Submit to Authority for My Sake

Romans 13:1 (VOICE) It is important that all of us submit to the authorities who have charge over us because God establishes all authority in heaven and on the earth.

Beloved, I AM the one who lift men up and make them great. Position and honor come from Me, so give honor and respect to all positions of authority for My sake. Pray and ask Me to give them wisdom and help them to choose justice and mercy, but be intentional to submit in reverence to Me.

Remember you cannot see the full picture. Not understanding why someone has been given power does not give you license to thrash against it. Trust Me, honor Me, and allow My good purpose to come forth.

Let Righteousness Be Your Reward

Luke 18:9 (VOICE) He told another parable—this one addressed to people who were confident in their self-righteousness and looked down on other people with disgust.

Beloved, your identity is firmly rooted in Me. You have no need of posturing and in fact I will bring the effects of any such attempts to naught. I AM the one who gives honor, do not try to grab it for yourself – especially at the expense of others – rather trust Me to protect your good name.

Walk in humility. Refuse to be baited into fruitless bickering, but instead shift the atmosphere by responding in love and grace. Allow the fruit of the Spirit to pour from your life. Turn the other cheek. Remember each time you sacrifice the desires of your flesh it is an offering before My throne and its fragrance is exceedingly sweet to Me. Let righteousness be your reward.

Obedience Born of Love

Matthew 5:48 (VOICE) But you are called to something higher: “Be perfect, as your Father in heaven is perfect.”

Beloved, I AM righteous just as you are you are called to righteousness. Being given the gift of grace in no way absolves you from the responsibility to walk in obedience. If salvation is your only motivation for obedience, then your heart is amiss.

Choose obedience out of your love for Me and out of a desire to please Me. I am well aware you will fall short, but your desire and efforts bless My heart and set you apart from the world. Continuing to try after you’ve failed demonstrates a keen perseverance and sends a message to those around you that I AM worth the effort. So be a person of integrity and holiness. Be like Me.

Who I Give Honor to is Honored

Proverbs 16:31 (GW) Silver hair is a beautiful crown found in a righteous life.

Beloved, embrace the sign of wisdom and experience. It is a crown of honor. Even in moments when others refuse to give honor or bring dishonor (either in ignorance or intentionally), it does not change the fact that I honor the wisdom that comes through years spent with Me. If others choose not to align, that is an indicator of their own state, not yours. For who I give honor to is honored.

{praying} Sensing a prayer over the elders that they would have grace and patience with the younger generation – as they rush about often barely pausing to breathe and who too often in arrogance refuse wise counsel – continue to gently persist in giving it, speaking words of truth and life. As you echo the Voice of heaven and His heart, your words and actions have impact whether you get to see that impact or not. Trust it is there, and continue in obedience reflecting His heart. For it is vital to the body of Christ. Your role is vital. You are a blessing. Thank you.

Giving and Receiving Honor

1 Samuel 2:30 (AMP) …But now the Lord declares, ‘Far be it from Me—for those who honor Me I will honor, and those who despise Me will be insignificant and contemptible.

Beloved, when you give honor where honor is due you are also honoring Me. It is a sign you recognize those I have raised up and are coming into agreement with Me. It is more powerful than you know and requires humility to walk out.

And beloved, when you are the one rightly receiving honor, remember then too you honor Me to receive it. You are coming into agreement with what (and who) I have deemed worthy of exalting. Do so with humility, but receive the honor given knowing it not only blesses Me to see you honored and acknowledged, but it also gives Me glory.