Look Beyond Yourself

Proverbs 6:16-19 (VOICE) Take note, there are six things the Eternal hates; no, make it seven He abhors: Eyes that look down on others…

Beloved, I have called you to walk in humility, not to be self-focused, but rather to put others first, and to be more conscious of their importance than that of your own. Raise your eyes. Refuse to be fixated on self. Look beyond yourself, not in a neglectful way or considering yourself of no value, but rather confident in the understanding that I AM infinitely mindful of you and your needs, and that I will take care of you as you look to others. Continue reading “Look Beyond Yourself”

Replace Worry with Prayer and Thanksgiving

Philippians 4:6 (NLT) Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.

Beloved, I AM in control. You don’t need to fret or worry. Release any fear and rest in your trust of Me. Allow My love to draw you back, deeper into Me, and My peace to quiet your soul, while you press in for more of Me.

Keep turning your heart and mind back to Me as the cares of the world seek to distract your gaze. Only My love satisfies. Only My peace brings true rest. So with your mouth declare My goodness, and with your words share the things on your heart, and trust Me – the lover of your soul – to see to each need and concern. Cast your cares on Me and let your heart overflow with gratitude and thanksgiving fall from your lips without end.

Joyful Expectations

Philippians 1:4 (NLT) Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy,

Beloved, be not influenced by the ebb and flow of the circumstances around you, but rather stay firmly rooted in Me and the joy found in My presence. With hope-filled persistence, bring your petitions to Me, trusting Me to hear and respond in My great wisdom (which may or may not align with your request).

I AM always good. I always hear you. Refuse to be discouraged or to allow bitterness to take root. Remain in joyful expectation, trusting fully in Me. Allow your steadfast trust to set the spiritual climate surrounding you, shifting others into that space rather than allow people or circumstances to pull you from it. Stay faithful and persistent, and wait on Me.

Constant Communion

Philippians 1:4 (VOICE) My spirit is lightened with joy whenever I pray for you and I do constantly

Beloved, keep your heart in an attitude of prayer always – in constant communion with Me. Stay tuned into My voice. Ready and awaiting My instruction. My sheep know My voice and another’s they will not follow, so trust that you will hear Me and hear Me rightly.

Freedom and refreshing are found in My presence. Be strengthened and restored with My joy. Listen intently for My still small voice directing you, “this is the way, walk ye in it.” My desire for you to know My heart exceeds your desire to hear, so trust that I will make clear My thoughts when you earnestly desire to know them.

Operate in Love and Be Unoffendable

Philippians 1:9 (TLV) Now this I pray, that your love might overflow still more and more in knowledge and depth of discernment,

Beloved, as you operate in love I will open your eyes and show you things you otherwise wouldn’t see. There are things you can only discern when you’re filtering through a loving gaze. Operate in love and be unoffendable. Extend much grace. Be rich in mercy. Stifle pride and your “right” to respond a particular way, and instead be like Me.

Refuse to be the wicked servant, holding a debt over someone’s head that you yourself have been forgiven. Be like Me. Respond like Me. Be patient and long suffering. Let your love continually increase. Let your heart grow more and more like Mine. Let My love be shed abroad in your heart and may it increase your discernment exponentially.  Continue reading “Operate in Love and Be Unoffendable”

Do What is Good 

1 Corinthians 10:23 (NIV) “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive.

Beloved, I have given you the ability to choose that you might choose well. Choose things that bring life. Choose things that build up. Choose things that foster relationship with Me. Will I force you to make certain choices? No. But don’t think for a moment that I don’t have a strong opinion on what you should pick or that I am not eagerly awaiting seeing what decisions you make.

I AM highly vested in you. In the outcome of your like and walk! I love you, a desire blessing for you. It’s why so much of My word is dedicated to instructing you in right and wrong that you might make informed decisions. Choosing that which is good, perfect, and true. Choose Me and the things of Me.

Philippians 4:8 (NIV) Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.