Just BE with Jesus; the Alpha and Omega

He restores my soul...(Psalm 23:3)

Read Revelation 1:1-8

Jesus used the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet when he called himself "the Alpha and Omega."

He is all we need.
He is the Bread,
the Light,
the Way,
and the Door.

He existed before anything else,
and he holds all creation together.
Christ is also the head of the church,
which is his body.
He is the beginning,
supreme over all who rise from the dead. (Colossians 1:17-18 NLT)
But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 
Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth 
of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. (Philippians 3:7-8)
And my God will supply every need of yours 
according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 
To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. 
Amen. (Philippians 4:19-20)

So much glorious truth, Lord.
All I can say is
"Amen."


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I am revisiting the themes of several of my books as I seek to “just be with Jesus." I am putting aside lengthy readings for a season, and instead looking for one word or phrase to carry through the day. Today’s word, for me, is “all."

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Just BE with Jesus: "I am Jesus"

The people who walked in darkness

have seen a great light;

those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,

on them has light shone. (Isaiah 9:2)

Read Acts 9:1-22

I've been reading the "I am" statements in the gospel of John, and as I came to the last one, I thought of a time Jesus said "I am" in the book of Acts. He spoke to Saul on the road to Damascus--Saul the terrible persecutor of Christians--and said, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting."

Jesus reached out to Saul and revealed his greatness to him (that bright light from heaven) and identified himself with the Christians. Jesus didn't say, "You are persecuting my followers." He said, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting."

What an encouraging statement to any who are treated harshly because of their Christian faith. Jesus suffers with you. He feels your pain and heartache.

Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows...(Isaiah 53:4)
The Lord is near to the brokenhearted
 and saves the crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:18)
In all their affliction he was afflicted,
and the angel of his presence saved them;
in his love and in his pity he redeemed them;
he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old. (Isaiah 63:9)

Jesus' words to Saul are also encouraging to any who are feeling far away from Jesus. You couldn't get much further away than Saul was at that moment! Yet Jesus was there with him, speaking to him and calling his name.

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off 
have been brought near by the blood of Christ. (Ephesians 2:13)
...Believe in the Lord Jesus,
and you will be saved...(Acts 16:31)

Thank you
Lord Jesus
that you are near
you see every detail of my life
and you care.


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I am revisiting the themes of several of my books as I seek to “just be with Jesus." I am putting aside lengthy readings for a season, and instead looking for one word or phrase to carry through the day. Today’s word, for me, is “near."

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Just BE with Jesus: the Vine

Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen. (Jude 1:24-25)

Read John 15:1-17

I think the Vine is one of the most beautiful "I Am" statements. The Vine gives the branches nourishment. The Vine enables the fruit-bearing that gives the branches a purpose. The Vine gives the branches support. I like to think of the Vine encouraging me to just hang in there!

What does it mean to bear fruit, anyway? If Jesus is the Vine and we are the branches, what is fruit? In Romans, Paul speaks of longing for a "fruitful ministry," using the word "fruit" to mean converts who are growing spiritually:

Now I want you to know, brothers, that I often planned to come to you (but was prevented until now) in order that I might have a fruitful ministry among you, just as among the rest of the Gentiles. (Romans 1:13 HCSB)

Look at these other kinds of fruit:

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control...(Galatians 5:22-23)
...Walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. (Colossians 1:10)
Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. (Hebrews 13:5)

Look back at the prayer from the book of Jude that began this post. He is able. When we are weak, the Vine is strong. When we are helpless, He is our help. Apart from him, we can do nothing.

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. (John 15:4-5)

Lord Jesus, I find such peace
in trusting you to be the Vine.
You strengthen me,
you give me a purpose,
and you provide everything I need.

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This blogpost is based on my book, You Are Here. I am revisiting the themes of several of my books as I seek to “just be with Jesus." I am putting aside lengthy readings for a season, and instead looking for one word or phrase to carry through the day. Today’s word, for me, is “abide."

