scripture

Pray and Give Thanks

February 10, 2017 by gentlewhisper

Lately all the messages I’ve heard, and things I’ve read talk about praying and giving thanks. This morning those last four words jumped to the center stage of my mind, and danced around – praying and giving thanks. The word “and” was the lead dancer. That’s not difficult to do when life is good, is it?

As I thought about those four words I wondered if God gave any conditions, or exclusions, such as: if you are sad you don’t have to give thanks; if things are difficult, you don’t have to give thanks; or if you are facing a big unknown situation in your life, you don’t have to give thanks. With those questions in mind I scoured the scriptures to check.

Whenever we have a question we should always go to God’s word first. With three translations in front of me I sat out on my journey through the pages. My eyes focused in like magnifying glasses, and my fingers walking through the pages as if searching for any trace of bread crumbs to lead me to my destination – the exclusion!

In my journey God showed me His answer. Over and over with each scripture verse I came upon it was the same.

“Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish.” Jn. 6:11

It is noted in my study bible along with several commentaries there were estimated to be more than 5000 people, because in verse 10 it says “there were 5000 men” (Jn. 6:10b italicizes mine). According to the Holman Christian Standard Study Bible, “The men numbered about 5000, plus women and children (Mt. 14:21), totaling perhaps as many as 15,000 people” (Jn. 6:10 footnote p. 1816).

It wasn’t Jesus that was facing sadness, difficulty, or an unknown in that situation. It was His disciples that were with them. Perhaps it is you also. Perhaps you are facing sadness, a difficulty in your life, or you are in a situation where the outcome is unknown. When we stand face to face with any of those circumstances it can be a bit daunting, and intimidating.

The disciples looked at the sea of people surrounding them, their location, resources, and the unknown answer to the question of:

“How will we feed them?” Jn. 6: 1-13

If you are like me when faced with the unknown I want to know the answer to the outcome before anything else. And like me, you may find it hard to pray and give thanks. Sometimes my journey through the scriptures is quick, other times it is longer. I figure the journeys that take longer are because God is trying to cement something in my mind, and heart, that needs reinforcing. That needs to be implanted into the recesses.

During my journey I had a phone conversation that did not end well. It left me in tears, as I thought God my heart is breaking, and I am supposed to pray and give you thanks – for this? As I choked back the tears, not wanting the other party to know, we ended the call. You may be able to relate. As I hung up the phone the three verses that lay in-front of me dancing on the page were:

“Rejoice always! Pray constantly. Give thanks in everything, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Th. 5:16-18

Pray and give thanks. My journey continued and stopped at three other places.

The verses on this morning’s journey:

“Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Phil. 4:6

“Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind, and a thankful heart.” Col. 4:2

“Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don’t quit in hard times; and pray all the harder.” Ro. 12:12

God’s message came full circle. Sometimes God allows us to experience the question along with the answer in order to teach us. Other times it is so we can share it and teach another. If that is you, and you find yourself soaked in saddens, darkened by difficulty, or unsure by the unknown dig deep into untapped strength stop to pray, and give thanks.

As the words danced across the page, tears streamed, my heart prayed for the other person’s happiness, and I gave thanks.

Today – find something to be thankful for – pray and give thanks!

©Gentle Whisper Ministries re-post from 2/10/15. Edited 2/10/17

*picture by thebloggingdisciple, 1millionwallpapers, pinterest

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A Summer to Remember week 11

August 13, 2016 by gentlewhisper

Here we are at week 11 of summer. School has already started and the stores have their fall decorations out. I must admit we are getting close to my favorite three months of the year – October thru December – and I have already purchased some Pumpkin Spice Coffee Creamer. Yes. I did. I am enjoying the remaining time we have for summer.

The verse this week is the cornerstone for my blog, and it will serve as a good reminder of God’s mercy and grace.

“And you Gentiles, who were branches from a wild olive tree, have been grafted in. So now you receive the blessing God has promised Abraham and his children, sharing in the rich nourishment from the root of God’s special olive tree.” Ro. 11:17b NLT

God has included us. He has grafted us into his family. We are grafted in for a reason and a purpose.

©Gentle Whisper Ministries 2016

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Time to Breathe

July 17, 2016 by gentlewhisper

It feels so good to be on the keys of my lap top. Since beginning my job in March I have had little time to write. Between the commute and, well, life in general time has gotten away from me. I’m sure many of you can relate.

The time I had before my new job to write and share was therapeutic and fulfilling. Therapeutic because I could share with all of you what was going on in my life, and hope I was not the only one. And fulfilling because I would always hope and pray that my situations, and what God showed me, would be encouraging to you. That not only I would seek Him, read His word, and look for Him in your life, but you would as well. Friends, God is for us.

