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“My grace is upon you to do the works that I have called you to do, whether at your job, in your family relationships, or anywhere I have led you. I am your Father and my desire is to bless you in all things.

My plan is for you to grow in faith as you go through this life. There will be trials and times when you must persevere and trust in me for the desires of your heart. There are so many things that I want you to learn and understand, but mostly I want you to receive my peace during times of struggle.  I can teach you in those times. I can teach you when you are a captive audience. I can teach you when you don’t have all the answers.

When you believe that you have all the answers, you don’t need me. We are on this journey together. Your relationship with me is based upon faith. You are trusting in me though I am physically unseen. You are choosing to believe. Because the choice is yours, our journey together will have highs and lows, yet in all of it, I am with you.

You must trust me to complete the good works that I began in you from the moment you made the choice to believe in me. My power is upon you to do all that you are called to do. As you seek me in each area of your life, you will find me; for my word is true and my plans for you have been established since before one of your days came to be.

There is a relinquishing of self when you have chosen to walk with me. It is a time when your will takes a back seat to mine so that my purposes and plans for you can be achieved. Your mind then plans your ways, but it is I who directs your steps. In that way, you do not veer off the path. Because you have chosen to submit to me, your path is protected to keep you from going the wrong way.

If you try to side step my plans by doing the thing that you want to do, we will take a little journey off the course, so you may learn what you need to learn before we get back to the path I desire for you. These side steps are not always part of my plan for you. Sometimes they happen because you did not choose to go where I wanted you to go in the first place.

Your human nature will take you off the path many times, yet I am always going to be with you. I allow you the freedom to make these choices even if you choose to go your own way for a time. Just understand that you will face the consequences of your decisions and occasionally those things will hurt you. I allow this so that you will eventually conclude that I am God and I know what is best for you.

Your goal should be to walk so closely with me that you don’t veer off the path very often. I love you and I allow you to make mistakes, but remember your choices are your own. It does not do you any good to blame me for the consequences of your choices. To abide in me and remain close to me, even when you’ve veered off the path, you must look to me and be ready to get back on it.  I will help you when you are not angry with me. I will help you as you lay your pride down, as you repent and call out to me.

I look at your heart. I look for your willing spirit. When I see that you want to follow me, that you are willing to accept the way that I want to lead you, you will find yourself again in the sweet spot of my blessing.

Will you choose to follow me? Will you choose to trust the path that I have for you as you travel through this life? If you do, even when you choose take us the long way, I will always keep you moving toward the path that leads to eternal blessings. Trust in me no matter where I lead you with the assurance that I am always with you and that my plans are to bless you abundantly. The choice is yours.”

• “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:8
• “Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me.” Matthew 10:38
• “The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the Lord tests the heart.” Proverbs 17:3
• “A person may think their own ways are right, but the Lord weighs the heart.” Proverbs 21:2
• “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” Proverbs 16:9
• “For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.” Psalm 1:6
• “Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.” Deuteronomy 7:9

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“The path that I have laid out for your life is not always going to be easy for you. There will times when you do not understand the way that I am leading you. There will times of disappointment and hurt from others.  There will be times when you do not feel happy about where I have you.

Challenging times are not meant to bring you pain or hurt. They are the times you should allow my Spirit to complete His work in you. You should accept them and press into me for help, wisdom, and guidance. The path to holiness, the path of salvation is narrow, and the road at times may be long. I love you and I’m going to be with you along the way. My provision and blessing will come as you trust in me.

You are meant for fellowship…you are meant for worship… you are meant for me. I desire to be your all in all, the one you trust above everything and everyone else. When you choose the narrow way, you will walk through your life in the abundance of my presence. When you cannot see around the next bend, I am already there. When the path is rocky and hard to maneuver, I will keep you upright. When the boulders of life come crashing down, I will remove the barriers, for nothing can separate you from my love and provision.

Beyond the obstacles, your greatest challenge will be to continue to believe in me, to trust in the path I am calling you to walk. I never fail my children. I will never fail you.

