Set the Example

Set the example by being the person of character and integrity, and do not repay evil for evil. Right is never wrong, and godly character cannot be condemned.

June's Message, Day 1:

In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us. Titus 2:7-8 NIV

It is hard to point fingers at and overly criticize someone when they consistently set good examples by doing what is right and good for others. If you live a life of godly character and integrity in all aspects of your dealings with others, those who condemn, criticize, or complain about you will look to be the fool. Make them be ashamed by showing your humility, soundness of speech and character, and having an honest reputation known throughout your peers. Do not repay evil for evil, but rise above the negative verbiage and actions and show them the mindset and character of Christ. Yes, the going may be difficult at times, but you will be victorious in the end and be at peace along the way. Doing what's right will never be wrong, and godly character can never be condemned. 

By My Spirit

The battles of this life are won, not by strength or power or ability, but only by the Spirit of the Lord Almighty. Do not ride into battle alone, but ride with the One who loves you most. Victory is the Lord's.

May's Message, Day 31:

It was not by their sword that they won the land, nor did their arm bring them victory; it was your right hand, your arm, and the light of your face, for you loved them. Psalm 44:3 NIV

And:

In your majesty ride forth victoriously in the cause of truth, humility and justice; let your right hand achieve awesome deeds. Psalm 45:4 NIV

Zechariah 4:6 (NIV) states, "Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord Almighty." The battles and wars of our daily lives are not won by our own strength, power, or ability, but won by the all-powerful Spirit of God. The dazzling brightness of His holiness causes the darkness to flee and brings victory into our camp. He goes before us, He fights alongside us, and He has our back and blindsides. Remember, though we struggle with the physical realities of this life, our battles are waged and won in the heavenly spiritual realm. Let His majesty ride forth victoriously in your cause for truth, humility, and justice. HIs right hand holds the power of miraculous and awesome deeds, just waiting to be delivered unto you. Do not ride into the battles of this life alone. Ride with Him who loves you most.

Angelic Chariots of Fire

For Memorial Day:  The battle is the Lord’s. He goes with you with His heavenly host to give you victory. Sacrifice has been high, but not for naught. For all who have lost loved ones in the cause for freedom, may God give you His peace.

May's Message, Day 30: For Memorial Day

When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” the servant asked. “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. 2 Kings 6:15-17 NIV

And:

All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.” 1 Samuel 17:47 NIV

And:

For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.” Deuteronomy 20:4 NIV

"Those who are with us are more than those who are with them," for we have God's army of the heavenly host riding upon blazing chariots of fire going with us into our battles. The battle is the Lord's and He will bring forth the victory. We often are not aware of this invisible army of angelic host, but they most assuredly are there with us. The wars and battles for freedom and democracy are costly indeed, but the ultimate victory is in our hands by His hand. Many lives have been lost in the name of freedom, but many lives have been saved and live on to be free and live free in a world filled with oppression. We have lost loved ones and sacrificed much, but it has not been for naught. As imperfect as we are, we have much to be thankful for, and let us never forget to say, "God bless the USA."

Christ Came for Sinners, To Make Us Into Saints

For Sunday:  You are the reason for which Christ came. There is none righteous, no, not one. We are all in good company, the worst of sinners.

May's Message, Day 29: For Sunday

Acclaim Him in your life. As the worst of sinners, we get the best of Him. May His Presence be with you and may your life be exalted to bring Him glory.

Day 23:

Then the Lord your God will make you most prosperous in all the work of your hands and in the fruit of your womb, the young of your livestock and the crops of your land. The Lord will again delight in you and make you prosperous, just as he delighted in your ancestors, if you obey the Lord your God and keep his commands and decrees that are written in this Book of the Law and turn to the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. Deuteronomy 30:9-10 NIV

Day 24:

Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. Proverbs 3:3-4 NIV

Day 25:

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service. Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

1 Timothy 1:12-14 NIV

Day 26:

Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Timothy 1:15-17 NIV

Day 27:

Moses said to the Lord, “You have been telling me, ‘Lead these people,’ but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. You have said, ‘I know you by name and you have found favor with me.’ If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is your people.” The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Exodus 33:12-14 NIV

Day 28:

Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, Lord. For you are their glory and strength, and by your favor you exalt our horn. Psalm 89:15,17 NIV

And:

Because of my integrity you uphold me and set me in your presence forever. Psalm 41:12 NIV

Walk in the light of His Presence and let the Divine Whisper shine from your heart to pierce the darkness and bring honor into your life. 