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Just BE with Jesus: the Way, the Truth and the Life

Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; 
for you I wait all the day  long. (Psalm 25:5)

Read John 14:1-30.

I am so grateful that Jesus saves us from our sin and promises us a home in heaven, and he doesn't leave us to just wander aimlessly around on earth in the meantime. He guides us every day, opening his truth to us and infusing us with his life.

Yesterday I told you about my dark tunnel year. The darkness ended in great joy when our daughter was born. I settled into the routine of stay at home motherhood, and I loved it. A few months later, my husband lost his job. He found a new job very quickly, but it involved a move from Oregon's lush Willamette Valley to the dusty desert of Vegas. I missed my friends and evergreen trees and mountains with snow on them year 'round. I read a lot of books that first year in the desert, and I found a new love for my Bible. As I look back at that time, I see the Lord being my Way, Truth and Life.

This is God, our God forever and ever. He will guide us forever. (Psalm 48:14)
You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory. (Psalm 78:24)
Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.
(Psalm 86:11)

Lord Jesus,
help me to grasp ever more firmly
the purpose for which you chose me.
I trust that you will guide my every step.

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This blogpost is based on my book, You Are Here. I am revisiting the themes of several of my books as I seek to “just be with Jesus." I am putting aside lengthy readings for a season, and instead looking for one word or phrase to carry through the day. Today’s word, for me, is “guide."

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Just BE with Jesus: the Resurrection and the Life

You have given me the shield of your salvation, and your right hand supported me, and your gentleness made me great. (Psalm 18:35)

Read John 11:17-44

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. (John 11:25-26a)
Therefore He is able also to save to the uttermost (completely, perfectly, finally and for all time and eternity) those who come to God through Him, since He is always living to make petition to God and intercede with Him and intervene for them. (Hebrews 7:25 Amplified)

Keri Wyatt Kent’s excellent book Deeper into the Word: New Testament taught me that the Greek word translated “resurrection” (“anastasis”) means “to cause to stand up on one’s feet again.”

The Lord was my Resurrection and Life (continually putting me back on my feet) in a special way during a dark time fifteen years ago. After longing to have a child for several years, I miscarried twice, just a few months apart. Depression and grief hit me hard, and the dark tunnel of hopelessness seemed never-ending. A third pregnancy added the daily fear of a new loss. The book of Psalms was my companion during this time. There was a light of hope in that book! As I read the ancient biblical prayers of praise, joy, sorrow, anger, and every other emotion, I learned to pour my heart out to the Lord, and to seek his strength.

Seek the Lord and his strength;
seek his presence continually! (Psalm 105:4)
He drew me up from the pit of destruction,
out of the miry bog,
and set my feet upon a rock,
making my steps secure. (Psalm 40:2)

Lord, I noticed that you spoke these words
--the Resurrection and the Life--
to Martha alone.
This was your personal message
of comfort to her.
Thank you for the times you
have given comfort to me.
Open my ears to hear you
more often.

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This blogpost is based on my book, You Are Here. I am revisiting the themes of several of my books as I seek to “just be with Jesus." I am putting aside lengthy readings for a season, and instead looking for one word or phrase to carry through the day. Today’s word, for me, is “strength."

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Just BE with Jesus: The Good Shepherd

This God, our God, forever and ever—He will always lead us. 
(Psalm 48:13-14)

Read John 10:1-18

Yesterday I meditated on the Lord as the Door of the Sheep, providing blessings and leading me out to green pastures in his time. Today as I thought of the Good Shepherd, I noticed the word “follow,” and I thought about how I can be a reluctant sheep at times, really dragging my feet on the path because I don’t know about the still waters nearby. The Good Shepherd is faithful, and worthy of my trust.