“But the Lord said to her, “Martha, dear friend, you are so upset over all these details! There is really only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it—and I won’t take it away from her!” Lk. 10:41-42 TLB

That being said, these last few months have just flown by. Each week I found myself saying “I need to write. I need to post a blog.” I would go so far as to tell myself, “just write 500 words.” Those close to me, and know me well are probably chuckling at that last statement. I tend to get out more than 500 words, even when talking. That’s the gift of gab from God! If you have that same gift, you will agree with me, it can also get us into trouble. Yet, each day came and went, and no blog. No article. My friends would say, “you will lose all of your followers.” And, I feared that. Not because I want to have followers because with followers comes pressure, and your life tends to move under the microscope. I feared anyone that followed my blog would not be encouraged to seek God. To know Him, and know His Son Christ Jesus.

Over the last four months, I have purposely done initiatives to keep me on the blog, and focused in His Word. The 2016 Challenge, and now A Summer to Remember. I am working on a new initiative for the fall. But, I kept coming back to what about NOW. Everyday God was there, every day came, and went. And it left me feeling that something was missing in my life. Have you ever had that feeling? The feeling of something is missing, the feeling of a void. Most try to fill it with things, going to bars, or looking outside of your current relationship by getting into another one. We think those things will fill what we are missing. Have you been there? How did it work out? If you have, you can answer privately. That’s between you and God. I knew my void was my time with God. My reading, studying, writing, teaching, and encouraging others.

“Those who are wise will find a time and a way to do what is right.” Ecc. 8:5b NLT

Then yesterday as I was running errands, looking at my watch, and going over my list of things to do in my head, I purposely went into a Lifeway Store. I was determined to get myself a bible study written by someone else. Friends, it is good practice to study for yourself, and to study what someone else has written.

I had reached the point of frustration with having no time. At the end of the day I just wanted to scream! I didn’t, but if I did I’m pretty sure you’d have heard me. No time in the mornings because of my commute. The hour I spent in the bible didn’t seem to be enough. When I got home by the time I prepared for the next day and sat down, I was asleep within 30 minutes. Time gone. Only to begin all over again the next day. The weekends were spent running errands, and catching up on everything I couldn’t do during the week. I can see many of you shaking your head as you think of your own lives. Well. I. Had. Had it!

“And the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, until the nation took vengeance on their enemies. Is this not written in the Book of Jashar? The sun stopped in the midst of heaven and did not hurry to set for about a whole day.” Josh. 10:13 ESV

I would ask God to create more time for me, or like in the Book of Joshua allow the sun to stand still so I’d have more time. However, I get the same 24 hours in a day you all do.

Yesterday however I felt that God answered my prayers. As I walked into Lifeway to see what studies were out, the first one I saw was by Priscilla Shirer, Breathe, making room for Sabbath. A calm came over me. A refreshing, relaxing, realization that this was it! God knew I wanted more time. Time to spend with Him, and to breathe. However, because most of the time I learn the hard way I walked right by it. I headed to the back of the store to see what else there was. As I looked at the other studies available I found my breath leaving me. I felt rushed, and hurried. I knew. You see, when God speaks to us it is not always in one particular way. He can direct us by generating pressure within. With that my feet carried me right back up front to pick up the study and purchased it.

Our lists can get so long, busyness can overtake us, and ultimately God is the one that gets pushed out. Why you ask? In my opinion because we cannot see, touch, or feel Him. He speaks to our spirit. The things in our life, other people, work, food, social media, etc.. all immediately engage one or more of our senses. God does this too, but we have to look for it on purpose, and it may take time. Just my thought.

As I cracked the pages of my newly purchased study, this sentence jumped out at me –

“life is better when it has room to breathe.” Priscilla Shirer

Yes. That is what I want. Room to breathe. Do you? Do you find it difficult to find time in your life to breathe? Join me as I do this study, and together may we find time in our lives to Breathe, making room for Sabbath.

*pictures by allposters, peanuts, joyfulpapist

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A Summer to Remember – week 7

July 17, 2016 by gentlewhisper

sunset

Good morning everyone!

Here we sit in mid-July, and I hope you have had a wonderful summer so far. If you have found yourself busy, or with little time, I hope you have something planned. It doesn’t have to be an extravagant trip, but some time to sit with God and reflect. Ponder His word, and look at His glory that surrounds us.

Last night I walked out my back door, and suddenly my breath left me for a moment. My eyes had landed on the most spectacular sunset I’d seen in a while! There were so many colors, all intertwined with each other radiating beauty. I stopped what I was doing, snapped a picture and just sat for a moment. Have you ever found yourself in those moments? Moments that take your breath away.

The bible tells us about the glory of God, yet I don’t think I really grasp it until something takes my breath away. What about you?

As the boldness of the colors shouted God’s glory and presence this week I thought we’d focus on a verse the Israelites found themselves looking at the glory of the LORD. I don’t know about you, but I want God to show me His glory!

