June 30, 2021

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” —Romans 12:2

I love you! You have heard it said, “There is nothing more powerful than a changed mind.” You are a new creation in Christ. The old has gone. Your spiritual being is new. And that’s what really matters from an eternal perspective. But until you reach heaven, you still have a life to live. And your mind is still prone to old habits. That is why you still sin even after you become My child. Your mind remains susceptible to the Enemy’s never ending temptation. This is not an excuse for you to sin. But because you are aware of it, know I am always prompting you to keep renewing your mind so you sin less. When you keep renewing your mind, I Am incrementally removing old destructive habits from your life. And you are slowly being set apart from the world. A process of becoming holy called sanctification. Often, it’s a painful process. But one that ultimately glorifies Me, with you as the main beneficiary. See, I always make the first move by prompting you to make a change. I desire you to respond by asking for My strength to keep changing. Change that is more congruent with the new creation that you already are. You will be changing until the day you pass from this earth. And right now, My child, I Am prompting you to make a change. A change that starts with your mind. I need you to start getting physically healthier. I need you eat healthier. I need you start exercising again. That body of yours is My temple. I dwell in it. You need to start taking better care of it. When you do, you’ll see other areas of your life improve. Even your trial that you’re struggling with will be more bearable. Do this, with Me, for Me—okay? I love you, My child!

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here.” —2 Corinthians 5:17

“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” —1 Corinthians 6:19-20

“…with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” —Ephesians 4:22-24

June 29, 2021

“If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” —John 15:7 (ESV)

I love you! Please hang in there, My child. You’ve had a rough few days as this trial of yours unfolds and continues to mentally attack you. I’ve noticed that at the same time you’ve gotten away from being in My Word and going for walks. You’re still praying to Me, but you’re not hearing Me as clear as you used to. When you’re not hearing Me, you start to ruminate on the worst possible outcomes of your trial. And this is causing you to be anxious beyond concern. It’s no coincidence that you’re struggling as of late. This trial isn’t done. Your faith is still being tested to persevere with Me. My child, I need you to be fully in My Presence to combat the mental toll of your trial. More than talking to Me through prayer; please listen to Me by reading My Word on a daily basis. Also, go for those daily walks—it helps you digest what you’ve read in My Word. My child, I’m not discounting your pain & hurt. It’s very real, I know. I hurt when you hurt. But you need to know that the Enemy has his sights set on you. He sees you falling into the drunkenness of your emotion from this trial. He sees you’re being distracted and looking less to Me. This is when he seeks to devour you! He can’t have your soul as you are My child; but he will always try to discourage your spirit to needless worry and anxiety. And he won’t stop. He is relentless like a lion attacking his prey. He doesn’t want you & I in communion. He hates Me and he definitely hates My children. But you don’t need to fight him. Just stay fully in My Presence in prayer and My Word, and I’ll take care of everything…I promise, okay? I love you, My child!

“because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” —James 1:3-4

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” —1 Peter 5:8

“Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.” —Proverbs 12:25 (ESV)

June 28, 2021

“Because of the LORD ’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” —Lamentations 3:22-23

I love you, My child! You woke up again. Another morning, another opportunity to look up to Me and what awaits you. But you’re still fixed on the pain of your worldly trial. You’ve lost so much. You’ve lost or are limited to things and the relationships that mattered so much to you. My heart continues to break. But also remember Who remains despite your trial—Me! You have declared time & time again that I Am first in your life. I know in your heart that I Am. But this trial of yours has left you vulnerable to the Enemy’s whispers that you lost everything. He is trying to re-prioritize that the things you lost were more important than Me. He wants you to stay fixated on what you lost. He wants to leave you feeling hopeless; that there is nothing left for you here on this earth. He is trying to steal, kill and destroy your life. In doing so, he will have kept you alone, isolated, depressed only with your wandering thoughts apart from Me. The Enemy desires for you to be away from Me, away from My Presence. Away from Who is truly first in your life! My child, despite what you have lost, because I Am first in your life you will be able to adjust to a new life—one where you will be even closer to Me! I just need you to start viewing your life more in panoramic—to widen your lens and tilt it upwards to see that despite what you appear to have lost, it’s part of My larger plan so you gain more of Me in your life. It’s hard to see right now because you’re so hyper-focused on your earthly trial. Start to look up, My child, away from the world and more to Me! Keep praying to Me for even the seemingly impossible. Stay in My Word. Keep Me first. I love you!

