I AM WITH YOU.....

Come, sit, and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea in the comfort of the Lord:  "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice."  Ephesians 4:31

I Am with you.  I Am with you.  I Am with you.  Heaven's bells continually peal with that promise of My Presence.  Some people never hear those bells because their minds are earthbound and their hearts are closed to Me.  Others hear the bells only once or twice in their lifetimes, in rare moments of seeking me above all else.  My desire is that My "sheep" hear My voice continually, for I am the ever-present Shepherd.

Quietness is the classroom where you learn to hear My Voice.  Beginners need a quiet place in order to still their minds.  As you advance in this discipline, you gradually learn to carry the stillness with you wherever you go.  When you step back into the mainstream of life, strain to hear those glorious bells:  I Am with you.  I Am with you.  I Am with you.

"Jesus Calling - Enjoying Peace in His Presence"

DO EVERYTHING IN DEPENDENCE ON ME.....

Come, sit, and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the comfort of the Lord:  "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice."  Ephesians 4:31

Do everything in dependence on Me.  The desire to act independently - apart from Me - springs from the root of pride.  Self-sufficiency is subtle, insinuating its way into your thoughts and actions without your realizing it.  But apart from Me, you can do nothing; that is, nothing of eternal value.  My deepest desire for you is that you learn to depend on Me in every situation.  I move heaven and earth to accomplish this purpose, but you must collaborate with Me in this training.  Teaching you would be simple if I negated your free will or overwhelmed you with My Power.  However, I love you too much to withdraw the godlike privilege I bestowed on you as My image-bearer.  Use your freedom wisely, by relying on Me constantly.  Thus you enjoy My Presence and My Peace.

"Jesus Calling - Enjoying Peace in His Presence"

DO NOT LONG.....

Come, sit, and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the comfort of the Lord:  "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice."  Ephesians 4:31

Do not long for the absence of problems in your life.  That is an unrealistic goal, since in this world you will have trouble.  You have an eternity of problem-free living reserved for you in heaven.  Rejoice in that inheritance, which no one can take away from you, but do not seek your heaven on earth.

Begin each day anticipating problems, asking Me to equip you for whatever difficulties you will encounter.  the best equipping is My living Presence, My hand that never lets go of yours.  Discuss everything with Me.  Take a lighthearted view of trouble, seeing it as a challenge that you and I together can handle.  Remember that I am on your side, and I have overcome the world.

Jesus Calling - Enjoying Peace in His Presence

I AM CHRIST IN YOU...

Come sit and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the comfort of the Lord:  "Let all bitterness and wrath, and anger and clamour and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice."  Ephesians  4:31

I am Christ in you, the hope of Glory.  The One who walks beside you, holding you by your hand, is the same One who lives within you.  This is a deep, unfathomable mystery.  You and I are intertwined in an intimacy involving every fiber of  your being.  The Light of My Presence shines within you, as well as upon you.  I am in you, and you are in Me; therefore, nothing in heaven or on earth can separate you from Me!

As you sit quietly in My Presence, your awareness of My Life within you is heightened.  This produces the Joy of the Lord, which is your strength.  I, the God of hope, fill you with all Joy and Peace as you trust in Me, so that you may bubble over with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

"Jesus Calling - Enjoying Peace in His Presence"

THERE IS A MIGHTY BATTLE......

Come, sit, and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the comfort of the Lord:  "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice."  Ephesians  4:31

There is a mighty battle going on for control of your mind.  Heaven and earth intersect in your mind; the tugs of both spheres influence your thinking.  I created you with the capacity to experience foretastes of heaven. When  you shut out the world and focus on My Presence, you can enjoy sitting with Me in heavenly realms.  This is an incredible privilege reserved for precious ones who belong to Me and seek My Face. Your greatest strength is your desire to spend time communing with Me.  As you concentrate on Me, My Spirit fills your mind with Life and Peace.

The world exerts a downward pull on your thoughts.  Media bombard you with greed, lust, and cynicism. When you face these things, pray for protection and discernment.  Stay in continual communication with Me whenever you walk through the wastelands of this world.  Refuse to worry, because this form of worldliness will weigh you down and block awareness of My Presence.  Stay alert, recognizing the battle being waged against your mind.  Look forward to an eternity of strife-free living, reserved for you in heaven.

