31 August

"GROW STRONG IN YOUR WEAKNESS. Some of My children I've gifted with abundant strength and stamina. Others, like you, have received the humble gift of frailty. Your fragility is not a punishment, nor does it indicate lack of faith. On the contrary, weak ones like you must walk by faith, depending on Me to get you through the day. I am developing your ability to trust Me, to lean on Me, rather than on your understanding. Your natural preference is to plan out your day, knowing what will happen when. My preference is for you to depend on Me continually, trusting Me to guide you and strengthen you as needed. This is how you grow strong in your weakness."

James 4:13-15; Isaiah 40:31

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How funny that, reading this, reminded me of what I'm currently working on with my horse. She has been weak in her hind-end lately and has relied on laziness to not pick it up and move under herself. We have been working on this weakness for the last month or so, making it a main focus. Now she is doing better, relying on me to remind her to wake up, pay attention, and strengthen herself where she is weak.

How ironic that today's devotional reminded me to rely more on Him rather than myself or whatever plans I've set forth.

I remember as a kid, my mom would tell us that we can make all the plans in the world, that doesn't mean it's going to happen that way; we don't know what God's plans are for us and that He will interrupt our 'precious' plans for His more important ones. And while they sometimes put us in a bind or just plain ol' suck, it's a good reminder to lean on Him and rely on Him to help guide us through the plans He has laid out for us. He's the one who made them, who else would be a better guide but Him? Now, any time we try to make plans, we always account for the unexpected and make sure we recognize that our plans may change or not go the way we had wanted or planned them to.

What I've realized is a fail-safe, is to pray about the plans you're making. Pray and ask for His guidance when planning anything out--from your shopping list, for a conversation you're going to have, a trip you're going to take, paying bills when you get your paycheck... anything. It's better to ask Him and pray for His help, than ignore Him and keep Him in the dark.

30 August

'THERE IS NO PLACE so desolate that you cannot find Me there. When Hagar fled from her mistress, Sarah, into the wilderness, she thought she was utterly alone and forsaken. But Hagar encountered Me in that desolate place. There she addressed Me as the Living One who sees me. Through that encounter with my Presence, she gained courage to return to her mistress.

No set of circumstances could ever isolate you from My loving Presence. Not only do I see you always; I see you as a redeemed saint, gloriously radiant in My righteousness. That is why I take great delight in you and rejoice over you with singing!"

 Genesis 16:7-14; Psalm 139:7-10; Zephaniah 3:17

29 August

"DEMONSTRATE YOUR TRUST IN ME by sitting quietly in My Presence. Put aside all that is waiting to be done, and refuse to worry about anything. This sacred time together strengthens you and prepares you to face whatever the day will bring. By waiting with Me before you begin the day's activities, you proclaim the reality of My living Presence. This act of faith--waiting before working--is noted in the spirit world, where your demonstration of trust weakens principalities and powers of darkness.

The most effective way to resist evil is to draw near to Me. When you need to take action, I will guide you clearly through My Spirit and My Word. The world is so complex and overstimulating that you can easily lose your sense of direction. Doing countless unnecessary activities will dissipate your energy. When you spend time with me, I restore your sense of direction. As you look to Me for guidance, I enable you to do less but accomplish more."

Luke 12:22-26; Ephesians 6:12; Proverbs 16:3

28 August

"GROW STRONG in the Light of My Presence. As My Face shines upon you, you receive nutrients that enhance your growth in grace. I designed you to commune with Me face-to Face, and this interaction strengthens your soul. Such communion provides a tiny glimpse of what awaits you in heaven, where all barriers between you and My Glory will be removed. This meditative time with Me blesses you doubly: you experience My Presence here and now, and you are refreshed by the hope of heaven, where you will know Me in ecstatic Joy."

Psalm 4:6

27 August

"SPEND TIME WITH ME for the pure pleasure of being in My company. I can brighten up the dullest of gray days; I can add sparkle to the routines of daily life. You have to repeat so many tasks day after day. This monotony can dull your thinking until your mind slips into neutral. A mind that is unfocused is vulnerable to "the world, the flesh, and the devil," all of which exert a downward pull on your thoughts. As your thinking processes deteriorate, you become increasingly confused and directionless. The best remedy is to refocus your mind and heart on Me, your constant Companion. Even the most confusing day opens up before you as you go step by step with Me. My Presence goes with you wherever you go, providing Light for your path."

Psalm 63:7-8; Psalm 119:105

26 August

"TRUST ME in the midst of a messy day. Your inner calm--your Peace in My Presence--need not be shaken by what is going on around you. Though you live in this temporal world, your innermost being is rooted and grounded in eternity. When you start to feel stressed, detach yourself from the disturbances around you. Instead of desperately striving to maintain order and control in your little world, relax and remember that circumstances cannot touch My Peace.

Seek My Face, and I will share My mind with you, opening your eyes to see things from My perspective. Do not let your heart be troubled, and do not be afraid. The Peace I give is sufficient for you."

John 16:33; Psalm 105:4; John 12:27

25 August

"I AM THE ETERNAL I AM; I always have been, and I always will be. In My Presence you experience Love and Light, Peace and Joy. I am intimately involved in all your moments, and I am training you to be aware of Me at all times. Your assignment is to collaborate with Me in this training process.

I have taken up residence within you; I am central in your innermost being. Your mind goes off in tangents from its holy Center, time after time. Do not be alarmed by your inability to remain focused on Me. Simply bring your thoughts gently back to Me each time they wander. The quickest way to redirect your mind to me is to whisper My name."

1 Corinthians 3:16; Psalm 25:14-15