Keep moving forward and leave past mistakes behind. Bury bitterness, resentment, and anger for these things will make your journey harder. You are not made to carry them because they will weigh you down and hinder your momentum. Choose to let them go.

Thorns will pop up along the path, sometimes they will scratch you, but do not allow pain to derail you. Allow me to heal you so you can keep moving on. When you come to a pool of water, indulge in the refreshment I provide. Take the time you need to rest and renew your spirit so that you will be strengthened for the next part of your journey.

If you resist what I am doing in your life your journey may become significantly more difficult, which could lead you to feelings of frustration or anger. You will be carrying burdens that were not intended for you to bear.

You are the one who determines how difficult or how blessed your journey will be by the choices you make. My way is the best way, my path is the perfect path for you. You may need to make some sacrifices and adjust your perspective along the way so that we can continue to stay on course together.

This journey with me will bring great joy to your life and it will lead you to the eternity I have planned for you. Through challenges and difficulties, you will experience unexplainable joy and peace that passes all understanding.

Follow me—this is the greatest thing you will ever do in your life. I will bless you and I will sustain you.  All you need for life will be found in me so that one day you will receive the crown of righteousness I have reserved for you at the end of it. I promise you my blessing as you choose to follow me.”

• “Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me.” Matthew 10:38
• “Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant will also be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.” John 12:26
• “Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23:6
• “Who is wise? Let them realize these things. Who is discerning? Let them understand. The ways of the Lord are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them.” Hosea 14:9

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“There is nothing, no barrier that my love cannot break through. When you feel that a situation in your life seems hopeless, allow me to be your hope. You don’t see the way clearly through it, but I do. I am ahead of you and I am behind you. My love surrounds you every step of your journey with me. I do not forget you and I care for each concern that you have. Continue to submit yourself to me and trust me to work everything out for your best interest and for my glory.

As you lead with faith, my Spirit will bring blessing. I am faithful, and I will do this for you. Keep your eyes fixed firmly on me even when the days are long and trying. My peace will bring you comfort and joy will unfold before you.”

• “You are my strength, I watch for you; you, God, are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely.” Psalm 59:9
• “But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.” Psalm 59:17
• “Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.” Deuteronomy 7:9
• “The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:2

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“The warmth of my love surrounds you. In my presence, you find comfort. As you live your life to honor me, so you will know my great peace. You will experience the joy of my blessings and you will not only see them in the big things you will also see them in the little things. Often the little things have the most impact upon your life. So, keep your eyes open wide for I speak to you in many ways. Listen for my voice and endeavor to continually be receptive to the things that I desire to speak to your heart.

In this season of remembrance, when I sent Jesus my son into the world, there are many things that can be a distraction. The things of your world are not focused on the things of my Spirit or the reasons you remember the purpose for His coming. The light of my truth shines through my Son, and He is the one who is worthy of all praise, honor, and glory.

Man has made his traditions around Jesus’ birth and it can be easy to get caught up in things which have nothing to do with Him.  He is the greatest gift and he should be the greatest focus in the hearts of my children during this time of celebration.

As you give gifts, remember the gift I gave you in my Son. As you receive gifts, receive Jesus with thanksgiving in your heart. Let the symbolism of giving and receiving impact your Christmas season in such a way that it deepens your intimacy with me. Let the giving of my grace be wrapped up in all the pretty packages you give to others. For it will be opened and received with great joy. No gift can compare to the presence of Christ as he is received into the hearts of men.

The warmth of my love is Jesus. He is my gift to you. If you open your heart to receive all that he has for you, you will understand the true meaning of Christmas this holiday season.”

• “For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.”2 Corinthians 4:6
• “Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I have come here from God. I have not come on my own; God sent me.” John 8:42
• “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

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“This is a season of joy. It is a time to remember Jesus and to celebrate that he came into the world to save you from sin and show you the way to me. With all the commercialism around Christmas, remember this truth and let it be the focus of your holidays. The joy of Jesus, the life he lived, should be present with you every day of the year, not just at this time.

