a Whisper…strength of your heart

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(photo by Alex Martinez-unsplash)

“A new year brings with it new challenges and unlimited opportunities to grow as you go with me through your life’s journey. I do not want you to fear the unknown of what lies ahead for you because I know these things, and I will be with you. I will make a way in every situation because I am your Father and I love you deeply.

You may continue to abide in me knowing that your life is hidden in Christ Jesus with me. I will keep you safe and I will strengthen you when you are weak. This is our journey together and I will not abandon you. Do not allow negative or anxious thoughts to dictate your feelings. Focus on what you know is true…that I am the strength of your heart and your portion forever.

My Spirit draws near to you as you draw near to me, enabling you to abide in peace. You may trust because you know that I am faithful. Embrace me fully, trust me completely, and you will experience my presence ever close to you. My love for you is perfect and it casts away any shadows of doubt and fear that may try to distract you. Allow my love to enfold you, go out in peace and live in my steady supply of joy.  In all things, continue to give me thanks and it will be well with your soul.

Every opportunity this year is a chance for you to see my hand at work in your life. You will have some great moments, and you will have some challenging ones. My desire is that you set your focus upon me, rather than on the things that are happening so that I can show you the way through each growth opportunity. Seek me first and my plans for you will be revealed and accomplished.”

  • “For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and say to you, do not fear; I will help you.” Isaiah 41:13
  • “For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:3
  • “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26
  • “You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.” Isaiah 55:12
  • “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33

 

a Whisper…even to the end

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(photo by Sweet Ice Cream Photography-Unsplash)

“I am trustworthy. I am with you because you are my child. I will bring comfort and encouragement to your soul when you need me. I will bring hope when you are unsure of the way ahead of you. I will give you my peace so that you may rest in me with the assurance that I am with you in the good times, the challenges, and in times of uncertainty. My Spirit is your guide and your strength. I never lead you where I do not go with you.

Abiding in me is the commitment of your spirit to fully trust in me for all that concerns you. Abiding in me is to receive the comfort I have for you no matter what it is you are facing. It enables you to experience me from the inside out. It facilitates joy in your life always.

My love for you is greater than you can comprehend. It is ever faithful, even when you may feel faithless. It is constant even when you may rebel against it. It is the continual nudge of my Spirit upon your mind to get your attention when you may not be listening. It is the prayers of your family and friends who love you.

Your life is good because I bless it. Because I am trustworthy you may embrace the blessings of my presence with you for I will never leave or forsake you. You are mine and I am yours, even to the end.”

  • “Sovereign Lord, you are God! Your covenant is trustworthy, and you have promised these good things to your servant.” 2 Samuel 7:28
  • “For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.” Psalm 84:11
  • “Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.” Psalm 143:10
  • “Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.” Deuteronomy 7:9
  • “For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end.” Psalm 48:14

a Whisper…my heart…your heart

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photo by Aaron Burden

“Your praises are a fragrant offering to me, they delight my heart and I receive your love through them. They ascend to me like a big hug, transferring your love, honor, and joy through my Spirit. I will bless you for being thankful because it pleases my heart to do so.

I long to satisfy you with good things. The best things are the things of my Spirit which strengthen your inner human heart. They infuse your soul with my grace and they build the bond of love between us. I thrive on the joy of being personally connected to you. I am not a distant Father. I am with you now, right where you are. Open your heart so that we may fellowship together and so that you may see my blessings poured out in your life.

You don’t need to be something that you are not to come into my presence and to receive what I have for you. I love you and accept you as you are. My only desire is for you to open your heart to me, to allow me to come in and have ongoing fellowship with you.

My Spirit is life and health to your bones. My Spirit puts the hope of eternity into your life and fills you with my peace. Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart through Christ Jesus the Lord and Savior of all.”

  • “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.” Hebrews 13:15
  • “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” Colossians 3:15
  • “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” Revelation 3:20
  • “Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.” Proverbs 3: 7-8
  • “But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3: 4-7

a Whisper…arms of love, voice of hope

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(Photo by Zac Durant – unsplash)

“I am near to all who call out to me in faith. I am near to you and to the ones you love and pray for. My blessing is upon you to be an encouragement to others as they walk the paths of life they have been called to.

