GLORIOUS

The greeting given by most people at the beginning of another year is, "Happy New Year!"

Some may say, "Have a blessed New Year!" I greet you on this New Year's Eve with this greeting, "Have a glorious New Year!" You truly are My praise and My glory. Paul gave this exhortation to husbands, "Husbands, love your wives just as I have loved you and gave Myself for you that I might sanctify and cleanse you with the washing of water by the word, that I might present you to Myself a "glorious" bride not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that My body (the church) should be holy and without blemish."

The word, "glorious," in this passage means "splendid and gorgeous." You glorify Me when you allow My splendor and My beauty to shine forth from you. I pray this blessing over you as you begin a new year: May the light of My glory shine through you this year and may you daily allow My light to so shine through you that men may see your good works and glorify My Father in heaven. By the way, you are already gorgeous in My eyes.

EPHESIANS 5:25-27; MATTHEW 5:16

RECEIPT

A receipt is a written acknowledgement of a purchase. When you go to take back some of your Christmas gifts to the store, the first question asked by the salesperson usually is, "Do you have your receipt?" If you are returning a Christmas gift, you probably do not have proof of the purchase.

When I died for your sins, I purchased eternal life for you and total forgiveness for your sins - past, present, and future. This was My gift to you . I purchased this gift for you with My own blood. The receipt you received as proof of My gift to you is My Holy Spirit. On the day you received Me as your Lord and Savior, My Holy Spirit wrote this on your heart, "Eternal, extravagant love." My love for you is eternal and extravagant. Father gave this love gift to the whole world when I died on the tree for the sins of the world. However, so many have not received this wonderful gift. I am so thankful that you received Me as Lord, and I know that you will never seek to exchange this gift or return it.

JOHN 3:16

RACING

This is the time of year when people are racing to the malls to purchase material things for half price. Everyone likes a bargain. I have a bargain and the price of that bargain is free. However, it is free because I freely gave Myself and shed My blood to purchase this free gift for you. Of course the free gift is My righteousness. The free gift also is My Word. My Word is a bargain because My Word will change your heart and the way you live.

When you receive My Word into your heart and allow Me to give you the strength to obey My Word, you will have blessings, upon blessings, upon blessings. All those Who hear My Word, recieve My Word, and obey My Word will live a blessed life.

Instead of racing to the mall during this after Christmas season, consider racing to the bargain that will change your life. You can purchase this bargain at most stores, but hopefully you already have it sitting near your bedside. What use is there to have a bargain if you do not use it. This year make it your goal to read, meditate, memorize, speak, pray, and do My Word . If you fulfill this goal, you will never want to exchange or take back this free gift.

PSALM 119

FAITHFUL

You live in a world where loyalty and faithfulness is not displayed in marriages or business.

On that fateful day when I died to forgive your sins, only the disciple I loved and My mother and Mary were with me. All the rest of My followers left Me because they were afraid.

Fear will always rob you of faithfulness to Me. People become unfaithful because they fear intimacy. They are afraid of deep, committed relationships because they fear that they will become vulnerable. They resist giving themselves fully to another person because they fear rejection.

You can be faithful to Me always because when you come close to Me, I will come close to you.

You can be yourself around Me. I do not judge you nor do I ever condemn you. You can give yourself fully to Me without any fear that I will ever reject you. I love you with an everlasting love. You can trust Me. Come to Me today with all your cares and allow Me to embrace you with My love.

MATTHEW 11:28-30

PRESENTS/PRESENCE

I know you can think back to the many Christmas mornings when your heart was pounding with expectation as you ran to see the presents under the tree. The thrill of that moment was exhilerating. Once you opened the presents, you could not wait to start using them or wearing them.

This is a morning when many gather around the Christmas tree and open presents. All who are gathered cannot wait to see what someone has given them. However, few take time to recognize My presence with them. I long for those gathered to look up for just one moment to thank Me for the greatest gift I gave them over 2,000 years ago. I died on a tree to give them presents that are eternal - eternal life, forgiveness of sins, righteousness, love, peace, and joy.

