God’s Friend

I have claimed you. My seal is upon you. Your very life belongs to me.

Will you serve me? Will you lay down your own desires for what lies in my heart? Even as Abraham lay down his own son in obedience to me; are you willing to lay down your hopes and dreams?

You live a life determined by your own decisions. But I want a life for you led by me. It requires that you pick up my cross daily. It requires that you die to your flesh daily.

My yoke is easy and my burden is light. In fact, my burden is joy. There is delight and rejoicing in picking up my cross.

Live for me. I promise a journey unlike anything you can imagine. Do not try to figure it out, but take my hand and let me lead you. I will reveal what you need as you need it; step-by-step. It is a life of faith wholly dependent on me.

Do not fret over your circumstance; over what has or hasn’t happened yet. But take joy in me.

I long to call you my friend – a friend of God. Not all desire me above all else; but I have chosen you. I have set you apart.

Come, lay all aside. Come, dwell in my presence. I will whisper in your ear. Above all, desire me. Desire wisdom and understanding. I will lead you. I will guide you.

It is in my presence where you will find all you need. I am Jehovah Jireh, your provider.

Seek and you will find. Ask and it will be given to you. In my presence are riches and treasures untold. I long to give these to you. You must abide in me.

Come. Stretch out your hand. I promise, I will never let go. The Earth may fail and the heavens may fall, but my love for you will never end.

Beloved, you are set apart. Do not compare yourself to others; what they have or how they live their lives. You are lacking nothing. You live for me and me alone.

”Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.“
John 15:4-5 NKJV

A New Dawn

Indeed, I come in glory. You are right to worship me in fear and trembling. I am your God. I am your King.

Come before me and your sin will be exposed and burned up. Nothing unclean can stand before me. I cleanse you and purify you with my own blood.

There’s nothing you can offer me that is worthy. Nothing. I desire a clean heart. I desire surrender.

Leave your intentions at the door. Come into my presence and bow down. In total surrender will you find victory and joy.

The morning has been tough. I have seen it. The day dawns and your hope withers. I know it for I hold your heart in my hands. I see your heartbeat. But let this dawn be the day you surrender completely to me.

It is a delicate walk and I tell you, you cannot do it alone. You cannot do it without me. Leave the cares of the world behind and walk with me. I will surprise you, because the way is not what you had determined in your heart. It is so much better. My way is filled with milk and honey. My way will delight you.

Let go of it. Let go of the cares of the world. Come on, let it go. It is only I. Only I can satisfy you. Only I can wipe away the tears of your very soul. Only I.

Come into my presence with reverence and I will lift you up. Have you had enough? Yes? Then surrender it. Live a life of peace and joy. Deep joy. My joy I freely give to you. Poured in and overflowing. But you must let it go.

Live in abandon. Trust me. I’ve got you. Not a tear is wasted. No ache of your heart goes unnoticed. I have seen it and I have kept record of it. Now let’s turn the page and let me fill it. Let me write on it. Oh, I will have you surrounded with blessings, singing, dancing, and feasting. Rejoice! Your king is with you. Now, and always!

”Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy. They weep as they go to plant their seed, but they sing as they return with the harvest.“
Psalms 126:5-6 NLT

Enraptured by His Aroma

I saw a red rose cupped in the middle of two hands.  The rose was in full bloom and fully opened.  The rose began to grow and grow in size and its scent filled the room.  The room looked like a room in a cabin, but as the rose grew, the room transformed into the palatial room with floor to ceiling windows and ornate gold decor on the walls and pillars.  Many came to see the rose from all four corners of the earth.  As they caught a whiff of the rose’s scent, they were enraptured.  They fell to the floor and worshiped.

You are the rose I have grown from the moment I planted my seed in your heart.  There were times when you were not beautiful nor did your scent attract.  But I have used every season of life to prune and transform you.  It had to happen.  I had to prune every bit of sadness and sorrow from your heart. I did not want you burdened and downcast.  But alive to my love-full of joy and rejoicing.  And so it is. 

Open your heart, even your very soul.  I will pour in so much joy that you cannot contain it.  The days of mourning are over.  I have wiped the slate clean.  Now your testimony will be of rejoicing and praise.  That is who you are now; a sweet smelling aroma and a beauty to behold. 

Don’t tell me I can’t do it.  If it is my will, it will be done.  And yes, it is my will. No one can stand against me, nor stop me. Nor delay me.  I have set my mind to it and so it will be done. 

