwhelming horror in one of his psalms.  Yet his trust in Me was genuine and deep.  His life and his writing demonstrate that fear does not "trump" trust:  They can coexist.  This is why David could proclaim, "When I am afraid, I will trust in You."

Trust is a relational word.  It's one of the prime ways you can draw near Me.  When you are afraid, don't blame yourself for having that very human emotion.  Instead, acknowledge what you are feeling; then affirm your trust in Me - out loud or in a whisper.  This affirmation protects you from the lie that feeling fearful means you don't trust Me.  Even better, it brings you consciously into My Presence, where you can find comfort and hope.  The Light of My Presence illuminates the vast dimensions of My Love for you - empowering you to grasp how wide and long and high and deep My Love is, and to know this Love that surpasses knowledge.

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  Deuteronomy 31:8; Psalm 55:5; Psalm 56:3 and
Ephesians 3:18-19

Saturday, Jan 17th - I Bless You And Keep You; I Make My Face ...

I BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU; I MAKE MY FACE Shine Upon You; I Turn My Face Toward You And Give You Peace.  I want you to meditate on this blessing, for it expresses well the overflow of My heart toward you.  I long to bless My children, but so often they are unwilling to come to Me and linger in My living Presence.  They turn primarily to lesser gods: people, wealth, success.  You are not immune to such idolatry, but you do have some bright moments of seeking Me first and foremost.  Since you have tasted and seen that I am good, your appetite for Me is steadily improving.

Deep within the human heart lies intense longing for My approval.  Many people hate Me because they fear My disapproval.  They know instinctively they have broken My laws, so they try to live as far from Me as possible.  They fail to recognize My universal Presence:  There is no place in the universe where I am not present.  How tragic that so many try to run from Me, rather than come - believing - for Life!  Those who do come to Me discover that My yoke is easy and My burden is light.  Like you, they find not only My approval but also rest for their souls.  While I am blessing you with soul-rest, I graciously give you Peace.

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  Numbers 6:24-26; Psalm 34:8; John 6:40 and
Matthew 11:28

I - The Eternal Lover Of Your Soul - Desire Intimate Connection With ...

I - THE ETERNAL LOVER OF YOUR SOUL - DESIRE INTIMATE CONNECTION With You.  When you seek to know Me more fully, this brings Me much pleasure.  My knowledge of you is unlimited:  I know everything about you, and I choose to love you ardently in spite of your imperfections.  I have already paid the penalty for all the things in your life - past, present and future - that could isolate you from Me.

Though there is still some darkness in your heart, the Light of the knowledge of My Glory continues shining within you - as a Light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your heart.  Your part in this unfolding drama is to wait trustingly in My holy Presence.  This is the most effective way to develop a more intimate relationship with Me.  Though waiting can be a difficult discipline, the blessings far outweigh your effort.  Moreover, the effort itself can bless you, because it keeps you focusing on Me.  As you wait in the Light of My Presence, My Love falls steadily upon you.  In this brilliant Love-Light you can sometimes catch glimpses of the Glory revealed in My Face.

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  Romans 3:23-24; 2 Corinthians 4:6; 2 Peter 1:19 and
Psalm 13o:5-6

Truth Is The Very Heart Of Who I Am, So You Cannot ...

TRUTH IS THE VERY HEART OF WHO I AM, SO YOU CANNOT Love Me Without Loving The Truth.  In fact, for this reason I came into the world, to testify to the truth.  I abhor lies - especially about salvation, which is through Me alone.  In this age of "tolerance," many people deem it arrogant to believe in absolute truth.  However, unless the gospel is absolutely true, it is not good news at all.  If it is only partially true, people who trust Me as Savior are to be pitied more than all men.

Both My words and My works testify to the truth.  I performed countless miraculous signs so that the display of My Glory would confirm the truth of My teaching.  My resurrection and ascension further verify that I am who I claim to be:  the only true Savior God.

I want you to build your life on My transcendent truth.  As you listen to Me - through My Word and My Spirit - your life gains meaning and purpose.  You can face each day with confidence, secure in My eternal Love, embracing challenges as adventures to share with Me.  The more you build your life on the truth, the closer to Me you can live - enjoying Me, depending on Me, glorifying Me.

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  John 14:6; John 18:37; 1 Corinthians 15:19 and
John 20:30-31

To Receive My Peace, You Must ...