The birth of my Son was a gift to the world. Some have embraced and received him. Others have rejected, despised, and hated him because they do not believe that he came from me.  Those without understanding cannot accept the miracle of his birth. They do not ‘feel’ they need a Savior or His forgiveness.

Those who have rejected me have done so because I have given them free will to make their own choices and you must not judge them. I am God and only I can judge the hearts of men. Whether they have chosen to believe in me or not, I am their creator and they are also my children.

Don’t allow differences in beliefs or the opinions of others to get in the way of what you believe and why you celebrate the birth of Jesus. Be kind, and allow the light of His love and joy to shine in your heart by the way that you live. In doing so, others will see him in you and some may even be touched by His Spirit because of it.”

• “…an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1: 20-21
• “He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.” Isaiah 53:3
• Jesus said, “If anyone hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge that person. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world. There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; the very words I have spoken will condemn them at the last day.” John 12:47-48
• “Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.” 1 Peter 3:8

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“I am near to you, you are not alone. I will carry you through all that you face in your journey with me. Accept my stretching and teaching so that you will grow in righteousness and live a life filled with my peace.

True joy comes from trusting in me, from abiding with me and allowing me to be your guide as you travel through this life. Your life in this world is merely a detour to your final destination. Although it can be challenging at times, it can be lived in the abundance of my Spirit, of my presence with you. The more you draw near to me, the more you will understand the truth of that statement.

I am God, your Father who loves you with a mighty and everlasting love. As you wrap yourself in me, you will know my protection. You will experience ongoing peace every day, and in everything that lies ahead for you. You need not fear the road ahead, you need solely to depend upon me.  I’ve got you, your life is hidden in me through Christ Jesus my son for eternity.”

• “What other nation is so great as to have their gods near them the way the Lord our God is near us whenever we pray to him?” Deuteronomy 4:7
• “Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near.” Isaiah 55:6
• “The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” Psalm 145:18
• “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27
• “For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:3

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“As you abide in me, the power of my Spirit is at work in you to accomplish all that I desire to do in you and through you for the benefit of others. It is important for you to seek me, to pray, and to trust me especially when the way is not exactly clear.

I have called you to something greater than what you feel or what you see. I have put you where you are right now for my reasons and purposes. It will be well with you if you do not allow your own feelings of discontent and frustration to control your mind. When you do that your actions sometimes have consequences that you cannot take back and that will cause delays in my plans.

By abiding in me, you will stay supple and flexible so that my peace can guide you as you navigate through the uncomfortable parts of dealing with others. Your flesh rebels against these things, yet my plans are accomplished through them. So, accept them. Let the challenges further your communication with me so that not only the circumstances can change, but so that you will change as well.

You are not the expert you often think you are. That’s where I come in and as you lean into me, my power works through you to teach you and others the way of life. Submit to me, allow my Spirit its place upon the throne of your heart and you will see my glory. You will see the victories that I have in store for you.

You may trust me in this. In moments when you feel overcome by your flesh, look to me. I will set you free so that you will continue to move with the power of my Spirit working in you.”

• “The Queen of the South will rise at the judgement with this generation and condemn it; for she came from the ends of the earth to listen to Solomon’s wisdom, and now something greater than Solomon is here.” Matthew 12:42
• But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations. Psalm 33:11
• Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal. Isaiah 26:4

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“Reconciliation is a difficult thing for my children because human feelings of hurt and pride get in the way of allowing wounds to be healed. Reconciliation comes when you lay those feelings down and you are willing to allow me to work in your life; when you are willing to be humble and to realize that you don’t know everything, you don’t have all the answers. I am the one who does, and I gently lead you to the truth as you are willing to listen to me.

Forgiveness is the first step toward the healing of hearts and mending of relationships. With forgiveness, you may not feel it at first. Your feelings will follow the faith of your actions. It is important to forgive. I call you to it and you see it in my word. You see it through the life of my Son.

