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

I Urge You To Use Words With ...

I URGE YOU TO USE WORDS WITH Restraint.  Misusing words is one of the easiest ways to sin - and one of the deadliest.  In fact, the tongue is a fire that corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.  You would be wise to follow the example of David, who wrote:  Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips.  Controlling your tongue is so difficult that you cannot do it without massive help. 

Actually, I want to help you control not only your spoken words but also your thoughts.  The contents of your thoughts have an enormous influence on your health and well-being.  Many people are depressed or anxious because their thinking is so distorted and unbiblical.  If this problem remains uncorrected, it can lead to a breakdown of health.  However, Scripture provides correction:  Pleasant words are sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.  When My Spirit is controlling your thoughts and words, both your soul and your body will flourish.  Ask the Spirit to think and speak through you.  Since He lives in your innermost being He can easily influence you, but He waits to be invited.  The more you invite Him into your life, the healthier and happier you will be.  Your words will be pleasant - blessing not only you but also those around you.

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  Proverbs 17:27; Psalm 141:3 and Proverbs 16:24

Cling To Me As Your ...

CLING TO ME AS YOUR Lifeline.  You need My help continually, and I am eager to provide it.  Don't be anxious about your inability to obey My voice perfectly.  The most important commandment is to love Me with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.  Although you can do this only imperfectly, I nonetheless delight in your love - as a mother delights in a crumpled flower brought lovingly by her child.  Moreover, I rejoice in your obedience, though it is flawed, and in your desire to obey Me.  Instead of worrying about the ways you fall short, focus on doing what you can - out of love for Me.  Your awareness of your inadequacy can actually be a blessing:  It protects you from self-righteousness.  It also trains you to depend on Me more and more.

When you relate to Me as your Lifeline, I am pleased.  Since I am your Life, looking to Me for help is the wisest way to live.  I created you as a dependent being, and if you don't cling to Me you will grasp onto other things.  This can lead to addictions, destructive relationships and other forms of idolatry.  So the more you hold onto Me, the better your life will be.  I realize you are weak and your faith-muscles easily tire.  When you find as if you're about to lose your grip, cry out to Me!  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:  Deuteronomy 30:20; Matthew 22:37-38 and
Isaiah 41:13

I Comprehend You In All Your ...

I COMPREHEND YOU IN ALL YOUR Complexity; I understand you with absolute accuracy; no detail of your life is hidden from Me.  Yet you need not be afraid of My intimate awareness, because I view you through eyes of grace.

Were I to look at you otherwise - through eyes of the law rather than eyes of grace - it could be terrifying to you.  Unfortunately, you often view yourself that way:  legalistically evaluating how well you're performing.  When you think about it, you realize how silly that is, because your performance will never be sufficient to meet My holy standard.

Instead of focusing on your performance, come to Me and receive My unfailing Love.  You are troubled by fear of failure, but My Love for you will never fail.

Here is what I see as I view you through eyes of grace:  You look regal, for I have clothed you in my royal righteousness.  You are radiant, especially when you are gazing at Me.  You look lovely as you reflect My Glory back to Me.  In fact, you delight Me so much that I rejoice over you with shouts of Joy!

Because I am infinite, I can see you simultaneously as you are now and as you will be in heaven.  The present view helps Me work with you on things you need to change.  The heavenly vision enables Me to love you with perfect, everlasting Love.

The best way to see through eyes of grace is to gaze through the lens of My unfailing Love.  As you persevere in this practice, you will gradually find it easier to extend grace both to yourself and to others.

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  Psalm 36:7; Psalm 34:4-5 and  Zephaniah 3:17

I Am Your Risen, Living ...

I AM YOUR RISEN, LIVING Savior!  Through My resurrection you have been born again to an ever-living hope.  It is vital for you to remain hopeful, no matter what is going on in your life.  People put their hope in a variety of things - wealth, power, health, medical treatments- but these are all insufficient.  When storms break upon your life, you can find only one adequate source of help - Me!  The hope I provide is an anchor for your soul, firm and secure even in the most tempestuous waters.  A good way to remain anchored in Me is to whisper as often as needed:  "Jesus, You are my Hope."  This affirmation strengthens you and keeps you connected to Me.

