Obedient Devotion

Proverbs 1:7 (TPT) How then does a man gain the essence of wisdom? We cross the threshold of true knowledge when we live in obedient devotion to God. Stubborn know-it-alls will never stop to do this, for they scorn true wisdom and knowledge.

Beloved, live in obedient devotion to Me. Comb through My Word, and discover what true obedience looks like, then walk in it. Resist the urge to dismiss that which you don’t understand. Instead inquire of My Holy Spirit for clarity, and truly learn of Me.

Embrace wisdom, for true wisdom comes from Me. Remember My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are My ways your ways. Expect the unexpected, and trust My ability to lead as you seek to humbly submit. That, beloved, is the essence of wisdom. Continue reading “Obedient Devotion”

Burn for Me without Restraint

Song of Solomon 8:6 (VOICE) Set me as a seal over your heart; wear me as an emblem on your arm For love is as strong as death, and jealousy is as relentless as the grave. Love flares up like a blazing fire, a very ardent flame.

Beloved, never will My hunger for you be quenched. There is nothing you can do or say to extinguish My devotion to you. Though earthly love may seem to be fickle or fade, Mine never will – it never does. I AM wholly steadfast, completely ardent, and totally head-over-heels in love with you.

So open your heart to Me – fully allow Me access. Resist the urge to hold back, and instead be consumed by your passion for Me and for the things of Me. Let your fire for Me burn so brightly that all who know you can’t help but see its glorious flames and be warmed by the depth of your affections. Beloved, burn for Me without restraint.

Be Filled with Wonder

Psalm 26:7 (VOICE) From my soul, I will join the songs of thanksgiving; I will sing and proclaim Your wonder and mystery.

Beloved, come to Me like a child – wide eyed and filled with wonder. Ask Me a million questions – you will never wear Me out. I delight in you, and I have wired your curiosity, so resist the urge to be “adult” and tamp it down. Let your exuberance burst forth. Hold nothing back. 

Be wide-eyed and mystified as you relentlessly pursue deeper understanding. Be dogged in your quest for truth. The things of Me are worth the effort, and the intimacy gained in your treasure hunt is prize enough alone. Be swept away in the mystery of Me.

Cheerful Praise

Psalm 89:15 (VOICE) How happy are those who have learned how to praise You; those who journey through life by the light of Your face.

Beloved, look to Me to light your path, and rejoice in the glory of My rays. Let your joy overflow, and embrace the journey – may it be filled with praise for the Giver of Life. For I AM worthy, so hold nothing back. 

So may cheerful praise be your constant companion, and may your mind ever dwell on the beauty of My love. Let your heart overflow with streams of gratitude, and may your countenance ever reflect My glory. 

Stay Alert

1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (VOICE) Listen, stay alert, stand tall in the faith, be courageous, and be strong. Let love prevail in your life, words, and actions.

Beloved, stay alert. Refuse to let fear and worry take root. Stand tall in courageous faith – not in your own ability, but rather in Mine. For I AM able. Nothing is too hard for Me. And while you may think you believe that, realize doubting your own ability is doubting My ability to work through you. 

So trust Me unreservedly, and live from a place of steadfast confidence in the One who made you. Love like I love, and live as I’ve called you to live. Stay alert for anything that threatens to impede that, and live strong, for you are able.

Be a Wise Caretaker

1 Corinthians 4:1 (VOICE) Rather than power brokers, think of us as servants of the Anointed One, the Liberating King, caretakers of the mysteries of God.

Beloved, be wise with what I give you. Just as you wouldn’t go around indiscriminately handing out currency, you also should be intentional and circumspect about that which I have given you. I reveal with purpose, so align with Me and show you can be trusted with more.

You do not have to prove your intimacy with Me to others by sharing all I’ve given you, just as a married couple has no need to reveal their intimacies to prove the validity of their relationship. Intimacy is cultivated through shared moments, and there are times something is lost in the sharing.

So be a wise steward of the gifts I give you regardless of the form they take. And just as you resist the urge to  squander what I’ve given, also resist the urge to hoard it. What I give you is often for appointed moments, so be willing to pour out just as I have poured in. I will direct you. So be a wise caretaker of My mysteries, so I can share even more.

Love Freely and Lavishly Bestowed {Moments with God}

{He whispers} My beloved, I delight in you. You’ve captured My gaze and hold Me enthralled.

{I hide my face} I’m unworthy. How can I be the one You choose?

{Gently He responds} Don’t hide your face from Me, beloved. This isn’t about worth or lack there of, this is the gift of My love – freely and lavishly bestowed on the one I have chosen. Simply receive. 

{Eyes filled with wonder I respond} I don’t know how. How can I receive something I feel incapable of deserving? It feels like too much. 

{With a kind smile He replies} It serves no purpose to reject it. It simply wastes the gift being given. Like a cool glass of water on a hot day, leaving it sitting in the glass to evaporate won’t quench your thirst nor will it benefit anyone else, and it wastes the effort of having retrieved it. So open your heart and let My love overflow and refresh. Let it bring healing to the dry and cracked places in your heart. I AM beholding you, and I find you beautiful. I have called you My own. You are Mine, so receive. 

{With my heart and hands open, I receive}

Psalm 45:11 (TPT) For your royal Bridegroom is ravished by your beautiful brightness. Bow in reverence before him, for he is your Lord!

Step Out of the Boat

Matthew 14:27 (TPT) Then Jesus said, “Be brave and don’t be afraid. I am here!”

Beloved, resist the urge to succumb to fear, for I AM always with you. Shore up your courage, and trust in Me. Take My hand and step out of the boat – step out of your safe and familiar circumstances, and trust that though you walk into the unknown (and sometimes even seemingly impossible), I AM strengthening you with My right hand of power. 

I have you in My grip and will never let you go. Keep your eyes on Me, and move ahead. Withstand the onslaught of fear, and refuse to cower in the face of challenges. Persevere with Holy Spirit empowered strength, and step into all I have for you. Behold I AM calling, beloved. Step out of the boat. Continue reading “Step Out of the Boat”

Enjoy the Journey

Job 40:7 (VOICE) Eternal One:  Now, prepare yourself and gather your courage like a warrior. Prepare yourself for the task at hand. I’ll be asking the questions, now— you will supply the answers.

Beloved, every task I set before you is one I’ve equipped you to achieve. Resist the urge to feel overwhelmed or incapable, and rather step forward in bold confidence in Me knowing I will not lead you astray. Trust My direction, and trust Me to lead you rightly. 

Resist the urge to focus on the destination point, and instead embrace the journey – recognize it for the character-building growth experience it is. Each moment and each step is valuable – embrace each one as the gift it is. Enjoy the journey. 

Divine Courage

1 Chronicles 28:20 (VOICE) Be strong, courageous, and effective. Do not fear or be dismayed. I know that the Eternal God, who is my God, is with you. He will not abandon you or forsake you until you have finished all the work for the temple of the Eternal.

Beloved, do you think for one moment that I would call you to something and then desert you – unequipped and without support? Never. Step in bold confidence – not in your own ability, but rather in My faithfulness. I AM with you always, so rest assured. 

Be filled with courage. A courage grounded in the One who has called and equipped you. I AM your source of strength. So what have you to fear? Nothing is too hard for Me, and I AM fully able to see that you successfully walk out all I have called you to. So yield to Me – trusting Me to lead, and be filled with divine courage.