Encouraging Words

Fallen Apples
West Fork Oak Creek Canyon
Whispers From the Father

These apples reminded me of the bible verse “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.” (Proverbs 25:11)

And while these aren’t golden apples, and there is no silver in Oak Creek Canyon, I was reminded that words have the power to heal or to harm a person.

Here is what I heard the Father say to me….

My Child~

Words are powerful. They can heal and encourage a person or they can break their spirit. (Proverbs 15:4, Proverbs 12:18) You know that don’t you? I bet right now you can bring to mind those who have cut you through, and those who have encouraged you….all by the words that they spoke.

May I suggest that you always speak kindly to others? The right word spoken at the right time can be a huge blessing to someone. (Proverbs 25:11)

You have no idea what another person might be going through in their life. Even if they are rude, mean, spiteful, hostile or spewing garbage in your face, respond with love and kindness.  A kind and gentle word from you can quiet their spirit. (Proverbs 15:1) And when you bring peace to others you are demonstrating that you are My Child. (Matthew 5:9)

Choose to speak kind and encouraging words to someone today. (Ephesians 4:29) It will make their day, and yours too!

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God Wants Us to do Great Things!

Moses with the tablets of the Ten Commandments, painting by Rembrandt (1659) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

My Dear Child~

Do you know that I created you to do good works? (Ephesians 2:10)  Yes, I want YOU to do great things with your life!

Do you think you are too old? Moses was 80 when I called him. (Acts 7:17-36)

Do you have trouble speaking in front of people? Moses did, so I gave him a helper. (Exodus 4:10-14)  (These days I would recommend a Toastmaster’s meeting; check it out, they are awesome 🙂 ).

Do you think you are too young?  Joash was seven years old when he became king. (2 Chronicles 24:1)

Are you inexperienced? So was David. I called him to be a king when he was a shepherd boy. (1 Samuel 16:1-13)

Does the task seem too big? David confronted a giant.  (1 Samuel 17:1-50)

Are your resources too small? The disciples had that problem when they were asked to feed thousands of people. (Matthew 14:13-21)

The point is, all you need to do is offer yourself to Me. If you are willing to be used, I can make up for anything that you lack.

I have even been known to use a donkey and a fish to accomplish My work. (Numbers 22:21-34) (Jonah 1:17) So don’t be surprised when I call you.

Perhaps you will be called to love children. Maybe I will ask you to help the sick, the poor, or your next door neighbor. Perhaps you will be the doctor who will solve a great medical mystery. You do have a calling…..a calling that is designed specifically for you. Are you listening?  I have great things for you to do! Let’s get on it!

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Are there Idols in Your Life?

Whispers From the Father

My Dear Child~

I ask you, are there idols in your life?  Idols can take many forms: status, money, power, sex, cars, jewelry, houses, vacations, hobbies, technology or a person. It’s fine, My Child, if you want some of these things. But if your desire for them consumes you or pushes Me or others out of your life, then that isn’t good.

Take a moment and assess your life.  If you feel there is something that is taking your time away from that which is most important (loving Me and loving others)  then it’s time to make some changes. I can help you.

You see, I want you to have an abundant life, and I came to give you that. (John 10:10) Only I can satisfy you and fulfill your needs. Things will never satisfy you. (Isaiah 58:11) That is why I want you to think about what you are pursuing and why.

When you turn towards Me and seek Me, you will always find Me. (Deuteronomy 4:29) Because, believe it or not, I am always seeking you.  (Luke 15)

Turn from the idols in your life to Me and keep My commandments (which by the way can be condensed down to Love Me and Love Others). (Matthew 22:34-40)

When you turn to Me, I will shower you with love…..a love that goes on forever. (Deuteronomy 5:10) And that is much better than what any idol can ever give you!

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Grace and Peace

A Quiet Place
Whispers From the Father

My Dear Child~

Many times in the Bible you will find the following words: “Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:2) Do you know why it is there? It is because I want you to experience My grace and My peace.

For by My grace you have been saved. (Ephesians 2:8-9) And by My grace you receive favor and blessings. (John 1:16-17)

I also give My peace freely to you, so don’t be troubled or afraid. (John 14:27)

If you are feeling unworthy, unloved, condemned, troubled or afraid, find a quiet, peaceful place and spend some time with Me.  Allow Me to love you and bestow on you My grace and peace.