"Jesus Calling - Enjoying Peace in My Presence"

My Thoughts.....

Come, sit, and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the comfort of the Lord:  "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking be put away from me, with all malice."  Ephesians  4:31

MY THOUGHTS are not your thoughts; neither are your ways My ways. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways and thoughts higher than yours. Remember who I AM when you spend time with me. Marvel at the wonder of being able to commune with the King of the universe - any time, any place. Never take this amazing privilege for granted!

Though I am vastly higher and greater than you, I am training you to think My thoughts. As you spend time in My Presence, My thoughts gradually form in your mind. My Spirit is the Director of this process. Sometimes He brings Bible verses to mind. Sometimes He enables you to hear Me "speak" directly to you. These communications strengthen you and prepare you for whatever is before you on your life-path. Take time to listen to My voice. Through your sacrifice of precious time, I bless you far more than you dare to ask.

"Jesus Calling - Enjoying Peace In His Presence"

Learn To Laugh...

Come, sit, and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the comfort of the Lord:  "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice."  Ephesians  4:31

LEARN TO LAUGH at yourself more freely. Don't take yourself or your circumstances so seriously. Relax and know that I am God with you. When you desire My will above all else, life becomes much less threatening. Stop trying to monitor My responsibilities - things that are beyond your control. Find freedom by accepting the boundaries of your domain.

Laughter lightens your load and lifts your heart into heavenly places. Your laughter rises to heaven and blends with angelic melodies of praise. Just as parents delight in the laughter of their children, so I delight in hearing My children laugh. I rejoice when you trust Me enough to enjoy your life lightheartedly.

Do not miss the Joy of My Presence by carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders. Rather take My yoke upon you and learn from Me. My yoke is easy and My burden is light.

From the book, "Jesus Calling - Enjoying Peace In His Presence"

A Discouraging Way

Come, sit, and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the comfort of the Lord:  "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice."  Ephesians  4:31

  " . . . and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way."  Numbers  21:4

     Because the hostile people and unfriendly land of Edom barred the approaches to Canaan, the children of Israel had to go on a long, roundabout march that was not at all pleasant.  Their passage was accompanied by much discomfort.  For one thing, their route was extremely stony, hot, and sandy; and for another, the water was scarce.  Yet they should have realized that the Lord who had led them with a mighty hand out of Egypt and provided them with daily manna from heaven would certainly guard and keep them as they traveled this new and difficult way.  Their faith, however, was weak, and soon they fell to murmuring and complaining and were much discouraged.

     Can we not see in this picture of the weary and fearful Israelites in our own silhouette in bold relief?  Often the way to Heaven too seems roundabout and long.  In the wilderness of this world we find dry, arid stretches, rough going, and many hostile foes.  Yet, if we look back to the greatness of our salvation and ahead to the vastness of the glory which is our destiny, should we not be ashamed of our discouragement? Our most trying afflictions here are "light" and but "for a moment" when compared with the exceeding and eternal weight of glory that awaits us at the end of the road  (2 Corinthians  4:17).  If God is leading and our steps are of His ordering; if our very hairs are numbered, and He has assured us that He will supply every need  (Philippians  4:19), then we have no right to murmur or to be disheartened.  Let us lift up our eyes and, seeing the Shekinah glory going on before, let us trustingly move forward and be of good courage.  In spite of the difficulties and roughness of the way, this is the right road Home!

"Bread For Each Day"

Cornered

Come, sit, and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the comfort of the Lord:  "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice."  Ephesians  4:31

" . . . in a strait bewtixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better.  Nevertheless to aide . . . is more needful."   Philippians  1:23, 24

     The Apostle Paul had once enjoyed a unique experience.  Being caught up into the third heaven, he had tasted the indescribable bliss of Paradise and knew that it was gain and far better.  He longed to return to those "many mansions," yet the urgent need of his converts here below tempered his yearning to "depart and to be with Christ."  The expression Paul uses is picturesque.  Literally he says,  "I am pressed in a corner between two strong desires."  It is not difficult to understand his problem, for in this life he had a thorn in the flesh, was languishing in a prison, and had the tremendous burden of all the new missionary churches resting upon his shoulders.  Bearing in his earthly tabernacle the "marks of the Lord Jesus," he knew he would find blessed relief in the sinless bowers of Paradise.  Yet Paul recognized that he must not selfishly seek to desert the duties which God had given him.