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand.  I and the Father are one. (John 10:27-30)
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake. (Psalm 23:1-3)

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This blogpost is based on my book, You Are Here. I am revisiting the themes of several of my books as I seek to “just be with Jesus." I am putting aside lengthy readings for a season, and instead looking for one word or phrase to carry through the day. Today’s word, for me, is “follow."

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Just BE with Jesus: the Door

But as for me, my prayer is to you, O Lord. At an acceptable time, O God, in the abundance of your steadfast love answer me in your saving faithfulness. (Psalm 69:13)

Read John 10:1-10

In Biblical times, sheepfolds were usually round stone enclosures. A gap in the circular shape allowed the sheep to go in and out. At night the shepherd would sit or lie across the entrance. So when Jesus declared, “I am the door of the sheep,” his listeners probably pictured a shepherd in the entrance to a sheepfold.

When I ask the Lord to be the Door, I acknowledge his wisdom and his control over my circumstances. I imagine sheep trying to sneak around the shepherd, not realizing that he knows of danger lurking outside. Psalm 121 calls the Lord our "keeper" (verse 5), and I thank the Lord for keeping me where he wants me to be.

So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep…I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture." (John 10:7 & 9)
The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore. 
(Psalm 121:8)
You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. (Psalm 139:5)

Like a wise and loving shepherd,
you offer me protection
and rest
and wider horizons.
you know my needs better than I do.

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This blogpost is based on my book, You Are Here. I am revisiting the themes of several of my books as I seek to “just be with Jesus." I am putting aside lengthy readings for a season, and instead looking for one word or phrase to carry through the day. Today’s word, for me, is "keep."

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Just BE with Jesus: the Light

The precepts of the Lord are right rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.
(Psalm 19:8)

Read John 9:1-7

I love this story! The disciples wanted to place the blame for this man’s condition on him or his parents. Jesus wanted to set him free. When I ask Jesus to be my Light, I am asking him to show me what really matters and to open my eyes to new possibilities.

…I am the light of the world. (John 9:5)
For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ, (2 Corinthians 4:6)
Jesus said, “You’re asking the wrong question. You’re looking for someone to blame. There is no such cause-effect here. Look instead for what God can do.” (John 9:3)
And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent…(Philippians 1:9-10)

O Light of the World,
I trust you
to illuminate my path
today.

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This blogpost is based on my book, You Are Here. I am revisiting the themes of several of my books as I seek to “just be with Jesus." I am putting aside lengthy readings for a season, and instead looking for one word or phrase to carry through the day. Today’s word, for me, is “light."

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Just Be with Jesus: Bread

Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love,

That we may rejoice and be glad all our days. (Psalm 90:14)

John 6:1-40

I used to think that Jesus being the Bread of Life meant that he would provide for my physical needs. That is what he did in John 6. But he also said that he could do more than that—so much more.

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out.

(John 6:35-37)

 Every person the Father gives me eventually comes running to me. And once that person is with me, I hold on and don’t let go. 

(John 6:37 The Message)

I take refuge in you,

Bread of life,

Trusting that you will satisfy

Hunger and thirst

Longing and worry.

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This blogpost is based on my book, You Are Here. I am revisiting the themes of several of my books as I seek to “just be with Jesus." I am putting aside lengthy readings for a season, and instead looking for one word or phrase to carry through the day. Today’s word, for me, is “satisfy."

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Just Be with Jesus: the Word

In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1:4-5)

Read John 1:1-18

The Living Word lived in our world and described himself in everyday words like light, bread, and truth. His disciple John shared the words of the Word in the book of John. John showed us the Word—Jesus—in action, being the light, the truth and the way.

The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. (John 1:9)
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)

Lord Jesus,
you are God's Message
wrapped in a human body
to live with us
and light our way.
I want to hear
your word
and follow your path
today.

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This reading is based on my book, You Are Here. I am revisiting the themes of several of my books as I seek to “just be with Jesus." I am putting aside lengthy readings for a season, and instead looking for one word or phrase to carry through the day. Today’s word, for me, is “word."

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