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” —Matthew 6:33

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” —John 10:10

“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” —Colossians 3:2

June 27, 2021

“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?” —Psalm 42:1-2

I love you! Today visiting a new church, you witnessed true desperation. People desperate for healing, provisions, relational restoration, companionship, mental sanity, a job, food, etc. You saw a lady in a wheelchair; a homeless man in the front row; a woman sitting on the stairs in despair; people sitting alone, and several more appearing to be in need. My child, I know what you were thinking at first—“I don’t belong here.” Then you realized you did. Your trial has made you as desperate as them. Whether you return to this church or not, it doesn’t matter. Today, you were right where you needed to be! These people are exactly as you are—a child of Mine and desperate! Desperate for Me to provide. And more importantly, desperate for Me! See, these children of mine that you saw have true faith in Me. They are confident in what they hope for and certain about what they do not see. Beyond their hope for earthly needs, they know for certain that I will be with them no matter what. They are confident that whatever happens is My will for them—and that’s what gives them the contentment they need to keep going. In their desperation, they are truly trusting My plan for them. They are desperate for Me…for My Presence! And if they never have any of their earthly needs satisfied, they know My will for them is to be in My Presence—not just on earth, but for all eternity. That’s the confidence of faith! And this is why they worship Me with such passion! They are desperately seeking My Presence with all their heart. And they found Me! A wheelchair, homelessness, despair, loneliness—it didn’t matter at that moment. They knew I was right there with them. My child, you are broken because of your trial. But maintain your desperation for Me. Stay hard-pressed, but know you’re not crushed. Stay perplexed, but know you’re not in despair. Stay persecuted, but know you’re not abandoned. Stay struck down, but know you’re not destroyed. Stay desperate for Me, but know I am always right next to you getting you through your trial preparing you for eternity with Me. Stay in My Presence until then. I love you, My child!

“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” —2 Corinthians 4:8-9

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” —Hebrews 11:1

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” —Jeremiah 29:13

June 26, 2021

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” —Proverbs 3:5

I love you! This trial of yours has altered how you view relationships. You’re hurt now, and My heart continues to break. And for the first time in your life, you’re beginning to trust people less. Before this trial, you were one of those who gave your trust to someone first; while some people make others earn it. Either way works for Me, as long as you whole-heartedly trust Me. See, I never said to trust anyone except Me. Instead, I have commanded you to love them after Me. Truth is, everyone on earth you forge a relationship with will inevitably let you down. It’s the fallen nature of humanity. I, on the other hand, will never let you down. I didn’t cause this trial in your life. But I allowed it so you can learn to be in My Presence even more—and trust Me even more. Trials are often relational and trust is often broken. That’s why they hurt so much. When trust is broken with others, I know My children will come running to the Trust that never breaks—Me! However, despite broken trust in others, I never said to stop loving others. My child, you’re trusting less the ones that are causing you this trial. I understand why. But please do not stop loving them less. I know you want to, to protect your heart. But that’s My job. Let Me do that. I need you to keep loving those who have hurt you; because I desire you to keep praying for them. Love does that. Broken trust is expected in all relationships with others. But broken love will only cause you more pain and to not fully love the people I will eventually put in your life—because you won’t have a sense of trust in them. In essence, you are trusting Me less, and would rather isolate to avoid getting hurt again. That’s what you’re doing now. I get it, you’re depressed and sad. But I need you to trust Me and start fellowshipping with the new people I am putting in your path. My child, this is part of My healing process for you so can continue to love others as I have commanded. It’s hard right now, I know. But I’m right here for you! I really Am. Draw off My love. I love you, My child!