TO RECEIVE MY PEACE, YOU MUST Change Your Grasping, Controlling Stance To One Of Openness And Trust.  Grasping and controlling are your means of trying to feel safe.  However, such an approach actually hurts you and works against you.  The more you manipulate and maneuver for control, the more anxious you become.

Rather than striving for peace of mind through these means, abandon yourself to Me.  My hand is the only thing you can grasp without damaging your soul.  Let Me help you open your hands and receive all that I have for you.

What you do with your body can help or hinder what goes on in your soul.  When you realize you are grasping for control, become aware of your body language.  Intentionally open your hands, releasing your concerns to Me and inviting Me to take charge.  Open your heart and mind as well, as you lift your hands to Me.  You are now in a good position to receive My many blessings, not the least of which is awareness of My Presence.

Enjoy the Peace that flows out from Me while you bask in the Light of My Love.  Then, when you move back into your activities, consciously grasp My hand in childlike dependence.  For I am the Lord your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, "Do not fear; I will help you."

- Jesus

 (Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  1 Timothy 2:8; John 20:19; Matthew 18:4 and
Isaiah 41:13

With Me All Things Are ...

WITH ME ALL THINGS ARE Possible.  When you bump into massive difficulties on your life path, I want you to consider it pure Joy.  As you bounce off these "impossibilities," My everlasting arms are wide open - ready to catch you, calm you, and help you do what does not seem possible.  You can be joyful in the midst of perplexing problems because I am God your Savior.  I have already accomplished the greatest miracle - saving you from your sins.  If you keep looking to Me, your resurrected Lord and King, your pessimism will eventually yield to courage.  Though you are an earthbound creature in many ways, your soul shares in My eternal victory.

Since I am infinite, "impossibilities" are My specialty.  I delight in them because they display My Glory so vividly.  They also help you live the way I intended:  in joyful, trusting dependence on Me.  The next time you face an "impossible" situation, turn to Me immediately with a hopeful heart.  Acknowledge your total inadequacy, and cling to Me - relying on My infinite sufficiency.  All things are possible with Me!

- Jesus


(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)


Scripture Insight:  Matthew 19:26; James 1:2-3; Deuteronomy 33:27 and
Habakkuk 3:17-18

I Know The Plans I Have For You, Plans To ...

I KNOW THE PLANS I HAVE FOR YOU, PLANS TO Proper You And Not To Harm You, Plans To Give You Hope And A Future.  This promise provides a feast of encouragement - offering you prosperity, hope and a blessed future.  Because the world is so fractured and full of pain, people tend to think dark thoughts and feel hopeless about the future.  Unless you stay alert, you are vulnerable to such thoughts and feelings too.  This makes you easy prey for your adversary, the devil, who prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.  I gave My body on the cross to provide eternal nourishment for you, but the evil one wants to devour you!  The contrast is crystal clear and the stakes are immeasurably high.

Mankind has a voracious appetite for finding out what the future will bring.  Astrologers and fortune-tellers capitalize on this lust to peer into secret things - things that belong to Me.  However, to feast on Me you must live in the present moment.  This is where you can encounter Me and enjoy My Presence.  As you come to the table of My delights, be sure to bring your fork of trust and your spoon of thankfulness.  Take plenty of time enjoying Me, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare.

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)


Scripture Insight:  Jeremiah 29:11; 1 Peter 5:8; Deuteronomy 29:29 and
Isaiah 55:2

I Have Called You Out Of Darkness Into My ...

I HAVE CALLED YOU OUT OF DARKNESS INTO MY Marvelous Light.  I brought you not only out of darkness but also into My royal family.  I clothed you with My own robe of righteousness - making you fit for My kingdom.  You are one of My own special people:  You belong to Me, and I delight in you.

I have chosen to use imperfect ones like you to proclaim My praises.  I know you cannot do this as well as you would like.  This gap between My call on your life and your ability to respond is part of My plan.  It heightens your awareness of your utter insufficiency.  Because you are Mine, I allow you to connect your deep inadequacy to My boundless sufficiency.  Instead of focusing on your imperfection, make every effort to stay connected with Me.  The more you depend on My resources, the more you can celebrate My Majesty.  In whatever you do, consciously rely on My help - living in the joyous wonder of self-forgetfulness.  As you look to Me continually for all you need, your face will reflect the Light of My surpassing Glory.