Let Your Life Acclaim Him

The more you acclaim Him in your life, the more He can bring exaltation into yours. Walk in His presence and live this life to the fullest.

May's Message, Day 28:

Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, Lord. For you are their glory and strength, and by your favor you exalt our horn. Psalm 89:15,17 NIV

And:

Because of my integrity you uphold me and set me in your presence forever. Psalm 41:12 NIV

If you want to experience a bit of His glory, and receive His strength, and gain His favor, then walk in the light of His presence and enthusiastically proclaim Him in your life. The more you acknowledge and give glory to Him, the more He can bring exaltation into your life. His exaltation and glory will increasingly flow through you for all to see and share. Walk each day in His presence with integrity, always doing the right thing even when no one sees it. He sees it and knows it and knows your heart. Pleasing Him brings Him great joy, just as a parent revels in the accomplishments and achievements of their own children. Remember also, that He is forgiving and understanding and is there to pick us up and dust us off when we stumble and fall. He is for us and wants the best for us, and if we are attentive to Him and His ways we will experience the best this life has to offer.

My Presence Will Go with You

When you're doing the work of the Lord, you only need the help of One. His Presence is always with you and He will see you through.

May's Message, Day 27:

Moses said to the Lord, “You have been telling me, ‘Lead these people,’ but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. You have said, ‘I know you by name and you have found favor with me.’ If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is your people.” The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Exodus 33:12-14 NIV

He knows you by name and He's found favor with you. When He asks you to complete a particular task, rest assured that He will thoroughly equip you. You may feel as if you are unqualified and ill-equipped, but He is greatest when you are at your least. Just let Him take the reins. At first, Moses was not the most illustrious of speakers, but he overcame his insecurities and became a great and powerful leader in God's hands. Trust in the Lord in all His ways and step out in faith and undertake the task that He's called you to. Do it and do it well, and remember you're never doing it alone. 

The Worst of Sinners

We are all the worst of sinners, but we have the Most Holy God. He exchanges our worst for His best. There is none like Him and none like you with Him shining through.

May's Message, Day 26:

Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Timothy 1:15-17 NIV

Precisely. Christ came into this world to save the worst of sinners and that includes you and me. He came not to condemn us, but to show His unmerited favor and love for us through forgiveness and a life anew in Him. We are all unworthy, but He is able all the more to show His unrelenting love, patience, and power to transform us into vessels of honor, dignity, and integrity. When we are at our absolute worst, He is there in His absolute best. More of Him and less of me, let Him shine through the past darkness of your soul, and bring forth the dawn of new beginnings in your life. There is none like Him and there is none like you when He is shining through. He is the King eternal, the only God, worthy of all honor and glory and praise. And He is a part of you. 

Come, Just as You Are

Nothing in your past can prevent God from using you mightily in His service. Just bring a willing heart and a believing mind. Come as you are.

May's Message, Day 25:

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service. Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

1 Timothy 1:12-14 NIV

Never think that God can't use you for His good purpose. There is no sin and no sinner so evil in their past that God's unlimited mercy and grace can't overcome. Nothing is impossible with God and nothing is more powerful than His transforming love. His is the business of life transformation and He does the miraculous every day in the hearts and minds of those who come to Him. All He needs is a willing heart and an open mind with faith to believe in Him. He will do and provide all the rest that is required. He will equip you thoroughly for every good work that He has for you to do. He says, "Come, just as you are," and I will transform Saul, the blasphemer, persecutor, and man of violence into Paul, the evangelist and chosen writer of much of My New Testament. So do not dwell on your dark and dismal past, but focus on your bright and shining future with Him. Just come. Come as you are.

Love and Faithfulness

Great character that wins favor with both God and man begins with love and faithfulness. Write it on your heart, and retrace it daily.

May's Message, Day 24:

Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. Proverbs 3:3-4 NIV

Character that gets God's attention and also your fellow man, is love and faithfulness. First to Him and then towards those nearest and dearest to yourself. Love deeply, love sincerely, and love unconditionally. Be faithful in both the little things and the important things. Be honorable and respectful in all your ways and be known as a person of reliability and integrity. Write that character on your heart so it shows through and through. Be a person of your word and expect the same from others. Win favor and a good name. Be God's envoy as a person of great character. 

