CLOSE

The word, "close," can be used as a verb that means "to shut up something" or to "shut away." It can mean to "bring to an end."  It also means "to draw close to someone or something."

You are at the close of this age.  I told you in My Word that you could know the season of My second coming, but not the hour.  Only My Father knows this. However, I know that you see the signs that Matthew recorded in his gospel.

As this age comes to a close, I want you to draw close to Me.  The less space that you leave between you and Me, the better.  Of course, I dwell within you.  The way to tap into My Holy Spirit and His power within you is to do three things: abide in Me (shut yourself away with Me daily); abide in My Word (read and heed My Word daily); and abide in My love (daily ask My Holy Spirit to fill your heart with My love so that you can demonstrate My love to all those who are close to you).

MATTHEW 24; JOHN 15

CONSISTENT

I want you to be consistent in your faith.  My enemy will always try to bombard you with thoughts of doubt and worry.  Take your thoughts captive to Me when this happens.

A double-minded person cannot expect to receive My wisdom or any thing from Me.  When you ask Me for wisdom, believe that you will receive My wisdom because it is My joy to give it to you.  However, you will have to listen carefully to what My Spirit tells you as you go through your journeys of faith.

What will help you the most to be consistent in your faith is to be consistent in reading, meditating, and memorizing My Word.  Faith comes by hearing and hearing by My Word.  If you feel like you lack enough faith, recognize that My very faith dwells within you.  Tap into My faith.

2 CORINTHIANS 10:3-6; JAMES 1:6-7

DISMAY

When you look at the stories of the patriarchs and the apostles, you will see that they all had many opportunities to be dismayed.  I always was able to give them a word that would deliver them from that vulnerable position of dismay.

Whenever you are dismayed, the enemy will come in and give you all kinds of worry, fearful, and doubtful thoughts.  Quench his fiery doubts by speaking the words that I gave to Isaiah.

The words I gave to Isaiah were: "Fear not,  for I am with you: be not dismayed: for I am your God.  I will strengthen you: yes, I will help you.  I will uphold you with the right hand of My righteousness.  Behold all those who were incensed against you shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be as nothing: and those who strive with you shall perish.  You shall seek them, and shall not find them: even those who contended with you:  those who war against you shall be as nothing, and as a thing of nought.  For I the Lord your God will hold your right hand saying to you, 'Fear not: I will help you."

ISAIAH 41:10-12

CHALLENGE

We all face challenges in our lives.  I had many challenges when I walked on Earth.  What helped Me the most during those times of challenge were My talks with My Father.  I would get alone with My Father before day break and talk with Him about the day.

My talks with My Father were encouraging.  He knew what I would face each day.  Some people forget that I am human as well as divine.  I came in the flesh to show My beloved how they also could face challenges.

After My talks with My Father, I listened carefully to the Holy Spirit Who was always faithful to tell Me the next thing to do.  I only did what My Father had ordained for the day, and I only said what My Father wanted Me to say as I made My journey through the day.  I was careful just to take one day at a time. My mode of operation when I walked on earth is the same mode of operation I want you to instigate,

MARK 1:35

ENCOURAGE

Look at the word, "encourage."  The word, "courage" is in this word.  I have sent My Holy Spirit to lead and guide you into all truth.  He knows the Scriptures in My Word that will encourage you when  you need courage as you go through a horrific trial.

Ask My Spirit to lead you when you go through trials.  He will be able to give you the words from My word as you wait in silence for His guidance.

Joshua and others in My Word were told to be of good courage when they faced what seemed to be an unsurmountable trial.  Remember that you are more than a conqueror as you trust in Me.

I ask for your prayers.  Tom has been diagnosed with cancer.  We see the cancer specialist this Tuesday.  Please keep us in your prayers.

JOSHUA 1:9; ROMANS 8:37

ATITUDE OF GRATITUDE

Thanksgiving is a time when most everyone in America turn their thoughts heavenward to thank Me for their blessings as they enjoy a luscious meal.  There are many, however, who do not have family or food.

Pray that many of these homeless people will find their way to a table filled with food and a place where they will feel My love.

My prayer for you today and all of your loved ones is that you will know My presence so strong in your lives in this coming year that everyday will be a day when you have an attitude of gratitude, not only towards Me, but also towards all you encounter day by day.

PSALM 105:1-5; 106:1-2; -107:1-2; 118:1,29; 136:1-4; 1 THESS, 5:18; EPHESIANS 5:20

FAMILY

You are in the season when families gather together to give thanks to Me.  I love to see families enjoying their times with one another because I am a family God.

