a Whisper…a solitary place

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(photo by Aaron Burden — unsplash)

“Come away to a solitary place with me and I will hear your most intimate prayers and receive your thankfulness with great delight. I revel in the unity of fellowship with you. During these times, I give light to your eyes and clarity to your heart as you seek me.

Prayer is the place where our connection is established and firmly grounded. It is a time for you to walk away from all the normal aspects of your daily routine and into a special time and place with me. You choose the place and I will always meet you there. Look for a peaceful place where you are free to open your heart, mind and thoughts to me. I listen to you; your voice is important because you and all that concerns you matters to me.

Jesus made a habit of pulling away from crowds and going to quiet places to pray. He understood the importance of communing with me. Prayer makes it possible for me to infuse you with faith, strength, understanding and encouragement, so that you can move forward; not in your own power, but in mine.

My faithfulness will always meet your commitment and you will experience the same joy that I receive as you make time with me a priority in your life. You show me how much you love me when you make the time to come away to a solitary place with me.”

  • But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret will reward you. Matthew 6:6
  • Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:2
  • Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 2 Corinthians 3:17
  • Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Mark 1:35

a Whisper…keep my word

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(photo by James Coleman — unsplash)

“My word has been given to strengthen your heart and to encourage you. I am found as you apply yourself to knowing me through my word. The moment you invited Jesus into your heart, my Spirit was placed in you to be your teacher and guide, so that you may learn the ways of wisdom and have the power and resources needed to live your best life.

My word is faithful because I am faithful to keep my word. It divides truth from lies and it tears down barriers. It provides knowledge and direction. My faithfulness has been established in the heavens and on the earth; I do not change like shifting shadows. I am righteous in all my ways. Knowing my word and keeping it hidden in your heart gives you confidence and provides security as you follow the righteous path.

I desire a deeply personal relationship with you so your eyes can be opened to understanding my word and the way my Spirit speaks to you. I give balance and surety to things you are learning, as well as to those things which you already know and understand. My Spirit leads you into a deeper, more intimate, relational journey with me.

I am God, Holy, Pure, Righteous, and True. I seek relationship with you every day and desire for you to know my word so you may live in truth, wisdom, hope, peace, joy, and confidence throughout your life. Jesus paved the way for you to know me and He secured your home with me in heaven. Your biggest challenge is to accept what has been given to you; to keep my word, embracing it with your whole heart, so that you can live the exciting, blessed life I desire to give you.”

  • For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and the attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
  • My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding—indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. Proverbs 2: 1-5
  • Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17
  • Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Proverbs 30:5
  • All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from me what he will make known to you. John 16:15
  • Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6
  • For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit. The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.” John 3: 34 – 36.

a Whisper…boundaries of my love

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(photo by Johny Goerend – unsplash)

“Through tender words of sincere praise and thanksgiving, my heart connects with yours. Your spirit is at peace because you trust and receive my love. My Spirit never departs from those of you who love me, even in times when you may not be aware of it. I will always keep you safe within the boundaries of my love, for you are precious to me.

You are unique and special. There is no one else like you and I have given you the ability to grow in areas you are naturally inclined to. As I give you good gifts, you should develop and cultivate them so that you will be ready to use them as opportunities come along. Your gifts will bless others and I will be honored when you use them for my glory. Be confident and know that I have made you capable of accomplishing good things in this life.

Ours is a partnership formed by faith. As you step out in faith to seek and to learn, I will give you direction and guidance. My purposes will become your goals and I will fulfill the plans I have had for you from the beginning. You will reap the rewards of faithfulness; your heart will be strong and steady as you follow the leading and prompting of my Spirit at work within you.

By determining in your mind that you are going to follow me with all of your heart, soul, mind and strength, you will live a life filled with peace.  My peace will be upon you even when the way is not always easy. You will rest in the security and boundaries of my love because you trust me. You will know, without a single doubt, that I am for you and I am with you always.”