Jesus came, lived, and died a horrible death so that you could be reconciled to me and be forgiven for your sins. Forgiveness is a sacrifice of self. It is choosing to show great love in the midst of great pain. It is what Jesus did and it is what I want you to do, all of you who call me Father.

The second step of forgiveness is healing. Healing comes over time as I deal with individual hearts. Just as my love is thorough and all encompassing, so is my forgiveness. It is a process, sometimes it’s quick and easy, sometimes it’s long and challenging. Embrace the process of healing, allow my Spirit to speak to your heart, allow me to transform and renew your mind. As you heal, feelings of love begin to return so you can move forward in your relationships.

Remember that others may not move as quickly through this phase as you did or as you might want them to. Healing for others is the same as it is for you, but it may happen in a different way because they are not you. It is a process and it takes time; every heart is unique. When understanding bears fruit, healing can be completed.

During the healing process, receive my grace so that you can give it when the other person needs it. Grace is a salve that soothes wounds and allows my Spirit to continue its work. Never give up on reconciliation and healing because my great blessings are ahead as you stay humble and allow me to complete the healing of your hearts.”

• “Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation—if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel.” Colossians 1: 21-23
• “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” Matthew 6:14
• “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5
• “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32

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“The faith of the mighty will stand strong as they put their hope in me. Mighty believers trust in my power to act and to move in the hearts of people.

You are my child and you have access to the mighty power of your Father through the Holy Spirit within you. You were not given a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and a sound mind. You have been given the power to be more than a conqueror, and you need to use it for good in the life I’ve given you.

If you see yourself as weak, you will be weak. If you see yourself as less than, you will be less than. However, if you embrace the power of my Holy Spirit, you will have the mighty power of my Spirit alive in you to accomplish all the things you never thought possible with your personal limitations.

You don’t have because you don’t ask. Ask me and I will come to you. I will give you my power if you believe and desire to receive it. My power is strong when you are weak, my power is tempered by love and grace and it will tear down any barriers that come against it.

Without faith, it is impossible to please me. With faith you can tread upon the lions and serpents and I will take you to places that open your eyes to true beauty and truth. You will see my victories in the land of the living and you will not be dismayed in times of disaster or sadness.

Be strong in me and in my mighty power. I am for you. I am for all my children and nothing will come against you in such a way that you will be overtaken. Be consumed by my Spirit and my peace will always be with you. Allow my Holy Spirit to sustain and strengthen you so that you will continue to trust in me.”

• “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7
• “…You do not have because you do not ask God.” James 4:2b
• “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him (Christ) who loved us.” Romans 8:37
• “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
• “A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” Ephesians 6:10

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“A day to me is as a thousand years, and a thousand years, is as one day. You want me to move according to your timetable, but that is not the way I navigate time. I am from the place of always and forever because I have always existed. Forever is difficult for you to fathom because your eternity has not yet come.

Your life is but a breath, you are here for a very short time. Yet, your life is precious to me and I want to walk with you through it. I desire fellowship with you, to give your life meaning and purpose while you’re here.

As you choose to hone in on me, the light of my love encompasses you. It enables you to see past your circumstances and into the truths I desire to teach you. Sometimes you make your life harder than it needs to be by trying to handle everything on your own. You rush ahead to get through it quickly rather than allowing everything to happen in my time.

Though challenges will come, I will always provide for you and help you to find your way. Accept where I have you right now, trust me, and believe that all will work out for good because you love me. When you release your cares into my control, even when facing difficult battles, you will know my peace as you abide in me.

Because I am faithful to my word, you can live joyfully. I will not fail you no matter what is happening in your world, no matter what you see with your eyes, and no matter how long it takes. I always show up on time.”

• “But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day.” 2 Peter 3:8
• “But I trust in your unfailing love. I will rejoice because you have rescued me.”
  Psalms 13:5
• “You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand. My entire lifetime is just a moment to you; at best, each of us is but a breath.” Psalm 39:5
• “For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” Romans 14:17