A Gentle Whisper — Listening for the Voice of God

Subject to Change

Exalt the LORD our God!
Bow low before his feet, for he is holy!
PSALM 99:5 NLT

I am the King of heaven—trust in My assuring hope.
     I am your Leader to the Promised Land—Guide to get you home.
     Present circumstances may discourage—remember they will not last.
     Sad chapters will not ruin the happy ending of My love story.
     Trouble is temporary—you will live to tell about it.
     I am your Shepherd who knows what is best for you—follow Me.
     Rely on My salvation—give Me your heart each dawn.
     I am the Answer to wandering—cheering your heart.

I am the King of the universe—tremble at My awesome holiness.
     I am Perfection over law—Authority over decrees, Truth under principles.
     My Holy Spirit liberates you from the vicious cycle of sin and death.
     You do not have to stay addicted to cravings of your human nature!
     Under My control, you experience out-of-the-world peace.
     Under My inﬂuence, you love sacriﬁcially, celebrate continually,
          stay on an even keel on high seas, are kind to everyone you meet,
          generously share My blessings with others, hang in there,
          gently care for the hurting, and exercise self-control.
     I am your Sovereign with your best interests at heart—obey Me.
     Revere My Sovereignty—gain victory over evil habits.
     I am the Answer to wickedness—challenging you to a holy lifestyle.

I am the King of kings—triumph in My active help.
     I am your Power for living—Enabler in every tough situation.
     I make Myself at home in your heart—
          so resurrection power is yours to live a royal lifestyle.
     My Holy Spirit lives in you—rise above your materialistic culture!
     Soar above mediocrity, outrun temptation, and outwalk lethargy.
     I am your Savior bringing out the best in you—stay close to Me.
     Rejoice in My strength—desperately depend on Me and be strong.
     I am the Answer to weakness—crowning your humility.
     Submit as a willing subject of the King of hearts—be subject to change.

Call to Worship

Come, let us worship and bow down,
Let us kneel before the LORD our maker.
PSALM 95:6 NLT

In a quicksand world, I am your Rock.
     Without My foundation, you would crumble.
     Rely on Me—steady as you go.

In a sad world, I am your Joy.
     In My Presence, shout a thousand hallelujahs.
     Think more and thank more—sing My praises.

In a rebellious world, I am your King.
     I am the Creator stronger than creation.
     Surrender to the Sovereign—be subject to change.

In an impersonal world, I am your Friend.
     In perfect storms, I quiet high seas and calm palpitating hearts.
     Relax in My Presence—trust the Lord of your rocking boat.

In an irreverent world, I am your God.
     You are not self-made, you know—I am your Maker.
     Humble your heart before Me—submit to My powerful love.

In a sinful world, I am your Redeemer.
     Without Me, you’d be a lost sheep; with Me, a liberated saint.
     Near My heart, you experience true freedom—stay close.

In an apathetic world, I am your Inspiration.
     You are My work of art—heaven’s masterpiece.
     Work diligently for Me using inexhaustible inﬁnite power.
     You are born from above—by grace, survive the turmoil.

In a hectic world, I am your Home.
     Trade your impossibly crazy schedule for My sweet rest.
     Exchange your egocentric madness for My gentle caring.
     Give up your obsessive compulsiveness for My serenity.
     Settle down and make yourself at home—worship Me.

Turning the Tide

Judgment will again become saving justice,
and in its wake all upright hearts will follow.
PSALM 94:15 TNJB

The ebb and ﬂow of life’s forces may sometimes seem out of control—
     against the right and righteous, opposed to My purpose and people.
Have faith in Me—believe I can turn the tide.

I am the God of Vengeance.
     At times it appears to you the score is “Evil 29, Good 0.”
     Look beyond the size of the opponent and scoreboard numbers,
          and hopelessness will be overshadowed by the Light.
     The battle is not over.
          Jesus who died shall be satisﬁed, and earth and heaven be one.
          (Maltbie Babcock, “This is My Father’s World”)
     I will turn the tide of inﬁdelity—in its wake judgment will prevail.
     Calm down.

I am the God of Vision.
     Through My revelation, you are revitalized.
     Through My moral teaching, you are transformed.
     Through My law, you learn how to live.
     I turn the tide of ignorance—in its wake spiritual progress prevails.
     Wise up.

I am the God of Vitality.
     When you think you are about to go under, I under stand you.
     When question marks ﬁll your mind, I quiet your heart.
     When you stagger, I am your Strength.
     When perplexity crowds your innermost self, I cheer your soul.
     I turn the tide of inﬁrmity—in its wake joy prevails.
     Cheer up.

I am the God of Victory.
     I am earth’s Just Judge—My turn of events will be the right turn.
     I am Sovereign of nations, Savior of what is next—I guarantee triumph.
     I will turn the tide of injustice—in its wake justice will prevail.
     Rest assured.

Rest Area

View of earth from the moon

It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praises to the Most High.
PSALM 92:1 NLT

You are so extremely busy! Stop awhile—and be refreshed.
     I rested on Saturday, after I ﬁnished the work of creation.
     Why do you not take a break on the day I designated for re-creation?
     I give you a one-day vacation each week—enjoy it!
     You are so driven! Take time to think and pray—listen for My voice.

