A Generous Heart

1 Timothy 5:18 (AMP) For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle the ox while it is treading out the grain [to keep it from eating],” and, “The worker is worthy of his wages [he deserves fair compensation].”

Beloved, refuse the temptation to operate in a poverty mindset – constantly trying to get something for nothing. Surely you remember that the silver and gold are Mine? When you’re living a lifestyle submitted to Me, you can rest in the knowledge that that which I desire you to have, I will provide for.

So rather than trying to cheapen the value I have placed on someone’s work or by trying to rob them of their wages, be excited about the opportunity to sow into their lives, trusting that fertile soil will bear fruit and rejoicing that you get to have some small part in it.

Be wise with whatever I’ve entrusted you with – be it great or small. This means being obedient to use it in the ways I direct you, not working so hard to stretch it that you’re actively cheating others (whether intentionally or not). Remember I love a cheerful giver, I love a generous heart. Refuse to have that stolen by a fear of lack, or be tempted into greed or envy – constantly desiring that which I have not provided for.

Trust Me. Trust that I have reasons for what I’ve provided for and what I have not, and that those reasons have nothing to do with whether I love you or not – for that is never in question. Be thankful for what you have and find contentment there.

Rest in Me and look to Me. Trust Me to provide for your needs. Refusing to accuse Me of shortchanging you, regardless of circumstance. I AM faithful, and I love you – always. Stand fast in your belief that I AM good.

Love, the Primary Focus

1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (TPT) Love…extends beyond the gift of prophecy, which eventually fades away. It is more enduring than tongues, which will one day fall silent. Love remains long after words of knowledge are forgotten.

Beloved, resist the temptation to get so caught up in the gifts of My Spirit that you forget My primary focus: love. For I so loved the world that I sent My Son. Love wins the day. Love touches hearts in a way nothing else can. And in the end, love will remain when the gifts are no longer needed.

So focus on love. Be intentional to love. When in doubt, love. When you don’t want to, still love. When it’s undeserved, staunchly love. Whatever the situation, no matter how extreme, remain steadfastly in a stance of love. Be known for your love. Refuse to let it be shaken. Refuse to withhold it like a weapon or use it as a tool to manipulate, give it freely and without reserve – just as I have done for you. Continue reading “Love, the Primary Focus”

Life-Changing Love

1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (TPT) …Love never stops loving…

Beloved, I never stop loving you. Regardless of your choices, actions, thoughts and all the moments you fall short, My love remains the same. My hope for you is steadfast, and I find you inherently worthy of love no matter the decisions you make or whether other people seem to find you so. My love for you is eternal and unconditional, and you are made in My image.

You were created not just to be loved, but to love – without reserve. You may hate choices or be disappointed in situations, but refuse to let your love – based on the inherent nature of each person and the way I created them – to change. Be steadfast. Hold to the truth of who I made them. Expect that, prophesy it. Be relentless in prayer, and lavish love – and do so without strings or contingencies. Love like that is life-changing. Continue reading “Life-Changing Love”

Exercise Your Self-Control

Galatians 5:22-23 (AMP) But the fruit of the Spirit [the result of His presence within us] is…self-control…

Beloved, I have called you to be holy as I AM holy. Simply because you won’t be able to walk out personal righteousness perfectly is no excuse not to do your best. Not out of a sense of burden or trying to earn your salvation (which is a gift freely given by grace), but out of a place of love and honor – seeking to do that which pleases Me and aligns with My word.

I have given you self-control and empowered you by My Holy Spirit. You are more able than you believe and more able even than you’ve experienced. Like a muscle that builds strength with use, self-control becomes stronger as it is exercised. So choose not to respond when provoked. And choose not to indulge your flesh when it’s not beneficial. Choose to do that which is godly even when (and in fact especially when) it is in direct opposition with the flow of the world.

Exercise your self-control, beloved, and watch it grow and strengthen. It becomes easier to choose rightly and even the desire to choose that which is in opposition to Me (or even that which is fruitless) diminishes and loses its draw. Remain steadfast. Lean into the Holy Spirit for strength. Extend grace to yourself when you fall short, and simply start again. Be holy, beloved, as I AM holy.

