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Across the Bay

November 7, 2016 by gentlewhisper

Tomorrow will mark another day I journey across the Bay.

Last week I was listening to some lessons on-line by Beth Moore, in this particular lesson she said, “Sometimes God has us experience things so we can minister to another, and so that we can speak about it.” I agree, yet my spirit cried out “when can I stop experiencing all the hard things, and begin to experience good things?”

Have you been going through some rough days, months, or years?

I may sound like I’m complaining, but I’m not. I firmly believe that we all do experience things so that we can help another, and encourage another, when they experience them.

But man. You too? I know, right.

I will echo the words of the Apostle Paul –

“And I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News.” Phil. 1:12 NLT

Before someone tells me we are very fortunate in America. That there are millions across the globe that have nothing, and daily have to walk miles for food. There are millions of others that deal with an illness, or incurable disease. I agree with you. Travesties far worse. When your world was flipped upside down, it becomes a challenge to put those things into perspective as you stare into the forest before you.

My perspective is from someone that had their life mapped out, everything was going well, until – it was flipped upside down. The table began to tilt with the lay-off. Three and a half years later it was upside down. But isn’t it funny that while upside down I had only one way to look – UP.

I’ve heard it said “it is better to have nothing than to have and lose it all.” I never really understood that. I was one of those that would say, “It’s only things,” “If you lose your job you can get a new one.” Those statements are true, but the ability to cope is much tougher. It was three years before I found a job, a full-time, permanent, with benefits, job. The ones in-between were part time, or seasonal, and the pay was marginal.

“…the Spirit of Jesus Christ helps me; this will lead to my deliverance.” Phil. 1:19b NLT

Can you relate? Have you been there? Are you there now?

If you are, I understand. When the table of our life gets flipped upside down its:

Aggravating
Discouraging
Frightening
Frustrating

“Don’t look out for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.” Phil. 2:4 NLT

I know how your emotions can be up one day and down the next. I know how others close to you won’t, or don’t, even offer to help. Their reason – “you never asked.” I mean really? You can’t just do something? I know how the people you thought were your friends never called and asked – how are you? How are things? Instead they stayed away. If someone would have asked me five years ago, if all this would have happened. I would have probably said, “unlikely.” How wrong I would have been.

None of us know the path God has laid out for us. But what I do know, having journeyed on the road you may be on today, is to keep going. Don’t give up.

When you want to stay in bed, with the covers over your head. Get up.

“I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.” Phil. 4:12 NLT

What may be in front of you now is the forest, and you can’t see the tree, but friend just put one foot in front of the other, and keep going.

“For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” Phil. 4:13 NLT

During this time look for what God wants you to do? In the midst of everything this blog was birthed. It came with ease, although at times I suffer writer’s block, or time constraints, but God will make a way for His will to be done.

Each day I made a list of three things. I had to do these three things in order:

Read my bible
Apply for 3 jobs
Write on my blog

Start small. Make your list to fit your situation. Find at least three things to do each day. Something to keep you busy, productive, and focused, as you journey on your path.

“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” Mt. 6:33 NLT

We who love Jesus are all called to spread His Good News. Wherever God plants your feet – share. Talk to people. Friend, you and I are not alone in our struggles. It may be dressed differently, but it brings with it the same fears, tears, and doubts.

“Sing to the LORD, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!” Ps. 96:2-3 ESV

I wish I could tell you that tomorrow your struggle will be over. But, I cannot. I have no idea. Except that one day it will end. The gates of heaven will open and things will begin to change. Hang in there. In the meantime, sing, seek, and declare glory to Him.

In the years of my struggle, I learned a side of God that I had not known before. Friend, I pray as you seek Him in your time of struggle you will learn more about the God that loves you. His Son that gave His life for you, and the Spirit He gives today for wisdom.

“Even before He made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be hoy and without fault in his eyes.” Eph. 1:4 NLT

Tomorrow as I journey across the Bay, day in and day out, I’ll watch for opportunities to share, encourage, and inspire, another – for His glory.

“No, dear brother and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead.” Phil. 1:13 NLT

©Gentle Whisper Ministries 2016

*pictures by tenspeedhero, imgarde, pixgood

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Finding Encouragement Through Others

March 8, 2016 by gentlewhisper

Last month I kicked off a new initiative “Guest Writer of the Month.” Each month a different person will tell his or her story of how God has seen them through a difficult time, and proven to remain faithful. Amidst pain, trials, struggles, uncertainty, doubts, and fears, these individuals will share a portion of their walk, and tell of a faithful God.

Please feel free to be encouraged, and reconnect to the God of the Universe, through this month’s guest as she tells her story – When Life Crushes You.

Guest Writer of The Month

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When You Only Have One Out Of The Harvest

June 10, 2015 by gentlewhisper

A few weeks ago I had an interesting conversation with a woman at work. There are some things that make an impression in your memory, and this was one of them.

Earlier in that morning I remember one of my posts on Gentle Whisper social media site was “Who will you share your faith with today?” The scripture that inspired that was based off Matt. 9:37

“The harvest is great, but the workers are few.”