     We often hear of those who because of illness or discouragement earnestly wish to "depart, and to be with Christ."  However, the Lord has work for them to do - even though it may be only a silent witness from a white cot of pain - therefore, He leaves them here.  If you are among those who are pressed into such a corner, remember the Apostle Paul, who was willing to remain here if it was for God's glory and the benefit of others.

     On the other hand, there may be some who are clinging to life though they know death is near.  To you Paul says in effect,  "There is something far better beyond the horizon of time.  You may soon be granted the joy of eternal gain - the glory of Christ's presence.  Do not fear, for when you leave your cramped corner of pain, you will suddenly find yourself in the broad palaces of His eternal pleasures!"

     Whatever your lot, keep trusting, knowing that to those who leave the choice with Him, God ever sends the best.

"Bread For Each Day"

The Darkness Of Hell

Come, sit, and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the comfort of the Lord:  "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice."  Ephesians  4:31

                                   " . . . . they shall never see light!"  Psalm  49:19 kjv

     There is a certain horror about absolute darkness that throws a chill over the human soul; for man was made to live in the light!  Heaven is always depicted as a place of eternal brightness where there is "no night.." The psalmist, however, declares that the wicked shall "never see light" ; and Jesus warns that they shall be cast into "outer darkness"!  What a horror of blackness that will be when each doomed soul is curtained off from every other in an eternity of utter loneliness.

     Recently I was in a cave in Kentucky.  When we had gone deep into the bowels of the earth through many winding passageways, the guide suddenly turned off all the lights and said,  "I alone know the way out.  If I were to leave you in this dark chamber, you would probably never make your way to the surface.  Those who have been lost in this cavern have become insane inside of a week from the oppressive loneliness and the maddening, incessant drip of the water from the roof.  Be quiet for a moment and feel the darkness!"  I remember my youngster clutching my arm.  Soon terror began to edge its way into all of our hearts.  After about thirty seconds, someone in the party could endure the ordeal no longer and whimpered piteously,  "Turn on the light!  I'm going crazy NOW!"  The guide laughed, but none of us will ever forget that eerie experience.  I thought of the "outer darkness" of an eternal Hell and shuddered!

     An evangelist once encountered a skeptic who, when asked to receive Christ, said,  "I'm not afraid of Hell - all the Hell we get is here on earth!  The preacher's reply was quick and devastating.  "I'll give you three reasons why this cannot be Hell.  First, I am a Christian, and there are no Christians in Hell!  Secondly, there is a place just around the corner where you can slake your thirst, but there is no water in Hell!  Thirdly, I have been preaching Christ to you, and there is no Gospel in Hell!"  Friend, would you escape the eternal darkness of Hell?  Receive Christ who is the Light!

"Bread For Each Day"

My New Home

Come, sit, and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the comfort of the Lord:  "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice."  Ephesians  4:31

". . . a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth."
                                                                                                                     Luke  12:15

     The secret of contentment is to be satisfied where we are and with the things which we have.  Wealth alone never brings true happiness.  James said that God hath "chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom"  (James 2:5).  Paul was a happy man because he had learned to be content in whatsoever state he was (Philippians  4:11).  He further says,  ". . . godliness with contentment is great gain (wealth)"  (1 Timothy 6:6).  He did not need much, for he could say,  ". . .  having food and raiment, let us be therewith content"  (1 Timothy 6:8).  Hebrews  13:5 reads,  ". . . be content with such things as ye have."