Winning with Him

Prosperity and success are within your reach if you commit your heart and ways to the Lord. He's just waiting to bless you. Are you playing life's game as a lottery or are you banking on His odds and winning with Him?

May's Message, Day 23:

Then the Lord your God will make you most prosperous in all the work of your hands and in the fruit of your womb, the young of your livestock and the crops of your land. The Lord will again delight in you and make you prosperous, just as he delighted in your ancestors, if you obey the Lord your God and keep his commands and decrees that are written in this Book of the Law and turn to the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. Deuteronomy 30:9-10 NIV

Are you seeking prosperity and the good life? Do you want abundance and blessings to come unexpectedly? Are you hoping for success in your career and all your endeavors? Do you want your children to be overflowing with joy and have success surpassing your own? Life is sure much more enjoyable and easier if the work of your hands is prosperous and rewarding. The first step toward prosperity and success is to have a heart after God, and to walk in His ways. The floodgates of heaven are just waiting to be opened and poured out on you and yours. But what about all those immensely successful non-believers out there? Why are they apparently so blessed? Jesus made it plain to us in Matthew 5:45b (NIV), "He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous." The unjust too, for a time and a season, may experience an abundance. But remember, this life on earth is a blink of an eye, and eternity hangs in the balance. Don't forget that God's ways and thoughts are much higher than ours and we must trust He knows what's best. To hope for the best apart from Him is like playing the lottery. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. His odds are most assuredly with you.

Gladness Overflowing and a Healing Touch

For Sunday:  Let your gladness be overflowing for your victories and the victories of others. Be bold in your faith and trust that your healing is just one touch away.

May's Message, Day 22: For Sunday

May your gladness be overflowing, may your heart rejoice in the victories of others, and may you have great faith to touch the Healing One.

Day 16:

Those the Lord has rescued will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away. Isaiah 51:11 NIV

Day 17:

Then young women will dance and be glad, young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow. Jeremiah 31:13 NIV

Day 18:

Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. Restore our fortunes, Lord, like streams in the Negev. Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them. Psalm 126:2-6 NIV

Day 19:

From them will come songs of thanksgiving and the sound of rejoicing. I will add to their numbers, and they will not be decreased; I will bring them honor, and they will not be disdained. Jeremiah 30:19 NIV

Day 20:

“ ‘Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security. Jeremiah 33:6 NIV

Day 21:

Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. She said to herself, “If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed.” Jesus turned and saw her. “Take heart, daughter,” he said, “your faith has healed you.” And the woman was healed at that moment. Matthew 9:20-22 NIV

And:

And wherever he went—into villages, towns or countryside—they placed the sick in the marketplaces. They begged him to let them touch even the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed. Mark 6:56 NIV

And:

and the people all tried to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing them all. Luke 6:19 NIV

The Divine Whisper wants to fill you with gladness and bring healing to your soul. Keep your faith, wait your turn, don't get despondent, and stay in His touch. 

Reach Out and Touch

Faith and trust and reach out and touch. He is the One who has the power to heal.

May's Message, Day 21:

Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. She said to herself, “If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed.” Jesus turned and saw her. “Take heart, daughter,” he said, “your faith has healed you.” And the woman was healed at that moment. Matthew 9:20-22 NIV

 And:

 And wherever he went—into villages, towns or countryside—they placed the sick in the marketplaces. They begged him to let them touch even the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed. Mark 6:56 NIV

 And:

 and the people all tried to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing them all. Luke 6:19 NIV

Powerful healing coming from the Great Physician Himself, the One who knit together every minute particle of our being and makes it all work. We are infinitely complex beings made of an innumerable set of particles which all have to fit and work together precisely. And even still, each of us is unique. For the Creator, it's simple to fix that which He has already made. As for us, note the two very important principles that the Scriptures show. Firstly, it takes faith on our part, to believe without doubting, and trust without wavering. And secondly, we have to reach out and touch the essence of the One who has the healing power. God's will is beyond our comprehension and His ways unintelligible to our finite minds, but if you desperately need healing, then pray with mountain-moving faith and reach out and touch the One who can.

