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TODAY’S VERSE: Psalm 37:4
“Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.“ [Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.]
TODAY’S MESSAGE
All of us possess a deep desire to enjoy a happy life. How we wish the world and our circumstances were more predictable and less chaotic! How awesome would it be to live without worries of any kind… to have everything we’ve always wanted and needed… to be 100% care-free, worry-free, and stress-free!
Unfortunately, life on this Earth is far from perfect with so many variables out of our control. Nevertheless, there is something we *do* have a choice to control: our focus. The more we concentrate in God’s goodness and how blessed we are in so many ways, the more we are able to enjoy contentment and joy in whatever conditions we experience. And the more we focus and delight in God, His Kingdom and his work in and through us, the closer we will be from receiving the desires of our heart.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your awesome promises recorded in Your Word, through which I can strengthen my faith in Your faithfulness and fulfill my earthly mission. Teach me to stay focused in what’s truly important and meaningful in life while delighting daily in Your presence and goodness. In Jesus’ precious name, amen.
Categorized in 2009 and November
Tags: 2009, Bible, Biblia, Christianity, Cristianismo, Daily life, delight, desires, Devocion, Devocional, Devotion, Devotional, Dios, Espiritualidad, Estilo de vida, Exito, Faith, Fe, God, Gratitude, heart, Inspiracion, Inspiration, Jesus, Life, Lifestyle, Meditaciones, Meditations, Oracion, Personal, Prayer, Reflections, Reflexiones, Sabiduria, Spirituality, Success, Teologia, Theology, Vida, Vida diaria, Wisdom
(If you wish to receive these business-day devotionals directly via e-mail, subscribe by e-mailing Brother Abnel at todayswhisper@gmail.com)
TODAY’S VERSE: Isaiah 26:3
“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” [New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers.]
TODAY’S MESSAGE
Can perfect peace be enjoyed in the midst of so much uncertainty everywhere around us? Is it really possible to pursue and experience an inner peace that bypasses our everyday anxieties? How about during times of financial lack, illness, or sorrow? How about when we do not have enough money to cover our next month’s expenses? Or how about when the physician’s report shows no signs of recovery? Can we still enjoy peace despite all this?
As a human being living in an imperfect and troubled world just like you, I have personally experienced my share of losses, anxieties, and lack in life. However, I have also sensed God’s unexplainable peace whenever I have chosen to trust in Him, whenever I directed my thoughts toward His goodness, whenever I allowed my heart to worship Him and express all my love and adoration to my Creator. Those specific moments of choosing to focus on God’s greatness regardless of the chaos around me have provided all the peace, strength and wisdom I have needed to carry on.
So, yes… it *is* possible to enjoy perfect peace despite circumstances. The key is trusting that God truly loves us and cares for us every single second of our lives, and He will guide us to find a way if we patiently delight in His goodness.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for being everything we need, and for always being there to love and care for us. Thank You for everything you have provided in the past, and for the present and future provision already on its way toward my friends, family and those who have chosen to trust You. Teach us all to keep our faith strong, and grant us wisdom to honor You each day as we walk and patiently wait on You. In Your Son Jesus’ precious name, amen.
Categorized in 2009 and November
Tags: 2009, Bible, Biblia, Christianity, Cristianismo, Daily life, Devocion, Devocional, Devotion, Devotional, Dios, Espiritualidad, Estilo de vida, Exito, Faith, Fe, God, Gratitude, Inspiracion, Inspiration, Jesus, Life, Lifestyle, Meditaciones, Meditations, Oracion, Personal, Prayer, Reflections, Reflexiones, Sabiduria, Spirituality, Success, Teologia, Theology, Vida, Vida diaria, Wisdom
(If you wish to receive these business-day devotionals directly via e-mail, subscribe by e-mailing Brother Abnel at todayswhisper@gmail.com)
TODAY’S VERSES: Galatians 6:9
“And let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint.” [Amplified Bible (AMP) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation]
TODAY’S MESSAGE
I have just started a highly-challenging quarter at work –due primarily to a 112%+ increase in students to teach. From 24 active students I served last trimester, I am serving close to 51 this term. And while this is a good sign from a business perspective, it also means double efforts in almost everything: offline and online session preparation, class management and delivery, assignment and project grading, personal attention, and off-hours tutoring when needed.
