Year one
8-1
Skipping Steps
Accept the pace I set in trusting submission. You cannot run up this stairway or skip steps. We will intentionally take one step of freedom and Truth at a time. You may not see ahead but you can look back and see how far We have come and rejoice in Our progress. Keep relaxing and trusting in Me. Remember, freedom is a process so be patient. I Am with you.
Isaiah 43:2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.
Psalm 31:9 How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you, that you bestow in the sight of all, on those who take refuge in you.
Isaiah 26:3 You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.
John 14:1 Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.
8-2
The beauty of weakness
It is very simple. The weaker you are, the more of Me you will have. Weakness + desire for Me + acceptance of all that I bring into your day in surrendering trust = more of My Presence, My Voice, My Strength. When I weaken you then I Am giving you a good gift. Embrace this gift from Me. Be strong only in your desire for Me. Then I can do all the rest
Matthew 6:33 What you should want most is God’s kingdom and doing what he wants you to do. Then he will give you all these other things you need.
8-3
Man-Pleaser
Do not seek the favor of man. You cannot be a man-pleaser and please Me at the same time. To seek to make people happy is to take your focus off My will and My Voice. Be free to serve one Master only . . . Me. Leave the pleasure or ill feelings of others to Me.
Psalm 118:6 The Lord is on my side, I am not afraid! What can people do to me?
8-4
Real Freedom
I did not place you on earth to keep others happy. No, you are here to have intimacy with Me alone. Just follow Me and seek My will first. Then all these others will be served My way and in My timing. I will lead you in Wisdom. Do not be afraid of man.
Matthew 6:33-34 …32 For your Heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Today has enough trouble of its own.…
8-5
The Gift of Suffering
Remember the old saying, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder?” Likewise, suffering is in the eye of the beholder. Therefore give thanks for suffering. It is my tool. I use it to reshape the human spirit. I use it to bring those who are lost into my Arms. I use it to bring Truth to those who are deceived. I use it to set prisoners of self-directed lives free. I use it to keep My own sheep straining to hear My Voice despite distractions. I use it to encourage My friends to become more intimate with Me. I use it to draw out faith like one would draw water from a glass with a straw. I use it to open blind eyes and deaf ears.
Psalm 119:67 Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now Your word do I keep [hearing, receiving, loving, and obeying it].
8-6
Avoiding Suffering
Now take another look at suffering. Do not make avoidance of suffering your goal in life. Do not make saving others from suffering your aim. Aim to walk in My footprints. Then We will walk through the blessings of suffering together. Give My Father thanks for His kind gift of suffering. Remember that His ways are not your ways.
Psalm 119:75 I know, O Lord, that your decisions are right and that your punishment was right and did me good. Now let your loving-kindness comfort me, just as you promised. Surround me with your tender mercies that I may live. For your law is my delight.
8-7
Love’s Sacrifice
I know when you set aside all else to seek Me. I know when you rise during the night because you would rather be with Me than sleep. I see every time you refuse the world’s offerings and desire to spend your time with Me instead. What you do not realize is how you make My Heart skip for joy. You cannot see My Love-tears as I see My Beloved one yearning to be with Me. You cannot watch My Face beam as you look for Me despite the darkness and allurements around you. What you don’t know is the thrill of My Heart as I watch the one for whom I have waited so long return My Love.
Luke 15:20 But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.
John 14:12-14 Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father. 13 Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.
Psalm 33:18 Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him, On those who hope for His lovingkindness
8-8
Eyes of Love
Soon you will see My Eyes of Love for you and know the depths of pleasure and joy you bring to me. I yearn for you as you persist in pushing your way into My Arms. I Am running to you as you are pressing into Me. Know that My Heart is full of Love and joy over you. I will never take My eyes off you. you are the one I Love!
Matthew 6:10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven
8-9
The Great Exchange
Do you desire to see Me work miracles? Then let Me grow your faith. Do you desire to see signs and wonders? Then obey and surrender to Me. Do you desire to see My Kingdom come? Then desire My will to be done far above your will in everything. Lay down your dreams, desires, opinions, and defenses so you can follow Me. Exchange your life for Mine.
Matthew 8:22 But Jesus *said to him, “Follow Me, and allow the dead to bury their own dead.”
8-10
The Privilege of Suffering
Suffering on the cross for My sake, and in obedience to My Will, is a privilege and an honor. Only while your feet touch earth will you have this opportunity. Jump at the chance to suffer for Me now while you can. You can serve Me in martyrdom and laying down your life to the point of great pain now.
Philippians 1:29 For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake
Acts 5:41 So they went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name.
Philippians 3:10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death
2 Timothy 2:12 If we endure, we will also reign with Him; If we deny Him, He also will deny us
8-11
True Love
Once you are in Heaven then suffering ceases and there will be no new martyrs. Death is the highest form of faith. Trust Me with suffering. Love Me with pain. There is no such thing as true Love without pain and death of self.
Matthew 10:22 He who has found his life will lose it, and he who has lost his life for My sake will find it.
