Tag Archives: Sarah Young

01.22.15
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Strive to Trust Him

Today’s post is from the daily devotional book, Jesus Calling, by Sarah Young. Each devotional is written from the perspective of Jesus speaking to you.

STRIVE TO TRUST ME in more and more areas of your life. Anything that tends to make you anxious is a growth opportunity. Instead of running away from these challenges, embrace them, eager to gain all the blessings I have hidden in the difficulties. If you believe that I am sovereign over every aspect of your life, it is possible to trust Me in all situations. Don’t waste energy regretting the way things are or thinking about what might have been. Start at the present moment—accepting things exactly as they are—and search for My way in the the midst of those circumstances.

Trust is like a staff you can lean on, as you journey uphill with Me. If you are trusting in Me consistently, the staff will bear as much of your weight as needed. Lean on, trust, and be confident in Me with all your heart and mind.

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Accompanying Scriptures: Psalm 52:8 “But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God’s unfailing love forever and ever. Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the LORD  with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him and he will make your paths straight.” (New International Version)

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07.23.14
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Jesus: The Light of the World

Joy! Yesterday I received wonderful news from a friend who testified to the power of our God through Christ Jesus to make necessary behavior changes in their life. When God moves on your heart, you can do nothing but change and in fact become “a new creation,” as said in 2 Corinthians 5:17. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” Praise God! While I believe programs can also assist people in making behavioral changes, nothing matches the heart encounter one has with Christ and how he can make changes “suddenly.” Now, this friend is shining their light before others, a witness to God’s goodness and awesome power. We know Satan hates an empowered Believer because they will likely equip and empower others in the Spirit. Nevertheless, shine your light so others may be drawn to know Him.

Today’s post is from the daily devotional book, Jesus Calling, by Sarah Young. Each devotional is written from the perspective of Jesus speaking to you.  The post reminds us Who is the Light of the world. There is no need to remain in darkness. Walk in the light. God bless you.   -Nicole

I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD. Men crawl through their lives cursing the darkness, but all the while I am shining brightly. I desire each of My followers to be a Light-bearer. The Holy Spirit who lives in you can shine from your face, making Me visible to people around you. Ask My Spirit to live through you, as you wend your way through this day. Hold My hand in joyful trust, for I never leave your side. The Light of My Presence is shining upon you. Brighten up the world by reflecting who I AM.

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Accompanying Scriptures: Exodus 3:14, God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.'” Matthew 5:14-16, “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15- Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16- In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” John 8:12, When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”  2 Corinthians 3:18, And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. (New International Version)

 

07.02.14
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He Has Earned His Trust With Me

“He has earned his trust with me. He has shown himself faithful.”  These are recent words I spoke to a friend over dinner as we shared in the goodness of God (thank you Frank Henderson for sharing how God is moving mightily through you and your community in Topeka, KS. Thank you also for inviting your daughter Ashley to read our blog. We appreciate it. ). As I’ve journeyed with God over the years, He’s been faithful in my life, never giving me a reason to doubt him.  But I have doubted. Sometimes it takes more “examples” for him to fully prove himself to us because we’re used to being failed by humans. But as reaffirmed to us in Numbers 23:19, “God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?” (English Standard Version)

God-doesnot-lieToday’s post is from the daily devotional book, Jesus Calling, by Sarah Young. Each devotional is written from the perspective of Jesus speaking to you.  Enjoy and continue to trust Him! He won’t fail you.  -Nicole

LET ME SHOW YOU My way for you this day. I guide you continually, so you can relax and enjoy My Presence in the present. Living well is both a discipline and an art. Concentrate on staying close to me, the divine Artist. Discipline your thoughts to trust Me as I work my ways in your life. Pray about everything; then leave outcomes up to Me. Do not fear My will, for through it I accomplish what is best for you. Take a deep breath and dive into the depths of absolute trust in Me. Underneath are the everlasting arms!

