Things Above

I hear my Abba’s still, small voice:

“As you set your heart on things above, My child, you open the way for Me to work on your behalf.  Let nothing deter you from your time with Me because I alone am able to strengthen you for the journey that is yours in the Kingdom that is Mine.

“For it is My Kingdom, isn’t it? Let no one suggest otherwise. I look over the whole earth, searching for those whose hearts are fully devoted to Me so that I can strengthen them. These ones please Me greatly, for they cannot be distracted from their purpose nor discouraged in their vision. They refuse to take their cues and signals from the situations and circumstances around them, whether good or bad. Instead, their gaze is immovable because it is fixed on Me. I can lead them with a glance from My eye. From this strategic positioning, I am able to do for them all that which derives from who I am on the inside of them.

“You are Mine, child. There is no one quite like you, for I have made you one-of-a-kind. My purposes for you are always good, but you must come to Me to discern My will. My will is not the result of calculations and maneuvers, but of relationship—and even deeper relationship.

“Resolve to go deeper with Me. Bring your every concern before Me and expect to hear from Me, beloved. You will hear Me most clearly in the silence between your own thoughts, but this silence is impossible when your thoughts are noisy, crowded, and scattered, and they give you no peace nor rest.

“When was the last time your mind was quiet and your spirit was at rest? You must learn to recognize My voice in the quiet stillness of My presence before you can expect to hear it in the rush of the day. Ask Me for help and My Spirit will guide you.

“Turn down the volume in your life. Separate the issues you desire clarification on. Write them out. Ask yourself what you really want to know—and then be honest before Me. Yes, I already know your heart—but you need to know it as well, for you need to live from your most authentic self as you become the person I desire you to be.

“Who do you desire to be? Then become that person in Christ, who dwells in you. Even as journeys are taken one step at a time, and life is lived one day at a time, so also are good decisions made one at a time. Make the next good decision. And then the next. Do this prayerfully in My presence.

“Find your resting place in Me, child. I am your good, good Father. I will withhold no good thing from those who follow Me with a whole and undivided heart set on things above.”

References
Colossians 3:1; 1 Chronicles 29:11-12; Matthew 6:13; Matthew 15:32; 2 Chronicles 16:9; Psalm 32:8; Galatians 2:20; Colossians 1:27; Isaiah 43:1; John 10:27; Psalm 55:22; 1 Peter 5:6-7; Philippians 4:6; Matthew 6:34; Isaiah 30:31; Psalm 46:10-11; 1 Timothy 6:11; Romans 14:17; Luke 1:79; Isaiah 9:6; Galatians 5:22-23; Romans 15:13; Isaiah 55:12; Romans 5:11; Psalm 62:1,5; Hebrews 4:9-10; Matthew 7:11; James 1:17; Luke 12:32

© Carol Schafer 2020