Nevertheless

We are rebellious and live contrary to Him, but rejoice! We have the most gracious and merciful and loving God that has chosen to heal us and give us His peace, "nevertheless."

May's Message, Day 20:

“ ‘Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security. Jeremiah 33:6 NIV

Even though we are all sinners and don't deserve it, even though our hearts are often far away from Him, and even though we do not follow His Word or His ways, "Nevertheless," He says, "I will heal my people." A loving, caring, and merciful God, who despite our contrary ways, has resolved in His heart to heal us and provide us with abundant peace and security. The most loving Father, providing the best for His children, even when we've gone dismally astray. Rejoice in our gracious God who has chosen to show us the full measure of His mercy, despite our rebellious selves, "nevertheless." Your healing and peace and security will come.

Rejoice in the Victories of Others

Do you wear His badge of honor and rejoice in the victories of others, when you feel as if you've been overlooked? Or are you the superficial fair-weather fickle Christian who only rejoices when it benefits self? Do, what you profess. It's no wonder the world is skeptical of Christians.

May's Message, Day 19:

From them will come songs of thanksgiving and the sound of rejoicing. I will add to their numbers, and they will not be decreased; I will bring them honor, and they will not be disdained. Jeremiah 30:19 NIV

Are you singing songs of thanksgiving? Are you rejoicing in your victories? Better still, are you rejoicing in the victories of others when you feel as if you've been overlooked? Are you a superficial fair-weather fickle Christian that gives thanks and rejoices when it only fits and meets your own needs? I'm saddened with myself and the church as a whole when we profess with our mouths one thing and then turn and do the other. And then ironically, we wonder why more people aren't good Christians like us. Sometimes it's good to let His Spirit do a little introspection of our hearts. If we want to wear His badge of honor, then we best rejoice and give thanks to all the victories of His people, even if we feel as if it was our turn. Your turn may be next, but for now, wear His badge of honor and rejoice in the victory of the one next to you.

Streams in the Desert

Trade in your tears for laughter and joy. The Lord our God is the God of restoration and renewal. He is the stream of living water in the dry and desolate desert of your life.

May's Message, Day 18:

Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. Restore our fortunes, Lord, like streams in the Negev. Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them. Psalm 126:2-6 NIV

The Lord our God is the God of renewal and restoration. He takes what was meant for evil and miraculously transforms it into something beneficial. He takes pain and sorrow and fashions it into laughter and songs of joy. He takes the dismal desert of poverty and rejuvenates it into living streams of water to replenish and refresh us anew. Tears of sorrow turn to tears of joy. Seeds of the sower are shaped into a bountiful harvest. The Lord our God is a loving, caring God, who watches over us and desires the best for us. He is the God of provision and protection, mercy and grace, love and forgiveness, and He knows and calls us by name. Call upon His name and trade in your tears of despair for raindrops of joy.

Mourning into Gladness

He wants to exchange your mourning for gladness and His comfort for your pain. Let Him heal your heart bit by bit and day by day.

May's Message, Day 17:

Then young women will dance and be glad, young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow. Jeremiah 31:13 NIV

To truly heal your heart, you have to remove the sorrow and pain. Grieving and pain are there to help us deal with losses, but at some point we have to move on. We are not designed to live in sorrow or pain, but live rejoicing, dancing in our gladness, and being joyful through Him. He is the only One who can truly remove your sorrow and pain and replace it with His comfort, peace, and joy. You must grieve for a season, but not for a lifetime. Day by day and bit by bit you have to let Him into the depths of your heart, to remove your mourning, release any bitterness, and let the healing process be complete. May you dance in His gladness, and rejoice in each new day. 

Overtaken with Gladness

He crowns you with everlasting joy. Let gladness overtake you and make sorrow flee. Enter His presence with singing and praise.

May's Message, Day 16:

Those the Lord has rescued will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away. Isaiah 51:11 NIV

We have been rescued by Him and as such, can now experience the inexpressible and everlasting joy that He has crowned upon our heads. We can be overtaken by gladness, causing sorrow to flee, knowing that He has promised and prepared all this for us. We can enter into His presence with joyous singing and praise on our lips and peace and tranquility in our hearts, without doubt, fear, or shame. Don't sell yourself short. Grab onto God's promises and make them come alive for you. Yes, life is full of trouble and days filled will despair, but when that floods and overwhelms you, remember, you wear a crown of everlasting joy. Wear it and wear it well. You're a child, but also a king or queen in the Kingdom of God.

