Jesus Calling. Encouragement. 50 Devotions for. Sarah Y oung

Transcription

1 Jesus Calling S J 50 Devotions for Encouragement Sarah Y oung JC Encouragement_INT.indd 3 3/6/17 11:11 AM

2 2017 Sarah Young All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, scanning, or other except for brief quotations in critical reviews or articles, without the prior written permission of the publisher. Published in Nashville, Tennessee, by Thomas Nelson. Thomas Nelson is a registered trademark of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc. Unless otherwise noted, Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, niv. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. The niv and New International Version are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc. Scripture quotations marked amp are from the Amplified Bible. Copyright 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. ( Scripture quotations marked kjv are from the King James Version. Public domain. Scripture quotations marked nasb are from New American Standard Bible. Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. ( Scripture quotations marked nkjv are from the New King James Version by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Any Internet addresses, phone numbers, or company or product information printed in this book are offered as a resource and are not intended in any way to be or to imply an endorsement by Thomas Nelson, nor does Thomas Nelson vouch for the existence, content, or services of these sites, phone numbers, companies, or products beyond the life of this book. ISBN The Library of Congress has cataloged the earlier edition as follows: Young, Sarah, 1946 Jesus Calling / by Sarah Young. p. cm. ISBN (hardcover) 1. Devotional calendars. 2. Devotional literature, English. I. Title. BV4811.Y dc Printed in China DSC

3 Introduction A sense of closeness to Jesus is perhaps the most important benefit to be found through the practice of being still in His Presence and making quiet reflection a priority. Another benefit of this is relief from stress and anxiety. You can ask Jesus to help you see things including your problems from His perspective. The devotions in this book are meant to be read slowly, preferably in a quiet place with your Bible open. The Bible is the only infallible, inerrant Word of God, and I endeavor to keep my writings consistent with that unchanging standard. I have written from the perspective of Jesus speaking, to help readers feel more personally connected with Him. So the first person singular ( I, Me, My, Mine ) always refers to Christ; you refers to you, the reader. Scripture references are included after each daily reading. Words from the Scriptures (some paraphrased, some quoted) are indicated in italics. My prayer is that the Lord will continue to bless, help, strengthen, comfort, and encourage readers. It s so encouraging to know that you never face anything alone!

4 I am a mighty God. Nothing is too difficult for Me. I have chosen to use weak ones like you to accomplish My purposes. Your weakness is designed to open you up to My Power. Therefore, do not fear your limitations or measure the day s demands against your strength. What I require of you is to stay connected to Me, living in trusting dependence on My limitless resources. When you face unexpected demands, there is no need to panic. Remember that I am with you. Talk with Me, and listen while I talk you through each challenging situation. I am not a careless God. When I allow difficulties to come into your life, I equip you fully to handle them. Relax in My Presence, trusting in My Strength. Luke 1:37; Deuteronomy 31:8; 2 Corinthians 12:9 6 JC Encouragement_INT.indd 6 3/6/17 11:11 AM

5 The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. D e u t e r o n o m y 3 1 : 8 JC Encouragement_INT.indd 7 3/6/17 11:11 AM

6 Continue on this path with Me, enjoying My Presence even in adversity. I am always before you, as well as alongside you. See Me beckoning to you: Come! Follow Me. The One who goes ahead of you, opening up the way, is the same One who stays close and never lets go of your hand. I am not subject to limitations of time or space. I am everywhere at every time, ceaselessly working on your behalf. That is why your best efforts are trusting Me and living close to Me. Isaiah 41:10 nasb; Hebrews 7:25; Psalm 37:3 4 8

7 Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. I s a i a h 41:10 nasb