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JANUARY

Morning has broken like the first morning,

Blackbird has spoken like the first bird.

Praise for the singing! Praise for the morning!

Praise for them, springing fresh from the Word!

Sweet the rain’s new fall sunlit from heaven,

Like the first dewfall on the first grass.

Praise for the sweetness of the wet garden,

Sprung in completeness where His feet pass.

Mine is the sunlight! Mine is the morning

Born of the one light Eden saw play!

Praise with elation, praise every morning,

God’s re-creation of the new day!

Eleanor Farjeon, 1881–1965

January First

The children of men take refuge in the shadow of Thy wings.

Psalm 36:7b

This is a day of reckoning. I do not mean this twenty-four hour period, but this time in which you are living. Reckoning means squaring accounts. Reckoning means settling up. And that is what this period is in your life. Remember, however, that My tender mercies are over all My works—and this is especially true when I require reckoning of My servants.

My hand is stretched out to bless, not to curse you. There is nothing to fear—all is intended to bring growth in the Spirit.

January Second

Where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 5:20b–21

Why are you cast down, My son, in these peaceful circumstances around you? Why do you linger over hurts and jealousies, when My peace and My joy are yours? Old sin patterns die hard—but they do die if that is the desire of your heart.

January Third

For Thou, O Lord, art my hope, my trust, O Lord, from my youth.

Psalm 71:5

My son, I have not abandoned you. In your fear you felt cut off and alone. But I was there, and will be there no matter what your feelings tell you. Yes, I am speaking to you. This is not a construct of your wishful thinking.

You wonder what purpose could be served in such an experience as you had. First, you must learn to be more obedient. You give in much too easily to feelings of tiredness. Second, you must learn to bring your thoughts into captivity to My Sovereign Spirit. You were not at all successful night before last. “The years the locusts have eaten”—are much, very much, involved here.

Be of good courage. All is not lost. Only pride and shallow faith—but what are they?

January Fourth

Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice.

I Samuel 15:22b

Listen to Me instead of your own thoughts. Your thoughts are full of anxiety and fear, fantasy and unreality. My thoughts are not as yours. That is why a person is kept in “perfect peace” when the mind is stayed on Me.

I know your circumstances—and your physical needs. My arm is not shortened that it cannot save—and I am the Lord who healeth thee. How many times have I told you before, yet you grovel in shadows and self-pity. Your pain is but for a season—and it is never without amelioration. So do not magnify it beyond what it is. Have a good day in spite of it by listening to Me instead of your thoughts. Remember, “Whoso offereth praise glorifieth Me.” So, offer praise continually through the day.

January Fifth

The Lord preserves the simple.

Psalm 116:6a

Look unto Me, My child. Gaze steadily upon My mercy. Know that you are a child of mercy—and that the blessings I pour out on you are the fruit of mercy. Long you have wandered afield, gazing on the things of the world, pulled by the attraction of things that perish and fade. It is time, high time, to fix your gaze on heavenly things. Seek the incorruptible crown, My son. Let go your burning desire to “be somebody” and accept the lowly and despised place I will for you. Look unto Me—and keep looking.

January Sixth

I am the good shepherd; I know My own and My own know Me.

John 10:14

This quiet time is My gift of love to you, My son. In spite of the multitude of distractions, it still carries the stamp of My blessing. You are receiving more than you know. Healing is taking place, fallow ground is being broken up, and the holy seed of My truth is being planted. As you see the snow gently falling to the waiting ground, so My mercies descend on your waiting soul—quietly, without noise or fanfare. This is My way.

January Seventh

If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.

Galatians 5:25

I know your impatience in waiting—your desire to have a quick and verifying word from Me. Think, My son, is this the right attitude with which to approach the eternal Majesty on high? Is it not rather a symptom of your great self-love and demanding nature? Why must you wait to hear My voice? Because of this very aspect which you bring to these meetings, our communication is impeded.

I do not rebuke you harshly, but appeal to you as a loving Father: Learn to be content with waiting when I seem to delay in speaking. Learn that in the silence much is to be gained if you let it work for you.

Do not lose your grateful heart for these moments—they are not ordinary. Don’t let their frequency blind you to their incomparable worth to your soul.

January Eighth

For He has made known to us in all wisdom and insight the mystery of His will … to unite all things in Him, things in heaven and things on earth.

Ephesians 1:9–10

My word brings joy even when it causes you pain. It brings life, even when it brings death to your wonted ways. Rather, it brings joy because it brings pain, and life because it brings death.

The deepest things of life remain a mystery to you, My child, and it must be so. In the mystery there are realities as yet only faintly grasped or dimly seen. But their presence assures you that there is more to life with Me than you have yet experienced.

Do not be afraid of the mysteries, and do not try to explain them away. This foolish effort on your part has robbed you of blessings and stunted your growth in Me for many years. Expand the capacity of your soul to admit what you cannot understand or reason out—and let My word bring the life and joy you so much want and need.

January Ninth

My eyes are toward Thee, O Lord God; in Thee I seek refuge; leave me not defenseless!