Allow my Spirit to move in you to touch the hearts of those who may need that extra special blessing from me. You are my arms of love and my voice of hope as you minister to those who are hurting, those who may be facing difficult personal trials. Even as you walk through your own trials, you can focus on helping others because I will take care of you. You may have full confidence in that.

Pray and lift people up to me, intercede for them. Be selfless and think of others first. You can do this because you walk in faith and you know my peace. It is not a hard thing to do, it only takes a willing heart. When you know that your needs are being met in me there is nothing for you to fear.

Jesus gave of himself even when he was weary and in need of rest. He continued ministering to others until the moment “it was finished”, and God received his Spirit. You are called to serve me as he did, to love others no matter what may be going on in your life, and to live confidently because of the assurance I have given you.

As you persevere, remember Jesus who hung on a cross between two criminals. With nail pierced hands and feet, and a crown of thorns upon his head, he ministered to those men beside him. He never stopped pointing others to me. Be my arms of love and voice of hope.”

  • “Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I. If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, you if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.” Isaiah 58: 9-11
  • “Therefore, if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.” Philippians 2: 1-2
  • “Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left.” Luke 23: 32-33

a Whisper…mover of mountains

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(photo from unsplash.com)

“My great power is continually upon you, not just occasionally or when you feel like you need it. Because it is in you, it is available to you every moment of every day. Your flesh is weak, and it is hard for you to tap into what is unseen, yet I am with you and I have given you my Spirit, which is all you need to experience my power at work in you.

The power I give you is everlasting, it is my sustaining presence which equips you with wisdom in making decisions and guidance in finding my will for your life. It empowers you to execute the things you need to do so you are ready to go where I lead. My power is often found in your weakness. It is also found in your strength and through the gifts I have given you. My power shows up in your ability to love and encourage others. My power is grace in your life, grace you receive, and grace that you give away.

To live righteously before me, you must embrace the power I have given you and allow my Spirit to be the sustaining force of your life. It is through the power of my Spirit at work in you that you will know me intimately, and you will have experiences to share with others so that my love continues to permeate the world around you.

There are those among you who use their power without boundaries to satisfy themselves, with no regard for others. Conversely, my power is tempered by control, compassion, and loving grace. It is also strong and mighty to save. It will move mountains and obstacles that endeavor to thwart my plans and purposes for you.

Open your heart and allow my great power to be the driving force that steers you in the right direction, and that leads you along the road of righteousness. In doing so, you will also be a mover of mountains.”

  • “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.” 1 Corinthians 15:10
  • “You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples.” Psalm 77:14
  • “But God drags away the mighty by his power; though they become established, they have no assurance of life. He may let them rest in a feeling of security, but his eyes are on their ways.” Job 24:22-23
  • One thing God has spoken, two things I have heard: “Power belongs to you, God, and with you, Lord, is unfailing love”; and, “You reward everyone according to what they have done.” Psalm 62: 11-12
  • “Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.” John 14:12

a Whisper…work with me

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(photo by Jaleel Akbash – unsplash)

“My Spirit disciplines gently when your heart is humble and turned towards me and as you are willing to seek the revelation of my truth. I give forgiveness when you ask for it. After that, I can help you navigate the consequences of your actions.

There is always hope for you as you submit your will to mine. Take heart, receive my love, and know that I understand the weakness of your flesh. I will guide you and help you to mend fractured fences, so healing may come.

Imperfections and weaknesses will eventually make you stronger as you receive my truth and begin to apply it to your circumstances. Through growth and maturity your faith is strengthened. As you submit to me, you will see and experience the amazing ways that I work in your life.

Your goal should always be to work with me, not against me, so that you will experience the benefits of putting your trust in me. Knowing and living in my truth gives you freedom to live your life in joy, in peace, and with my blessing.”