- Jesus


(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)


Scripture Insight:  1 Peter 2:9; Isaiah 61:10; John 15:5 and
2 Corinthians 3:18

I Am Teaching You The Secret Of Being ...

I AM TEACHING YOU THE SECRET OF BEING Content In Any And Every Situation.  This secret is all about Me - who I am and what I offer you.  I am your Creator and King, your Savior and Shepherd.  I offer you Myself in all My Power and Glory.  I am the only One who can empower you to find contentment in all circumstances.

I have promised to supply all your needs according to My riches in Glory.  The greater your need, the more I invite you into the mysterious depths of My Being.  Intimacy with Me gives you strength; it also fills you with transcendent Joy.

Some of My followers are comfortable with being in need but struggle with having plenty.  When I supply abundantly, they feel unworthy - even guilty.  How this grieves Me!  Imagine a wealthy parent giving a desired, expensive gift to his beloved child. The expected response would be pleasure and gratitude.  If instead the child felt unworthy of this extravagant gift, the generous parent would feel deeply disappointed and hurt.  That is how I feel when My children balk at receiving abundance from Me.  The secret of being content is childlike trust in Me:  My infinite riches and generous Love.  Do not expect to understand My ways with you.  Remember that My ways and thoughts are higher than yours - as the heavens are higher than the earth.

- Jesus


(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)


Scripture Insight:  Philippians 4:12-13; Philippians 4:19 and
Isaiah 55:8-9

If It Is Possible, As Far As It Depends On You, Live At Peace With ...

IF IT IS POSSIBLE, AS FAR AS IT DEPENDS ON YOU, LIVE AT PEACE WITH Everyone.  Most people prefer to live peacefully with others, but when there are conflicts, many wait for the other person to make the first move.  Problems inevitably arise when both parties wait for the other to take the first step.  That's why the apostle Paul instructs each offended person to move toward the other.  If even one of the two follows this teaching, there is hope for restoring the relationship.

Paul's teaching reflects My own:  Reconciling with an offended brother or sister should be done before offering your gift at the altar.  In other words, restoring peace in your relationship - as far as it depends on you - is a prerequisite for participating in worship.  Paul's command includes an important qualifying phrase:  if it is possible.  You might do all the right things without achieving reconciliation.  In that case, you are free - to live and love and worship with a clear conscience.

To live at peace with everyone, you need to control not only what you say and do but also what you think.  It's common to assume that your thoughts about others don't matter much, as long as you keep them to yourself.  However, I am fully aware of all your thoughts.  When you indulge in negative thinking about someone, your relationship with that person is damaged.  Those hurtful thoughts also affect your relationship with Me, and they may have a depressive effect on you.  The remedy lies in turning to Me and seeking My forgiveness.  Then, ask My Spirit to control your mind and help you think My thoughts.  This is the way of Life and Peace.

- Jesus


(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)


Scripture Insight:  Romans 12:18; Matthew 5:23-24 and Romans 8:6

I Have Saved You To The Uttermost -

I HAVE SAVED YOU TO THE UTTERMOST - Perfectly, Totally, For All Eternity!  So your salvation is absolutely assured.  I want you to live in the freedom that flows from this indescribable gift.  That is why I came into the world:  to set you free from sin and bondage. Let the glorious truth of the gospel soak into your innermost being, and you will grow increasingly free.

I am the ideal Intercessor for you, because I understand you completely.  I lived as a Man in your world for thirty-three years, and I know firsthand how hard it is to resist temptation.  I was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil for forty days and nights, with nothing to eat.  Throughout my life on earth I endured one temptation after the other.  When I was being crucified, people taunted Me mercilessly - saying they would believe in Me if I came down from the cross.  I was fully capable of performing this miracle, which made the temptation all the more agonizing.

Now I live to make intercession for you.  Since I am infinite in all My ways, I am never too busy:  I am always available to help you.  When you languish in the shadows, feeling bad about yourself, I wait for you.  When you come freely into My bright Presence, seeking My help, I joyfully respond to your needs.  Remember that I am the One who understands you perfectly and loves you eternally.

- Jesus


(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)


Scripture Insight:  Hebrews 7:25; John 8:32; Matthew 4:1-2; and Mark 15:32

Even Your Mistakes Can Be Recycled Into ...

