Have you ever asked for a gift and then you got something close to it but not exactly what you wanted? Well that happened to me this year. I asked for the Jesus Calling daily devotional book by Sarah Young, the beautifully leather bound one. Well, Christmas came and I did get something close to what I wanted. My mother in law gives us a calendar every year and this year she gave me the Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence daily desktop calendar. I assumed, given its smaller size, that it would not be as insightful as the larger beautifully leather bound book I had originally wanted. I could not have been more wrong! Almost every day I have found that the short daily writings impact me. Many times I feel he is speaking to me about the very situations happening in my life or around me. It has been awesome!
Jan 1- Come to me with a teachable spirit, eager to be changed! On this day God reminded me that he has plans to give me a hope and a future.
Jan 2- Resist the clamor of tasks waiting to be done. It dawned on me that I usually let all the things on my to do list distract me from meaningful time with God. Pushing back my list and taking time to be with him will help me face what the day brings.
Jan 3- Because I am your constant Companion, there should be a lightness to your step that is observable to others. Do not be weighed down with problems and unresolved issues, for I am your burden-bearer. What a great little reminder that I have a hope for the problems I face. The hope that comes from having a relationship with him should cause me to act different.
Jan 5- True dependence is not simply asking Me to bless what you have decided to do. It is coming to me with an open mind and heart, inviting Me to plant My desires within you. This encouraged me because there are new opportunities that I worry I won't be able to handle but, they are God's new adventure for me that he will help me be successful with every step.
Jan. 8- Hope in Me, and you will be protected from depression and self-pity. Hope is like a golden cord connection you to heaven. Cling to hope, and My rays of Light will reach you through the darkness. I found this one so profound because I am concerned about the lack of hope in the world around me.
Jan 9- Much stress results from your wanting to make things happen before their times have come. Such a good reminder because I tend to be so impatient.
Jan 11- When you bring Me prayer requests, lay out your concerns before Me. Speak to Me candidly; pour out your heart. Then thank Me for the answers that I have set into motion long before you can discern results. I had never thought to thank him while I was waiting.
Jan 12- Let me Prepare You for the day that stretches out before you. I know exactly what this day will contain, whereas you have only vague ideas about it. You would like to see a map, showing all the twists and turns of your journey. I will not show you what is on the road ahead, but I will thoroughly equip you for the journey. My living Presence is your Companion each step of the way. This was so timely because loved ones of mine have really had a curve ball thrown in their path and everything good seems undone.
Jan 13- Thank me for this day of life, recognizing that it is a precious, unrepeatable gift!
God is so good and I am thankful for this one little Christmas treasure that may not have come as I wanted but has proved to fulfill all I wished for!
