God's Whispers: Life-changing Daily Devotional

By Rowena Vicente

In times like these, when people are rushing every day to go about their daily task, it is refreshing to have a quick dip into the Word of God and hear Him whisper strengthening inspirations that will help start one's day.

God's Whispers is a daily collection of reflections that aims to give a quick dose of God's Word

before one launches into the day all year round for 366 days. Packed not only with biblical insights but also testimonies of individuals who had unique personal encounters with Jesus Christ, this daily devotional is powerful and life-changing. One manuscript reader commented, "I was mesmerized by the words. they put meaning to a lot of things. I was overjoyed as if the Holy Spirit has filled my heart and lifted my spirit high. I could read it again and again, and yet it gives a new meaning each time."

Indeed, this book is Holy Spirit– breathed!

As you are inspired after reading this book, join the God's Whispers Movement and be part of a dynamic group that makes God's Words come alive in the lives of many through prayer and life's testimonies. What is worth more living for than to add values to other people's lives?

"Only one life,'twill soon be past,

Only what's done for Christ will last."

C. T. Studd

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Apr 27, 2021
• ISBN: 9781098005764

Book preview

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God’s

Whispers

Declare His praise in the islands (Isaiah 42:12 KJV)

ROWENA VICENTE

For the benefit of missions work in Asia, Africa, Nepal, Israel and other nations.

ISBN 978-1-0980-0575-7 (paperback)

ISBN 978-1-0980-0576-4 (digital)

Copyright © 2020 by Rowena Vicente

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

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Preface

Strength in Silence

On Whose Side Are You?

Not Contradicting But Fulfilling

Not Man but God-Powered

Take Care of God’s Ministers

In Heaven’s Eyes

Stand on Your Ground

Unanswered Questions

Darkened Soul

The Accursed Thing

Enthroning God Through Worship

Honor Begets Honor

Develop Your Potential

When Put in Hard Places

Man, Do You Know Your Greatness?

Lost and Found

He Knows My Weakness

In and Out of Season

Is God Sleeping?

Unity in Diversity

Growth Is God’s Will

Gas Up Daily

Gift to the King

Separated for Christ

Will You Come and Help?