Needless to say, I forsee being humanly exhausted at the end of each week. However, since I love what I do for a living, and consider it my calling and mission, I am determined to do everything in my power to continue giving my best to my students in every way I can. Every teaching session, one-on-one interaction, and learning moment is a blessed opportunity to plant positive seeds of professionalism, hard work and success in ways that I know please God and will benefit society. And each day I pray that God grant me the strength needed to do a good job, and fulfill my purpose on Earth.
This, I hope, will serve as an encouragement to you, my friend. Even when we feel overloaded, God sees, and at due time will reward our efforts if we do not give up.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of life, and the countless opportunities to sow good seeds and be a blessing unto others every day. Teach me to stay focused on honoring You despite my human limitations, problems, inadequacies and moments of exhaustion, and thank You for the daily strength to carry on. In Jesus’ precious name, amen.
Categorized in 2009 and October
Tags: 2009, Bible, Biblia, Christianity, Cristianismo, Daily life, Devocion, Devocional, Devotion, Devotional, Dios, Espiritualidad, Estilo de vida, Exito, Faith, Fe, God, Gratitude, Inspiracion, Inspiration, Jesus, Life, Lifestyle, Meditaciones, Meditations, Oracion, Personal, Prayer, Reflections, Reflexiones, Sabiduria, Spirituality, Success, Teologia, Theology, Vida, Vida diaria, Wisdom
(If you wish to receive these business-day devotionals directly via e-mail, subscribe by e-mailing Brother Abnel at todayswhisper@gmail.com)
TODAY’S VERSES: 1 Corinthians 10:31
“When you eat or drink or do anything else, always do it to honor God. “ [Contemporary English Version (CEV) Copyright © 1995 by American Bible Society]
TODAY’S MESSAGE
Throughout the Holy Scriptures we find many men and women who were determined to honor God despite their circumstances. Noah, Abraham, Joseph, Daniel, Mary (Jesus’ Mother) and the Apostle Paul are just a few of so many individuals who decided to trust God and follow His direction even in the midst of adversity, uncertainty, pain and persecution. And today their names and lives are still remembered and continue to make an impact because of their decision to trust and honor God.
You and I will also encounter countless opportunities on a daily basis to honor God with our motives, thoughts, and actions. We might never build an ark, become influential governors, or travel and reach millions of people. But right here where we stand, within the circle of friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers we currently have, we can still honor God and make a difference. This is what really counts, my friend.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Thank You, Heavenly Father, for proving throughout history Your character as a loving and faithful God. Thank You for all the opportunities before me to be thankful, help others, and honor You with my entire life. Teach me to trust in You wholeheartedly as I face today’s challenges, for You will always make a way and will honor those who choose to honor You. In Jesus’ precious name I trust and rejoice in your salvation, amen.
