“Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.” Psalm 50:15 ESV

As you read this verse over and over what is the Spirit whispering to you?

Whenever you experience trouble call upon God and He will deliver you. What a comforting message. But there is more. God says "and you shall glorify me," why?

This statement is an understanding that God is in control. Whatever happens God will use it for good for those who believe. When that is the case you won't be able to help but to  glorify God. How you might ask? If anyone sees you go through this time of struggle they will see God's hand. If they don't understand that God is in it they will ask and you will tell them.

Remember: God will see you through it and you will be a witness even if you don't know it.

“Lord, tell me where You want me to go, let me meet who You want me to meet, tell me what You want me to say, and keep me out of Your way.” Fr. Mychal Judge, Chaplain New York Fire Department

This is a Prayer that I have hanging over a door in our house. I say this prayer often and felt an urge to share it with you today. This isn't a Bible verse but it incorporates an understanding of the Bible. What do these words mean to you?

For me it is a prayer of submission and a prayer of power. As I pray this prayer I submit my will and day to God. I ask for God's power of the Holy Spirit to intervene in where I go, who I meet, and what I say and then I follow with more submission and power by asking to keep me out of His way.

In my mind this last part requires the most power; keep me out of the way.  That would take a miracle because of my inability to let go of control of situations. Amazingly when I pray this prayer God somehow, in His ultimate power, manages to put me in situations that He is able to use me despite of me.

Now pray this prayer with feeling and meaning. Make this prayer a part of your daily routine.

“He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.” Psalm 91:3-6

As you reread these verses what is the Spirit whispering to you?

Do you remember when as a child you were comforted, either by your mother or maybe your father?

That is what I think about when I read these verses. But here God is not just a comforter. He is also a protector. He will protect you from the terror of the night. He will protect you from the arrows of the day or the pestilence at night and even the plague of midday. These verses are very graphic. This isn't the bump in the night kind of terror. It is much more real than that.  What is your terror of the night or day?

Remember God is your comforter and protector, take refuge under His wings.

“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.” John 14:12

What is the Spirit whispering to you as you read this verse?

We are to do the good works that Jesus did. How? I mean He did some amazing miracles how can we live up to that? Have you done a miracle lately?

In reality, the miracles where only a means of showing Jesus' and the apostles' authority. The miracles where not considered great works by God, even the devil can do miracles, for we are warned of the anti-Christ deceiving us. To God the greatest miracle is Love. The most important work is Love (1 Corinthians 13). Are you Loving like Jesus?

As Christians we cannot love like Jesus without the help of Jesus, without help of the Spirit. We need to give up our lives so that Christ can live in us and through us. (Galatians 2:20) If we do this, if we die to self, "greater works than these" will we do.

Remember: Jesus wants to live in and through you. Let Him!

“You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” John 15:14-15

What is the Spirit whispering to you?

I am a friend of Jesus! You are a friend of Jesus! How much better could it be than that?

When we are born we are born into slavery to our flesh, the world and the devil. We are enemies of God. But God loves us so much that by the death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus, we are set free. We are free of slavery and now we are friends of Jesus, of God. Are we now free to do whatever we want? No, but we are not slaves. What is the difference between be a slave (servant) to Jesus and being a Friend of Jesus?

Slaves or servants are given commands without any explanation or understanding of the big picture, the business. There isn't an intimate relationship involved. As friends: things are explained as we are capable of understanding, there is a relationship working to become an intimate relationship. there is no expectation of perfection but an atmosphere of forgiveness. How will this understanding change the way you live?

Remember: You are a friend of Jesus!

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 NKJV

Read this verse over and over. What is God whispering to you?

These are powerful words. Are you experiencing tough times?

No problem, pray for Christ to help you and He will strengthen you and you will not only survive but thrive. The key to this verse is letting go, understanding that you can't do it alone. Surrender to Jesus. He has big shoulders and He has already carried your burden.

Is God calling you to serve Him?

Again, no problem. Do you think God would ask you to do something and not provide you with what you need to accomplish the task?

Paul said "all things." There is nothing that you can't do through Christ. The key is allowing Jesus to work through you instead of trying to do it on your own.

Remember: Give your burdens and your fears to Jesus.

“For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men.” 1 Peter 2:15

What is the Spirit whispering to you in this verse?

The will of God is often thought to be something that no one can know or figure out, but that is not true. There are ways to know the will of God. Can you think of some ways we can know the Will of God?

