Run to Me

Run to Me

My Child, I am here for you every step of the way. When you are weary, know that you can run to me and I will fill you up with power.
In the world, there is pressure and expectations for you to meet. But in my presence and in my arms, I do not care if you do not have it together. In me, you can fall apart and I will not condemn you for it.
In me, you will find rest and peace for your soul. So do not be afraid to let go of your burdens for one moment. As you do, you will see just how much you have been carrying. When you keep pushing through, it is easy to think you can make it, but eventually you will grow weary.
Do not wait until you are completely empty child, but run to me and let me fill you up. Let me fill you up so that you may take on the day in my power and in victory. Amen.

Dying Daily

“If anyone desires to come after Me, let him
deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.”
LUKE 9:23

Do we need the power of God today? Do we seek the Life of the Lord today? Do we desire Him to have the preeminence in our lives today? Do we long for Him today? Then now is the time for us to be unconditionally and wholeheartedly surrendered to Him. We need not drag the process out for several days and weeks, months and years. Do it today, do it now.
If we must daily take up the Cross anyway, let us bow our head and give up the ghost instead of struggling to stay alive, which only prolongs our agony. The secret to overcoming is dying daily.
Source: Embrace the Cross by Chip Brogden

Be Open to Change

Be Open to Change

My child, for as long as you remain willing to be a moldable vessel in my hand, I will use you powerfully and send you out there to do mighty things in my name. Remain in a position where you are ready to come unto the altar on a daily basis, for me to shape you and change you.

As you are in me and my words abide in you, you will become what I need you to be, to get my work done, says the Lord. There is so much going on in the Church and in this world. If you are ready for me to use you, then be ready for me to change your direction. Then be ready for me to mold you into the vessel I need so that my purpose and my will can be accomplished.

I will give you what you need, to accomplish that goal. Whatever you need to love my people with, my child, I will give it to you. So don't be afraid and don't be stuck. I am shaping an molding you. Remain open-hearted and ready for whatever it is I see fit, says the Lord. Come now, and allow me to show you what I desire for you to do this day. Come now and lay aside your own ideas, your own conviction and your own beliefs, so that I can fill you with mine. If you can do that my child, then the world will change! Then the purpose for which I have sent you, will indeed be accomplished, says the Lord.

My Heart Yearns for Yours

My Heart Yearns for Yours

My precious child, all I desire is your heart. I don't need your talents, I don't need your abilities. All I yearn for is your heart. If you would just surrender your all to me and trust in me, then everything you have ever sought me for, would come into perspective. Everything you always longed for, will come to pass right in front of your eyes.

Let go of the striving and let go of your own ideas. As you do that, I will raise you up, says the Lord. Just let go of trying so hard to impress me. For I have created you. I wanted you, and I chose you. And now this day, my desire remains the same. My desire is for you and you alone. It's not for what you can accomplish in my name or what you can create for me, says the Lord. My desire is for you and the love in your heart. So come to me afresh and let me ignite your fire. Let me enable you to do above and beyond what you ever thought you could. It's in me and in my power that you will accomplish all these things. It's by my spirit, my child. Not by might nor by power. So come now and allow me to wash over you with the power of my love, says the Lord.

Running the Race

Running the Race

When the starting gun goes off, everyone takes off with much enthusiasm and energy. You may be encouraged by how far or how fast you run in the first moments, but my child it is not about how fast you run, or how much further you are ahead of others. Each person runs their own race, at their own pace.
So do not be discouraged if it seems as if everyone is passing you by, or if you are walking all alone. Keep your eyes focused on Me, and run the race that I have called you to run.
When you look into My eyes, you will get the strength and courage to keep walking when you are weary, and the inspiration to run full speed when I say you can. With your hand in mine, I will lead you around rocks and obstacles that block your path.
I will also show you the beauty and adventure of the journey you are taking with Me. So focus on Me and run with passion and joy. Your race is not about getting to the destination, but enjoying the time spent with Me by your side!

You Are A Treasure

You Are A Treasure

My child you are a treasure trove that I am waiting to share with the world. I have put so many gems and riches inside of you, but they are not for you my child, but for every one around you. You see, inside each believer, I have filled with something unique and beautiful that the body of Christ needs. So as you open your heart, your arms and your life to others, they can partake of the treasure that I have put inside of you.
So do not be afraid to open your heart to others. Inside of you, I have placed rivers of living waters for the thirsty and bread for the hungry that come to you. Share in what you have received from Me with great joy because through you they will be able to experience Me! Let your life be a testimony of my love for you and to inspire the rest of the Body!