I am constantly working to transform your life.  You need My help continually to keep your hope alive.  I stand ready to help you at all times - during stormy episodes as well as times of smooth sailing.  I am not only ever-living but also more abundantly alive than you can possibly imagine.  There are no limits to what My great Power and Glory can accomplish!  I can change the most "hopeless" situation into outright victory.  Moreover, as you affirm your trust in Me - no matter how difficult your circumstances - I am able to transform you: gradually, lovingly.  Those who hope in Me will not be disappointed.

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  1 Peter 1:3; Hebrews 6:19; Mark 13:26 and
Isaiah 49:23

All The Treasures Of Wisdom And Knowledge Are ...

ALL THE TREASURES OF WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE ARE Hidden In Me.  So I am relevant to absolutely everything!  The world is such a fragmented place, with many voices calling out to you - claiming to have answers.  When you are learning or experiencing new things, it is vital to stay in communication with Me.  I can help you understand things from My perspective drawing on My magnificent wisdom.  I want you to examine everything in the Light of biblical truth.

If you keep Me central in your thoughts, you can discern order and design in a seemingly chaotic world.  There will continue to be things you cannot comprehend, because  you live in a broken world and think with a fallen, finite mind.  So you must leave ample room for mystery in your thinking.  Acknowledging the limits of your understanding opens the way to profound worship.  You can exult in Me, the mysterious Messiah who is infinite and good in every way.  This will encourage your heart as well as the hearts of your fellow worshipers.  To worship Me well, your hearts must be united in love - woven into a beautiful Love - tapestry.  As you worship, thus united, you can enjoy My majestic Presence together in ways that transcend our individual experience.  This enables you to venture further and further into My vast hidden treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  Colossians 2:2-3; Isaiah 28:29 and Proverbs 9:10

In Union With Me You Are ...

IN UNION WITH ME YOU ARE Complete.  In closeness to Me you are transformed more and more into the one I designed you to be.

I know that you often feel incomplete, as if some vital part of you is missing.  When this is just a feeling, not a conscious thought, you respond in many unproductive ways:  comf0rting yourself with food, seeking entertainment, searching for yourself in the mirror and so on.  All the while I am with you, patiently waiting for you to remember Me.  If you continue to go your own way - seeking satisfaction where there is none - you become increasingly frustrated.  Your agitated condition makes it hard for you to turn back to Me, the only One who can complete you.  But it is never too late to cry out, "Help me, Jesus!"

When a child of Mine calls out to Me, I never fail to respond.  I may not provide instant relief, as if I were a genie, but I go to work immediately, setting in motion the conditions you need.  I help you gain awareness of what you have been doing:  seeking fulfillment in worldly ways.  In response to your neediness, I offer you My glorious riches.  When you have settled down enough to think clearly, I invite you to come near Me, where you can find completeness.

As you center your attention on Me - resting in the rarified air of My Presence -  I bless you with My Peace.  Though you are just a jar of clay, I fill you with My treasure:  the Light of the knowledge of My Glory.  This divine Light fills you to the brim - making you complete.  It also transforms you, bit by bit, into the masterpiece I designed you to be.

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  James 1:4; Psalm 145:19; James 4:8 and
2 Corinthians 4:6-7

I Will Satisfy Your Needs In A ...

I WILL SATISFY YOUR NEEDS IN A Sun-Scorched Land And Will Strengthen Your Frame.  I have perfect knowledge of your body's condition.  I handcrafted you Myself; you are fearfully and wonderfully made.

I am the Gardener, and you are My garden.  Even when you are enduring sun-scorching trails I can satisfy your needs and keep you well watered, like a spring whose waters never fail.  To receive My unfailing provisions, you need to trust Me and thank Me - no matter what.

I, your Sovereign Lord, will guide you always.  I delight in watching over you and helping you walk in My ways.  Remember, though, that you also have responsibility:  to follow the guidance I provide.  It is essential to study My Word, for I am vibrantly present in it.  The closer you live to Me, the easier it is to find and follow My path for you.  This way of living is not only for guidance but also for matchless enjoyment.  I will show you the path of Life; in My Presence is fullness of Joy; at My right hand are pleasures forevermore. 

- Jesus 

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  Isaiah 58:11; Psalm 119:105 and Psalm 16:11

Though I Bring Grief, I Will Show ...

