Jesus

What Do You Want

June 2, 2018 by gentlewhisper

Thought for the day: Asking. What do you ask God for?

Is it things: new car, house, boat, a vacation, more money, or any other thing?

Those are not bad things to want, or ask for. It shouldn’t be our focus and main request. No where in the Bible does God tell us to ask for those things. Matthew 6:25-34 tells us not to worry about “things.” Instead if we are lacking, we are to ask for the “things” of The Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self-control. Eph. 22-26.

There were many times I asked for the wrong things and found myself unfulfilled, making sad choices, and wanting more. Today, I will choose to seek the things of The Holy Spirit instead. When we focus on those things all rest become less of a priority.

Thought: what “things” are you asking for? Material things, or things of the Holy Spirit. The choice is yours. #spreadthewordaroundtheglobe

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Riding Through Life’s Storms

May 27, 2018 by gentlewhisper

Thought for the day: Trust. Now it’s getting deep. We better put our floaties on. Trust. Who do you trust, and why? The real answer lies in the ‘why’. There could be many reasons why we trust someone. But, what would happen if one day that trust was shaken? Most likely we’d begin to doubt. What about Jesus? Do you trust Him? That is a loaded question. Many times I will say, “I trust you Jesus;”but then go my own way. Or try to control a situation. Is that really trust? No. I’m still a work in progress. You? For years my professional life was on the uphill, there were uncertainties at times, yet for the most part it was good. Then. One day, a few years back that changed, and it was like I fell from a mountain top. I suddenly found myself unemployed, struggling to find a full time job. It took a few years. My trust was split wide open like the San Andreas Fault. For you it may be something else. Yet, can you relate? However, during those years Jesus never left me. Oh, I promise, it may have felt and looked like it. You? Worry, fear of the unknown, all creep in. But. At just the right moment, things turned! And now my feet are on a new path with Christ! Trust. It can be difficult. Hang in there! He will not fail you. And one day, once again, we’ll say “See, God has come to save me. I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD God is my strength and my song; he has given me victory.” Isa. 12:2 NLT TRUST. Do you? #spreadthewordacrosstheglobe #trust #doubt #Hewillnotfailyou

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Thought for the Day

May 2, 2018 by gentlewhisper

Thought for the day: Advice. Who do you go to for advice? Why? We all have that person, or people, we seek advice from when we are at a crossroads. The real question is: do you follow their advice? It has worked both ways for me. There are a handful of people who I go to. And by handful, I mean less than five. God is included in that count. Sometimes I listen and follow, other times…. Perhaps I didn’t like what they said (including God), so, I did my own thing anyway. You? I’m pretty sure, our stories of doing our own thing all turned out similar. Difficult, and stressful. Can you relate? Why, do we do that? Two words: pride, easy. Our pride that we know best gets in the way, and we want an easy, comfortable, life. Yet, we get the opposite. You? There was a man that at every trun in his life sought advice from God. Moses. He led the Israelites out of Egypt. No simple task. Throughout the Book of Exodus we can read over and over, he cried put to God. May we take his example and when we cry out to God for advice, DO what He says. “Then Moses cried out to the LORD,… So Moses did this…” Ex. 17:5-6 #spreadthewordacrosstheglobe #advicelistenanddo

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Thankful – Day 8

September 21, 2017 by gentlewhisper

Several days have passed since I posted Thankful Day 7. It’s really more like day 17, but I’ll pick up where I left off.

For the last 10 days I, along with about million other people, have had to deal with Hurricane Irma. Added not having power for a few days after, then once my power came back on my son and his family came to stay with me, until their power was back on.

There’s so much to be thankful for. During the stress, and uncertainty, of Irma God remained faithful. Many of us in Florida were out of power, and many are still without power.

During that time God reminded me to focus on the positive. To think about what I am thankful for. He knew what was coming. He knew the devastation people would face. The heat, no water, power, air conditioning, stress increases, and patience runs short. In it all what I witnessed was friends taking in other friends. Family taking in family.