One is the general will of God. That is what this verse is talking about. By reading the Bible you should be able to tell in a general way what God wants us to do. The Law is a general guideline of what God expects. Proverbs is a book giving us more understanding as to what a Godly life looks like. The New Testament shows us what a life with God, with Jesus, should be.

While we can't on our own fully follow God's will, God has sent us help. The Holy Spirit is in us to guide us and give us the strength we need to know and do the will of God. By listening and following the Holy Spirit we can know God's will for us as individuals. Are you following the Holy Spirit?

It is difficult to know for sure if you are hearing the Spirit or if you are following your own ideas or if you are deceived by the Devil. How can we know?

It is important to read the Bible and we need to learn to quiet ourselves so that we can hear God in us. This verse gives us a hint. It is God's will to do good. That understanding will help us to know which voice we are hearing. Does it hold up to the Bible? Are you doing something that others will see Jesus in you? These are questions we can ask to help us discern the will of God.

Remember: God loves you, He has a plan for you and He wants you to know His plan.

“My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” Hebrews 12:5-6 ESV

As you read these verses what is God whispering to you?

Discipline is not a word we like to hear or experience. Our kids will testify to that. As adults we like to think we are beyond discipline. These verses tell us that if we are a child of God we will experience discipline most of our lives at some point or another. Why?

It's the same answer I tell my kids: Because we love you. God disciplines us because He loves us. Theresa of Avila is credited with telling God "If this is how you treat your friends, no wonder you have so few." No one likes to be disciplined, but without discipline we will go astray, we will not learn and grow in faith. Without discipline we cannot have a close relationship with God. What would your life look like without God's discipline?

I think part of our problem with discipline is that we misunderstand it. We think of discipline as punishment. Although discipline sometimes includes punishment it is not the same as punishment. Punishment according to Webster is a penalty inflicted for an offense, fault, etc. But discipline according to Webster is the training effect of experience, adversity, etc. This is one of many definitions some of which include; punishment inflicted by way of correction and training. So what is the difference?

Punishment in and of itself is a deterrence.  Punishment is used when you do wrong and includes pain, harm or loss. Discipline always is a way of correction or teaching. If we do wrong then it will include punishment but discipline is a method to guide you in the right direction or to get you to do better, to push you to excellence. It requires discipline on our part to read the Bible everyday or to pray.

As we experience the struggles and pain of this life remember that we are not being punished but disciplined. God loves you so much that He is willing to do whatever it takes to guide you to a closer relationship with Him, even to the point of sending His Son to die on the cross.

Thank you, God, for Your discipline.

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”  Psalm 46:1

Read this verse over and over. What is God whispering to you?

I'm a farmer. This is the time of year we are usually busy planting. God has another plan for me right now, because it is raining and has been for the past four weeks. I thought we were in good shape because I was able to plant all of our corn before it turned off wet. The ground was working perfectly and was able to plant the corn in what we thought was perfect conditions. Then it started to rain and rain some more and it turned cold and now I need to replant about a third of what we planted not to mention we still need to plant all of our beans. Yesterday the ground would have been ready to plant again but it rained the night before and we are get more rain right now with more coming tonight and tomorrow. It is very frustrating. People who aren't farmers ask me how do you get through times like this? My reply is that God has a plan. What is your hardship or struggle?

This verse is a comfort to me. I can take refuge in God. I can receive strength from God. God is my help who is always there for me. In times like these I pray more and read the Bible more and that is where I find refuge. Like a child runs to his mother for comfort when hurt, I look for God to take me in His arms and hold me. There is no better feeling, safety in the arms of Jesus.

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”  Isaiah 41:10

What is the Spirit whispering to you as you read this verse?

I'm going to do something a little different I'm going to start with another verse: Matthew 8:26 "...why are you so afraid?”

We all fear at some point or another. Some fear is healthy, it keeps us from doing things that will harm us, but fear is also something that can cause harm. If we allow our fear to keep us from thinking straight, we will not act appropriately. Have you been so afraid that you could not think straight? If so when?

I think if we are all honest we have experienced fear that has affected our thought. It may have been a dangerous situation but more likely it has been something like fear of talking if front of people, standing up against something that is wrong or standing up for something right, going out on a limb, doing God's will, and the big one is fear of change. What are we afraid of?

Do not allow fear to control you. When fear is in control we cannot love because there is no room for love. When we fear we will lash out at people because we are trying to protect ourselves at all cost. When fear is in control we aren't trusting God instead we are going alone. Now that is something worth fearing, being without God.

Remember: Do not fear for God is with you always. He will protect you and give you strength and He will help you.