Before I ever was born on Earth, I was with My Father in heaven.  My Holy Spirit was also with us.  When you look at the role of Me, My Father, and the Holy Spirit, you will see how we are very much like a family.

My Father begot Me, and it was My joy to add many people to our family.  Those who believe in Me are joint heirs with Me.  After I left Earth, I sent My Holy Spirit to be with My family on Earth..  He fulfills the role of a mother.  He is a teacher, an encourager, a comforter, and a nurturer.  Tomorrow when you give thanks with your family around the table, give thanks to Me for being a part of our family.

JOHN 3:16

PAVILION

I dwell in the midst of your praises to Me.  When you praise and give thanks to Me, you form a spiritual gazebo around you.  .

The strife of tongues that fills the worldly atmosphere will be silenced.  In those silent moments wait upon Me.  Ask Me to give you a Scripture to read.  Then allow Me to minister to you My love.
Few believers take that opportunity to sit with Me in this beautiful pavilion.

If your spiritual eyes were opened, you could see a white pavilion with benches cushioned with white sateen pillows.  The garden around you is laced with colorful flowers embroidered on lush, green grass.  During this busy season,  I invite you to come to this pavilion every morning.  Here you will receive My strength for all that you have to do each day.

PSALM 31:20

DEFINE

People often define others by their past.  I never want you to do this.  When people commit their lives to Me by accepting Me as their Lord and Savior, old things are past, and all things become new.

Every person you meet has a story that they could tell about some things in their past that they would rather you not know about.  If you discover those past things that would define that person in a way that is not godly, I desire for you to not repeat those things.  Everyone has to tell their own story.

In the future as you look at people, pray that you can define them as I define them.  I define them as precious treasures who I seek to wrap in My love.  Others will see My love through you when you see people through My eyes.

2 CORINTHIANS 5:17

KIND

I created all kinds of species when I created the world.  The variety of sea creatures, mammals, insects, and other species are innumerable. When I created mankind, he was unique.  He is the only kind of mammal that can have continual, verbal communication with Me and others..

You encounter daily many kinds of human beings.  I recognize that there are some humans that you would never like to encounter like those who want to do you harm.  However, I exhorted you in My Word to bless your enemies and to do good to those who persecute you.

This is a tall order, and is something that you cannot do without the help of My Holy Spirit.  Today as you meet various kinds of people, I want you to be kind to them even when they are not kind to you.
Your communication with people always should be kind (forgiving others even as I have forgiven you.)

GENESIS 1 -7;  MATTHEW 5:44; EPHESIANS 4:32

LESSONS

All of life's lessons are in one book.  That book is My Word.  I would challenge you to read through the Bible in a year, and then write down all the life lessons that you have learned.

Reading the Bible and discovering those life lessons is worthy.  However, if you do not apply those lessons to your life, you will not benefit.  You can have all knowledge, but if you have no understanding of what you have learned, you will never experience My wisdom.

Wisdom is applied knowledge.  My wisdom is pure, peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. I want you to walk in My wisdom today.  Ask My Holy Spirit to give you understanding as you read My Word, and then ask Him for the power and anointing to obey My Word.

JAMES 3:17

OVERWHELM

You are entering a busy season, and sometimes I know you feel overwhelmed.  During this season, I want you to employ My Holy Spirit to be your "Helper."  In fact, I have given you My Spirit to guide and direct you every moment of the day.

I want you to listen carefully, moment by moment, to My Spirit as He tells you the next thing to do.  I have heard the saying, "Inch by inch, it is a synch. Mile by mile, it takes a while." I want you to live in the moment because faith can only work moment by moment in your life.

Faith comes by hearing and hearing by My Word.  Your top priority this season is to listen to the voice of My Spirit, and you will be able to tap into the supernatural help of My Spirit. As you commit your day and your works to Him in the morning, He will overwhelm you with My peace and joy  moment by moment.

HEBREWS 4:16; 13:6, PSALM 37:5; PROVERBS 16:3

REVISE

When plan A fails, you usually have a plan B.  This means you will have to revise your first plan to fit the circumstances that you are now facing. 

I have a plan for your life, and there is no plan B.  Your days are written in your book of life and even all the works that I created for you to do are also written there. You cannot revise My plan, but you can go your own way instead of My way each day because I have given you free will.

My plans for you are for good, not for evil, to give you a purpose and a hope and an expected end.  Today pray that you will be on the same page that I am reading in your book of life.  There are many chapters yet to finish in your life.   Yield to My Spirit daily, and He will accomplish through you every good work I have planned for you.

JEREMIAH 29:11-12

POSITIVE

Most of us want to have positive things said about us, and we want positive answers to our prayers. However, if we are awaiting a doctor's report on a biopsy, our hope is that the results will prove negative instead of positive.