The Story of Unparalleled Love

A Special Place in the Heart of God

Favor That Lasts

A Solid Rock Foundation

Faith Without Borders

Young Heart, Brave Heart

Strength in Discouragement

A Fatal Disobedience

The Essence of Ascension

A Fragrance and a Letter

Jesus, the Rainbow of God

God, the Greatest Linguist

The God of Design

Life Storyteller

The Promise Keeper

Run the Race

The Kingdom of Light

At the End of the Rainbow

Power of Investing in God’s Kingdom

Submit Your Résumé

Losing but Gaining

The Trusting Clay

Taking the Form of Man

Healing Inside

God’s Glory Revealed in Man

Tear Collector

Forces of Darkness Will Not Prevail

Bring Out the Best

Helping Hands

God Still Speaks

The Mountain of Deliverance

Little Acts of Kindness

Taking the Place of Prisoners

Show Them the Way

The Insignificant Yet Significant Mustard Seed

Dreams, God’s Conduit

Direct Line to God

An Open Heaven

The Fittest of All Survived

Kneeling Before the King of kings

The Merciful Almighty God

God’s Soothing Hand

Importunate Faith

The God That Cannot Be Boxed

He Knows Your Name

Help Will Come

Guide Them in the Fork Road of Life

Remarkable Transformation

God, Our Defender

Youthful in Eternity

From Sinner to Saint

The Infilling Presence of God

Man’s Best Friends

The Face of the Times

The Power of Money

The Big Creating God

Give Glory to the Talent Giver

The Smell of Victory

Seek the Great Counselor

Looking Up to the True Hero

A Blessed Nation

When Things Are Hard to Understand

Accounting in Eternity

Jesus is Lord

A People Dearly Beloved

The Plan of God Will Prevail

Being Alone with God

Laugh Out Loud

Miracle Inside the Lions’ Den

The Land of Forgetfulness

Go With the Right Company

Make His Name Known

The Incomparable God

God’s Loving Hands

The Fallen Angels

Be Forever Grateful to God

Trusting Despite the Pain

Obedience Counts Most

Run to God

Anything But God

Jesus, the Ark of the Covenant

Beyond Medicine

Beyond Language Barrier

His Strength in Our Weakness

Lay Down Good Foundation

What God Delights In

Showcasing God’s Faithfulness

Wilderness Experience for Higher Calling

The Generous God

Power That Transforms

The Deity of Christ

A Burning Heart

Victory Amid Difficulties

The Deadly Thing Called Transgression

Mirroring the Heartof God

Do Not Be Afraid

God Honors Marriage Vows

Rewarding Those WhoShow Mercy

Repetition, Retention

Cross Instead of Couch

Transformed Into Glorified Bodies

Don’t Trade Places

A Helping Hand, a Listening Ear

The Great History Maker

Inspiring Inspiration

The Vine and the Branches

A Kingdom That Has No End

Unveiling the Ascension Mystery

Turn Your Weeping Into Joy

The Designer of the Future

A Mission Impossible

Wait, It’s Worth It

Treading on the Unknown

Pointing to the One Who Is Faithful

Pick Up Your Seeds

Be an Influencer

Family, Close to God’s Heart

None Like Him

Forgotten Night

Help Wanted

Disobedience Causes Looking Away

Body Fitly Joined Together

Bending the Iron Will

The Waiting Period

Don’t Waste the Precious

Victorious in Darkness

Guiding Hands

Make Known the Unknown

Bring Them to Christ

Speaking of Math

Commandment 1—You shall have no other gods before Me.

Commandment 2—You shall not make for yourself a carved image…you shall not bow down to them nor serve them.

Commandment 3—You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.

Commandment 4—Remember the Sabbath Day, to keep it holy.

Commandment 5—Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long.

Commandment 6—You shall not murder.

Commandment 7—You shall not commit adultery.

Commandment 8—You shall not steal.

Commandment 9—You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

Commandment 10—You shall not covet your neighbor’s house.

The Multitude Feeder

Deal Carefully

Extraordinary Adopted People of God

Divine Encounter

His Prized Possessions

Anointed for Great Service

Conquering Them All

Looking for God

Serving Christ Wholeheartedly

The God of Science

Admonition with Rewards

Life Is Like a Vapor

The Cup of Judgment

Not By Works but By Grace

Be A Channel of Blessing

Taking the Road Less Trodden

Empathizing with You

Value Getting Together

Remember God’s Servants

Preparing for the Task

Permit to Heaven

God Is Faithful Every Day

Take Heed of Warnings

Needing a Soul Transplant

The Defeat of a Deadly Foe

Mothers Are Gifts from God

Let Go and Let God

Abide by Your Calling

No Need to Make and Break Vows

Healer of Broken Hearts

True Hunger

Awed by God’s Presence

Cast Your Lantern Up

Enter by the True Door

When Polishing Is Painful

The Creator Who Values

Touched by His Majesty

Be Proud of Your Heritage

The Never-Failing Word of God

Give, It Works

Called to Significance

Split-Second Decision

Need Not Be on the Limelight

Feeding with a Purpose

The Risen Lamb of God

Don’t Forget to Rest

Wonderful Triune God

The Hallelujah God

The God of Recompense

Tempered on Fire

Countless Harvest

The Jubilant Silent Helper

Harmony in Unity

God’s Good Thoughts

Stuck? Be Productive

The Greatest Friend

The Principle that Rewards

The Grasp of the Terrible

The Law of Process

A Thankful Heart

Godly Suspicion

Unfounded Fear

Strength in Weakness

Thinking Heart

The Glorious Kingdom

Knocking on Heaven’s Door

Risen for a Mission

My Greatest Valentine Gift

Putting Premium on the Invisible

When God Said Sorry

God’s Sure Protection

The Storm Calmer

Monument of Faith

God’s True Temple

The Master’s Touch

That Which Is Common to All

Break Loose from the Old Memories

True Love Unfolded

Nothing Replaces the Original

Real Men Say No

Word of God, Not a Pseudo Shield

A Pure Heart in an Impure World

The Life Preserver

Delivered from Enemies

True Love Is Blind

Worship God Alone

Creator’s Eyes of Love

Broken Wings

Work Precedes Blessing

Who Can Compare to the Greatest Genius?