THOUGH I BRING GRIEF, I WILL SHOW Compassion.  No matter what trials you are enduring, you can count on My Love and My compassion - neither of which will ever fail.  I can bring good out of everything I allow in your life, but much of what I do is far beyond your understanding.  My children often misinterpret My ways with them.  When adversity strikes, they tend to feel as if I'm displeased with them.  They don't realize that My most devoted followers are especially targeted in spiritual warfare.  The devil and his demonic underlings delight in tormenting those who live close to Me.  When you are suffering and your troubles seem endless, remember I am tenderly present in your afflictions.  Instead of lamenting the way things are, search for Me in the wreckage of adversity.  You will not fail to find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.

I want you to experience more fully the greatness of My overflowing Love.  As you open yourself to My compassionate Presence, this Love flows into you more freely.  Like new wine, My Love expands within you, increasing your capacity for Me.  Another way to expand this capacity is to let My Love flow from you to others.  I am so pleased when you do this that I flood you with more of My living Presence.  As you continue this blessed adventure with Me, I fill you with ever-increasing volumes of unfailing Love.

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  Lamentations 3:32; Lamentations 3:22-23 and
Jeremiah 29:13-14

As You Give Yourself More And More To A Life Of ...

AS YOU GIVE YOURSELF MORE AND MORE TO A LIFE OF Constant Communication With Me, you will find that you simply have no time for worry.  You may be skeptical about this statement.  It seems you always find time for worrying; it's a beast you've been battling in your own strength for years!  This has been counterproductive:  The more you've tried not to worry, the more anxious you've become.  So now you're worrying about worrying!

You definitely need My help in this battle.  Your best strategy is to stop focusing on the problem and put more energy into communicating more with Me.  This approach will help you achieve freedom from all sorts of negative tendencies, including worry.  The idea is to replace hurtful, self-defeating behavior with something wondrously positive - communicating with your Creator and Savior.

Because I designed you, I know how you function best:  in rich communion with Me.  As your Savior, I also know how you function worst.  But remember:  I died for every one of your sins.  Don't just talk to Me; listen to Me as well.  I speak to you through My Word, My Spirit, My creation.  As you discipline yourself to communicate more with Me - praying perseveringly - you will find your worry-time vanishing.

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  Luke 12:25-26; Proverbs 12:25; Psalm 25:4-5 and
1 Thessalonians 5:17

Bring Your Attention Gently Back To ...

BRING YOUR ATTENTION GENTLY BACK TO Me Whenever It Starts To Wander.  Find relief in the truth that I look for persistence - rather than perfection - in your walk with Me.

Are you amazed at how quickly and how far your mind can wander from Me?  When you recognize this has happened, don't be shattered by disappointment or distracted by discouragement.  Instead, simply return your attention to Me and to the truth that I accept you in all your imperfection.

Not only do I accept you as you are, I love you as you are.  I died a criminal's death so I could adorn you with My own perfection.  That's why bringing your thoughts to Me is so important:  It is My perfect righteousness that saves you, and it will never be taken away from you!

You can easily fall prey to self-rejection if you have unrealistic expectations for yourself.  When you fail, I want you to bring your focus back to Me gently, without judging yourself.  Instead of doing further harm by putting yourself down, persist in setting your sights on Me.  I always welcome you back with unfailing Love.

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  Hebrews 10:12-14; Luke 10:41-42 and Psalm 36:7

I Am Always Before You - Beckoning You On - One ...

I AM ALWAYS BEFORE YOU - BECKONING YOU ON - ONE Step At A Time.  Neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, can separate you from My loving Presence. 

I want you to live your life focused on My Presence in the present.  Since you know I am always with you - leading ad encouraging you - you can live in that reality moment by moment.   Your mind tends to leap over your present moment to the next task, ignoring the one that is before you and the One who is before you.  During rare times when you are able  to stay focused on Me, your work is infused with My Presence.  It is no longer laborious but delightful: more like play than work.

Living in collaboration with Me can be a foretaste of heaven.  It is wonderful, though not easy:  It requires a level of spiritual and mental concentration that is extremely challenging.  In the Psalms, David wrote about this collaborative way of living, declaring that he had set Me always before him.  As a shepherd, he had plenty of time to seek My Face and enjoy My Presence.  He discovered the beauty of days lived with Me always before him - and beside him.  I am training you to live this way too.  This endeavor requires more persistent effort than anything else you have attempted.  Yet, rather than detracting from your other activities, it fills them with vibrant Life.