This Christmas morning, take time to recognize My presence with you and also to thank Me for those eternal presents I have given you.

JOHN 3:16-17

GLORY

The message the angels gave at My birth was, "Glory to God in the Highest and on earth, peace, good will toward's men!" What a night the shepherds had when My heavenly hosts surrounded them and made this announcement. I denied My Kingly glory to come to earth so that you can receive My glory. I am your hope of glory and now I dwell in you.

This is a time of the year when many are sad instead of joyful. Some have lost loved ones and will experience their first Christmas without their loved one. Others are lonely and have no one to be with them on Christmas Day. Pray for those who are sad, and when possible share the glad tidings of great joy that they too can experience My glory with them and in them.

LUKE 2:13-14; COLOSSIANS 1:27

HEAVENLY GIFTS

Everyone is so busy with their shopping for others and it is great and thoughtful to give gifts to others. When I was born the wise men from the east gave me some precious gifts. You can give me those precious gifts today even though you may have no money to purchase them.

What are those gifts? The wisemen gave gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Gold is the basis of all wealth. Gold represents your time, talents and possessions - all that causes you to make money in this world. This is a gift you can give Me. You can give Me your time, talents, and possessions.

When you give Me this kind of gold, I will cause you to prosper.

Myrrh was used to embalm the dead when I lived on Earth. Myrrh represents death. You can give Me the gift of myrrh today when you die to yourself and live for Me. Your body daily given to Me as a living sacrifice is one of the most precious gifts you can give Me.

Frankincense was poured on to the fire when sacrifices were made in the early days of the tabernacle and temple. Frankincense made those sacrifices have a sweet smell and My Father loved to smell those sacrifices. The altar of incense in the tabernacle represents your prayers that ascend to Me daily. You can give Me the gift of frankincense today when you offer your prayers to Me. What a joy it is for Me to hear your worship, thanksgiving and petitions to Me when you pray.

Thank You for offering these gifts to Me today. It truly is more blessed to give than to receive, but when you give these gifts to Me, you will receive a blessed life in Me.

MATTHEW 2:11

DIRECT

I know how you love direct shipping with no charge. You also love direct flight connections with no stops. When I was born on earth, My Father shipped me directly to earth with no charge.

I am a free gift that has no hidden fees. Many on earth have not received my free gift of life. I came to offer abundant life and life in My Kingdom to everyone. Father so loved the world (that means everyone in the world) that He gave Me, His only begotten Son, to live on earth for 33 years and to die for your sins. I was raised from the dead to give you newness of life and eternal life. What a gift with no hidden fees and direct shipping!

When you receive Me as your Lord and Savior and you die, you will have a direct flight with only one connection. That connection is with Me. I am your eternal Savior. I love you and always will love you. When you are connected to Me, you can enjoy My total inheritence. When you die, you will have a direct flight with no stops right into My Holy Presence. For now, enjoy My presence with you today and every minute.

JOHN 3:16

DELIGHT

As you delight yourself in Me, I will give you the desires of your heart. This means that I will plant the desires that I have for your life in your heart, and what I plant, I grant.

You are My delight! Do you believe this? This is true. Meditate on this today and know that if you had been the only person on Earth, I would have died for you. You are that important to Me. I know that in this world, you feel often that no one cares, but the truth is that you are a member of a Holy Family Who cares about you and cares for you daily. My Father, My Holy Spirit, and I am on duty night and day to help you through even the hard times. I love you.

PSALM 37:4

STRENGTH

Listening for Me to speak to you throughout the day is so important. I sent My Holy Spirit to be your helper and He always stands ready to help establish your thoughts during the day and to energize you as you do your various tasks. I have also sent My Holy angels to minister to you all the day long. Angels listen for you to speak My Word. When you speak My Word, they come to attention and begin to move on your behalf.

Start your day with this good confession, "I can do all things through Christ Who gives Me the strength." Paul wrote this about Me many years ago, but these words still have the same power. Whenever you are overwhelmed with what you feel is too much to accomplish in one day, simply take a few minutes to soak in My presence and then declare this verse out loud. You will be surprised at how you will sail through the day without being overtired.