Psalm 141:8

This is My word to you today: Repent of who you are, and let My Spirit convict you of who you are in particular areas of need. Do not frustrate My design by looking for a quick and painless fix—but believe that I am accomplishing that which I have begun in you.

January Tenth

O Thou who hearest prayer! To Thee shall all flesh come.

Psalm 65:2

I hear your prayer, and it shall be done. No prayer is prayed in vain. Leave the particulars to Me, My child, and in My time and way your desire will be fulfilled. I am still training you in the path of faith. I still look for trust rather than doubt or questioning. A loving relationship must be built on trust—and you have ample ground for that, do you not? So keep on praying and learning that trust is a choice which you can make. Don’t let doubts discourage you. Let My strength encourage your fearful heart.

January Eleventh

Do you not know that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?

Romans 2:4b

Vain regret is not repentance. Yes, you have made many wrong choices through the course of your life. But I have no pleasure in the self-pity of remorse. Since My grace has never been lacking and My mercy has never been withdrawn from you, your life has been a redeemed life. It does not mean that the wrong choices brought no harm—they did and do. But My grace has been and is greater, and those choices did not overrule it.

My gift of repentance, unlike vain regret, is a forward-looking attitude. It enables you to lay hold of My future, cleansed and freed from paralyzing guilt and shame. Claim it, My child, and let your tears be tears of joy and gratitude.

January Twelfth

Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.

Matthew 5:7

I am the Lord your God. I am with you in your present condition and will be with you always. Let your feeble faith be strengthened and enlarged to rejoice in My sure love. I am the same yesterday, today and forever. I change not, and never forsake those whom I love. Be at peace and drive away foolish fantasies and fears.

January Thirteenth

And I am sure that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

Philippians 1:6

My dear child, I have missed these quiet meetings with you. You see, I know how much you need Me, how much you need the reassurance of My love, and how dark your way becomes when you neglect your relationship with Me. I am your light. I am your hope. I am your strength and defense. You can never face the enemy with his wiles and deceptions on your own. Remember that.

In addition, remember too that My love calls you to a fellowship of love. This is a “two-way street”—and you greatly misjudge the reality of it when you think your neglect has no effect on Me. I hope you will not forget this.

January Fourteenth

Therefore, my brethren, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.

Philippians 4:1

My dear child, do not be dismayed at the various trials you are experiencing. They are being used for purposes you cannot see nor understand at this point in your life. Only trust My unfailing goodness. When the waters overwhelm you, remember then My past faithfulness and flee inwardly to Me. Your pattern is still to withdraw into yourself—isolated and cut off from Me and from others. The fear and feeling of panic have driven you to admit your need and seek others. That is a good result, even though you are humiliated by it.

January Fifteenth

Do nothing from selfishness or conceit, but in humility count others better than yourselves.

Philippians 2:3

My dear child, I have given you, out of My tender mercies, many of your heart’s desires. You should recollect and give thanks for the manifold display of My great goodness to you. I know your weaknesses and failings. I am acquainted with all your imperfections and sin. But I see you, in My beloved Son, as you will one day be by My grace.

The sufferings through which you pass are as much expressions of My mercy as the heart’s desires that I have granted you. Bless Me in them all and be blessed.

January Sixteenth

And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone; so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.

Mark 11:25

This is My word to you today, My child. Be forthright in what you say and take care in the way you walk. Trust Me in every uncertainty, for in trusting your soul is further healed.

Forgive the wrongs done or said against you, for in forgiving you rob them of their power to hurt.

You are My care, and I have not forgotten to be gracious. Do not forget to be thankful!

January Seventeenth

We know that in everything God works for good with those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.

Romans 8:28

The storms of life are necessary for the clearing of the soul. The debris of sin beclouds your vision and hinders the ongoing progress of My purpose. The present storm is but a small one which I am allowing for this purpose. Let the clearer air clarify your thoughts. Let the power of My purposes override the paucity of yours, and produce the fruit of My purposes. Then you will see how necessary was this storm.

January Eighteenth

They loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.

John 12:43

My dear child, I have waited these many years for you to come to this place. You, like the Jewish rulers who believed on Me, loved the praises of men more than the praise of God. How often I would have led you in another way. The inklings you felt—the momentary shafts of light and longing that penetrated your soul—were not accidental. They were gentle invitations for you to “Come away, My beloved….”

I want you to grow in this new dimension—this inward listening to My still, small voice. I have supplied you with healthy balances to keep you from veering off in unsafe paths. Trust Me, My child—and keep on trusting—because without trust, you will flounder and fail.

January Nineteenth

And I will give them one heart, and put a new spirit within them; I will take the stony heart out of their flesh and give them a heart of flesh that they may walk in My statutes and keep My ordinances and obey them; and they shall be My people, and I will be their God.

Ezekiel 11:19–20

Yes, My son, My Spirit is sent forth to unite you with Me. Through this miracle, I extend My life and My very nature into the lives of My people. So then, you are participating in My life even when you know it not. Christ in you, the hope of glory. This is a mystery which you can believe without understanding and attempting to analyze. Rejoice, My dear child, in what you have been given. Rejoice in what you have been denied. Both are from Me, and are expressions of My love and goodness to you. That love will never run out, and the streams of My mercy will never run dry.

