Godly Patience, a Tangible Love

Galatians 5:22 (AMP) But the fruit of the Spirit [the result of His presence within us] is…patience [not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting]…

Beloved, remember that your actions reflect on Me. Whether you are aware or not, people watch to see how you react and respond to people and situations. They want to know if relationship with Me and My presence in a person really make a difference. Pause and ponder what messages you send about Me and if they’re the ones you want and intend to send.

I’ve instructed you to bear with one another in love. Just as I AM patient and long-suffering with you, I have asked you to do likewise with those around you. Reflect Me. Reflect My heart. Show that the fruit of My Spirit in you is a godly patience that operates in true, tangible love. Let that fruit be manifest for all to see for it is good.  Continue reading “Godly Patience, a Tangible Love”

Win Them Without a Word

Ephesians 6:13a, 15 (AMP) Therefore, put on the complete armor of God…  and having strapped on your feet the gospel of peace in preparation [to face the enemy with firm-footed stability and the readiness produced by the good news].

Beloved, share My word. Speak My truth. Speak it in actions birthed from obedience and love. More are watching you than you realize, so never forget Who you host and let the light, joy, peace, and love of My Spirit pour out from within you. Snatch others from the grip of the enemy with My strong love.

For it is a gospel of peace; that peace that surpasses all understanding that is your inheritance. Cultivate it. Cherish it. Refuse to allow the enemy to steal it. Let it surround you so as you step close to others, they feel it and want it for themselves. You will win them without a word, beloved, simply through the peace and love in your presence that come from Me.

I AM the Way Maker

Ephesians 6:13 (AMP) …and having done everything [that the crisis demands], to stand firm [in your place, fully prepared, immovable, victorious].

Beloved, there are moments to fight, but there are moments where all that is left to do is stand fast. You’ve prepared, you’re equipped, you’re positioned – it’s time to simply be immovable and leave the rest to Me. Knowing you have all of heaven behind you – the hosts ready and willing to fight on your behalf – be steadfast.

This is the test of faith. To stand at the Red Sea with an enemy bearing down on you, and to trust the One who is trustworthy to make a way where there seems to be no way. I AM the way maker. I part the seas. Stand in faith allowing your stance to declare your confidence in your God – in Me. I will not let you down. I will meet you in that place for I AM faithful and I bring victory in My mighty hand.

Equip Yourself 

Ephesians 6:13 (AMP) Therefore, put on the complete armor of God, so that you will be able to [successfully] resist and stand your ground in the evil day [of danger]…

Beloved, being dressed for battle does not ensure it will come, it simply ensures you’re ready and equipped if (and when) it does. Yes, I protect you, cover you, and fight for you, but you must also be prepared to fight for yourself. Beloved, you still choose what thoughts you entertain and what things you welcome into your space, so you must choose wisely. And when the enemy comes, stand and resist. Then we can stand together – united – working toward a common cause.

When the enemy lies, recognize it for what it is and reject that lie. When he tempts you to compromise, see the slippery slope for what it is and stand fast. Be alert for his ploys and thwart them at every turn. The more you know the truth – My word – the easier it is to see his evil manipulations. Equip yourself, beloved, and be prepared, but know I AM with you always.

Shift Your Understanding of Who You Are

Ephesians 1:6 (KJV) To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

Beloved, you are no longer alone. You are grafted in, a part of My family – a part of Me. Adopted. Accepted. Beloved. Your DNA has changed – your fundamental makeup. See what I see. See rightly. Align your sense of self with how I see you. My Spirit dwells in you, and as you abide in My presence My glory reflects in your countenance.

Do not grow weary of My presence or allow it to become commonplace or valueless. My presence is a gift, a blessing, a resting place for your heart. In My presence you are healed, refreshed, restored, made whole. As you dwell with Me a deep sense of belonging takes root in your heart as My thoughts and actions  repeatedly demonstrate who you are – that you are precious and prized. Allow My heart towards you to shift your own understanding of who you are. Align your view with Mine. You are safe with Me.

Do Not Hesitate

Ephesians 3:12 (AMPC) In Whom, because of our faith in Him, we dare to have the boldness (courage and confidence) of free access (an unreserved approach to God with freedom and without fear).