The Fighter Inside You

The Fighter Inside You

There is a fighter inside of you that I have placed in your heart, child. However, when you are going through a tough time, you may feel like you want to give up. The enemy is there and too happy to fill you up with thoughts to discourage you. My child, it does not take much to silence his voice, though.
Know instead, that I have given you the victory and all you need to do is take hold of the truth and stand on it. Rise up with your sword, child, and wield it with authority. Take hold of my promises and what I have poured into you. Then as you stand on my word and stand against the enemy, you will see him flee in seven ways.
Indeed, you have inside you the spirit of a fighter and an overcomer. There is nothing that is too great for you. With me by your side, there is nothing that can stand against you… and indeed, I am by your side. Amen.

CONSIDER

CONSIDER
“Your home can be a place for dying or living, for wilting or blooming, for anxiety or peace, for discouragement or affirmation, for criticism or approval, for profane disregard or reverence, for suspicion or trust, for blame or forgiveness, for alienation or closeness, for violation or respect, for carelessness or caring. By your daily choices, you will make your home what you want it to be.”
~Carole Sanderson Streeter

A SOURCE OF COMFORT

 
A SOURCE OF COMFORT
“Our nation is facing uncertainty like many of us have never experienced in our lifetimes, which makes the Bible the perfect place to turn. The Bible is full of stories that took place in the midst of uncertainty. If you have a favorite Bible story, verse, psalm, or proverb, it probably unfolded during a time of incredible uncertainty. The Bible is not a compilation of stories about wrinkle-free lives. Not everyone lived happily ever after. Each narrative, every passage, the things we draw hope and security from -- all of those came from troubled times in the lives of people who discovered that, in the midst of uncertainty, God is still certain.

“In [many Bible] stories, it seems like things had spun out of control, like all the momentum was backward, like all of God's activity had ceased, like the bad guys -- the evil kings, the gods of the pagans -- had won. But if you read them closely, you'll discover that in the midst of that extraordinary uncertainty, God was there. Every time. If ever there was a time for us to pick up the Bible and read it, it's now.”
~Craig Groeschel, from the book What is God Really Like?

Be Transformed in My Presence

Be Transformed in My Presence

As you come to spend time in my presence and seek my face my child, I will continually transform you into my image. I will continually change your heart and your mind, so that you will look just like I want you to look.
For you are so precious to me and I have so much I need you to do for my kingdom. If you want to understand how to get this next task done, and how to take care of the needs that you are faced with in your life right now, spend time in my presence child.
For I have all the answers and it is as you take on my likeness and walk it out in this earth, that you will see great change take place. I hold the keys in my hands that will provide solutions for the many difficulties you are faced with.
I love you and I am there for you, says the Lord. So continue to come to me. Sit on my lap. Gaze upon my face and let me transform you. It’s not by your might or by your works that solutions will come and change will take effect, no, it’s by my love and by my presence that you will understand and see what needs to be done, says the Lord.
So come and sit on my lap for I love you so very much, says the Lord.

Stubborn Sheep

“All we like sheep have gone astray;
we have turned every one, to his own way.”
ISAIAH 53:6

Sheep are notorious for going their own independent way and ignoring the Shepherd. The Shepherd is well able to protect His Sheep; the Shepherd’s challenge is to get the Sheep to stay close to Him at all times. To accomplish this He has to discipline us severely and teach us not to wander off. This is where the work of the Cross comes in.
But what a great day for both the Shepherd and the stubborn little sheep when it no longer goes its own way, but follows the Shepherd and obeys His voice! Were it not for Him the lambs would be destroyed in a moment.
Source: Embrace the Cross by Chip Brogden

What is Eternal Life?

 

What is Eternal Life?

“He who has the Son has life; he who
does not have the Son of God does not have life.”
1 JOHN 5:12

Would it shock you to learn that God has not given us a thing called eternal life? The Apostle John made this quite clear in his inspired writings, saying first of all, in the oft-quoted John 3:16, that the Son is that which was given, and eternal life is simply the reward for those who receive the Son.
It becomes even more apparent in 1 John 5:12. Yes we are given Eternal Life, true, but the Life is not floating out in space somewhere waiting to fall on those who ask. Eternal Life has nothing to do with everlasting existence. Eternal Life is a Person; the Life is the Son; hence, we need only ask if we have received Jesus and we shall know whether we have Eternal Life. The Life is bound up in the Son, as is every one of God’s precious gifts. Having the Son, we therefore have all the Son has. Eternal Life is simply an alias for Christ.
Source: Lord of All by Chip Brogden

The Secret of Christian Living

“I have been crucified with Christ;
it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.”
GALATIANS 2:20

