Daily Devotionals Jesus Calling and Dr. Charles Stanley

In Me you have everything. In Me you are complete. Your capacity to experience Me is increasing through My removal of debris and clutter from your heart. As your yearning for Me increases, other desires are gradually lessening. Since I am infinite and abundantly accessible to you, desiring Me above all else is the best way to live.

It is impossible for you to have a need that I cannot meet. After all, I created you and everything that is. The world is still at My beck and call, though it often appears otherwise. Do not be fooled by appearances. 'Things that are visible are brief and fleeting, while things that are invisible are everlasting.

Ephesians 3:20 "...always giving thanks to God the Father for everything. In the name of our LORD Jesus Christ."

2 Corinthians 4:18 "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."

April 3, 2010

Comfort From an Empty Tomb
Matthew 28:1-8

A sad group of women walked to Jesus' tomb on the Sunday morning after His death. Their Savior—the Lord of Lords and King of Kings—had been brutally beaten and then crucified. The women's hearts must have been heavy with disappointment and grief. Yet in an instant, mourning was turned to joy. An angel greeted them to offer this comfort: "He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said" (Matt. 28:6).

So many of the confusing things the Lord had said now suddenly made sense. Not only had He prophesied about His own death and resurrection (Matt. 16:21), but He had also explained His relationship with God as a "oneness" (John 10:30). The grave cannot hold the Almighty. The resurrection put to rest any doubt Christ's followers may have harbored about who He was.

God kept every one of His promises and prophesies regarding the Messiah. For example, Jesus died on the cross before the soldiers decided the break the legs of those being crucified (Ex. 12:46; Ps. 34:20). But they pierced His side with a spear to be certain of His death (Isa. 53:5). At what seemed to be the end, Christ was buried in a rich man's tomb (Isa. 53:9); however, He did not stay in the grave.

Jesus conquered death and is now seated at the Father's right hand, interceding for believers. He knows your name, where you are, and what you need and desire. The comfort of the empty tomb is that our Savior is alive and watching over us—just as He said (Heb. 7:25; 12:2).

Daily Devotionals Jesus Calling and Dr. Charles Stanley

I have promised to 'meet all your needs according to My glorious riches'. Your deepest, most constant need is for My Peace. I have planted Peace in the garden of your heart, where I live; but there are weeds growing there too: pride, worry, selfishness, unbelief. I am the Gardener, and I am working to rid your heart of those weeds. I do My work in various ways. When you sit quietly with Me, I shine the Light of My Presence directly into your heart. In this heavenly Light, Peace grows abundantly and weeds shrivel up. I also send trials into your life. When you trust Me in the midst of trouble, Peace flourishes and weeds die away. Thank Me for troublesome situations; the Peace they can produce 'far outweighs' the trials you endure.

Philippians 4:19 "And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches
in Christ Jesus."

2 Corinthians 4:17 "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an
eternal glory that far outweighs them all."


April 2, 2010
What Jesus' Blood Can Do

(Revelation 5:6-10)

There are five words that every believer should know and be able to explain. I have defined and discussed all of them many times in sermons and writings, but I am doing so again because they are so essential. Being confident in our beliefs is ever more important as cultures become bolder about persecuting Christians.
Jesus' shed blood redeems believers (1 Peter 1:18-19). This means that we are purchased from a life of slavery to sin. Furthermore, we receive forgiveness—the wrongs of our past, present, and future are totally washed away (Eph. 1:7-8). For the rest of eternity, God views His children through the "veil" of Christ's blood, which makes them pure and holy. Everyone who trusts in Jesus is declared no longer guilty (justified—Rom. 5:8-9) and brought into relationship with God (reconciled—Col. 1:19-22). This unalterable change in status from sinner to saint happens the moment a person receives Christ as Savior.
The final word, sanctified, describes the life-long maturing process that begins when a person trusts in the Savior (Heb. 13:12). A saint is set apart from the rest of humanity for the purpose of making him Christ-like. Through discipleship, testing, and teaching, God "drains out" our old self and pumps the life of Jesus into our heart and life.
These five words tell the story of our faith. Meditate upon the verses related to each one, and pray that God will write the meanings on your heart. When we're confident in our beliefs, we can be a light to others instead of crumbling at the threat of pain.

Daily Devotional Jesus Calling

Taste and see that I am good. The more intimately you experience Me, the more convinced you become of My goodness. I am 'the Living One who sees you' and longs to participate in your life. I am training you to find Me in each moment and to be a channel of My loving Presence. Sometimes My blessings come to you in mysterious ways: through pain and trouble. At such times you can know My goodness only through your trust in Me. Understanding will fail you, but trust will keep you close to Me.

Thank Me for the gift of My Peace, a gift of such immense proportions that you cannot fathom its depth or breadth. When I appeared to My disciples after the resurrection, it was Peace that I communicated first of all. I knew this was their deepest need to calm their fears and clear their minds. I also speak Peace to you, for I know your anxious thoughts. Listen to Me! Tune out other voices, so that you can hear Me more clearly. I designed you to dwell in Peace all day, every day. Draw near to Me; receive My Peace.

