Boldly Evident 

Ephesians 6:13, 17 (AMP) Therefore, put on the complete armor of God, so that you will be able to [successfully] resist and stand your ground in the evil day [of danger]…And take the helmet of salvation…

Beloved, you have the mind of Christ. Refuse to allow the enemy to set up camp in your thought life. He may pester and poke, but only you can grant him access. So send him packing. Take the thought bombs he lobs at you captive. Refuse to take the bait.

Worry is not from Me. Fear is not from Me. Lust is not from Me. Greed is not from Me. Beloved, you know Me. Filter your thoughts through My word and My heart and you will clearly know which ideas originate from above and which come from below. Think on that which is good and perfect and true, assume positive intent, and walk in integrity of character that the joy of your salvation might be boldly evident for all to see.

Love Well

Ephesians 4:2 (TLB) Be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.

Beloved, I AM glorified as you accurately reflect My character and nature – you who were created in My image. As you walk in grace, loving one another well – being patient and kind; never jealous or proud, haughty or unkind, selfish or rude; being mindful to seek other’s wellbeing and promotion above your own; rejoicing in each other’s victories and comforting in losses; and ever being loyal and steadfast – beloved, that kind of love honors Me. It demonstrates My character without a word. Those actions testify to My goodness simply by moving in the hearts of those it touches.

Actions like that bring Me glory, a glory that radiates in the spiritual realm like fireworks would in the natural. And even those who may not “see” it in the spirit can feel and respond to it – often without even realizing what they are responding to. So continue to love well, beloved, and bring Me glory. Continue reading “Love Well”

Refuse to Be Dimmed

Ephesians 5:4 (GW) It’s not right that dirty stories, foolish talk, or obscene jokes should be mentioned among you either. Instead, give thanks to God.

Beloved, you are in the world, but not of it. Let your words and actions demonstrate the difference of what one filled with Me looks like. Stay mindful of what is pleasing and honoring to Me – as well as what isn’t – and choose wisely. Resist the temptation to feel pressured into compromise simply because of who else does (and how many).

You are light. Refuse to allow that light to be tainted or dimmed, but rather shine brightly forcing the darkness to scurry away. And by darkness beloved I do not mean the people, but rather the spirits in operation behind the people’s words and actions. Never forget there is a difference. And we love the people, even (and especially) when we can clearly see the enemy’s hand at play. Often they need it most.

Put Your Confidence in Me 

Ephesians 6:16 (AMP) Above all, lift up the [protective] shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

Beloved, faith is complete confidence in Me. Confidence that I AM who I say I AM. Confidence I’ll do what I’ve said I’ll do. Confidence that I AM. Put your trust in Me for I AM faithful. I AM reliable. I AM trustworthy. I will not let you down. Rest in Me.

Let your faith be unshakable. Let no circumstance or situation give you pause to wonder about Me. I AM always at work and always working on for the good. Let your faith in Me be unshakable. Just as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego said to Nebuchadnezzar, “our God is able to rescue us…but even if He doesn’t we will serve no other.” Their faith in Me and My plans was steadfast. In the same way beloved, let your faith surpass your ability to understand what I am doing and simply trust. I AM worthy of your faith for I AM El Aman, the Faithful God.  Continue reading “Put Your Confidence in Me “

Godly Patience, a Tangible Love

Galatians 5:22 (AMP) But the fruit of the Spirit [the result of His presence within us] is…patience [not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting]…

Beloved, remember that your actions reflect on Me. Whether you are aware or not, people watch to see how you react and respond to people and situations. They want to know if relationship with Me and My presence in a person really make a difference. Pause and ponder what messages you send about Me and if they’re the ones you want and intend to send.

I’ve instructed you to bear with one another in love. Just as I AM patient and long-suffering with you, I have asked you to do likewise with those around you. Reflect Me. Reflect My heart. Show that the fruit of My Spirit in you is a godly patience that operates in true, tangible love. Let that fruit be manifest for all to see for it is good.  Continue reading “Godly Patience, a Tangible Love”

Win Them Without a Word

Ephesians 6:13a, 15 (AMP) Therefore, put on the complete armor of God…  and having strapped on your feet the gospel of peace in preparation [to face the enemy with firm-footed stability and the readiness produced by the good news].