Once you are filled, go forth and spread My grace, love and peace to others. They need it too.  (Ephesians 2:10)

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Do Not Be Afraid

My Child~

I see that you are fearful and worried. I see you sitting there with tears in your eyes.

Can I tell you something? Do not be worried or afraid.

I will make you strong.

I will help you.

I will take good care of you.

My hand is reaching out towards you. It is there. It is taking your hand now.

I will walk you through the problem.

Hear Me whisper to you, “Do not be afraid, I will help you.”

I am your Father and your God.

I will make the path clear for you. Trust Me.

Isaiah 41:10, Isaiah 41:13, Proverbs 3:5,6

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Love, Joy and Peace

My Child~

You want love, joy and peace in your life, right? Guess what? I can impart all these things to you if you will let Me. If you allow My Spirit to work within you, you will experience more love, joy and peace. You don’t have to work hard to experience them; you just have to cooperate with Me to allow them in your life!  (Galatians 5:22-23)

First, and above all, you need to know that I love you. No matter what you’ve done, no matter if you love Me or hate Me, I love you. (Ephesians 3:18-19, Romans 5:8)

As you experience My love, you can begin to walk in love and share love with others. You will be happier and so will they.

Open the door for the woman pushing the walker. Pick up the jar of mayonnaise that just fell on the grocery shopper’s toe. Make a favorite meal for your family. As you walk in love you will know Me more for I am Love. (1 John 4:8)

As you realize that I love you, you will have joy. And that joy will bring you strength.  (Nehemiah 8:9-10) Have you noticed how negative emotions sap your energy and strength? Don’t focus on negative thoughts, focus on positive ones! Walking in joy instead of negativity will increase your strength. Try it! Spread happiness and cheer wherever you go and you will notice a new light in your eyes and a bounce in your step!

If you want peace in your life, you can take it from Me; for free. You do not need to be troubled or afraid. (John 14:27) Isn’t that wonderful? There is no need to toss and turn on your bed at night. Turn to Me and realize that I care for you more than you can imagine and I will always be there for you.

Come to Me now. Allow Me to love you. Feel My love surround you and wash over you. Feel your sadness turn to joy and your anxiety turn to peace. Just experience Me. Know that I am with you, loving you, holding you, caring for you and guiding you. Get quiet for just a moment and experience ME. Then, after you have spent time with Me, go out and walk in My love, My joy and My peace. I am always with you.  (Isaiah 41:10)

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Strong Like a Tree

Baby Pine Trees
Whispers From the Father

Our son Matt pointed out all the seedling Ponderosa pine trees growing in our front yard recently. It was amazing to see how little and frail they were compared to the giant trees from which they came. Given the right conditions and enough time I knew that they could grow into big strong trees too.

I know that God wants each of us to grow to be healthy and strong. He wants us to be the best version of ourselves that we can possibly be (to quote a pastor I know 🙂  ).

I hope you enjoy looking at the photos and reading what God whispered to me as I contemplated both the baby and mature trees.

My Child~

You marvel at the baby pine trees; how tiny and frail they seem, especially compared to their parent tree. Just as I help the baby trees grow big and strong, I can help you become strong too.

Don’t spend a lot of time with those who aren’t following My ways and don’t listen to their advice. Instead, spend time with Me and in My Word. Follow My advice. If you do this you will be like a tree that is well planted and cared for. You will always yield fruit and be prosperous. (Psalm 1:1-3)

Mature Pine Trees
Whispers From the Father

Do what is right you will grow strong and be rooted in My house. If you are planted in My house, you will flourish, be vibrant and bear fruit as long as you live.  (Psalm 92:12-14)

Allow Me to heal your waywardness and love you lavishly.  (Hosea 14:4) I long to love you and make you whole, healthy and strong.

I will provide refreshment for you as rain refreshes plants.  You will blossom as flowers in the spring and send down deep roots into the soil so you can withstand the storms of life. You will be vibrant and alive, beautiful and growing into all that I want you to be. When you live under My care and protection you will be fruitful and productive. Others will notice. (Hosea 14:5-7)

I am the One who will answer your prayers, shelter you and take care of you; if you will allow Me to. All you need can be found in Me. (Hosea 14:8)

Come. Let me heal you, love you, shelter you, refresh you and provide for you. I want you to grow into the best version of yourself that you can be. I want you to be healthy, strong, whole and vibrant….just like the trees in your yard. Come.