January Twentieth

Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done that of which I have spoken to you.

Genesis 28:15

According to My loving kindness and tender mercy I have kept faith with you, My child. I am not one who forgets and neglects, and so I have been mindful of you and your needs even when these meetings have been neglected on your part. I do not want you to regard them as a burden but as a privilege without peer. You do not yet comprehend the mercy which I have showered on you, and are only dimly aware of how vital it is if you are to fulfill My call and My will for you. Be faithful in the little things. In them are the seed of the great ones.

January Twenty-first

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Hebrews 4:16

My dear son, you are troubled about many things—and about one thing: your fear of what lies ahead for you and your ability to cope with it. You do not have to cope alone—as you have seen in weeks past. I bid you be of good cheer. Let the promises work for you. Do not negate them by refusing to believe. Remember Israel in the wilderness. They did not enter in because of their unbelief. You do not need to make the same bad choice!

January Twenty-second

For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Jeremiah 29:11

In the year that lies ahead there will be many wonders. You will see My hand unmistakably at work in your midst. Flinch not before My judgments, and do not let the enemy’s accusations lodge in your heart. Be patient under My rod, for it is for your eternal good. My goodness will not fail you and grace will always abound. Some will fall away, for they are not grounded in Me. Their going may bring pain, but it will bring no loss. There must be a deeper, firmer reliance on Me rather than on secondary causes. Pride must be dealt with or it will destroy what I have given. This is My word and I will fulfill it.

January Twenty-third

I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued My faithfulness to you.

Jeremiah 31:3

My children, My children, I love you. My joy in you is not complete until you know and comprehend that love. It is a love that passes knowledge, and I invite you all to journey past mere knowledge into that fullness of love. Do not be afraid of love, My children. Be afraid rather of your closed, protective shells that shut out My sun. Do not be afraid of being kind to one another, of making allowances for weaknesses and wounds not yet fully healed. Beware of self-righteousness, for it bears bitter fruit. Sing and rejoice in the Love that sought and found you. It will not lead you astray.

January Twenty-fourth

Trust in the Lord, and do good; so you will dwell in the land, and enjoy security. Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.

Psalm 37:3–4

My light is shining on your way. My path is unfolding before you as you walk with Me. You do not need to see ahead, and it would be harmful to you if you could. My way and My wisdom are always best. Do not fear what lies on the path. The darkness will disappear at the right time, and you will see everything you need to see. No harm can come to the soul that is in My care. No harm can come to you as long as you stay with Me.

January Twenty-fifth

Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times in all ways.

II Thessalonians 3:16

My dear son, I am still working out My purposes in your life. The mantle of My mercy is still over you. My goodness is your daily supply.

Walk in hope and truth. Be quick to confess your inward sin—avoid the trap of self-pity. My glory and mercy will yet be seen.

January Twenty-sixth

Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.

Isaiah 43:19

Yes, My son, you need to listen—like Martha, you are busy about many things in your mind. I could overpower your thoughts if I chose, but I prefer to have you struggle to be quiet and make that an offering to Me. You will be more greatly blessed by that procedure. You see, do you not, that when you get your mind focused, you can hear and receive My word to you. Yet this focusing is easily lost to a straying thought if you do not guard it well.

January Twenty-seventh

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Matthew 5:16

Rest now with Me and in Me, My son, in the full assurance of My love. Abide in Me quietly and let this day be a quiet one for your soul. Much is accomplished in the hidden depths of a quiet heart.

January Twenty-eighth

And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice.

I Kings 19:12

Like light piercing through the darkness My Spirit pierces through the muddle of your mind and thoughts. They still form a dense thicket—and much pruning must be done.

My grace has been heavy upon you. Let your mind rest now on the knowledge that I love you and have accepted you as My child. You have far to go and grow in this basic truth.

January Twenty-ninth

Your ways and your doings have brought this upon you.

Jeremiah 4:18a

The wounds that you inflict upon your soul wound Me also. Remember this when you are tempted and drawn toward evil. Forbidden pleasures, even mental ones, are short-lived, but leave a residue of injury behind. Flee from these temptations to Me and abide in Me. Recognize the tactics of your adversary and do not play the fool!

January Thirtieth

Cast thy burden on the Lord, and He will sustain you; He will never permit the righteous to be moved.

Psalm 55:22

Go in My strength to the duties of the day. Stay close to Me in your heart, and you will know the communion of My Spirit. Walk in the light I give you in each situation, and know that I am with you to bless and guide. Fret not yourself over what “might be.” I am still in charge and will give you what is best for you. This is My promise.

January Thirty-first

Is My hand shortened, that it cannot redeem? Or have I no power to deliver?

Isaiah 50:2b

Believe and you will see. Greater wonders will yet unfold. My arm is not shortened, and My purpose stands. I lead My flock in ways that seem strange to you. But I know the way and I know the destination to which I led you. I do not expect you to see or understand all. But I do ask you to believe. That is the strong cord binding heart to heart—believing, trusting. Against that the enemy has no power. But it is yours to choose. And I counsel you again, My child, “be not faithless—but believing.”