Listen to Living Waters

Points of light glistened on the water as the sun’s rays filtered through the forest, the rushing stream was music to my ears as I sat on the bank. The breeze, permeated with a warm musty scent, tumbled the fallen leaves across the ground and into the waters. A sudden drop in the air temperature brought a chill to my body and an awareness to my spirit. I felt the presence of my Savior.

“I am mad at You.” I said, unprovoked. My hands clasped over the water as I studied the stream.

“I know.” Jesus said, crouching down next to me at the water’s edge. His splendor caused the beat of my heart to skip, but my spirit lifted as His compassion absorbed my anger and opened my heart.

“You are asking me to lay down all the Words You have spoken to me.” I cried, tears streaming down my face. “Your promises are all I have, Lord. My hands will be empty.”

“Yes.” Jesus replied, enfolding His nail-pierced hands around mine. “But then My hands will be full.” The truth of His Words caused me to look upon His face, eyes filled with mercy. “I will help you. We will lay these down together.”

I felt the Lord’s strength pour into me as I opened my hands to cast everything upon the waters; but just as quickly my hope began to diminish as the current flowed away from me, taking my promises with it.

Jesus rose quickly walking the creek’s edge, His right hand outstretched over the water as fog began rolling up from downstream. I could not release my eyes from Jesus as I slowly stood, my voice silenced as I gasped for air, my hand stretched out to my Savior. Looking back over His right shoulder, our eyes met for only a moment before my Lord disappeared into the fog. Holding my breath with anticipation, I heard my Savior’s voice call out to me.

“I am The Fountain of Living Waters and you have believed every Word that proceeded out of the mouth of God. You have not departed from Me nor will I leave you. Watch the living waters, for I will return your promises to you, multiplied.”

Comforted by Ecclesiastes 11:1 KJV; Hebrews 13:5; Matthew 4:4 KJV; Jeremiah 2:13; John 7:38

 

Listen to The Silence

The treetop leaves were fluttering in the gentle breeze, clapping their hands in praise while the branches swayed to nature’s celebratory voices. Silent to human ears, but glorious to the Creator. My spirit instinctively moved in unison, joyfully anticipating the crescendo.

A shift in the atmosphere caused the wind to cease, ushering in a different kind of presentation. The air hung heavy, laced with a sweet smell – all creation bowing in humble silence to their God. I knew my Savior was close at hand.

The warmth of Jesus’ breath on my neck caused my skin to prickle as He whispered in my ear.

“The praise of your heart beckons me, My Beloved.” Jesus said, gently placing His hands upon my shoulders. “Your prayer rose before Me like incense and your fragrance filled My throne room.”

Resting my cheek upon His hand, my breathing shallowed as I absorbed Jesus’ love and drew from His strength.

“I long for the familiar tones of Your voice, Lord.” I replied. “I sometimes fear You will be silent.”

“You misunderstand the silence.” The Lord explained, moving to face me. “I am not silent, but you are restless. You will hear me once you quiet your heart.”

My heart bowed and my eyes lowered as I stood before My Savior. There was a hush in the room as I seized His Words, planting them deep in my heart.

“I ride upon the highest heavens sending out My mighty voice, the earth trembling when I look upon it. But with you, I dispatch My night song and draw you with My lovingkindness. Awaken your spirit and listen for My voice singing over you. Move in unison with My song for I draw near to collect you unto Myself. Arise and come away with Me.”

Comforted by Song of Solomon 1:12&15, 2:10&13, 7:10; Psalm 19:1-4, 28:1, 29:4, 42:7-8, 68:33, 104:32, 141:2, 148:1-14; James 5:7-8; and Zephaniah 3:17.

Listen to No Limits

Eleven floors up provided a prime view of the distant horizon, where my gaze was fixed on the unmistakable line between heaven and earth. The marker between what is and what could be; what was and now is not.

“I stretched a measuring line across the earth and barricaded the sea behind doors.” said the Lord. “But you have no limits.”

I heard my Savior, but my circumstances caused my mind to flood with erroneous restrictions. My words followed the same vein as I retorted a little too quickly.

“Past aspirations seem lost but also mingled with the present: my soul is weary of this life. My spirit is tattered, grounded by…”

My statement was taken captive when large birds moved into my field of vision, hovering mid-air, appearing to tease gravity as they surfed the wind currents with little effort. I was mesmerized.

