Words & Whispers

Words from the Lord during prayer and devotional journaling

  • Photo by Jean Christiansen

    I hear the Lord say:

    “Peace, be still” are the words my Son, Jesus, used to calm the storm while in a boat with the disciples. You are amazed that He was sleeping in the midst of the storm. He could do this because He had My perfect rest inside and out. As fully human and fully God, He could experience and relate to all the fears that you face as humans. But His divine nature took precedence as He rested in the boat. Upon being awakened by the terrified disciples, He commands the wind and waves to be calm. A raging storm that was about to engulf the boat suddenly disappears. The disciples are astonished. It is another example of Jesus’ lordship and authority. Realize that when you call on the name of Jesus, you call on the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He has supreme authority over heaven and earth. When the day brings events that rock your boat, remember Jesus is in the boat with you. He will steady your feet, realign your mind and calm your heart. Think of Him as your anchor, your captain and your navigator. Jesus will chart the path ahead to clear skies and calm waters. New storms may arise but you now know that Jesus is at your side to weather the storm and increase your faith day by day.

    On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

    Mark 4: 35-39 ESV

    © 2022, Jean Christiansen. All rights reserved

  • Photo by Jean Christiansen

    I hear the Lord say:

    Come up to the mountain top with Me. The climb may be arduous but it is worth the view. I will hold your hand and steady you in the rocky patches. I will place stepping stones for you to traverse muddy terrain. I will walk with you each step of the way. We will see the marvelous woodlands, granite outcroppings, forest animals, delicate lady-slippers, and delightful mountain streams. You will hear the sweet melodies of songbirds and the call of the eagle. The sweet smell of damp earth, pine trees, cedar and cypress mingle in the air. The climb is exciting and exhilarating. You discover new treasures around each bend. There is more higher up and deeper in. As you ascend the mountain with Me, you will reach the top and embrace the expansive view. You see things differently up here. You have a new perspective. The view is wide and breath-taking. You see the ‘big picture.’ Your place in the world is secure. Your identity in Me is solid. All things are possible to those who believe and who call on My name.

    He makes me as surefooted as a deer, enabling me to stand on mountain heights.

    Psalm 18:33 NLT

    Lady Slipper photo: public domain

    © 2022, Jean Christiansen. All rights reserved

  • Photo by Jean Christiansen

    I hear the Lord say:

    Autumn has arrived. A new season is upon us with cooler weather and vivid colors. As your loving Father God and Creator, these seasons are for you. They remind you of the pleasantness of change and the cycle of sowing and harvesting. Let the bright orange pumpkins, red maple leaves and harvest moons remind you of how I orchestrate the times and seasons for My glory and your benefit. Each clear crisp morning, remind yourself of a new day to celebrate Me and celebrate life. My son Jesus came to give life and give it more abundantly. You will not lack any good thing. Be assured that all things work together for good. Today’s trials are tomorrow’s victories. There is opportunity to grow in the waiting. Lean on Me, trust in Me, grow stronger in Me. I see you. I hear you. I care for you.

     I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. John 10:10 ESV

    © 2022, Jean Christiansen. All rights reserved

  • Photo by Jean Christiansen

    I hear the Lord say:

    As you ponder the word ‘trust’ and ‘faith’, you wonder if having doubts puts you in jeopardy. My beloved daughter, I want you to know that ‘trust’ and ‘faith’ are a journey, with ups and downs, and twists and turns. Looking at men and women of faith in the Bible, none of them were perfect. They had doubts, they had failings, but they always returned to Me. This is because My love is steadfast and true, unwavering and unconditional. They knew, as you know today, that I am the God of the universe who loves and cares for you like a fierce momma bear. I stand for you, I fight for you, I give you strength as you rely on Me. Trust will grow. Faith will increase. Place your life in My capable hands to guide and direct, to teach and correct, and to expand your horizons to new and wonderful adventures.

    Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous hand.” – Isaiah 41:10

    © 2022, Jean Christiansen. All rights reserved

  • Photo by Jean Christiansen

    I hear the Lord say:

    C-A-R-E, think of this word ‘care’ as ‘compassion-assistance-reassurance-eternally.” My care for you is my top priority. If I take care of the birds, providing food and shelter, so I care even more for your well-being. I care for you daily in order to comfort you, guide you, give you strength, encourage you, and bless you. Trials are not a sign that My care has diminished or waned. Challenges in life are inevitable. How you meet and overcome the challenges will depend on your perspective. Seeing it as an opportunity to rise up, to learn more, to grow deeper in communion with Me will make a difference. As a toddler is learning to walk, get back up and try again. Just like the toddler, you see that the effort is worth it. As you ‘walk’ stronger and further, it deepens your trust and awakens your passion for more of Me.

    Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.
    Psalm 55:22 NIV

    © 2022, Jean Christiansen. All rights reserved

  • Photo by Jean Christiansen

    I hear the Lord say:

    In this day and age, it is easy to be distracted or overwhelmed. When I call you to focus your thoughts on what is ‘true, noble, righteous, pure, lovable or admirable” and on something “praiseworthy”, it is for your benefit. The duties and demands of each day can lead you into thoughts or actions that are not helpful or constructive. Focusing on the truth of My word, the righteousness of Christ, the purity of My love, the nobleness of My Son’s sacrifice will keep you grounded in love and unity with Me, your Heavenly Father. Taking time to appreciate and offer praise each day can include admiring a field of sunflowers, listening to a bird singing nearby, joining in a child’s laughter, gazing from the porch during a summer rain, reading an encouraging note from a friend, appreciating a whisper from your loving Father (Me) that “I love you so much”; these things and more will both calm and thrill your heart. To be surrounded by evidence of My love for you will keep you focused on what is important, trustworthy and timely. Each day brings you closer in union with Me as you meditate on My virtues and our unbreakable bond.

    Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8 NIV

    © 2022, Jean Christiansen. All rights reserved

  • Photo by Jean Christiansen

    I hear the Lord say:

    Today’s trials are not forever. Each day has moments of joy and pain. Bring to mind the goodness that I am. I embody all that is good; all that is good for you and your well-being. Life on earth has mountains and valleys. The journey is full of adventure, with some required effort and discipline. It is not a matter of self-effort but one of abiding with Me. Traveling up a mountain is arduous but the view from the top is priceless! I am your Helper, Comforter and Shield-Bearer. I will accompany you through mountain passes and refresh you in green, lush valleys. We will stop to relax near bubbling streams. Enjoy today for today. Each step is a moment to celebrate.

    And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 1 Peter 5:10 NIV

    © 2022, Jean Christiansen. All rights reserved.