Tag: chastening

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Support My Plans

Philippians 2:4 (TPT) Abandon every display of selfishness. Possess a greater concern for what matters to others instead of your own interests.

Beloved, refuse to allow pride and self-interest to direct your actions. Intentionally choose to focus on others, seek to build them up and support the plans I have for them trusting that I will see to yours. Keep your eyes fixed on Me and My vision – support that in your words and actions, building up those around you in their faith even as I build your own.

I AM mindful of your every need. You are seen by Me. Nothing that concerns you is beyond My notice. So fix your attentions on where I have you now rather than where you want to be, trusting Me to lead and direct you in each step in My perfect timing.

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Always Encourage Dreaming with Me

Genesis 37:5 (VOICE) One day Joseph had a dream. When he told the dream to his brothers, they hated him even more.

Beloved, refuse to mock or belittle the dreams of others. Simply because you can catch their vision doesn’t make it ridiculous or beyond possibility. In the same way you wouldn’t want to have someone judge or crush your dreams, refuse to be the one who does that to someone else. Time will show whether it is a God-given desire or simply a soulful hope.

But regardless of which it may be, Hold the dreams with respect knowing it is a beautiful thing for someone to dream with Me for I AM a big God, the author of the impossible – a miracle-working God. You never want to find yourself in opposition to My thought and plans simply because you didn’t understand them or they offended your sensibilities. Always encourage dreaming with Me. Continue reading “Always Encourage Dreaming with Me”

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Look to My Spirit to Guide

1 Corinthians 2:16 (AMP) For who has known the mind and purposes of the Lord, so as to instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ [to be guided by His thoughts and purposes].

Beloved, My Spirit has been given to you to teach and guide you in all things. Nothing is too trivial for My notice – for if it concerns you, it concerns Me. So seek My face and ask My counsel. Be intentional about doing My will and living in a way that is pleasing to Me.

Refuse to be derailed by worldly compromises – even if others’ might see them as “not a big deal” know that anything that creates distance between us is significant and not worth partaking in. Yes, beloved, I extend grace, but resist the urge to use it lightly for it came at a high cost. Free is not without value. It is a precious, weighty gift, so walk in righteousness, and look to My Spirit to guide.

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Mighty in Me

2 Corinthians 10:4 (NKJV) For the weapons of our warfare [are] not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds,

Beloved, be not defenseless in the face of your enemy, but rather having donned your armor, cling to your shield of faith and wield your sword of truth. For I have equipped you to withstand the onslaught of the enemy of your soul.

And yet, just as one would not attempt a marathon never having trained, be mindful to exercise your faith at all times to be prepared for the times of turmoil which will surely come. I AM with you to strengthen you. Do your part, for I have not left you helpless or defenseless, but mighty in Me.

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Sacrifice Your Ego

Matthew 5:43-48 (TPT) …I say to you, love your enemy…

Beloved, choose not to respond as the world does. Resist the urge to indulge your flesh, and refuse to take offense or seek out retribution. Put others in My hands and simply operate in love. This doesn’t mean openly and continually being exposed to abuse – for that is not My heart for you – but rather, in the moments you’re faced with adversity, respond in steadfast, life-changing love.

You never know when an unexpected response of love – a kind and gentle word – will shift someone’s entire life. Be willing to pay the cost of your pride. When your identity is in Me, your fleshly ego is a price well-paid to change a heart. And though you may not see the impact your love has, I do. I see it as a most beautiful and pleasing sacrifice, most acceptable in My sight. Continue reading “Sacrifice Your Ego”

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Burn for Me

Leviticus 6:13 (AMP) The fire shall be burning continually on the altar; it shall not [be allowed to] go out.

Beloved, it is your responsibility to maintain and nurture the flame of worship in your heart. I cannot nor will not attempt to force you into a place of intimacy with Me. I simply invite you in. The onus rests on you to cultivate a heart that burns for Me.

So stir up the flames, beloved. Resist the pull towards complacency and choose instead to press in for more of Me. Refuse to settle for second best, for cheap counterfeits that will leave you unsatisfied and unfulfilled. I AM all you need. Choose to burn for Me.

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The Only One Who is Worthy

Deuteronomy 13:4 (VOICE) Remain loyal to Him! Fear Him and obey His commands. Listen to His voice. Worship Him alone. Be fervently devoted to Him.

Beloved, I AM worthy of your steadfast devotion. Resist the urge to lavish your time and attention on things that are of no consequence or value. Refuse to be lulled into a sense of complacency or become so engrossed in entertainment that you become numb to real life.

The thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy. Refuse to be taken down without resistance simply because you’ve become too lethargic to care. Ask Me to align your heart with My own, that you might know what matters and what is of no-account. Beloved, waste your life on Me – the only One who is worthy – pour yourself out like a drink offering upon My altar, wholly acceptable and highly pleasing to Me.

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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.

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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”

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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”