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FEBRUARY

How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,

Is laid for your faith in His excellent Word.

What more can He say than to you He hath said?

To you who for refuge to Jesus have fled.

“Fear not, I am with you, Oh be not dismayed;

For I am thy God and will still give thee aid.

I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand

Upheld by My righteous, omnipotent hand.

“When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,

My grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply.

The flames shall not hurt thee, I only design

Thy dross to consume and thy gold to refine.

“When through the deep waters I call thee to go,

The rivers of woe shall not thee overflow.

For I will be with thee, thy troubles to bless,

And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.”

K. in Rippon’s Selection, 1787

February First

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His steadfast love endures forever!

I Chronicles 16:34

Thanks and praise become the upright. Thanks and praise become the sinner. Forgiveness begets a thankful heart. Never cease to lift your heart in grateful remembrance of what I have done for you, My child, for in this is your safeguard. Once the well of thankfulness goes dry or is clogged through misuse, disobedience is not far behind, and with it, all the sorrows and pain it entails; you need to practice praise. Your identity and welfare are intimately tied up in it. Praise is not a luxury. It is as vital as the air.

February Second

For God alone my soul waits in silence, for my hope is from Him.

Psalm 62:5

Expect a blessing—that is the faith attitude I am pleased with when you come to pray. You would not go repeatedly to someone with a request you did not expect to be received favorably. Likewise, My child, when you approach the throne of grace, I want that expectancy to flood your heart. With such sacrifice I am well pleased. The sacrifice involved is the laying down of your old fear-filled, guilt-laden thoughts. I have promised that those who trust in Me will not be confounded. So come to Me expecting a fulfillment of My word.

February Third

Then said Jesus, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?”

Luke 17:17–18

My greatness and My glory are seen in little things as well as great ones. For those with eyes to see, there is glory everywhere. With those who have ears to hear, there is the music of the spheres. Much of the chaos of this present world is rooted in the lust for bigger things. Blessed are those who find contentment in little things. Learn this lesson, My child, and be blessed.

February Fourth

O man of little faith, why did you doubt?

Matthew 14:31b

Never doubt My goodness. That is one of the chief ploys of your adversary—to insert questions in your mind about Me. He knows where to attack at the weak places in your spiritual armor—which are the “strong” places in yourself. What folly to allow his little game to triumph over you, when you have a Strong Deliverer! O My child, would that you would settle it once for all—that My goodness faileth never. I am who I am and I change not. Never, never doubt My goodness!

February Fifth

… those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

Hebrews 6:12b

I have given you My word. My promises are sure. There is no turning or wavering in My heart. Turn your thoughts to this sure foundation so that your heart may also learn steadiness and steadfastness. Let us go on together, My child, in a relationship of loving trust. Let us go on with the sure knowledge I have given you, and let Me prove again and again that those who put their trust in Me shall not be confounded.

February Sixth

And you shall rejoice in the Lord; in the Holy One of Israel you shall glory.

Isaiah 41:16b

This is a day of blessing and mercy. Open your faith-eyes to behold both. It is My joy to shower goodness upon those who love Me and seek My face. My heart is ever toward them, to bring them new light and hope. My fatherly care is ever extended to them and they are kept by My sovereign power.

When you are attuned to My Spirit, you are under the overflow of My blessing and mercy. When you join with others who likewise seek My face, joy abounds. Have a joyful day!

February Seventh

Go; be it done for you as you have believed.

Matthew 8:13

Believing and receiving go hand in hand, My child. Just as the radio must be tuned to a certain frequency to pick up a particular broadcast, so, in a manner of speaking, must your heart be attuned to Me. Believing opens up your receiving capacity. Without it, you are shut off and have only your own thoughts and reasonings.

Because you have set such a high store on reasoning and being reasonable, belief does not come easily for you. You must “go against the grain” of years to achieve the blessed state of being “as a little child.” But that, My child, is where believing and receiving can meet—to your good and My glory.

February Eighth

For the gate is narrow and the way is hard, that leads to life, and those who find it are few.

Matthew 7:14

The King’s highway is a narrow way. It is no smooth and painless path—it is the way the King Himself traveled when He tented among you for a season. Yes, the King’s highway is the way of the cross.

The cross means death to that which would destroy life. Counterfeit paths lure many into places of peril and destruction. Like sheep they nibble their way out of the safety zone I have provided—and suffer loss and grief.

Remember this word, My child: The cross destroys that which would destroy life. The deaths that you experience on this highway are not worth comparing with the life I am constantly offering and providing in their stead.

February Ninth

Trust in the Lord for ever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.

Isaiah 26:4

As you move through the day, be mindful of Me. Listen in your heart for that “still, small voice.” Let Me check your impulsive and cruel reactions to others. Become aware that you are hurtful and hateful when your pride is hurt. Let Me be your inner Companion and Guard against this side of you. I have only plans for good, so do not expect evil from Me—you do not need to defend yourself or your ideas.