Beloved, do not hesitate. Approach Me with confidence knowing My desire is for you and My heart longs to know your heart more. Share your secrets with Me and your hopes and dreams – they are safe here, YOU are safe here. Loved unconditionally. What matters to you matter to Me.

So bring your requests and supplications. I will hear and respond. Trust Me to know what is best to do, but trust Me with your desires regardless of whether you think I’ll fulfill it or not. I cherish your thoughts, your burdens weigh on Me (cast all your cares on Me!) – I AM with you, beside you, always. Continue reading “Do Not Hesitate”

Walk Uprightly

Ephesians 6:14 (AMP) So stand firm and hold your ground…having put on the breastplate of righteousness (an upright heart),

Beloved, it matters not if everyone around you compromises their integrity, you know the level to which you are called. Walk in it. Without apology or hesitation. Not because you know I AM with you and see your actions, but because you refuse to lower yourself or compromise your integrity.

Walk in uprightness. Setting the example for those around you. You won’t need to say a word, rather lead by example. Show them that walking with Me makes you different, not in a self-righteous way, but rather one of quiet humility, compassion, and righteousness.

For I AM strengthening you. What you’re called to is not impossible. And in the moments it is difficult, know that it is growing the fruit of the Spirit within you. You can do it. I AM with you and I strengthen you. Do not give the enemy a toehold. But in the moments you fall short, quickly repent and right yourself. Uprightness protects your heart, beloved, and your heart is most precious to Me. Guard it well.

Love Like Me

Galatians 5:22-23 (AMP) But the fruit of the Spirit [the result of His presence within us] is love [unselfish concern for others]…

Beloved, to be like Me you must walk in love; thinking of others’ needs above your own and considering their interests and feelings. Bear with them in love. Take the high road, walking in humility even in moments when your flesh is screaming. Love.

I’m not asking you to let others use or abuse you; there are moments to stand fast, but there are moments to yield even when your flesh cries to be defensive or offended, but instead you walk like Me: in love. In understanding. In humility. I AM with you. I will strengthen you. Be known for your love.

Ephesians 4:2 (VOICE) Be humble. Be gentle. Be patient. Tolerate one another in an atmosphere thick with love.

Secured in Truth

Ephesians 6:14 (AMP) So stand firm and hold your ground, having tightened the wide band of truth (personal integrity, moral courage) around your waist…

Beloved, My word is truth. Just as you cannot decide to wear “part” of a belt, it is fruitless to choose which parts of My word you will obey while discarding parts you don’t like, want, or understand. It leaves you defenseless. Choose ALL of Me. ALL of My word. My Holy Spirit will guide you in walking out that choice, but you must be the one to choose.

Everything hinges on this choice. Just as all other pieces of the armor connect to and rely on the belt, so every part of your life and walk hinges on your choice to secure yourself in truth. It is a central, foundational, core choice. Will you choose Me – My word – without exception or compromise? And if you already have, will you be steadfast in walking that choice out? For this choice takes courage and dauntlessness of heart. Choose wisely, beloved. Arm yourself well.

Build Your Arsenal

Ephesians 6:17 (AMP) And take…the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.

Beloved, if you would wield the sword of My Spirit, you must know My word. There are so many things that clamor for your attention as My word waits – unchanging and available – for you to feast. Choose to make the time. Choose to know Me – My heart, My ways, My instructions for you – for they are to protect you and bring you blessing and goodness in your life – My word is worth knowing.

The more of My word that is hidden in your heart, the stronger and more prepared you are to do battle against the enemy of your soul when he brings his onslaught. He comes to steal, kill, and destroy. I come to give you strength. The enemy will often twist My word, and just as when My Son was tempted in the wilderness and He refuted those lies with Truth – with the Word, so you must be equipped to do the same.

For it is not a question of IF the enemy will lie and twist truths, it is a matter of WHEN. Do not be found defenseless and weak, but rather prepare. Just as a lawyer spends time building his knowledgebase so he can make the arguments in court to win the day, likewise spend the time every day to build your arsenal and your strength. Again beloved, My word is worth knowing – I AM worth knowing.