     Sometime ago I was slowly driving through the colored section of a southern village.  On a sand trail in the "sticks," I passed an isolated cabin of a Negro couple.  It was only a shack of one room, furnished with a few pieces of homemade furniture.  There were no panes or screens on the two windows and the door was off its hinges.  On the stoop sat an elderly Negro reading his Bible.  I stopped the car, got out, and asked,  "What are you reading?"  He answered,  "The Good Book."  Asked what he was reading in the "Good Book,"  his face lit up, his eyes sparkled as he replied,  "I'se readin' about my new house they is building' for me in Heaven.  The Lord am preparin' for me a mansion in the great City of the New Jerusalem."  Placing his hand upon the well-worn Bible, soiled and grimy by much use, he looked at me and said,  "Sir, it's going to be wonderful!"  A faraway look in his eyes seemed to say,  "I don't ind a few years in this shack, for they're building a mansion for me over There."  What a sermon on contentment!  I gave him a copy of "Our Daily Bread" and some tracts and went away ashamed and humbled - envying that old toothless colored man on the stoop in Mt. Dora, Florida.  I never listened to a more impressive sermon.  See you in Heaven, Joe!  God bless you!

"Bread For Each Day"

The "Healing" Word

Come, sit, and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the comfort of the Lord:  "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice."  Ephesians  4:31

                              "He sent his word, and healed them. . . ."   Psalm  107:20

     A Christian in the line of duty was once called upon to visit a man in an asylum who had severe mental hallucinations.  Recalling the story in 1 Samuel 16, how David calmed Saul in his demented moments by singing one of his precious, inspired songs to him, and conscious too of the power of the Bible upon his own soul, he decided to read from the Psalms to this one who was mentally tormented.  He found that the Word of God had a soothing and "healing" effect upon the poor fellow.  He therefore returned many times to the asylum to perform this spiritual labor of love - almost invariably with happy results. One day the superintendent, and unconverted man, said,  "Your treatment may be good, but it does no always succeed." "What makes you say that?"  asked the Christian.  "Well,"  said the other,  "in desperation last night I tried to calm the patient by your method, when he was in one of his perturbed and frantic moods, and my efforts failed completely."  The Christian was surprised.  "What portion did you read to him?"  he asked.  "Oh, I just began at the front - all about a most high and mighty king named James . . . !"  Apparently in his ignorance the attendant had read the preface to the King James Bible, which of course was not inspired. No wonder it had no effect!  Only the life-giving Word of God has attached to it the immutable promise:  "It shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please"  (Isaiah  55:11).  No one can read the Scripture and remain unmoved!  The Bible's influence cannot be shaken off.  Every time it comes in contact with us it either increases our doom or draws us graciously toward Heaven!

     What effect does the Bible have upon you?

"Bread For Each Day"

The Rainbow

Come, sit, and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the comfort of the Lord:  "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice."  Ephesians  4:31

"I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth."       Genesis  9:13

     The rainbow springs out of the conflict between light and darkness - it is a child of the storm.  It is caused by the sun of heaven shining upon the fast-dripping tears of earth.  After the flood it became the gracious pledge to man and every living creature that God would never again use water to destroy the earth.

     Typically, the rainbow seen upon the billows of justice, spoke of grace.  It looked ahead to the cross where God's wrath against sin would once-for-all be visited upon the believer's substitute, Jesus Christ. When the Light of the world and the storm clouds of judgment met at Calvary, a beautiful bow of promise and forgiveness came into view.  Its soft beauty and gracious promise of eternal life ever delights the spiritual eye.  It is the token that we shall someday live with God in fellowship with all the saints around His rainbow-circled throne  (Revelations  4:1-3).

     The rainbow too is a parable.  It tells one and all that nothing beautiful ever comes to pass in this life except there first be clouds, and storms, and sorrow.  Yet trial alone cannot give birth to this beautiful spectrum of grace, for it needs not only the fast-falling tears of distress below, but - even more important - the sunshine and glory from Heaven above!  Unless the light of God floods our sorrow, there can be no beautiful rainbow of hope, no glow of promise, no beauty in the darkness.  In human character there is hardly anything useful or attractive, but it has had suffering for a necessary condition - suffering lighted up by love!

     Are you experiencing the clouds of trouble?  If so, allow God's light to fall upon them.  His comfort in sorrow is assured, for He has said:  "When I  bring a cloud.....the bow shall be in (it)....and I will remember!"

TRUST IS A GOLDEN PATHWAY TO HEAVEN...

