Love is a Powerful Weapon

Proverbs 15:1 (TPT) Respond gently when you are confronted and you’ll defuse the rage of another. Responding with sharp, cutting words will only make it worse. Don’t you know that being angry can ruin the testimony of even the wisest of men?

Beloved, love is a powerful weapon. Just as a gentle flow of steady water can change the face of stone, so love has the power to change even the hardest of hearts. So love well, and do so without reserve. 

For you have been well equipped. I pour out My love over you – demonstrating My unconditional, limitless love for you each day. As you allow yourself to be saturated in My love, you are equipping yourself to pour it back out as you love others.

Give your love as an offering to Me. Resist the urge to love to gain an earthly response, but rather do it to My glory. Because I AM love. Therefore operating in love means you are flowing in Me. So love well. Love always. Love like Me.

Leave a Legacy of Love

Proverbs 10:12 (NLT) Hatred stirs up quarrels, but love makes up for all offenses.

Beloved, choosing to love instead of taking offense is always the right decision. There will always be misunderstandings or people acting from a place of hurt, but how you respond speaks to your character. And as you choose to love, you clearly reflect Me and My heart. 

In extending the grace you yourself want to receive, you’re leading by example. And being known for being gracious and loving is a testament of one who knows Me. And beloved, know that you’re leaving a legacy of love that will reach farther and last longer than you can begin to imagine. Continue reading “Leave a Legacy of Love”

I Don’t Deal in Shame

Genesis 3:7, 10 (NLT) At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness… “…I hid. I was afraid because I was naked.”

Beloved, I don’t deal in shame. I bring godly repentance. Shame comes from the enemy of your soul and is intended to bring separation from Me. Resist the urge to succumb to the temptation to embrace it. 

Instead trust Me. Trust My loving correction. Know that when I bring things into alignment, it is for your own good. Correction is not an indication that there is something wrong with you, for I chastened all My children. 

At every point, each of you can be improving. So refuse to receive My loving exhortations as indications of your worth. Instead, embrace growth and the corrections that bring it. Stand fast in the understanding that I do not expect perfection, but rather yieldedness, and a love for Me and the things of Me. Know that you are loved.  Continue reading “I Don’t Deal in Shame”

Obedient Devotion

Proverbs 1:7 (TPT) How then does a man gain the essence of wisdom? We cross the threshold of true knowledge when we live in obedient devotion to God. Stubborn know-it-alls will never stop to do this, for they scorn true wisdom and knowledge.

Beloved, live in obedient devotion to Me. Comb through My Word, and discover what true obedience looks like, then walk in it. Resist the urge to dismiss that which you don’t understand. Instead inquire of My Holy Spirit for clarity, and truly learn of Me.

Embrace wisdom, for true wisdom comes from Me. Remember My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are My ways your ways. Expect the unexpected, and trust My ability to lead as you seek to humbly submit. That, beloved, is the essence of wisdom. Continue reading “Obedient Devotion”

Careless Words

Proverbs 12:18 (NLT) Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.

Beloved, there will always be those who don’t moderate their words, and their careless barbs may sting though they originate from thoughtlessness or ignorance. And though the words may hurt, they do not have the power to change the truth of who you are. Nor do they get to shift My perception of you, so refuse to let them change your perspective of yourself. 

You are My beloved one. If I have an area to correct you in, I will do so in love – just as a good Father always should. So stand firmly in your inherent identity, and refuse to be shaken. You are a child of the light and truth is your foundation.

Face the Storm with Boldness

Proverbs 1:27 (VOICE) When panic comes like a stormy blast, when misfortune sweeps in like a whirlwind, when sorrow and anguish weigh you down.

Beloved, listen for Me in the winds and in the rain and thunder. Though the storms may come and rock, My presence never leaves you. So face the storm with boldness and strength knowing that I AM with you. I strengthen you and lift you up, the waves will not overtake you. 

So rest, beloved, in My waiting arms and let nothing trouble you. I AM waiting here right by your side – cling to Me for I AM steadfast. So breathe, beloved, and refuse to let the darkness overshadow you, for My light’s strong rays banish the dark so let their warmth embrace you. 

Be Bold in Your Confidence in Me

Proverbs 28:1 (MSG) The wicked are edgy with guilt, ready to run off even when no one’s after them; Honest people are relaxed and confident, bold as lions.

Beloved, be of good character – solidly founded in My Word. Walk with the confidence that comes of right relationship with Me. And then stay in that place. Choose wisely, and walk in integrity. From that solid foundation, live out loud and allow your faith to shine forth. 

Let your actions speak for you, and your words – when requested, support the truths that your life already clearly portrays. Be bold – not in your personal accomplishments and beliefs, but rather be bold in your confidence in Me and who I AM, for I AM worthy.

Be Emboldened

Proverbs 28:1 (TPT) Guilty criminals experience paranoia even though no one threatens them. But the innocent lovers of God, because of righteousness, will have the boldness of a young, ferocious lion!

Beloved, walk in righteousness as a child of the day. For you have been bathed in the Son’s light and reflect Melek Kabowd – the King of Glory, YHVH Ori – the Lord your Light. You are no longer a creature of darkness, so refuse to hide and cower, but rather be emboldened by the One who has redeemed you. 

You have nothing to feel guilty or ashamed of when you walk in the light. And even if you should stumble, beloved, simply repent and realign with Me that your witness may be powerful and your light may not be dimmed. 

Boldness Empowered by Faith

Proverbs 30:30 (VOICE) The lion, which is the strongest of the animals, does not back down from any other creature;

Beloved, be bold without apology. Standing fast may not be popular, but consider whose approval you seek. I will sustain you in trials, and embolden you in times of resistance. “Be wise as serpents and gentle as doves.”

Be like a courageous lion, undaunted by opposition and fully confident. My Spirit within you will sustain you. In the same way that courage doesn’t have to come from a place of fearlessness, but rather a willingness to act regardless of fear, so godly boldness is empowered by faith, not perfection or human chutzpah.

Simply be firmly rooted in Me. Be tuned into My Holy Spirit for direction. And trust My leading enough to step out when directed. In the end, the opinions of man are meaningless, so focus yourself on the things of the Kingdom, which are everlasting. Continue reading “Boldness Empowered by Faith”

Come Play with Me

Proverbs 25:2 (AMP) It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, But the glory of kings is to search out a matter.

Beloved, come and play with Me. I have hidden things that you might enjoy the process of ferreting them out (and learning much along the way). Resist the urge to be spiritually lazy – constantly looking for someone else to feed you the fruits of their labor, and instead grow in strength and wisdom by doing so yourself. 

In the same way you can sustain life on fast food, but not one that is healthy and fulfilling; so your spiritual life can limp along on nothing but regurgitated wisdom, but nothing is a substitute for a deep personal relationship with Me – including the joys, trials, and the treasure hunts. So come play with Me, beloved, and flourish in the sustenance intimacy brings.