CJ Penn's Online Writing Hangout

The reason I write: To promote Christian truth and help Jesus get His Christianity back.

Tag Archives: Daily life


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Living in the Moment

Like a lot of people, I tend to live for the future. I have goals and dreams I hope to achieve. Often I project myself into the future, imagining I’ve living my goal. And my imagination can get pretty focused and detailed. But this imagining of the future almost always ends in disappointment.

The disappointment is usually bred from my impatience… I want to bring tomorrow’s dreams into today. I want to reach my goals NOW. But I guess the disappointment is good, because that’s when I tend to step back, fall down, and pray.

And this is what comes to me in those times when I quiet my mind, damp down my active imagination, and listen for the Spirit of Jesus: by focusing on tomorrow, I’m missing the chance to live in the moment, which is where the Holy Spirit lives.

But then I wondered what it means to live in the moment. Well, for me it means to live WITH the Holy Spirit, sharing the moment with Him, and with His guidance look for things I can do now, for Him. For example, no matter where I am or what I’m doing, there’s always an opportunity to have a relationship with someone, to interact with whomever I’m with, aided by the presence of Jesus. And for those times when I’m alone, I can focus on my relationship with the Holy Spirit of Jesus, who is always with me.

There’s no disappointment there.

But my imagination still likes to run ahead into the future. I wish I could sling a lasso around that rambunctious boy and keep him here with me, and Jesus. Oh well… it’s who I am.


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Feeling Surrounded by God

Redwood trees

I went for a hike in a redwood forest yesterday. I admire redwood trees; so tall, so old, so strong. My mind drifted away from my life and wondered at the lives of the trees. Most of them are hundreds of years old, and some are over a thousand.

And then I felt it – the majesty of God. Surrounded by trees that had witnessed hundreds of years of God’s creation, I also felt surrounded by God. Oh, I feel the presence of God’s Spirit within me almost every day. But most days, God and I are surrounded by the chaos of the world, and I don’t often see God in the midst of that chaos.

But yesterday, in the midst of that majestic redwood forest, there was no chaos – only God. And it felt great.

Thank you Lord.


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Don’t be Afraid; Just Believe

Job interview today. I really want this job. Nervousness keeps trying to drown me in fear. I feel the waves of anxiety crashing over me whenever I think about the interview. I try to run from the waves; sometimes I stumble and the wave knocks me down. But I look up and there’s Jesus, reaching down to help me get back on my feet again.

I was reading chapter 5 of the gospel of Mark this morning. A synagogue ruler’s daughter was sick, and then she died. At that, Jesus looked at the ruler and said, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” And of course, Jesus then brought the little girl back to life.

Today I hear, and feel, Jesus saying that to me… don’t be afraid, just believe. As long as I focus on what I believe – that the Spirit of Jesus is within me, even during the interview – the waves of fear recede and vanish. I won’t be alone in that interview; the Spirit of Jesus will be with me. And I’m so grateful.


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My Enemy My Mind

A quiet morning, a favorite time, sitting here alone with God.

Well, not really alone.

There’s my mind, not content with sitting still, often up and dancing away to other places.

My will is to still my mind and focus all my thoughts on the Holy Spirit of Jesus, here within me.

I try feeding my mind coffee, hoping that will help it gain control of itself.

But that doesn’t always work.

My mind will rest with Jesus for a few moments, and then jump up and chase after the next passing thought.

Random thoughts have more control over my mind than I do.

I often think my mind is my enemy, for it rarely goes where I want to go.

I want to rest my thoughts with you, dear Jesus, every waking moment.

I want to give You all of my mind.

For I trust your word…

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” (Matthew 22:37)

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2)

“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” (Colossians 3:2)


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The Spirit Speaks – of Living in the Future

The future is worry. The future is planning. When your mind lives in the future, you either worry about what might happen, or you plan for things you hope will happen.

But I, the Spirit of Jesus Christ, am not in the future, not in a way you can understand. Oh yes, I am not constrained by the dimension of time, like you are. But my concern in my relationship with you is now. This instant is what matters. The present is what’s real – the future is imaginary.

So I ask you to live for the reality of now, to live in the present. When you worry about your future, you’re not trusting me. Please, let me take care of the future. Trust me with your future.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5)

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.” (John 14:1)


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The Spirit Speaks – of Baptism by My Spirit

In speaking of me, the Spirit of Jesus Christ, John the Baptist said, “After me will come one more powerful than I, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” (Mark 1:7-8)

Many people, while on their journey of faith, immerse themselves in the river of John’s water baptism. Stepping into that river is a beautiful act of faith, and John intended it as a way to prepare you for my baptism.

