Heart After Me

1 Samuel 13:14 (TLV) …Adonai has sought for Himself a man after His own heart…

I AM searching, beloved, for the ones who will choose Me above all else. The ones who eyes are fixed on Me and whose hearts are aligned with Mine. Pursue Me, beloved. Lay everything else down and choose Me. Not for what you think I can “do” for you, but simply because I AM. If you know My heart You know I AM worth the cost and the effort. And though I love you beyond measure I will not talk you into choosing Me because in the end it must be your choice for it to mean anything. And so I simply extend My hand to you and ask, “Will you have a heart after Me?”

Right Perspective

Ephesians 6:10-11 (VOICE) Finally, brothers and sisters, draw your strength and might from God.  Put on the full armor of God to protect yourselves from the devil and his evil schemes.

Draw from Me, beloved. I AM your strength. I AM your might. I AM power and authority. You are not alone out in a storm. I AM with you, beside you. So command the storm to be still beloved in My name, and whether the external or internal landscape changes, strength and peace are yours.

Gird up your loins. Without hiding My word in your heart you are defenseless, beloved. So eat it as those it were the choicest of meats bringing you strength and stamina because it does and it will. Know Me. Encourage yourself in the faith by seeing Me more and more for who I AM. Magnify Me in your own eyes so you might realize the enemy is no match for Me. As you know Me, you will be able to quiet your soul against the taunts of the enemy because you will know – TRULY know – that I AM greater. I AM.

Do Not Be Distracted By the “Good”

Psalm 127:1 (VOICE) Unless the Eternal builds the house, those who labor to raise it will have worked for nothing. Unless the Eternal stands watch over the city, those who guard it have wasted their time.

Beloved, don’t waste your efforts on things I have not called you to, expending your energy and leaving yourself too worn out to complete the tasks to which you have been assigned.  If the enemy cannot stop you from doing good, he will try to deplete your energy and divide your vision by putting “good” things in your path to keep you from the things I have called you to put your efforts and energy to. Stick to your call. Stay aligned with My perfect will. There will always be more “good” things to turn your time and efforts to than you could possibly begin to complete.

Do not be distracted or emotionally manipulated into doing things I have not called you to. In doing these things not only to you misuse the resources I’ve given you, but you block the path of the one I HAVE called to do that “good” thing. So step out of the way. Be ok with saying no – trusting that all those involved want you only where I want you and if they don’t, THEY are out of alignment, not you – that isn’t for you to fix. You leading by example that following My will and trusting Me to put everyone in their right place encourages others to do the same.

Your Life is in My Hands 

Exodus 14:20 (VOICE) The cloud pillar took its position between Egypt’s and Israel’s camps. The cloud cast darkness by day yet it lit up the sky by night. As a result, the Egyptians never got close to the Israelites the entire night.

For behold My presence protects and guards you. You don’t have to worry who has you covered because the answer is Me. It is I who will defend you. Do not step into My path to try to “help” for in doing so you are simply taking matters into your own hands. The things that concern you, concern Me. Your life is in My hands, you placed it there when you gave your life to Me. Trust Me to cover you.

Your reputation is Mine, and I have said that every tongue that rises against you will be judged (Isaiah 54:17); beloved, do not defend yourself to others – it is My job and I do it happily. Simply keep your eyes fixed on Me and My call for your life; walk it out and leave the rest to Me.

Isaiah 54:17 (VOICE) But no instrument forged against you will be allowed to hurt you, and no voice raised to condemn you will successfully prosecute you. It’s that simple; this is how it will be for the servants of the Eternal; I will vindicate them.

Testifying Without a Word

1 John 2:4 (VOICE) If someone claims, “I am in an intimate relationship with Him,” but this big talker doesn’t live out His commands, then this individual is a liar and a stranger to the truth.

A man who is unfaithful to his marriage vows, yet holds himself up as a paragon of a husband is a liar and a hypocrite. Be mindful then, beloved, not to do the same. In humility, read and study My word, walk it out, and let the light of My love reflect from your face (just as Moses’ did when he spent time with Me). You need not declare your relationship with Me to the world, for My touch on you – the glow of my presence – will be apparent without you saying a word.