“For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways”  Psalm 91:11

Read this verse several times and listen to what the Spirit is whispering to you.

Do you believe in Guardian Angels?

What an amazing thought! If we look to verse 9 it says "If you make the Most High your dwelling..." For those who believe, God has assigned Guardian Angels. That, for me, is a comforting thought. Can you think of a time when you or someone you know had a Guardian Angel saving them from more harm?

Does this mean that if something bad happens to you that you are out of God's grace? No, it just means God has allowed something to happen for various reasons: maybe to teach us discipline, to bring us closer to Him, or if we or someone we know dies, it was our or their time to come to live eternally with Him.

Want to read more on Guardian Angels? Try Hebrews 1:14, Psalm 34:7, 2 Kings 6:15-17. (These are not all the verses on angels.)

Remember: God loves you and nothing apart from His will can harm you.

“…pour out your heart like water in the presence of the Lord.” Lamentations 2:19

Go over this verse in your head over and over. What is God whispering to you?

What does it mean to pour out your heart?

We usually only pour our hearts out to those we love, those whom we are close to. Have you poured your heart out to God?

If so you know how liberating it is and you know that it brings you closer to Him, but if you haven't, why not? God loves you and yearns to be close to you. He wants you to share everything with Him; your hopes and dreams and your disappointments and struggles. He wants to hear your anger and joy. The strongest and best relationships have open communication, a relationship in which you share everything. Try it with God. Pour out your heart like water. Let it flow until you have emptied everything to God. Feel the closeness that God has planned for you.

Remember: God loves you beyond anything you can imagine or experience. Go to Him with everything.

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:34

What is the Spirit whispering to you in this verse?

Do you know someone who is so worried about what might happen tomorrow that they miss the blessings of the moment?

I must admit that I have been guilty of this from time to time. I allow myself to get stressed out about the next thing that I am unable to enjoy or appreciate what I am experiencing right now. While it is good to plan ahead, we should not dwell on the future. God has great things planned for us, but if we worry about what that might be and how that might affect us, we will miss what He has planned for us right now. What we are experiencing right now is preparing us for tomorrow. Relax take in the blessings God has given you and allow it to fill you and strengthen you so that you are ready for what comes next.

Currently I am here at my computer typing this and listening to the wind chimes and the birds outside.  What a gift that God has given me. The Birds remind me of His creation as they sing to my heart. The chimes play the song of the wind ever so gently blowing. God softly whispers in both "I am here, trust me, rest in me, I love you." Can you hear Him?

"...do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" Matthew 6:25-26

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit —fruit that will last.” John 15:16

Read this verse over and over. What is God whispering to you?

God knows our thoughts. He knows our deep dark secrets. He knows that I am a screw up, yet He still chose you and me to be His witness, to be His hands and feet here on earth. Why did He choose me a wretched sinner, why did He choose you?

We like to think that we can choose to follow God. We like to think that we have run to him. But we learn differently from Jesus' parable of the lost son: "...he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him." Luke 15:20.

We cannot come to God on our own. God draws us to Him. He created us with a purpose, a plan. He chose us to do His will. No matter who you think you are, God still loves you and still chooses you to do His will. This is not our work but His work through us. What does that mean?

Let me put it this way: we are His instrument created to produce the perfect sound in God's great orchestra. We may not sound very good alone, in fact we may sound hideous, but when God plays us in His musical of life we make the perfect sound at just the right time to bring a standing ovation. Allow God to put His arms around you and allow God's breathe to flow through you to play the perfect note at the perfect time.

Remember: No matter what sin you have committed, repent and God will run to you and throw His arms around you and He will use you to play the perfect note.

“Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the LORD?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.” Proverbs 30:8-9

What is God whispering to you as you read these verses?

These verses are not only teaching verses but also make a great prayer. Let's dig into the teaching of this proverb. Why is falsehood and lies linked with my daily bread?

Jesus warned against the power of money (Matthew 6:24; Luke 16:13). The root of all evil is not money but the love of Money (1 Timothy 6:10). When we fall in love with money we fall for falsehoods and lies. We justify why we need more money. We fall for the lies and falsehoods that keep us from tithing and giving to charity. What lies and Falsehoods have you fallen for?

