When my sweet mother-in-law and I had lunch on Monday, she gave me a beautiful devotional by Sarah Young called Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence.
Young wrote this 365 day devotional after spending time before her Savior praying and listening. The book is a result of her many years of journaling what she felt Jesus was saying to her. What I love most about the devotional is that she writes in first person as though Jesus is speaking directly to the reader. It's powerful and personal.
Now I know this is dangerous territory. The Bible is clear that we are never to assume Jesus' words to us. Many people have steered along the wrong course based on a belief that it was Jesus who led them that way. The Bible even says saying Jesus said something he didn't say is punishable by death. Rest assured all Young's writings are based on the Bible. The Scripture each reading is based on is printed at the bottom of the page. Keep in mind that Jesus' words to you will NEVER contradict the Bible. The Bible is God's Word to us.
Yesterday's reading spoke volumes to me. Here it is:
I am a God of both intricate detail and overflowing abundance. When you entrust the details of your life to Me, you are surprised by how thoroughly I answer your petitions. I take pleasure in hearing your prayers, so feel free to bring Me all your requests. The more you pray, the more answers you can receive. Best of all, your faith is strengthened as you see how precisely I respond to your specific prayers.
Because I am infinite in all My ways, you need not fear that I will run out of resources. Abundance is at the very heart of who I AM. Come to Me in joyful expectation of receiving all you need -- and sometimes much more! I delight in showering blessings on My beloved children. Come to Me with open hands and heart, ready to receive all I have for you.
The Scripture references are as follows:
- "How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings. They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights. For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light." Psalm 36:7-9
- "I will bless her with abundant provisions; her poor will I satisfy with food." Psalm 132:15
- "When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” 13 So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten." John 6:12-13
May you revel in the Truth as I did. So often I don't ask specifically from God. It's easy to think that because he already knows our needs and desires, we don't need to specify them but James 4 tells us we don't have because we don't ask. Join me in bring your needs and desires in detail before the Lord. Your Lord and Savior cares about every intricate part of our lives. Nothing is immaterial to him.
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