June 24, 2026 – Know
This sign was one of the treasures Don and I found in the vintage mall the other day. It is currently sitting on the back edge of the couch, leaning on the wall, awaiting the day that I finally get hanging tools in its vicinity and actually carry out the task.
Days – Simpson starts us off today asking, “Lord, enable us to-day to go out, clothed in Thy robes of perfect righteousness and with our hearts in adjustment with Thy perfect love.” See Zechariah 3:4.
Prevail #175 – Jeremiah 9:24 – “But those who wish to boast should boast in this alone: that they truly know me and understand that I am the Lord who demonstrates unfailing love….” Larson shares her experience of learning to lean into God’s love and grace in unexpected (and unwanted) times of need: “As a young mom and new Christian, I understood that I was saved, but I didn’t grasp that I was loved. It wasn’t until all of my self-striving props were pulled out from under me and I found myself on a sickbed, in need of help, unable to return the countless favors I’d received, that I reckoned with the idea of God’s unfathomable grace.” I had a similar awakening when I was on bedrest in the last months before the boys were born. Three lives were in the balance; and, though I did my part in taking care of myself and laying on the couch day after day, I had to trust God with the provisions and outcomes.
She continues, “I knew that ours was the one true God, that He sent His Son to save sinners. I couldn’t fathom, though, how profoundly He loved me until He met me in my mess. [I can understand this as well as I look around at my piles, yet feel very supported (by God and by Don) as I take this time each morning to spend with God getting to read, listen, and write.] I found that my greatest treasure was the intimate, personal, active love of God. Suddenly I saw all of my striving and feeble attempts at self-worth for what they were – dirty rags. [See Isaiah 64:6.] If you’re in a season where the props have been pulled away, don’t panic; see the gift of grace in it all. Here’s your opportunity to know and experience God’s love like you’ve never known before…. If you’re known for anything, be known for knowing Him.”
JC – “Hold My hand – and trust. So long as you are conscious of My Presence with you, all is well. It is virtually impossible to stumble while walking in the Light with Me. [I think I may have mentioned Stormie O’Martian’s book, Just Enough Light for the Step I’m On, but it’s worth mentioning again.] …Fearful, anxious thoughts melt away in the Light of My Presence…. In the world, dependency is seen as immaturity. But in My kingdom, dependence on Me is a prime measure of maturity.” see Isaiah 41:10 and Psalm 62:5-6.
Streams – Isaiah 45:11 KJV – “Concerning the work of my hands command ye me.” Cowman seems to be encouraging us to be bold in our faith, in our prayers, and in our work as she tells about how Jesus (John 17:24), Joshua (Joshua 10:12), Elijah (when he stopped then started the rain), and Martin Luther (when he “forbid death to take” his friend) expected God to do as they asked. She continues, “This is a wonderful relationship that God invites us to enter…. But knowing that God invites us to command Him to act reveals a surprising change in our normal relationship! What a distinction there is between this attitude and the hesitancy and uncertainty of our prayers of unbelief, to which we have become so accustomed! The constant repetition of our prayers has also caused them to lose their sharp cutting edge. Think how often Jesus, during His earthly ministry, put others in a position to command Him….. F. B. Meyer asks “What human mind can fully realize the total significance of the lofty position to which God lovingly raises His little children? He seems to be saying, ‘All my resources are at your command.’ ‘And I will do whatever you ask in my name‘ (John 14:13).”
JL – “Beloved Jesus, Your Word tells me to sing to You because You have dealt bountifully with me. I confess that sometimes singing praises is the last thing I feel like doing, but that’s when I need it the most…. Sometimes I compare my life-path with those of people whose lives seem easier than mine. But I don’t fully comprehend the problems they face, nor do I know what the future holds for them. Instead of comparing my circumstances with those of others, I need to turn to You and listen as You instruct me, ‘You follow Me!’ In Your bountiful Name, Amen.”