Resign as General Manager of the universe.
     At dawn, celebrate My unfailing faithfulness through the dark night.
     At sunset, bow your head in gratitude for the victories I gave you.
     Enjoy peace of mind—rest in the constancy of My care.

Rejoice in My awesome power.
     Revel in the blessed peace and quiet of solitude.
     Sing, hum, whistle, dance for joy at what I have created.
     Enjoy a pause from life’s hectic treadmill—rest in creation’s beauty.

Relax in My care.
     Listen for My Spirit cadence—stay in step with heaven’s drumbeat.
     Do not feel totally responsible for everything—that is My job!
     Unwind in the hammock of My grace.
     Enjoy My Providence—rest in the perfect control of Christ.

Rely on My limitless resources.
     Star-gaze—you cannot name or keep track of all the stars, but I can.
     I empower the tired and weak—I rekindle the burned out.
     I teach the timid to soar like eagles high above mediocrity.
     I strengthen the embattled to run faster than temptation.
     I encourage the fainthearted to walk farther than lethargy.
     Count on Me being Enough—and inﬁnitely more.
     Enjoy My lavish provision—rest in the courage of conviction.

Remain faithful in My service.
     Do not bemoan age as winter—celebrate harvest time.
     You are human; you make mistakes and regret them—repent.
     I am divine; I forgive you—doggedly blunder on toward heaven.
     Enjoy Spirit-inspired perseverance—rest in continuing consecration.

Clock Wise

Teach us to count up the days that are ours,
and we shall come to the heart of wisdom.
PSALM 90:12 TNJB

Trustworthiness is the heart of My authenticity.
If you want to learn who I am, I would love to enlighten you.
Genuine philosophers find Ultimate Reality and Meaning in Me.
I reveal My true nature to all who search for Me wholeheartedly.
I am the God with a heart—I am kind to the heartbroken.
I am the Perfect Hiding Place—I shelter you in life’s storms.
I am your Home.

Transience is the heart of your awareness.
If you want to learn who you are, I would love to instruct you.
Mortality and realism go hand in hand—tempus fugit.
A millennium and a minute are no different in My mind.
Are seven or eight decades enough for you to learn your limits?
You are human.

Timelessness is the heart of My agelessness.
If you want to learn the proper response to Me, I would love to tell you.
From once upon a time to living happily ever after, I am God.
You cannot fathom My plan, but I have planted eternity in your heart.
I am the Only One Who Will Always Be Who I Have Always Been.
Let My transcendence move you to humility.

Transformation is the heart of attitude adjustment.
If you want to learn to live purposefully, I would love to guide you.
Pray as you go—live wisely in the light of eternity.
Complete submission to Me is the only path to happiness.

Teaching is the heart of My arithmetic.
If you want to learn the best use of life, I would love to teach you.
Like a coin, you can spend life any way you like—but only once.
Take the responsibilities I have given you seriously—carpe diem.
Take heaven’s wisdom to heart.
Time management is eternally important—be clock wise.

Built to Last

You have said: love is built to last for ever;
you have ﬁxed your constancy ﬁrm in the heavens.
PSALM 89:2 TNJB

Governments do not last, but My promise does.
The future is as bright as My Word, which I fully intend to keep.
My plan for eternity centers on My Son—Christ will reign forever.
His throne will never be toppled by earthly powers.
His justice will make all things right and unite the unsettled nations.
I decided eons ago to solve the world’s problems through Christ.
You can count on My covenant.
The ﬁrm law of yesterday is built to last.

Gadgets do not last, but My power does.
My awesomeness is written clearly across every page of the universe.
The cosmos marches in step to My orders.
Myriads of angels sing My praises.
You can count on My creation.
The festive language of Yes is built to last.

Games do not last, but My praise does.
People pay for entertainment that eventually loses its appeal.
Even those with the most toys eventually die.
The cross of Christ towers over the wrecks of time—glory in it.
Outgrow mortal toys—reach for immortal joys.
You can count on My celebration.
My forever loyalty through all the years is built to last.

Glamour does not last, but My Presence does.
Depend on My almighty power—hold My hand and be strong.
Hide in My grace—enjoy the shelter of My heart.
Rest in My faithfulness—relax in My perfect care.
You can count on My constancy.
The faithful love of Yahweh is built to last.

Traveling Music

Strike up the music, beat the tambourine, play the melodious harp and the lyre;
blow the trumpet for the new month, for the full moon, for our feast day!
PSALM 81:2-3 TNJB

I am your Vital Strength.
     When you feel like giving up, I give persevering courage—
          so you can keep on keeping on.
     O to grace how great a debtor daily you’re constrained to be
(Robert Robinson, “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing”).*
     I am your Power.
     Outsoar mediocrity—outrun temptation—outwalk lethargy.