EVEN YOUR MISTAKES CAN BE RECYCLED INTO Something Good Through My Transforming Grace.  Do you believe this - believe that your mistakes can be used for good in My kingdom? 

When you know you've made mistakes, it's easy to start fantasizing about what might have been - if only you had acted or chosen differently.  But this accomplishes nothing!

The best strategy for accepting yourself when you've made mistakes is to draw near to Me.  This nearness helps you see things from My perspective.   You tend to view yourself as someone who should be almost perfect, making very few errors.  My perspective is quite different:  I see you as My beloved - weak in many ways, prone to wandering from Me.  However,  your weakness and waywardness cannot diminish My constant Love for you.  Moreover, My infinite wisdom enables Me to take your errors and weave them into an intricate work that is good.

You need to accept not only yourself but also the choices you have made.  Fantasizing about having done things differently is a time-wasting trap.  The more you fantasize, the further from Me you wander.  When you realize this has happened, turn around and run back to Me!  Take time to talk with Me and relax in My Presence.  Your perfectionist tendencies will dissolve as you soak in My transforming grace.

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

 Scripture Insight:  Psalm 103:13-14; Psalm 119:76 and Ephesians 1:7-8

Fear Of Man Will Prove To Be A ...

FEAR OF MAN WILL PROVE TO BE A Snare, But Whoever Trusts In Me Is Kept Safe.  You're beginning to realize how much your life is hampered by fear of man.  This condition has been so much a part of your daily existence, that you failed to recognize it until recently.  Now that you realize what's going on, let Me help you break free from this fear of other people's disapproval.

I will give you a two-pronged approach for dealing with this crippling condition.  First, replace your fear of displeasing people with eagerness to please Me - the Lord of the universe.  Make pleasing Me your highest priority.  Include Me in your thinking whenever you are making plans or decisions.  Let your desire to enjoy My approval shine brightly, illuminating your thoughts and choices.

The second way to free yourself from fear of man is to develop deeper trust in Me.  Instead of trying to please people so they will give you what you want, trust in Me - the Supplier of all your needs.  My glorious riches never run short, nor does My Love for you.  People can easily deceive you, promising you things with no intention of following through.  Even if they mean well at the time, they may change their minds later on.  Because I remain the same forever, I am absolutely dependable.  Trusting in people is risky.  Trusting in Me is wise:  It keeps you safe.

- Jesus


(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)


Scripture Insight:  Proverbs 29:25; 2 Corinthians 5:9; Philippians 4:19 and
Psalm 102:27

Marvel At The Wonder Of Being Able To Commune With ...

MARVEL AT THE WONDER OF BEING ABLE TO COMMUNE WITH The King Of The Universe Any Time.  Please don't take this awesome prayer privilege for granted!  Don't let foolish arrogance step in either, making you act as if you are doing Me a favor by spending time talking with Me.

The best antidote to such foolishness is recognizing it and repenting of it.  Then remember who I AM:  King of kings and Lord of lords, dwelling in dazzlingly unapproachable Light.  My eyes are like blazing fire.  My voice is like the sound of rushing waters.  My face is like the sun shining in all its brilliance.  Yet I am also your Shepherd, tenderly leading you step by step through your life.  I want you to realize how precious you are to Me -- how much I delight in you.  I long for you to reciprocate by delighting in Me.

I listen to your heart as well as to your words.  When you approach My throne of grace joyfully, anticipating the wondrous pleasure of communing with Me, both you and I are blessed!

- Jesus


(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)


Scripture Insight:  1 Timothy 6:15-16; Revelation 1:14-16; Psalm 37:4 and
Hebrews 4:16

I Am Able To Sympathize With Your Weaknesses, For I Have ...

I AM ABLE TO SYMPATHIZE WITH YOUR WEAKNESSES, FOR I HAVE Been Tempted In Everyway.  Not only do I understand you perfectly with all your weakness, but I have infinite resources because I am both Man and God.  When friends try to help you with your problems, their own flaws and sinfulness can get in the way. I, on the other hand, comprehend you from both a divine, all-knowing perspective and a sinless human viewpoint.  During my thirty-three years on earth I experienced terrible temptations, and I had to endure everything without sinning - in order to be your Savior.  If you ever doubt My Love for you, just look at all I suffered so that I could spend eternity with you!

