1 3 1

I,­the­Lover­of­your­soul,­understand­you­perfectly­and­love­you­eternally.

Dear­­Jesus,I’m­thankful­it­is­my­soul­You­love,­rather­than­my­

appearance­or­performance.­So­often,­I’m­dissatisfied­with­both­of­these,­especially­when­I­make­them­my­focus.­I’m­grateful­for­Your­perfect­understanding,­since­I­sometimes­feel­misunderstood­or­simply­overlooked.­Help­me­experience­more­fully­Your­compassionate,­unfailing­Love.

B eloved,­relax­in­My­loving­Presence.­Let­the­Light­of­My­Love­soak­into­your­entire­being.­Rest­

deeply­while­I­massage­your­thoughts­and­feelings,­helping­you­change­your­focus­from­yourself­to­Me.­Cease striving and know that I am God.­I­created­you­to­know­Me:­to­enjoy­Me­and­center­your­life­in­Me.

The­world­abounds­with­idols—things­you­turn­to­when­you­want­to­feel­better­about­yourself:­eating,­entertainment,­exercise,­mastery­of­something­or­someone.­However,­none­of­these­things­can­slake­

the­thirst­of­your­soul,­which­yearns­for­Me­alone.­Idolatrous­substitutes­may­suppress­your­appetite­for­Me,­mainly­by­distracting­you,­but­they­provide­no­satisfaction.­When­you­get­that­gnawing­sensation­around­the­edges­of­your­soul,­return­to­Me.­Your­soul­will­be­satisfied­as­with­the­richest­of­foods.

“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed,yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenantof peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you.

Isaiah 54:10

“Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations,

I will be exalted in the earth.”Psalm 46:10 NASB

O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you. . . .

I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory.

Because your love is better than life,my lips will glorify you.

I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands.

My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you.

Psalm 63:1–5

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DearJesus_rev.indd 12-13 6/28/16 2:58 PM

21 2

I,­the­Lover­of­your­soul,­understand­you­perfectly­and­love­you­eternally.

Dear­­Jesus,I’m­thankful­it­is­my­soul­You­love,­rather­than­my­

appearance­or­performance.­So­often,­I’m­dissatisfied­with­both­of­these,­especially­when­I­make­them­my­focus.­I’m­grateful­for­Your­perfect­understanding,­since­I­sometimes­feel­misunderstood­or­simply­overlooked.­Help­me­experience­more­fully­Your­compassionate,­unfailing­Love.

B eloved,­relax­in­My­loving­Presence.­Let­the­Light­of­My­Love­soak­into­your­entire­being.­Rest­

deeply­while­I­massage­your­thoughts­and­feelings,­helping­you­change­your­focus­from­yourself­to­Me.­Cease striving and know that I am God.­I­created­you­to­know­Me:­to­enjoy­Me­and­center­your­life­in­Me.

The­world­abounds­with­idols—things­you­turn­to­when­you­want­to­feel­better­about­yourself:­eating,­entertainment,­exercise,­mastery­of­something­or­someone.­However,­none­of­these­things­can­slake­

the­thirst­of­your­soul,­which­yearns­for­Me­alone.­Idolatrous­substitutes­may­suppress­your­appetite­for­Me,­mainly­by­distracting­you,­but­they­provide­no­satisfaction.­When­you­get­that­gnawing­sensation­around­the­edges­of­your­soul,­return­to­Me.­Your­soul­will­be­satisfied­as­with­the­richest­of­foods.

“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you.

Isaiah 54:10

“Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations,

I will be exalted in the earth.”Psalm 46:10 NASB

O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you. . . .

I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory.

Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.

I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands.

My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you.

Psalm 63:1–5

ø œ¶ •

DearJesus_rev.indd 12-13 6/28/16 2:58 PM

1 5 3

­Each­moment­you­can­choose­

to­practice­My­Presence­or­to­practice­the­presence­of­problems.

Dear­­Jesus,You­know­how­I­long­to­practice­Your­Presence­

more­consistently.­When­I­keep­my­focus­on­You,­my­whole­perspective­is­brighter,­more­joyful.­When­I’m­preoccupied­with­problems,­I­feel­weighed­down­and­anxious.­Yet­the­default­setting­of­my­mind­seems­to­be­problem­solving.­My­thoughts­tend­to­flow­toward­finding­what­is­wrong­and­trying­to­fix­it.­I­want­to­break­free­from­this­hurtful­pattern,­but­its­roots­go­deep­into­my­being.

