Tag: lead by example

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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.

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Bridle Your Tongue and Love Like Me

James 1:19 (VOICE) Listen, open your ears, harness your desire to speak, and don’t get worked up into a rage so easily, my brothers and sisters.

Beloved, be intentional to bridle your tongue. Resist the urge to vent your frustrations and instead cultivate peace so the frustration won’t come as easily. Like a muscle that can be trained and strengthened, you can increase your ability to hold onto your inner peace. Press into My Spirit. Allow Me to bring you shalom – the peace that wars against chaos – in every circumstance.  What you feed will grow. Will you feed the frustration or feed the peace?

Listen, beloved. Hear beyond people’s hurts and pride. Hear what is underneath them. Listen with My ears and hear with My heart. See the wounds and brokenness that cause the behavior. Be moved with compassion. Pray for them. Demonstrate My love instead of reacting to offense. Choose to love like Me, and walk in peace and unshakable joy. Continue reading “Bridle Your Tongue and Love Like Me”

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Be My Love with Skin On

Note: in scripture, things were often repeated for emphasis in the same way we bold or italicize things now. So when God chooses to repeat something, He’s saying, “This is important.” With that said, I smiled when He launched into a second day on this scripture. 🙂

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, it is never worth wounding someone’s heart over your schedule, your “rights”, or your pride. No matter how pressed for time you may feel, the people I place around you are there by design. They are opportunities to be My love. The frazzled checkout clerk who has been swamped all day may desperately need your smile rather than yet another frustrated customer who is short with them.

You may never know what’s going on behind the scenes. You may never know what fruit your actions bring, but I do. I see when your moment of kindness tilts the balance in that person’s life so they choose life for one more day rather than giving up. You may not know the full impact your actions have, but that doesn’t mean your actions aren’t having impact.

So choose to kill your flesh. Cultivate patience. Respond in love even when the world would say you have a “right” to be affronted. Be My love with skin on. Bear fruit and bear it abundantly.

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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”

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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.

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A Hearing Heart of Wisdom and Humility

1 Kings 3:9 (JUB) Give, therefore, thy slave a hearing heart to judge thy people that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this thy so great a people?

Beloved, like Solomon, desire wisdom. Wisdom to know Me more and to better understand My will and My ways. Wisdom to have a hearing heart – one that knows well My voice. Wisdom to see the ploys of the enemy and be able to thwart them and (when asked) counsel others on how to do the same. Beloved, wisdom is a precious jewel, more valuable than silver and gold, seek it – seek Me.

With wisdom must come humility. Remember the Source of your wisdom and it will be easier to resist the temptation to get puffed up. In humility and wisdom, walk in My ways and share My truths. Be light and salt, by your very life challenging those around you to reject compromise and seek Me with their whole hearts. So ask Me for wisdom, beloved. It will not be denied.

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Bring Hope

John 3:17 (TLB) God did not send his Son into the world to condemn it, but to save it.

Beloved, too often My children rejoice in judgment; self-congratulating as they take note the areas they have “right” and highlighting the struggles and sins of others. That does not reflect My heart. I cannot rejoice at progress made in My child’s life if it’s intentionally contrasted to the downfalls of another. I want that not one might be lost.

Find ways to rejoice in your victories without comparison, for comparison isn’t how I measure. This is a good thing for all have sinned and fallen short but One.

So be intentional to bring hope. Say “because I have done this you can too!” Offer encouragement, prayer, and gentle counsel when it is sought. Love like Me. Be known for the love you exude. Shower those around you with hope. Believe the best. See the best. Encourage. Reflect My heart.

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Love Well

Romans 12:9 (VOICE) Love others well, and don’t hide behind a mask; love authentically. Despise evil; pursue what is good as if your life depends on it.

Beloved, resist the urge to hide who you are for you have been fearfully and wonderfully made, and you are worth knowing. The real you. Be genuine. Do not fear rejection or those who may misunderstand you, they reject and misunderstand Me as well. I know you and I accept you, may that be sufficient. May My love be sufficient. And may you reflect that love – loving like you’ll never get hurt – trusting that when you do, I will heal your heart and comfort you.

Hate that which I hate. Evil. The works of the enemy. Not people, beloved, but their unrighteous actions and sin. Love the people. Reflect My heart of grace, righteousness, and mercy. Pursue that which is good and upright. Lead by example. Let your actions speak volumes, and allow your tongue to rest. Love well.

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Bring Forth Joy

Galatians 5:22 (AMP) But the fruit of the Spirit [the result of His presence within us] is…joy,

Beloved, let joy spring from deep within you, like waters bubbling up from the deep. Joy is not dependent on circumstance (“happenings” as happiness is), but rather comes from a heart rooted in Me, watered by My Spirit, one that knows the love of their Creator and the grace they’ve been extended.

Allow joy to be your perfume, exuding from you as people bask in your presence. May it reflect the difference in you, and cause others to see Me in you – to recognize Me in your countenance. Rest in that joy, and hold to it in all circumstances remembering the joy that comes from Me brings strength. So be strengthened and strengthen others by carrying My joy because it is contagious. Let joy arise!

Nehemiah 8:10 (ESV) …the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

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Be Naked and Unashamed 

James 5:16a (AMP) Therefore, confess your sins to one another [your false steps, your offenses], and pray for one another, that you may be healed and restored.

Beloved, do not let pride or shame or fear of judgement keep you from confessing your sins. The enemy desires to keep you in bondage to them, wrapping you tightly in feelings of guilt and shame because he knows your confession will usher in freedom for you and he wants to keep you from it. Don’t let him.

Be naked and unashamed, willing to be transparent and vulnerable with your siblings in Christ. Trust that I will protect your heart, and trust that I will move in theirs as they respond to you and pray for you. Allow the fullness of your healing to come. Be restored and fully transformed. Be free.