July 27, 2021

“We love because he first loved us.” —1 John 4:19

I love you! As one trial has consumed your mind for a while, another one is born involving the same people. While the original trial seems to have taken a turn for the better, the new trial declines south into uncharted territory—the health of a loved one. Your heart breaks as this new trial has bred a new set of concerns and worries. Know My heart breaks alongside of yours. But just as you have endured your original trial, I need you to do the same and continue to be in My Presence—desperately praying on your knees, reading My Word—drawing close to Me like never before all over again. My child, My heart breaks that yours is breaking again for a different reason. But it’s also full of joy that you genuinely love & care the way you do—despite the past several months of pain. And you’re only able to love this way because you know I love you, despite your sinful nature. You love, because you know you are loved first by Me! Your heart breaks for what breaks mine. And right now, My heart breaks for the health of your loved one—hence, your heart breaks. Don’t look now, My child. But we’re in sync. It’s been a while. Stay close to Me as this new trial unfolds. Like the original trial, your faith is being tested again. To keep strengthening it so as to be complete and lacking nothing. I love you, My child!

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, a 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.” —James 1:2-4

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” —Hebrews 11:6

July 26, 2021

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” —Romans 12:12

I love you, My child! How things have suddenly changed. Your trial continues, but hope has finally & realistically entered the picture. Hope that was once seemed impossible just a few weeks ago, now seems possible—only because of Me. Not as a reward, but as a benefit of you being in My Presence. My child, I know what you faithfully pray for everyday. And now, it all seems possible. Why? Because you are doing exactly what I told you to do—respond in grace & love, relying solely on My strength to do so. Not that this guarantees you’ll get what you want; but it brings Me joy either way! My child, you have certainly contributed to your trial; and you felt you were equally mistreated. Anyone can understand why you wouldn’t respond with grace & love. Anyone except Me. You are My child, and a growing characteristic of My children is that they learn to humbly turn the other cheek and respond with grace because of love, as sourced from My love. True love doesn’t get offended when mistreated. That’s because those who love Me know that vengeance is Mine. And My vengeance is full of justice because I love the offender; but it’s also just as full of grace for the same reason. So your only response to those who offend you is grace & love—but you can’t do it alone. Literally, you can’t. Continue to stay in My Presence, My child, and you’ll see we can. And no matter what happens in your trial, hope will still prevail! I love you!

“But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.” —Matthew 5:39

“You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” —2 Timothy 2:1

“It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” —Romans 12:19

July 25, 2021

“in the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time” —Titus 1:2

I love you! In the midst of your trial, I often hear you cry out to Me on your knees, “I’ll do anything.” I heard you loud and & clear, My child. But I don’t see trials unfold as you do. I see them in its entirety. You see things in segments of time. That’s all you can handle. That’s all I’ve designed you to handle. You see, I Am timeless. And in My love & compassion, I’ve given you the gift of time to accept and get to know Me as your Lord & Savior—so when your time on earth expires, it’s My hope that all will spend eternity with Me. I know you will, My child. And I Am allowing more time before you meet Me in heaven. Why? So you grow in sanctification, which means growing in holiness apart from the world and closer to Me. A common thread of sanctification is trial. My child, know that’s what is exactly happening to you right now. Your trial, as painful as it is, is part of your sanctification process—to grow closer to Me so as to witness to others about Me, and how I helped you through your trial. My Word is filled with this narrative. So, let your trial unfold. But stay close to Me as some events will be unpleasant. But it’s those times that you will have seen Me more clearly when your trial is over. It’s those times you will talk about the most when sharing Who I Am with others as you recollect those times on your knees crying to Me, “I’ll do anything.” Tell them about Me! That’s what I want you to keep doing! And you know you will when this trial of yours is over. I love you, My child!

“for he views the ends of the earth and sees everything under the heavens.” —Job 28:24

“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.” —2 Corinthians 4:8-10

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” —Matthew 28:19

July 24, 2021

“everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made” —Isaiah 43:7

I love you, My child! Stay close to Me, okay? You’ve had a few good days, which brought Me joy—but please remember that your trial isn’t over. I want you to continue to have faith. Part of having faith means being prudent to ensure you don’t ruminate on what you desire ahead of Me. Having faith in My plan for you always centers around My glory. When you desire something, always ask Me and yourself, “Does it give glory to you, God, first?” Be completely honest with yourself. My child, I know what you desire as this trial continues. I already know what will happen, and in My time you will know as well. But before then, I desire you to grow in faith in Me by continuing to learn to align your desires to My glory. Sometimes that means letting go of what you want for Me; only to discover what you wanted isn’t what you really desired. As a child of Mine, your true heart-desire is to delight in Me by being in My Presence all the time, as this brings immeasurable joy to both you & I. Most never get to this point in their lifetime. Which is why I don’t reveal things right away—because I want you to grow your faith in Me during the waiting period. To learn to trust Me, to trust My plan for you, to give Me glory in your desires—ultimately, for you to be in My Presence. So when I start to reveal the outcome of your trial, your faith in Me will help you endure to keep giving Me glory no matter what happens. I love you, My child!

