July 18, 2026 – Near
JC – “I am nearer than you think, richly present in all your moments. Your are connected to Me by Love-bonds that nothing can sever. However, you may sometimes feel alone, because your union with Me is invisible. Ask Me to open your eyes, so that you can find Me everywhere. The more aware you are of My Presence, the safer you feel…. Faith is the confirmation of things we do not see and the conviction of their reality, perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses.” See Acts 17:27-28 and Hebrews 11:1.
Days – Ye are complete in Him (Col. ii. 10). Simpson professes the truth we should embrace, “In Him we are now complete.” He offers several very long sentences that are worth deciphering if you have your own copy of the book, but I’ll move on to his conclusion, “But it is much more than mere abstract help and grace, much more even than the Holy Spirit bringing us strength, and peace, and purity. It is personal companionship with Jesus Himself! Lord help us receive from Thee to-day, that grace in all trial that shall mean our perfecting in Thee.”
Power – Proverbs 13;2 – A good man eats good from the fruit of his mouth. It stands to reason that Joyce would again be aiming at the things we say since the title of her devotional book is Power Thoughts. “We talk a lot, and quite often pay no attention to what we are saying, let alone think seriously about the impact of our words. But if we are honest with ourselves, we may find some of our moods – good and bad – are directly linked to our conversations….. Why not decide each day before you even get out of bed to ask God to help you talk about only things that benefit you and everyone who hears you?”
Streams – 2 Chronicles 16:9 – The eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. Cowman (through C.H.P.) reminds us that, “God is looking for men and women whose hearts are firmly fixed on Him and who will continually trust Him for all He desires to do with their lives. God is ready and eager to work more powerfully than ever through His people…. The world is watching and waiting to see what God can do through a life committed to Him…. God Himself awaits to see who will be the most completely devoted person who has ever lived…. George Whitefield tells about George Mueller becoming a Christian, but it wasn’t until four years later that he totally surrendered his heart to God. “God, and He alone, became my all in all. In Him I found everything I needed, and I desired nothing else…. Before the point at which I surrendered my life, I read a little of the Scriptures but preferred other books. Yet since that time, the truth He has revealed to me of Himself has become and inexpressible blessing. Now I can honestly say from the depth of my heart that God is an infinitely wonderful Being…. My prayer today is that God would make me an extraordinary Christian.”
JL – “My Shepherd, Please help me to relax and enjoy this day…. I tend to judge myself on the basis of how much I’m accomplishing. I know it’s important for me to use the opportunities and abilities You provide, but I want to learn to accept myself as much when I’m relaxing as when I’m achieving. Teach me how to rest deeply in the truth that I’m a beloved child of God, saved by grace through faith in You…. I’ve found that I’m more effective in Your kingdom when I’m comfortable enough in my true identity to balance work and rest. With a refreshed mind, I’m able to think more clearly and biblically. And restored soul enables me to be more loving with other people. Lord, I long to spend time relaxing in Your Presence today – enjoying the fresh green pastures and still, restful waters You provide. In Your refreshing Name, Jesus, Amen.”