More Precious Than Anything

Fear Not

Live a Well-Played Life

A Ticket to Eternity

Children, Not Visitors

Only God Is Good\

God’s Call, Your Best

Angels, Ministering Spirits

The Delightful Giver

Before History Began

Everybody’s Appointment

The Secret Giver

The Soul Cleanser

When Heaven Will Be Silent

The Only Way

Worth Waiting For

The King Through the Channel of Time

God’s Visitation

Double Delight

He Understands Our Griefs

The Bond of Love

Victory in the Midst of Fear

Faithful Witnesses

Time Alone with God

The Real Superhero

Every Knee Should Bow

Learn How to Pray in the Spirit

The Plague Stopper

The God of Destiny

Hierarchy in Heaven

The Eternal God

Those Who Break Loose

Food That Endures

Real Ministry

The Sinless for the Sinful

Don’t Sound the Alarm

Where God’s Heart Is

The Same Pattern

Be Angry, Sin Not

The Greatest Commander-in-Chief

Prayer Request, Anyone?

Stubborn Love

Special Assignments Ahead

Praise, Proclaim, Pray

Pass Through, Not Over, It

The City Dweller Who Came Down

True Wisdom

Never Broken Vow

Honoring the Honorable

Who Chases Who

Shoot That Ball

Be a Burden Lifter

Shoeless Petitioner

Put Conscience to Work

The Unmatched Inscribing

Flow Through to Others

Don’t Hide in the Shadows

The Best by the Best

Look Around forthe Hurting

When Things Don’t Make Sense

Do Business for God’s Glory

Avoid the Riptide

God’s Handiwork

Walk for God

Who’s the Toppest of Them All?

Crave for the Real Food

Looking Forward to Newness

Don’t Despair in the Turn of Events

Enjoy God’s Design

Take an Inventory

Quiet Peace

The Effects of Kindness

Freedom That Lasts

Don’t Build Fences

The Divine Heirloom

The Victorious Prince

Undying Love

The Balancer of Life

He Will Catch You

No Mistaken Identity

Teenagers Are Valuable to God

Prayer Lesson 1—Plead the Promises of God

Prayer Lesson 2—Be Confident That God Wants You to Be Joyful

Prayer Lesson 3—Use Your Holy Imagination

Prayer Lesson 4—Believe That God Is a Rewarder of Those Who Diligently Seek Him

Prayer Lesson 5—Have a Prayer Partner

Prayer Lesson 6—Use the Lord’s Prayer as a Pattern

Prayer Lesson 7—Listen to God

Prayer Lesson 8—Rely on the Holy Spirit

Prayer Lesson 9—Seek God’s Will

Prayer Lesson 10—Have a Grateful Heart

Prayer Lesson 11—Use Jesus’s Name

Prayer Lesson 12—Take Away Sin

Prayer Lesson 13—Be True Before the Lord

Prayer Lesson 14—Have a Prayer List

Prayer Lesson 15—Be Specific in Asking

Heirs to the Kingdom of God

Trees of Righteousness, God’s Planting

Star Bright, Star Light

Choice Pick

Countless Miracles

Called for a Purpose

From Sackcloth to Gladness

Clothed in God’s Glory

The Great Exalter

Your Life, Your Testimony

Why Do We Pray? To Know God

Why Do We Pray? We Are Commanded

Why Do We Pray? We Are Strengthened

Why Do We Pray? Angels Are Helped

Why Do We Pray? There Is a Spiritual War

Assessing Your Heart

Appendix A

Editorial Page

My Personal Notes

It is with deep respect and appreciation that this book is dedicated to the ordinary men and women who have become extraordinary in the hand of God.

When people allow Jesus to completely change them, they become part of the biggest revolution on the face of the earth.—Brother Andrew

Preface

Why God’s Whispers?

It is possible that, human as we are, we can still hear the Divine speaks to us in whispers. Time may have passed, but His way of communicating in still small voice never changes because His nature remains.

This devotional book is a compilation of enlightenment from the Word of God as it applies to daily normal situations in life. As each facet of life is displayed, new and refreshing revelation from God’s word is received. It’s as if God is whispering those beautiful moments, which must be captured immediately because they are given personally as insights on who He is and what He can do as the only living God, the Savior, a Friend, a Father, and all He could ever be. His whispers are being spoken very softly for personal intimacy for the time being but are intended to be relayed to others eventually. The Holy Spirit illuminates Christ as the visible image of God.