The promises in My Word are never negative.  They are all "yes" and "amen" through Me.  The key is that all the promises in God's Word are meant to give positive results when the conditions for these promises are met.

There are some promises in My Word that are not conditional.  The promise that whatever you shall ask My Father in My name, He will give it to you is conditional.  The conditions required of you are that you daily abide in Me, abide in My Word, and abide in My love by keeping My commandments.  I want you to position yourself daily to receive all of My promises by fulfilling these conditions.

2 CORINTHIANS 1:20; JOHN 16:23

DESIGN

I have designed you to have fellowship with Me daily.  When you miss your times with Me, you miss what I have to share with you.  You miss the time to share your praises and love with Me.  Those days that you miss your fellowship times with Me cause you to be open to influences of this world.

I designed Adam and Eve to walk with Me in the garden, to hear My voice, and to be in constant communion with Me.  When sin entered the world that fellowship was broken.  The good news is that I came to redeem all that was lost when sin entered the world.

I have designated you to enjoy fellowshipping with Me daily.  The design of your day includes coming to Me with every care.  Remember, I can perfect all that is a concern to you. I designed you to have a carefree day, so today release every care to Me, and you will experience all the joy and peace that I have designed for you this day.

PSALM 138:8

DEGRADE

My adversary's plan has always been to degrade My heavenly Father.  He seeks to corrupt in quality the moral character of My Father.  He was successful in this strategy when he convinced  Adam and Eve to believe that My Father was withholding something good from them.

Satan continues to try to degrade and dishonor Me, My Father, My Holy Spirit and My beloved through false reports and accusations.  He is the accuser of the brethren. When this tactic is used against you or those you love, speak the truth to counter the lie.

The truth that I want you to speak is that your righteousness is of Me, and no weapon My enemy sends your way will prosper.  Condemn his words of accusation, and remember that I am your advocate.  I will then be able to bring to light the truth.

REVELATION 12:10; ISAIAH 54:17;

EAGER

I want you to be eager to do My will.  The word, "eager," can have a positive or negative connotation. The negative connotation used as a verb means "to be impatient or anxious."  I never want you to be anxious or impatient to do My will when you daily yield yourself to My Holy Spirit..

I want you to desire keenly and to be enthusiastic to do My will day by day.  Expect to be led by My Holy Spirit moment by moment during the day. Expect My Spirit to put you in the right place at the right time to have divine appointments.

Expect that My Holy Spirit will fill your heart so mightily with My love that My light of love within you will flow naturally and powerfully through you to others.  They will see My good works through you and glorify My Father in heaven.

MATTHEW 6:22

REVIEW

One of the key ways to pass a test is to keep reviewing the notes that you took in class.  It would even be helpful to memorize some of the key points and also to speak those key points out loud.

I want you to use those same tools that help you pass tests in school when you are going through a major test of your faith.  There are many reasons for tests in your life.  One of the main reasons is that you live in a fallen world that causes much tribulation.  I promised that in the world you would have tribulation, but be of good cheer because I have overcome the world.

When your faith is tested, review what has been written in My Word about whatever test you are experiencing.  For example, if you are having a financial test, read. memorize, and mutter those promises out loud, and you will pass that test of faith. One third of My Word concerns money.

JOHN 16:33
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PROCEED

After medical procedures, you usually do not know how to proceed with any treatment.  The first thing that I want you to do is to seek Me for wisdom and revelation knowledge.  I am all wisdom.  I know every inch of your body, and I know exactly how you should proceed.

Rest assured that as you daily commit your body to Me as a living sacrifice that I take charge over your body.  I always want you to be in health and prosper even as your soul prospers..

Trust Me, and try not to lean on your own understanding when a diagnosis is given that could cause you to be anxious.  Remember the instructions My servant Paul gave: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests known be made known to Me.  When you faithfully do this, My peace will mount guard over your heart and mind .

3 JOHN 1; PROVERBS 3:5; PHILLIPIANS 4:6-7 

PRESENT

The word, "present," can mean many things.  When this word is used as a verb, it usually means to present a problem or a teaching or even an interview.   It can mean that someone is present with you.  It can also mean a gift.

The word, "present," is a good word to describe My activity in your life on Earth.  I am always present with you.  You are a present (gift) to Me.  Everyday I present My Word to you for encouragement, exhortation, and edification.

Today when you think about this word, I want you to focus on Me and how much I love you.  My Father gave Me as a present to you so that you in turn can present the gospel of My kingdom to many.  The day will come soon when I will present you faultless before My Father in heaven.

