The door is slightly ajar. A shaft of early morning sunshine streams through, casting a golden halo over Benito as he steps in from his early morning back yard romp. Our miniature poodle is happy to see me and nestles up against me on the couch. It's our daily time together with Jesus.

The little guy is very much aware of the name of Jesus. A couple of years earlier he had a very severe seizure. Out of the blue, shaking uncontrollably, his tiny legs were moving rigidly in all directions. I picked him up in my arms, and started praying over him to be healed in the mighty name of Jesus. After a few minutes, he looked up at me and was perfectly still. No more spasms; his eyes no longer filled with terror. Since that occasion, every single time the name of Jesus is spoken in his immediate presence, he looks up as if in recognition o that Name.

I thank Him that His mercies are new every morning and that my youth s renewed as the eagle's (ps.103). Speaking my requests out loud, I commit my day to His care and acknowledge that in His strength I can do all things that are required of me on this day (Phil.4:13). As a child of God I know that when I ask, I shall receive.

Every day is new; it's a gift. I want it to be like a fresh bouquet - free of anxieties and cares. He reminds me to forget the concerns of the past - even those of the previous day - and to look forward with anticipation to what is at hand (Phil.3:10). After all, did He not promise that He would look after us better than the birds of the air and the lilies of the field?

Benito jumps down. I languish a bit longer with my Lord, reading His word and chatting with Him. It's a new day. A great day! I'm empowered to face it with Him. After all, the door is ajar. He came in and shared his wonderful Word of life with me (Rev.3:20).