Philippians 3:10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death
8-12
The Highest Form of Love
Now is your chance to suffer and die for Me. It will soon be too late. Your chance to suffer for Me won’t last forever. Today won’t always be called today. Soon there will be no more todays and no more tears. Death is the highest form of Love. I died for you before it was too late and the chance was gone. Only while on earth can these things take place. Suffering is a privilege.
Philippians 1:29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him, 30 having the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I have.
2 Corinthians 1:5 5 For just as the sufferings of Christ overflow to us, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. 6 If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which accomplishes in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we experience.…
2 Timothy 2:12 11 This is a trustworthy saying: If we died with Him, we will also live with Him; 12 if we endure, we will also reign with Him; if we deny Him, He will also deny us; 13 if we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.…
1 Peter 4:12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?
8-13
For My glory and your good
Do not ever think that suffering means I Am not taking care of you. No, I will never leave you or stop taking care of you. I will never allow one second more than you can bear. I Am in charge of everything and I Am using every second for My glory and your good. Remember that I wear all hats . . . including that of a surgeon, builder, teacher, coach, washer, advertiser, movie producer, light and sound crew, pilot, policeman and dentist to name just a few.
Deuteronomy 31:8 It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.
Hebrews 13:5 Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Isaiah 41:10-13 Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Behold, all who are incensed against you shall be put to shame and confounded; those who strive against you shall be as nothing and shall perish. You shall seek those who contend with you, but you shall not find them; those who war against you shall be as nothing at all. For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.
Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8-14
Tools of My trade
I use suffering as a tool of My trade. When you are hurting, know that I Am very, very close and giving you expert attention and Love. I will help you in all things. Be still and accept the process. Jesus spoke very little as He patiently endured the cross. Just know weeping lasts a night but joy comes in the morning. There is an end. I Love you!
Isaiah 41:10-13 Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Behold, all who are incensed against you shall be put to shame and confounded; those who strive against you shall be as nothing and shall perish. You shall seek those who contend with you, but you shall not find them; those who war against you shall be as nothing at all. For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you”–this is the LORD’s declaration–“plans for your welfare, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
8-15
Guard your heart
Remember that emotions cover up Truth. This is seen when someone you had strong feelings toward has been out of your life for many years and you begin to notice that your attitude toward them has changed. Or after you go through a trial that terrified you before you began, you often change your mind about the level of difficulty when it is over.
Proverbs 29:11 A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.
Galatians 5:16-24 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, …
Isaiah 30:25 For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.” But you were unwilling,
8-16
Do you trust Me?
Do not let your emotions be a source of Truth. They have very little Truth at all. Follow Me instead. Trust My Love for you. Relax and know that I Am in charge. Emotion will cover even the real desires of your own spirit. That is why you do not even know what is in your own spirit. Banish wayward feelings and be ruled by peace. Then Truth will become detectable. Do not trust anyone’s emotions, especially your own.
Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Hebrews 4:11-12 11 Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following the same pattern of disobedience. 12 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
8-17
Holiness
Faith in Me is holiness. Trust in Me is holiness. Love for Me is holiness. Desire for Me is holiness. Obedience to Me is holiness. Listening to and following Me is holiness. Seeking Me through out your day is holiness. Soaking in My Love is holiness. Laying down your own desires to serve Me in obedience is holiness.
2 Corinthians 7:1 Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.
Philippians 2:14-16a Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation. Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.
Romans 6:22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.
Amos 5:14 Seek good, not evil, that you may live. Then the Lord God Almighty will be with you, just as you say he is.
8-18
Choose Me is Holiness
Casting out dark thoughts in My Name is holiness. Throwing Love bombs at the difficult ones is holiness. Remaining in the Secret Place of your spirit under the shadow of My Wings is holiness. Choosing to be with Me above other offers, is holiness.
Colossians 3:12 So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience
Exodus 33:14 The LORD replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
Proverbs 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.
Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
1 Peter 113 Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.
Luke 12:22b-23 Do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes.
Romans 12:3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.
8-19
Holiness is fearless
Accepting the Truth of My Love for you and casting out fear and doubt is holiness. Knowing I Am protecting you is holiness. Enjoying My waves of Love washing over you is holiness. Therefore be holy as I Am Holy!
Leviticus 20:26 Thus you are to be holy to Me, for I the LORD am holy; and I have set you apart from the peoples to be Mine.
Ephesians 1:4 . . . just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him In love
1 Peter 1:15-16 . . . but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, “YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY.”
8-20
The “snow ball” effect
Holiness has the “snow ball” effect. Use your will to choose to get a small amount of holiness rolling. My Love for you will hold the snowball together. Together We will roll it down the mountain of holiness. Keep enjoying My Love for you. Continue following Me and remain in My Presence.
Luke 9:23-24 “For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he is the one who will save it. And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me.
Hebrews 10:24 For you showed sympathy to the prisoners and accepted joyfully the seizure of your property, knowing that you have for yourselves a better possession and a lasting one.
Philippians 3:8 More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ,
Hebrews 13:5 or He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!] (amp).