Come, sit, and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the comfort of the Lord:  "Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamour and evil speaking be put away from you with all malice."  Ephesians  4:31

TRUST IS A GOLDEN PATHWAY TO HEAVEN.  When you walk on this path, you live above your circumstances.  My glorious Light shines more brightly on those who follow this path of Life.  Dare to walk on the high road with Me, for it is the most direct route to heaven.  The low road is circuitous:  twisting and turning in agonizing knots.  There the air hangs heavy, and dark, ominous clouds predominate.  Relying on your own understanding will weigh you down.  Trust in Me absolutely, and I will make your path straight.

"Jesus Calling - Enjoying Peace In His Presence"

SOFTLY I ANNOUNCE MY PRESENCE.

Come, sit, and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the comfort of the Lord:  "Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamour and evil speaking be put away from you with all malice."  Ephesians  4:31

SOFTLY I ANNOUNCE MY PRESENCE.  Shimmering hues of radiance tap gently at your consciousness, seeking entrance.  Though I have all Power in heaven and on earth, I am infinitely tender with you.  The weaker you are, the more gently I approach you.  Let your weakness be a door to My Presence. Whenever you feel inadequate, remember that I am your ever-present Help.

Hope in Me, and you will be protected from depression and self-pity.  Hope is like a golden cord connecting you to heaven.  The more you cling to this cord, the more I bear the weight of your burdens; thus, you are lightened.  Heaviness is not of My kingdom.  Cling to hope, and My rays of Light will reach you through the darkness.

"Jesus Calling - Enjoying Peace In His Presence"

QUACK REMEDIES

Come, sit, and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the comfort of the Lord:  "Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamour and evil speaking be put away from you with all malice."   Ephesians  4:31

Read Isaiah  1:4-20

 "To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me?  saith the Lord..."  Isaiah  1:11

     The Prophet Isaiah compares the spiritual condition of Israel to that of a sick man, a leper, full of wounds and putrifying sores.  (Have you read the Scripture at the head of this article?)  The reason they were not cleansed was because they had tried to heal themselves by quackery, patent medicines, and nostrums.  They had observed all the outward remedies of religion - vain oblations, incense, and the observance of rituals and ceremonies - but had refused God's remedy  (see Isaiah  1:12-15).  Man will turn to God only as a last resort; he will try everything else first before he calls a competent physician.  Man is a most gullible creature.

     When I began practicing medicine over 45 years ago, I was amazed at the credulity of the average intelligent person.  They would try everything before they would call me - often when it was too late.  I could write a book on all the strange concoctions people used as home remedies - just because someone recommended it.  Today, with all our scientific advance, men are still just as gullible.  They believe every remedy friends recommend (and every friend has his infallible favorite).  They believe every advertisement on radio or television (many of them lies).  Billions of dollars are spent annually on worthless nostrums, cure-alls, diets (thousands of them), vitamins, minerals, and salves.  The average medicine cabinet looks like a miniature drug store.  Just look at those pills (four different kinds) right there beside your plate - right now.  If people would eat normal, balanced diets, quit worrying about their health, go to bed on time, and be more concerned with their spiritual health than the physical - and throw away 95 per cent of those pills and gadgets, they would live longer and happier!  An application to the sinner - abandon all your homemade remedies to make you fit for Heaven - and call upon the Great Physician - and be saved, happy, and free!

"Bread For Each Day"

The Wednesday Worry Box

Come, sit, and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the comfort of the Lord:  "Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamour and evil speaking be put away from you with all malice."  Ephesians  4:31

                                            "Be careful for nothing...."  Philippians  4:6

     One version of the Scriptures more accurately and understandably translates this phrase in Philippians  as:  "In nothing be anxious."  For the Christian, all worry is forbidden.  As someone has said,  "Anxiety is a spiritual fever which works havoc with the character and service of the child of God; for as we brood over our worries in the secret hours of the night, the mind gets exhausted, the spirit discouraged and depressed, and the body unutterably weary, and yet the cares remain exactly what they were!

     When we are anxious we are trespassers on forbidden ground, for worry and fretting are not compatible with the yielded life. The peace of God - the strong, deep calmness of faith which is born of the conviction that a loving Lord who knows the best has given the pressing burden and the sore pain - this tranquility of soul, is the only proper antidote for worry!