B eloved,­come­to­Me­and­rest­in­My­sufficiency.­Stop­trying­to­fix­yourself­by­focusing­on­your­

failures.­Remember­that­the­world­you­inhabit­is­fallen,­and­you­are­part­of­that­brokenness.­You­can­no­more­practice­My­Presence­perfectly­than­you­can­save­yourself­from­your­sins.­In­a­fallen­world,­all­your­default­settings­are­tainted­by­sin.­Nonetheless,­

you­are­being­transformed­and­renewed­by­My­Spirit­within­you.

Collaborate­with­Me­as­I­work­to­set­you­free­from­hurtful­ways.­View­each­moment­as­a­fresh­opportunity­to­draw­near­Me.­I­welcome­you­with­open­arms.

“Come to Me, all you who are wearyand burdened, and I will give you rest.”

Matthew 11:28

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

Then you will be able to test and approve whatGod’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Romans 12:2

Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my anxious thoughts;

and see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way.

Psalm 139:23–24 NASB

ø œ

¶ •

DearJesus_rev.indd 14-15 6/28/16 2:58 PM

41 4

­Each­moment­you­can­choose­

to­practice­My­Presence­or­to­practice­the­presence­of­problems.

Dear­­Jesus,You­know­how­I­long­to­practice­Your­Presence­

more­consistently.­When­I­keep­my­focus­on­You,­my­whole­perspective­is­brighter,­more­joyful.­When­I’m­preoccupied­with­problems,­I­feel­weighed­down­and­anxious.­Yet­the­default­setting­of­my­mind­seems­to­be­problem­solving.­My­thoughts­tend­to­flow­toward­finding­what­is­wrong­and­trying­to­fix­it.­I­want­to­break­free­from­this­hurtful­pattern,­but­its­roots­go­deep­into­my­being.

B eloved,­come­to­Me­and­rest­in­My­sufficiency.­Stop­trying­to­fix­yourself­by­focusing­on­your­

failures.­Remember­that­the­world­you­inhabit­is­fallen,­and­you­are­part­of­that­brokenness.­You­can­no­more­practice­My­Presence­perfectly­than­you­can­save­yourself­from­your­sins.­In­a­fallen­world,­all­your­default­settings­are­tainted­by­sin.­Nonetheless,­

you­are­being­transformed­and­renewed­by­My­Spirit­within­you.

Collaborate­with­Me­as­I­work­to­set­you­free­from­hurtful­ways.­View­each­moment­as­a­fresh­opportunity­to­draw­near­Me.­I­welcome­you­with­open­arms.

“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

Matthew 11:28

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Romans 12:2

Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my anxious thoughts;

and see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way.

Psalm 139:23–24 NASB

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¶ •

DearJesus_rev.indd 14-15 6/28/16 2:58 PM

1 7 5

I­am­training­you­to­hold­in­your­heart­a­dual­focus:­My­continual­Presence­and­the­hope­of­heaven.

Dear­­Jesus,There­is­no­deeper­comfort­than­knowing­in­my­

heart­that­You­are­with­me­always:­here­on­earth­and­throughout­eternity­in­heaven.­I­have­known­this­great­truth­in­my­head­for­many­years.­However,­my­heart­is­fickle­and­tends­to­chase­after­other­gods.­Only­as­Your­Spirit­helps­me­can­I­grasp­the­awesomeness­of­Your­Presence­with­me­forever.

B eloved,­trust­Me­to­do­in­you­what­you­could­never­do­for­yourself.­I­am­indeed­with­you—

watching­over­you­wherever­you­are,­wherever­you­go.­Simply­accept­My­Presence­with­you­as­reality:­the­deepest­Reality.­Build­your­life­on­this­absolute­truth,­which­is­like­building­your­house­on­a­rock.

Your­heart­and­mind­will­wander­away­from­Me,­but­My­Spirit­within­can­remind­you­to­return.­Ask­the­Holy­Spirit­to­help­you­in­this­way.­He­delights­in­being­your­Helper.

Rejoice­that­I­am­with­you­not­only­in­this­life­but­also­in­the­life­to­come.­Let­the­promise­of­heaven­flood­your­heart­with­My­eternal­Presence!