This is the beginning point of our identification: crucifixion with Christ. Here Paul tells us the secret of what it means to be a disciple. A Christian is not someone who believes certain things about Jesus and tries to live a good life. A Christian is someone who is crucified with Christ and has no life of his own.
“Not I, but Christ” is not just the secret of living the Christian life, it is the goal and the end result of all God’s dealings with us along the lines of discipleship. He must increase. I must decrease. Follow this process out to its inevitable, irresistible conclusion and you see that eventually there is none of me; it is all of Him in me.
Source: Embrace the Cross by Chip Brogden

Trust in the Road I set Before You

Trust in the Road I set Before You

The road that I have set before you my child, is paved and sure. It's a clearly laid out path and you don't have to run around and wonder where it will take you. You merely have to get on it and follow it one step at a time. I love you my child. I am right here by your side and I am ready to take you where you need to be.
All you need to do is trust in me. You don't have to know the beginning from the end and the end from the beginning. You don't need to see the final destination clearly just yet, for that is what I do in your life, says the Lord. All you need to do right now is commit to me and trust in me.
For I will surely lead you on a good path, one of a good future and one filled with hope. I will ensure that your foot doesn’t slip and that no harm will come your way.
So don't hesitate any longer, but just take this next step onto this wonderfully paved road I have laid out in front of you. I know the road you must walk and I know where it will take you. Trust in me and I will raise you up, says the Lord.

Trust in Me

Trust in Me

Look at the sea and how it rages at night. Yet by day, the sun comes out and there is a calm all around. So it is with me. No matter how the winds may come and how high the tides may rise, I will turn the tides and as surely as the sun will rise, so I am faithful to be at your side.
Do not be shaken by circumstances, child, but put your trust in me.
I am your rock and your constant strong tower that you can lean on. Even when thing seem rough and the storm wages, you can find rest and peace to ride it out. When you know who I am, then you will also know that there is nothing to fear.
You will know that you are in my very capable hands and indeed, all things will work together for your good. Do not fear my child, but come and know me and you find rest in me.

Bricks to Build With

Bricks to Build With

My child, when you feel pressed down and discouraged, when you feel accused and hopeless, do not just lie down in defeat, but realize that you have been listening to the lies of the enemy. Do not let his words be the bricks that you build your house with, but choose my words instead.
Do you not see that what you choose to believe are like little bricks you build your life with. You can either build with nice solid bricks, or those of the enemy that will only crumble and fall.
Today take charge and throw out every lie that he has told you. Shake off the accusation of the enemy and believe his words no more. That is not all though, you must also come to me to replace those words with what I say about you. You must choose to believe me and then build your house with my bricks.
As you do, you will see how much stronger you become with each and every day. Indeed, your house is one built on a rock - a foundation that cannot be shaken. Amen.

The Source of Revelation

“Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah,
for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you,
but My Father who is in heaven.”
MATTHEW 16:17

Here, Jesus contrasts “flesh and blood” knowledge with Truth which is revealed by God (and of course, Jesus is Truth [John 14:6]). The two are as different as night and day. In the matter of flesh and blood knowledge that is obtained from human, earthly sources, we may have reason to boast in our ability to study, investigate, reason, and decide. This is the Tree of Knowledge.
In the case of revelation, we have definitely no room to boast, for revelation is simply that which is revealed to us from heaven by the Lord. We cannot work to obtain it nor do we merit it. Additionally, no man may give it to us. Its source is God working in us through His Holy Spirit. This is the Tree of Life.
Source: Lord of All by Chip Brogden

My Presence Fully Satisfies

My Presence Fully Satisfies

In my presence, my child, there are pleasures that fully satisfy. If you come to me, I will always give you what you need to be able to keep walking your walk. My child, if you come to me and allow me to show you my pleasures, you will always receive the right word at the right time.
Sometimes, receiving those pleasures mean that you need a clear word of direction. Sometimes, I may be calling you to let something go so that I can replace it with something new, and other times it may be that I just want you to dwell in my joy.
I know what you need and so come into my presence, receive what you need today, and then run with that. This will help you embrace every situation that you are faced with right now, as I have an answer to each one.
My presence is key. So come to me even now, says the Lord and let me give you the pleasures that will fully satisfy you, where you are at this day.
I love you and I am here to give you all that you need, says the Lord.