  • “Know then in your heart that as a man disciplines his son, so the Lord your God disciplines you. Deuteronomy 8:5
  • “Blessed is the one whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.” Job 5:17
  • No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” Hebrews 12:11

a Whisper…embrace my joy

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(Photo by Eberhard Grossgasteiger – unsplash)

“Your praise and thanksgiving are a sweet fragrance that ascends heavenward to my presence. I revel in the praises of my children. I inhabit your praise because it builds the bond of intimacy, love, and appreciation between us. There is always a time to be thankful; there is always a time for you to experience great joy in my presence through your praise. It honors me and glorifies my name when you think of me and as you express your heart to me.

Through your actions, your heart is revealed, and I see my Spirit in you. My Spirit builds you up in faith and encourages you daily as we journey together. This is a sweet and precious thing which should always be appreciated and held dear to your heart, as it is to mine. The gift of my presence with you is always a safe place for you to shelter in times of need, a place for you to find rest for your soul, and healing for your body.

I give life to your spirit and put my joy in your heart. Joy that is infectious will reveal my presence to others and can break the chains of unbelief, so they are drawn to me. You are part of that process because you have my joy in your heart.

The power of my joy increases within the trials you face, as you face them with me and when your focus is upon the joy that I have given you, not on the event that you are dealing with. Joy heals, joy enables freedom; my joy gives you peace in every circumstance.

Embrace my joy in your life for it has the power to change your outlook so that your witness to others is not hindered. Let my joy flow through your body and out of your mouth to the praise and testimony of my glory and we will soar upon the heights together as you travel through this life.”

  • “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” Psalm 16:11
  • “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song, I praise him.” Psalm 28:7
  • “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.” Psalm 100:4
  • “The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Exodus 33:14
  • “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

a Whisper…the choice is yours

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(photo from unsplash.com)

“My grace is upon you to do the works that I have called you to do, whether at your job, in your family relationships, or anywhere I have led you. I am your Father and my desire is to bless you in all things.

My plan is for you to grow in faith as you go through this life. There will be trials and times when you must persevere and trust in me for the desires of your heart. There are so many things that I want you to learn and understand, but mostly I want you to receive my peace during times of struggle.  I can teach you in those times. I can teach you when you are a captive audience. I can teach you when you don’t have all the answers.

When you believe that you have all the answers, you don’t need me. We are on this journey together. Your relationship with me is based upon faith. You are trusting in me though I am physically unseen. You are choosing to believe. Because the choice is yours, our journey together will have highs and lows, yet in all of it, I am with you.

You must trust me to complete the good works that I began in you from the moment you made the choice to believe in me. My power is upon you to do all that you are called to do. As you seek me in each area of your life, you will find me; for my word is true and my plans for you have been established since before one of your days came to be.

There is a relinquishing of self when you have chosen to walk with me. It is a time when your will takes a back seat to mine so that my purposes and plans for you can be achieved. Your mind then plans your ways, but it is I who directs your steps. In that way, you do not veer off the path. Because you have chosen to submit to me, your path is protected to keep you from going the wrong way.

If you try to side step my plans by doing the thing that you want to do, we will take a little journey off the course, so you may learn what you need to learn before we get back to the path I desire for you. These side steps are not always part of my plan for you. Sometimes they happen because you did not choose to go where I wanted you to go in the first place.

Your human nature will take you off the path many times, yet I am always going to be with you. I allow you the freedom to make these choices even if you choose to go your own way for a time. Just understand that you will face the consequences of your decisions and occasionally those things will hurt you. I allow this so that you will eventually conclude that I am God and I know what is best for you.

Your goal should be to walk so closely with me that you don’t veer off the path very often. I love you and I allow you to make mistakes, but remember your choices are your own. It does not do you any good to blame me for the consequences of your choices. To abide in me and remain close to me, even when you’ve veered off the path, you must look to me and be ready to get back on it.  I will help you when you are not angry with me. I will help you as you lay your pride down, as you repent and call out to me.

I look at your heart. I look for your willing spirit. When I see that you want to follow me, that you are willing to accept the way that I want to lead you, you will find yourself again in the sweet spot of my blessing.