Categorized in 2009 and October
Tags: 2009, Bible, Biblia, Christianity, Cristianismo, Daily life, Devocion, Devocional, Devotion, Devotional, Dios, Espiritualidad, Estilo de vida, Exito, Faith, Fe, God, Inspiracion, Inspiration, Jesus, Life, Lifestyle, Meditaciones, Meditations, Oracion, Personal, Prayer, Reflections, Reflexiones, Sabiduria, Spirituality, Success, Teologia, Theology, Vida, Vida diaria, Wisdom
(If you wish to receive these business-day devotionals directly via e-mail, subscribe by e-mailing Brother Abnel at todayswhisper@gmail.com)
TODAY’S VERSES: 2 Corinthians 1:3-5
“All praise to the God and Father of our Master, Jesus the Messiah! Father of all mercy! God of all healing counsel! He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us. We have plenty of hard times that come from following the Messiah, but no more so than the good times of his healing comfort—we get a full measure of that, too.“ [The Message (MSG) Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson]
TODAY’S MESSAGE
This past week I had the blessing of spending my Fall Break vacation with my siblings and beautiful daughter Veronica in Orlando, Florida. But aside from a few recreational places we visited, I was able to spare two days for myself –during which I visited two parks in the area to simply walk, meditate and enjoy God’s creation. In the process, I truly felt comforted by God in a simple yet powerful way –being able to praise God’s awesome faithfulness while simply observing and enjoying the beauty of flowers, trees, birds and water all around me.
In His great love for us God is always reaching out in so many ways to comfort us in whatever challenges we face. Whether through others or His creation, the key is setting aside quiet times to simply listen and embrace His everlasting comfort. It is already there all around us…
TODAY’S PRAYER
Thank You, Heavenly Father, for being my true source of all comfort and joy despite my challenges in life. I praise You for all the good things and beautiful encouraging people You have already brought into my life, and commit to find daily spaces to listen to Your voice and count my blessings. In Jesus’ precious name, amen.
Categorized in 2009 and October
Tags: 2009, Bible, Biblia, Christianity, Cristianismo, Daily life, Devocion, Devocional, Devotion, Devotional, Dios, Espiritualidad, Estilo de vida, Exito, Faith, Fe, God, Gratitude, Inspiracion, Inspiration, Jesus, Life, Lifestyle, Meditaciones, Meditations, Oracion, Personal, Prayer, Reflections, Reflexiones, Sabiduria, Spirituality, Success, Teologia, Theology, Vida, Vida diaria, Wisdom
(If you wish to receive these business-day devotionals directly via e-mail, subscribe by e-mailing Brother Abnel at todayswhisper@gmail.com)
TODAY’S VERSE: Galatians 6:7-8
“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.”
[New International Version (NIV) Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society]
TODAY’S MESSAGE
Sowing and reaping is a universal law established by our Creator since the beginning of time. And it does not only apply to the blessing of prosperity and a lifestyle of abundance, but it is a principle intertwined with our attitudes, motives, and heart condition. No one will ever escape the harvest s/he has consistently sown… good or bad.
Are you searching for a better life? Are you trying your best to develop solid and enduring relationships with others? Are you committed to God’s will in everything you say and do? Then remember that all it takes is a seed, a consistent one, and when you least expect it your harvest will be knocking right at your door.
Commit to sow good seeds every day… from the heart. Your harvest will be just as good!
TODAY’S PRAYER
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for providing me opportunities to sow seeds of righteousness unto You and others. Teach me each day to check my deepest attitudes and motives so that my seed may always be a good one. I thank You in advance for my prosperous harvest, and I praise You for making me an instrument of grace unto everyone around me. In Jesus’ precious name, amen.
Categorized in 2009 and October
Tags: 2009, Bible, Biblia, Christianity, Cosechar, Cristianismo, Daily life, Devocion, Devocional, Devotion, Devotional, Dios, Espiritualidad, Estilo de vida, Exito, Faith, Fe, God, Inspiracion, Inspiration, Jesus, Life, Lifestyle, Meditaciones, Meditations, Oracion, Personal, Prayer, Reap, Reflections, Reflexiones, Sabiduria, Sembrar, Sow, Spirituality, Success, Teologia, Theology, Vida, Vida diaria, Wisdom
(If you wish to receive these business-day devotionals directly via e-mail, subscribe by e-mailing Brother Abnel at todayswhisper@gmail.com)
TODAY’S VERSE: 1 Thessalonians 5:18
“Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” [Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.]