I have fallen for many in my life including but not limited to falsehoods like: I can't afford to give 10% of my income to the church, besides they will waste it by not properly spending it. I shouldn't give to those families in need because they will just waste it on drugs, alcohol, or cigarettes.  I shouldn't help the homeless because they need to get a job. The lies just build and build. All of those lies are founded in truth. Some churches have miss spent money, some people waste money on drugs, alcohol or cigarettes keeping them trapped in poverty, and some homeless are there because they choose to be, but maybe we need to look at helping in other ways. Get involved with the decisions of the church, help people get help for their addictions, and address the reasons people are homeless and then help them. What is God calling you to do?

Is God calling you to tithe? Remember what the church does with your tithe is between those leaders and God, we need to trust God and due our duty of discipleship by tithing.

Is God calling you to give charity on top of tithing? Tithing is our duty. In the early church tithing was your duty and charity is giving above your tithing. Charity is giving with no strings attached. What that person or organization does with your money is not for you to judge. Once the money leaves your hands you should forget about it.

I was always told that you shouldn't give to your harm, but true charity includes sacrifice. Here are some questions to ask yourself: are you honoring God with your money and wealth?

What is your daily bread, how much do you and your family really need to live on?

Are you tithing?

Is God calling you to be charitable?

Remember: God loves you and He is faithful, trust Him.

“Don't be afraid; just believe…” Luke 8:50

Repeat this verse over and over in your head. What is Jesus whispering to you?

This verse comes from the story of Jesus and Jairus the father of a daughter who was sick. While they were on their way to see the daughter someone came and told them that it was too late she was dead at which time Jesus told Jairus "Don't be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed." What in your life seems too late or too big for God to change?

As you know I am a farmer. It is raining again. I need to replant a third of our corn and I need to plant our beans. I have been praying for favorable weather since the season began. It seems to be getting late. But I hear Jesus saying "Don't be afraid; just believe…”  Why does Jesus say "Don't be afraid?"

Fear is one of those things that sneaks into our thoughts and feelings that steals our hope. Fear causes us to do things we shouldn't out of desperation. Fear separates us from God and His grace and mercy. We must allow God to take our fears and replace it with faith and hope.

I have a problem with boxing God in and thinking that He should act in a certain way. I want to plant now; in fact I was hoping to be done planting by now. God on the other hand has other plans. I need to let go of my worries and let God lead me. I may never know why He does what He does but I know that He has always been faithful and in the end it will all work out better than if I were in charge. Jairus and the other relatives of his daughter may have thought that Jesus should of saved her before she died, just like the family of Lazarus. But God has other plans. He used this incidence to show his love and power and to give us an example showing us that nothing is impossible for God.

Remember: "Don't be afraid; just believe!"

“I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.” Jeremiah 31:3 ESV

Read this verse several times. What is God whispering to you?

What is better than to hear God whisper "I love you"?

To top that off it is a love that is everlasting, a love that will last forever. A love that will never fail no matter what you do. A love that results in continued faithfulness to you. There is action to help you. God will always be with you. Everything that happens is for your good. This does not mean everything that happens will feel good but that it will be for your benefit. How does knowing this make you feel?

Remember: Take a deep breath and smile because God loves you with an everlasting love and continues to be faithful to you.

“God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. In this way, love is made complete” 1 John 4:16-17

As you read these verses, what is the Spirit whispering to you?

Most of us strive for love, but fall short. Why?

Love is something we all need but we aren't capable of on our own. Here we learn that God is love. This is the missing link. When we live in God we live in love. Without God we can't know love. Those who are in God live in love. Only then is love made complete. What does this mean?

All of our relationships need love to survive and prosper; therefore all of our relationships need God. Our friendships, our marriages, our family relationships, and our business relationships all need God to experience complete love. In love we will strive to do what is best for all involved. In love we will think about others above ourselves. In this way we will prosper with one another.

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

What is the Spirit whispering to you as you read this verse?

What is your "weakness?"

I have so many that there isn't enough space to name them all. God has used my weakness to show His glory, for example: I'm not a good musician, but God has used me to play keyboard and mandolin. I am still amazed at how God uses me. I have yet to be able to play a song without screwing up, but ever since I turned it over to God, He has used me. The times that I feel and think I have played the worst are the times that people come up to me thanking me and telling me how they felt God in the worship music. Somehow God takes what I play and changes it before it reaches other peoples ears.  When has God used you in your weakness?

I have allergies toward mold. It can get so bad that all I can do is go to bed. I have prayed and prayed for God to take this weakness from me. I continue to hear this verse as the answer to my prayer. There have been moments when I feared going into a situation because I could smell or see the mold, but I could feel God leading me there. In those moments the mold doesn't bother me.