  • The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. Psalm 16:6 
  • For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10
  • We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith, if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach, if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. Romans 12: 6-8
  • And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:6
  • Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. Mark 12:30
  • …but I will not take my love from him, nor will I ever betray my faithfulness. Psalm 89:33

a Whisper…crossroads

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(photo by Denys Nevozhai–unsplash)

“Many are the plans of your heart,  but because you trust me, I will lead you in the direction you need to go. I will not abandon you. I will provide for you in all situations throughout your life.

I am your Father and my love for you is all encompassing. It surrounds you each day and it is the force that sustains your life. Because you trust me, I will never let you down or disappoint you.  Growth takes time, so abide in me and remain patient through your circumstances even when the process seems slow. By keeping your eyes fixed upon me, you will see my hand of blessing as it moves upon you.

When you come to a crossroads, that place where you’re not sure where to go or what to do, I will help you. I will show you the way. It may not happen instantaneously, but you may trust that I will lead you to truth and make the path forward clear.

Seek me in my word; seek counsel from others whose experiences may help you. And, when you find yourself in a place of peace, you will know what to do. Above all, do not worry, or fret, or fear because I am with you. Your path is secure so that you won’t stumble. Your life is in my hands and nothing will happen that is so overwhelming we can’t get through it together.

Open your heart to receive what I want to give you and allow my will to be accomplished in your life, so you will receive all the blessings I have saved for you. As you allow me to work in and through your circumstances, your faithful eyes will be rewarded so you can see clearly which way to go each time you come upon a crossroads.

  • I instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble. Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life. Proverbs 4: 11-13
  • This is what the Lord says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.” But you said, ‘We will not walk in it.’ Jeremiah 6:16
  • For I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. Philippians 1:19
  • I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge–that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3: 16-19

a Whisper…the way ahead

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(photo by Joe Yates – unsplash)

“All things are possible for you, but not all things are beneficial.  This is where your ability to trust meets your faith in me.  You may desire to go down one path, but I will always have the best path for you; a path that keeps you near to me; a path that keeps you dependent upon me.  Unity with my Spirit, requires dependence upon me.

The road ahead may not be clear because you are unable to see the big picture. However, I see all, and I am in the way ahead. It is my desire to fulfill your life and to bless you.  You must learn to rely upon me for the things that are out of your hands by remembering that they are in mine. 

Sometimes you go around in circles as if you’ve forgotten that I am right there with you. My presence can be a comfort to you if you let it. You do not have to live in a whirlwind.  You can choose to abide in me knowing that I am your heavenly Father whose way is in the whirlwind.  I will carry you through it because I know what is best for you.

Receive encouragement today as it comes from me.  Depend upon me in every area of your life. I am only as far away as your faith allows me to be. So, by faith, accept the plans I have for you and trust that I will work everything out for good in your life.

  • “I have the right to do anything”, you say–but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”–but not everything is constructive. 1 Corinthians 10:23
  • …he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Psalm 23:3
  • The path of life leads upward for the prudent to keep them from going down to the realm of the dead. Proverbs 15:24
  • The Lord is slow to anger but great in power; the Lord will not leave the guilty unpunished. His way is in the whirlwind and the storm, and clouds are the dust of his feet. Nahum 1:3 
  • We are now in your hands. do to us whatever seems good and right to you. Joshua 9:25
  • 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

a Whisper…when trouble finds you

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(photo by Dan Cardoza – unsplash)

“Your journey through life is not always going to be easy. There will be times when things won’t be as you want them to be, yet you will get through them. Family drama, work issues, church controversy, and all types of people problems will creep into your life.

Keep your trust in me. Allow me to fine tune your hearing so you will recognize the voice of my Spirit as I direct your steps. Also, understand that the refining process will make you stronger and better equipped to deal with life’s challenges.

Though I will take care of you always, your character will be stretched and strengthened as you learn the things I want to teach you.  Embrace times of challenge. A little discomfort will help you look to me rather than trying to handle everything in your own strength.

