Shaped and Purified

Colossians 1:11 (VOICE) Strengthen them with Your infinite power, according to Your glorious might, so that they will have everything they need to hold on and endure hardship patiently and joyfully.

Beloved, be patient and strong. Press into the joy and peace I’ve placed within you. I will never allow you to walk into trials you are unequipped for and I AM always with you to guide you and give you wisdom when you will but ask.

Rejoice in trials knowing they are the fire by which you are shaped and purified – your character coming forth in beautiful array when you’ve yielded to My refining. Beloved, cling to the knowledge that though sorrow may last for the night, joy comes in the morning.

Be a Living, Breathing Testimony

Colossians 1:10 (VOICE) May their lives be a credit to You, Lord; and what’s more, may they continue to delight You by doing every good work and growing in the true knowledge that comes from being close to You.

Beloved, draw near. Come close and abide. Fix your heart on Me and hold Me close, meditate on My word – delight in Me. Make Me your filter, see everything through Me and My heart. Refuse to experience the world simply through the reactions of your flesh or be slave to your fickle emotions, but rather be firmly rooted in Me.

May your life be a testament to Me. You are a child of the day. Shine, beloved, reflect the Son. May the peace in your heart be the evidence of your time dwelling in My presence. Let My joy pour forth and infiltrate everything you do. Bear fruit. Give evidence of your relationship with Me. Be a living, breathing testimony.

Lift Your Voice in Song

Colossians 3:16 (VOICE) Let the word of the Anointed One richly inhabit your lives. With all wisdom teach, counsel, and instruct one another. Sing the psalms, compose hymns and songs inspired by the Spirit, and keep on singing—sing to God from hearts full and spilling over with thankfulness.

Beloved, lift your voice in song. I AM worthy of your praise, worthy of your affection. Release a sound. Give voice to the overflow of your heart. Let My word pour forth from your lips. Make My heart known. Release it into the atmosphere on the wings of joy. Breath life. Prophesy.

You are created in My image and I AM the Creator, I spoke life into existence – the sound of My voice reverberating through heaven and earth. Do likewise. Lift your voice. Don’t hesitate. Refuse to allow timidity, lack of perfection, or performance anxiety to hinder you from breaking forth. I have put song in your heart, release it, beloved.

Love Extravagantly

Colossians 3:14 (GW) Above all, be loving. This ties everything together perfectly.

Beloved, love extravagantly. Love without reserve. Love like you’ll never get hurt. Love sees with My eyes. Love expects the best and forgives when someone falls short. Love is long-suffering, staying true beyond what logic dictates and through the ridicule and persecution of others. And love forgives those others their self-righteous judgment, choosing not to take offense and simply continuing to strive to be like Me.

Love without concern for your own heart, trusting I will heal it when it’s wounded and that the moments of deep pain simply allow you an opportunity to know My heart better. True love is sacrificial, not selfish. Beloved, be known by your love. Love and love well.

Love, Patience, and Grace

Colossians 3:13 (TLB) Be gentle and ready to forgive; never hold grudges. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.

Beloved, refuse to allow your frustrations to dictate your responses. Deny the fleshly indulgence of venting, and rather choose to respond in love, patience, and grace. Quietly extend forgiveness in moments where no offense was intended and truly release any feelings of annoyance leaving no room for bitterness, hurt, or anger to take root.

Refuse to harbor ill will. Operate from a place of love and peace with an expectation of good and a heavy measure of kindness and forbearance. Choose to be like Me. You are My child, made in My image – reflect My character that others may know Me by knowing you. Let your walk be your testimony as you walk in grace, patience, and love. Continue reading “Love, Patience, and Grace”