No Security Apart From God

In July, 2010, I began something that seemed pretty scary to me. Based upon the devotional book Jesus Calling, I decided that I would give this "listening to God speak" deal a try, but to be honest, I was afraid that I would start making things up and pass it off for God's word to me! God knew my heart, however, and that my heart's desire was to deepen my relationship with Him and to follow Him in obedience, and He has been ever faithful to meet me just where I am, to do a little heart surgery some days and just love and encourage me others. I'm truly a mess inside, full of insecurities and crazy thinking, but now that it has been over a year since I began this journey, I can honestly say that I never want to turn back from meeting God in this way. It's not a substitute for learning and leaning on the revealed, written word of God, but it's a huge connection to His revealed word as He seeks to show me where I am failing to trust Him and why. I have finally decided that I would publish some of my times with God in the hopes that someone somewhere will read something that will encourage them just as much as it has encouraged me. Since I am a teacher, my times with God often reflect teaching. I want to be taught by Him so that that He can teach the children through me.

Child, you want security and yet you so often seek it in the wrong places. There is no security apart from Me. Everything changes constantly. One day it's the economy. Another day it's a relationship. It could be a natural disaster in a place that has always felt safe. Whenever you try to place your peace of mind in anything other than Me, you have elevated that person or situation to idol status. Watch out, for I will elevate My name above every idol, to show you that it's in Me and Me alone that you can rest in confidence. I am the One who gives, and I am also the One who takes away. Do not have any unhealthy attachment to any person, job, or possession. Place your sense of security at the feet of the only One who can give it - Jesus Christ - who delivers from sin and darkness, Who alone can place you in the kingdom of light. To Jesus be all your love and devotion. Hold everything else with a loose hand.

To My Savior,

Jesus...what a sweet, sweet name. Jesus, who loves me. Jesus, who came for me. Jesus who died for me. Jesus who will bring me safely to my heavenly home. Jesus who sees me. Jesus who never leaves me. My prince and the rock of my salvation. Jesus, my all in all. I am your beloved, and You are mine. I stand at the well thirsting for Your every word. Pour forth Your truth, Your mercy, Your love, Your holiness, and let me tip my head upwards to receive it all like rain falling, like joy flowing, like healing coming on the wings of a dove. Let me receive Your peace, earned by Your battle won, and Your life, earned by Your faithfulness unto death, even death on a cross. Jesus, Jesus, Jesus... what a sweet, sweet, sweet, sweet, sweet, sweet name.
Me