Confident Authority and Uprightness

Psalm 84:11 (VOICE) For the Eternal God is a sun and a shield. The Eternal grants favor and glory; He doesn’t deny any good thing to those who live with integrity.

Beloved, stand fast in My truth – armed and ready to withstand and not be shaken in the face of the evil one. I stand with you and enforce your victory. No weapon formed against you will prosper for you are Mine beloved and My covering rests upon you.

So walk in confident authority and uprightness; reflecting My character and nature that I might be made known. Extend grace even as you stand firm with your sword of truth and shield of faith to hand. Victory is Mine and it is assured.

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.

Walk in Purity of Heart, Mind, and Spirit

1 Peter 1:15 (VOICE) Since the One who called you is holy, be holy in all you do.

Beloved, it’s time to step up to a new level. Things that were permissible in the old season must be released for you to move forward into all I’ve called you to. It’s time to let go or be dragged behind and miss My perfect will. Be holy, beloved, for I AM holy. Check your heart, your mind, and your deeds to make certain they are rightly aligned with Me. You know My voice.

Choose that which is best, not that which is acceptable. My love for you is unconditional, but the fulfillment you will experience from walking in the calling I have for you far surpasses the temporary “pleasures” of that which seeks to waylay you. Be holy, beloved. Allow the refining of My Spirit to do its work. Walk in purity of heart, mind, and spirit.

Cultivate a Place for Me to Dwell

Exodus 20:20 (VOICE) Moses: Don’t be afraid. These powerful manifestations are God’s way of instilling awe and fear in you so that you will not sin; He is testing you for your own good.

Beloved, be mindful not to allow familiarity to breed contempt. I AM still God. I love you and cherish intimacy with you, I’ve provided grace for you and granted you forgiveness, but at no point have I relaxed My standards on what is good and what is evil.

The enemy will tempt you to flirt with the line between sin and what is permissible, but if your heart truly knows who I AM and you love Me, you will not want to grieve Me by following the letter of the law rather than the spirit. Know My heart and strive to be like Me. Cultivate a place for Me to dwell within you.

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.

Essential Faithfulness and Truth

Psalm 89:8 (AMPC) O Lord God of hosts, who is a mighty one like unto You, O Lord? And Your faithfulness is round about You [an essential part of You at all times].

Beloved, My faithfulness surrounds Me. It is evident in everything I do and everything I AM. Those who know Me (truly know Me), know I AM faithful, always mindful of My word – watching over it to be certain it comes to pass. I speak only truth for I AM truth. My promises are affirmed – a certainty – bringing forth a resounding “Amen” (So be it)! Thus My character is unimpeachable, sterling, true.

So let your yes be yes and your no be no. Reflect My character, walking in your own faith and faithfulness. May your mouth speak only truth, and may your heart reflect on that which is good and faithful. Be like Me, for you are made in My image. May your integrity be an essential part of who you are and how you are known, that you may be more like Me thus bringing Me glory. Continue reading “Essential Faithfulness and Truth”

I Surround You With My Favor 

Psalm 5:12 (AMP) For You, O Lord, bless the righteous man [the one who is in right standing with You]; You surround him with favor as with a shield.

Beloved, you never need to work to earn My favor – you already have it, you are clothed in it. You can focus on walking uprightly and cultivating relationship with Me because My favor isn’t anything you need to work for, it is given freely and surrounds you like a shield. I insulate and protect you because you are My beloved one in whom I AM well pleased.

Rest in that favor, knowing it is there for you – covering you – simply because you are Mine. Walk in the confidence that comes from knowing you are loved, cherished, and appreciated – for you are! I delight in you. You are the apple of My eye, My heart’s desire – the center of My world. Hear the love songs I sing over you and the sweet words of life and affection that I whisper in your ear. I AM with you always. I will never leave your side. You are priceless to Me. Rest in the safety of that understanding.

I AM Trustworthy 

Psalm 100:5 (TPT) For the Lord is always good And ready to receive you. He’s so loving that it will amaze you, So kind that it will astound you! And He is so famous for His faithfulness toward all. Everyone knows our God can be trusted, For He keeps His promises to every generation!

Beloved, I AM faithful. From generation to generation I AM the same – steadfast and trustworthy. I keep My promises. My word does not return void. It accomplishes its purpose. For I watch over it to make certain it does, so important is My integrity to Me. I can be trusted. I AM trustworthy. I AM worthy of your confidence. I AM safe. I will always receive you. I will not turn My face from you. Take My hand and rest in My word and the truth of it.

Be like Me. Let your word be your bond. Do not give it lightly, and honor that you’ve said. Reflect Me. Reflect My character. Help the world know Me by seeing you. You are made in My image and likeness, and My Spirit resides within you – this is not too hard for you. Even the little things matter. Your integrity is exemplified by choices made when no one is looking. Walk in righteousness, beloved. Let your actions glorify Me.

Worth the Price 

1 Peter 1:18-19 (VOICE) You know that a price was paid to redeem you from following the empty ways handed on to you by your ancestors; it was not paid with things that perish (like silver and gold), but with the precious blood of the Anointed, who was like a perfect and unblemished sacrificial lamb.

Beloved, you were worth the price – though it was steep – you are that precious to Me. I want you to understand the depths of My love for you. I want you to understand your value. At the same time, I want you to understand what your sin cost because I want to see you choose wisely going forward. Though My grace is freely given, it isn’t free. It has a cost, a great one, you are simply worth it.

But do not fall prey to the enemy’s lies that a “small sin” here or a “little lie” there makes no difference. Beloved, you have been washed clean – don’t be coerced back into the muck and the mire – walk in integrity and righteousness. Choose wisely and exercise discernment. Do not trample the gift you’ve been given by treating it as though it has no value. Walk rightly and let your walk challenge others to do the same. Encourage one another in uprightness and love. Boldly be different from the world and do so unapologetically for this is not your home, don’t try to fit in. You belong with Me and you are Mine.  Continue reading “Worth the Price “

Walk Uprightly

Ephesians 6:14 (AMP) So stand firm and hold your ground…having put on the breastplate of righteousness (an upright heart),

Beloved, it matters not if everyone around you compromises their integrity, you know the level to which you are called. Walk in it. Without apology or hesitation. Not because you know I AM with you and see your actions, but because you refuse to lower yourself or compromise your integrity.

Walk in uprightness. Setting the example for those around you. You won’t need to say a word, rather lead by example. Show them that walking with Me makes you different, not in a self-righteous way, but rather one of quiet humility, compassion, and righteousness.

For I AM strengthening you. What you’re called to is not impossible. And in the moments it is difficult, know that it is growing the fruit of the Spirit within you. You can do it. I AM with you and I strengthen you. Do not give the enemy a toehold. But in the moments you fall short, quickly repent and right yourself. Uprightness protects your heart, beloved, and your heart is most precious to Me. Guard it well.