“And as Aaron spoke to the whole community of Israel, they looked out toward the wilderness. There they could see the awesome glory of the LORD in the cloud.” Ex. 16:10 NLT

Friends, this week look for the glory of God. He will take your breath away. I promise.

This week God, show off for us! So that we may see, and boast of, your glory!

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A Summer to Remember week 6

July 10, 2016 by gentlewhisper

Our Independence Day has come and gone. Fireworks lit up the sky while the young and old admired the bright lights that exploded above their heads!

As I get older the seasons seem to move through rather quickly. I try to take in each moment as they come and savor the experiences, but it moves swiftly like a bird in flight. I can’t believe it was a week ago that my whole family was together. I was such a happy momma, and grandma! All my kids, and grandkids together in one place! Life was good.

I was reminded God is good. God knows what is best. God gives us the desires of our heart. I miss writing everyday, my new job pulls my attention to it. By the time I get home I’m exhausted. After I prepare for the next day – it’s bedtime, and time to start over. Do you know what I’m taking about? Can you relate?

Week six into summer 2016, and I have not written as much as I’d like. Hang in there with me. Each day I pray I am given the time to write. To express to each of you that God is with us.

His name is Immanuel which means God is with us. (Mt. 1:23 NLT)

Our verse for week 6 is found in the book of 2 Timothy.

“All scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” 2 Ti. 3:16 NLT

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A Summer to Remember

June 2, 2016 by gentlewhisper

It’s June already, and where I live the heat has already reached the 90’s! Summer is here! With that comes: picnics, pool parties, BBQ’s, going to a beach, suntans, sunburns, and fireworks.

Summer is a time where a lot of people make memories. It is a time for weddings, showers, family gatherings, and vacations.

In those moments is where memories are made, and remembered.

For those of you that walked with me in the 2016 Challenge I am so proud of you! I hope that you found a deeper relationship with Christ, and are continuing in that relationship. Each day meeting with Him, listening for His voice, and watching for His direction. Friends, He will never steer us wrong.

Join me this summer as I am looking to make it “A Summer to Remember” with Christ. Making memories that will be remembered and talked about. In the New Living translation the word “remember” occurs 229 times. God wants us to remember.

“Remember the wonders he has performed,
his miracles, and the rulings he has given.” 1 Chron. 16:12 NLT

Remember His:

Faithfulness
Mercy
Love towards us
Patience with us
Blessing given us

This summer we will spend 13 weeks memorizing scripture, and remembering His word. This will be from June 4th – August 27th.

Each week I will post a verse to memorize. You are encouraged to do this with a buddy. This will keep you both accountable and allow each of you to recite it to each other. Your buddy can be anyone you choose. A spouse, friend, child, co-worker, neighbor, parent, etc….

God has spurred my encounter with a “false teacher” to do this 13 week scripture memorization. If we don’t know His word we will not be able to discern truth from falsehood.

“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you.” Jn. 14:26 NLT

If you’ve never memorized scripture before here are some tips that may assist you:

Have a pen/pencil and index cards/paper available to write down the verse
Pray to have God help you to memorize
Review daily and speak out loud (word for word with the address)
Have a specific time each day to memorize so it becomes a habit

Are you ready? Grab your buddy, your supplies, and beginning June 4th the first verse to memorize will be posted. Feel free to use the one posted, or select your own.

As we soak up the summer sun, time to allow the Word of God to soak into the recesses of our hearts, and minds!

This will be – A Summer to Remember!

Gentle Whisper Ministries 2016

*pictures by coolsummer, sherbornpastor

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Get Ready for the 2016 Challenge

December 20, 2015 by gentlewhisper

Are you ready to put 2015 behind you? Are you expecting more in 2016? If you answered yes to each keep reading.

When I was younger I heard it said, “as you get older time will go faster.” I just thought it was a saying, but oddly enough it seems to be a reality. Since starting a new job in September there has been little room to write. Seems like everyday time moves past me, and at the end I sit and think – did I even notice God today? Did I even take a minute to recognize His activity in my life today?

I’ll admit on some days as those thoughts move from side to side in my mind retracing the days events, I fall asleep. Only to wake and begin the cycle all over again. Hence the saying, “as you get older time will go faster.”

This past year was filled with changes, and challenges. Sometimes it felt like I was on a bob sled careening downhill at an Olympic qualifying speed. Other times it felt like I was trying to climb a mountain in flip flops. With the new year approaching some will make goals, or resolutions; however, for us I’ve presented a challenge.

If you can relate then you’ll agree that we want 2016 to be better than 2015. Enter in the 2016 Challenge.

For the first 20 weeks we will look at a promise of God.
Each week we will take one verse and read it daily. Then think about what it is saying to us, and answer three questions

1. What is the promise?

2. Who is the promise for?

3. Is there a condition for the promise? (something that we are required to do)

Keep a journal so you can record what God does each week relating to His promise.