Of all my friends I was the only one without power, so I went to stay with one of them until it was on. I became the refugee. It wasn’t me having someone stay at my house. I was the one needing help. My friend took me in. I am thankful she opened her house to me.

Have you ever been in a situation where you needed help, and a friend stepped in? If so, you know what a relief it is.

“Share in each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.” Gal. 6:2 NLT

After my power came on, my son and his family came up to stay a few days. They had no power. I enjoyed having them, and spending time with my grandchildren. I don’t get to see all of my grandchildren as much as I’d like, so any time I get to see them I am thankful to God.

During the time of Irma, admits the chaos, I am thankful God allowed me to spend valuable time with friends and family. That we were all able to help one another in a time of need! After all, that’s what it’s all about.

To imitate Christ is to put others ahead of self, and help. Even if it means we have to be out of our routine for a while.

“If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important.” Gal. 6:3 NLT

Gentle Whisper Ministries 2017

*picture bocahelpinghands.org

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Thankful – Day 7

September 10, 2017 by gentlewhisper

One week of posting, it feels good. I didn’t have time last night due to final preparations for Hurricane Irma. So this Day 7 is on Day 8, but for yesterday.

In times like this you realize who your friends are. Who cares about you, and is concerned. I’ve had friends reach out to me and offer their homes, both in Florida and those that live out of state. God has given me good friends, and I am very thankful for all of you! To my friends out of state that offered, I won’t be there for Irma; however, I have you on my list as a vacation destination for later!

I will be watching the storm closely today as she is projected to make her arrival into Tampa in the wee morning hours of Monday, 9/11. By tonight I will have made the decision to stay hunkered down in my house, or go to a nearby friends home.

“..if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.” Ro. 12:8b NLT

With the impends storm headed this way I’m thankful God had planted in me a week ago to focus on the positives in my life. A week ago the storm was headed for the East Coast of Miami, and Tampa would get wind and rain by the time she made it up the state. However, God already knew the path of Irma. He knew the panic that would set in within people. Yet, as I sit and type this I am so thankful He placed in my heart peace, and positivity, even in the midst of possible destruction.

No one knows the outcome. If you listen to the news, its Armageddon. I’ve been in contact with my family, and friends, in Southwest Florida checking on status. Getting real time updates.

Those that I know, we have done all we can do in preparations. We prepare for the worst, and pray for the best. It is in God’s hands. I’m thankful to know He is with all of us, watching and protecting.

Friends, look for God in the details. Not in the big things – life becomes an adventure when you see Him in the details.

“But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” Gal. 5:22-23 NLT

Gentle Whisper Ministries 2017

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Thankful – Day 6

September 9, 2017 by gentlewhisper

Today was rather adventurous. Each day when I think all the preparations for the storm are done, something else comes up. Incase you don’t know there’s this hurricane headed our way – Irma.

When there’s a category 5 hurricane headed your way it makes it difficult to focus at work. The list just kept growing. Things to do to prep.

Relief came at 12:20pm this afternoon. An email. It was the news everyone was waiting for. All offices were closing at 1:00pm. It was the extra hours I needed to get things done. For that I am thankful.

Later this evening, I am grateful the opportunity presented itself to be able to help another person. At first I declined the offer. Within a couple of seconds I saw the opportunity begin to pas away. Thankfully the Holy Spirit quickly intervened to have me change my mind.

I once heard my pastor say “your neighbor is anyone you have the ability, time, and/or resources, to help.” I am thankful I had the opportunity to help “my neighbor.”

“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” Prov. 11:25 NIV

Gentle Whisper Ministries 2017

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Thankful – Day 5

September 8, 2017 by gentlewhisper

There’s so much going on in the news with Hurricane Irma that it’s easy to lose focus on things. People are evacuating, and preparing. Those of us that are riding it out are making final preparations.