Look Beyond Yourself

Proverbs 6:16-19 (VOICE) Take note, there are six things the Eternal hates; no, make it seven He abhors: Eyes that look down on others…

Beloved, I have called you to walk in humility, not to be self-focused, but rather to put others first, and to be more conscious of their importance than that of your own. Raise your eyes. Refuse to be fixated on self. Look beyond yourself, not in a neglectful way or considering yourself of no value, but rather confident in the understanding that I AM infinitely mindful of you and your needs, and that I will take care of you as you look to others. Continue reading “Look Beyond Yourself”

Arm Yourself

Ephesians 6:13-17 (AMP) Therefore, put on the complete armor of God…And take…the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.

Beloved, arm yourself by immersing yourself in My word. How can one combat a lie – how can one even recognize it – if one does not take the time to know the truth? Without a foundation of truth, you are ill equipped to stand against the evil one, and that vulnerability is one too easily leveraged by the forces of darkness.

But when you have feasted on My word – meditating on it and allowing it to go deep within your heart – My Spirit will quicken it to your remembrance in a moment of need, a sharp-edged sword able to separate not just truth from a lie, but even the intricacies of twisted truths. Remember beloved, when My Son was tempted in the wilderness, the enemy quoted My word to him. It is not enough just to read, one must learn to understand, to know My heart. As you study, My Spirit will teach you. Intentionally unite in purpose allowing the breath of My Spirit to quicken My truth in your heart. Continue reading “Arm Yourself”

No One is Beyond My Reach

1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (TPT) …Love…never gives up…

Beloved, no one is beyond redemption. No one is beyond My reach. Regardless of the severity of circumstance, refuse to give up and write someone off. Always persist in prayer, steadfastly prophesying truth – My truth – over a person and situation. Nothing is too hard for Me.

Love without reserve. Love without hesitation. Love without thought of protecting your heart from disappointment. Let Me protect and heal you as you reflect My love. And in those moments when your heart feels the sting of disappointment (and sometimes that sting is a crushing blow), know you are feeling what I have felt, and seek to identify with Me and know Me more. My love will see you through. Continue reading “No One is Beyond My Reach”

Refuse to Give Up

1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (TPT) …Love never takes failure as defeat…

Beloved, there will be times when those you love will stumble and may even fall, refuse to accept these set backs as permanent shifts, but rather as momentary hiccups. Press on ahead, continuing believing and encouraging them to believe, to refuse to give up, to refuse to lose hope.

Each step and every stumble will ultimately be used for good for I use all things for good. I AM a miracle working God – never underestimate My ability to move in a situation, circumstance, or heart. Continue to lift those you love (and even those you don’t) in prayer. Ask Me to move on their behalf, contend for the miraculous – for I AM able.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (TPT) Love is large and incredibly patient. Love is gentle and consistently kind to all. It refuses to be jealous when blessing comes to someone else. Love does not brag about one’s achievements nor inflate its own importance. Love does not traffic in shame and disrespect, nor selfishly seek its own honor. Love is not easily irritated or quick to take offense. Love joyfully celebrates honesty and finds no delight in what is wrong. Love is a safe place of shelter, for it never stops believing the best for others. Love never takes failure as defeat, for it never gives up. Love never stops loving. It extends beyond the gift of prophecy, which eventually fades away. It is more enduring than tongues, which will one day fall silent. Love remains long after words of knowledge are forgotten.

Selah (again)

Psalm 24:10 (AMP) Who is [He then] this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory [who rules over all creation with His heavenly armies]. Selah.

Beloved, pause. Stop and reflect, truly take moment and ponder who I AM. Ponder My glory, the works of My hands, My character and identity. It’s far too easy to get caught up in the rhetoric and lose sight of who I truly am. I AM more than simply words regurgitated by well-meaning people who get so busy saying the “right” things they’ve missed the point: relationship with Me.

So pause. Make room for Me to speak, make room for Me to love you, and make room for all I share and teach you to penetrate. Meditate on Me – on My words, both rhema and logos (whispered in your ear and written in My word). Slow down. Refuse to be tempted to rush this journey. Some things cannot be hurried. So pause. Ponder Me, beloved. Selah.

Note: I find it ironic that in a year of doing these Prophetic Nuggets, this particular post “accidentally” got posted (and sent out to the subscribers) twice. 🙂 After my initial embarrassment, I realized God had this happen on purpose because He wanted to re-emphasize the need to pause. Continue reading “Selah (again)”