Ask and watch how quickly it will be done.  For years, you have asked for little; afraid you would be denied.  Oh, little one.  Do you not know I long to make you glad? There is nothing I can’t do.  There is no length I will not go to to make you glad.  Trust in me and let peace overtake you.  Sleep well knowing I care for you. 

I am El Shaddai, the God who protects you, feeds you, and cares for you.  I am.  There is no other before me.  Live for me and me alone. 

Deposit the cares of this world at my feet and live free.  Free to love and to rejoice.  Skip and dance in childhood abandon.  Do you feel it?  The joy stirring up inside of you?  Open the lid and set it aside.  Let joy boil over and consume you.  It is my gift to you.  My sweet smelling aroma is your very essence. 

Let’s go.  Walk through the door with me.  It is open for you.  Do not be afraid and do not fear.  That is over and gone. Walk with rejoicing and praise.  Come, let us go to the house of the Lord. For nigh is the day and I have prepared a feast to nourish your soul.  Come and enjoy.

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal”.  2 Corinthians 4: 16-18

Refreshed at Dawn

You will be called blessed, my beloved. Yes, you are my beloved; the apple of my eye.

My thoughts are ever on you. You are not forgotten. No, you are not hidden. I have placed you on a hill, so I may display the work of my hands.

Each season has been a time of molding and refining, and I am well pleased with the work of my hands. I have set you aside for me; for my purposes.

Rest in the knowledge that you are in the perfect spot I have carved out for you. I carved this place for you out of gold and diamonds. I scented it with myrrh and spices to the delight the senses. Come, take joy and rest.

Do not doubt that I am at work. I never stop working on your behalf. Delight yourself in me. Fill your mouth with worship and praises. Let my love saturate you and give you confidence for tomorrow.

Walk diligently and boldly, for I have gone before you and prepared every place you will walk into. It is done, and I have ordained it in your favor.

I have defeated your foes. They open their mouth to defame you, but they have no tongues to wag. There is no sting.

Remember, I have lifted you up and set you apart. Relish in that. Relish in that you are mine and mine alone. So come, come to my presence with rejoicing. There is strength and power in surrender and praise.

Behold, I come in power and glory. You serve a God of power; majestic and glorious. Bow before me and worship.

It is only I that can prop you up and give you strength. Only in me, will you find what you need, yea, what you long for. The evening is short and at dawn you will be refreshed. Look, look out beyond the horizon.

I am coming in glory. I will say to you, “Come and rejoice in your father’s presence.”

There’s no one like me. I want to be your only. I can give you what no other can. I can provide for you and quench your thirsty soul. I will bless you beyond measure, but you keep your eyes on me.

Watch! I have opened the floodgates. It’s not a stream, but a mighty raging river. I’m in it. It is I. Open your arms and receive me. I long to embrace you and I will never let you go. You are mine and I am yours..

”Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.“
Psalm 73:23-26 ESV

Open Hands

On the wings of a dove, I bring good news.  You have slept and awoken many times in anticipation.  Wondering if today would be the day.  Today is the day.  A new day chosen by Me at the break of day.  I created this day for you. 

Yes, my promises are sure.  I am a keeper of my promises.  You do not understand my timing and at times lack patience for it.  I do all things for your good.  I am working it out. 

Rest.  Rest in Me.  There you will find the rest and peace your soul longs for.  Your soul longs for Me. 

Hunger and thirst for Me and you will find my hands open for you.  You will ask and you shall receive.  There is no limit when My hand is open toward you. 

Take My hand and I will show you wondrous things.  Take My hand and let Me lead you.  I will lead you toward a place of peace and refuge.  There you will hide in the shadow of My wings.  I will sustain you with delicacies untold.  I will protect you with My mighty right hand.  You will not lack a thing. 

Come into My presence and abide. 

The dam is weak under the pressure of my blessings.  Behold, I will demolish it and you cannot contain what I will unleash.  Be ready and abide in Me. 

There, in My presence, I will whisper instruction and understanding.  Crave for wisdom and understanding.  Ask and I will willingly give it. 

Walk hand in hand with Me.  It is a marvelous thing to walk with Me. 

I have placed the stirring in your soul-the unrest and anticipation.  It is time for a new season. 