In all of this, I am still thankful that God gives me the ability each day to get up, and go to work. He provides each day, and today was no different. There was food on my table, and clothes on my back. Part of me feels like I should be worried about the impending storm. Yet, I remind myself of His word:

“So don’t worry about these things, saying,’What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear? These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows your needs.” Mt. 6: 31-32 NLT

Tonight I had one last item to pick up in order to prepare. A bag of charcoal. Incase we lose power we can still cook food. Typically charcoal is easy to find, and no reason to ever think they’d be sold out. Not at the current moment. There are items that are now scarce, no where to be found: water, any non-perishable food, gas, propane takes for grills, lighter fluid, and charcoal. I stopped at a popular hardware store to see about charcoal, and the shelves were empty. When I left I stopped at the grocery store across the street. As I walked in I prayed that God would allow me to find one. To my left – two bags. To top it off, the kind that did not need lighter fluid! Immediately I whispered, “thank you Jesus!” Paid. Then on my way home.

“Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” 1 Th. 5:18 NLT

Thank you Jesus, even for the charcoal.

Gentle Whisper Ministries 2017

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Thankful – Day 3

September 6, 2017 by gentlewhisper

Today is day three of my posts on what I am grateful for.

As many of you may know, there’s a Category 5 hurricane in the Atlantic right now. Hurricane Irma. As she moves towards Florida I am preparing for the possibility of being without power for a few days. Irma is projected to hit somewhere in Florida, and the city where I reside could take a direct impact.

With the Weather Channel giving updates in the background I am thankful for technology. At times it can be overwhelming. It can be frustrating when my electronic devices do not work correctly. But, without technology millions of people in Hurricane Irma’s path would not know about the impending storm. Evacuations have begun, gas stations are running out of gas, in the stores water and non-perishables are no where to be found. Yet, for some of us there is still time to prepare.

For all those feeling her wrath now my prayers to you, and yours, for safety. She’s nothing to play around with. Be safe.

“But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever. Spread your protection over them, that all who love your name may be filled with joy.” Ps. 5:11 NLT

I can’t help but continue to feel, with all the chaos around me, peace in my spirit. When you begin to focus on what you’re thankful for Satan will try to deter you. Trials and troubles may come. Yet, instead of focusing on that. I am thankful that the Bible reminds me – Jesus is on my side. He loves me. And, He is always with me. That gives me peace. It does not remove the trial, worry, or concern. It reassures me that He is there. He has already gone ahead and worked it all out before I get through it. For that I am thankful.

“Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you or abandon you.” Dt. 31:8 NLT

What are you thankful for?

Gentle Whisper Ministries 2017

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Thankful – Day 2

September 5, 2017 by gentlewhisper

Each day up until Thanksgiving I have decided to write about two things each day that I am thankful for. Why wait until November, or the week of Thanksgiving to start realizing what to be thankful for?

I have three reasons for doing this:

It helps to keep my focus on God’s presence in my life
Keeps me focused on the positive things in my life
Gets me back into writing on the blog

My day started out with a no call, no show, from a potential contractor. Some morning plans were put on hold as we waited for his 11am arrival. The time for him to arrive came, and went. After an hour we proceeded with our plans. It wasn’t until 2:30pm my phone rang. It was the contractor. He forgot. At that moment I thanked God for keeping me from any future stress had I chosen to hire that contractor.

“Nothing in all creation is hidden from God.” Heb. 4:13a NLT

Later in the afternoon, my grandchildren and I had a few minutes to spare before they headed back home. We decided to do some window shopping. Fall season is here and we spent some time looking at Halloween and fall decorations. As we pulled into the parking lot a front row spot opened up. I pulled right in and said, “thank you Jesus.” My granddaughter said, “do you thank Jesus for parking spots?”

I am thankful that parking spot allowed me to share with her why we should tell Jesus “thank you.” He is in control over everything.