Psalm 34:8 "Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him."

Genesis 16:13-14 "She gave this name to the LORD who spoke to her;'You are the God who sees me, for she said,'I have now seen the One who sees me.' That is why the well was called Beer Lahi Roj; it is still there, between Kadesh and Bered."

John 20:19 " On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said,'Peace be with you!'"

Colossians 3:15 "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful."

Daily Devotionals Jesus Calling and Dr. Charles Stanley

I am taking care of you. Trust Me at all times. Trust Me in all circumstances. 'Trust Me with all you heart'. When yo are weary and everything seems to be going wrong, you can still utter these four words, "I trust You, Jesus." By doing so, you release matters into My control, and you fall back into the security of 'My everlasting arms'.

Before you arise from your bed in the morning, I have already arranged the events of your day. Every day provides many opportunities for you to learn My ways and grow closer to Me. Signs of My Presence brighten even the dullest day when you have eyes that really see. Search for Me as for hidden treasure. 'I will be found.'


Proverbs 3:5 "Trust in the LORD with all your hear and lean not on your own
understanding."

Deuteronomy 33:27 "The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the ever-
lasting arms. He will drive out your enemy before you know it."

Jeremiah 29:23-24 "You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me wit all your
heart."


Understanding Jesus' Sacrifice
MATTHEW 26:36-46
Jesus journeyed into the deepest pit of despair hours before His crucifixion. In the garden of Gethsemane, He repeatedly prayed that "the cup" would pass away (Matt. 26:39). Christ was staring into a chalice of wrath and judgment that must have made His soul recoil (Is. 51:17). Mankind had filled it with the most depraved and evil deeds and thoughts they could conceive. According to Scripture, Jesus Christ did not just die for our sins; He became our sin (2 Cor. 5:21). The holy, perfect Lamb took on Himself all that was vile and dark.
Furthermore, Jesus knew the consequences of accepting mankind's evil. God's holiness prevented Him from being in the presence of sin. Therefore, the Father would have to separate Himself from the Son. Jesus had always enjoyed perfect oneness and relationship with God. To contemplate a wrenching rejection and separation must have been terrifying.
There was no question that Jesus would do God's will. He would become sin and be separated from the Father, if that's what was required to save mankind. For a while in the garden, He pleaded for another route to our redemption. However, when it was clear that the Father's answer was "No, this is the only way," Jesus obediently sacrificed Himself.
Jesus Christ sacrificed more than His life. He exchanged perfection for wickedness and holy union for separation. The Savior did this so we could be transformed into righteous men and women with an eternal future. No wonder all of heaven exalts Him (Rev. 5:11-14). We must do the same.

Daily Devotionals Jesus Calling and Dr. Charles Stanley

Stop trying to work things out before their times have come. Accept the limitations of living one day at a time. When something comes to your attention, ask Me whether or not it is part of today's agenda. If it isn't, release it into My care and go on about today's duties. When you follow this practice, there will be a beautiful simplicity about your life; 'a time for everything and everything in its time'.

A life close to Me is not complicated or cluttered. When your focus is on My Presence, many things that once troubled you lose their power over you. Though the world around you is messy ad confusing, remember that 'I have overcome the world'. I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have Peace.

Ecclesiates 3:1 "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.

John 16:33 "I have told you these tings so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."


March 29, 2010
The Heart of the Cross
1 CORINTHIANS 1:18-31
Consider how illogical Jesus' crucifixion looked to first-century observers. The Romans, who were concerned with power, probably wondered how a mighty God could allow enemies to kill Him. The Greeks valued wisdom and no doubt thought, There must surely have been a better way than the cross! And the Jews, who longed for victory over oppressors, probably felt bewildered to see Jesus humbly let Himself be brutally killed.
Yet, what seemed foolish was actually a brilliant plan. Through the cross, the Lord powerfully revealed His character. First, we see His unconditional love in dying for those who sinned against Him (John 3:16). Second, His righteousness is apparent—only the perfect sacrifice of His own blood could satisfy the penalty for sin. Third, He shows His faithfulness by redeeming us at so great a cost. And fourth, Jesus demonstrates power by conquering sin and death.
In addition to all this, the cross exposed and disarmed Satan (Col. 2:15), who no longer has authority over Christians. Though he can tempt and try followers of Christ, the Holy Spirit is there to strengthen and guide believers to victory.
One last benefit of God's remarkable plan is that we are eternally secure because of the price Jesus paid. That gives us hope and confidence about our future.
Though the cross seems absurd to those who don't understand, God's children know it is the Father's wise design. We have assurance for today and security for tomorrow only because of this amazing event that occurred over 2000 years ago. We have no need to fear, but every reason to hope.