“I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you

until I have done what I have promised you.”Genesis 28:15

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like

a wise man who built his house on the rock.”Matthew 7:24

“I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth,

whom the world cannot receive, because it does not seeHim or know Him, but you know Him because He abides

with you and will be in you.”John 14:16–17 NASB

“In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come backand take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”

John 14:2–3

ø œ

¶ •

DearJesus_rev.indd 16-17 6/28/16 2:58 PM

61 6

I­am­training­you­to­hold­in­your­heart­a­dual­focus:­My­continual­Presence­and­the­hope­of­heaven.

Dear­­Jesus,There­is­no­deeper­comfort­than­knowing­in­my­

heart­that­You­are­with­me­always:­here­on­earth­and­throughout­eternity­in­heaven.­I­have­known­this­great­truth­in­my­head­for­many­years.­However,­my­heart­is­fickle­and­tends­to­chase­after­other­gods.­Only­as­Your­Spirit­helps­me­can­I­grasp­the­awesomeness­of­Your­Presence­with­me­forever.

B eloved,­trust­Me­to­do­in­you­what­you­could­never­do­for­yourself.­I­am­indeed­with­you—

watching­over­you­wherever­you­are,­wherever­you­go.­Simply­accept­My­Presence­with­you­as­reality:­the­deepest­Reality.­Build­your­life­on­this­absolute­truth,­which­is­like­building­your­house­on­a­rock.

Your­heart­and­mind­will­wander­away­from­Me,­but­My­Spirit­within­can­remind­you­to­return.­Ask­the­Holy­Spirit­to­help­you­in­this­way.­He­delights­in­being­your­Helper.

Rejoice­that­I­am­with­you­not­only­in­this­life­but­also­in­the­life­to­come.­Let­the­promise­of­heaven­flood­your­heart­with­My­eternal­Presence!

“I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you

until I have done what I have promised you.”Genesis 28:15

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like

a wise man who built his house on the rock.”Matthew 7:24

“I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth,

whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides

with you and will be in you.”John 14:16–17 NASB

“In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”

John 14:2–3

ø œ

¶ •

DearJesus_rev.indd 16-17 6/28/16 2:58 PM

2 3 7

Every­time­you­thank­Me,­you­acknowledge­that­I­am­your­Lord­and­Provider.­This­is­the­proper­stance­for­a­child­of­God:­receiving­with­thanksgiving.

Dear­­Jesus,I­know­I’m­supposed­to­give­thanks­in­all­

circumstances.­But­sometimes­my­words­ring­hollow:­­­­­I­can­say­them­without­feeling­the­least­bit­thankful.­It’s­especially­hard­for­me­to­be­thankful­in­the­midst­of­a­bad­day,­when­everything­seems­to­be­going­wrong.

B eloved,­I­know­what­goes­on­in­your­heart­far­better­than­you­do.­I­know­when­you­feel­thankful,­and­

when­you­don’t.­However,­I­can­also­see­in­the­depths­of­your­heart­a­desire­to­please­Me­by­offering­thanks­even­when­you­don’t­feel­like­it.

When­you­struggle­to­be­thankful,­stop­and­remember­who­I Am:­the­Author­of­your­life­and­your­faith.­You­are­utterly­dependent­on­Me­for­everything,­including­your­next­breath.­Every­good­gift­is­from­Me!

When­you­thank­Me­during­a­difficult­day,­you­are­assuming­the­proper­stance­for­a­child­of­God.­If­you­persevere­in­this­thankfulness,­resisting­the­temptation­to­grumble,­you­can­find­Joy­and­Peace­in­the­midst­of­your­struggles.

Give thanks in all circumstances,for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:18

You killed the author of life, but God raised himfrom the dead. We are witnesses of this.

A cts 3:15

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights,

who does not change like shifting shadows.James 1:17

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and soworship God acceptably with reverence and awe.

Hebrews 12:28

­

ø œ

¶ •

DearJesus_rev.indd 22-23 6/28/16 2:58 PM

82 2

Every­time­you­thank­Me,­you­acknowledge­that­I­am­your­Lord­and­Provider.­This­is­the­proper­stance­for­a­child­of­God:­receiving­with­thanksgiving.

Dear­­Jesus,I­know­I’m­supposed­to­give­thanks­in­all­

circumstances.­But­sometimes­my­words­ring­hollow:­­­­­I­can­say­them­without­feeling­the­least­bit­thankful.­It’s­especially­hard­for­me­to­be­thankful­in­the­midst­of­a­bad­day,­when­everything­seems­to­be­going­wrong.