Whether you have immersed yourself in John’s baptism or not, immerse yourself in me. Let my Spirit flow over you, surrounding you with my love, and filling you with my presence. And where you cannot live and breathe under water, not so with my Spirit. Submerge yourself in me, open up your self and breathe me in. With each breath, you fill yourself with my Holy Spirit. And together, we will live a new life, a truly full life.


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The Spirit Speaks – of My Love for You

My love for you has brought me, the Spirit of Jesus Christ, all the way from heaven to earth, to live with you. I’ve always loved you. Long ago, my love for you held me fast to the cross – it’s wasn’t nails that kept me there. And now, my love holds me tightly to you.

Please, think about what my love means to you. Look inside yourself. If you can’t feel my presence, then imagine me there, within you. See and accept my presence as fact. Now focus on the fact of my love; my love that loves you from the inside. See me in your minds eye; see my face, my eyes, my smile – all an overflowing expression of my love. Relax your mind and spirit and let my love flow through you, enveloping you in my warm caress of true love. How does the fact of my love make you feel?


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The Spirit Speaks – of Resolutions

The New Year has begun and I, the Spirit of Jesus Christ, would like to ask you to make a decision today. I ask you to resolve to know me better.

Resolve to spend more time each day looking for me within you. Today, give yourself five extra minutes, alone with me, isolated from the distractions of life. Next week, add five more minutes on top of that.

My point is not to add a specific amount of minutes to our one-on-one time. I’m asking you to gradually, as this year progresses, give yourself more time with me, as much time as you can. The more time you spend with me, the better you will know me, and the more you will have my peace in your life.

And that will make for a truly Happy New Year.


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The Spirit Speaks – of Looking for Christmas, Inside of You

Are you looking for the meaning of Christmas? Are you looking for a feeling and a true sense of the presence of the meaning of Christmas in your life? Well, as you may know, all you need do is look inside of you. Look deep inside, to your soul, your spirit; that’s where I, the Spirit of Jesus Christ, live.

Find a quiet place, tune out the world’s noise about Christmas, and look inside to me within you. And we will have a Merry Christmas together. And the joy and peace that comes from finding Christmas (that is, me) inside of you, will bubble to the surface and begin to splash out on the people around you. And in this way, we – you and me – can share the true meaning of Christmas with others.

May we all have a very Merry Christmas together.


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The Spirit Speaks – of Love at Christmas

Does Christmas stir up feelings of excitement, anticipation, generosity, and love? Does Christmas give you a chance to show people in your life how much you care for them? And as you get closer to Christmas day, are you looking forward to being with friends and family, to eat good food, share gifts, and celebrate? Even with the usual family dynamics? Hey, maybe Christmas can be a chance to forgive unresolved grievances.

I hope so. I, the Spirit of Jesus Christ, hope that my children come together this Christmas and share their love for each other. Maybe with a plate of cookies. Or a colorfully wrapped gift. Or a card with a sincere note inside. Or a hug. Or a “sorry.”

Of course I hope you include me in your time with friends and family. But my desire goes beyond me, to others. Please, make the most of this Christmas by looking beyond yourself, looking beyond me, and look to each other. And love each other. It’s love that makes a Merry Christmas.

“Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 19:19)


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The Spirit Speaks – of Being Alone This Christmas

All those people filling the stores, shopping for Christmas presents. Movie theaters packed with fans excitedly watching the new Star Wars movie. Families and friends coming together to feast and celebrate Christmas.

Yet, do you feel alone? Are you surrounded by people, yet still by yourself? Do you have no one to buy a gift for? Is there no one who will give you a gift?

Well, you have me, the Spirit of Jesus Christ. You always have me, right here below the surface of you. You may not feel my presence, but I’m here.

If you have no one else to celebrate Christmas with, please celebrate with me. If you have no one else to exchange gifts with, please exchange a gift with me. Let’s give each other our time, and our love. Let’s have a Merry Christmas together, you and me.


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The Spirit Speaks – of THE Christmas Gift

Christmas gift - Jesus

Long ago I, the Spirit of Jesus Christ, gave the first Christmas gift – I gave myself for you. And now, about 2000 years later, with every moment of every day, I give myself to you. I give you salvation, love, peace, and myself – my Spirit.

I offer my gift to everyone. My love and generosity have no conditions. The only conditions live within those who don’t accept my gift.

Please, look inside yourself to me, and accept my gift given to you. And Merry Christmas.


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The Spirit Speaks – of Spiritual Attention Deficit Disorder (SADD)

Do you suffer from Spiritual Attention Deficit Disorder? Is it hard for you to rip your mind from the world and focus your gaze upon me, the Spirit of Jesus Christ? I know how hard it is to see me when the world is constantly in your face, trying to devour all of your attention.