ANNOUNCEMENT!

ANNOUNCEMENT!
It has almost been nine months since the inception of "Renew My Heart, O God" on September 1, 2015. Once again, a heartfelt thank you to all my readers and followers here on Facebook and Twitter. God has put on my heart to take this one step further to continue His message of hope and encouragement. I have resolved to turn this Facebook Page into a published book (Thank you, Edwina!). This devotional will be completed in its writing at the end of August, and I a...m in the process of transforming it into book format. I will continue this Facebook Page and Twitter (and now Blogger) as my platform for the "Renew Trilogy":

Book 1: "Renew My Heart, O God" Daily Devotions for Healing Your Heart
Book 2: "Restore My Spirit, O God" Inspiration for Regaining What's Been Lost (a collection of quotations, Scriptures, and words of encouragement)
Book 3: "Revive My Soul, O God" Empowerment to Bring You Back to Life (a collection of prayers, motivations, and anecdotes)

Also, I have added Blogger to my platform and have found it most conducive to this style of writing. The format you'll see on Blogger is most similar to book format, complete with daily titles, introductions, and such. Even better, on my Blog Page you can sign up for email delivery of the daily posts directly into your inbox. Just sign up on the right column, "Follow by Email". The email cycle takes about 24 hours to initiate.
Here is how to find and follow me:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/renewmyheart
Twitter: www.twitter.com/drjeffh1
Blogger: www.renewmyheartogod.blogspot.com

Spread the news and help me bring God's message of hope to all who would come!
Prayers and blessings,
Jeff

Hope in Suffering

For Sunday:  Pain and suffering is familiar to the One who gave His life for you and endured it all on the Cross. Having gone before you, now He walks with you through it.

May's Message, Day 15:  For Sunday

Our lives are full of pain and suffering, but remember the One who suffered it all for you. He will take you through the fire into the paradise beyond.

Day 9:

As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart. The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but people are tested by their praise. Proverbs 27:19,21 NIV

Day 10:

Death and Destruction are never satisfied, and neither are human eyes. Proverbs 27:20 NIV

Day 11:

But as for me, afflicted and in pain— may your salvation, God, protect me. I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving. The poor will see and be glad— you who seek God, may your hearts live! The Lord hears the needy and does not despise his captive people. Psalm 69:29-30,32-33 NIV

Day 12:

For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. 1 Peter 2:19-25 NIV

Day 13:

He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem. Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:3-5 NIV

Day 14:

Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained. Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him. 2 Timothy 2:8-12a NIV

The Divine Whisper is there to calm your storm, bring hope for your suffering, peace for your pain, and joy for your sorrow. He's traveled those roads before and He's traveling them again with you.  

Endure for the Gospel

Be chained to Him and endure it for the Gospel. You are the message that the world needs to see and hear.

May's Message, Day 14:

Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained. Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him. 2 Timothy 2:8-12a NIV

Suffering for the Gospel is nothing new. Even today, Christians, missionaries, and evangelists are persecuted in many countries abroad. They are bringing God's message of salvation and discipleship to the ends of the earth. Many will be martyred, but in death, live with Him. They endure it all for the sake of Him, as there is nothing more important than the message of salvation through Christ. Be proud that you are a Christian and stand firm in your faith. Love all people regardless of where they stand, but always be prepared for those fleeting opportunities to show them why you have His hope inside you. No one can reject your own testimony of Him in your life, and nothing is more powerful. You are His disciple, and you are His Bible. You are the Good News that the world needs to hear. Share your hope in Him.

Man of Suffering

In the extremes of your pain and the depths of your suffering, the Man of Suffering has gone before you and is there with you now. By His wounds you are forever healed.

May's Message, Day 13:

He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem. Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:3-5 NIV

We do not walk the road of pain and suffering alone. The Man of Suffering has gone that way before us. Not that He removes the pain or suffering, but just as He had to suffer and die to complete His Father's task, He knows the way through it all and is there hand in hand always with us. He is there in the fiery furnace to protect us from harm. He is there in the lions den to seal up their hungry mouths. He is there to calm the storm of the sea and walk upon it's waters. He is there to feed the hungry, heal the sick, give sight to the blind, bind up the brokenhearted, and bring hope to the lost. He brings those who are dead inside back to life. Pierced for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities, the Man of Suffering was there, and by His wounds we are forever healed. 