B eloved,­I­know­what­goes­on­in­your­heart­far­better­than­you­do.­I­know­when­you­feel­thankful,­and­

when­you­don’t.­However,­I­can­also­see­in­the­depths­of­your­heart­a­desire­to­please­Me­by­offering­thanks­even­when­you­don’t­feel­like­it.

When­you­struggle­to­be­thankful,­stop­and­remember­who­I Am:­the­Author­of­your­life­and­your­faith.­You­are­utterly­dependent­on­Me­for­everything,­including­your­next­breath.­Every­good­gift­is­from­Me!

When­you­thank­Me­during­a­difficult­day,­you­are­assuming­the­proper­stance­for­a­child­of­God.­If­you­persevere­in­this­thankfulness,­resisting­the­temptation­to­grumble,­you­can­find­Joy­and­Peace­in­the­midst­of­your­struggles.

Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:18

You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this.

A cts 3:15

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights,

who does not change like shifting shadows.James 1:17

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.

Hebrews 12:28

­

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¶ •

DearJesus_rev.indd 22-23 6/28/16 2:58 PM

2 5 9

Miracles­are­not­always­visible­to­the­naked­eye,­but­those­who­live­by­faith­can­see­them­

clearly.­Living­by­faith,­rather­than­sight,­enables­you­to­see­My­Glory.

Dear­­Jesus,I­want­to­see­Your­Glory!­Please­give­me­discerning­

eyes,­so­I­can­recognize­miracles­when­I­see­them.­Help­me­to­be­increasingly­aware­of­You—living­by­faith,­not­by­sight.

B eloved,­come­into­the­radiance­of­My­Love-Light.­Let­My­healing­Presence­nourish­and­renew­you.­

Be­content­with­a­simple,­quiet­life.­Instead­of­shaking­the­bushes—trying­to­make­things­happen—wait­to­see­what­I­am­doing.­I­am­at­work­in­many­areas­of­your­life­long­before­you­can­discern­results.­Trust­Me­by­waiting­patiently,­accepting­each­moment­as­a­gift­from­Me.­When­time­is­right,­you­will­see­the­results­of­My­handiwork.­You­may­even­get­a­glimpse­of­My­Glory.­Don’t­try­to­hold­on­to­Glory-moments.­Simply­enjoy­them­gratefully;­then­release­them­back­to­Me.

Anticipate­living­with­Me­in­heaven,­where­My­Glory­will­be­your­continual­experience:­lighting­up­your­life­forever.­Look­forward­to­the­radiant­perfection­awaiting­you,­but­remember­that­the­world­you­now­inhabit­is­deeply­fallen.­Living­by­faith­enables­you­to­accept­this­world’s­brokenness,­yet­remain­open­to­seeing­My­glorious­miracles.

Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believed,you would see the glory of God?”

John 11:40

We live by faith, not by sight.2 Corinthians 5:7

I wait for you, O Lord; you will answer, O Lord my God.

Psalm 38:15

The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp.

Revelation 21:23

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¶ •

DearJesus_rev.indd 24-25 6/28/16 2:58 PM

1 02 4

Miracles­are­not­always­visible­to­the­naked­eye,­but­those­who­live­by­faith­can­see­them­

clearly.­Living­by­faith,­rather­than­sight,­enables­you­to­see­My­Glory.

Dear­­Jesus,I­want­to­see­Your­Glory!­Please­give­me­discerning­

eyes,­so­I­can­recognize­miracles­when­I­see­them.­Help­me­to­be­increasingly­aware­of­You—living­by­faith,­not­by­sight.

B eloved,­come­into­the­radiance­of­My­Love-Light.­Let­My­healing­Presence­nourish­and­renew­you.­

Be­content­with­a­simple,­quiet­life.­Instead­of­shaking­the­bushes—trying­to­make­things­happen—wait­to­see­what­I­am­doing.­I­am­at­work­in­many­areas­of­your­life­long­before­you­can­discern­results.­Trust­Me­by­waiting­patiently,­accepting­each­moment­as­a­gift­from­Me.­When­time­is­right,­you­will­see­the­results­of­My­handiwork.­You­may­even­get­a­glimpse­of­My­Glory.­Don’t­try­to­hold­on­to­Glory-moments.­Simply­enjoy­them­gratefully;­then­release­them­back­to­Me.

