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.

    • 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

    • Rest

      Photo by Jean Christiansen

      I hear the Lord say:

      Fatigue comes in many forms. After working hard in the garden, you are physically worn out. After a day at work, your brain is tired of thinking. When life brings pressure of deadlines, stress levels rise. When things go wrong, frustration sets in. When bills pile up, worry nags at you. When prayers seem to go unanswered, weariness sets in. Recognize that your current emotional state is off-kilter and make a concerted effort to meditate on the truth. The truth is I am here to guide and comfort. The truth is that Jesus abides in you and you in Him. The truth is I see and hear and know what is going on. I understand your frustrations, your setbacks, your longings, your desires for peace, belonging and joy. These desires are in line with My desires for you. You can experience peace, belonging and joy with Me. You won’t find these in the world. If you do, they are fleeting and empty. They don’t last and soon you are discouraged again. Look up, the sun is shining; it is a new day. It is a day to open your heart once again and breathe in the light of life. There is a time for sorrow and a time for joy. I am here for both. Let your heart and mind focus on My goodness. You will rejoice and be glad!

      “…yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation.” Habakkuk 3:18 ESV

      © 2021, Jean Davis Christiansen. All rights reserved

    • My heart

      Photo by Jean Christiansen

      I hear the Lord say:

      I know your heart. I hear your pain. I understand your sorrow. I know you inside and out. Come to Me and unburden yourself. Tell Me all about it. Yes, I already know, but it is good for you to share your pain and grief so you can get release and relief. After you journal about it, letting all the feelings out, then take time to meditate on healing. There is no rush but don’t wait too long. Once sorrow and anger are released, you can accept the Divine Exchange, and be filled with My holy peace. It’s a process that you may need to repeat. That’s okay. I am here for you. We can do this over and over until you get to a place where the pain is gone and you only feel My peace. I care for you and want you to stick close to Me. This valley will not last forever. This trial will be overcome. Speak My words of truth over this situation. Be confident that together we will overcome. A new day dawns, a new sun rises. This is Our day to walk in confidence and joy.

      Hear my cry, God;

      listen to my prayer. From the end of the earth,

      with fainting heart, I call out to you.

      Psalm 61:2 CJB

      © 2021, Jean Davis Christiansen. All rights reserved.

    • Today

      Photo by Jean Christiansen

      I hear the Lord say:

      Let today be today. Let your mind focus on today. Guard your thoughts so that you can enjoy today. Start your day with moments of appreciation. Enjoy the birdsong out your window. Marvel at the beauty of the sunrise. Prepare your mind for a day of joy and peace. Ponder My words of wisdom, reassurance and joy so that today can be a good day. A day where joy permeates your being. A day where you put aside future worries and past regrets. A day where hope is steady. Look for Me in your daily routine. I am by your side. Holy Spirit will lead and guide. Allow your heart to beat as one with Me. We are bound in love. You are My beloved and I made today for you! I am with you through thick and thin. I am with you in waves and calm seas. I am with you in storm and strife. I am with you, arming you with courage and strength. I am with you. I am for you. I am your coach, your friend, your Savior, your comforter, your rescuer. I am your peace, your joy, your steadfast companion, your Almighty God. Enjoy this day because I made it just for you.

      Acknowledge and take to heart this day that the Lord is God in heaven above and on the earth below. There is no other. Deuteronomy 4:39

      © 2021, Jean Davis Christiansen. All rights reserved