“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’” —Mark 12:30-31

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another —and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” —Hebrews 10:24-25

“It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in humans” —Psalm 118:8

June 25, 2021

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” —Psalm 139:13-14

Hello, My child. I love you! You have heard this so many times, and I’ll say it again—you are special to Me. I made you for Me. You are intricately woven and designed for My glory, for My purpose! I Am good and so are My purposes. As My child, you are a primary beneficiary of My goodness. I know, your trial is still so heart-breaking. You are struggling, I see that. I too Am heart-broken and weep for you. But please stay tethered to Me and you’ll see that even this most difficult trial has a purpose in growing your character—which leads to a greater hope in My purpose for you. Just remember the magnitude of your struggle promises a greater hope in Me! And this is why I am allowing this to happen. It hurts, I know. But I know how this will all end up. And I can tell you this—your character is in a major transformation phase right now. It may be hard for you to see because you feel like you’re being encompassed in a cocoon; lonely, depressed and disconnected. Well, you are—as part of My design. Like a caterpillar transforms into a beautiful butterfly, so I Am transforming your character. Be patient in your affliction, My child, and trust Me. All things are working together for good. I have began a good work in you, and it will be completed. Know My ultimate purpose for you is just getting started. This grueling waiting period is the toughest part. But it’s also when you’re most desperate for Me. Stay close My child. I’m right here for you. I love you!

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” —Romans 8:28

“but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” —Romans 5:3-4

“he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” —Philippians 1:6

June 24, 2021

“Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually!” —1 Chronicles 16:11 (ESV)

I love you! I really do. I want you to know something—you are strong! You are strong because you are My child. My children have supernatural strength. No blood, sweat and tears are required. It just comes naturally for My children. During those times when you’re barely operating, but things are getting done, is when you know My strength is at work. You have free will to do nothing or do something. You don’t need strength to do nothing. But you need strength to do something. Right now, My child, you have things to do but you have no strength. Your trial has zapped your strength and motivation. I just need you to decide to get some things done today. In My strength will you get it done. You don’t need to get it all done—just a couple things, at your pace. Okay? I know, My child, you are struggling. This trial continues to knock the wind out of your sails. But that’s the cyclical nature of trials. They keep coming back. They will either make you stronger in Me, or keep you stranded in the water. The question is—will you ask for My help to get you going again? Because you know I will always help My children. Even when you don’t ask, I help you. But when you ask means you are participating in all this and are more aware of Me. And that’s when you’re in My Presence. That’s when we’re talking and are more in sync. That’s when your faith in Me grows. This is what I desire in you! Keep asking My child. I’m right here! I love you!

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” —James 1:2-5

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” —Isaiah 41:10

“I can do all this through him who gives me strength” —Philippians 4:13

June 23, 2021

“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord ,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” —Romans 10:9

I love you, My child. Today has been a rough day for you. Your trial continues. I know, it’s painful. Trust Me, with Me you will endure. I know you’d rather Me wave My hand and make your trials & troubles go away. The truth is, I can do that as I Am omnipotent—all powerful. And I have demonstrated My omnipotence as My Son Jesus when I performed many miracles some 2,000 years ago on earth. But remember, every time I performed a miracle, many came to Me afterwards wanting Me to perform one for them. There are times I did, and times I did not. When I didn’t, it wasn’t because I loved them any less—it was because they didn’t have any faith in Me. The purpose for My miracles is that so people believe & receive Me—not just the benefits of Me. If I performed miracles all the time, people would come to expect them and the emphasis on Me would be diminished. If that were to happen, many would never truly know Me for Who I Am—Lord & Savior! I came to save people from their sin. And that means knowing Me as Lord & Savior. Miracles are a part of My plan—so those who experience, witness or hear about it may believe & receive Me. <pause> Remember in the Fall of 1995 in the rain on your drive to college? That was Me. I saved your life. You were a recipient and you shared that story with many ever since. You eventually accepted Me as Lord & Savior, and you’ll never know how many have been impacted by your story, by your miracle. You’re here for a reason, My child. To be a witness to Me. I may or may   not perform the miracle you desire today—to take away your trial. But please keep praying to Me about it. I love hearing from you. Moreover, it means you have faith in Me, and not because of what I could do for you. And if it doesn’t happen, please remember the ultimate miracle has already been performed at the cross & tomb. In my humanity, I died. In My omnipotence, I rose! As a result, you & I have a relationship! Why? Because you are a new creation in Me! Your old is gone! You are with Me for all eternity! That is the best miracle you’ll ever receive. While this may not take away your pain right now, because you are Mine, know I’m right here, My child. I’m right here. I love you!