“You were saying?” the Lord asked, graciously pretending not to know the rest of my statement.

I glanced at Jesus, but my attention returned to the phenomenon unfolding outside the window. The visual had me spellbound, transfixing my spirit.

“Invisible forces, Lord.” I replied, without breaking my hypnotic gaze. “My spirit is grounded by invisible forces.”

The spell was broken, and my slumbering spirit awakened as the Powerful One drew closer.

“The Spirit opposes the things of the flesh. And all forces in heaven and earth are under My authority. Who has obstructed you from soaring to the highest heights?”

The rhetorical question crushed my already grounded spirit, for I knew the “who” was me.

Sensing my remorse, Jesus pulled my trembling body into His full embrace. I felt the wounds of my broken heart mend with just the touch of His garment.

“Do not presume to know the works of God or the way of the Spirit. It is My Grace that keeps you heavenward. Persevere in the freedom I have provided as I renew a right spirit within you.”

Releasing His hold, Jesus raised my head to meet His eyes, filled with compassion and grace, piercing to the depths of my soul.

“I am the Lord and Possessor of heaven and earth. Watch as I show you wonders in the heavens and signs on the earth. You will mount up with wings like eagles as I pour out My Spirit upon you. I am not a God that stands far off. I AM here.”

Comforted by Colossians 1:15-17; Isaiah 40:28-31; Acts 2:17; Mark 5:28; Proverbs 15:13; Psalm 34:18; Galatians 5:1-7&17; Ecclesiastes 11:4; Hebrews 4:12; Job 10:1, 38:4-11; Jeremiah 23:23-24; Genesis 14:22; Exodus 3:14.

Listen to Audio of My Prison

There is a secret place that lies deep within my soul where fear lurks, waiting for its cue. Once sprung and no longer locked away, it quickly arrests my potential, locking me in a prison labeled inadequate and helpless.

“Who put you in there?” a man’s voice asked from across the room.

Spinning in my virtual cage and peering between the bars, I could only see His feet, but I knew it was my Savior. I felt a mix of excitement and anxiety as the Lord circled, His presence vibrant and His steps intentional, coming to a stop at the entrance to my prison. I held my breath, watching the hem of His garment swaying in the doorway as I tried to collect my answer. The silence was deafening.

“My soul is disturbed. I am feeling ineffective and powerless.” I confessed from within my prison, fortified with alternating bars of fear and shame.

“Where I AM, there is freedom.” said the Lord.

I knew that was Truth, but my heart was struggling to believe. My thoughts were interrupted when Jesus’ hand appeared in the doorway of my prison. The scars of His nail-pierced hands were exposed as He pulled me to my feet, our eyes making contact upon standing. His eyes were full of compassion while mine were filled with shame.

“Do not allow your past failures, current experiences, or the enemy to confine you.” Jesus warned. “For you are My light and I have placed you high on a pedestal to illuminate the room for those who enter.”

Gently caressing my hand, my heart found comfort as the Lord continued.

“You are My workmanship, clay in My hands. I authored your faith, but I am not yet finished. Do not fear who I created you to be, nor lower yourself to operate out of a mold not formed by My hands.”

My body trembled as I pulled Jesus’ hand to my face. Overcome by His mercy and grace, tears fell from my cheeks, pooling in His palm. Without a word from me, Jesus answered the concern in my heart.

“That shame is not yours to carry.” said the Lord, kissing the back of my hand.

“I endured the cross, to bear your shame. I AM the LORD who sits enthroned on-high and possesses all Power and Authority. All principalities and powers tremble and bow before Me and shame is held captive under the footstool of My Throne. You belong to Me and bear My image. Be strong in the power of My Might, for there is nothing powerless about you.”

Comforted by Ephesians 2:10, 6:10; Romans 13:1; Luke 10:19, 11:33-36; James 2:19; Isaiah 45:18-19, 64:8; Psalm 23:5, 62:11-12; Hebrews 12:2; 2 Corinthians 3:17.

Listen to Audio of The Healing

 

“I see you in the distance running toward the sound of My voice.” the Lord whispered under His breath, hoping my frantic spirit would hear Him through the chaos of my heart.

“I feel the panic in your soul as you strive to bring the immobilized man before Me.” Jesus continued. “I know your husband intimately and the state of his being, for he is one of Mine. I am familiar with your love for him but realize My love is even greater. I have plans for both of you.”