I remember asking when I typed the words out – God, what does that look like? A word of warning two of the best things you can ask God when reading, and attempting to understand His word is:

What does that look like?

Teach me to understand.

My friend, when you do just keep your eyes and ears open. He will show you. He will put opportunities in front of you, and He will give you experiences to teach you.

On that day the answer was “this is what it looks like. Now be a worker in the harvest field.”

In everyday language the scripture verse translates to there are many people that need to hear about Christ, yet only few that want to tell. Maybe because there is apprehension, you may say something to the wrong person, and before you know it they have expressed their thoughts rather emphatically. Perhaps you don’t know what you believe in yourself, or could be that the person you are talking to will ask a deep theological question that requires the mind of Billy Graham, and you find yourself stuttering through trying to answer.

If those are some of your reasons, I understand. I myself have them at times. And therefore, at times I remain silent.

Yet, on that day God presented an opportunity and I was not going to let it pass. I asked, He answered. Since it was just she and I in the room if she gave me a piece of her mind I thought, it won’t be too bad because there’s no audience.

Our conversation began like many others with sharing similarities: same job, likes and dislikes, length of time, and favorite places to work.

As we spoke she asked me “what will you do in the summer?” I replied “I will write.” That led to “write what.” This was one of those times where, as earlier explained I try to remain silent, or in the very least vague. I replied, “I write a blog.” You can guess the next question…. Of which I answered “it is a ministry blog.” See – vague answers.

After that it opened the door to a host of other questions and conversation. Most of which was me listening to her telling me what she knew of the bible. Then she said “we are lucky to have the internet.”

At the end of those seven words I could feel my eye brow raise. It was now my turn. In one word I ask “why?” Which began the next few minutes of her answering my question. Not once did I feel my eye brow lower. About half way through I heard

“The harvest is great and the workers are few.”

God had given me a harvest with this woman. See a harvest with God does not have to be 5, 10, 50, 100, or even thousands of people. It can be one. And, I had the one right beside me. Apparently God wanted to make sure I knew because she then asked me “do you believe you have to follow what the bible says, all the commandments?” Well if I had any doubt God solidified it, and it was time for this worker to get to work. I responded “yes. I do. And, I also know that I am not perfect. I make mistakes. I know we are to strive to be like Christ. That He came for us. And, that He is God’s Son. And, in our mistakes it is He that makes us right with God.” Silence. Then came seven very powerful words, she muttered “I need to get right with God.” I smiled. Silence was my turn. That would be between she, and God.

We don’t have to have high powered jobs, be CEO’s, top sales agents, a business owner, a famous pastor, or bible teacher to influence or impact those around us. All we have to know is:

“The harvest is great and the workers are few.”

There’s a saying “many people have come to know Jesus because of a Christian in their life. And, many people have chosen not to know Jesus because of a Christian in their life.” – Unknown. My desire is to be the kind of Christian (worker) that brings people to Jesus, not away from Him.

Ask God to show you the harvest, and then trust Him to give you the ears to hear, eyes to see, and words to say at the appointed time. Sometimes we are the first person they will hear that starts the harvest in their life.

Just start where you are. When the time comes you will know when your 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, or more are ready. And He will say to you

“The harvest is great and the workers are few.”

There’s your cue.

©Gentle Whisper Ministries 2015

*picture by getupwithGod

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To Tell for The Greater Good

March 16, 2015 by gentlewhisper

We all have a platform.

For some it is the media, they are famous and have access to television, print, and radio. For the rest of us we all have access to social media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Google+, etc. Therefore, we have a platform. We have the ability to get the word out. To tell.

The question is: what do you use your platform for?

Is it look at me, look at me, look at what I am doing, where I am at, who I am with? Is it me, me, me, I, I, I, or in the midst of sharing your life events and activities, do you promote a cause? Do you make others aware? Are you shining a light into a dark area? Whether it be related to an illness, homelessness, unemployment, or crimes against other people – there are too many to name them all.

I must admit I have not been on Facebook in a personal way since the beginning of this year’s lent. On one hand, I have discovered I do not miss it. I found out I did not need to know who was at the airport, gym, store, or restaurant. On the other hand, I miss seeing pictures of family.

There are a few of my friends that promote their causes on social media. They make others aware. From their sharing I have learned a few things, and have taken on a couple of causes for myself.

By their sharing I have been able to keep my eyes, and ears, open to the needs they have. Some of my friends encourage low income families in a high crime area of the city we live in, by just talking with them and praying for any needs they may have. One will share and post needs. From her efforts I was able to spot an opportunity to help, and engage others. Without her using her platform the blessing to help would have been missed.

In Matthew Jesus tells his disciples, “the harvest is great, but the workers are few.” (Mt. 9:37) There are so many causes, so many needs. To meet all of them would be impossible.

But, there is ONE that can meet those needs.

It is the same One that meets your needs, “And this same God who takes care of (you and) me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which we have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:19 NLT parenthesis mine)

If we don’t tell how will anyone know?

