Jesus Is Talking to Me

By Freida Denise Cardwell

If you are looking for something that might just change your life, this book is for you. This daily devotional of hope will draw you into the presence and power of the living God of the universe. Every day, he will meet you right where you are. This devotional is Holy Spirit inspired and will give you comfort, encouragement, and challenge you through every day as you rely and trust on the One who died for you so you would have abundant life here and live eternally. You will find that the devotion empowers you to face every day with the confidence that God is leading you. How can you take a wrong path when every day, you seek him and his will for your life. You will see your life transformed daily as you ask the Lord, "Lord, what do you want me to do today? Will you show me?" You have the privilege of bowing before the living God of the universe every single morning and saying, "Lord, I need you to guide my steps, words, and actions today. I need you to help me. I need your energy and strength. Show me exactly what you have planned for me this day." The Lord has an overwhelming love for you. He has created you with purpose to be a success. This devotional will be a jumpstart for the first day of the rest of your life. How exciting to know when we seek him, he has far more adventures and excitements planned for our lives than we can imagine. Fasten your seatbelts as you allow God to take the wheel of your life. You will be transformed. "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, And He delights in his way" (Ps. 37:23).

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Feb 26, 2020
• ISBN: 9781098016098

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Jesus Is Talking to Me

Freida Denise Cardwell

Copyright © 2019 by Freida Denise Cardwell

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.