When you are going through painful trials, it is tempting to blame Me because you know I have unlimited Power to intervene.  However, I refrained from using that Power to save Myself from brutal torture and execution.  Whenever I allow you to suffer, try to see it as My vote of confidence in you.  It's a way of affirming you as a member of My royal family:  a co-heir with Me.  Call upon Me when you are in the midst of trials, and I will be ever so near you - entering into your suffering.  Remember that I allow you to share in My sufferings in order that you may also share in My Glory.

- Jesus


(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)


Scripture Insight:  Hebrews 4:15; Hebrews 12:3; and Romans 8:17

Your Soul Can Grasp Matters That ...

YOUR SOUL CAN GRASP MATTERS THAT Are Too Deep For Your Mind's Understanding.  One of these deep truths is My Father's perfect Love for you - the very Love He has for Me.  I came to live on your planet so I could make this indescribable Love real to you.

Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father.  Therefore, as you get to know Me better, you simultaneously come to know the Father more fully.  The better you know Us, the more Our sacred Love dwells in you. 

My Love and My Presence are inseparable.  I Myself live in you!  Thus, there are no limits to the depth of intimacy you and I can experience.  I know everything about you - including your deepest desires and darkest secrets.  I understand perfectly things about you which you have yet to discover.  However, My knowledge of you is not clinical or detached:  I view you through the eyes of a passionate Lover!  I invite you to open your heart and soul fully to Me; this will increase your intimacy, enabling you to experience more of My boundless Love.  For now you know in part (imperfectly), but in heaven you will know and understand fully - even as you have been fully, clearly known.

- Jesus


(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)


Scripture Insight:  John 17:26; John 14:9; Psalm 42:7 and 
1 Corinthians 13:12

Lay Your Requests Before Me ...

LAY YOUR REQUESTS BEFORE ME And Wait In Expectation.  Waiting and trusting are ever so closely connected.  The more you trust Me, the more you can wait with a positive attitude.  Meeting with Me each morning is a profound demonstration of trust.  This practice helps you begin the day with a thankful heart - receiving it as a precious gift from Me.

Waiting in My Presence has beneficial "side effects," so don't be overly focused on getting the answers you seek.  In My holy Light you relate to Me as creature to Creator, as clay to Potter.  This humbles you and helps you worship Me as I truly am.  Many people create in their minds a convenient god who suits their goals and lifestyle.  They may call this god by My Name, but they are actually practicing idolatry.  You need to search the Scriptures to protect yourself from this tragic deception.  As you read My Word, ask the Holy Spirit to illumine your mind so you can see Me more clearly - without distortion.

Feel free to bring Me many requests, because your world is brimming with neediness - as are you.  While you watch and wait in My Presence, look trustingly up to Me.  I speak graciously to your heart, assuring you of My unfailing Love.

- Jesus


(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)


Scripture Insight:  Psalm 5:3; Isaiah 64:8; John 4:23 and Psalm 13:5

My Presence Will Go With You ...

MY PRESENCE WILL GO WITH YOU, And I Will Give You Rest.  Sometimes when you are quite weary, all you can think about is finding rest.  As a result, your awareness of My Presence grows dim.  I assure you, though, that even when your attention falters, Mine remains steadfast.  Rejoice that the One who always takes care of you has an infinite attention span!

Even the most devoted parents cannot be constantly attentive to their children:  They have to sleep some of the time.  Also, they can be distracted by other demands on their attention.  Many deeply loved children have drowned when their devoted parents took their eyes off them ever so briefly.  Only I have the capability of watching over My beloved children continually - without the least interruption.

Instead of worrying about where and when you will find rest, remember that I have promised to provide it for you.  Worrying wastes vast quantities of energy - the very thing you need most to help you reach a resting place.  If you were driving a car with little gas in the tank and the nearest service station was far away, you would drive carefully and steadily, so as to minimize gas consumption.  Similarly, when you are low on energy you need to minimize consumption of this precious commodity.  Go gently and steadily through your day, looking to Me for help.  Rest in the knowledge that My watch-care over you is perfect.  Thus, you make the most of your limited energy.  Whenever you are struggling with weariness, come to Me and I will give you rest.

- Jesus


(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)


Scripture Insight:  Exodus 33:14; Psalm 121:2-3 and Matthew 11:28