Anticipate­living­with­Me­in­heaven,­where­My­Glory­will­be­your­continual­experience:­lighting­up­your­life­forever.­Look­forward­to­the­radiant­perfection­awaiting­you,­but­remember­that­the­world­you­now­inhabit­is­deeply­fallen.­Living­by­faith­enables­you­to­accept­this­world’s­brokenness,­yet­remain­open­to­seeing­My­glorious­miracles.

Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?”

John 11:40

We live by faith, not by sight.2 Corinthians 5:7

I wait for you, O Lord; you will answer, O Lord my God.

Psalm 38:15

The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp.

Revelation 21:23

ø œ

¶ •

DearJesus_rev.indd 24-25 6/28/16 2:58 PM

3 91 1

ø œ

¶ •Accept­each­day­just­as­it­comes­to­you.­

Do­not­waste­your­time­and­energy­wishing­for­a­different­set­of­circumstances.­Instead,­trust­Me­enough­to­yield­

to­My­design­and­purposes.

Dear­­Jesus,I­waste­so­much­time­and­energy­yearning­for­

different­circumstances.­When­it’s­cold,­I­long­for­warmer­weather.­When­it’s­hot,­I­look­forward­to­the­crisp­coolness­of­autumn.­This­is­illustrative­of­how­my­mind­works:­rejecting­the­day’s­circumstances­and­daydreaming­about­how­I­would­like­things­to­be.­I­realize­this­is­arrogant­and­foolish,­but­my­mind—left­to­itself—tends­to­work­that­way.­I­really­want­to­accept­each­day­just­as­it­comes­to­me,­but­I­seem­to­have­little­control­over­my­thoughts.

B eloved,­you­are­right­in­recognizing­that­you­need­more­control­over­your­thinking.­Human­minds,­

though­capable­of­brilliance,­tend­to­be­undisciplined­and­rebellious.­To­counteract­this­weakness,­I­have­

provided­help­in­the­Person­of­the­Holy­Spirit.­As­you­allow­Him,­He­will­control­your­mind.­He­offers­Life­and­Peace­to­those­who­yield­themselves­to­Him.

Your­time­and­energy­are­limited;­only­I­know­how­much­of­each­you­have.­Try­to­accept­each­day­as­a­precious­gift­from­Me,­thanking­Me­for­it­rather­than­wishing­it­away.­Ask­Me­to­accomplish­My­purposes­in­and­through­you­this­day.­Instead­of­wasting­so­much­energy­longing­for­what­is­not,­invest­that­energy­in­trusting­Me.­Daydreaming­will­leave­you­empty­and­discontent,­whereas­trusting­will­draw­you­into­My­joyful­Presence.­As­you­come­close­to­Me,­I­embrace­you­in­My­everlasting­arms.

Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who

live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of sinful man is death,

but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace.Romans 8:5–6

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28

This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

DearJesus_rev.indd 38-39 6/28/16 2:58 PM

1 23 8

ø œ

¶ •Accept­each­day­just­as­it­comes­to­you.­

Do­not­waste­your­time­and­energy­wishing­for­a­different­set­of­circumstances.­Instead,­trust­Me­enough­to­yield­

to­My­design­and­purposes.

Dear­­Jesus,I­waste­so­much­time­and­energy­yearning­for­

different­circumstances.­When­it’s­cold,­I­long­for­warmer­weather.­When­it’s­hot,­I­look­forward­to­the­crisp­coolness­of­autumn.­This­is­illustrative­of­how­my­mind­works:­rejecting­the­day’s­circumstances­and­daydreaming­about­how­I­would­like­things­to­be.­I­realize­this­is­arrogant­and­foolish,­but­my­mind—left­to­itself—tends­to­work­that­way.­I­really­want­to­accept­each­day­just­as­it­comes­to­me,­but­I­seem­to­have­little­control­over­my­thoughts.

B eloved,­you­are­right­in­recognizing­that­you­need­more­control­over­your­thinking.­Human­minds,­

though­capable­of­brilliance,­tend­to­be­undisciplined­and­rebellious.­To­counteract­this­weakness,­I­have­

provided­help­in­the­Person­of­the­Holy­Spirit.­As­you­allow­Him,­He­will­control­your­mind.­He­offers­Life­and­Peace­to­those­who­yield­themselves­to­Him.