The Subjective Work of the Cross

“I have suffered the
loss of all things… that I may know Him and
the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship
of His sufferings, being conformed to His death.”
PHILIPPIANS 3:8,10

Adisciple of Jesus is not someone who mentally embraces the idea of a crucified Christ, nor is it someone who simply reads and accepts the historical record of the crucifixion. A disciple of Jesus is one who enters into the experience of the Cross and is personally acquainted and familiar with it. He has taken up his own Cross and followed in the footsteps of Christ. The objective work of the Cross was accomplished when Christ was crucified; the subjective work of the Cross is accomplished when I daily deny myself, take up my Cross, and follow after Him. His work on the Cross is finished and complete; my work through the Cross is ongoing. The Cross He bore accomplished the work of redemption, while the Cross I bear accomplishes the work of spiritual maturity.
Source: Embrace the Cross by Chip Brogden

Always With You

Always With You

When someone is a child and cannot yet walk, their father can hold their hands and put their feet on his and they can walk together. The child then can take every single step together with his father. So my child, when you don’t feel that you know how, or cannot take another step, come to me and let my strength carry you.
Put your trust in Me and let us take those next steps together. Because where you go is not what really matters, but the fact that we go together. Do not revel in your weakness or inability, but rejoice in My strength. Then as you gain strength and confidence, you can walk on your own, with your hand in Mine. No matter what circumstances may arise, remember that I am always with you!

Spiritual Strength

“When I am weak, then I am strong.”
2 CORINTHIANS 12:10

The way of the world says that in order to be stronger, we must build ourselves up and seek strength and dominance over others. Christians everywhere are keenly interested in how to be increased, how to be stronger, how to take authority, how to rise up, how to get more. They look for methods, formulas, and techniques for becoming bigger and better. The results have been disappointing. Many mistakes have been made and many people have been hurt and disillusioned.
The Lord has a different approach for us to take. He invites us to accept weakness in order to be strengthened. We do not become strong by embracing strength, but by embracing weakness! This is the secret of all spiritual power. When Paul learned this secret he was able to say, “When I am weak, then I am strong.” This makes no sense to the natural man.
Source: Embrace the Cross by Chip Brogden

Abide in Me

Abide in Me

My child, I don't ask you to be perfect and I don't ask you to be righteous all on your own. No, it's my blood that washed you clean and continues to do so every day.
All you have to do to walk the road I have set before you is to abide in me. Come and plug yourself into me. Imagine yourself as the branch on a vine. As long as the branch is attached to the vine, it receives life and everything that the vine has.
Well I am the vine, you are the branch. Whatever I have, you have. Whatever need you have, I have the answer to. Whatever question you have, I am here to show you the way.
My child, I love you so much and all you need to do is to be connected to me continually and to seek my face. As you do, things will fall into place and you will indeed stand set apart in my name.
So come, plug into me today. Connect yourself afresh to me and you will experience my power and my love in a new way.

The Age of Miracles

“God also bearing witness both with
signs and wonders, with various miracles, and
gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will.”
HEBREWS 2:4

When people are healed and delivered it gives us a taste of what conditions are like when Christ has preeminence over all things. Miracles give us a glimpse of a future time when He will make all things new and there will be “no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4). What we consider miraculous in this Age will be commonplace in the Age to come.
Source: The Irresistible Kingdom by Chip Brogden

Fire Within You

Fire Within You

A fire is most noticeable when it is ablaze, and the flames are huge. That is the time that the most people will come and gather around it for warmth and also to watch it burn. But that kind of flame is one that needs constant maintenance. If there is not the proper preparation, it only lasts for a short while.

My child, I have not created you to burn brightly, and then to die away. Know that what I have put inside of you is special and is meant to last. Every form of fire has its time and its purpose.

Know that when you are feeling like your passion and zest for life is running low, run to Me. Time spent in My presence will give you the fuel and inspiration you need to keep running the race and to keep burning brightly.

You were made to give warmth to those who are cold and to give inspiration to those who despair of life. When you go out in the world, sometimes the darkness may seem overwhelming, but trust that what I have put in you will shine all the more brightly, the greater the darkness. So do not hide, nor be ashamed of what I have put inside you.

Be bold and let the passion inside of you shine and ignite others!

No Testimony Without a Test

“They overcame [the dragon] by the blood
of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony;
and they did not love their lives to the death.”
REVELATION 12:11

Just as there is no victory without a fight, no Crown without a Cross, so there is no Testimony without a test. Our Testimony is not a thing that is said, but it is a LIFE that is lived. We overcome the Dragon by the word of this Testimony. This Testimony demonstrates the preeminence of Christ over sin, self, and satan: and it is a violent thing, a proactive thing, not a passive thing. The Lord’s Testimony is actually strengthened when the enemy comes against it, for in the end we see that Christ is, indeed, preeminent. If we are really demonstrating this then we should be getting stronger spiritually.
That is not to say we will always feel good and always have a smile on our face while engaging the enemy. But regardless of our outward condition, our inward condition will be continually strengthened as we bear the Testimony of Jesus.
Source: The Irresistible Kingdom by Chip Brogden