832 Park Avenue

Meadville, PA 16335

www.christianfaithpublishing.com

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

January 1

January 2

January 3

January 4

January 5

January 6

January 7

January 8

January 9

January 10

January 11

January 12

January 13

January 14

January 15

January 16

January 17

January 18

January 19

January 20

January 21

January 22

January 23

January 24

January 25

January 26

January 27

January 28

January 29

January 30

January 31

February 1

February 2

February 3

February 4

February 5

February 6

February 7

February 8

February 9

February 10

February 11

February 12

February 13

February 14

February 15

February 16

February 17

February 18

February 19

February 20

February 21

February 22

February 23

February 24

February 25

February 26

February 27

February 28

March 1

March 2

March 3

March 4

March 5

March 6

March 7

March 8

March 9

March 10

March 11

March 12

March 13

March 14

March 15

March 16

March 17

March 18

March 19

March 20

March 21

March 21

March 22

March 23

March 24

March 25

March 26

March 27

March 28

March 29

March 30

March 31

April 1

April 2

April 3

April 4

April 5

April 6

April 7

April 8

April 9

April 10

April 11

April 12

April 13

April 14

April 15

April 16

April 17

April 18

April 19

April 20

April 21

April 22

April 23

April 24

April 25

April 26

April 27

April 28

April 29

April 30

May 1

May 2

May 3

May 4

May 5

May 6

May 7

May 8

May 9

May 10

May 11

May 12

May 13

May 14

May 15

May 16

May 17

May 18

May 19

May 20

May 21

May 22

May 23

May 24

May 25

May 26

May 27

May 28

May 29

May 30

May 31

June 1

June 2

June 3

June 4

June 5

June 6

June 7

June 8

June 9

June 10

June 11

June 12

June 13

June 14

June 15

June 16

June 17

June 18

June 19

June 20

June 21

June 22

June 23

June 24

June 25

June 26

June 27

June 28

June 29

June 30

July 1

July 2

July 3

July 4

July 5

July 6

July 7

July 8

July 9

July 10

July 11

July 11

July 12

July 13

July 14

July 15

July 16

July 17

July 18

July 19

July 20

July 21

July 22

July 23

July 24

July 25

July 26

July 27

July 28

July 29

July 30

July 31

August 1

August 2

August 3

August 4

August 5

August 6

August 7

August 8

August 9

August 10

August 11

August 12

August 13

August 14

August 15

August 16

August 17

August 18

August 19

August 20

August 21

August 22

August 23

August 24

August 25

August 26

August 27

August 28

August 29

August 30

August 31

September 1

September 2

September 3

September 4

September 5

September 6

September 7

September 8

September 9

September 10

September 11

September 12

September 13

September 14

September 15

September 16

September 17

September 18

September 19

September 20

September 21

September 22

September 23

September 24

September 25

September 26

September 27

September 28

September 29

September 30

October 1

October 2

October 3

October 4

October 5

October 6

October 7

October 8

October 9

October 10

October 11

October 12

October 13

October 14

October 15

October 16

October 17

October 18

October 19

October 20

October 21

October 22

October 23

October 24

October 25

October 26

October 27

October 28

October 29

October 30

October 31

November 1

November 2

November 3

November 4

November 5

November 6

November 7

November 8

November 9

November 10

November 11

November 12

November 13

November 14

November 15

November 16

November 17

November 18

November 19

November 20

November 21

November 22

November 23

November 24

November 25

November 26

November 27

November 28

November 29

November 30

December 1

December 2

December 3

December 4

December 5

December 6

December 7

December 8

December 9

December 10

December 11

December 12

December 13

December 14

December 15

December 16

December 17

December 18

December 19

December 20

December 21

December 22

December 23

December 24

December 25

December 26

December 27

December 28

December 29

December 30

December 31

Idedicate this book to the living God of the universe. His inspiration, encouragement, and challenges have been the wind beneath my wings on this journey. He birthed the desire in me nine months ago, and he has intently watched it be formed through me day after day and now giving it birth.

Thank you for taking this journey with me. I am praying for you, even now, as you read this daily devotional. I believe you are reading each day by a divine appointment. God has created you with purpose, but we must spend time with him daily to receive our marching orders. His purposes for us don’t come at the end of our lives but between the dash (our birth date and death). I am praying he will speak personally to you and give you clear direction so you can have a purpose-focused life.

I would also like to dedicate this devotional to my mom and dad. Since the day I was born, they have preached to me that I can do anything I put my heart to.

My husband has been my cheerleader for forty-seven years and never stops encouraging me to serve and find my purpose. My two daughters are the joy of my life and been the greatest creations God has birthed through me. My Four granddaughters and one great-grandchild are a ceaseless, never-ending source of joy and motivation as I seek to lead them in all I do to the Lord.

I pray this daily devotional leads you to the living God of the universe as you have real conversations every day that will guide and transform every encounter.

He really cares about all you have to say and like any great Abba Father, longs to give you godly advice.

You have only just begun. Jesus longs to be behind the wheel of your life. He is your GPS (God’s Personal Savior).

January

January 1

My peace I give to you as you step into this new exciting year I have planned for you. Rest in my overwhelming love. I am nearer to you than you know. I am not just with you; I am in you. You and I will be on a new journey this year, and today is the very first day of the rest of your life. I have so much to say to you about new things. I created you so I could do life with you, and every day you live for me is your gift back to me. This year will reveal my heart to you in good times and bad, but all for your good.

Maybe this past year has left you with disappointments and a lot of what-ifs.

Maybe you have felt lost in the desert of life and alone in this world’s wilderness.

I am the God of what-ifs because I make away to turn your ashes into blessings.

Remember not the former things, nor consider the old…Behold, I am doing a new thing: NOW it springs forth, do you not perceive it?

I will make a way in the wilderness, rivers, and in the desert of your life.

Trust in me that my promises are true. Seek me and you will see I am at work even now, doing a new thing in your life.

Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing. Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. (Isa. 43:18–19, NIV)

What in your life needs to be restored? Never let the sense of irreparable cause you anxiety and disappointment. Surrender your mistakes, what-ifs, and purpose to the living God of the universe. My purpose and heart’s desire is to make all things new. Do you feel like you are in the wastelands? Step into my presence and into my arms. Step into the first day of the rest of your life with me. Will you give me your what-ifs’?

January 2

Come into my arms. Today you are beating yourself up for losing your temper, not doing what you want to do, but doing what you don’t want to do. You are feeling overwhelmed at so much being on your plate. Remember, I am always with you. I have created you to be empowered to do all I have called you to do. I bring my children from spiritual death or nothingness to spiritual life. I have given you the gift of reconciliation. Who do you need to be reconciled with? Reconciliation is vital for discipleship. Will you go to the hurting ones I send you to and show them the way?

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, He is a new creation. The old has passed away: behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, and not counting men’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. (2 Cor. 5:17)

Will you conceive it? I died for your restoration. You have been made new, and with that comes my power.

You can do all things through Christ who gives you strength. (Phil. 4:13)

Whatever you have on your list to do today, will you include my hurting children? Come. Let’s go through your list together. Will you give it to me? Nothing is impossible for me. Now let’s gets started. We can do this.

January 3

Iknow you have a lot on your mind today, and the morning isn’t going as smooth as you would like. Will you trust me that I am in all the details? I have great purpose for you, and I am working now through all these things to transform you and bring you into my purpose for you. I who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and all that comes out of it, who gives breath to his people, and life to those who walk on it, I have called you into righteousness, and I have a hold of your hand.

Behold the former things have come to pass, and new things I now declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them. (Isa. 42:9)

This new year holds exciting new things. For you. Even now. One day at a time, I am bringing them to you.

What former things do you need me to rid from your mind so you can fix your eyes on the new things coming closer to you daily?