TODAY’S MESSAGE
Today it seems like there are 1,000+ reasons that grant us the right to complain and look only after ourselves. Why not? Unemployment and job losses are a national and global reality… the cost of living continues to rise while wages either evaporate or appear stagnant… our global economy has a hard time reviving from historic lows… new viruses in health and technology seem to attack us every day… overall, we are definitely living in pretty uncertain times, no doubt about it.
On the other hand, we all have 1,000+ reasons to be thankful even in the midst of these realities. Being able to wake up each morning… communicate with others… smile… even read this message are just a few of the many reasons we have to be thankful each day *despite* the chaos and uncertainty all around us. And it is not a matter of ignoring or denying reality, but exercising our daily choice to live out a thankful attitude in the midst of challenges. For choosing the appropriate attitude while trusting God will always bring us closer to that light at the end of our tunnels.
Are you exercising thankfulness today?
TODAY’S PRAYER
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for always being there despite what’s happening all around us. Even when we cannot always understand why things happen (or don’t happen), I choose to be thankful –for I know that in due time Your grace and everlasting faithfulness will show me the way out. In Jesus’ precious name I continue trusting, amen.
Categorized in 2009 and October
Tags: 2009, Bible, Biblia, Christianity, Cristianismo, Daily life, Devocion, Devocional, Devotion, Devotional, Dios, Espiritualidad, Estilo de vida, Exito, Faith, Fe, God, Gratitude, Inspiracion, Inspiration, Jesus, Life, Lifestyle, Meditaciones, Meditations, Oracion, Personal, Prayer, Reflections, Reflexiones, Sabiduria, Spirituality, Success, Teologia, Theology, Vida, Vida diaria, Wisdom
(If you wish to receive these business-day devotionals directly via e-mail, subscribe by e-mailing Brother Abnel at todayswhisper@gmail.com)
TODAY’S VERSES: Psalm 91:1-2
“You who sit down in the High God’s presence, spend the night in Shaddai’s shadow, say this: ‘God, you’re my refuge. I trust in you and I’m safe!’ “
[The Message (MSG) Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson]
TODAY’S MESSAGE
Psalm 91 is another of several psalms that my mother helped me memorize when I was a very young boy. At that time, I recited it just like I did all other psalms and Bible verses –with no real understanding of the meaning and power behind those words.
Today, around 35 years later, I can clearly see how the words in this magnificent inspired writing have been so true in my life –even when it has not always been an easy and delightful journey to go through job transitions, financial hardships, dead relationships, family loss and separation, and loneliness, to mention a few. However, I am still witness of God’s awesome grace, mercy and favor despite all these challenges, and can declare like the Apostle Paul did, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
Perhaps the key is “sitting down” in God’s presence. I cannot say I have been 100% faithful to doing this, but I can see how investing quality time with God makes such a huge difference in how I see life, my circumstances and myself. And every single time I have come before my Heavenly Father with a sincere heart I have always felt empowered and convinced that I can still succeed in life no matter what.
And I believe so can anyone who dares to keep trusting in a true and faithful God despite what happens…
TODAY’S PRAYER
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for being my Creator, Sustainer and Provider throughout all the different stages of my life. Thank You for taking care of me even when I have missed the mark at times and have not always been obedient to You. I re-commit my heart to continue trusting You in all circumstances, for You know best and will always help Your children find a way. In Your Son Jesus’ name I pray and rest, amen.
Categorized in 2009 and October
Tags: 2009, Bible, Biblia, Christianity, Cristianismo, Daily life, Devocion, Devocional, Devotion, Devotional, Dios, Espiritualidad, Estilo de vida, Exito, Faith, Fe, God, Inspiracion, Inspiration, Jesus, Life, Lifestyle, Meditaciones, Meditations, Oracion, Personal, Prayer, Reflections, Reflexiones, Sabiduria, Spirituality, Success, Teologia, Theology, Vida, Vida diaria, Wisdom
(If you wish to receive these business-day devotionals directly via e-mail, subscribe by e-mailing Brother Abnel at todayswhisper@gmail.com)
TODAY’S VERSES: Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.