The light of your countenance will testify. The strength of your love will testify. The beauty of your compassion will testify. And the depth of your mercy will testify. All of these, a reflection of Me, My touch on your life. No words needed. The strength of your actions – your very life – testify of Me and Who I AM to you.

I Go Before You

Exodus 13:21-22 (AMP) The [presence of the] Lord was going before them by day in a pillar (column) of cloud to lead them along the way, and in a pillar of fire by night to give them light, so that they could travel by day and by night. He did not withdraw the pillar of cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from going before the people.

I go before you, beloved. I make your way clear. There is no strain on you to lead, simply follow me as I mark the path. I bring shade to you by day and light to you by night. Stay in step with Me. Do not move without My presence. If the sun burns too brightly or the night looms too dark, you will know you’ve wandered from Me. I’ve made it so you can feel the difference; just pause and let yourself feel it.

I want you to follow My lead, beloved, so I’ve made doing so as easy as possible. Don’t overthink it or try to complicate matters by second guessing yourself and whether you’re accurately hearing Me or sensing Me; I will let you know if you move off course when your heart is to follow. So rest and trust Me.

Undignified Worship

Psalm 45:11 (GW) The king longs for your beauty. He is your Lord. Worship him.

Beloved, seek My face. Pour your heart out before Me, your offering will not be wasted for I adore you. You are the apple of My eye. I cannot get enough of you, and just as a parent cherishes every scribbled drawing their beloved child brings them, so I love every offering of praise you bring Me.

So hold nothing back. Worship Me with abandon. Dance, sing, wave your banners, be undignified and unashamed for the outpouring of your heart ministers to Mine; you undo Me!

I Desire for You to Flourish

1 John 3:4 (AMP) Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness [ignoring God’s law by action or neglect or by tolerating wrongdoing—being unrestrained by His commands and His will].

Beloved, I have shared My will, My instructions, in My word. Do not deceive yourself or allow others to deceive you that I somehow do not mean what I say. I have provided these boundaries for you because I LOVE you. Not to restrain or exert My control over you, but because I KNOW the effect not following them has, and I desire better for you. I desire for you to flourish and prosper. Align with My will and My instructions, and watch blessing pour forth. For I have promised that if you heed My voice, blessings will come upon you and overtake you.

My will is not a mystery. I have made it clearly known. I invite you and welcome you to know Me more. Read My word and allow My Spirit to guide and teach you. I LONG to be known by you. If you poured out your heart in a love letter, you’d desire that it be read and cherished, for it is your heart on paper, and no one who bares their soul wants to be rejected or ignored. In the same way, I have laid My heart bare before you, come and know Me more, beloved, for My heart for you is love. I yearn to see you blessed and flourishing! Walk in My ways.

The Joy of My Presence

Psalm 16:11 (VOICE) Instead, You direct me on the path that leads to a beautiful life. As I walk with You, the pleasures are never-ending, and I know true joy and contentment.

In My presence is fullness of joy! Receive My presence. Welcome My presence. Make a place for Me. Prepare for Me. I desire to meet with you, to dwell with you. When you are receiving important guests into your home, you prepare: clean and tidy up your home and your person. In the same way, intentionally carve out time, quiet your internal landscape, still your mind, set aside distractions, and make room for Me. My presence is a gift to you. One that brings peace and joy, refreshing and wholeness. It is not a “quick fix”, but a relationship built over time that bears much fruit. Prepare a place for Me, beloved, and I will come.

Set Your Face Like Flint

Isaiah 50:7 (NLT) Because the Sovereign Lord helps me,I will not be disgraced. Therefore, I have set my face like a stone, determined to do his will. And I know that I will not be put to shame.

Beloved, do not be caught up in circumstances and the things your natural senses may tell you. What I have said will be. I AM faithful and My word is true. Stay fixed on Me, unmoving, not able to be swayed by the things of this world, hearing My voice clearer than any other. Believe, stand in faith, and watch Me move.

I will allow circumstances to stretch your capacity to believe. I would not allow these things if I didn’t know that you could withstand and stay strong. So focus your gaze on Me and your heart on My promises, and wait with joy. In your heart you’ve desired to be able to testify to My power, so don’t be surprised when I give you opportunity to stand in faith, beloved. You asked for this. You will withstand and see My glory unfold.