This aims to build up one’s faith in a God who is alive and who communicates directly with anyone who wishes to stay by His feet and is willing to listen and obey. An area is provided at the lower portion of the daily devotional in order to establish or enhance a personal quiet moment with God and hear Him whisper His precious revelations personally to the reader. This work is labeled by days and not by dates so that the reader may start at any date and reads on. This can also be used as a guide for Bible-study leaders as they venture into teaching others.

The Holy Spirit forbade Paul to preach the gospel in the province of Asia during his time. This cannot be attributed to any divine plan to permanently leave out this area from hearing the love of Christ, but by God’s wisdom and timing. Eventually, Asia opened to the gospel. Most of the illustrations or testimonies written here are from Far East Asia especially from the Philippines, which is said to be the forerunner of Christianity in the region.

We encourage the reader to join the God’s Whispers Prayer Movement (GWPM) to contribute more significantly toward the propagation of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. Please refer to Appendix A at the back portion of this book.

These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God (1 John 5:13).

"This is the disciple who testifies of these things, and wrote these things; and we know that his testimony is true.

And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen" (John 21:24–25).

Everlasting God! In deep reverence, I worship before the holy mystery of Your divine Being. If it pleases You, most glorious God, to reveal some of that mystery to me, I would bow with fear and trembling rather than sin against You as I meditated on Your glory.¹

Day 1

Strength in Silence

Evelyn Christenson, in her book What Happens When Women Pray?², commented that Today, silence is almost a lost art. She was referring to a step of prayer when we should be silent before God, to listen to Him. There is a time in prayer when we allow the God of heaven to speak to us instead of us doing much praying.

True enough. Silence is essential in prayer and is a notable pattern evident in creation. The sun breaks in the morning silently. It does not shout its glorious entrance. In fact, it comes out of its hiding gradually until you realize its full strength only to die down in the evening. The moon does not parade itself either with the chiming of the million stars. It simply walks regally under the canopied evening sky, content to glow its majestic light borrowed from the unseen sun. The clouds passed by gently, never a shout nor a buzz. They play gleefully, leaving wonderful forms yet without any sound.

In silence, we find strength. In quiet dignity is our confidence. Even the writer of Proverbs says that you will not discover a fool until he opens his mouth. Less talk, less mistake. It is written also that it is better to be silent before the Lord, for with much talk comes sin.

Silence brings about peace. At home, when a mother keeps her mouth shut when necessary, simply listens and works silently with her hands, her home will be peaceful. The same goes with the head of the family who nurtures a silent spirit. If children would take time to listen with their hearts to their parents’ guidance, there would be no room for unnecessarily answering back. Peace will indeed reign in the home.

God speaks to us in the stillness of silence.

Prayer. Be at peace, O my soul, and listen to your Maker.

Reflect on Zechariah 2:13.

God’s whispers to me personally: __________________________________

Day 2

On Whose Side Are You?

On whose side are you? This was the question Joshua asked the Man standing opposite him as he was looking at Jericho the day before they were planning to attack. He wanted to know whether this Man with drawn sword was on their side or on the side of their enemy. He was surprised when the Man answered, No, but as Commander of the army of the Lord I have come.

Luis Palau in his book The Moment to Shout³ gave an amazing eye-opener of this scenario where he paraphrased the reply of the Man—Joshua, I didn’t come to take sides. I came to take over. Clearly, He was saying the battle was not Joshua’s but the Lord’s!

Palau further wrote, Joshua was before the Lord. While Moses received instructions from God through His presence in the burning bush, Joshua saw Him face-to-face in battle gear. In both instances, God commanded these great men to take off their sandals for they were standing on holy ground. However, while Moses made excuses, the young courageous warrior bowed his head, listened carefully and obeyed God. The result—the high and thick walls of Jericho fell flat to the ground.

Learning from this, we can glean that it is not God taking our side, but rather we taking His side. We have to step back and let Him lead for after all it is not our battle but His. We cannot conquer our foes with our own might. They are far stronger than we. But since Christ is before us, we can overcome. It is not us charging in front and God at the rear saying, Go ahead, I got your back. The positioning is reverse.