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God’s Care and Protection of Us

(click on photo for a better view of the birds)

My Child~

How I want to protect you! Like a mother bird who looks after her babies I want to gather you under my wings so you can feel My love, comfort and protection. I want to shelter you from all harm and danger.  (Matthew 23:37) Let Me be your protection! Let Me be your shelter and your provider!

As you looked in on the babies in their nest you saw how vulnerable they were. You are vulnerable too, My Child. Without Me to guide and protect you, you can find yourself in all kinds of danger.

Did you hear the mother bird chirping loudly as you looked in her nest? She was sounding the alarm that danger was near. She was concerned for her babies. The same is true of our relationship. When I see danger approaching you, or you getting too close to things that could hurt you, I sound the alarm. You may hear Me in the small voice inside of you. You may hear My advice through the words of a friend, the words of a song, a pastor, or through My Word, the Bible. Listen to Me! I am guiding you for your good!

My Child, I care for you just as a mother bird cares for her babies. I love you so very much. Never forget that. And even if you can’t see or feel me, like the baby birds whose mother is out looking for food, you can hear My voice. For I am with you always. (Isaiah 41:10, Deuteronomy 31:6)

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“Acts of God”

My Child~

The recent tornadoes in Oklahoma and Texas have caused much destruction and suffering.

The world I created was perfect, without natural disasters. But, sin has corrupted not only men (as can be seen in their behavior at times) but also this world, resulting in something I hate, suffering. Natural disasters are not “Acts of God” but are a result of a world gone wrong.

Some day, there will be a new heaven and a new earth and there will be no more disasters that claim lives and maim people.  (Revelation 21:1-7)

Until that time, you, My Dear Child, can extend help to those who are in need. You can reach out and share My love with the hurting. Give money, time, shelter, or a shoulder to cry on. Do something to show your love.  (Luke 10:25-37)

Love triumphs.  It always has, and it always will. (1 Corinthians 13:7-8) So, in this time of heartache, show some love. It will make a world of difference to the hurting.

For suggestions on how to help see: Helping with Disaster in the Heartland 

 

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Answers to Prayer

Manta Ray
Maui 2013

My Dear Child~

I know you’ve been praying earnestly and for a long time about certain issues. You would like to see some answers. You would like to see the situation improve. You wonder why it’s taking so long.

I am aware of your prayers. I am aware of the prayers and tears of all My Children. (2 Kings 20:1-6) (Psalm 56:8)

You want to help others with the same problem, but you aren’t in a position to do so. Your motives and desires are noble and good. I am aware of them. (Psalm 139:1-2) I am aware of the whole situation. All that is happening is proceeding according to My plan. (Proverbs 19:21)

Let me remind you of the time you were snorkeling recently.  It was the last snorkel adventure of your trip. You were leaving later that day to go home. You were praying to see a sea turtle. You had already seen many sea turtles that vacation.  I wanted to send something your way that you would never forget. Something big, something out of the ordinary, something extra special, something rarely seen. So, I sent a Manta Ray to you instead.

Manta Rays are the largest ray that there is, averaging 22 feet wide and weighing up to 3000 pounds. They are harmless to humans, so even though you were startled to see one, I made sure to send something that could not harm you. You were asking to see a common sea turtle, I sent something much better, much larger and something that is not often seen by a snorkeler. They are rarely viewed or studied at all since there are few aquariums large enough to hold them.

I heard your earnest prayer for the sea turtle, and I wanted to answer and surprise you with something beyond your imagination. Admit it; it never entered your mind that you would see a Manta Ray did it?

I hear all your prayers.  Even the ones you’ve been praying about for a very long time, and are way more important to you than spotting a sea turtle. And I am working out the answers to your prayers. It may take awhile sometimes and that is because some trials are really times of refinement for you. (Psalm 66:10) Trials also provide an opportunity for Me to humble you and teach you to rely on Me. (Deuteronomy 8:2-3)

Take heart, even when you think nothing is happening, I am always at work. I want you to know that I hear the prayers of all My Children, and I am involved in their lives too.

In My time, and in My way the answers will come.

Don’t be surprised if the answer is something that never even entered your mind. It will exceed your expectations and happen as suddenly as that Manta Ray appeared out of the depths of the deep blue sea. Just wait (as patiently and expectantly as you can) and you will see. (Psalm 40:1-5)

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