For His Name's Sake

Paying the penalty for doing wrong is justice. Suffering unjustly for His name's sake is commendable with a crown.

May's Message, Day 12:

For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. 1 Peter 2:19-25 NIV

Commendable to suffer unjustly, but no honor is gained when paying legitimate penalties where penalties are due. Suffering in prison for doing wrong is living out the consequences for poor choices. Suffering in prison when you are innocent of wrongdoing is a tragedy. Our judiciary system will unfortunately make mistakes, but God never will. It is especially commendable to those abroad who suffer pain and death for the sake of the Gospel. God has a special crown for those who are martyred for His sake. It is honorable that we respect and are thankful for all our military veterans, yet sometimes we forget about all those Christian solders out there giving their lives for the Gospel. Commendable indeed. Let us suffer legitimately for His name's sake. 

Praise in Pain

Curse, rant, and rave? Or sing praises, give thanks, and glorify Him? How do you respond in your deepest pain and affliction? Seek God and your heart is made alive.

May's Message, Day 11:

But as for me, afflicted and in pain— may your salvation, God, protect me. I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving. The poor will see and be glad— you who seek God, may your hearts live! The Lord hears the needy and does not despise his captive people.

Psalm 69:29-30,32-33 NIV

Singing praises, giving thanks, and glorifying Him in the midst of pain and affliction is probably not the first thing that most of us would do. But as for David, he knew that the saving grace of God was his constant shield and protection. David knew that God was the God of those in pain, those undergoing adversity, those afflicted with sorrow and suffering, and those who were poor and needy. We are all, "his captive people." Captives of sin and it's effects, captives of the whims of the world, captives of the oppression of others, and captives of our own selves. Yet, we will see and be glad and our hearts made alive, if we seek Him, our salvation. Let Him be your shield and protector and sing praises in your pain.

Visual Boundaries

Like death and destruction, our eyes are never satisfied. It is good to have strong visual boundaries and keep our sight within them. Just because it's "pleasing to the eye," doesn't mean it's "good" for us.

May's Message, Day 10:

Death and Destruction are never satisfied, and neither are human eyes. Proverbs 27:20 NIV

God has wonderfully created us as visual beings and much of what we learn and gather through our senses is visual in nature. Yet since we are fallen creatures, vision is also a source of great temptation. It has been so since The Garden, as the fruit of the forbidden tree was, "good for food and pleasing to the eye," (Genesis 3:6 NIV). We want what we see even though it is not ours, or is forbidden and ultimately destructive. This world constantly bombards us visually with temptation after temptation. The more we succumb to these temptations the more we want. It requires a great deal of will-power and integrity to ignore these visual distractions and be content with what is legitimately ours, and to know that just because it is "pleasing to the eye," doesn't mean that it is good for us. We must have strong boundaries and keep our sight within them. Sometimes it's just best to cover our eyes. 

Purity Tested by Praise

Your praise of Him under adversity is a reflection of the purity of your heart. The furnace of life brings about silver and gold of immense value.

May's Message, Day 9:

As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart. The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but people are tested by their praise. Proverbs 27:19,21 NIV

When you look into the mirror, who do you see? It's not just your physical appearance that you should be attentive to, but what your heart looks like to all those who see you. Is your heart a reflection of His heart? Are the impurities being continually forged away, like the refining of silver and gold in the intense heat of the fiery furnace? As the impurities and contaminants are burned off or come to the surface for easy removal, the silver and gold become more pure, untainted, and of great value. So too, the fiery furnace of life's trials and tribulations, and the overcoming of them through Him, should bring about the purification of your heart and make you of great value to Him. If you can praise Him in the middle of the storm, you have passed the test. If not, don't worry, we've just set a new goal for you to reach.

Page Introduction

I have been writing a daily devotional on Facebook as of September 1, 2015 and I have decided to extend that message of hope, encouragement, healing, and the renewal of your heart to this audience. It is my prayer that you will find these words inspiring, and that they will empower you to soar to the highest heights that God has intended. Prayers and blessings, Jeff.