2 PETER 1:12; JUDE 24

PROSPECT

Employers are always looking for good prospects who might fill the needed positions that they have available.  I also am looking for good prospects to fill the needed positions in My kingdom on Earth.

You might think that I did not do a very good job when the first prospects I chose were uneducated fishermen and a tax collector.  However, I was able to see their potential.  I knew that once they were filled with My Holy Spirit, they would be able to fulfill the calling I had placed on their lives.

I am presently looking for more prospects to fill the positions in this last great harvest.  Pray for more laborers, and be on the look out for prospects for kingdom work.  I will help you see the potential in the individuals I have chosen.

MATTHEW 9:37-38

FRUSTRATION

Frustration is a form of pride.  You desire to get something done, and nothing is working out, so you become frustrated.  You are stuck in traffic and are going to be late to an appointment, and you become frustrated.  You find out a medical diagnosis that is not good, and you become frustrated because you have no control.

Look at how many times the word "You" appears in the above scenarios.  To avoid frustrating moments, trust every moment of your day to Me.  When you do this, I am in control, not you.
I
Trust Me to go before you moment by moment, and My peace will invade your soul.  Your thoughts will be on Me and My plans for you rather than yourself and your own plans.

PROVERBS 3:5-6

ORIGiN

So many scientists have researched the origin of life.  There are many theories about when life was created on Earth.  This research can easily cease, if these scientists and others who have their theories would just read My Word.

I am life.  There is no life without Me.  When God created the world, He said let there be light even before the sun, moon, and stars were created to provide light for the Earth.  I am the light of the world and I am the life of the world.  I was present when Earth was created and I was present before the foundation of the Earth came into being.

At the end of time, My glory light will fill all the Earth.  Until that time, I have chosen you to be a light shining in the midst of this dark world.  My glory light resides in you today.  Let Me shine through you to everyone you encounter today.

GENESIS 1-2; JOHN 8:12

TRUTH

People who are about to get on the witness stand are usually asked to place one hand on the Bible and to raise the other hand heavenward as they swear to tell the truth and nothing but the truth so help them God.

Many are teaching that there are no absolute truths.  You are also living in a day when there is so much fake news that you simply do not know what to believe.  There is only one absolute truth.

I said that "I am the way, the truth, and the life."  Placing your hand on the Bible and raising one hand heavenward will not guarantee that you will tell the truth.  However, if you open your Bible and meditate on its truths, you will be able to speak the truth in love to all you encounter today.  As you read your Bible, put one hand heavenward as a sign to Me that you yield yourself and your day to Me.

JOHN 14:6

TOTAL

People who are about to get on the witness stand in a courtroom are usually asked to put one hand on the Bible and to raise the other hand heavenward as they swear to tell the truth, nothing but the truth so help them God.

You live in a day when people are teaching that there are no absolute truths.  You are also experiencing fake news, and sometimes you just do not know what to believe. There is only One absolute truth. 

I said that I am the way, the truth, and the life. Placing your hand on the Bible and swearing to tell the truth will not guarantee that you will tell the truth.  However, when you open your Bible and receive the truths in My Word, you will be able to speak the truth in love to everyone you encounter today.  Open your Bible today and mediate on My promises.  Then signify your trust in Me by raising one hand heavenward.

JOHN 14:6

EVALUATION

Corporations usually evaluate  yearly the performance of their corporation and their employees to see if financial and human resource have made progress according to the standards set for the year.  Hopefully, the results will be improved sales, contracts,  revenues, and personnel training.

Many of My beloved spend time evaluating their lives.  Instead of evaluating your own life to see if you think that you have grown in faith and in My Spirit this past year, I want you to spend time evaluating Me.

I am your life.  As you spend time daily in My presence, you will become more like Me.  I want you to always have confidence that you are of infinite value to Me.  You are My glory.  You are My light shining in this dark world.  You are the salt of the Earth that adds flavor and preserves those you encounter in a day's time.  Evaluate how I spent My time on Earth, and then you will have a standard to evaluate your moments during a day's time.

MATTHEW 5:13,16; JOHN 17:22

TOMORROW

I  exhorted My disciples to take  no thought for tomorrow because tomorrow will take thought for the things of itself.  My Father knows exactly what your needs will be tomorrow and every tomorrow.

One of the main strategies of My enemy is to seduce you to play the "What If" and the "When Then" game.  Many scenarios can run through your mind if you take My enemy's invitation to play this game with him.

I want you to take one day at a time.  Of course, you do need to think about the long term plans or weekly plans you may have.  However, hold those plans lightly and release them to Me.  Simply commit your way to Me every morning, and I have promised to order your days according to what I will, not what you will.

MATTHEW 6:31-34; PSALM 37:5