2 He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams.
3 He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.
4 Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.
5 You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings.
6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.
[New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers.]
TODAY’S MESSAGE
Since I was 7 my mother taught me Psalm 23. And I not only memorized it but have cherished it as an irreplaceable and most valuable treasure ever since.
During times of change, uncertainty and transition, this special portion of the Holy Scriptures can be an incomparable source of encouragement and strength to anyone who chooses to believe that God is their Shepherd and Guide –even in the roughest and darkest of times. It may be humanly difficult to trust in an invisible being whom we have never seen; however throughout history God’s faithfulness has proven to be there for those who decided to believe in Him. That has also been my personal experience through all the successes and failures in my 42 years of life.
Whatever your present circumstances, take time to meditate on this beautiful Psalm. And in the process ask God to continue to guide your steps and provide you strength to carry on today’s challenges. For the day will come when they will no longer exist, for their purpose will be fulfilled.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Thank You, Heavenly Father, for not only being my Creator and life Designer but also my Shepherd –always willing to teach me, care for me, and guide my steps. As I continue walking my earthly journey, show me Your ways, oh Lord… in Jesus’ precious name, amen.
Categorized in 2009 and September
Tags: 2009, Bible, Biblia, Christianity, Cristianismo, Daily life, Devocion, Devocional, Devotion, Devotional, Dios, Espiritualidad, Estilo de vida, Exito, Faith, Fe, God, Gratitude, Inspiracion, Inspiration, Jesus, Life, Lifestyle, Meditaciones, Meditations, Oracion, Personal, Prayer, Reflections, Reflexiones, Sabiduria, Spirituality, Success, Teologia, Theology, Vida, Vida diaria, Wisdom
(If you wish to receive these business-day devotionals directly via e-mail, subscribe by e-mailing Brother Abnel at todayswhisper@gmail.com)
TODAY’S VERSE: Job 42:5
“I had only heard about you before, but now I have seen you with my own eyes.” [New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers.]
TODAY’S MESSAGE
In the very last chapter of the patriarch Job, we read how, after Job’s direct encounter with The Almighty, he finally realizes that in his lifetime he had only *heard* about God but now he *knows* Who God is. It seems that the difference between hearing about someone vs. personally knowing such person makes a huge difference in the impact such person has in our lives.
Most of us –especially those born and raised in the Americas– have heard about God since a very young age. In my personal case, since I was 7 I attended a Christian church, sang Christian songs, and even memorized complete chapters from the Old Testament Psalms. However, as I grew older, I understood that I needed a direct and personal encounter with God Almighty. And once I experienced it, life was never ever the same again.
Crises have a way to bring hunger to our souls toward knowing God in an intimate and personal way. They also activate a special sensitivity toward the sacred and the needs around us. And these elements are key to knowing God and ourselves in a profound way. Moreover, as the book of Job ends, God’s revelation of love and over-abundant grace becomes manifested in such a way that the glory of our latter days will never compare to the suffering of our former ones.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your awesome love and grace in every stage of my life, and for providing me ways to know You in a deeper way. As I continue my earthly journey through successes and failures, open my heart to see what You see, and teach me to trust You despite whatever circumstances I may face today and tomorrow. Thank You for Your unfailing care in Jesus’ precious name, amen.
Categorized in 2009 and September
Tags: 2009, Bible, Biblia, Christianity, Cristianismo, Daily life, Devocion, Devocional, Devotion, Devotional, Dios, Espiritualidad, Estilo de vida, Exito, Faith, Fe, God, Inspiracion, Inspiration, Jesus, Life, Lifestyle, Meditaciones, Meditations, Oracion, Personal, Prayer, Reflections, Reflexiones, Sabiduria, Spirituality, Success, Teologia, Theology, Vida, Vida diaria, Wisdom