I am your Victorious Success.
     When you’re on the verge of losing the battle with sin—
          I inspire you to purify your heart.
     I am your Purity.
     You are prone to wander from the God you love.
     Let My goodness, like a fetter, bind your wandering heart to Me.*

I am your Visiting Support.
     When you’re burdened by taxing cares of life—
          I invite you to trade your struggle for My serenity.
     I am your Peace.
     Praise My name—you are ﬁxed upon it, Name of My redeeming love.*

I am your Vision in the Storm.
     When you think nobody is listening, and you’re frazzled by stress—
          My theophany sets your heart at rest.
     I am your Paraclete.
     I am the Fount of every blessing—I tune your heart to sing My praise.*

I am your Veritable Supply.
     When you’re afraid you are about to run out of critical necessities—
          I reassure you by supplying everything you need through Christ.
     Give Me your heart, let Me seal it for My courts above.*
     I am your Provision.
     Meditate on My generosity—let music and gladness ﬁll your soul.

I am your Vivacious Song.
     When you’re down-in-the-mouth for no particular reason—
          I give you a melody that puts a spring in your step.
     Streams of mercy, never ceasing, call for songs of loudest praise.*
     I am your Praise.
     On your journey toward heaven, I am your Traveling Music.

Good Grief

It is my grief that the right hand of the Most High has changed.
PSALM 77:10 NRSV

Crying to a Good Source is a sincere quest.
     Hold nothing back—let your tears ﬂow freely in My Presence.
     When you are in deep trouble, reach for the Most High God.
     Pray all night long, if you feel the need—I bless desperation.
     You need My Presence more than sleep—only in Me can you rest.
     I hear your problems.
     Urgent faith consoles you in life’s search.

Contemplating a grievous situation raises serious questions.
     The diﬀerence between your sad now and your happy then hurts.
     The good old days seem to never repeat themselves.
     Your heart aches pondering the apparent absence of My love.
     Heavy questions bother your mind and burden your soul.
     Never forget—the Comforter will not leave you.
     Never doubt—the Encourager will not orphan you.
     Never fear—the Advocate will not forget you.
     Never worry—the Sovereign will not fail to take good care of you.
     I heal your pain.
     Ultimate focus changes life’s suﬀerings.

Considering a Great Savior results in serene quietness.
     Preoccupying your mind with My love tranquilizes panic.
     I am the Good Shepherd—follow Me to heavenly peace and quiet.
     “No pain, no gain” encapsulates more truth than you can imagine.
     There are no rainbows without rain.
     You could not appreciate calm without weathering storms.
     You would not celebrate spring if you did not shiver thru winter.
     You would never know the thrill of dawn without lonely nights.
     There could not have been a resurrection without a cruciﬁxion.
     You couldn’t walk gold streets if Jesus hadn’t walked Via Dolorosa.
     Hard times strengthen character—tears cleanse the soul.
     Coal under pressure makes diamonds—trouble puriﬁes the heart.
     I give you historical perspective and hopeful prospects.
     Unseen footprints carry you through life’s storms.

A Creed for Troublesome Times

My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak,
but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever.
PSALM 73:26 NLT

Life is diﬃcult, but you can depend on Me whatever happens. Circumstances may depress, but inner-stances delight if you trust Me. In a quicksand world, I am the Solid Rock—your Firm and Faithful Friend. Never give up—though your body is dying, your inner being is being renewed day by day. Your troubles are small potatoes compared to the glory of paradise. Hard times are temporary—heaven is forever.

Believe I am real—trust My perfect wisdom, power, and love. Let these realities become your unﬂinching confession of faith. Opinions are carried around like a suitcase and just as easily dropped. But convictions carry you around and are your driving motivation—they are more than ideas in your mind; they possess your mind.

Believe I am righteous—be good for something, My smile. Life’s unfair conundrum is the Job problem—a question of justice. Wicked people get away with murder; you cannot get away with anything. They think I do not realize what is going on, or that I am powerless to do anything about it. You attempt to understand why the rebellious succeed while the righteous suﬀer—it is puzzling to you. When bad things happen to good people, you wonder if you are being good for nothing. At the end of the day, the world will feel the heat and see the Light.

Believe I am redemptive—let the Good Shepherd tend your life. The universal church is the circle of My children around the world who implicitly depend on Me and worship Me with all their heart. Believe I am Ruler—bow your knee at the mention of My Name. The inevitable consequences of ignoring Me will be crystal clear at the crash site of sin’s slippery slope. Rebels will have hell to pay! Defectors will face court martial before the Judge of the universe.

I am your Counselor giving you a creed for troublesome times. I am your Travel Companion on the journey, Guide through life’s maze, Center of Gravity in a topsy-turvy world, Designer of your mansion, Guardian of your heart, Sustaining Breath, and Perfect Storm Shelter.

Believe I am reliable—lean your whole weight on the Rock of Ages. Every other staﬀ you lean on breaks and pierces your hand and heart—I am the Only Completely Reliable Spot in the universe. Whatever fails, rest assured the Almighty never will disappoint you—you can trust Me.

Category: A Gentle Whisper — Listening for the Voice of God

Affectionately Yours