The challenge comes by expecting and believing God will keep his promise. This is a challenge because when things don’t go the way we hoped or planned, we can become discouraged and think God has abandoned us.

Let’s challenge ourselves to expect more from God in 2016! For He himself says, “God is not a man, so he does not lie, He is not human, so he does not change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through?” Num. 23:19NLT

Beginning on Jan 1, 2016 we will post a promise, and then one each week for 20 weeks. You can use the promise we select, or select another one from the Bible. Each day during the 20 weeks spend 16 minutes reading and thinking about the verse.

The important thing to remember is: God is not a genie, or Santa. He is not here to grant wishes, or bring us whatever we ask for. So let’s try to keep Him out of those categories. The goal is to grow closer to Him, as we learn to trust him more.

We are expecting great things from God in 2016, and want you to also! In 2016 let’s expect God to show up!

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December memory verse posted

December 1, 2015 by gentlewhisper

Our last verse of this year is posted on our P1:12P page. We hope you have had a Christ filled year, and we look forward to memorizing more verses in 2016 together as we grow in Him. Merry Christmas!

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Why don’t I hear God?

August 6, 2015 by gentlewhisper

Have you questioned whether or not God speaks to you? Do you hear other people say, “I felt God speak”, or “I heard God say,” yet you have never experienced that? My friend, one way is to begin to memorize scripture.

Memorizing scripture is very important because it puts God’s word right into the recesses of our minds. And, at just the right time when we need it – God will bring it to light. That is one of the ways He speaks to us.

So grab a post-it note, or index card, and begin writing down a verse to memorize that you can take with you throughout the day to practice. If you don’t know where to begin on our P1:12P page we have eight verses listed that you can begin with. This year we are doing one per month.

Another idea is to memorize scripture with a friend. Two benefits:

1. You will keep each other accountable to learn them.

2. It is always more fun to learn new things with a friend.

The August memory verse has been posted. Check to see what it is on our P1:12P page.

Put your mind muscles to work – begin memorizing His Word. It is food for your soul.

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Pray and Give Thanks

February 10, 2015 by gentlewhisper

As I thought about that I wondered if God gave any conditions such as: if you are sad you don’t have to give thanks; if things are difficult, you don’t have to give thanks; or if you are facing a big unknown situation in your life, you don’t have to give thanks. With those questions in mind I scoured the scriptures to check. Whenever we have a question we should always go to God’s word first. With three translations in front of me I sat out on my journey through the pages.

In my journey God showed me His answer. Over and over with each scripture verse I came upon it was the same.

The thought that provoked the journey began with the teaching, and example, of Jesus when he fed the 5000 (Jn. 6: 1-13). Before Jesus fed the multitude with only two fish and five loaves of bread, it says in verse 11 “Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish.” It is noted in my study bible along with several commentaries there were estimated to be more than 5000 people, because in verse 10 it says “there were 5000 men” (Jn. 6:10b italicizes mine). According to the Holman Christian Standard Study Bible, “The men numbered about 5000, plus women and children (Mt. 14:21), totaling perhaps as many as 15,000 people” (Jn. 6:10 footnote p. 1816). It wasn’t Jesus that was facing sadness, difficulty, or an unknown in that situation. It was His disciples that were with them. They looked at the sea of people surrounding them, their location, resources, and the unknown question of “How will we feed them?” (Jn. 6: 1-13). Like the disciples are you facing sadness, difficulty, or an unknown factor in your life? If so, like me you may find it hard to pray and give thanks. Sometimes my journey through the scriptures is quick, other times it is longer. I figure the journeys that take longer is because God is trying to cement something in my mind and heart that needs reinforcing.

This morning my journey took some time, it was not a quick run to the 7-11 store of verses. I had to search, read, cross reference, and search some more. At times it is because I am looking for the answer I want. Yet God, being patient, waits as I go from book to book, and verse to verse. During my journey I had a phone conversation that did not end well. It left me in tears, as I thought God my heart is breaking, and I am supposed to pray and give you thanks – for this? As I choked back the tears, not wanting the other party to know, we ended the call. You may be able to relate. As I hung up the phone the three verses that lay in-front of me dancing on the page were “Rejoice always! Pray constantly. Give thanks in everything, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Th. 5:16-18 HCSB). Pray and give thanks. My journey continued and stopped at three other places.

The verses on this morning’s journey:

Phil 4:6 “Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” HCSB (Italicizes and bold mine)

Col. 4:2 “Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind, and a thankful heart.” NLT (Italicizes and bold mine)

Ro. 12:12 “Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don’t quit in hard times; and pray all the harder.” MSG. (Italicizes, and (added), along with bold mine)

*picture by thebloggingdisciple

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