Accompanying Scriptures: Psalm 5:2-3, “Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray. 3-In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.” Psalm 5:12, “For surely, O LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.” Deuteronomy 33:27, “The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. He will drive out your enemy before you, saying, “Destroy him!” (New International Version)

 

06.18.14
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Stay Close for He Knows Your Path

Today’s post is from the daily devotional book, Jesus Calling, by Sarah Young. Each devotional is written from the perspective of Jesus speaking to you.

YOU ARE MY BELOVED CHILD. I chose you before the foundation of the world, to walk with Me along paths designed uniquely for you. Concentrate on keeping in step with Me, instead of trying to anticipate My plans for you. If you trust that My plans are to prosper you and not to harm you, you can relax and enjoy the present moment.

Your hope and your future are rooted in heaven, where eternal ecstasy awaits you. Nothing can rob you of your inheritance of  unimaginable riches and well-being. Sometimes I grant you glimpses of your glorious future, to encourage you and spur you on. But your main focus should be staying close to Me. I set the pace in keeping with your needs and My purposes.

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Accompanying Scriptures: Ephesians 1:4, “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.” Ephesians 1:13-14, “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14- who is a deposit guaranteeing your inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory. Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Proverbs 16:9, “In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.” (New International Version)

 

05.21.14
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Stop Trying to Make it Go Your Way

Don’t get caught up in your present problems. This life is temporary and surely passing away.  Too many of us are trying to fix things our way, and God says “you’re in my way. I got this.” Focus on Him whose peace is perfect and who told you, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11) Our confidence in Him gives us confidence for our future.  Today’s post is from the daily devotional book, Jesus Calling, by Sarah Young. Each devotional is written from the perspective of Jesus speaking to you.

I, THE CREATOR OF THE UNIVERSE, am with you and for you. What more could you need? When you feel some lack, it is because you are not connecting with Me at a deep level. I offer abundant Life; your part is to trust Me, refusing to worry about anything.

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It is not so much adverse events that make you anxious as it is your thoughts about those events. Your mind engages in efforts to take control of a situation, to bring about the result you desire. Your thoughts close in on the problem like ravenous wolves. Determined to make things go your way, you forget that I AM in charge of your life. The only remedy is to switch your focus from the problem to My Presence. 

Stop all your striving and watch to see what I will do. I AM the LORD!

Accompanying Scriptures: Romans 8:31-32, “What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32- He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” Micah 7:7, “But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.” (New International Version) 

05.01.14
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The Present: Your Inadequacy, His Strength Revealed

Today’s post is from the daily devotional book, Jesus Calling, by Sarah Young. Each devotional is written from the perspective of Jesus speaking to you.  A necessary message to appreciate the freedom and limitations of “now” in a society that strives to live outside the bounds of time.   -Nicole

WHEN SOME BASIC NEED IS LACKING—time, energy, money—consider yourself blessed. Your very lack is an opportunity to latch onto Me in unashamed dependence. When you begin a day with inadequate resources, you must concentrate your efforts in the present moment. The Here and Now comprise the coordinates of your daily life. Too many people miss the present by worrying about the future or longing for a better time and place, forgetting that as humans, they are limited by time and space.

This is where you are meant to live—in the present; it is the place where I always await you. Awareness of your inadequacy is a rich blessing, training you to rely wholeheartedly on Me. The truth is that self-sufficiency is a myth perpetuated by pride and temporary success. Health and wealth can disappear instantly, as can life itself. Rejoice in your insufficiency, knowing that My Power is made perfect in weakness.2 Corinthians 12 and 9 His Strength perfect in our weakness

Accompanying Scriptures: James 1:2-3, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trial of many kinds, because you know the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” 2 Corinthians 12:9, “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” (New International Version)

04.01.14
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Everything In Its Time

Today’s post is from the daily devotional book, Jesus Calling, by Sarah Young. Each devotional is written from the perspective of Jesus speaking to you. The message truly spoke to me!   -Nicole

ecclesiastes3-1STOP TRYING TO WORK THINGS OUT before their times have come. Accept the limitations of living one day at a time. When something comes to your attention, ask Me whether or not it is part of today’s agenda. If it isn’t, release it into My care and go on about today’s duties. When you follow this practice, there will be a beautiful simplicity about your life: a time for everything, and everything in its time.

