Roadblocks and Inconveniences

Hosea 2:6 (CSB) Therefore, this is what I will do: I will block her way with thorns; I will enclose her with a wall, so that she cannot find her paths.

Beloved, I will not make it easy for you to walk away from Me, nor will I make the road to sin smooth. Like a good father putting up child gates and closing doors, I will block the way that takes you from My will. I will add roadblocks and inconveniences to block your way in an effort to make you pause and see what you’re doing.

Yes, you have free will, and I would never take that from you, but I love you too much to make the path to things that hurt you an easy one to choose. I will do all I can to encourage you to change your mind and choose wisely.

So if you find yourself hindered in every direction, beloved, give pause and look to Me. Don’t assume the enemy is blocking your path because sometimes it is Me. Continue reading “Roadblocks and Inconveniences”

I Lead You Rightly

Jeremiah 32:19 (VOICE) Your instructions are great, and Your actions are too wondrous for words. You see all that happens on this earth; You know what everyone does, and You deal with each fairly.

Beloved, I AM righteous and I AM fair. I AM trustworthy, and I know and see all. Resist the urge to try to take control, and instead trust My capable hands and My wise heart. I AM not biased, and I judge based on truth.

My perspective is broad, deep, and detailed. I know and understand all the hearts, motivations, and circumstances involved in every situation. You cannot say the same. Only I AM God.

The only way for you to respond fairly in any situation is to trust Me to lead. I see what you do not, but if you allow My Spirit to guide you, you can navigate with My perspective. But to do so, you must yield to Me.

Trust Me when I challenge you not to react. Responding in haste without My perspective will often lead to unnecessary hurt and confusion. When I encourage temperance it isn’t because I don’t care about your feelings or because I want to give someone a pass on their poor behavior, but rather I’m seeing things you do not. Trust Me, beloved. I lead you rightly.

My Eternal Word

Isaiah 40:8 (NLT) The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever.

Beloved, before the foundations of the earth, My Word existed – carried on My breath, made manifest in My creation; My Word apparent for all to see. For those who have an ear to hear and those who have an eye to see, My Word is vibrant and alive, mighty and powerful, comforting and steadfast.

I remain the same. I AM steadfast and true, faithful to My Word, and holy and righteous. My Word was made flesh – the bread of life. My Word is sustenance to strengthen and build you up. Allow Me to be your firm foundation. Rest in Me. Rely on Me. I AM life, and I AM eternal.

Shema (Hear and Obey)

Psalm 29:4 (NLT) The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is majestic.

Beloved, I spoke and the world you know was created. At My word the earth was formed, and by My breath life was given. Nothing can resist the power of My Word. What I say is as good as done. So grab hold of truth – grab hold of My Word, and believe.

My sheep know My voice, so whether it comes as a gentle whisper or as roaring thunder, My children know My voice and they will respond. Those that love Me, obey Me. So respond to My voice, beloved. Shema, hear and obey.

Lovingly Pruned

John 15:2 (VOICE) My Father examines every branch in Me and cuts away those who do not bear fruit. He leaves those bearing fruit and carefully prunes them so that they will bear more fruit;

Beloved, yield to My loving pruning. I see the areas in your life that are bearing fruit and wish to strengthen those by eliminating the ones that aren’t bearing fruit (or are bearing wrong fruit). Trust Me to know the difference.

I’m not removing areas because I’m mad at you or trying to punish you, so resist the urge to cower or try to cling to that which I’d remove. This isn’t a punishment, it’s a part of healthy growing. So yield, allowing Me to lovingly prune away that which hinders or is unneeded. Trust Me have the wisdom to do so, and to do it gently and in love.

Faithful to the End

Psalm 30:11 (VOICE) You did it: You turned my deepest pains into joyful dancing; You stripped off my dark clothing and covered me with joyful light.

Beloved, I AM faithful to the end. I always see you, for I AM El Roi, the God who sees. I AM equipped and fully able. I fiercely love My children. I AM devoted, and I move on your behalf. Rejoice in that victory. Give praise and honor to My name. Let the earth be filled with the sound of your joy, and may your life testify to the goodness of who I AM.

When the daylight comes and the night has passed, do not withhold your praise – not from a place of obligation, but from an overflow of love and joy. May your heart burst forth in zealous declaration that the God you serve – the only true God – is good and worthy of all praise.

Love Without Reserve and Love Well

Matthew 5:43-48 (TPT) …How are you any different from others if you limit your kindness only to your friends? Don’t even the ungodly do that?…

Beloved, there would be no need for Me to encourage you to love someone if they were someone you found easy to love. You would do it instinctively. So be mindful not to dismiss My instruction simply because it is difficult, challenges you, or makes no sense to your natural mind.

You do not see the hearts of men as I do, but if you trust My leading, you can navigate the murky waters of their inner workings with ease as you yield to My direction. I will not steer you wrongly.

Remember that simply because things look messy does not mean they aren’t exactly as they should be. When a cook is working on an elaborate meal, it is not unusual for things to look chaotic while the creation is underway, but a masterpiece still comes forth.

Refuse to be discouraged by the work in progress and simply trust My Spirit to lead you rightly. Love without reserve and love well. Continue reading “Love Without Reserve and Love Well”

Morning Dance

Psalm 126:5 (TLB) Those who sow tears shall reap joy.

Beloved, I have promised and I will deliver. I AM good to My word. Rest in a place of joyful expectation, even when the night is long and the sky looks dark, know that I AM with you, My angels surround you, and I AM faithful. I watch over My word to perform it. Stand fast and believe. Let joyful expectation be your mien.

Dance, beloved – as in your mourning you expect your morning, dance, for the dawn is coming. Worship as you wait, knowing I AM faithful. Knowing I AM good. Knowing I AM with you. And knowing I AM worthy. Give praise, and give it freely and without reserve. Bring forth your mourning dance that it might become your morning dance. Continue reading “Morning Dance”

Hold Fast to Hope and Believe

Genesis 40:14 (VOICE) But I ask one thing. Remember me when things are going well for you. If you have the opportunity, do me a favor and mention me to Pharaoh. Perhaps he will get me out of this place.

Beloved, you need not curry the favor of man, nor look to them in your time of need. I AM the great I AM, and I AM the One to look to. I AM the One who knows each plan for you and the perfect execution of each.

Look to Me, the Author and Finisher of your faith – the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. I AM God. There is no one higher than Me. Refuse to create an idol by looking to man to “help” when you believe Me slow to answer. Though I may seem to tarry, I tarry not.

Beloved, I know the hour and the moment of your deliverance. Look to Me and trust Me to move at exactly the right time. Embrace each moment, allowing the trials to increase your strength and your faith. Hold fast to hope and believe.

I Will Respond

Psalm 107:28-29 (TPT) Then we cried out, “Lord, help us! Rescue us!” And he did! God stilled the storm, calmed the waves, and he hushed the hurricane winds to only a whisper.

Beloved, I do not turn a blind eye nor are My ears closed to your cries. I AM ever aware of your needs – mindful of each and every one. Like a father standing beside a tearful child, ready and waiting to pull them into his arms the moment the child reaches his way, so I AM with you, ready and waiting.

Call to Me and I will answer. Raise your voice in faith, trusting that I will respond. I AM a good Father. And I AM God Most Able and God Most High. Nothing is too hard for Me.