If we don’t tell how can things get better?

If we don’t tell how do things begin to change?

If you have a cause use your platform – for what the Devil meant for harm, God means for good; “He will cause all things to work together for those that love Him and are called according to His purpose.” (Ps. 21:11 & Ro. 8:28)

We all do not have to be famous to get the word out. It all starts with just one person telling; one person sharing; one person promoting.

What is your cause, and what platform will you use?

*picture from reddit

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To Dream or Not to Dream

January 29, 2015 by gentlewhisper

“Seek His will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” Pr. 3:6 NLT

That’s not really the question. Many of us have dreams. Things we wish we could do, have, or achieve. The question lies in acting on it – to move forward to try and attain it, or not to move forward. What do you do? Bingo! That’s the real question.

There are numerous avenues to try and get that answer: fortune tellers, palm readers, crystal balls, tarot cards, horoscopes, stones, and leaves. Parker Brothers even has a conduit for you – the good ole’ Ouija Board! If the Parker Brothers don’t come through for you – Mattel might with their Magic 8 ball. There are 20 possible answers, so one of them has to be right! Right? I have to admit I have been known, a time or two, or three, to shake the Magic 8 ball after asking a question. Of course, since I am the one holding the ball, I will shake it until I get the answer I want. If all else fails there is the vintage channel of figuring out what to do. The old fashioned, infamous – Eenie Meenie Miney Mo! Like the Magic 8 Ball I play the game until I get the answer I want. Then laugh because I always think, wouldn’t it be nice if life worked that way. Wouldn’t you agree? When I am faced with making a decision, and the question of “what to do” comes up – just shake, pick, or consult some thing that already knows the outcome. However, it’s not that easy. Is it? Or, is it?

The questions I’m talking about are not the daily questions of: what to wear, eat, exercise or not, who to talk to, what time to go to bed, etc. What I am referring to are the hard questions of life that could change your direction, and possibly turn it upside down, or right side up: to marry or not; where to live; what career to pursue; have the operation or not; which treatment to agree to; take the transfer or leave the company; stay married or not; etc… BIG questions, sometimes associated with BIG dreams. Questions in which the answers could make or break the situation. Oh to have the answer readily available in an easy to understand format. Do you use any of the means mentioned above? If you have experienced what I have, in the past, Parker Brothers, nor Mattel have ever been able to direct my life and steer me down the path God has for me. They may bring humor, and ignite a small spark of conversation, but when it comes to the important questions; the ones that re-direct the compass for my life I look north; to God.

I’ve learned I cannot shake the bible like the Magic 8 Ball, drop open the pages and move my fingers around to the verse for me, or like the stones and leaves pick and choose. God tells you, and me, to seek Him with all our hearts, and when we do we will find him. (Jer. 29 12-13 NIV). So how do we do that?

Here are three ways:

# 1 – Scour the Scriptures

To scour means “to search thoroughly” according to Oxford American Dictionary (p. 813). If we are going to thoroughly search the scriptures we have to spend time reading them. Not just plop and drop the bible open and read whatever appears. Get a bible with a concordance and look up what you are dealing with: sadness, loneliness, direction, marriage, finances (money), fear, the list could go on. Then write down each scripture that pertains to your situation. I realize that if you are trying to decide whether to live in Kansas verses Texas, or which job to take, that will not be in the bible. But, direction, discernment, and path will be.

After you write the scriptures, read them, and meditate on them. You may even want to cross reference them with other scripture in the Bible. This process could take a while. To scour indicates we are searching until we find.

#2 – Seek His face

Seeking His face kinda automatically happens when we scour the scriptures. We get face to face with God’s word. When you seek His face you are looking for direction only from Him. Not God plus your friends, and then we take a vote. It’s not based on the majority rule with God.

God tells us, “If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me” (Jer. 29:13 NLT). Notice it does not say, “you: may, might, possibly, by chance, or if you’re lucky.” God says – “you will find me.” I love that! That’s better than any Magic 8 Ball, Ouija Board, or other methods of assistance with a decision. That is a sure thing!

# 3 – Share our hearts

Tell God what is on your mind, what is bothering you. Tell Him about the decision, and share your concerns, fears, doubts. Why? Because He already told us to, “Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you” (1 Pe. 5:7 NLT).

When something is bothering me, often I find myself wanting to run to a friend and spill my heart to them. If I am conscience about it, I will stop myself and have a conversation with God about it. He’s who I should have went to anyway. There is something freeing about releasing our worries, and concerns. Who better to do that with than our Maker Himself? Psalms 139 tells us, He knows everything about us; we can never escape from his Spirit, or presence. He saw us before we were born. When someone knows you that well – we should be sharing our heart with Him!

So the next time we are faced with a decision, instead of resorting back to a quick resolution; May we scour, seek, and share with our Maker. No eenie meenie miney mo’s about it.

“Seek His will in all you do, and he will show you the path to take.” Pr. 3:6 NLT

*picture by funxite

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