“By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see.” —Acts 3:16

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here” —2 Corinthians 5:17

“And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith.” —Matthew 13:58

June 22, 2021

“fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” —Hebrews 12:2

I love you, My child! Eyes on Me, please! Stay focused on Me today. Your thoughts have a tendency to wander back to your trial. I know, My child, it’s not easy. You’re still broken-hearted. This trial is taking a toll on you. Just know that your trial seems front & center in your life—well, because you are allowing it to be front & center. What you focus on the most is what will consume you the most. For some people it’s their work; for others, money, hobbies, their problems, etc. You get the point. I need you to fix your eyes on Me all day long. Let Me consume you. Everything that you think or say, think or say directly to Me. I Am right there, right next to you, right now. I really Am. Let Me speak back to you when you’re not thinking or saying anything. Sometimes you’ll hear Me say something back and sometimes I’ll be silent. But My silence is still saying something. Either way, I’m always next to you. I promise! When you read My Word, you’ll always hear from Me. It may not be exactly what you want to hear or even seem related to what you’re thinking. But know My response to you is always the right response. Even My silence is the right response. Our dialogue is what I cherish most. I am always orchestrating dialogue opportunities between us. I love hearing from you, My child, no matter the circumstance. I love when you’re in My Presence, because I’m always in yours waiting to hear from you. Keep your eyes on Me today. Keep talking to Me all day long. I promise you, I hear every word! Let Me be front & center. I love you!

“I cried out to him with my mouth; his praise was on my tongue. If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened; but God has surely listened and has heard my prayer. Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me!” —Psalm 66:17-20

“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” —Psalm 34:18

“Be still, and know that I am God” —Psalm 46:10

June 21, 2021

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is —his good, pleasing and perfect will.” —Romans 12:2

I love you! You woke up early again this morning. While you laid in bed hoping you’d fall back asleep, I love how you said a prayer that included those who are causing you your trial. I love how you prayed for them the same thing you pray for yourself—to be in My Presence. I love how you genuinely love & care about them—about their relationship with Me; about their salvation; about their own brokenness. Keep praying for them, My child. And I know you didn’t pray in judgement trying to deflect from your own flaws. You take ownership of your sins and pray to help you grow closer to Me through My forgiveness each time. However, in your fallen world your sin may not go away immediately—even after I forgive you. I get this. But each time you sin, rather than becoming jaded by it; because you are My child and I live in you, I will make you more convicted and aware of your sin. And each time I desire for you to keep believing and keep repenting. I will forgive you each time—and this is how you know you are truly Mine. In this continual act of repenting do you start to see that real change can occur because you haven’t given up. And during this trial of yours, you’ve changed! My child, look back and see. This trial, while painful, has been the catalyst for drawing you closer to Me—and in the process you’ve seen real change happen. Only I can do that. You’ve tried in your strength so many times and failed. You failed because you weren’t in My Presence—your pride got in the way. Because of this trial, your pride has been replaced with true humility. And this is where I want you to be all the time. To remain broken but not destroyed. To be desperate for Me at all times. It’s only then real change can occur. Otherwise, your change will only last as long as your own strength, which isn’t long. So keep praying for those who are causing you this trial—this is part of the change in you I was talking about. They too are like you and need real change. Real change that only I can bring about. Okay? Did you notice how you fell back asleep almost immediately after you prayed? I love you, My child!

“love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.” —Matthew 5:44-45

“For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing” —Romans 7:19

“Produce fruit in keeping with repentance” —Matthew 3:8