You are not alone, everyone faces obstacles. However, because your life is in my hands, you may draw upon my Spirit to provide what is essential to sustain your journey.  

You are uniquely special to me. Be who I have made you to be.  Remember that you are loved by the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.  I accept you. Live your life to please me, not others. You are capable and able to overcome all obstacles because my Spirit empowers you.  My love is the river of peace that gives the flow of your life balance so that when trouble finds you, you don’t have to be consumed by it.

  • But now trouble comes to you, and you are discouraged; it strikes you, and your are dismayed. Should not your piety be your confidence and your blameless ways your hope? Job 4: 5,6
  • This is what the Lord says–your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go. If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your well-being like the waves of the sea. Isaiah 48:17,18
  • “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 58:11
  • The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord; he is their stronghold in time of trouble. Psalm 37:39
  • You will surely forget your trouble, recalling it only as waters gone by. Job 11:16
  • Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.  James 1:4

a Whisper…beautifully restored

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(photo by Jenna Beekhuis – unsplash)

“You may not think that I am watching you, but I see you. I see your faith and I see your unbelief. I know when you are truly trusting me and when you have doubts. I see your beauty, I see the ugliness of your sin, and I love you all the same.

My arms are not the arms of rejection. They are the everlasting arms of love and they are always extended to you. They invite you in everyday no matter where you are or what is going on in your life. I wait for you to come and receive my love.

The gifts I have for you will increase the quality of your life and build your faith. Freedom from sin, faith that leads to enduring hope, wisdom to grow in knowledge and purpose, and peace to carry you through your journey are just a few of the many blessings I want to give you. These things will sustain and inspire you. They are the foundation upon which I build my temple in you.

When you choose faith, you are choosing to overcome unbelief. When you choose to trust, you will overcome doubt, and when you confess your sin, you receive forgiveness, so that your life will become beautifully restored.

My love for you is unlike any other. It is perfect, it is holy, and pure. There is nothing you can do to earn it for I give it freely.  I am patiently waiting for you.”

  • “See, Lord, how distressed I am! I am in torment within, and in my heart I am disturbed, for I have been rebellious. Outside, the sword bereaves; inside, there is only death.” Lamentations 1:20
  • But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God’s unfailing love for ever and ever. Psalm 52:8
  • The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. Deuteronomy 33:27
  • Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? I Corinthians 3:16
  • For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23
  • For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God–Ephesians 2:8
  • And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. 1 John 4:16 

 

 

a Whisper…the steady current of power

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(photo by Matthew Henry – unsplash)

“I am your Father who understands your pain, your weakness, your feelings of self-doubt, and unworthiness. When I look at you, I see one I love because my son is in your heart. He is your security and he will be your confidence as you trust him and embrace the power of his redemptive love for you. He is in me and I am in Him. You are in us through the Holy Spirit who is in you.  There is nothing that you cannot overcome.

The devil exploits your weakness in areas where you are vulnerable to try and make you feel small and insignificant. He is a nagging thorn always looking for ways to scratch your flesh as he endeavors to lure your focus away from me. He is the tempter, but you have been made a victor by my power which enables you resist succumbing to his crafty ways.

Every emotional wound, ugly words said by others, every irritation, whether you’ve had worry, fear, or anxiety, any of these things may be used against you. You must be on your guard and quickly able to identify these things, knowing the source of them before they attack your mind. Preparation is the key to a righteous response.

I have given you power to trample on snakes and scorpions and to be strong within yourself. You are royalty in my kingdom and you have been given authority over the enemy of your soul. He will engage you in this life, that is certain, and you will need to stand firm in the confidence and the security of your faith to put him in his place.

My child, you are so deeply loved by your Father. I have put my Spirit in you, so you will be strong, that you may know your life is precious to me. You may trust that I have equipped you to have victory every day of your life. My presence is with you always and my Spirit is the steady current of power that empowers you. Your life is safe within the boundaries of my love.”