Beloved, share My word. Speak My truth. Speak it in actions birthed from obedience and love. More are watching you than you realize, so never forget Who you host and let the light, joy, peace, and love of My Spirit pour out from within you. Snatch others from the grip of the enemy with My strong love.

For it is a gospel of peace; that peace that surpasses all understanding that is your inheritance. Cultivate it. Cherish it. Refuse to allow the enemy to steal it. Let it surround you so as you step close to others, they feel it and want it for themselves. You will win them without a word, beloved, simply through the peace and love in your presence that come from Me.

I AM the Way Maker

Ephesians 6:13 (AMP) …and having done everything [that the crisis demands], to stand firm [in your place, fully prepared, immovable, victorious].

Beloved, there are moments to fight, but there are moments where all that is left to do is stand fast. You’ve prepared, you’re equipped, you’re positioned – it’s time to simply be immovable and leave the rest to Me. Knowing you have all of heaven behind you – the hosts ready and willing to fight on your behalf – be steadfast.

This is the test of faith. To stand at the Red Sea with an enemy bearing down on you, and to trust the One who is trustworthy to make a way where there seems to be no way. I AM the way maker. I part the seas. Stand in faith allowing your stance to declare your confidence in your God – in Me. I will not let you down. I will meet you in that place for I AM faithful and I bring victory in My mighty hand.

Equip Yourself 

Ephesians 6:13 (AMP) Therefore, put on the complete armor of God, so that you will be able to [successfully] resist and stand your ground in the evil day [of danger]…

Beloved, being dressed for battle does not ensure it will come, it simply ensures you’re ready and equipped if (and when) it does. Yes, I protect you, cover you, and fight for you, but you must also be prepared to fight for yourself. Beloved, you still choose what thoughts you entertain and what things you welcome into your space, so you must choose wisely. And when the enemy comes, stand and resist. Then we can stand together – united – working toward a common cause.

When the enemy lies, recognize it for what it is and reject that lie. When he tempts you to compromise, see the slippery slope for what it is and stand fast. Be alert for his ploys and thwart them at every turn. The more you know the truth – My word – the easier it is to see his evil manipulations. Equip yourself, beloved, and be prepared, but know I AM with you always.

Shift Your Understanding of Who You Are

Ephesians 1:6 (KJV) To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

Beloved, you are no longer alone. You are grafted in, a part of My family – a part of Me. Adopted. Accepted. Beloved. Your DNA has changed – your fundamental makeup. See what I see. See rightly. Align your sense of self with how I see you. My Spirit dwells in you, and as you abide in My presence My glory reflects in your countenance.

Do not grow weary of My presence or allow it to become commonplace or valueless. My presence is a gift, a blessing, a resting place for your heart. In My presence you are healed, refreshed, restored, made whole. As you dwell with Me a deep sense of belonging takes root in your heart as My thoughts and actions  repeatedly demonstrate who you are – that you are precious and prized. Allow My heart towards you to shift your own understanding of who you are. Align your view with Mine. You are safe with Me.

Do Not Hesitate

Ephesians 3:12 (AMPC) In Whom, because of our faith in Him, we dare to have the boldness (courage and confidence) of free access (an unreserved approach to God with freedom and without fear).

Beloved, do not hesitate. Approach Me with confidence knowing My desire is for you and My heart longs to know your heart more. Share your secrets with Me and your hopes and dreams – they are safe here, YOU are safe here. Loved unconditionally. What matters to you matter to Me.

So bring your requests and supplications. I will hear and respond. Trust Me to know what is best to do, but trust Me with your desires regardless of whether you think I’ll fulfill it or not. I cherish your thoughts, your burdens weigh on Me (cast all your cares on Me!) – I AM with you, beside you, always. Continue reading “Do Not Hesitate”