Power Up in Me

Power Up in Me

My child, come away with me for a while and I will give you rest for your soul. In the world, there are many things to take care of, but in my presence, you can let go of your cares.
Come and be refreshed in me. Come to hear my words and allow them to wash over you. For my words are life and they will give you power and strength. In your heart are many needs that you cannot keep going, without them getting met.
So do not wait until you are empty, but instead, come to power up in me. Then you will see that everything you put your hands to will be with ease and peace. What you set out to do will prosper and yield good fruit, when you have been filled up in my presence. Amen.

Heavenly Perception

“God, who is rich in mercy, because of
His great love with which He loved us… raised us up together,
and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.”
EPHESIANS 2:4,6

The difference between those who overcome and those who do not overcome is a difference in their own PERCEIVED position. We all ought to perceive that in Christ we are seated in the heavenly places. We cannot overcome without this perception, this seeing, this revelation. If our perception is earthly, we will remain earthly. If our perception is heavenly, we will overcome.
Source: Lord of All by Chip Brogden

Fit to Follow

“Whoever desires to save his life will lose it,
but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.”
MATTHEW 16:25

Some will say, “I am willing to die now that I have followed.” The person who knows the Cross says, “I am fit to follow now that I have died.”
Why is this important? Because Jesus knows that no human being is qualified to follow Him until they have first died. Jesus knows a man cannot live until he has died and been raised to life again. He therefore bids us to die right away, that He may raise us from the dead by His Indwelling Spirit and place us immediately upon the correct path.
Source: Embrace the Cross by Chip Brogden

Rejoice in tha victory

Rejoice in the Victory

Sometimes when you begin to think that a battle is lost, that is the moment when everything turns for the worst. But that is not the case, my child. Look at every situation for the blessing that I have put in there. It may be hidden, but when you train your eyes to see the victory that I have given you in every battle, you will look at every obstacle with completely new eyes.
The enemy only wants you to think that you have lost or failed. But he has already been defeated over 2000 years ago. I have already given you the victory over every circumstance or trap the enemy has set. Seek out every blessing I have given you and stand as the warrior I have called you to be.
Every time you step out on the battlefield, know what the outcome is because the enemy has already been defeated. So do not be discouraged no matter what your situation looks like. Get up and move forward knowing you will stand victorious after every battle!

One Step at a Time

One Step at a Time

My child, look up straight ahead and see the goal that I have put before you. It may seem so far and that you will not be able to attain it, but remember that with me, you can do all things. I will give you the wisdom, the power, and the ability to reach your goal.
So do not think that it is impossible, but just look at the single step that is ahead of you. As you take one step at a time and be diligent to move forward, you will look back one day and see how far you have come.
Keep your eyes straight ahead then, and do not be deterred. Do not allow the enemy to discourage you, but know that I am with you every step of the way. You can trust me and you can lean on me, my child. For indeed, the strides you have taken are many already. Amen.

Witnessing Wisdom

“Arise therefore, go down and go with them,
doubting nothing; for I have sent them.”
ACTS 10:20

The success of the mission to Cornelius’ house had less to do with Peter’s ability to speak and more to do with the audience’s ability to hear. When we speak only to whom we are sent then we will see dramatic results.
Trying to speak to everyone in general and no one in particular is a colossal waste of time and demonstrates poor stewardship. We ought not to give ten coins to someone who can only handle five, and we ought not to give five coins to someone who cannot handle even one. It is clear that much time is wasted trying to convince, persuade, plead, argue, teach, and help people to whom God has not sent us. If we will wait for the Spirit of God we will save ourselves a lot of time, effort and energy. A worker who indiscriminately throws precious seed on rocky ground and gives pearls to pigs is not being a wise, faithful, and profitable servant.
Source: The Church in the Wilderness by Chip Brogden

Listen to My Voice

Listen to My Voice

When a child gets lost in the crowd, amid all the other voices, he will recognise the voice of his mother calling him and then he will know that he is not lost. This is so with you my child. When the world seems to be against you and you feel like you are a fish swimming against the current, take a moment to come into my presence and listen to my voice.
Know that in my presence, there is a solution to every problem, and wisdom and courage to overcome any obstacle. Sometimes all that you need is to hear my voice and know that I am standing right next to you in every circumstance, and to know you are walking in the right direction.
Do not feel like you have to do anything fancy or special to hear Me, just come!  Let me give you everything you need to keep walking this journey and know that I am with you every step of the way.