Sometimes breakthrough happens quickly – an immediate shift or change, but other times it happens more slowly – incremental breakthroughs culminating in big long term change. Both are powerful, and simply because as humans we prefer the immediate gratification of the one, doesn’t mean we should discount the lasting impact of the other. Continue reading “Celebrate Each Breakthrough “
Leave a Legacy of Love
Proverbs 10:12 (NLT) Hatred stirs up quarrels, but love makes up for all offenses.
Beloved, choosing to love instead of taking offense is always the right decision. There will always be misunderstandings or people acting from a place of hurt, but how you respond speaks to your character. And as you choose to love, you clearly reflect Me and My heart.
In extending the grace you yourself want to receive, you’re leading by example. And being known for being gracious and loving is a testament of one who knows Me. And beloved, know that you’re leaving a legacy of love that will reach farther and last longer than you can begin to imagine. Continue reading “Leave a Legacy of Love”
Fruit of Your Lips
Hebrews 13:15 (TPT) So we no longer offer up a steady stream of blood sacrifices, but through Jesus, we will offer up to God a steady stream of praise sacrifices—these are “the lambs” we offer from our lips that celebrate his name!
Beloved, may the fruit of your lips pour forth in praise to the One who is worthy. You have a choice of whether or not you bring forth fruit, and what kind of fruit it is. Will you withhold that which I AM worthy of? Or will you give it to another?
Surely as you nurture a heart full of gratitude, you will find yourself unable to hold back your praise. So cultivate a heart of thanksgiving and release your song of joy and love that the fruit of your lips might be sweet. Continue reading “Fruit of Your Lips”
Rest in Joy
Romans 12:12 (VOICE) Do not forget to rejoice, for hope is always just around the corner. Hold up through the hard times that are coming, and devote yourselves to prayer.
Beloved, choose to rest in joy. There is always something for which to have gratitude. At all times and through every experience, you can choose to maintain a state of joyous appreciation for My goodness to you. Joy is a choice.
So choose to rest in joy even as you persist in prayer – trusting Me to move rightly, for I AM good. Your concerns are important to Me and never out of My thoughts. I never treat your heart lightly, beloved. So resist the urge to indulge in worry, and rather choose to be steadfast in joyful gratitude.
Be Moved by Gratitude
Ephesians 5:10 (AMP) trying to learn [by experience] what is pleasing to the Lord [and letting your lifestyles be examples of what is most acceptable to Him–your behavior expressing gratitude to God for your salvation].
Beloved, one who is moved with true gratitude acts accordingly. Gratitude shifts your heart. It demands action. It moves you. One who gives lip service to thanksgiving but who’s actions and heart remain the same is not truly grateful.
So check your heart, beloved. If you are truly moved with gratitude by My salvation and My love, how has it changed you and how are you reflecting that change to Me?
Let your gratitude overflow in a life spent giving glory and honor to Me. Knowing how to please Me is no great mystery, for I’ve made My heart plain in My Word. So know Me and know My heart, and offer up thanksgiving in a life filled with obedience and praise from a joyful, grateful heart. Continue reading “Be Moved by Gratitude”
Key to the Kingdom: A Foundation of Faith Grounded in Gratitude
Colossians 2:7 (VOICE) Let your roots grow down deeply in Him, and let Him build you up on a firm foundation. Be strong in the faith, just as you were taught, and always spill over with thankfulness.
Beloved, be firmly rooted in a foundation of faith overflowing with gratitude. For your faith will serve you well when the attacks of the enemy inevitably come, but the tenacity of your faith will stand fast when tested when you are rooted and grounded in Me and the joy of your salvation.
As your faith remains steadfast and your gratitude unfailing, nothing and no one can shift your gaze from Me. Gratitude protects your heart from bitterness and sorrow just as faith protects your mind from fear and unbelief. So stand fast, beloved, and let your deep roots hold as the winds of trial come – you will see that you cannot be shaken.
Ephesians 6:16 (VOICE) Don’t forget to raise the shield of faith above all else, so you will be able to extinguish flaming spears hurled at you from the wicked one.
Mighty Praise
Psalm 149:9 (TPT) Praise-filled warriors will enforce the judgment-doom decreed against their enemies. This is the glorious honor he gives to all his godly lovers. Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!
Beloved, draw strength from the fullness of joy you’ve received having been freed from fear by My infinite love. Allow praise to overflow from your heart of joy, and gratitude for My immeasurable love. No greater weapon can you wield than a heart of praise for Me.
Praise Me for My holiness and praise Me for My mercy. Without a word of criticism, the enemy is slain. Worship Me for My goodness, adore Me for My love – stand in awe and know that simple, singular focus is more mighty than you know. Continue reading “Mighty Praise”
Wrapped in My Lovingkindness
2 Chronicles 7:3 (TLB) All the people had been watching, and now they fell flat on the pavement and worshiped and thanked the Lord. “How good he is!” they exclaimed. “He is always so loving and kind.”
Beloved, I wrap you in My lovingkindness. I embrace you in My love. Lean into Me and rest in Me, I AM your rock and shelter, your safe place in the storm. Give thanks for I AM good.
Don’t be like a thoughtless child – feeling entitled and therefore never grateful and always asking for more. Instead in humility and with gratitude lift your holy hands in praise, and know I AM good.
Hold Fast and Give Thanks
Psalm 34:1 (VOICE) I will praise the Eternal in every moment through every situation. Whenever I speak, my words will always praise Him.
Beloved, choose to stay in a place of praise at all times, not simply because I AM worthy, but also because doing so maintains your focus on what is good and perfect and true. Dayenu (it would have been sufficient). The blessings received so far are worth giving thanks for so refuse to be tempted to bitterness or anger.
Resist the urge to allow grief or frustration to overwhelm you, instead fixing your gaze on the truth that in all things I AM both good and sovereign. I bring beauty from ashes and joy from mourning. Beloved, I AM enough. Rest in Me and trust that I AM working all things for good even in the moments that doesn’t seem possible – because still it is true. Hold fast and give thanks that I AM good. Continue reading “Hold Fast and Give Thanks”
Let Your Joyous Exaltation Ring
Psalm 84:4 (VOICE) How blessed are those who make Your house their home, who live with You; they are constantly praising You. [pause]
Beloved, lose yourself in an atmosphere of worship and praise. Be overcome in awe of who I AM. Meditate on My goodness. Saturate yourself in My presence. Soak in Me, and abide in that place, rest in that place, and make your dwelling in that place.
Those who abide in Me are blessed, and the understanding of the blessing found by dwelling in My presence brings forth a heart full of praise. The welling up of gratitude bubbles up and overflows in joyous exaltation. “Holy is the Lord God almighty! Worthy is the Lamb that was slain.” Abide in that place, beloved, and let your joyous exaltation ring.