January 4

Good morning, my precious daughter. How I long to spend time with you. My love and purpose for you are fresh and new every morning. I think of you even at night while you are sleeping. My compassion for you is beyond measure. I hear your cries, and I see your heartache. I know your bitterness and see your disappointed and disillusioned heart. My heart is near to yours, and I reveal myself to you in everyday actions. Will you watch for me in nature, in the words of a friend or stranger? I work through all things so you will feel my presence. I will never leave you alone. That’s why I chose for my spirit to live in you.

Yet this I call to mind and therefore have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him. (Lam. 3:21–22)

Does this make it a little easier as you get out of bed and face the day? Does it give you courage to know I love you with an overwhelming, never-ending love? So enormous my love that I stretched out my hands and died a horrible death so you would not only have eternal life, but abundant life here, now, today.

Do you feel it? Where do you need that abundant life? You have not because you ask not.

January 5

This morning, do you sense that I am near? You can hear me in the birds singing to one another, just joyful to be who I created them to be. You can feel me in the brilliant sun I created for you and the wind as it blows softly against your face.

I am all around you. I am in your successes and in your failures. I am in those that I place in your life that are hurting. Look real close and you will see me.

When you minister to those in need, you are ministering to me.

I tell you the truth, whatever you did for the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me. (Matt. 25:40)

Today, will you be my hands and feet? Whose name is my spirit whispering for you to reach out to?

January 6

Ihear your cries. I see you overwhelmed at a morning full of demands. Will you close your eyes and just sit with me? As you feel your heart pounding, know that I am with every beat as I created your heart. I have great plans for you today. And I have already gone before you and equipped you for each one.

And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit and I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you and case you to walk in my statues and be careful to obey my rules. You shall dwell in the land that I have you for your fathers, and you shall be my people, and I will be your God. And I will deliver you from all your uncleanness. And I will summon the grain and make it abundant and lay no famine on you. (Ezek. 36:126–129)

These are my promises. Now apply them to your life. Do you feel the new heart I placed within you? Do you trust my spirit is guiding you in all you do? Will you walk in my ways today?

January 7

Are you seeking me this morning? I am seeking you. I am chasing you with my never-ending love. The time you spend with me is so precious to me. My overwhelming love drives me to provide you with everything you need. I am with you in all you do, and I work it all for your good. When you release your worries to me, I can then take control. When you truly release it to me, you will stop rolling the concerns over and over in your mind, striving to find a way to fix them. When I say all things, my child, that is exactly what I promise, all things . Even the things that I see right now that are breaking your heart. Nothing is too big for me. I see your rebellious children, your unloving husband, and your aging parents. I see the unfair treatment you receive at work. I see it all. I also feel your sadness and grief because I am grieving with you. Rejoice. None of this is a surprise to me.

So we know beyond measure that God is partnered with us in all things and he works together and is working a plan for good to us who love Him, according to His purpose and design. (Rom. 8:28)

What is too big for you? What would you do if you know you cannot fail?

January 8

Are you searching for me? When your kids were little, you would play hide and seek. They would jump for joy when they would find you. Are you filled with joy when you find me? I am right here all the time. I am not just with you; I am in you. This world is hard, but I have overcome the world. Every hour you need me, and I am right hear to help you with whatever life throws you.

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. (Jer. 29:13)

But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find Him if you look for Him with all your heart and with all your soul. When you are in distressed and all these things have happened to you, then in later days you will return to the Lord your God and obey Him. For the Lord your God is a merciful God; He will not abandon or destroy you or forget the covenant with your forefathers, which he confirmed to them by oath. (Deut. 4:29–31)

Where are you today? Where do you need me today? Will you trust that I am with you? Will you listen to my voice and follow me? I formed you in your mother’s womb, and I know what I created you for. Will you surrender to my perfect purpose for you?

January 9

Isense you are anxious and full of anxiety today. Will you call out my name? Just say, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus. I long to come into your presence and give you all comfort. I have spoken 365 times in the scriptures, Fear not. I did this because I knew you would be tempted to fear. Fear is a thief that steals your joy. I am reading your thoughts, and I see many things bringing you fear. Will you step out and trust me? If you will, trust and truly believe fear never comes from me. I know the decisions you need to make. I am the wisdom of the wise. If you will wait on me, I will answer you for your best. I would never lead my children to a decision that doesn’t bring good.

Please trust my promise to you:

So do not fear, for I am with you: do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isa. 41:10)

Picture me holding you up and ask yourself, is there anything too hard for the living God of the universe?