When my allergies bother me, I am reminded that I can't do anything without God. Every time I play in front of people and I mess up, I am reminded that God is the one who has given me the ability to play. Turn your weaknesses over to God and stand back and be amazed.

“He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” Romans 8:32

What is God whispering to you as you read this verse over and over?

Sometimes I get caught up in wonder, worry and fear in the things that I don't have and think I need. Sometimes those things are material but often they are in abilities, experience or knowledge. Sometimes it is for me, sometimes my family, but sometimes it is in something that I feel God is guiding me to do. What do you wonder, worry and fear about?

How much of those things do you need and how much is really not necessary?

Reread this verse again. Do we need to wonder, worry and fear over anything?

God gently reminds me that I don't need to wonder, worry or fear. Why would he go through so much trouble to save my soul and then not provide what I need to live and do His will? He may not provide what I want all the time, but He will provide all that I need. I may not think that I am equipped to do His will, but God says trust Him and He will shine through me.

Remember: Trust and let God shine through you.

“I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.” John 12:24

Reread this verse several times. What is God whispering to you?

It always amazes me how God's wisdom is so opposed to man's wisdom. Who thinks about dying only to live and not just survive but being very productive. As I think about this and try to wrap my brain around it, an alarm goes off in my head shouting "Overload, Overload!" Yet there is a truth in this statement that we as Christians need to not only understand but live. I'm reminded of an example. Take a coffee bean. It's hard and not usable until you crush or grind it. When you add water, the water changes color and flavor, then add heat and a pleasant aroma rises from it. There are many people who crave coffee but it is nothing until the bean is place under an extreme amount of stress to the point of death. We are like that bean. Until we go through a transformation of the Spirit, until we die to self, we are pond scum, but when we are reborn in the Spirit we become the bean. As stress crushes us and fire roasts us, we transform those around us. At that point our true color and aroma come out. Can you be the Bean?

As life crushes and grinds you, as it puts you through the fire, allow God to make you into the bean. He will give you the flavor, color and aroma that no one can resist.  God will use you to produce more beans and the kingdom of God will grow.

“Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13

As you read this verse over and over what is the Spirit whispering to you?

Of course this is Jesus speaking of His death on the cross to save all believers, but just before this verse is the statement "love each other as I have loved you." (vs 12) How does this apply to today's verse?

Let's first look at what Jesus means by "friends." Jesus follows this verse explaining that they are His friends and defines it this way "You are my friends, if you do what I command." (vs 14)Fellow believers in Christ are friends. We are to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters in Christ. Does this mean physical death?

Yes, but it also means our will. We are to lay down our wants, our personal preferences, our desires, and even our feelings. When a friend in Christ hurts us we are to lay that down too. What would the church look like if we all followed these three verses?

I must admit this is hard for me to swallow. I don't think I can do it alone, but with the help of God all things are possible. With God's help we can all lay it down.

“…for he chose us from the beginning, and all things happen just as he decided long ago.” Ephesians 1:11 NLT

Read this verse over and over. What is the Spirit whispering to you?

As I read this I ask, who am I that God would choose me for anything? I don't have a special talent or intelligence. Then I hear the Spirit whisper, "you are mine. I created you with a purpose."

God says this to you as well. Though at times it seems we are nobody, this verse says we are somebody. God created us. God knows who we are and He has planned what we have experienced to build and prepare us for His purpose. Take courage God wants to use you. Next time that you question your worth, remember this verse. Next time that you think you can't do what is set before you, take courage in knowing that God prepared you for this moment. Next time that you struggle and don't know if you can handle any more, remember that God already sees who you will be when you come out the other side of this time of hardship.

“For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” Hebrews 12:11 ESV

What is the Spirit whispering to you as you read this verse?

Why can't it be easier? Why does spiritual training have to be so painful? These are the questions that go through my head during times of struggle and pain. What is God whispering to you as an answer?

He's told me that I can't be refined without the fire. He's also taught me that in order for God to fill me and be in control of my will, my flesh must surrender its control. My flesh must die. Think about it, dying flesh is painful. Pulling flesh from what it has a hold on is very painful. (As I get older I'm realizing this more and more. There are some movements I can't do anymore and when I try it hurts.) Think back as a child, did you like discipline then? Yet without it would we be who we are today?

Our life here on earth is training us for the afterlife. Without it we will not have the afterlife we hope for. Thanks to God for caring enough to shape us to His will. God knows what is best for each of us. He has paradise planned for us all, but there is spiritual training to prepare us for paradise. Those of us who allow God's training will see Him in paradise.