Holy Spirit

Whether we realize it or not, He is ALWAYS there…

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Thurimagesday morning as I was getting ready for work, God began whispering in my ear. While it may not have been audible, it was undeniable nonetheless. He spoke gently and lovingly in that still small voice that I have come to not only recognize, but absolutely covet.

The difference in this and most other occasions where I have heard from God, was that, on this day, I wasn’t purposefully praying or listening for Him. I was just getting ready for my day. I’m sure I was thinking, but I’m not sure what. The truth is I’ve had a lot of things on my mind lately and, while I haven’t really kept it from Him, I suppose I’ve let it keep me from Him somewhat as I spent more and more time pondering and wondering instead of praying and trusting. I guess it was time for an intervention—one of those times promised in the Word of God when the Spirit intercedes and lets the Father know what we need.

So, as I stood in my bathroom, drying off from my shower, I started hearing His whisper. The following is a synopsis of what I heard. And it was definitely something I needed.

“It’s not about speed, it is about endurance. It’s not about talent or works, it’s about obedience. It’s not about you. It’s about Me. And it’s not about pleasure. It’s about MY purpose and the utter joy and peace that comes with a purpose fulfilled…with ME and for Me. If it’s in My Will, it is what is best for you. You may not be perfect, but My will for you is perfect. Trust in this. You don’t have to figure anything out for yourself and I will never leave or forsake you. Lean on Me. Trust in Me. Rest in Me. Breathe in Me.”

Oh, Abba, why do we so often forget how much You love us and just how close You are at all times? Whether we are paying attention or not, You always know just what we need and exactly when we need it. I’m just so thankful that even when my human nature lets me get wrapped up in my problems and worries that You are always willing to gently draw me back. You never get mad at me. You just comes closer and shower me with even more love. I don’t deserve You, but I am eternally thankful that You think otherwise. Thank you, Abba, from the bottom of my heart. Amen and Ehmen.

And the Word of God Says:

Hebrews 10: 35-36: Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that you may do the will of God and receive what is promised.

Romans 8:25-27: But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it. In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

2 Samuel 22:31: As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him.

Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;  in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Isaiah 48:17: This is what the LORD says– your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.”

Pondering “On Purpose”

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From my personal “Dear God” journals. Did you know that the best prayers are really just converdear godsations; a real, two-way chat between you and your Heavenly Father? You talk and you listen…the latter being the most important, especially when the other conversationalist is your very Creator. In recent years, I have enjoyed putting those conversations on paper, starting my morning with God’s Word, a blank page and a desire to get closer and learn more from my Father in Heaven. Much of what I write stems from these early morning sessions. This morning I invite you into my private God time in hopes that you find a word or perhaps two that speaks to you. And, remember, you, too, can talk to God. You don’t need fancy words or a specific time and place. Just talk to Him like you would a friend. He’s always listening…and speaking.  Amen and Ehmen! 🙂

Hey, God.

I’m sorry about letting work and things get in the way of our time together this morning, but here I am. Better late than never, I suppose. Help me to stay right here with you, mind, body and spirit until we have had this very important one-on-one time together. Help me to stay committed as I know that this is what is needed to get me to the next level of your will and purpose for me. It is what is needed to help me learn to move aside and let you do your thing….your way….in me. It is what is needed to get the education that You want me to have, oh Teacher. Lord, help me to turn everything else off and “just be” with you. I don’t want to be that kid that is texting and surfing the internet the whole time their parent is trying to talk to them. Billie has done that to me and it doesn’t feel very good. And, honestly, I’ve done it to people too and there is no way that I got everything that I should have and could have gotten out of the time spent with them. Satan is happiest when we bow to our flesh or his temptation and will do anything to drive us to distraction when we are trying to do what is righteous and what is good. He will do anything to close our bibles and clog our minds. He will do anything to keep this time between us from happening, but anything is possible WITHIN my power in You, in Jesus’ name. Help me to stay in Your Name, dear Lord. Today and every day. Amen and Ehmen.

Dear Child,

You are Mine and I am proud of you. Your enemies may distract you, but they can never take you away from Me or My love. You are special. You are talented. You are finally beginning to open the gifts I have given you. I know it is hard for you to just sit in front of this blank page with a clear mind focused on just Me and My purposes for you. But, I will say this again and again until you hear me. Your desire to seek my perfect will is what matters the most and that, together with My power, is all that is needed to get the job done. You are My child and I am your Father. I will always be there to gently correct you when it is needed and will always do everything out of love and for your best interest. And, in serving your best interest, I will always be fueling you to fully and completely fulfill the purposes I have laid before you. You will get there, my Child, as long as you stay with me. And it will be more glorious than anything you can imagine. But, also know this, it is a process. My will for you is ongoing. There are checkpoints along the way; tasks that will be completed and fulfilled, but your purpose is not one thing, one end result. It is not one book to be written or even published. That may be part of it, but it’s not the end. Your responsibility in fulfilling your purpose continues until you come home to Me for eternity, and the end results of your fulfillment of that purpose will, like you, live on for eternity. Not just until the end of the age when I return to gather all of my belongings, but after My Kingdom has come as well; for your purpose, just like the purposes of all My children, is to spread the good news to and fro across the earth, through the ages and all generations, and that has eternal implications. There are people that you and only you can reach for the Kingdom and these are people within your personal sphere of influence today as well as people who you don’t even know and even some that aren’t even born yet. I don’t expect you to understand it all. You can’t on your side of Heaven, but you do have to trust Me. I’m proud of you for wanting this more than anything; for wanting my Will and Purpose for you more than material or worldly things. I have heard your cries and pleas. I know you are ready to “get started”, but I need you to understand that THIS is “getting started.” Just stay focused on me; stay in obedience. Keep communicating with me daily and, yes, stick with our morning time together, not because I want to give you another rule to keep or hoop to jump through, but because I want undistracted time to truly develop and grow you; to touch you spiritually and to deeply love you. To help you fulfill your purpose from me as that purpose can only be fulfilled through Me. Let that seep deep into your understanding, dear child. Any purpose from Me, must be fulfilled though Me. Oh, the plans I have for you. Now, go about your day, dear Child, and know that I am with you every step of the way. It really is all good, when I’m in the picture. Shalom.”