I will not let you fall. I promise you:

For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. (Isa. 41:13)

January 10

Are you overwhelmed just thinking about all you will be going through today, and you just don’t see how you will get through this one? Do you not know I am with you? You are always on my mind. Even as you sleep, I am watching over you. Don’t you know how precious you are to me? Let me tell you:

But Zion said, The Lord has forsaken me, the Lord has forgotten me. Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you. See I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me. (Isa. 49:14–16)

So how can you be fearful when the living God of the universe is constantly looking at you and holding you in his hands? My friend, whatever it is, take hope in the one true hope who is working now in the spiritual realm to answer your prayers. I have got this.

January 11

Some days I know you think you just don’t have what it takes. You question your ability. You forget that I created you just as you are, with unique gifts and talents custom made for your purpose. I know you will have challenging days. It is my purpose to grow you, but I am here for you. Did I not promise:

Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine according to His power that is at work with us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever. Amen. (Eph. 3:20)

Will you trust this promise and in faith say, Amen? Will you approach this day that you can do all things through Christ who gives you the strength, and is working even now on your behalf?

January 12

Iknow you have a busy day ahead of you, but did you know BUSY could stand for Being Under Satan’s Yoke? Will you look to me and the plans I have for you today? I only did what my Father had purposed me to do.

As for the person who hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge him. For I did not come to judge the world but to save it. There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; that very word which I spoke will condemn him at the last day. For I did not speak on my own accord, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and how to say it. I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the father has told me to say. (John 12:47–51)

Of course, that’s Jesus. He can know what the Father wants him to say. My friend, you can know as well. He is not just with you; he is in you. Will you ask him to direct your words and actions this very day so they are in his perfect, and in accord, to his plans for you? If you will, you won’t just be busy; you will please the Father as you trust and obey.

January 13

This morning, you have awakened with your heart that is full of desire to serve me. That is well and pleases me. There is so much you don’t know, and that is why I have given you my Word—the BIBLE (Basic Instruction Before Leaving Earth). I have placed in the scriptures all you need to know. It’s not enough to read the scriptures, which is well and good; but if you are going to live the scriptures, you must meditate on them and get them from your head to your heart.

For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give an account. (Heb. 4:12–13)

It is my heart’s desire as well that you fulfill your purpose. That purpose is in every day. You are being transformed into my image with all you encounter. As you live your life, will you seek the word of God? It will give you clear direction and wisdom to protect your heart. What is keeping you from spending time in God’s Word? Will you ask God to help you make it a priority? It will change your life.

January 14

Iknow that you seek me from my Word and that pleases me, but I also have placed godly men and women in your life to help you. Iron sharpens iron, and I know there are times when you need to talk with others. There are some scriptures in Proverbs that encourage you to do this. I have chosen brothers and sisters for you; they will encourage you. There is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. I have also purged your life of some relationships; trust me in this. Your resources are in your godly relationships.

Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise. Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. (Prov. 19:20–21)

Make plans by seeking advice; if you wage war obtain guidance. (Prov. 20:18)

I know there are some things that you aren’t sure about and you are seeking wisdom. Pray, seek the scriptures, and seek godly counsel. There is great power when two or more come together in prayer. I still work miracles. Your brothers and sisters are my gift to you. They will encourage you, and I will speak through them.

January 15

Has fear gripped you again this morning? Are you searching for answers and just want peace? This world we live in is full of decisions and conflicts. The confusion and stress drain your energy. All around you, the world fuels it. It’s at work at home and even inside ourselves when we judge ourselves. Satan whispers his lies and we go spiraling down. My child, did you know you can choose what you think about? Will you take every thought captive? Will you think about what you are hearing so you will be able to distinguish that the negative always comes from the accuser, never God?

The more time you spend with me, the more you will know my voice. I give you peace not like the world gives. I give you peace despite loss of a loved one, conflict at work, and self-judging. When you compare yourself to others negatively, or grumble about your life, you are complaining to me.

This is my promise:

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27)

Wow, think about this promise. I am saying that I am giving you my peace. What is keeping you from receiving it? Will take hold of it and mentally place it in your heart and mind?

What is keeping you from peace today? Is anything too hard for me? Will you give it to me right now?

January 16

How deep is my love?

Today, you are concerned about many things. Deadlines are creeping up on you, and you know you should put the big rocks in first. Let my overwhelming love for you permeate deep into your entire being. Will you stop and allow me to love on you? Think about what I did so you would be able to be in my presence even now. It was an overwhelming price I paid, but nothing less would bring you into my presence. Think about it. I loved you that much that I was willing to step out of heaven, come down, and die for you in hopes you would come to know me.

You asked me into your heart. You made me Lord of your life. Do you honestly think there is anything I wouldn’t do for you? I will open up the warehouse of heaven to equip you for what I have called you to do. Haven’t I promised my perfect love:

O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from