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

“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” —Psalm 37:4

“The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps.” —Proverbs 14:15

July 23, 2021

“God is love.” —1 John 4:8

I love you, My child! I truly enjoyed watching you the last few days as I catered to your broken heart by filling it with joy through My blessings of precious time with your favorite little man, and those you still love, at your favorite place! Despite the pain from your ongoing trial, truth is, I wish everyday could be like the last few for you. But you temporarily live in a fallen world where relationships are the main victim of the sinful nature of humanity. And for those who know Me as Savior, while the penalty of sin has been paid for, the power & earthly consequences of sin still remain. And broken relationships with others are often the consequence and are the most painful. This has been the source of your pain. You desire love and restoration; mirroring that of how our relationship was restored through Jesus. Grace & love, My child, Grace & love. My Grace in My Son, Jesus, is an expression of My love. I never stop offering these things to all people because I love all people. But only a few will truly receive Him. Those I call My children. But I still keep offering it as long as they have breath. My child, in similar fashion, keep offering your grace & love to those whom you desire restoration; knowing fully well that you may not receive what you hope for. See, I know you really well, My child. I made you! You offer your grace & love, while imperfectly, because you truly love—just as I do…of course, I love perfectly.  This is what fills my heart with joy about you. This is the source of your healing; to love others as I have loved you. Keep loving no matter what happens, okay? Life is short & temporary. And for you, My child, one day joy & love will fill your no-longer-broken-heart for all eternity in the best place ever! I love you!

“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” —1 Peter 5:10 (ESV)

“Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” —John 1:12

“What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” —James 4:14

July 22, 2021

“…God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” —1 Timothy 2:3-4 (ESV)

I love you! I really do! You know how I love you? Because I desire to spend every moment with you now & for all eternity. I Am always in your Presence, and I desire the same from you. But in your fallen world, I know that you won’t always be in My Presence. Sin does that. But I will always remain where I Am waiting for you—constantly prompting you with My Grace to be in My Presence. And to ensure that you’ll be in My Presence for all eternity, I sent My Son Jesus, to pay the penalty of your sin—which is spiritual death or eternity apart from Me. I love you so much, Jesus came not to condemn you, but to save you from that brutal penalty, thus ensuring you & I will never be separated. I did this for you and the entire world. It is My Gift of Grace prompted by My love for all, as I desire for all to be saved. It breaks My heart, but I also know that only some will truly receive My Gift of Grace in Jesus—and only those who do will be with Me for all eternity. But My desire is still for all, My love is still for all. I never hold back My love, knowing fully well most will accept Me under false pretenses or flat out reject Me. But that’s what love is. Giving your all and hoping for a relationship, but not expecting one. Otherwise, love wouldn’t be love. It would be a transaction. You, My child, received Me through Jesus because you were moved by My Grace and love, and not out of obligation. It’s when you truly experienced My Grace through Jesus is when your true love for Me was forged and started to grow—you want to be in My Presence more & more. And that’s how you know you love Me. Thank you for doing so! So go!…Even in the midst of your trial, love Me by sharing My love with others and do as I do. Give all of yourself, hope, but don’t expect. Let My Grace do it’s thing. I love you, My child!

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” —John 3:16-17

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” —Romans 6:23

“love your enemies, do good to them…without expecting to get anything back.” —Luke 6:35

July 21, 2021

“He is your constant source of stability; he abundantly provides safety and great wisdom; he gives all this to those who fear him.” —Isaiah 33:6 (NET)

I love you, My child! Stay close to Me! Keep praying to Me. Stay in My Word. This way, I Am constant in your life regardless of good days or bad days. On good days, you are thankful to Me that you are forgiven because of My love. On bad days, you are asking for My forgiveness because of My compassion. On good days, you rejoice with Me alongside of those who rejoice. On bad days, you weep with Me alongside those who weep. On good days, you give Me thanks and praise. On bad days, you cry out to Me for help. On good days, you’re sharing the overflow of My love to others. On bad days, you’re desperate for My love, and sometimes it comes through others. On good days, you see Me working good in your life for My purpose. On bad days, you trust that I’m working good in your life for My purpose. On good days, you’re humbled by God’s Gift of Grace in Jesus Christ. On bad days, you’re humbled by God’s Gift of Grace in Jesus Christ. My child, when you’re staying in My Presence through both prayer and My Word, I Am your constant regardless. I Am Your Strength! I will never leave or forsake you either way, but constant prayer and My Word makes My Presence more obvious to you. I Am the reason you have made it this far in your trial. I have been your constant, your strength! You have had many bad days in your ongoing trial. Lately, you’ve had a few good days. That was all Me! My child, each morning brings about a new opportunity to usher Me in first thing so as to prepare you for whatever the day brings. I Am your constant! I love you!