Pack your bags and be ready.  When the door opens, walk through it.  This is what you have been asking for. Do not dismay for when the door opens, things will move quickly. 

Keep your ear to my heartbeat for I will instruct you and tell you which way you should go.  Is that what you want?  To live a life solely led by Me. 

Choose this day whom you will serve.  Me?  Or the desires of your heart?  Your heart is deceitful-full of lies and pride.  Do not be deceived. 

You must abide in Me and listen to My voice.  I am truth and above all I am love.  I have loved you from the moment I knit you in your mother’s womb.  From that instant, I chose you and set you apart for Me. 

I have led and guided you.  I have protected you even when you were unaware of my presence.  Your story has been one of Me working all things out for your good.  It has always been Me at work in all things. 

Surrender it all to Me.  I will lead you to blessings untold.  All will marvel at the work of My hands.  So lay it down and rest in Me. 

Behold, I am your God.  I am your loving Father.  There is no one before me.  None can stand against Me.  And you are mine.

“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life. Rescue me from my enemies, LORD, for I hide myself in you. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.” Psalm 143:8-10

Come Into The House of the Lord

Come into my presence, rejoicing with song and dance. Why are you downcast? You are blessed, blessed beyond measure. Dry your eyes and lift up your face. Allow my glory to shine upon your countenance.

You are mine and mine alone. I have marked you for my purposes. Get out of bed and walk with me. I have much to reveal to you, much to tell you. Oh, the wonders that I would show you if you would, but just abide in my presence; wonders both majestic and awe inspiring.

See the green pasture and the land beyond. It is yours. Claim it and walk it. Settle it. It is a land of milk and honey with pastures to graze, filled with trees for shade and rivers of water to quench your thirst. In this place, we will walk together as father and son. In this place, you will find rest.

I lure you with sweet and tender words. I lead you with kindness and tenderness. Come into the house of the Lord with thanksgiving and praise. For I am the Lord your God. I will never leave you, nor forsake you even until the end of the age.

Many will say, “look at how the Lord is good,” for I neither slumber nor sleep. I am ever vigilantly watching over you. I am the good shepherd and not one of my children are lost. Careful of the evil one, he is always out to ensnare. Be pure of speech and of heart. Carry my promises in your heart and proclaim with your mouth my goodness. Your praises will transform you.

I carry you in my heart. You are ever the focus of my thoughts. Not one hair on your head will be harmed. Walk in confidence knowing that I am with you providing and protecting you.

There is no where you can go that I am not with you. In fact, I go before you preparing the path and a place for you. Do not fear of what I’ve called you to do. I’ve already done it and now you just have to walk it. And that is the life I have for you-filled with child like faith with unadulterated trust in me, your loving Father. I am worthy of your trust. I will never let you down. Come, take my hand and let me lead you. Trust and never let go of me.

“God shall arise, his enemies shall be scattered; and those who hate him shall flee before him! As smoke is driven away, so you shall drive them away; as wax melts before fire, so the wicked shall perish before God! But the righteous shall be glad; they shall exult before God; they shall be jubilant with joy! Sing to God, sing praises to his name; lift up a song to him who rides through the deserts; his name is the Lord; exult before him!”
Psalm 68:1-4 ESV

Come, Let Us Go

There is no one but Me that can satisfy your soul.

I say move, and you must go. I say this way, and you must get up and go. Which way? To the left, to the east. I am coming in splendor and grandeur.

The things in your heart are dear and important to Me. I treasure and value the desires of your heart. I placed them there.

Do you not know that it is nothing for Me to provide for you. It gives Me great joy to care for you. You have been waiting, and I am greatly pleased at the state of your heart during the waiting. I have caused you to grow and be transformed. You have embraced Me, even when it hurt and even when you had to put down and walk away from your own will and desires.

Come, come with me to this cliff. See the bag at your feet? Those are yesterday’s fears and worries. Grab that bag and throw it off the cliff and watch the waves carry it off. Gone and never to return.

You are free. Dance, sing and rejoice before me. I have set you free. This is how I want you to live – free, exuberant, and full of life. No matter the circumstances, be free to rejoice.

I am your Savior and provider. I have led you with gentleness and kindness. Now, I will lead you with dancing and rejoicing. I have set a banqueting table before you. Come and rejoice. Take your fill. I will replenish you.

Even now the door has opened. You have asked and I have answered. Ask and it shall be given to you for I am well pleased with you. I love your humble heart.