Whatever you do, do it for Me - with Me, through Me, in Me.  Even menial tasks glow with the Joy of My Presence when you do them for Me.  Ultimately, nothing will be able to separate you from Me, so this you-and-I-together venture can continue throughout eternity.

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  Romans 8:38-39; Psalm 16:8 and Colossians 3:23-24

I Am Your Lamp; I Turn Your Darkness Into ...

I AM YOUR LAMP; I TURN YOUR DARKNESS INTO Light.  Transforming you is delightful to Me.  Only I know the full measure of your capabilities, and I work ceaselessly to help you become all I created you to be.  My brilliant Light - in which there is no darkness at all - enables you to see areas where you need to change.  When My Spirit spotlights an area of sin, you face a choice.  You can withdraw from Me into the darkness of denial, or you can come more fully into the radiance of My Presence.  If you face your sin head-on, it diminishes in power.  You gain strength to walk in My ways - on fresh paths illuminated by My Light.

I help you deal with all your darkness - not only within you but also around you.  Because you live in a broken world, you encounter darkness every day of your life.  You inhabit a rebellious planet that screams obscene lies about who I am.  This is why living close to Me - aware of My Presence - is so vital to your well-being.  An excellent way to draw near Me is to change your thinking from a monologue to a dialogue:  Make more and more of your thoughts a conversation with Me.  When you encounter darkness in our world, talk with Me about it.  I will help you see matters from My perspective, thus turning your darkness into Light.

Remember that nothing is impossible with Me. In fact, with My help you can scale a wall!

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  2 Samuel 22:29-30; 1 John 1:5 and Luke 1:37

I Am Pleased That You Are Zealous To ...

I AM PLEASED THAT YOU ARE ZEALOUS TO know Me.  Seeking to understand Me is like standing at the edge of a glorious ocean, trying to absorb its vast beauty - yet knowing you can see only a tiny portion of the waters stretching out before you.  It's good that you realize what a small portion of My infinite greatness you can actually comprehend.  This awareness is an invitation to worship Me - humbly rejoicing in My boundless Glory.  Though your understanding of Me is so limited, there are no bounds to your enjoyment of Me!

I reveal Myself to you in countless ways, because of My deep desire for you to know Me.  The Bible graphically describes My unrestrained eagerness to connect with My children.  The prophet Isaiah pictures Me saying "Here am I, here am I" - spreading out My hands all day long to a rebellious people.  In the parable of  the lost son, the father (God) didn't wait for his wayward child to return home repentantly.  Instead, he sacrificed his dignity and ran to his son while he was still a long way off, fell on his neck and kissed him.  Your zeal to know Me pales in light of My eagerness to reveal Myself - My Love - to you.  Receive this unearned, endless Love with trembling Joy.

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  Hosea 6:3; Isaiah 65:1-2 and Luke 15:20

I Am The God Of Divine Reversals ...

I AM THE GOD OF DIVINE REVERSALS.  I can glean good out of evil:  My master plan brings victory out of apparent defeat.  Come to Me just as you are - wounded from battle - and expose your wounds to My healing Light.  You need to spend ample time with Me, opening yourself fully to My living Presence.  Many people who are seriously ill have been successfully treated by being placed outdoors in sunlight and fresh air for hours at a time.  Similarly, you need substantial amounts of time soaking in the Light of My Presence so I can heal your deep wounds.

When you experience a divine reversal in your life, you are thrilled to observe how masterfully I operate in the world.  Your suffering gains meaning because you know I can - and do - bring good out of evil.  Ultimately, My plans will not be thwarted.  I have the last word!  As you see how utterly beyond you are My wisdom and ways, you get a glimpse of My Glory.  This inspires you to worship Me - bowing before My infinite intelligence and limitless Power.  As you open your soul to Me in worship, you gain assurance of My unfailing Love.  I know the plans I have for you: plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  Genesis 50:20; Isaiah 55:9; Psalm 33:22 and
Jeremiah 29:11

Stand At The Crossroads And ...

