LUKE 9:62 (2026)

LUKE 9:62

And Jesus said to him:
“Whoever has put his hand to the plow and looks back is not fit for the kingdom of God.”

---- my own,

Take a moment and picture this image in your mind. See yourself with your hand to the plow and your gaze turned backward. What does the backward glance accomplish? Why is your focus on things past, things and people and situations left behind, work already accomplished? What merit is there in this? What progress can you make going forward if your gaze lingers on things that have passed and are no longer in your control? What is done is done, what is said is said, what is left unfinished or done badly is something you cannot do over. Leave the past where it belongs, in the past. Keep your gaze fixed ahead on the path that I have willed you to walk. Keep your eyes fixed on the prize, on the goal. That goal is perfection, which means being disciplined, pressing forward no matter the cost, willing to strip yourself of everything that will not accomplish the purpose for which you were created by God. Keep your hand steady, your will firm, your gaze focused, your mind on Me, your heart filled with hope and trust, for you are not alone no matter how difficult it gets, no matter how hard the soil. I AM with you. I AM yoked to you. You are not alone. You are never alone. I AM with you always, every moment of every day of your life, and in the end I will bring you home to Myself to remain with Me forever. But for now, stay the course with unflinching will and purpose, and I will provide all you need for the journey.

JOHN 14:23 (2026)

JOHN 14:23

Jesus answered him: “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word and my Father will love him; and we will come to him and make a room in his home.

---- my own,

There is a superficial love that pays lip service to Me and to My Word. Many love Me in this way. Do not be like them; do not just say with your lips that you love Me but fail to do what I ask. How do you know what I ask of you every moment of every day? You know by spending time reading My Word, meditating on it, contemplating it, making it your food and drink, and asking the Holy Spirit ceaselessly for understanding, wisdom, courage, and help—not just to read My Word, but to do what it asks of you.

Spend time with Me daily and allow Me to draw near to you. The nearer you come to Me, the nearer will I draw you to Me, until you and I are one. Make everything a prayer; do all for love of Me. Do your daily tasks for love of Me. Be attentive to the needs of those around you, generously, as if it were I whom you serve, and it will be easier for you to check the uncharitable thought, the impatience, the quick, hurtful word, and the resentment you feel when demands are made of you. Do it for Me, think of Me, and it will be sweet; then it will become easy as you practice pouring yourself out in love of Me.

I AM with you always. Mine, just close your eyes; let all thoughts, worries, cares, and the desires of your flesh fall away from you, and be still, and you will find Me tabernacled in your soul. I AM with you. I AM always with you. Never forget that your duty is to love—love costs. Love is sacrifice.