PHILIPPIANS 4:13

BLESS

My servant David had a practice of blessing Me every day. I loved it when I heard him review all the ways I had blessed him. Every day you have an opportunity to review how I have blessed you and when you review those many ways out loud to Me, I am blessed and you are blessed also.

You can bless Me when you speak out loud these ways that I have blessed you. You can bless Me and thank Me for all My benefits. I forgive your iniquities. I heal your diseases. I redeem your life from destruction. I crown you with My loving kindness and tender mercies. I statisfy your mouth with good things. I renew your strength. I execute rightousness and justice for all who are oppressed. My mercy extends for generations and generations.

Speak out loud today and give Me thanks for the many ways I have blessed you. When you do this, your strength will be renewed and your soul will rejoice.

PSALM 103

PRESERVATION

I am not only the Creator of all things but I am also the preserver and sustainer of all things. By Me, for Me, and through Me everything was created. It is sin that is making everything on earth deteriorate, but when you hide yourself in Me, you will never deteriorate. Yes, you will grow old because the aging process is also a result of sin. However, your spirit will be preserved eternally.

Never fear these destructive times. Only fear Me because I am the only One Who can destroy both soul and spirit. Even the devil cannot do this. You are mine, and I will see to it that your spirit will be preserved for all eternity. This should give you great comfort. You can only see your outward man today, but day by day I am renewing and preserving your inner man.

COLOSSIANS 1:16; 2 CORINTHIANS 4:16

PERFECT

Many long for a perfect life. However, I told My followers that they would have tribulation simply because they live in the world. This world is not perfect. There is a perfect realm where you can dwell daily. When you dwell there, nothing in this world will cause you stress or disturb you in any way. That world is My Kingdom. When you make Me "King for the Day," you will have undisturbed composure, peace, joy, love, and you will never doubt your right standing with My Father.

When you make yourself "King for the Day," you will be overwhelmed with the negativity that is all around you. You make Me "King for the Day" when you keep your focus upon Me all the day long. You set your affections on the things that are above, not the things that are on this earth. You can live in perfection in an imperfect world simply because you live in Me and I live in you.

I am the only One who can perfect you because I am the only One Who is perfect.

COLOSSIANS 3:2

HEART TO HEART

I said that out of the heart a man speaks. I also said that out of the heart (belly) will flow rivers of living water. When your heart is joined to My heart, grace words, not critical words will flow out of your mouth. When your heart is joined to My heart, love words, not harsh words will flow out of your mouth. When your heart is joined to My heart, kind words, not unkind words will flow from your mouth. When your heart is joined to My heart, encouraging words, not discouraging words will flow our of your mouth. When your heart is joined to My heart, edifying words, not destructive words will flow out of your mouth.

Join your heart with My heart today and allow Me to speak My words through you.

MATTHEW 15:18

SANCTIFICATION

Many of My beloved look at sanctification as a level to reach in their walk with Me. I have even heard the term, "I am a sanctified saint." Sanctification simply means that you are set apart from the world to serve Me. The truth is that you were sanctified when I shed My blood for you. None of your works cause you to be sanctified. It was My grace work on the cross that offered you the joy of being set apart out of the world to serve in My Kingdom. Not everyone will receive this beautiful gift. However, I chose you from the foundation of the earth to live a sanctified life.

You may ask, "How can I live a sanctified life?" The truth is that you cannot. Only when you are in Me and I am in you are you able then to be set apart from the world. Remember always that sanctification is not a work. It is an ordination. I ordained you to be sanctified even before you were born. The writer of Hebrews exhorted believers to sanctify Me in their hearts. You sanctify Me in your heart when you put Me first in your life. Do that today.

HEBREWS 13:12; 1 PETER 3:15

FRONTLINE

Many who believe and trust Me think they are on the frontlines and they compare themselves to others. They think that the reason they are being so heavily attacked by the enemy is because they are making an impact in evangelism or spiritual warfare. This view is not scriptural. Yes, it is true that Paul and all the apostles were continually persecuted because they were righteous.