Your­time­and­energy­are­limited;­only­I­know­how­much­of­each­you­have.­Try­to­accept­each­day­as­a­precious­gift­from­Me,­thanking­Me­for­it­rather­than­wishing­it­away.­Ask­Me­to­accomplish­My­purposes­in­and­through­you­this­day.­Instead­of­wasting­so­much­energy­longing­for­what­is­not,­invest­that­energy­in­trusting­Me.­Daydreaming­will­leave­you­empty­and­discontent,­whereas­trusting­will­draw­you­into­My­joyful­Presence.­As­you­come­close­to­Me,­I­embrace­you­in­My­everlasting­arms.

Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who

live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of sinful man is death,

but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace.Romans 8:5–6

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28

This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

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4 71 3

Whenever­you­are­tempted­to­grumble,­come­to­Me­and­talk­it­out.­As­you­open­up­to­Me,­I­will­put­My­thoughts­in­your­mind­

and­My­song­in­your­heart.

Dear­­Jesus,I­am­frequently­tempted­to­grumble—more­often­than­

I­like­to­admit.­There­are­so­many­things­I­would­like­to­be­different:­in­me,­in­others,­in­the­world.­My­natural­tendency­is­to­brood­over­these­matters,­rather­than­talking­them­over­with­you.­The­longer­I­focus­on­these­negatives,­the­more­likely­I­am­to­grumble.­Even­when­I­control­what­I­say­out­loud,­my­thoughts­tend­to­be­full­of­complaints.­Please­help­me­to­think­Your­thoughts.

B eloved,­trust­Me­by­opening­up­to­Me­consistently.­Don’t­wait­till­you’re­already­discouraged­to­bring­

Me­your­concerns.­As­we­talk­about­these­matters,­remember­to­thank­Me.­In­spite­of­how­you’re­feeling,­you­can­thank­Me­for­listening­and­caring;­also,­for­loving­you­sufficiently­to­die­for­you.­Your­thankfulness­will­provide­a­helpful­framework­for­viewing­the­things­

that­concern­you.­Talk­about­these­concerns­with­Me.­Let­the­Light­of­My­Face­shine­upon­you,­as­we­discuss­these­matters.­Eventually,­this­heavenly­Light­will­break­through­the­fog­in­your­mind,­enabling­you­to­see­things­from­My­perspective.­­­ Your­communion­with­Me­will­bless­you­in­another­way­also:­You­will­find­in­My­Presence­irrepressible­Joy.­Whether­or­not­I­change­your­circumstances,­you­will­discover­I­have­put­a­new­song­in­your­heart.

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!2 Corinthians 9:15

“The Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you.”Numbers 6:25

You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.

A cts 2:28

He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord.

Psalm 40:3

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1 44 6

Whenever­you­are­tempted­to­grumble,­come­to­Me­and­talk­it­out.­As­you­open­up­to­Me,­I­will­put­My­thoughts­in­your­mind­

and­My­song­in­your­heart.

Dear­­Jesus,I­am­frequently­tempted­to­grumble—more­often­than­

I­like­to­admit.­There­are­so­many­things­I­would­like­to­be­different:­in­me,­in­others,­in­the­world.­My­natural­tendency­is­to­brood­over­these­matters,­rather­than­talking­them­over­with­you.­The­longer­I­focus­on­these­negatives,­the­more­likely­I­am­to­grumble.­Even­when­I­control­what­I­say­out­loud,­my­thoughts­tend­to­be­full­of­complaints.­Please­help­me­to­think­Your­thoughts.

B eloved,­trust­Me­by­opening­up­to­Me­consistently.­Don’t­wait­till­you’re­already­discouraged­to­bring­

Me­your­concerns.­As­we­talk­about­these­matters,­remember­to­thank­Me.­In­spite­of­how­you’re­feeling,­you­can­thank­Me­for­listening­and­caring;­also,­for­loving­you­sufficiently­to­die­for­you.­Your­thankfulness­will­provide­a­helpful­framework­for­viewing­the­things­

that­concern­you.­Talk­about­these­concerns­with­Me.­Let­the­Light­of­My­Face­shine­upon­you,­as­we­discuss­these­matters.­Eventually,­this­heavenly­Light­will­break­through­the­fog­in­your­mind,­enabling­you­to­see­things­from­My­perspective.­­­ Your­communion­with­Me­will­bless­you­in­another­way­also:­You­will­find­in­My­Presence­irrepressible­Joy.­Whether­or­not­I­change­your­circumstances,­you­will­discover­I­have­put­a­new­song­in­your­heart.

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! 2 Corinthians 9:15

“The Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you.”Numbers 6:25

You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.

A cts 2:28

He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord.

Psalm 40:3

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