Yet I see your gaze frequently pass over me, like a lighthouse beam skimming the water and briefly illuminating a boat floating on the surface. And I know how hard it is to slow the random and constant motion of your mind, and bring it to a halt on me, illuminating me, just below the surface of you.

Please, keep trying. And be patient – I am. I’m not going anywhere. I’m always right here within you, waiting for your mind to land on me.


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The Spirit Speaks – of Celebrating Christmas

I’m the Spirit of Jesus Christ, the true Spirit of Christmas. Sadly, many of my children find little to celebrate during this season of my birth. The burdens of their lives darken their thoughts – it’s hard to see the light of Christmas when your mind and heart are dark with suffering. Christmas only reminds them of what they no longer have: loved ones who are gone, relationships that are wounded beyond healing, comforting traditions far in the past and no longer reachable. The list goes on.

If Christmas is a hard time for you, then please, don’t face it alone. Let me in. Let me be with you this Christmas. And together, we’ll find something to celebrate. You have me, and I have you… friends to the end of the age, and beyond. No one can take that away from us. Now that’s something to celebrate.


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The Spirit Speaks – of Love verses Money

Where money is the currency of the world, love is the currency of heaven. I, the Spirit of Jesus Christ desire love, not money. I’m not impressed by what you give; I just want you to know me, to love me.
But if you are blessed with those things that other people dearly need, such as money and your time, please, don’t give out of a feeling of obligation. For this is not true giving, this is not true generosity.
Again, what I want from you is for you to know me, for you to let me into your life. And my presence will fill your heart with my generosity. And your giving will come from a desire more powerful than obligation. Your giving will come from love. Love must come first; generosity is an outcome. And true love comes from knowing me.
“I don’t want your sacrifices – I want your love; I don’t want your offerings – I want you to know me.” (Hosea 6:6, Living Bible)


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The Spirit Speaks – of Heaven

Heaven is closer than you may think. It’s not up in the sky, somewhere above you. Yet it is in another dimension of space and time. But there is a doorway between your world and heaven, a portal where your world and my world meet. And that portal is within you.

Look inside yourself, where I, the Spirit of Jesus Christ, long to live. I’m knocking on the door between heaven and your heart. Please, open the door and let me in. Close your eyes and look inside yourself, to your soul, to the doorway, to beyond the doorway to God in heaven, and to me.

Do you long to see heaven? Does a part of you want to escape the chaos of your world? Then open the door and let me into your life. And I will be heaven within you. Heaven on earth.

“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” (Revelation 3:20)


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The Spirit Speaks – of The Last Guilty Man

Guilt - leave it behind

I, the Spirit of Jesus Christ, am the last guilty man. For I became guilty of the sins of all humanity. I carried the burden of all sins through the streets of old Jerusalem and up that hill, where I paid the final penalty… the death sentence for my guilt.

Guilt died with me. There is no more guilt. It was my guilt that set you free of your guilt. I am the last guilty man. This is the truth.

“If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32)


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The Spirit Speaks – of Bringing Peace to a Messed-up World

San Bernidino shootings

The less there is of me, the Spirit of Jesus Christ, the more there is of evil in this messed-up world. Do you long for peace and freedom from the evil? Then look to me. I will be peace within you. I will be peace flowing from you.

As I fill the world, evil will be pushed out. As more people let me into their lives and let me live through them, the more there will be peace in the world. This is where peace comes from: me, the Spirit of God, living in and through you. Please, fight against the evil by surrendering to me – let me fight the evil for you. Let me spread my peace, through you. And try not to be afraid, for I’m much more powerful than the evil. Evil has no chance against me.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27)


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The Spirit Speaks – What do I Mean to You?

bicycle for two 2

What does it mean to you to have me, the Spirit of Jesus Christ, living within you? How can this reality affect how you experience today? What would your day look like if you took my hand and followed me, instead of trying to lead?

Envision you and me on a bicycle for two, with me in the front seat, steering our way around life’s obstacles. How would this feel, to be able to just sit back and watch me steer our way through today, instead of trying to steer yourself?

Please, find some quiet time, empty your mind of the distractions of life, and think about these questions. And if you like, leave a comment here, sharing what answers come into your mind. And then, sit back, relax, and let me steer.


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The Spirit Speaks – Dive In

Dive in

How do you see your relationship with me, the Spirit of Jesus Christ? Am I familiar, or foreign? Am I unclear to you, more of an idea than a reality? Please, don’t feel bad if your answers seem weak. I know I don’t easily fit into the puzzle of your material world.

But today I want to ask you to take that leap of faith, and dive into me. Many of my children timidly just stick a toe into the water of life… that is me. But I’m asking you to remove the robe of timidity, walk to the edge, and bravely dive on in. Let me wash over you, and cleanse you with all that is me. Close your eyes, take a breath, and feel my love and peace enveloping you.