     The story is told of J. Arthur Rank who had a practical way of handling his anxieties.  Being unable to put his troubles aside completely, he thought the next best thing to do would be to set apart a single day, Wednesday, to do all his worrying.  When something came up that disturbed him during the week, he wrote it down and put it in what he called his "Wednesday Worry Box." When the time came to review the problems that were of so much concern, he found to his great surprise that most of the them had already been settled and no longer induced anxiety. He discovered that most worry is unnecessary and a waste of precious energy.

     Cares indeed may come; but when they do, we must cast them upon the Lord  (1 Peter  5:7).  Then we may rightly relax, knowing that He will care for us and provide all things needful  (Matthew  6:32, 33).

"Bread For Each Day"

Little Things

Come, sit, and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the comfort of the Lord:  "Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamour and evil speaking be put away from you with all malice."  Ephesians  4:31


               "There be....things which are little upon the earth, but..."   Proverbs  30:24

     Little things are much more important than we often imagine; they have been known to turn the course of events for hundreds of years.  For instance, a great king once noticed that his soldiers were using their sleeves instead of handkerchiefs, and - that's how we all got buttons on our cuffs!  Another monarch was bald and had his servants make him a fancy toupee; immediately judges and courtiers took up the style and for hundreds of years men of importance shaved off their own locks, and wore flowing wigs of artificial curls! So too, for good or evil, each of us has his own widening circle of influence.

     Someone once complained,  "What I say or do doesn't matter.  My influence is like a drop in the bucket!"  "Ah, but a drop can be very important,"  said another.  "It all depends on what it is made of, and what's already in the bucket.  One little drop of water falling into a container of acid may cause an explosion. One drop of germ culture introduced into a container of milk can make the liquid dangerous to drink; while one drop of cleansing disinfectant can neutralize a whole pailful of contaminated water."  Yes, even a "drop in a bucket" can make a tremendous difference.  Our influence is greater than we suspect.  In fact, those whom the world considers "insignificant" are probably the ones whose lives are making the greatest impact for eternity!

     Have you ever thought of it, that after all, it's only the small birds that sing?  You never heard a note from the eagle in your life, nor from the turkey, nor from the ostrich.  But you have heard thrilling melody from the throat of a canary, and bright, happy trills of praise from the robin, and the lark.  My how they can sing!  So too, the sweetest music often comes from those Christians who are small in their own estimation but great in the eyes of the Lord.  Indeed, "there be....things which are little upon the earth, BUT!!!"

MAKE ME THE FOCAL POINT.....

Come, sit, and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the comfort of the Lord:  "Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamour and evil speaking be put away from you with all malice."   Ephesians  4:31


MAKE ME THE FOCAL POINT of your search for security.  In your private thoughts, you are still trying to order your world so that it is predictable and feels safe.  Not only is this an impossible goal, but it is also counterproductive to spiritual growth.  When your private world feels unsteady and you grip My hand for support, you are living in conscious dependence on Me.

Instead of yearning for a problem-free life, rejoice that trouble can highlight your awareness of my Presence. In the darkness of adversity, you are able to see more clearly the radiance of My Face.  Accept the value of problems in this life, considering them pure joy.  Remember that you have an eternity of trouble-free living awaiting you in heaven.

DO NOT BE SURPRISED...

Come, sit and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the comfort of the Lord:  "Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamour and evil speaking be put away from you with all malice."  Ephesians  4:31


DO NOT BE SURPRISED by the fiery attacks on your mind.  When you struggle to find Me and to live in My Peace, don't let discouragement set in.  You are engaged in massive spiritual warfare.  The evil one abhors your closeness to Me, and his demonic underlings are determined to destroy our intimacy.  When you find yourself in the thick of battle, call upon My Name:  "Jesus, help me!"  At that instant, the battle becomes Mine; your role is simply to trust Me as I fight for you.

My Name, properly used, has unlimited Power to bless and protect.  At the end of time, every knee will bow (in heaven, on earth, and under the earth), when My Name is proclaimed.  People who have used "Jesus" as a shoddy swear word will fall down in terror on that awesome day.  But all those who have drawn near Me through trustingly uttering My Name will be filled with inexpressible and glorious Joy.  This is your great hope, as you await My return.

"Jesus Calling - Enjoying Peace In My Presence"