Words & Whispers

Words from the Lord during prayer and devotional journaling

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Hello! Welcome to my blog! I have recorded past journal entries from devotional journaling as well as nature and travel photos. It is my aim to pass on the encouragement of the Lord to other sisters in Christ.

    • Freedom

      Photo by Jean Christiansen

      I hear the Lord say:

      “Freedom”, you cry. You cry out for freedom from the burdens and trials of life. Freedom is here. It is yours. But you must actively take it. It will not be real to you until you release the burdens you carry. No freedom can be obtained if you stubbornly cling to the baggage that weighs you down. Your desire for the burden to be lifted is in your hands. To accept My freedom, to walk upright again, freed from the weight of the world, drop the baggage and lift your hands. No one is designed to tackle the trials of life on their own. You are designed to walk with Me and to traverse life in union with My spirit of peace, joy, grace and power. Freedom is here. Freedom is now. Freedom is yours.

      You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. Galatians 5:13 NIV

      © 2021, Jean Davis Christiansen. All rights reserved.

    • Calling

      Painted Bunting. Photo by Jean Christiansen

      I hear the Lord say:

      I am calling. Do you hear Me? Is the din and bustle of life distracting you from hearing Me? Let your guard down, let your burdens drop, let your mind take a break from the ‘to-do’ list. I am calling. I wish to spend time with you, encourage you, strengthen you, and guide you. All relationships require an investment of time. I open My arms to share a loving embrace, a pat on the arm, a papa bear hug and an endearing smile. I am for you. I have an ear to hear, an eye to see, a mouth to speak. I am calling. Pour out your heart to Me; vocalize your struggles and give them over to Me. I can give you a new perspective to meet each day’s challenges. I am calling.

      Adonai is close to all who call on him, to all who sincerely call on him.
      Psalm 145:18 CJB

      © 2021, Jean Davis Christiansen. All rights reserved.

    • Eyes to the Sky

      Photo by Jean Christiansen

      I hear the Lord say:

      Rain and rainbows, sun and clouds, hot and cold. Weather, seasons, and temperatures may change. Your perspective on the weather changes as well. But My perspective on you is steady and never changes. You appreciate the seasons and the cycle of nature. I created the seasons of planting and harvesting, reaping and sowing. Your life also has seasons and cycles. You start out as a seed, then seedling, then become a mature plant. You grow with Me at your side, nurturing, protecting and caring for you. You will experience periods of stress, drought, and tempest, but remember, I am still with you. I am here to help you buffer the storms of life. If I kept you in a glass jar, you would be safe, but you would not be strong. To grow and mature, you must learn to defend yourself from the enemy’s attacks. When weeds try to choke you or pests try to weaken you, stand strong in the power of My Word. Strengthened by My peace, love and grace, and grafted into My vine, you will not only weather the storm, you will be stronger for it. Look for My promises in, through and after challenging times. The rainbow is coming.

      When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.” Genesis 9:16 CJB

      Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! I Chronicles 16:11 CJB

      © 2021, Jean Davis Christiansen. All rights reserved.

    • Gentleness

      Photo by Jean Christiansen

      I hear the Lord say:

      As you ponder the word ‘gentleness” and the scripture verse Matthew 11:28-29, picture yourself sitting on a grassy knoll at My feet. You soak up the words of life and truth, eager to lay down the burdens of life and carry My yoke, which is light and free from burden. You wonder how this can happen? How can you give up the ingrained reactions to stress? It’s an automatic response after all these years, you think. But then, you remember; the Divine Exchange is waiting for you. You make a choice, daily, moment by moment, to respond out of emotion or respond out of the fruits of the Spirit. You don’t have to ‘get this right.’ It is a process of restoration and renewal. You will enjoy the release of the burden and then walk with a lighter step. You will be changed from the inside out; not from striving or straining or self-criticizing, but from a place of calm and rest. The change will be welcome to yourself and to others. Responding to life’s stressors from a place of calm will bring calm to others as well. Everyone benefits when gentleness rules.

      “Come to me, all of you who are struggling and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29 NIV

      © 2021, Jean Davis Christiansen. All rights reserved

    • Fullness of Joy

      Photo by Jean Christiansen

      I hear the Lord say:

      “I bring you fullness of joy”: it’s a phrase you have heard before, but do you believe it? Does it resonate in your soul? Do you know what “the joy of the Lord” truly is? Human emotions are wide ranging. I made you that way. But sometimes feelings can be misleading. Negative thoughts can lead to negative feelings which lead to negative beliefs. I desire for you to experience the joy of My presence. Within this framework you can align your thoughts with Mine. In My throne room, there is only Joy. My love radiates with such force that there is no room for anything else. Your mind may be cluttered with conflicting emotions. Take time to seek Me, to experience the wonder of My amazing love, and be filled to overflowing. Then you can say: “I believe.”

      You make known to me the path of life;
          in your presence there is fullness of joy;
          at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

      Psalm 16:11 CJB

      © 2021, Jean Davis Christiansen. All rights reserved

    • Whispers

      I hear the Lord say:

      Photo by Jean Christiansen

      I hear the Lord say:

      Words and Whispers. You hear words and hear whispers. Where are they coming from? Are they words and whispers that line up with Scripture and My character? Or are they lies from your past? Are they feelings of disappointment, defeat or discouragement? Take the time to acknowledge what words and whispers you are listening to. If they do not agree with the words and whispers that I declare over you, they are to be thrown out and discarded like yesterday’s trash. My words and whispers say this: “I love you.” “You are My beloved.” “I created You and like you.” “I have plans to bless and prosper you.” “I am with you.” “I will never leave you or forsake you.” “I am ever near.” “I am your strength and shield.” “I am your shepherd.” “I am your Kinsmen-Redeemer.” I am your El Shaddai.” Let My truth wash over you and restore you. Stay connected to Me, as the branch is connected to the vine, relying on it for life and sustenance. I am Your source of life and light. My roots go deep and cannot be shaken. You are secure with Me.

      Adonai is close to all who call on him, to all who sincerely call on him.

      Psalm 145:18 CJB

      © 2021, Jean Davis Christiansen. All rights reserved

    • Perseverance

      Passionflower. Photo by Jean Christiansen

      I hear the Lord say:

      Perseverance. As you think of this word, consider it in a new light. People will say “stick to it, carry on, keep your chin up, don’t give up, don’t give in, fight to the end.” But these words ring hollow if you are tired, fed up, or discouraged. You have tried, you have made the effort, but you don’t see results. Instead of relying on your own strength, consider looking to Me. I can be more than your sideline cheerleader. I can be more than “Just Do It” or “hang in there” platitudes. Human grit and fortitude can be amazing but it has its limits. Consider the stories in the Bible, where human strength failed but success was celebrated because I intervened. The Red Sea parting, drinking water springing out from a rock, manna from heaven. Jesus feeds 5000, heals the sick, restores sight to the blind, brings the dead back to life. I am here to do the miraculous in you. I am here to revive, to restore, to strengthen, to overcome, to bring you to a place of victory. Persevere in pursuing Me. Persevere in prayer. Persevere in hope. Persevere in expecting a miracle. There is hope in the waiting. There is an answer coming. My strength is your strength.

      Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness and honor. Proverbs 21:21 ESV

      © 2021, Jean Davis Christiansen. All rights reserved