Fostering Deeper Intimacy with God
Book of Revelation
There was once a point in my walk when I was afraid to have a throne room encounter with God. I was still healing from a broken sense of identity at that time, so I was certain that an encounter with Him would “put me in my place.” Certainly, the presence of the flawless Eternal One would only confirm the sense of unworthiness I felt on the inside. Yet nothing could have been further from the truth. Continue reading “A Throne-Room Perspective”
Beloved, look toward the heavens and hear the distant rumble of thunder. Be drawn toward the ever-increasing rolling rumble, punctuated by the staccato of lightning flashes. The thunder is like the surrounding voice of many waters, sounding as deep as the sea and coming from everywhere all at once. Continue reading “Experience the Throne Room”
I’ve always been intrigued by the two animals that symbolize our mighty Savior—the lion and the lamb. As far as Messianic references go, these two animals seem like they couldn’t be more different from one another. One is the fierce king of the jungle, while the other is the docile and innocent vessel of atonement. While the lion and the lamb may seem very different, I believe they perfectly represent the two faces of victory in the Kingdom of Heaven—the two faces of our Messiah. Christ is both suffering servant and conquering king.
Like the Jews of the first century, modern believers look with hope for the Son of David, the one who will set up a godly kingdom which will fill the whole earth. Many of us groan within to see the kingdom of darkness fully expelled by our mighty Warrior King. If His ancestor King David foreshadowed Christ’s second coming, what power can withstand Him when the God of the Universe backs Him?
Revelation 22:12 (AMP) “Behold, I (Jesus) am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to each one according to the merit of his deeds (earthly works, faithfulness).
Beloved, lay up rewards in heaven. In comparison to eternity, life on earth is but a wisp – the blink of an eye. And yet so much time and focus is put on needs and comforts in this earthly realm. Be intentional to be mindful of both.
Make choices based on eternity. Love is what will remain, so love well. Resist the urge to hold back or protect your heart, but rather trust Me to protect it, or heal it when you’re hurt. Take those moments of injury as opportunities to identify with My heart, which has been betrayed, falsely accused, and deeply wounded too.
Love like Me – without reservation. My love is sacrificial, and it is limitless. There are no conditions to My love, and yet love does not facilitate actions that harm their recipient. Seek My heart that you might learn to best reflect Me. Continue reading “Love Without Reservation”
Revelation 19:14-15 (AMP) And the armies of heaven, dressed in fine linen, [dazzling] white and clean, followed Him on white horses. From His mouth comes a sharp sword (His word) with which He may strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He will tread the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty [in judgment of the rebellious world].
There is a call from heaven to don our linen robes, climb upon our horses, and ride into war with our King. But what does Kingdom warfare truly look like? In Scripture, we see a foreshadowing of Christ through the mighty warrior King David. David drew all of his strength from God alone. God preserved David in good times and in bad and ultimately empowered David to unify the Kingdom of Israel. David had perpetual victory in battle due to his strong connection with the King of Kings. Continue reading “Ride Forth”
Revelation 21:4 (AMPC) God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and death shall be no more, neither shall there be anguish (sorrow and mourning) nor grief nor pain any more, for the old conditions and the former order of things have passed away.
Beloved, resist the urge to get swept up in the cares and pains of this world. Remember that your time on earth is like the blink of an eye, while My Kingdom is everlasting. Sorrow may last for a night, but remember to embrace the joy of the new day – for it always comes.
The griefs and trials of today will pass, so be intentional to look ahead and align with eternity. Grieve, but don’t be overcome with grief. Trust My heart. Trust My plan. Allow My Spirit to comfort and encourage you. Rest in Me. Rely on Me. Hide yourself in Me. And look ahead. Continue reading “Look Ahead”
Revelation 22:20 (VOICE) The One who testifies to these realities makes this promise: The Anointed One: Yes. I am coming soon. To which we say, “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.”
Beloved, I AM coming. Allow the quickening in your heart to stir. Allow the eager anticipation to build. The Bridegroom is returning for His bride. Coming and coming quickly.
Resist the urge to be troubled by the hardships that will come, and instead fix your heart on the joyous culmination that is on its way. Drink deeply of the intimacy we have here and now, even as you anticipated the increase that is coming.
Joshua 1:7 (NKJV) “Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go.
Beloved, I am for you. As you take small, faith-filled steps into your promised land, remember you are not walking alone. You and I are a team, bonded as one through your wilderness sojourns. I have already determined to work every situation in your favor. I go before you to pave your path to victory. I take down each of your giants when you are willing to face them. And when you take new territory in your inheritance, I join you in celebration. Nothing makes Me happier than to see you obtain My promised blessings! Continue reading “I AM For You”
Revelation 22:17 (TPT) “Come,” says the Holy Spirit and the Bride in divine duet. Let everyone who hears this duet join them in saying, “Come.” Let everyone gripped with spiritual thirst say, “Come.” And let everyone who craves the gift of living water come and drink it freely. “It is my gift to you! Come.”
Beloved, the earth is groaning. And those with ears to hear know the urgency and the cadence like a heartbeat of the Spirit and the Bride saying, “Come!” Over and over the cry continues, “Come!”
As you join in with the the voices – both aloud and in your hearts and spirits as the cry resounds, “Come!” Drink deeply of the water of life. Be saturated even as you cry for more. Let the deep wells of spiritual desire be filled to overflowing as your heart continues the echo, “Come!”
Revelation 1:8 (AMP) “I am the Alpha and the Omega [the Beginning and the End],” says the Lord God, “Who is [existing forever] and Who was [continually existing in the past] and Who is to come, the Almighty [the Omnipotent, the Ruler of all].”
Beloved, be expectant. I AM coming. Yes, you see darkness all around you, but I have placed in you My light for all to see. So shine and shine brightly. Be a beacon reminding all of the joyous promise of My coming.
Do not despair for the world around you, rather focus on bringing truth and shining brightly into every corner that all may see and know: hold on – I AM is coming.