“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” —Philippians 4:12-13

“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

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” —Proverbs 3:5-6

July 20, 2021

“our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ” —Philippians 3:20

I love you, My child! It felt good being a guest and around some of My children talking about My Word last night, didn’t it? Within your trial, you are growing closer to Me. And you are starting to notice and partake in the fellowship opportunities I’ve been providing. I know you, I made you. And belonging is important to you. You didn’t personally know most of the guys last night, but you knew you were accepted because you are all known by Me. You may never see some of these guys on earth again, but you will in heaven. You know your true citizenship and you were among some of your citizens last night—that’s why you felt so comfortable. You belonged! My child, your earthly trial will sometimes leave you feeling unwanted, ostracized, and unloved. These are your toughest days. This is when the Enemy exasperates your loneliness by whispering lies that nobody cares about you, such as “You could die and no one would care.” These whispers are like a constant stream of flaming arrows coming your way. That’s when I need you to hold up sturdy your shield of faith to extinguish the lies—knowing that you do belong. You belong to Me! That’s why I call you, “My child.” And know that I am sending some of My children your way to help you with that sense of belonging. Keep the fellowship going, My child—for My glory! I love you!

“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” —Matthew 18:20

“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 10:25

“take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.” —Ephesians 6:16

July 19, 2021

“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” —Psalm 37:4

I love you, My child! You’ve had a good couple days. It brings Me joy to see you have these days in the midst of a heart-breaking trial. The source of your joy is Me! You know this, but sometimes you forget. When you are in sync with Me, and I with you, the things you ask for are less about you, and more for My glory. You already know from long experience that if you ask and don’t receive from Me, it’s because you’re putting yourself first. But that’s not the case with you & I for the last several months. In your struggle, you’ve been abiding in Me, and what your heart is desiring and asking for is what I want for you. We’re in sync! You delight in Me! There’s no hidden agenda here. Isn’t that awesome when this happens? And what you receive from Me bears fruit in that you start doing what you love to do—what I love seeing you doing, which is talking about Me with others. Allowing others to see Me through you, despite your trial. This brings Me great joy! A couple days ago, you and an old friend met up for dinner and talked about Me pretty much the whole time. I loved it! And yesterday?…You saw a stranger walking by wearing a vest with a patch that said, “Property of Jesus.” What did you do? You got his attention, fist-bumped him, and called him a brother-in-Christ. He said “It’s all about His blood.” And you responded, “Yes sir! I’ll see you in heaven one day.” And he said, “I definitely will.” That brief exchange brought Me so much joy—seeing two of My children talk about Me! And you will see him again one day. Keep abiding in Me, My child, and what you love doing will naturally come out. Your trial is your trial. It’s going to continue to be a challenge. Despite this, keep abiding in Me. Keep asking Me. And you will continue to bear joyous fruit for Me! I love you!

“If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.” —John 15:7-8 (ESV)

“When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.” —James 4:3

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us” —Ephesians 3:20

July 18, 2021

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” —John 8:12

I love you, My child! My heart warms as I’ve finally seen you laugh & smile a couple times this past week. I know, your trial continues—you are still in a dark valley. But your laughs & smiles gave you a little light—a little hope & refreshment that your trial will end one day…that there is light beyond this valley where green pastures and quiet waters await. Know that it is My will that you grow in seeing Me more, to be in My Presence more—especially in the valley—to know I Am with you as a Shepherd is to His sheep, guiding and protecting. It is here in the dark valley where I Am most evident and welcomed by you. In good times, you unknowingly & often take Me for granted as you focus on the light of My blessings instead of Me, the Light. To re-shift your focus, and as painful as it is, I will sometimes allow the blessings to end. For you, it’s like the lights went out and all of a sudden you’re in a dark valley. But the truth is I, the Light, Am right next to you, I never left you. As you walk through the valley, seemingly alone at first, is when you become desperate and start to see Me more clearly, apart from the light of My blessings. My nature being Light, sometimes you need the contrast of a dark valley too see Me again. And by the way, that was Me Who orchestrated those blessings so you can laugh & smile! You are seeing Me again in the dark valley, My child, and I love it! Keep trusting and following Me in your trial. It will end one day, I promise. And when it does, when you’re in green pastures and quiet waters with Me, always remember our dark valley experience—so you always keep seeing Me, your Light! I love you!

“The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” —Psalm 23:1-4