  • I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Romans 8:18
  • (Jesus said), “On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.” John 14: 20
  • Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. Matthew 4:1
  • Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’  Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him. Matthew 4: 10,11
  • (Jesus said), I have given  you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. Luke 10:19
  • Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. Ephesians 6:11
  • This is how we know that we belong to the truth and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence: If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God and receive from him anything we ask, because we keep his commands and do what pleases him. 1 John 3: 19-22
  • 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

 

 

a Whisper…my masterpiece

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(photo by Donald Giannatti – unsplash)

“The dawn of each new day brings with it the hope that you will seek me and learn from me all that I desire to teach you. I am ever close to you, particularly as you pray and open your heart to hear and receive from me.

I want to be your teacher and to lead you through the lessons you need to learn so that you may grow in knowledge and in the power of my Spirit. I see into the depths of your heart and I will reveal you to yourself if you allow me to. You have been created in love to become someone truly special and unique, equipped with exactly the right gifts to fulfill the purposes for which I created you.

You are like a solid slab of unpolished marble that is going to become my masterpiece. But to make that happen, I will have to chisel away at your hard outer exterior to give you shape and definition. I will take your rough edges and make them smooth. As I chisel away at your many layers, progress will reveal its purpose and a beautiful, polished life will emerge out of that hard marble slab. 

Creation is a process and we can go as fast or slow as you are willing. From the moment you accepted me, my creative process began to come alive in you. You joined this journey to find your purpose in me. It doesn’t matter how old or young you are, you are a work in progress. You will not arrive at the place where learning stops as long as you live on this earth, so stay on the path of learning, be humble, and I will keep the chisel working until my masterpiece is finished.”

  • For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10
  • For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me where written in your book before one of them came to be.  Psalm 139: 13-16
  • “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.” Revelation 4:11
  • When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them? Psalm 8: 3,4
  • For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way; bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God…Colossians 1: 9,10

a Whisper…sunrise, sunset

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(photo by Kevin Yang – unsplash)

“Just as the sunrise and sunset happen with immutable precision, so my love is ever constant, covering you from morning to night, day by day. You can count on me. You may have full confidence in my presence with you, and you may know without any doubt that your life is in my hands and I love you deeply.

Though there are many things going on in the world around you; things that upset you and bring discouragement, you do not have to be consumed by them. Hold fast to the hope that I have given you. Your life has been sealed for the day of my redemption and you may know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that I am coming back for you. I will deliver you from the aches and pains of this world.

Live as light while you are here so others will see me shining through you, so that perhaps they too will embrace the salvation of my son Jesus before it is too late. When you let my light shine in your life, hope has opportunities to fulfill its purpose for all.

The deep darkness that hovers over your world causes hearts to grow cold and bitter towards me. It causes people to believe whatever they want to believe, even if it is not the truth. There is fighting and hatred, and there is no love or respect for others. There is sin, murder, and death of innocent lives. There are depraved minds and people who plot and plan evil.

My light penetrates the darkness, and though the world does not comprehend it, when Jesus returns in mighty power, His glory will radiate the light of truth over the entire earth and  no one will escape it. Fear will come to the hearts of all who have rejected me, but hope will sustain you who believe.

I am standing at the door of each heart and knocking. I long for everyone to know me and the power of my unending love. It is the greatest gift that I can give. It is the only gift with the power to save. Choosing me is choosing eternal life. Each one who does is given a key to the kingdom of heaven. That key will open the door to the world of freedom and love that I have created; a world full of peace and joy, free from sickness, sin, and sorrow.

I am Alpha, the beginning, and Omega, the end. As sure as the sunrise and sunset, I am coming back for you and all who have received me into their heart.”

  • For great is your love, higher than the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. Psalm 108:4
  • This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 1 John 4:10
  • …you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Ephesians 4: 17b – 18
  • For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Ephesians 5: 8-10
  • 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
  • He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. Revelation 21:6