I asked you to walk my path and it hasn’t always been difficult, but there were times you wanted to stop and deviate. Days when you felt there was no more left in you to continue. But out of sheer obedience you continued. I saw, and I rejoice. My will was more important to you than the desires of your flesh.

Come, come into my presence. Come and abide with me. My rewards are great. Blessed, blessed is what you will be called. For my favor is upon you. Yes, yes and Amen.

Come into my presence with boldness and confidence. You have my ear. Do you not know? You are the apple of my eye. I hold you close; heartbeat to heartbeat. Do not stray for I do not slumber. Do not be dismayed, for I am always at work.

I am working on your behalf. Get ready to move. Set your heart on me and do not grieve what will no longer be. But rejoice at my leading. The night has set and the new day dawns in splendor. Come, let us go.

“I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord!””
Psalm 122:1 ESV

Quenched

In my halls are tables laden with food to satisfy your soul. Do you know that you will only be satisfied in my presence? Indeed!

The world leaves you hungry and thirsty. It robs you of everything. Turn it off. Step away from the things you’ve turn to for satisfaction. They are leaving you bone dry and weary.

Now is not the time for you to be dry and empty. You must be quenched. You must be like a water soaked sponge that drips and drips. Only I can quench you that way. Stay with me. In my presence you will grow in muscle and stature.

You’ll be like a tree planted by a river that never goes dry. Can you picture it? Being constantly watered and nurtured by me. You will be a shelter for many, a refuge for the weary. Through you, I myself will provide for many. But you must stay wholly dependent on me. I, and I alone will do it.

For too long, you’ve depended on your own strength. Stop! It is not enough, no, not nearly enough. Do you want the very best? Better than you could ever imagine? Then step aside and let me do it. I will amaze you!

Only go where I tell you to go. Only do what I tell you to do. Put aside your ideas and let me inspire you. But to hear me, you must abide in my presence.

Listen, listen to my voice. I am not in the loud thunder, but in the still and gentle breeze. You must sit and be still. Slow down and be still. There’s joy in patience. There’s untold fruit and abundance in patience. Wait on me. Be still and listen. I tell you, truly, you will hear me.

“He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.”
Psalm 1:3 ESV

Be Ready to Go

A thousand sheep on a hill and every time you look, the number of sheep has been multiplied. So is My provision for you.

Do not fear, do not fear. My provision for you is sure.

Do not look to the world or others. Do not store up for yourself treasures that rot and decay. But live in freedom and confidence for I provide for you.

If I say go, do not question. I will provide all you need for the journey. Just get up and go. Live with a childlike heart that trusts in your father. For I am your father who loves you and protects you. I will never let you down or disappoint you. Take heart for I have overcome the world.

Do not look to others or what is happening in their lives. I have set you apart for My purposes. You are the apple of My eye. The way I move and do for you is unique to you. Keep your eyes on Me and your mouth full of praise. Stop yourself when you are tempted to desire what others have. Praise Me for what I have done for you.

Be ready and be alert. I have worked out the details. Like a trusting child, grab My hand and let Me lead you. Oh there is such joy in a joyful and obedient heart. Come and enjoy the journey.

This is what I have for you. Come near and take a look. In My presence, I will reveal to you awesome wonders. This season of your life is over. I have new things for you, but it will only be with your full dependence on Me. Draw near to Me and stay.

“Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice! Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!” I Chronicles 16:10-11 ESV

Hear Me

Hear me.
Things are not as they seem.
But I am roaming the earth.
My face is all around.
But many will not see me.
They are so bloodthirsty for evil.

You keep your eyes on me and your ears to the ground that you may hear me. I am speaking. Keep your ears open for my directions.

My sheep know my name. I am the good shepherd. Do not fear for I am a strong tower for the righteous and no evil will befall you. I am divinely protecting you.

In these times my favor is upon you. You will prosper even to the awe of others. Financial hardship is predicted, but my favored one will have increase over and abundant. I own the wealth of the land and it is mine to distribute at will.  

Keep your heart pure of selfish ambition. I may bless you now but be mindful to store your treasure in heaven. What I give you will not rot or burn. It is everlasting.

I love you my child and I will never leave you. Behold I am with you now and even to the end of the age.

“Behold, the Lord God comes with might, and his arm rules for him; behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him. He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.”
Isaiah 40:10-11 ESV