February Tenth

My shield is with God, who saves the upright in heart.

Psalm 7:10

Go calmly into this day. Light arises in the darkness for the upright. My light is upon you, child, and I am near. Fear not what lies ahead. Calm your troubled mind with My peace. You are Mine, and My face is toward you for good. Let that assurance be your shield and buckler and your great reward.

February Eleventh

This is the day which the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalm 118:24

Truly I tell you, you are Mine. I bought you with a great price: My own blood. You find it embarrassing to hear such tender words. This is what I meant when I told you that love means letting in. It is not your worthiness that is the issue. It is not to set you up in the wrong way. It is to heal the inner wounds and fill the inner emptiness that I speak to you in this way. Open your heart to Me, My son, and let us become acquainted with one another.

February Twelfth

The effect of righteousness will be peace.

Isaiah 32:17a

Your desire to avoid conflict is a part of the unreality you cling to. Your idea of a peaceful life is not My idea of it. You are not called to this false peace you mistakenly yearn for. You are called to the peace that passes understanding—peace amid the necessary clashes between light and darkness, truth and falsehood. When these clashes come, your duty is to seek to find the truth, hold the truth, uphold the truth and expose the falsehood. Many times you will lose the battle from the human point of view. But if you are being faithful to let the truth reign within, you will find the peace of which I am speaking.

February Thirteenth

The fear of man lays a snare, but he who trust in the Lord is safe.

Proverbs 29:25

I am never far from you, My child. My blessing is always at hand. When you feel separated from Me, no matter how dark and lonely it may seem, there is always a door into My presence.

I have claimed you for Myself, for purposes higher than you can dream. These are not to build up your natural pride, but to bring to fruition My creative purpose. Let go ambitions. Let go competitiveness. Let go jealousy that guards little hoards of supposed treasures of place and power. All this is rubble compared with the life I desire to impart to you and to others through you. I am never far from you, My child.

February Fourteenth

But I have trusted in Thy steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in Thy salvation.

Psalm 13:5

Your thoughts are not My thoughts, says the Lord. My thoughts are thoughts of peace; your thoughts are full of turmoil and unease. It is not easy for you to abandon your thoughts in order to hear Mine. The patterns are deep and well worn. But they are rainless clouds that produce no harvest.

I invite you to learn of Me, My son. The way is still narrow and the gate is still strait that leads to life, and few there are who walk in it. Life is My gift to you. Life—life beyond mere existence—is My overflowing gift to you. Live it; do not despise nor deny it.

February Fifteenth

For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, says the Lord.

Isaiah 55:8

Yes, My son, My mercies are beyond numbering and they are new every morning. It is My pleasure to do good things to My children and for My children. Just as you desire good for yours, I seek the good for Mine.

My ways are not your ways—and thereby you often become confused. You think of Me as one like yourself—but My love is a pure love—not contaminated with self and sin and guilt as is yours. So, as My love and My ever-new mercies operate in your life and the life of your loved ones, learn to entrust them and yourself to My tender care. Only then can you know the peace “that passes understanding”—for your peace will not depend on your understanding.

February Sixteenth

God exalted Him at His right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance and forgiveness of sins.

Acts 5:31

My son, the pain through which you are passing is a necessary part of the healing it is My purpose to effect. Turn your thoughts more to Me and away from the painful situation which grieves you. My mercies are sure and My promises are true. Remember what you have been told over and over—it is on ruins that I build. Therefore anything of the old state that is not yet ruined must be allowed to crumble.

I want you to let go two things: a demand to be justified in relation to the past, and a willingness to go into condemnation when confronted with accusation. Take responsibility for bad judgment, for self-righteousness, for idolatry that sought to “carve” the idol to your liking. But having repented of these sins, accept My forgiveness and do not accept the accuser’s wiles to destroy your faith and hope in Me. I am still God—and I still love everyone in this situation. You can count on that and you will find strength in it. Don’t fight bitterness with bitterness.

February Seventeenth

Be still and know that I am God.

Psalm 46:10a

Yes, My son, I have heard your prayer, and I am speaking to you by My Spirit. Take heed and listen to what the Spirit says. You are reaching a dangerous part of the road you travel. There will be many distractions and temptations. But I will be with you to steady you on your course. Only beware of the subtle snares the enemy will set in your path. They will cause much pain if you allow yourself to be caught in them.

February Eighteenth

For the Lord loves justice; He will not forsake His saints.

Psalm 37:28

Yes, My son, I am your hope—your only hope—for this life and that which lies ahead. This is good news, for your hope in Me is secure. I do not abandon My people. As the Psalmist recorded, “Neither will He forsake His inheritance.”

February Nineteenth

But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.