Following the insights of Palau, we must say to the Lord, Lord, not my plans, but Yours. I’m not going to borrow Your indwelling power to do what I want to do. I thank You for Your indwelling power. Now Lord, what are You going to do through me? This international evangelist wisely noted further, Plans are the prerogative of God; obedience is the privilege of His children.

It is time to move backward. Don’t worry for you are on the winning side.

Prayer. Lord, I was blinded in the past thinking that it’s me then You; only to realize now that in reality it’s You then me.

Reflect on Joshua 5:14.

God’s whispers to me personally: _____________________________________

Day 3

Not Contradicting But Fulfilling

Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?...Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more were the soothing words of the Lord Jesus to the woman caught in adultery whom her accusers implacably pointed to have been caught in the very act. Jesus’s reply seemed not in line with the Old Testament law which commands that if a woman is found to have committed adultery, she is supposed to be put to death. Even the Ten Commandments are precise where it is written, You shall not commit adultery. How can these two be reconciled?

First is the motive. The motive of the Mosaic Law was to separate the Israelites from the people of the adulterous nations they were about to occupy. They were to be holy unto the Lord. In the present instance, the motive of the woman’s accusers was not for holiness but to find fault in Jesus. If Jesus agreed to the stoning of the woman, then He would have contradicted His teaching on love. If, on the other hand, He did not stand on the law of stoning, He would have been tagged as a law-breaker, and therefore, would have been stoned Himself. But knowing their motives, He challenged the sinless to be the first to do the stoning, to which everybody left. They realized what was in their hearts.

Secondly, the Israelites must maintain holiness for them to continue as a people of God from which the Messiah would come. If the Mosaic Law had not been strict, the unadulterated seed of Abraham would not have been preserved. The Israelites would have perished in their sin and where would the world find solution which can only be found in Christ? When Jesus descended through this race, the sacrificial Lamb for the forgiveness of the world was revealed. Talking to the woman, in effect Jesus was saying, Your sins are forgiven you. I already paid them all for you. Go now and do not commit sin anymore. Then, in Calvary hanging on the cross He cried out Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do. Re-framing, Father, forgive them, I take the stoning for them. That forgiveness included the woman caught in adultery. This applies not only to that woman but for everyone and for every sin. Jesus’s words are true, I did not come to break the law, but fulfill it.

Prayer. Lord, forgive me of my sins.

Reflect on John 8:11.

God’s whispers to me personally: __________________________________

Day 4

Not Man but God-Powered

When Moses agreed to bring out the Israelites from Egypt, he had no idea of the immensity of the task. Had he had a glimpse on what he was about to do, surely he would have backed out; no amount of anger or persuasion from God would have prompted him to journey on.

We read in the Bible about the miraculous signs and wonders done through Moses, and we clap our hands at the magical scenes. We see Moses as the champion, the hero who fought against the hard-hearted Pharaoh and Egyptians. But on closer look, we will understand that the exodus experience was not the work of Moses but the power of God in action.

The plagues and the opening up of the Red Sea were not man-powered but God-powered. Moses could not do them! He was an ordinary human being just like any of us. The feeding of about 2.5 million Israelites, by conservative estimate, in the middle of nowhere for forty years was something only the Divine could accomplish. To provide drinking water for forty years in an arid land for this multitude was a stupendous task too, impossible at that. And did you notice that the clothes and shoes they had on didn’t wear out at all in the forty years they wandered around in the wilderness?

Today, those running orphanages depending only on pledges and donations would fully understand this miraculous undertaking. The challenge of feeding and clothing a hundred, or perhaps a thousand, every day would cause the people in charge to fall down on their knees to cry out for help.

Every day Moses would get up watching his wards pick up their daily provisions. He himself was amazed at how God provided for these people. He understood that it was God, not him. Jesus Himself declared, Moses did not give you the bread from heaven, but My Father gives you the true bread from heaven.

Prayer. Lord, every day I would wake up knowing that You have something wonderful in store for me.

Reflect on John 6:32.

God’s whispers to me personally: ____________________________________

Day 5

Take Care of God’s Ministers

God’s ministers are special to Him. They are individuals with the specific calling from God to forsake all and serve Him. Once committed, they rely heavily on what God supplies them.

