No Chance Encounters

My precious, precious child. You don’t have to be so anxious. You have done so many good works already! I am the way, the truth, and the life, – giving breath to you and those around you. Envision this holy breath-exchange as you build up others: family, coworkers, friends, — even strangers you encounter. It’s all part of My design, really. How simple are My plans if and when you choose to see them with MY eyes and accept your role in it all. No chance encounters are occurring. I gaze upon you lovingly as you interact and do My work. I am delighted when you take comfort in this. Look for Me, and you will find Me in your midst. 

You Are Needed

A loving, devoted follower looks like you, too. I need you. Choose to believe Me, and envision this! It’s okay to have opinions, and I’ve given you a humble, Godly voice. Show your willingness to voice them and act upon them as a leader among My people. Are you surprised that I’ve chosen you to lead? Don’t be. You are equipped to be a strong leader for many reasons: first, you care, and are passionate and diligent in your follow-through. Second, you listen well, grasping needs with clarity and sensitivity. People value your opinions because they know you have good intentions. Some may seem surprised or intimidated by the strength of your word and your presentation. My Grace will help soften those edges, but it requires that you turn to Me for help, and trust Me to make the moves. Don’t be discouraged by ruffled feathers. Time makes those settle back into place. Do My work to make amends where needed. You are needed, and you are loved. This is the truth that you must hold on to with confidence as you walk into new endeavors in the days ahead. Don’t forget: I am with you always. I listen. I prompt. I nudge. I hear. Seek My words of Grace to come through you, in you, and with you. A new year ahead: calling you to help build My kingdom. 

No Pricetag

Over-abundance. Excess. “Tis the season”. I used to be the reason for the season. I still am. The more you get sucked into shopping, cooking, parties, decorating, and gifting, – aiming for unattainable ideals of perfection, – the more anxious you become. I can help you with all of that. With each gift you purchase, pray wholeheartedly for the recipient. Pray that they will come to know Me, and find greater comfort, security, and satisfaction through our ongoing relationship. Then, leave that part up to Me and them, – silently, in your heart. I am an over-abundant God, seeking to lavish all with Grace and Love. You can feel free to give material things; just do so with a genuine and loving heart. There is no need for over-abundance. A simple gesture is enough. Don’t worry so much about being perceived as either “cheap”, “thoughtless”, or “excessive”. Aim for simplicity and kindness, and pray for their spiritual rest. I will supply that in excessive amounts to all who come to Me. Let Me be the supplier of holy wealth, with you being a conduit through prayer. There is no pricetag on that.

Inclusion

You are a LIGHT to others.  Don’t recede into darkness, or separateness.  Your gift is inclusion; – reaching out to others who can’t always reach back.  Many aren’t good at reaching beyond the awkwardness of mistakes.  If I have taught you nothing else, it’s how to stand strong and move forward.  Now I need you to hear Me calling you even deeper.  I am reaching into your soul. You have a purpose here: a rich, meaningful purpose. Others look to you for leadership – they always have.  Your leadership is one of inclusion, purpose, compassion.  In the past you were hurt because you “felt” excluded, yet you weren’t.   Yours is the leadership in that arena.  Yours is that gift – to be welcoming, outgoing.  I will bless that.  Let My waves of Grace and Glory wash over you now.  Rest, trustingly cradled in My arms, as I renew you and restore your broken Spirit.  I am big enough to do just that! You are meant to be included, as well. 

Handle With Care

I am in charge. I want you to know you are loving and loveable. I give you this gift packaged uniquely as you. Handle with care. Be yourself, with no pretenses. You and others need a friend like this. Take care of yourself and others. Like Simon the Cyrene, you help share the weight of My cross. I’m grateful for the way you assist others with their burdens. Gather them in and show them love. It’s not selfish or self-centered to do so. Give them your eyes and your full attention. Your kindness, like your compassion, will shine through. Be kind to yourself today – EVERY day – and it will be easier to be kind to others. Don’t beat yourself up every time you eat; enjoy your food. Be healthy and playful today. You are helping others.

Outcomes

You worry so much about doing things “right”. While I appreciate your effort, sometimes it is too focused on pursuing perfection and not on simply finding ME. I desire relationships more than outcomes. Your work in the material world requires data and measurable results. The challenge for you will be meeting those requirements, yet not being swayed by them. Achievements, ‘status’, accomplishments, ‘proof’, recognition… Yes, I made you to do the work you are doing, but I also call you to rest in My love and My presence, trusting that the only outcomes and results I ask for are based on love, forgiveness, and moving in faith. My kingdom is built by those cornerstones. I will continue to attend to all of your needs, with more than adequate supply of daily bread. Move steadily through this day, attending to each task or encounter with a countenance of peace, and a demeanor that shows love. This is all I ask. I will equip you for all things. I am ALWAYS with you; nothing I call you to will ever have to be done alone. 

Hunger and Satisfaction

What are you hungry for? Attention? Prestige? Stability? Excess? Find your ultimate security and pleasure in Me first. When you fix your eyes on Me, something happens to the appeal for other things. Your desires can be for good when brought into focus through My Lighting. You may need to release your grip for a while, allowing Me to take away that which is unhealthy for you and to re-order your priorities. Be hungry for Love, and for the Good of all. Stand ready to supply support and encouragement. Take notice of times when you need to retreat into the background. I will organize for the greater Good, and you will find satisfaction as you see My works unfold. Be filled with holy desire. We are One. 

Not So Serious

Live up to MY expectations, not your own. Mine are softer than you think. Your pursuits and goals must be in line with the needs of My kingdom, and I want you to do what comes naturally and easily to you. I call you to lighten up on yourself and around others a little more. This may be at work, your home, your church, elsewhere, – reaching out in love, through playfulness and attentiveness. Find balance in rest, leisure, and quiet time – not working all the time. I expect purity of thought with helpful intentions and plenty of laughter. You don’t have to be so serious all the time. Let down your guard so that I can work in you, through you, and with you. See a playful God who accompanies you into this day. I created joy for many reasons. Find enjoyment alongside work. 

Design for Good

Life: enriched and full. Bask in the Goodness I have surrounded you with. It is neither earned, nor doomed to be withdrawn or leave you empty-handed. The phrase “the Lord gives and the Lord takes away” mistakenly leaves many fearful that I am a mean God who enjoys teasing with dangling carrots, then pulls the rug out from under you. I am nothing like that! Yes, there are, and have been, and will be difficult times, – but your pain, grief, or suffering is never orchestrated by Me to make you learn a cruel lesson. No! My design is always for the GOOD. When bad things happen, I walk with you and find ways to lift you back up. I never abandon you. Nor do I want you to not enjoy an easier life, or one blessed with Good things. I delight in giving you joy and comfort. All I ask is that when you are in a balanced state with surplus, share the wealth. Be generous – of time, talent, and resources. Take notice of when I tug your heartstrings, nudging you to give or extend yourself in some way. Respond to My call. What you have been given is meant for the greater Good of all.