Romans 11:6

My word is ever new, and it carries in it the power of renewal for your spirit. It is not given only for the moment it comes to you, but is a gift of My mercy to sustain and refresh you on your journey. At the right time, you may share these words with others, but do not be hasty about it. You will be given ample guidance as to when and how. Be careful not to allow this experience to puff you up in your own eyes and mind, but be humbled in your heart and know more deeply that it is all grace.

February Twentieth

Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.

Luke 15:7

You wonder many things and you wander over many areas of your past. It is like walking through a burned-over battleground. Here you are reminded of your sins and the inner pain of your former years—and you wander amid the ruins—a stranger still.

Yet through all the confusion and uncertainties of your growing years, I never left you nor abandoned you. The spark of fire, the touch of My love and yes, a Godly fear—did not depart. So here, before you leave these environs, bow your heart and give thanks for My sovereign grace. Give thanks that I have redeemed you and called you by name.

Give yourself freely now, My child, to the work I have set before you and to the people I have given you. Vain regret is not repentance. Repentance is a living, dynamic embrace of My ongoing will and purpose. That is the sacrifice which gladdens My heart, for it is the path of life for you.

February Twenty-first

But concerning love of the brethren you have no need to have any one write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another.

I Thessalonians 4:9

My son, out of your depths you called upon Me, and I answered you. I have brought you through the dark valley and into this place and time of light. Know of a surety that it is I and not another who has done this. I want you to be so grounded in My faithfulness that you can share it with others. The inner knowledge you have gained through your recent trials gives added strength to your words to others who are facing dark times in their lives.

February Twenty-second

He who speaks on his own authority seeks his own glory; but he who seeks the glory of him who sent him is true.

John 7:18

My son, I do love you. Your fears and worries are needless luggage you carry on your trip through life. I would that you let Me take them from you, that your freedom might be a testimony to others. Bring them to Me, My child, and let Me deal with them. They are too much for you.

February Twenty-third

I have loved you with an everlasting love.

Jeremiah 31:3b

It is a good thing, My son, to give thanks for the multitude of blessings you have been given. Thankfulness is a healthy emotion—quite the opposite of the judgmental thoughts and feelings you entertain. Learn to give thanks for all things, not just the ones that bring pleasure. You will learn that I bring only good. Any cursing that comes is the result of your bad choices. So let thanksgiving “lead the way.” It is the path to life, health, and wholeness.

February Twenty-fourth

But he who hears [My words] and does not do them is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation; against which the stream broke, and immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great.

Luke 6:49

I the Lord, am holy. I the Lord call you, My son, to greater holiness—holiness of thought, holiness of purpose. I am fashioning a people who bear the marks of My nature, who will be My witness in the present age, and will be with Me in the ages to come. I call you to be one of these—but your part is to struggle against the unholiness in your nature and to put on the nature I am offering you by My Spirit. Think on this today.

February Twenty-fifth

But he who is united to the Lord becomes one spirit with Him.

I Corinthians 6:17

Now, My son, hear My word to you today. Your battle is not done. There are still trials you must face. Keep yourself close to Me so that when the need is great, you will not be afraid. Remember that I love you and am with you in it all. And it is working together for your good. No success or failure compares with the gift of My sovereign love. Treasure it and you will find hidden strength for your needs.

February Twenty-sixth

For this slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.

II Corinthians 4:17

My mercy never runs out. It is an outflowing of My nature. I remind you of it often because your nature imposes a false idea of Me upon your heart. I am the Good Shepherd, and I seek only the good and welfare of My flock. Believe this, My son, and relax in My goodness. Fear has torment and love casts away both.

February Twenty-seventh

For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.

John 3:17

To you, My son, I have granted the grace to seek and hear My voice. You have chosen the “better part” which shall not be taken from you. Much darkness remains, but “light riseth in the darkness for the upright.” You are seeking—and finding—light in your darkness. Pride still goes before a fall—and your pride is still a large source of your darkness. I require your willing cooperation in dealing a death blow to it, and you still draw back, misunderstanding My intention and My heart. O foolish one! How could you doubt that My plans for you are good and not evil? How could you go on cringing as from a hard master?

February Twenty-eighth

Despise not the chastening of the Almighty.

Job 5:17b

Listen and hear the echoes of eternity—the sounds of praise that only the just may hear. Listen with your heart, My son, and not just with your ears. You need the antidote to the negative thoughts and craven fear that you too often entertain. Be open!

February Twenty-ninth

All things were made through Him, and without Him was not anything made that was made.

John 1:3

The past is past, and I have covered it with the mantle of My mercy. Vain regrets and remembered failures can only lead to a dead end if you do not accept My all-encompassing forgiveness. It is pride that keeps the pain alive in remembering how you failed people and left hurt in your wake. Rather, watch the present where the same patterns are alive in you, and be diligent in avoiding the same sins under a different guise.