In the olden times, these are the Levites, the priests who minister in the temple of God. They were specifically instructed to do service for God. They were not to do tasks other than what were entrusted to them so that God’s work would continue on.

After Christ came, God’s ministers are the pastors, the evangelists, the prophets, and the teachers who work on full-time mission. Every day, they live by faith in God’s provisions.

They too, like any other people, have daily needs. They raise their own family. They send their children to school, desiring that they will succeed in whatever career God has called them to.

God’s hand is our hand. God’s heart is our heart. He instructed us not to forget His ministers but extend blessings to them so they will not abandon God’s work.

Time and again, it has been proven that blessing God’s servants brings extraordinary rewards to those who look after them. Because most of these ministers do not have the capacity to return the material blessing to the giver, God ensures that they are repaid to the fullest measure. It is a good thing, therefore, to open our hands to His chosen ones for many are called but few are chosen.

Joy Hwang from South Korea experienced this to be true. She had an impression from the Holy Spirit to offer a large sum of money for her pastor to have a house. At first, she struggled because during that time she had no home of her own, but she obeyed. God blessed her, and a couple of years later, she bought her own house too. A manifestation of God’s faithfulness.

Prayer. May I bless Your servants, Lord, and never forget them.

Reflect on Deuteronomy 12:19.

God’s whispers to me personally: ____________________________________

Day 6

In Heaven’s Eyes

Surely, you have heard the children’s song that goes, Jesus loves the little children. All the children of the world—red and yellow, black, and white—they are precious in His sight.

God lovingly created the different races of men from one blood descended from Adam, settling the races in well-defined national boundaries throughout the earth. In His love and wisdom, He weaves every individual of every race in his mother’s womb: each a special workmanship, a masterpiece. So you see, because God made the races of men of different colors, they are all equally beautiful in His sight.

With God, color is not what defines a person. Rather, it is the heart. So a person is beautiful or ugly depending on what God sees in the heart.

God sent His Son to rescue all the races of men from destruction. Indeed, Jesus submitted to the crucifixion in the hands of cruel men, where his blood flowed to pay the sin-debt of all men of all races. After He rose and conquered the grave, He commanded His disciples to go and preach the Gospel to all people including you and me.

Beyond our façade, He sees a filthy, sinful creature. He sees that we need more than cleansing: we need to be born again. Whoever is born again becomes a child of God and can come before His throne of glory and fellowship with Him. He listens, and He answers whoever calls upon Him.

Love sees no color. God’s love transcends race. When He looks at an individual, His love operates not on the basis of what people see but focuses on His majestic and beloved workmanship. After all, when man’s days are over, he returns to dust, and his dusts are not colored racially.

Prayer. Dear Lord, thank You that when You look at me, You make me special.

Reflect on Acts 17: 26.

God’s whispers to me personally: ____________________________________

Day 7

Stand on Your Ground

Let us walk through time and read a fable about a young rooster. Mother Hen was so elated that day and hurriedly ran to Father Rooster. At long last, she laid an egg. Very glad, Father Rooster took his turn in sitting on this new darling; keeping it safe and warm. One day, Mother Hen hollered a shout, Father Rooster, come quickly! I feel the baby is pecking on its shell. Together, they watched excitedly as indeed the tiny beak first began to show up from its hiding and then came out the face. In no time, he was out of the shell. It was a boy! What a joyful day. Time passed and play days were over. It is now time for Young Rooster to learn his cock tasks. The night before, Father had bidden him to go to bed early for tomorrow would be his first as an apprentice. At first, he grudgingly woke up. In doing his assignment, his small voice seemed like a quack and not as shrill as Father’s expert crow. As the days passed, he learned fast, dutifully got up the fence and proudly crowed.

One night, he was not himself. He felt that something seemed to be telling him that he has to be at his place at the precise moment. That night, he was half asleep. Then, sensing it was time, he walked regally toward the spot and crowed with all his might. The neighbors heard him. So did the man named Peter who clearly heard him too. Young Rooster did not know but somehow he had this gut feeling he did his assignment very well. He walked down the platform and said to himself, Mission accomplished.

What if the rooster did not dutifully do his job? What if he overslept and did not go at the appointed time? What if he murmured and simply said, I can do it some other time.? Or what if he grumbled and thought it was just another boring day and merely crowed a low voice just for the heck of it? Then, Peter could not have recalled that Jesus foretold he would betray Him. He would not have understood that Jesus knows everything before it comes to pass. That indeed He is the Messiah.