Oh, my dear Lord, thank you so very much. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you. I lay here smiling broadly and deeply breathing in a sense of peace and joy that can only come from you….such a far cry from where I was less than an hour ago when this exchange started. I was knee deep in work frustrations, which I allowed to start, before my time with you, and, yet, just as You always promised, you brought me back into Your Peace and Purpose. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I cannot wait to go back and see what was written as I am always astonished by the wisdom, love and beauty. I can’t always see the entire picture when I’m typing. I get an idea, but nothing like what I get out of it when I read it. Thank you for communicating with me like this. What a precious gift. I love you, dear Father. And I praise you as I strive to always live in Jesus’ name, Amen and Ehmen!

God is the Silver Lining…

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Dear God,

Tonight as I stepped outdoors to go for our evening stroll together, I took pause when I saw a darkening sky. I debated for a moment whether or not I should go and then decided to go back inside, grab an umbrecloud with silver lininglla and get to stepping. I don’t like to miss time with You.

And, as usual you didn’t disappoint. As I walked along, I felt Your Presence urging me to look up.  And there, Your sky became a theatre and the story You told, just like You, will stick with me through thick and thin.

“My child, thank you for trusting me enough to come on this walk,” I heard you say. “And, because of your obedience, I have something to share with you.”

“Look up, child. Though there are dark, ominous clouds rolling in, there are also white, puffy clouds with silver and gold highlights perched ever so gently in the blue heavens. Those white clouds, blue skies and beams of sunshine represent Me. And, even though, storms may roll in, I Am always here. Just on the other side of that dark cloud and whatever it may bring, I, your Father, your Creator, exists, working even in the storm to bring about good. Don’t forget, my child, that this is My story. I Am the Author and the Producer and I control the outcome.  And, this Good Guy, won’t ever be finishing last.  Just breathe through the storm and know that all dark clouds will eventually pass and you will see Me in all My Glory, smiling and proud of your obedience and faith. Here, child, take a bow with Me.”

Love,

Brenda

Writer’s Note: I wrote this in my personal God Journal a couple of years ago. I decided to post it today, because it is another living example that God is who He says He is and He will do what He says He will do. Trouble, in many different forms, did come to me over the weeks following this conversation with God and, to this day, I firmly believe that this reminder is what helped me to traverse those very difficult waters and come out on the other side better than before. Proverbs 3, verses 5 and 6 says: Trust God with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths.” I’m continually learning this lesson by experience and, oh, what a difference it makes in my life. Things are just so much easier. Thank you, God, for continuing to direct my path. Amen and Ehmen.

And the Word of God says…

Isaiah 41:10
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. (NLT)

John 16:33

 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” (NLT)

Isaiah 43:2
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. (NLT)

Prayer to the Almighty Puzzle Master

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Writer’s Note: This is an excerpt from my personal God Journals written several years ago as I was going through a particularly rough patch. Things were changing in my life, some painful, some confusing and all of which would turn out to be the beginning of a whole new journey for me, an exciting journey that has brought me to this place at this time, a place in which I live and breath closer to God than I ever imagined was possible. Never give up on God, my friends, because He never gives up on you! This I can promise.

Hey, God, it’s me again.puzzle pieces heart

It’s 5:11 in the morning and though I’m concerned about not getting enough sleep, I felt the nudging of the Holy Spirit that I should go get my computer and write a little this early morn. I had prayed last night for the Holy Spirit to come upon me and inspire my writing so that I am writing what you need me to write. So here I am.

When I look back on my life at the difficult times, I can always find positive things that came out of the hardships I faced. All believers can do this, if they truly have faith and trust in You. That faith and trust is what allows us to give up dwelling on the negative and firmly grasp the positive. It has been my faith and trust in You that has gotten me through this most difficult year. And, though, I am still in the midst of trials and tribulations, I can actually see Your masterful and powerful hand moving throughout my life, shifting the puzzle pieces around, snapping them in place, one at the time. It’s my faith—my  ability to see the puzzle picture of my life slowly coming together—that keeps me going.

I’m finally learning that we can’t just grab puzzle pieces from anywhere and try to force fit them into our lives, because if You didn’t put those pieces in our puzzle box, they’re simply never going to fit. And, who wants a puzzle that doesn’t fit together? No, I don’t want to create my own picture anymore. I want You, the Creator of the universe,  to be my artist, because I know that Your picture for my life is better than anything I can possibly come up with on my own. Indeed, the sooner I give You full reign and complete creative license over my life, the sooner my picture will emerge as the true work of art, the truly purposeful life I was created for.

God, I wholeheartedly, give it all to you. Right now. Take me and take my talent, work through me. I only want to write your words, words that please you, words everlasting.

Thank you for giving me these gifts. I commit them all to you.

I love you, God.

Amen and Ehmen

And our Almighty Savior says:

Isaiah 14:24: The LORD Almighty has sworn, “Surely, as I have planned, so it will be, and as I have purposed, so it will happen.

Jeremiah 29:11:  For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Romans 8:28: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Isaiah 55:8:

My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the LORD. “And my ways are far beyond anything your could imagine.”