April 23

KEEP YOUR EYES ON ME, not only for direction but also for empowerment.  I never lead you to do something without equipping you for the task.  That is why it’s so important to seek My will in everything you do.  There are many burned-out Christians who think more is always better, who deem it spiritual to say no.

In order to know My will, you must spend time with Me—enjoying My Presence.  This is not an onerous task but a delightful privilege.  I will show you the path of Life, in My Presence is fullness of Joy; at My right hand there are pleasures forevermore.

Psalm 141:8; Psalm 16:11(NKJV)

April 24

REST IN THE STILLNESS of My Presence while I prepare you for this day.  Let the radiance of My Glory shine upon you, as you wait on Me in confident trust.  Be still and know that I am God.  There is both a passive and an active side to trusting Me.  As you rest in My Presence, focusing on Me, I quietly build bonds of trust between us.  When you respond to the circumstances of your life with affirmations of trust, you actively participate in this process.

I am always with you, so you have no reason to be afraid.  Your fear often manifests itself in excessive planning.  Your mind is so accustomed to this pattern of thinking that you are only now becoming aware of how pervasive it is and how much it hinders your intimacy with Me.  Repent of this tendency and resist it, whenever you realize you are wandering down this well-worn path.  Return to My Presence, which always awaits you in the present moment.  I accept you back with no condemnation.

Psalm 46:10; Romans 8:1

April 25

MAKE ME YOUR FOCAL POINT as you move through this day.  Just as a spinning ballerina must keep returning her eyes to a given point to maintain her balance, so you must keep returning your focus to Me.  Circumstances are in flux, and the world seems to be whirling around you.  The only way to keep your balance is to fix your eyes on Me, the One who never changes.  If you gaze too long at your circumstances, you will become dizzy and confused.  Look to Me, refreshing yourself in My Presence, and your steps will be steady and sure.

Hebrews 12:2; Psalm 102:27

April 26

WELCOME PROBLEMS as perspective-lifters.  My children tend to sleepwalk through their days until they bump into an obstacle that stymies them.  If you encounter a problem with no immediate solution, your response to that situation will take you either up or down.  You can lash out at the difficulty, resenting it and feeling sorry for yourself.  This will take you down into a pit of self0pity.  Alternately, the problem can be a ladder, enabling you to climb up and see your life from My perspective.  Viewed from above, the obstacle that frustrated you is only a light and momentary trouble.  Once your perspective has been heightened, you can look away from the problem altogether.  Turn toward Me, and see the Light of My Presence shinning upon you.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18; Psalm 89:15

April 27

COME TO ME with empty hands and an open heart, ready to receive abundant blessings.  I know the depth and breadth of your neediness.  Your life-path has been difficult, draining you of strength.  Come to Me for nurture.  Let Me fill you up with My Presence:  I in you, and you in Me.

My Power flows most freely into weak ones aware of their need for Me.  Faltering steps of dependence are not lack of faith; they are links to My Presence.

John 17:20-23; Isaiah 40:29-31

April 28

AS YOU LOOK into the day that stretches out before you, you see many choice-points along the way.  The myriad possibilities these choices present can confuse you.  Draw your mind back to the threshold of this day, where I stand beside you, lovingly preparing you for what is ahead.

You must make your choices one at a time, since each is contingent upon the decision that precedes it.  Instead of trying a mental map of your path through this day, focus on My loving Presence with you.  I will equip you as you go, so that you can handle whatever comes your way.  Trust Me to supply what you need when you need it.

Lamentations 3:22-26; Psalm 34:8(NKJV)

April 29

LET ME TEACH YOU THANKFULNESS.  Begin by acknowledging that everything—all your possessions and all that you are—belongs to Me.  The dawning of each new day is a gift from Me, not to be taken for granted.  The earth is vibrantly alive with My blessings, giving vivid testimony to My Presence.  If you slow down your pace of life, you can find Me anywhere.

Some of My most precious children have been laid aside in sick beds or shut away in prisons.  Others have voluntarily learned the discipline of spending time alone with Me.  The secret of being thankful is learning to see everything from My perspective.  My world is your classroom.  My Word is a lamp to your feet and a light for your path.

Hebrews 12:28-29; Psalm 119:105

April 30

WHEN SOME BASIC NEED IS LACKING—time, energy, money—consider yourself blessed.  Your very lack is an opportunity to latch onto Me in unashamed dependence.  When you begin with inadequate resources, you must concentrate your efforts on the present moment.  This is where you are meant to live—in the present; it is the place where I always await you.  Awareness of your inadequacy is a rich blessing, training you to rely wholeheartedly on Me.

The truth is that self-sufficiency is a myth perpetuated by pride and temporary success.  Health and wealth can disappear instantly, as can life itself.  Rejoice in your insufficiency, knowing that My Power is made perfect in weakness.

James 1:2; 2 Corinthians 12:9(NASB)