I said, blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake because their's is the kingdom of heaven.

The truth is that all who believe in Me are on the frontlines because they are continually persecuted for righteousness sake. When Satan and his demonic troops see that you are wearing My robe of righteousness, they do try to hinder you from reaching others with the gospel. They know that you carry within you My very glory and they do not want My glory light to shine through you. It is unwise for you to compare yourself with others.

Keep your focus on Me and the fact that I have forgiven your sins, past, present and future when I died on the tree and took your punishment for sin. Humble yourself before Me by casting every care upon Me and when hinderances come your way, simply surrender completely to Me, resist the devil, and I will do battle for you. Knowing that I do battle for you will cause you to even be bolder in your witness for Me. Never fear the enemy. I am over him and greater am I within you that he that is in the world.

MATTHEW 5:10; 1 JOHN 4:4

MATTHEW 5:10

RIVERS

As you study My Word, you will find the word, "river," mentioned many times. There is a river of life that you will see one day. This river flows from My throne room right into your heart.

On the Feast of Sukkot I stood near the Temple steps and declared, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart (belly) shall flow rivers of living water." Then I told the woman at the well that I could offer her water that would quench her thirst forever. I told her that the water I could give her would be a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.

Daily drink from the river of life that I can give you. My Holy Spirit is that refreshing water. Draw from the wells of salvation within you by praying in the Spirit daily. You will receive a refreshing and you will also receive power to live this day in victory.

JOHN 7:37-38, 4:13-14

CAREFREE

Most people long to have a carefree life. It is the cares of this world - pleasures, riches, and worries that choke out the fruitfulness in a life. I always give you the invitation to cast every care upon Me. You can only cast your cares upon Me when you stop trying in your own strength to overcome adversity when it overwhelms you. Whatever is a concern to you is a concern to Me.

I give you this invitation this morning. The first step is to humble yourself and recognize that without Me you can do nothing. The moment you feel anxious about anything, pray. The moment you are overwhelmed with things that need to be done in your job, commit your works to Me and I will establish your thoughts. The moment you lack direction about your future, commit your way to Me. When you surrender totally to Me, I then will be able to see you through even horendous trials.

COME TO ME TODAY AND CAST YOUR CARES UPON ME. I CAME TO UNBURDEN YOU.

LUKE 8:14; MATTHEW 11:28-29; 1 PETER 5:5-7

TRYING

How many times have you said, "I tried that and it did not work?" Sometimes this statement is made by people who are trying to get over a bad habit or even some kind of bondage. Try and try as you may, you will never break a habit or receive liberty from a bondage if you keep trying to do this in you own strength.

Trade your trying for surrender. When you surrender whatever you are bound by to Me, then I am able to strengthen you to overcome and win the victory. When you try to overcome only by fleshly means, you will never receive freedom. I am the captain of liberty and only through Me can you be delivered from all that comes your way to oppress you. Daily surrender your body to Me as a living sacrifice and you will then have success in overcoming. I will do battle for you. Keep your focus upon Me, not your bondage. Focusing on your bondage will just pull you down. I am the glory and the lifter of your head and oppression will leave when you look to Me.

ROMANS 12:1; PSALM 3:3

EVERYWHERE

My beloved David asked Me, "Where can I go from your presence? People continually try to run from My presence, but that is impossible. I am eveywhere. I see all and I know all. One day you will understand how this works, but until then, just know that I am with you always, and that My face is turned towards you always.

Pray for those who try to run from Me. They run away from My presence because they think that I will require them to give up all in order to serve Me. They think that their lives will no longer be their own. Those fears are well founded, except for one fear. I never require someone to serve Me or to give themselves totally to Me. However, when people mak the decision to surrender their lives to Me, I am then able to bless them with My grace that will enable them to day by day commit their bodies to Me as a living sacrifice and to surrender their minds, wills, and emotions to Me. When they do this, My unhindered blessings will flow in their lives. In My presence is fulness of joy.