We could be that rooster with assignments; being prepared daily. Let us do our task dutifully for we know not whose life we are touching or influencing for Christ’s glory.

Prayer. Let my life be an offering to You, Lord.

Reflect on John 13:38; John 18:27.

God’s whispers to me personally: ____________________________________

Day 8

Unanswered Questions

The Bible says, All things work together for good to those who love God; to those who are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).

There are things in life we may not understand like, Why do people suffer? Why do babies have to be born only to die a few days later? We may not know the why.

We may not know the what either: What went wrong? What was my fault? What must I do? Nor may we answer the question how: How will I cope? How will I face tomorrow? How would I feel after I am done? We may not even have the capacity to give an answer to the question when: When will this suffering end? When will I find comfort and justice? The whys, the whats, the hows, and the whens may never be answered.

But one question is certain and sure: Who? Who is in control? Who knows all about it? Who will make all things well?

The Lord says, My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts (Isaiah 55:8–9).

Some say death is just the beginning of life. It could very well be true. For after this physical life is eternal life. Here is where real life begins because there is no more stopping of life. Life goes on and on. And God, who is an ever active God, certainly has work for the believers to do in the here and yonder.

What is done on earth is simply the preparation for that which is to come without end. So the questions without answers may be very clear there. We are admonished to simply trust in God for now. Answers will come in later. What joy that would be when we no longer want to know the answer but merely be contented with the Who!

Prayer. O Lord, my heart is filled with so many questions now, but I will trust that You know everything.

Reflect on Isaiah 55:8.

God’s whispers to me personally: ____________________________________

Day 9

Darkened Soul

Man’s soul is dirty. It is dark. It has been made so by sin. That darkness keeps man from coming to the presence of God. God, in His holiness, would not entertain a dark soul approaching His throne room, for sin is an abomination to Him.

God’s righteous and holy law demands that the soul that sins must die because the wages of sin is death. All have sinned and come short of the glory of God, the Bible declares. And so man must pay not only with his physical life but more so with his soul being cast into the lake of fire, which is the second death.

In His mercy, however, God made a way. Through Moses, He gave a law: that a lamb, perfect and without blemish must be sacrificed in behalf of the sinner. The blood of the lamb was shed to cover the sin-debt of the guilty.

Though the sin-debt was covered, the blood of the animal could not take away the darkness in man’s soul. It would take a more excellent sacrifice. A cry in the dark: O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? (Romans 7:24).

But Jesus Christ came and shed His own blood. With that offering, He entered the most holy place. That sacrifice that was presented became an acceptable offering in order to fulfill the requirement of the law; thus, sin was remitted. It was altogether cancelled, paid for. Once and for all. Now, it is no longer for the Israelites alone but for everyone who will apply the cleansing blood of the Lamb of God on his sin-darkened soul. That soul becomes clean and can freely approach the throne of the King of glory. Hallelujah!

Prayer. When I think about what You have done, Lord, I cannot help but praise and thank You.

Reflect on Hebrews 9:14.

God’s whispers to me personally: ____________________________________

Day 10

The Accursed Thing

Have you been in a situation where you cannot stand before your enemies? You seem to be on the losing end. No matter what you do, you end up defeated.

While it may be a test of your faith or building of your character, it could also be that there is an accursed thing in your midst like what happened to the people of Israel during the time of Joshua.

After their remarkable victory in Jericho, the Israelites thought they could easily defeat the people of Ai, who were much fewer in number compared to those of Jericho. They fled from their enemies instead with staggering death toll. When they asked the Lord why this was so, the Lord responded and said that there was sin in the camp. Upon investigation, it was found out that Achan committed a trespass by taking and hiding things which were forbidden.

In the same way, perhaps this is what is happening in your life. There is a forbidden thing. It may be a thought, a word, or an action—something that you know is not to be part of your life—yet you try to keep it, pretend that no one knows about it, and allow it to persist.

Just like what Joshua did, it is best that the accursed thing in your life be put to death. Leave those things that are not pleasing God. It may hurt, but it will free you from defeat and bring victory in your life.

God is not a condemning God, but He is