Fostering Deeper Intimacy with God
{vision} I saw different American Olympic athletes posing as if for a photoshoot meant to display their new team uniforms. What stood out to me was that, although the athletes had different types of uniforms based on their sport, all of the uniforms used the same set of colors. (Royal blue was the predominant color.) The consistency of the color is what would make it clear to others that they were all on the same team. Continue reading “In the Form of Christ”
The name of your silk is Transformed. The colors in it are: 
Galatians 2:20 (KJV) I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
Daily we should die to ourselves so that we live with Christ. The flesh is weak, but the spirit is strong. Whenever doubt and fear try to sneak in, we can always rely on Holy Spirit to strengthen us and lift us up as long as we’re willing vessels.
So often we put unrealistic pressure on ourselves only to get discouraged when we don’t accomplish what we thought we had to. He died for us so that we can simply trust Him to guide and not us trying to do God’s job.
Love Him and trust Him blindly, like a child trusts their parents. Even when you stumble, know that He’s right there brushing the dust off your clothes, smiling at you and knowing that you want to make Him proud. So let’s have grace on ourselves and continue to cherish Christ’s sacrifice for us—because it is the most beautiful love story there could ever be!
One night, I was listening to a song my eldest son Jonathan wrote years ago called “Just One Word.” Then the next day, as I was watching a movie about Abraham, it stood out how that one Word God spoke to him carried him through so much. No matter what the opposition, Abraham fell back on the Word of God’s promise to him. Continue reading “Just One Word”
Periodically, I’ll feel led to do a series of Prophetic Nuggets that are connected either by scripture or theme. This is one such grouping. It is a series of 11 Prophetic Nuggets based on the Fruits of the Spirit from Galatians 5:22-23 (AMP):
But the fruit of the Spirit [the result of His presence within us] is love [unselfish concern for others], joy, [inner] peace, patience [not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting], kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Beloved, there can be a fine line between living your life in a state of striving and operating from a place of rest. The difference between striving and rest comes when you try to create a rhythm in life as opposed to quieting yourself and simply finding it. I created all life to exist in the flow and rhythm of my Spirit. From the waters of creation, My Spirit has guided all things to flow according to My will. It knows My perfect pattern and plan by which all life can flourish and prosper. Continue reading “Catch the Rhythm”
Galatians 6:7 (VOICE) Make no mistake: God can’t be mocked. What you give is what you get. What you sow, you harvest.
Beloved, trust the process. You have been faithful to give, so you will be faithful to receive. Resist the urge to be impatient in the pause in between the two. For a cheerful giver gives simply for the joy of giving, not as a manipulation to receive. So keep your heart pure and give from a place of loving obedience, and refuse to let anything steal that joy.
I AM faithful and I AM good. What I have said, I will do. I cannot operate in a manner opposed to My character. So quietly wait in steadfast assurance knowing that I will multiply back to you your harvest. I AM fertile soil, so when you sow in Me you will reap abundantly.
Galatians 5:22-23 (AMP) But the fruit of the Spirit [the result of His presence within us] is…gentleness…
Beloved, there are moments to be bold, but there are also moments to be gentle. Allow My Spirit to show you the difference. Keep your flesh in check in the moments it wants to reign free, but I’m calling you to keep it in check – remember that you rule it, not vice versa. Allow Me to lead and trust Me as I do.
In the same way My voice both thunders and is still and small, so must you be sensitive to what the moment calls for. There are some to whom a raised voice will always equal violence, and in the same way, some view gentleness as a license to walk all over you. Trust Me to know the difference and allow My Spirit to bring forth My fruit in your character as you stay yielded to My flow. Continue reading “Be Sensitive”
Galatians 1:10 (VOICE) Do you think I care about the approval of men or about the approval of God? Do you think I am on a mission to please people? If I am still spinning my wheels trying to please men, then there is no way I can be a servant of the Anointed One, the Liberating King.
Beloved, be free from the desire for the approval of man. For if you are driven by their fickle opinions, your goal will be an ever moving target. If you allow their praise to build you, remember in due season you will deal with their criticism, which often is unfounded and rooted in wrong motives, for I AM the only righteous judge. Would you give them such power over you?
Longing for their praise gives them far more influence in your life than is right or good for your heart. Focus your energy on being a God-pleaser. Play to an audience of One. Allow My praise and judgment to guide your actions, for My expectations are made clear in My word and you have the support of My Spirit to walk them out. Keep your heart fixed on Me and trust Me to rightly guide you. I will not steer you wrong.
Galatians 6:7 (VOICE) Make no mistake: God can’t be mocked. What you give is what you get. What you sow, you harvest.
Beloved, have no fear, I see your humility and choice to love even when it hurts. Though you sow in tears, you will reap in joy. Refuse to believe the season of harvest will never come, for I will not be mocked. I AM a God of order, truth, and righteousness. I do not forget anything. So though you may feel as though your season of harvest is never coming, have no fear, it’s arrival is assured and it will be right on time.
Refuse to allow lies from the enemy to take root and discourage you or turn your heart bitter against Me. Stand strong in faith and truth, holding fast to who you know Me to be. I AM a good and faithful God, and I will never forsake you. So anticipate your season of blessing, it is coming – lo it is here.