PSALM 16:11

LIGHT

I am the reason for this season, but so many have forgotten this. This is your season to share My love with many. Before you go to do your Christmas shopping, ask Me to put you in the right place at the right time. You will be amazed at the divine appointments I will give you.

Remember always that I have ordained you to be a light shining in this dark world. Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify My Father in heaven.
When you enjoy the Christmas lights this year, think about Me. I am the light of the world. Take every opportunity to share this good news with others. Many have no hope and you contain the hope that they need. I am your hope of glory and as you shine for Me , people will ask you the reason for the hope that you have even in these dark times.

JOHN 1:6

KINDNESS

I am the only One Who can enable you to love others as I love them. My love is unconditional. My love never requires a response. My love is freely given and sincerely given. One of the fruits of My love is kindness. Allow this fruit of the Spirit to so develop in you that you will naturally and sincerely be kind to others. It is not in the nature of your flesh to be kind and tenderhearted towards one another, but this fruit is in My nature within you.

Daily pray that the law of kindness will be on your tongue always. Daily pray that My Holy Spirit will stop you from saying something unkind to others. You are the only love letter from Me that is read by many. Depend upon My strength to help you display kindness towards others.

EPHESIANS 4:32; PROVERBS 31:26

STABILITY

You live in a time when nothing seems to be stable. The whole earth is groaning and in labor for My return. I am the "Stable One," Who you can count on to calm your soul in the midst of these troubled times. I am your high tower. I am your unmoveable rock. I am the same today, yesterday, and forever. There is nothing to hard for Me.

The moment you feel even a moment of fear because of these horendous times, come to Me. Lay every care upon Me. I will then be able to give you the assurance that truly I am in control of your life. When the enemy comes in like a flood, you need never be overwhelmed. I am the standard of victory that you can raise the moment you feel anxious about anything.

ROMANS 8:22; ISAIAH 59:19

WALKING

You get where you are going by taking one step at a time. This is how you walk in My Spirit. I do have the power to unveil the future to you, but then you would not have the opportunity to exercise your faith and trust in Me. Faith is not seen. Faith speaks and faith acts. It is faith that pleases Me. You cannot see Me, but I always go ahead of you and My face is ever turned towards you. I never turn My back to you. My arms are outstretched to catch you if you begin to fall.

The walk in the Spirit is a simple walk. Simply trust My grace to empower you to take the next step. Sing praises, psalms, and make melody in your heart as you walk along the path of life with Me. Make sure also that you allow My love to flow through you to others. The next step is always a step when you can demonstrate My love by what you say and what you do.

HEBREWS 11:1; EPHESIANS 5:18-21

WAIT

The word "wait" can mean many things. When Isaiah the prophet wrote, "But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint," he was conveying the importance of taking time daily to wait upon Me. Those times of waiting are not just times when you still your soul. Those waiting times are also times when you can minister to Me through your worship and your praise.

Worship and praise are two spiritual sacrifices that bless Me and as I receive the sweet incense of your worship and praise, I send you refreshing and strength in return. When your focus is entirely upon Me and not yourself or your circumstances, I am able to take your cares, bundle them up, and lay them before My Father.

Your burden will always be lightened when you spend time in My presence. The things of this world will pull you down, but when you set your mind upon Me, those things will grow strangely dim in the light of My glory and grace. In My presence is fulness of joy and pleasures forever more.

ISAIAH 40:31; PSALM 16:11

LIMITING

When I died on the tree for you, grace and truth met together. The full potential of My grace was reached when I rose again from the dead and delivered My Holy Spirit to My followers at Pentecost. My grace is My supernatural ability dispensed by the Holy Spirit to you to do the impossible. Some of My followers limit My grace when they focus on their own abilities rather than My supernatural ability in them.

I give grace to the humble and I do resist the pride. Whenever you focus on yourself, you are in pride. Turn your focus to Me by casting all of your cares upon Me. Rest assured that I will take care of all of your cares and I will also give you the supernatural ability of My grace to help you overcome every difficulty. Meditate on these truths as you go to bed tonight and you will have sweet dreams.

2 CORINTHIANS 9:8; 2 PETER 5:5-7