STAND AT THE CROSSROADS AND Look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it.  In order to walk in the good way, you need to be alert:  praying in the Spirit in all occasions.  With My Spirit's help you can recognize a crossroads when you come upon it, instead of rushing past the choice-point without even noticing.  If you are unsure which way to go, pause and wait with Me.  Stay in communication with Me while you're standing and looking.  Trust Me to show you the way forward in My timing.

If you follow these instructions, you will not only walk in the good way; you will also find rest for your soul.  I know how weary you are and how desperately you need soul-rest.  Even when your body is still, your thoughts tend to go hither and beyond.  If you want My help in taming those thoughts, bring them to Me.  I already know what you're thinking, so you have nothing to hide.  You need to wait in My Presence, giving Me time to help you think My thoughts.  Though you may feel as if you're wasting time, you are actually doing the opposite.  Your steps will be fewer but you will accomplish much more, for you will be staying close to Me - the Way, the Truth, and the Life.  No matter how strenuous your journey, you can find soul-rest in My company.

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  Jeremiah 6:16; Ephesians 6:18 and John 14:6

My Followers Must Go Through Many ...

MY FOLLOWERS MUST GO THROUGH MANY Hardships.  Nonetheless, the gospel is amazingly good news, because My death as your substitute paid the full penalty for all your sins!  At conversion you began a new life: one that is both an adventure and a Love-story.  Adventure tales are never about predicable, easy situations.  They invariably contain conflicts, adversity, defeats, and triumphs.   Before I died, I warned My disciples about the tribulation, trials, distress and frustration they would have in this world.  Then I immediately reassured them:  I have overcome the world; I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.  In Me you are victorious!

Your new life is not only an adventure but also a Love-story.  As you journey toward heaven, your eternal Lover never leaves your side.  I share both your good times and your struggles.  I embrace you in My everlasting arms, helping you extract good from adversity.  I devise creative ways to reveal Myself to you, and I rejoice when you are attentive.  While using My future knowledge to prepare you for what is ahead, I train you to enjoy My Presence in the present.  When you are struggling deeply, I offer you My Peace.  At the end of your journey, you will be able to look back and see that hardships shared with Me are radiant treasures - full of Love and Glory.

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  Acts 14:21-22; John 16:33 and Deuteronomy 33:27

Do Not Feel Guilty About Taking Time To ...

DO NOT FEEL GUILTY ABOUT TAKING TIME TO Seek My Face; you are simply responding to the tugs of divinity within you.  I made you in My image, and I hid heaven in your heart.

Much of this world's anger is actually a longing for the perfection of heaven.  Blatant sin is often a misguided attempt to fill the emptiness created by that longing. The goal of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers so that they search for heaven in hellish ways:  excesses and perversions of every kind.  However, great sinners can be transformed into exceptional Christians when they turn their passionate appetites toward Me.

My Love and forgiveness satisfy soul-hunger as nothing else can, so it is good that you yearn for more  than this world can provide.  You were not designed to find total satisfaction in the here-and-now, because you were crafted in My image.

Since heaven is My home, it is your ultimate home too, where all of your longings will be perfectly satisfied.  I placed a bit of heavenly matter in your heart so you would seek Me even now for a taste of that eternal reality.  Refuse to feel guilty about something that brings Me such pleasure!  I delight in your seeking heart. 

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  Psalm 105:4; 2 Corinthians 4:4 and Isaiah 55:2

I Designed You To Be Filled With Heavenly ...

I DESIGNED YOU TO BE FILLED WITH HEAVENLY Contents:  My Love, Joy, And Peace.  However, you are a frail earthen vessel, so these contents leak out of you.  Unless you are refilled - over and over again - you become increasingly empty.

I am eager to pour out My abundance upon and within you, but this takes time:  focused time with Me.  Come to Me and linger in My Presence.  Do not rush in, trying to grab as much blessing as you can before making a quick exit.  Instead, stay with Me awhile, enjoying the awesome privilege of communing with your King.  As you wait with Me, My very Life streams into you, filling you with heavenly substance.

I want you to be all Mine - overflowing with My Love, Joy, and Peace.  Because these divine gifts leak out of you, you need Me continually for renewal.  Your neediness is not a mistake or defect:  It keeps you looking to Me, depending on Me, communicating with Me.  Though you are a frail jar of clay, I have blessed you with the most precious treasure:  the divine light of the Gospel.  Your human frailty is necessary to show that this exceedingly great Power is not from you but from Me. 

