Refuse to Be Dimmed

Ephesians 5:4 (GW) It’s not right that dirty stories, foolish talk, or obscene jokes should be mentioned among you either. Instead, give thanks to God.

Beloved, you are in the world, but not of it. Let your words and actions demonstrate the difference of what one filled with Me looks like. Stay mindful of what is pleasing and honoring to Me – as well as what isn’t – and choose wisely. Resist the temptation to feel pressured into compromise simply because of who else does (and how many).

You are light. Refuse to allow that light to be tainted or dimmed, but rather shine brightly forcing the darkness to scurry away. And by darkness beloved I do not mean the people, but rather the spirits in operation behind the people’s words and actions. Never forget there is a difference. And we love the people, even (and especially) when we can clearly see the enemy’s hand at play. Often they need it most.

Essential Faithfulness and Truth

Psalm 89:8 (AMPC) O Lord God of hosts, who is a mighty one like unto You, O Lord? And Your faithfulness is round about You [an essential part of You at all times].

Beloved, My faithfulness surrounds Me. It is evident in everything I do and everything I AM. Those who know Me (truly know Me), know I AM faithful, always mindful of My word – watching over it to be certain it comes to pass. I speak only truth for I AM truth. My promises are affirmed – a certainty – bringing forth a resounding “Amen” (So be it)! Thus My character is unimpeachable, sterling, true.

So let your yes be yes and your no be no. Reflect My character, walking in your own faith and faithfulness. May your mouth speak only truth, and may your heart reflect on that which is good and faithful. Be like Me, for you are made in My image. May your integrity be an essential part of who you are and how you are known, that you may be more like Me thus bringing Me glory. Continue reading “Essential Faithfulness and Truth”

I Surround You With My Favor 

Psalm 5:12 (AMP) For You, O Lord, bless the righteous man [the one who is in right standing with You]; You surround him with favor as with a shield.

Beloved, you never need to work to earn My favor – you already have it, you are clothed in it. You can focus on walking uprightly and cultivating relationship with Me because My favor isn’t anything you need to work for, it is given freely and surrounds you like a shield. I insulate and protect you because you are My beloved one in whom I AM well pleased.

Rest in that favor, knowing it is there for you – covering you – simply because you are Mine. Walk in the confidence that comes from knowing you are loved, cherished, and appreciated – for you are! I delight in you. You are the apple of My eye, My heart’s desire – the center of My world. Hear the love songs I sing over you and the sweet words of life and affection that I whisper in your ear. I AM with you always. I will never leave your side. You are priceless to Me. Rest in the safety of that understanding.

I AM Trustworthy 

Psalm 100:5 (TPT) For the Lord is always good And ready to receive you. He’s so loving that it will amaze you, So kind that it will astound you! And He is so famous for His faithfulness toward all. Everyone knows our God can be trusted, For He keeps His promises to every generation!

Beloved, I AM faithful. From generation to generation I AM the same – steadfast and trustworthy. I keep My promises. My word does not return void. It accomplishes its purpose. For I watch over it to make certain it does, so important is My integrity to Me. I can be trusted. I AM trustworthy. I AM worthy of your confidence. I AM safe. I will always receive you. I will not turn My face from you. Take My hand and rest in My word and the truth of it.

Be like Me. Let your word be your bond. Do not give it lightly, and honor that you’ve said. Reflect Me. Reflect My character. Help the world know Me by seeing you. You are made in My image and likeness, and My Spirit resides within you – this is not too hard for you. Even the little things matter. Your integrity is exemplified by choices made when no one is looking. Walk in righteousness, beloved. Let your actions glorify Me.

Worth the Price 

1 Peter 1:18-19 (VOICE) You know that a price was paid to redeem you from following the empty ways handed on to you by your ancestors; it was not paid with things that perish (like silver and gold), but with the precious blood of the Anointed, who was like a perfect and unblemished sacrificial lamb.

Beloved, you were worth the price – though it was steep – you are that precious to Me. I want you to understand the depths of My love for you. I want you to understand your value. At the same time, I want you to understand what your sin cost because I want to see you choose wisely going forward. Though My grace is freely given, it isn’t free. It has a cost, a great one, you are simply worth it.

But do not fall prey to the enemy’s lies that a “small sin” here or a “little lie” there makes no difference. Beloved, you have been washed clean – don’t be coerced back into the muck and the mire – walk in integrity and righteousness. Choose wisely and exercise discernment. Do not trample the gift you’ve been given by treating it as though it has no value. Walk rightly and let your walk challenge others to do the same. Encourage one another in uprightness and love. Boldly be different from the world and do so unapologetically for this is not your home, don’t try to fit in. You belong with Me and you are Mine.  Continue reading “Worth the Price “

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.

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.

Blessing the Upright 

Psalm 84:11 (TLB) For Jehovah God is our Light and our Protector. He gives us grace and glory. No good thing will he withhold from those who walk along his paths.

Beloved, My desire to bless you is far greater than even your desire to be blessed. Walk in My ways. Read My word. Live it. Know it. Love it, for it is a part of Me. Those who know Truth are far less likely to be deceived. Arm yourself. Know Me, beloved. Position yourself for My blessings for I stand ready with more than you could possibly contain.

Grace and glory come from Me. All promotion (and even demotion) is from My hand. Trust that I AM moving according to your best interests and that of the kingdom. Continue reading “Blessing the Upright “