Will you choose to follow me? Will you choose to trust the path that I have for you as you travel through this life? If you do, even when you choose take us the long way, I will always keep you moving toward the path that leads to eternal blessings. Trust in me no matter where I lead you with the assurance that I am always with you and that my plans are to bless you abundantly. The choice is yours.”

  • “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:8
  • “Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me.” Matthew 10:38
  • “The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the Lord tests the heart.” Proverbs 17:3
  • “A person may think their own ways are right, but the Lord weighs the heart.” Proverbs 21:2
  • “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” Proverbs 16:9
  • “For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.” Psalm 1:6
  • “Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.” Deuteronomy 7:9

a Whisper…follow me

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(photo by Casey Horner – unsplash)

“The path that I have laid out for your life is not always going to be easy for you. There will times when you do not understand the way that I am leading you. There will times of disappointment and hurt from others.  There will be times when you do not feel happy about where I have you.

Challenging times are not meant to bring you pain or hurt. They are the times you should allow my Spirit to complete His work in you. You should accept them and press into me for help, wisdom, and guidance. The path to holiness, the path of salvation is narrow, and the road at times may be long. I love you and I’m going to be with you along the way. My provision and blessing will come as you trust in me.

You are meant for fellowship…you are meant for worship… you are meant for me. I desire to be your all in all, the one you trust above everything and everyone else. When you choose the narrow way, you will walk through your life in the abundance of my presence. When you cannot see around the next bend, I am already there. When the path is rocky and hard to maneuver, I will keep you upright. When the boulders of life come crashing down, I will remove the barriers, for nothing can separate you from my love and provision.

Beyond the obstacles, your greatest challenge will be to continue to believe in me, to trust in the path I am calling you to walk. I never fail my children. I will never fail you.

Keep moving forward and leave past mistakes behind. Bury bitterness, resentment, and anger for these things will make your journey harder. You are not made to carry them because they will weigh you down and hinder your momentum. Choose to let them go.

Thorns will pop up along the path, sometimes they will scratch you, but do not allow pain to derail you. Allow me to heal you so you can keep moving on. When you come to a pool of water, indulge in the refreshment I provide. Take the time you need to rest and renew your spirit so that you will be strengthened for the next part of your journey.

If you resist what I am doing in your life your journey may become significantly more difficult, which could lead you to feelings of frustration or anger. You will be carrying burdens that were not intended for you to bear.

You are the one who determines how difficult or how blessed your journey will be by the choices you make. My way is the best way, my path is the perfect path for you. You may need to make some sacrifices and adjust your perspective along the way so that we can continue to stay on course together.

This journey with me will bring great joy to your life and it will lead you to the eternity I have planned for you. Through challenges and difficulties, you will experience unexplainable joy and peace that passes all understanding.

Follow me—this is the greatest thing you will ever do in your life. I will bless you and I will sustain you.  All you need for life will be found in me so that one day you will receive the crown of righteousness I have reserved for you at the end of it. I promise you my blessing as you choose to follow me.”

  • “Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me.” Matthew 10:38
  • “Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant will also be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.” John 12:26
  • “Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23:6
  • “Who is wise? Let them realize these things. Who is discerning? Let them understand. The ways of the Lord are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them.” Hosea 14:9

a Whisper…in times of trouble

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(photo from unsplash.com)

“There is nothing, no barrier that my love cannot break through. When you feel that a situation in your life seems hopeless, allow me to be your hope. You don’t see the way clearly through it, but I do. I am ahead of you and I am behind you. My love surrounds you every step of your journey with me. I do not forget you and I care for each concern that you have. Continue to submit yourself to me and trust me to work everything out for your best interest and for my glory.

As you lead with faith, my Spirit will bring blessing. I am faithful, and I will do this for you. Keep your eyes fixed firmly on me even when the days are long and trying. My peace will bring you comfort and joy will unfold before you.”

  • “You are my strength, I watch for you; you, God, are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely.” Psalm 59:9
  • “But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.” Psalm 59:17
  • “Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.” Deuteronomy 7:9
  • “The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:2