“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.” Ps. 107:1 NLT

There’s so much negative in the world today. If we focus on those things we lose sight of the good that is occurring all around us. God is not only in the big things, but also in the details of our lives – even parking spots.

What are you thankful for?

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Thankful – Day 1

September 3, 2017 by gentlewhisper

“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.” Ps. 136:1 NLT

It’s been a long time since I’ve posted, or written, on my blog. Sorry. Over the past 2 years I’ve had a lot of good intentions to sit down and write. Many times the words would leave my mouth, but never seem to find their way to the keyboard of my lap top. Life has changed since I’ve last written. Many times the desire to share them with you was in my heart. The battle I faced was with Father Time.

As many of you know I was unemployed for a few years, living off savings, and only able to find part-time, or contract work. There was plenty of time for my fingers to dance across the keyboard. And dance they did! It was great! Then God, in his great mercy and faithfulness, opened up employment for me. And, at just the right time. It was exactly what was needed.

Have you been there? Then you know what I’m talking about.

Are you there now? If so, let me reassure you – hang in there. Keep being faithful. Oh I know doubt will enter in, and the battle will begin. But, God is faithful. 1 Th. 5:24b

Yesterday – in my quite time the thought came to me – there is so much negativity in the world. And, in the last two weeks I’ve heard two people say, “why can’t I be happy?”

We can get so caught up in the day to day mundane, and the demands of the world, that we lose sight of The One that provides for us. Life has so many demands, but Jesus has said,

“Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Mt. 11:29 NLT

My goal is each day to write about at least two things I am thankful for. There’s so much to be thankful for, yet when we allow the dark clouds of adversity to take precedence, we only see the darkness, and not the light that is shining right in front of us.

I am very grateful for my job! God gave me a new one in February this year. The task ahead of me is great, and the lifting heavy – but God continues to be faithful. He led me through the first project to completion! Friends, He. IS. faithful! If you are in a situation at work where you are unhappy, ask yourself these question:

Did I put myself there? Perhaps out of familiarity, or comfort.
Did I ask God if that is where He wanted me to work?

If the answer to question one is “yes.” No need to go further. If the answer is, no. Ask God what He wants you to do for Him there? There is a reason, perhaps a co-worker needs to hear about Jesus? Perhaps, you are to be an example to others of Jesus while there? Perhaps, God is teaching you something? Sit, ask, wait, watch, listen.

If your answer to question two is “no.” No need to go further. If the answer is “yes.” Then ask God what does he want you to do, who there needs to hear about Jesus?

I’ve learned over the years, God does not place us in a particular workplace just to get a paycheck. Or, just to be comfortable. There is reason. Someone needs to hear about Jesus. Someone needs you to be the example of how merciful, forgiving, and loving, Jesus is.

“But my work seems so useless! I have spent my strength for nothing and no purpose. Yet I leave it all in the LORD’s hand; I will trust God for my reward.” Isa. 49:4 NLT

I am very grateful for His provisions! Christmas came early. Recently, I hosted family in my house while they were in-between houses. Before they arrived my dryer was on its way out. It was with each load I’d wonder – is this the last one. Or is this one even going to complete its full round? You see, the drum was lose and with each round it sounded like a machine pounding cement into tiny pieces. I often wonder what my neighbors thought was going on in my house. They never said word. Well if they did, no one would have heard them when the dryer was on. The washer, was also on its way out, just not as fast as the dryer. Right before they moved out, yep. Christmas came early, and I was surprised with a new washer and dryer! God knows what you need and will provide it at just the right time. Not only am I thankful, but I’m pretty sure my neighbors are too!

“And God will generously provide all you need.” 2 Cor. 9:8a NLT

Friends, those are just two things I am thankful for. Stay tuned, as my goal is to share each day at least two things I am thankful for. And, for those of you thinking “it’s not all about material things.” You’re right, it’s not. And, it won’t always be.

Tell me – what are you thankful for?

Gentle Whisper Ministries September 3, 2017

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