8-21
Mass, Volume, and Force
The snowball of holiness will gather more and more holiness each day. It will increase in mass, volume and force. It will become not only noticeable but amazing to those nearby. You will say it is only something simple as a snowball. They will see more than that. They will see unexplainable purity and Love that they did not know existed.
John 12:24-25 “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. “He who loves his life loses it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it to life eternal.
1 Peter 4:8 Above all, maintain an intense love for each other, since love covers a multitude of sins.
Psalm 51:12-13 12Restore the joy of Your salvation to me, and give me a willing spirit.,13Then I will teach the rebellious Your ways, and sinners will return to You.
8-22
Come and Play With Me
Come and play in the new, clean snow of My holiness. It is fun and refreshing both for you and for those who are watching. I Love you. You are Holy as I Am Holy. Our Holiness is Our common bond of perfection that will hold Us glued together for eternity. Our holiness is Our language of Love that only We can understand.
Philippians 1:9 And I pray this: that your love will keep on growing in knowledge and every kind of discernment, 10 so that you can approve the things that are superior and can be pure and blameless in the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God.
8-23
Fragrance of Heaven
Holiness is the fragrance of your real Home – Heaven. Let’s enjoy Our deep fellowship of pure Love and Holiness together all day today. Our intimacy is Holy.
Song of Solomon 7:10-12 10 I am my beloved’s, And his desire is toward me. 11 Come, my beloved, Let us go forth to the field; Let us lodge in the villages. 12 Let us get up early to the vineyards; Let us see if the vine has budded, Whether the grape blossoms are open, And the pomegranates are in bloom. There I will give you my love.
John 14:21 21 Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.
1 Peter 1:8-9 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
Romans 1:12 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
Hosea 2:19 I will betroth you to Me forever; Yes, I will betroth you to Me in righteousness and in justice, In lovingkindness and in compassion
8-24
Rescue Missions
Seeing those difficult ones as those who need My rescuing and delivering Love, rather than viewing them as those who deserve judgement, is holiness.
1 Peter 4:8 Above all, maintain an intense love for each other, since love covers a multitude of sins.
2 Corinthians 12: 15 I will most gladly spend and be expended for your souls If I love you more, am I to be loved less?
1 Corinthians 13:3 And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing.
8-25
Deep calls to Deep
The deeper you sink into My ocean of Holiness the deeper you sink into My peace . . . undisturbed, gentle, eternal, exquisite peace. There you will find rest no matter what disturbance is on the outside. Sink into the depths of My Holiness. Go deeper each day. It is a choice . . . use your will to go deeper.
Philippians 4:7 Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel.
Psalm 42:7-8 Deep calls to deep in the roar of Your waterfalls; all Your breakers and waves have rolled over me. 8 The LORD decrees His loving devotion by day; and at night His song is with me—a prayer to the God of my life.…
8-26
Training to Rule
I did not ask My Father to take you out of this world. You are in training to rule with Me. Leaders are not trained to avoid hardship and conflict. No, their training leads them right into exercises of trials and tribulations. That is where they learn who they really are and what they really need.
John 17:14-16 I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 15 I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.
James 1:2-5 2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
8-27
Put on your crown
All former opinions and priorities are stripped away in the midst of the training fires. After they emerge from the fiery trials of training their old self is gone and they are now fit to rule and reign with Me.
Psalm 24:3-4 3Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place? 4He who has clean hands and a pure heart
Revelation 20:14 Then I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was given to them And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony of Jesus and because of the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received the mark on their forehead and on their hand; and they came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.
James 1:2-5 2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
Ephesians 6:10-13 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
8-28
Ruling and Reigning
The trials reveal your need. They reveal hidden aspects of your flesh that needs to be refined. They reveal My patience and Love for you. They reveal the authority I gave you over principalities. They reveal your need for more training and humility. They reveal your need for more Truth. They provide the opportunity for you to have more of Me.
Romans 5:1-5 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
8-29
Fight!
When someone is offended, they look for dirt instead of gold. When someone has fear, they look for the worst possibilities instead of what is true. When someone is complaining, they overlook their blessings and the gifts all around them and don’t give thanks. When someone is depressed, they feel the weight of every drop of rain, and don’t look up at the sun just behind the clouds. Fight the good fight of faith. Bind and cast out all demons of offense, fear, discontent and depression from you. Loose the Spirit of Truth, forgiveness, faith, hope and Love. Keep your mind on these things. Together we win the fight. Be free. I have set you free.
Matthew 18:18 18 Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed[a] in heaven.
1 Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of the faith.
2 Corinthians 10:5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ
8-30
Moving on
Water that isn’t moving and being added to, grows stagnant and toxic. Keep moving forward. Leave yesterday behind and don’t look back. Meditating on pain and injustice will keep you in pain and injustice. Living in the past is toxic. It produces soul bacteria of fear, paralysis, depression and hopelessness. It makes forgiveness almost impossible. It brings more questions than answers. It will stunt your growth and make you soul-sick. Parasites from the evil one invade and make your mind their breeding ground.
Philippians 3:13 But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. John 8:36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.