I am Christ in you, the hope of Glory.  As I fill you with My Glory-gifts, let My wondrous Light shine through you into other people's lives.

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  Galatians 5:22-23; 2 Corinthians 4:7; Colossians 1:27
and Matthew 5:16

Come To Me When You Are ...

COME TO ME WHEN YOU ARE Hurting, And I Will Share Your Pain.  Come to Me when you are joyful, and I will share your Joy - multiplying it many times over.

I invite you to come to Me just as you are - no matter what condition you're in.  You don't have to clean up your act first, since I already know the worst about you.  When you're hurting, you want to be with someone who understands without condemning you.  When you're happy, you delight in being with someone who loves you enough to celebrate with you.  I understand you compassionately and love you exuberantly, so bring more and more of yourself to Me.

Most people are selective about which parts of themselves they share with Me.  Some hesitate to bring Me the traits they consider shameful.  Others are so used to living with painful feelings - loneliness, fear, guilt - that it never occurs to them to ask for help in dealing with these things.  Still others get so preoccupied with their struggles that they forget I'm even here.

There are hurting parts of you that I desire to heal.  However, some of them have been with you so long that you consider them part of your identity.  You carry them with you wherever you go, with little awareness.  On occasions when you have brought some damaged portion of yourself to Me, I have helped you walk in newfound freedom.  However, you are so addicted to certain painful patterns that you cannot easily break free from them.  Only repeatedly exposing them to My healing Presence will bring you long-term freedom.  When that happens, you will be released to experience Joy in much fuller measure.  I will share your Joy and multiply it many times over.

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  Romans 8:1; Psalm 126:3; Psalm 118:5 and John 8:36

As You Come To Know Me More Intimately ...

AS YOU COME TO KNOW ME MORE INTIMATELY, You Grow Increasingly Aware Of Your Sins.  This presents you with a continual choice - to focus on your flaws and failures or to rejoice in My glorious gift of salvation.  When My ultimate sacrifice is your focus, you live in joyful assurance of being wondrously loved.  There is no greater Love than this, and it is yours every nanosecond of your life.  The best response to such Love is to love Me with your whole being.  Of course, your loving Me is not what saves you, but it does demonstrate your grateful awareness of how much I forgive you.

Tragically, many people think they have little - if anything - for me to forgive.  They have been deceived by the prevailing lie that there is no absolute truth.  They think good and evil are relative terms; therefore, they see no need for a Savior.  These deceived ones do not seek My forgiveness, so their sins are not forgiven and they have no love for Me.  Their minds remain darkened by the evil one's deceptions.  Only My Love-Light can penetrate that thick darkness.  As you walk in the Light of My Presence let My Love flow through you to others, shining into their darkness.  Because you are My follower, you never walk in darkness - you have the Light of Life!

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight:  Psalm 13:5-6; John 15:13; Luke 7:47 and John 8:12

I Will Never Leave You Or ...

I WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU OR Forsake You.  Many of My followers think they have to jump through all the right hoops to "stay in fellowship" with Me.  If that were true, they would never be able to enjoy My Presence.  They would have to be perfect to gain an audience with Me.  Instead of striving to be good enough, I invite you to come confidently into My bright Presence.

If you walk in the Light as I am in the Light, My blood continually cleanses you from all sin.  When you become aware of sins, I want you to confess them and seek My help in making needed changes. Nonetheless, your status with Me is not based on confessing your sins quickly enough or thoroughly enough.  The only thing that keeps you right with Me is My perfect righteousness, which I gave you freely and permanently when you joined My royal family.

Walking in the Light of My Presence blesses you in many ways.  Good things are better and bad things more bearable when you share them with Me.  As you bask in My Love-Light, you are better able to love others and enjoy fellowship with them.  You are less likely to stumble or fall, because sins are garishly obvious in My holy Light.  As you walk in this Light with Me, I encourage you to exult in My righteousness.

- Jesus

(Jesus Lives / Sarah Young)

Scripture Insight: Hebrews 13:5; 1 John 1:7 and Psalm 89:15-16