Jesus Calling - February 24th

"BE STILL IN the light of My Presence, while I communicate Love to you. There is no force in the universe as powerful as My Love. You are constantly aware of limitations: your own and others'. But there is no limit to My Love; it fills all of space, time, and eternity. Now you see through a glass, darkly, but someday you will see Me face to Face. Then you will be able to experience fully how wide and long and high and deep is My Love for you. If you were to experience that now, you would be overwhelmed to the point of feeling crushed. But you have . . . eternity . . . you can enjoy My Presence in unrestricted ecstasy. For now, the knowledge of My (love) is sufficient fo carry you through each day." The woman that 'wrote' this has an amazing way with words. But it's so much more than that. She speaks of a lifetime of walking with God, looking to him for guidance. She has taken the time in her life to truly "be still ... in (His) presence". And she has made it a habit to seek that time out, as well as finding the right place to do such. She desired to hear from God. She speaks of a "quest", a "search for truth". She says "it was God's glorious creation that helped me open my heart to Him." She desired to receive personal messages from God. Now, I know that sounds a little weird, presumptuous, arrogant--and she has received much criticism for her book. But I truly believe this is what God has for each of us. And if we are walking with Him, seeking Him, making time for Him; I think this is exactly what He will do--speak to us PERSONALLY. I believe her words are from God, for her. But based on her testimony, and the measurement of these "messages" next to scripture, I see such value in sharing them with others. We just need to keep in mind the context of her words. To me, this book drives me to scripture (which she references with every entry). Here's what she says about her purpose in sharing: "This practice of listening to God has increased my intimacy with Him more than any other spiritual discipline, so I want to share some of the messages I have received." She goes on to say, "The Bible is, of course, the only inerrant Word of God; my writings must be consistent with that unchanging standard." She finishes the intro of her book by reminding the reader that "Jesus is Emmanuel, God with us." When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Ephesians 3:14-19