Be Mindful of Your Priorities

Haggai 1:9 (GW) “You expected a lot, but you received a little. When you bring something home, I blow it away. Why?” declares the Lord of Armies. “It’s because my house lies in ruins while each of you is busy working on your own house.

Beloved, be mindful of your priorities. Be intentional about being rightly aligned with Me and My will. Refuse to succumb to the temptation to be fixated on yourself and your selfish pursuits, and instead be steadfast in pursuing the plans I have for you, for they are good. As you delight in Me, I will give you the desires of your heart. Be intentional to delight in Me.

When I bring to naught your  efforts, it is not that I’m acting like a toddler throwing a tantrum because you didn’t pay attention to Me first, it is because I want what is best for you; therefore, I cannot prosper that which is outside My will, but rather only that which aligns with it. So seek Me first. Focus yourself on Me. Yield to My leading, and trust Me to lead you rightly.

Reflect the Son Brightly

1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (TPT) …Love… finds no delight in what is wrong…

Beloved, the world would have you believe that doing what is right is boring. It paints sin as lush and exciting – experiences meant to indulge in and enjoy. But beloved, the world doesn’t have your best interests at heart nor is it accurately accounting the truth.

One could paint touching a hot stove as exciting and an act of freedom, but without acknowledging the resulting burn and the amount of painful time spent healing (the momentary “positive” act of freedom weighed against the lengthy negative), the truth is not being reflected.

By painting sin as fun, joyous, and exciting, others are drawn into the trap. Refuse to bring others into bondage or needless pain by delighting in that which is evil.

Choose instead to walk in a manner that aligns with My word knowing it is the path of light. True joy and fulfillment are there. And any hardships along that path are for your benefit, to grow and be refined. You are a child of the day, so walk in the light and reflect the Son brightly. Continue reading “Reflect the Son Brightly”

Acceptable, Good, and Perfect

Romans 12:2 (ESV) Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Beloved, refuse to be distracted from your call by things you are “able” to do. Just because you are capable, does not necessarily mean it is where you should spend your time.

Though you have the choice to spend your time in My “acceptable” will or even My “good” will, wouldn’t you rather focus your time and energies on My “perfect “ will? I have beautiful things planned for you, beloved. I desire for you to walk in the fullness of them.

So refuse to be derailed by a sense of obligation, emotional blackmail, manipulation, or a desire to please man. Put your relationships in My hands, and lead by example, walking in all I have called you to and shining brightly for the world to see.

Choose Joy

Proverbs 17:22 (NLT) A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.

Beloved, choose joy for it is not based on circumstance. It is found in My presence. It is always there for you and it strengthens you. Literally. It builds you up and heals your heart – and it is even healing to your body.

Refuse to be tempted to bitterness, resentment, anger, or hopelessness. Rather shift your heart to focus on that which is good – clinging to the truth of My promises in the face of opposition and being steadfast in joy when confronted with trials.

Joy is a choice. Cling to gratitude regardless of circumstance, and shift the atmosphere with your laughter for I AM good. That truth always remains. So beloved, be intentional to always choose joy. It is contagious. A blessing that spreads. Be a catalyst. Choose joy. Continue reading “Choose Joy”

Using the Creative Force of Your Mouth for Blessing

Proverbs 18:21 (AMP) Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it and indulge it will eat its fruit and bear the consequences of their words.

Beloved, your mouth will bear fruit, the question is what kind. Will it be bitter or sweet? Will it bring forth life or cause death? Choose wisely, beloved. Align you heart and mouth and mind with Mine. Speak the echos of My heart, and watch the beautiful life that springs forth.

Be mindful of each word. Resist the urge to indulge in careless ones, understand the weight and responsibility of being a creative force, and choosing to be one for good by blessing.

Love as You Have Been Loved

1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (TPT) …Love joyfully celebrates honesty…

Beloved, rejoice in what is good. Celebrate integrity. Encourage those around you to walk in what pleases Me and is righteous, not out of some legalistic sense of morality or a sense of superiority resulting from your view of your personal behavior, but birthed from a desire to honor and bless Me and for all people to be blessed by walking in a way that aligns with My word.

Lead by example. Rather than trying to drag someone who is intent on doing wrong kicking and screaming from the shadows, simply shine your light unapologetically and allow the beauty of its rays to draw others to its warmth. Shine, beloved. Love as you have been loved. Continue reading “Love as You Have Been Loved”

The Power of My Presence

Psalm 68:8 (VOICE) The whole world trembled! The sky poured down rain at the power of Your presence; even Mount Sinai trembled in Your presence, the presence of the True God, the God of Israel.

Beloved, never underestimate the power of My presence. It causes darkness to tremble, the dead to come to life, it brings manifold change and tremendous breakthroughs. I AM God Almighty – El Gibbor, the Mighty God. My presences changes things. My presence will change you.

As you stand basking in My overwhelming love, allowing My joy to refresh and heal you – how can you not come away changed? Make the time, be intentional, and soak Me in. Allow Me to saturate you in the oil of My Spirit.

Then prepare, beloved. For the power of My presence brings forth response. It brings about action. You cannot know Me and spend time with Me and stay the same. It’s not that a response is required as much as it is inevitable.

So prepare to take new ground. Pour out your fresh oil with the knowledge that I AM always pouring back into you – just step into My presence and be filled – heart and hands open, beloved, receive from Me – then go forth. Expand the Kingdom.

Clothed in Strength

Proverbs 31:25 (NLT) She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.

Beloved, allow your joy and trust in My faithfulness to bubble up and overflow. With YHVH Sabaoth (the Lord of Hosts) and the hosts of heaven on your side, you know you have nothing and no one to fear. Your future is safe in My hands.

Let the joy of victory ring. Let your strength be like the finest garments, and your gentle dignity – your steadfast honor and quiet assurance – be as lovely accessories, accentuating the beauty of your faith in Me as you stand assured with joy.

Walk in the Fullness of Freedom

2 Corinthians 3:17 (ESV) Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

Beloved, refuse to remain in bondage in any area. Allow nothing to have undue hold over you and the ability to influence you beyond what it wise and good. Ask Me for wisdom to find every toehold so that each and every one can be eradicated.

The price for your freedom has already been paid. Choose to walk in the fullness of that liberty so you might be all I’ve created and called you to be. Refuse to settle. Refuse to be content with mostly free and be complacent about walking out the rest of your freedom. The cost has been paid, and beloved, it is worth the effort.