Daily Devotional Jesus Calling

I am a God who gives and gives and gives. When I died for you on the cross, I held back nothing; I poured out My Life 'like a drink offering'. Because giving is inherent in My nature. I search for people who are able to receive in full measure. To increase your intimacy with Me, the two traits you need the most are receptivity and attentiveness. Receptivity is opening up your innermost being to be filled with My abundant riches. Attentiveness is directing your gaze to Me; searching for Me in all your moments. It is possible to 'stay your mind on Me' as the prophet Isaiah wrote. Through such attentiveness you receive a glorious gift; My perfect Peace.

Philippians 2:17 "But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith. I am glad and rejoice with all of you.

Mark 10:15 "I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."

Isaiah 26:3 "You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you."

Daily Devotionals Jesus Calling and Dr. Charles Stanley

Be still in My Presence, even though countless tasks clamor for our attention. Nothing is as important as spending time with Me. While you wait in My Presence, I do My best work within you 'transforming you by the renewing of your mind'. If you skimp on this time with Me, you may plunge heading into the wrong activities, missing the richness of what I have planned for you.

Do not seek Me primarily for what I can give you. Remember that I, the Giver, am infinitely greater than any gift I might impart to you. Though I delight in blessing My children, I am deeply grieved when My blessings become idols in their hearts. Anything can be an id if it distracts you from Me as your First Love. When I am the ultimated Desire of your heart, you are safe from the danger of idolatry. As you wait in My Presence, enjoy the greatest gift of all: 'Christ in you, the hope of Glory'!

Daily Devotional
March 27, 2010
Eternal Life: You Can Be Sure
JOHN 3:16-17
I have heard many reasons why people are uncertain about their eternal future. "I sin too much," says one. "I don't feel saved, Pastor," says another. Someone else worries that she did not follow the "right procedure" to ask for forgiveness. Still others have erroneously learned from their families or churches that no one can be sure of salvation.
My response to all of these rationales is the same: If you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that His death on the cross purchased God's forgiveness for your sins, then you are saved. And you can be sure.
God's promises never change. He said that those who trust in His Son would have eternal life (John 5:24). What's more, a believer cannot be snatched from God's hand (John 10:27-30).
The Lord loves us unconditionally. Nothing can separate a believer from God's love (Rom. 8:35-39). Satan's charges against us can never change how precious we are to our Father.
The Savior's work on the cross is finished. Jesus Christ made one perfect sacrifice—His own life. In this single act, He atoned for every sinful deed, word, and thought (Heb. 9:11-12, 26). When we receive His salvation, it is ours forever.
God loved us so much that He sent His Son to die for our sins so we could live eternally in His presence. It really is that simple. Whatever your doubts, ask the Holy Spirit to confront them with biblical truth. He will quietly assure your heart that you are God's child forever (Rom. 8:16).

Jesus Calling

Let thankfulness temper all your thoughts. A thankful mind-set keeps you in though with Me. I hate it when My children grumble, casually despising My sovereignty. Thankfulness is a safeguard again this deadly sin. Furthermore, a grateful attitude becomes a grid through which you perceive life. Gratitude enables you to see the Light of My Presence shining on all your circumstances. Cultivate a thankful heart, for this glorifies Me and fills you with Joy.

1 Corinthians 10:10 "And do not grumble, as some of them did - and were killed by the
destroying angel."

Hebrews 12:28-29 "Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken,
let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence
and awe, for our 'God is a consuming fire'.


Dr. Charles Stanley
March 26, 2010
A Decision to Follow Jesus
LUKE 5:27-28
Yesterday, we saw how Scripture answers the question, Who is Jesus? Once we have that information, we must decide what to do with it. Some may desire to ignore the truth of what they have learned, but that's actually not an option. God calls us either to accept or reject Jesus as Savior; avoidance is actually a form of rejection.
How, exactly, can we accept Jesus in our life? We must believe in Him. This means placing confidence in the person of Christ, knowing that His death on Calvary's cross paid for all our sin. This is not merely an intellectual understanding; rather, it is a total surrender to Jesus as the only One who can forgive our sins, thereby bridging the gap between us and the Father. When we receive the Savior, we immediately become children of the King!
Believers must also follow Christ's ways. Allowing Jesus to live out His Lordship through our lives means yielding our will and desires to His. In addition, Christians are to worship Him. We ought to be so overwhelmed by His presence that our hearts and lips overflow with adoration.
One last thing, of course, is that we're to share the truth with others. Just before ascending into heaven, Jesus commanded His followers to spread the good news of salvation to the entire world (Matt. 28:19-20).
We are blessed to have God's Word readily available. And this benefit leaves no excuse for ignorance regarding the person of Jesus Christ. Once we know who He is, we must decide whether we will surrender our lives to Him. He longs for an intimate, personal relationship with you. Will you let Him?
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Daily Devotionals for Match 25, 2010

Jesus Calling;

Let thankfulness temper all your thoughts. A thankful mind-set keeps you in touch with Me. I hate it when My children grumble causally despising My sovereignty. Thankfulness is a safeguard against this deadly sin. Furthermore, a grateful attitude become a grid through which you perceive life. Gratitude enables you to see the Light of My Presence shining on all your circumstances. Cultivate a thankful heart heart, for this glorifies Me and fills you with Joy.