A life lived close to Me is not complicated or cluttered. When your focus is on My Presence, many things that once troubled you lose their power over you. Though the world around you is messy and confusing, remember that I have overcome the world. I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have Peace.

Accompanying Scriptures: Ecclesiastes 3:1, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.” John 16:33, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (New International Version)

 

02.28.14
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You’re Too Unique to Compare

Nicole D. Hayes, Creator of Voices Against the Grain

Nicole D. Hayes, Creator of Voices Against the Grain

Today’s post is from the daily devotional book, Jesus Calling, by Sarah Young. Each devotional is written from the perspective of Jesus speaking to you. I want God’s People to get this message, loud and clear.

STOP JUDGING AND EVALUATING YOURSELF, for this is not your role. Above all, stop comparing yourself with other people. This produces feelings of pride or inferiority; sometimes a mixture of both. I lead each of My children along a path that is uniquely tailor-made for him or her. Comparing is not only wrong; it is also meaningless.

Don’t look for affirmation in the wrong places: your own evaluations, or those of other people. The only source of real affirmation is My unconditional Love. Many believers perceive Me as an unpleasable Judge, angrily searching out their faults and failures. Nothing could be further from the truth! I died for your sins, so that I might clothe you in My garments of salvation. This is how I see you: radiant in my robe of righteousness. When I discipline you, it is never in anger or disgust; it is to prepare you for face-to-Face fellowship with Me throughout all eternity. Immerse yourself in My loving Presence. Be receptive to My affirmation, which flows continually from the throne of grace.

Accompanying Scriptures: Luke 6:37, “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” John 3:16-17, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17- For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” Isaiah 61:10, “I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness.” Proverbs 3:11-12, “My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline and do not resent his rebuke, 12- because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.” (New International Version).

01.11.14
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Time Is a Trainer

We want everything NOW. Singles want the sex before or without the marriage. New grads want to stride into the senior office position without building the necessary skills to keep them there. Someone’s disappointed because they only lost 2lbs this week and not 10lbs.  Everything we want should have happened yesterday.

For those of us who’ve journeyed with the Lord for awhile, we’ve come to learn time is a trainer. Time develops our faith and trust in God and His holy Word. We’ve learned that He is not bound by time and therefore, can’t be rushed by our anxiousness.  Time trains us to shed attitudes and behaviors that are not of Him so we can be more in alignment with His will. Time trains us to develop our muscle and weight in character, integrity, credibility, competency, perseverance, love, patience, and other traits that can’t be acquired overnight. Time trains us to victoriously run the race, equipped to address life’s opportunities and challenges. Strength-Training-Moves-Help-You-Run-Faster

Today’s post is from the daily devotional book, Jesus Calling, by Sarah Young. Each devotional is written from the perspective of Jesus speaking to you. Time is a trainer.

I AM WITH YOU AND FOR YOU. When you decide on a course of action that is in line with My will, nothing in heaven or on earth can stop you. You may encounter many obstacles as you move toward your goal, but don’t be discouraged—never give up! With My help, you can overcome any obstacle. Do not expect an easy path as you journey hand in hand with Me, but DO remember that I, your very-present Helper, am omnipotent.

Much, much stress results from your wanting to make things happen before their times have come. One of the main ways I assert My sovereignty is in the timing of events. If you want to stay close to Me and do things My way, ask Me to show you the path forward moment by moment. Instead of dashing headlong toward your goal, let Me set the pace. Slow down, and enjoy the journey in My Presence. When you bring Me your prayer requests, thank Me for the answers that I have set in motion long before you can discern the results.

Accompanying Scriptures: Romans 8:31, “What then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?” Psalm 46:1-3, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 2- Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give  way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, 3- though the waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.” Luke 1:37, “For nothing is impossible with God.” (New International Version)