My breathing was labored as I reached the doorway, which was blocked with countless obstacles, keeping me from reaching my Savior. I started for the rooftop. Maybe I could get the Lord’s attention from a higher elevation and lower my husband down right at Jesus’ feet.

“There is no need to climb to the roof.” said the Lord, continuing His attempts at breaking through to my deaf ears. “The task of lowering your husband is too heavy for you. Stop fretting; I see your faith.”

My knees became weak and my spirit quenched as I labored up the stairs, pulling my husband on his mat behind me. Reaching the top, I looked down through a hole in the floor to find Jesus looking up at me. His kind and gentle eyes locked with mine, but my body froze in the presence of His authority. The stillness of the moment allowed my ears to finally hear the Savior’s voice.

“Come down to Me.” said the Lord. “Leave your husband upstairs, for My angels have him in their care.”

I hesitated to release my burden but chose instead to surrender to the Son of God. Making my way down the stairs, I felt a rush of extreme emotions but also a strange release from within. Waiting on the landing, Jesus took my hand in His.

“Come with Me.” He said, leading me away from the burdens that weighed me down.

“I heal in many different ways, unique to each individual and circumstance. Sometimes my healing is immediate and other times it is not. Your husband’s sickness is not unto death because he belongs to Me, the Resurrection, and the Life. Do not be afraid, he will thrive on the other side, and you will once again live abundantly on this side.”

Jesus gently brushed away each tear that began to flow as His Words settled in my heart.

“You will not understand My ways, so it is crucial that you trust My Goodness. My earthly healing today is not for your husband. My healing today is for you, My daughter. Abide with me here and rest from all your good deeds. Touch the hem of My garment so you will be healed. Breathe in My Life so you can finish the purposes I have appointed to you before time began. Is your faith in a healing miracle or is your faith in Me?”

Comforted by Mark 2:1-12, 10:18; Luke 8:41-56, 22:29; John 11 & 15; Matthew 11:30; Romans 8:28; Proverbs 3:5-6; 1 Thessalonians 5:19; Psalm 100:5, 145:9; Acts 17:24-28; Job 33:4; Jeremiah 29:11.

Listen to Audio of The Tomb

For so long, my mind incessantly hoped for a particular miracle that now lies entombed deep in my heart. The stone has been rolled away from the entrance of the vault, but I fear to look inside for what I might find. Will I only see an empty tomb, or will I pick-up the linen fragments that lie upon the ground and trust the Risen One to make everything whole again? I have come to the burial place, looking for my Messiah. I desire to see the glory of God.

“I am here.” Jesus answered, standing a short distance away.

Deafening silence filled the air as the Lord began approaching, eyes filled with love and mercy, focused only on me.

“I have been with you the entire time conversing along the way. Was your heart not burning within you while we were talking?” He asked.

Jesus’ intense presence awakened my spirit as He brushed my hair aside, whispering in my ear.

“I heard your breathing even before you cried out for your Redeemer. Tell Me what troubles your heart.”

Tears flowing and my body trembling, the answer came between sobs.

“I was expecting You to bring the miracle to pass, Lord. I feel let down, even cheated, wondering where You were and what remains for me.”

Jesus pulled me close as I wept and collapsed into His arms, the place where Love and Faithfulness meet together, and Righteousness kisses Peace.

“I am the Redeemer who stretched forth the heavens and made all things. I redeemed your soul from the power of the grave, for My Love is the greatest force in the universe, mightier than death.”

Reaching for my hand, Jesus interlocked our fingers. The God who satisfies the desires of every living thing was now strolling hand-in-hand with me. I was attuned to His every Word as He spoke.

“If you believe, you will see the glory of God. For there is no God besides Me and no greater Love than Mine. Remove the grave clothes that cloud your vision. Come with Me and watch what I will do.”

Comforted by: Psalm 46:8, 49:15, 85:10-12, 145:16; John 11; Luke 24; Matthew 28:6; Lamentations 3:55-58; Isaiah 44:24.

Listen to Audio of Broken Pieces

Shards of glass lay scattered across the floor creating a kaleidoscope of symmetrical patterns. Light danced across the walls as the morning sun struck the sharp edges. Beauty in motion contrasting the stillness of my seemingly shattered life.

“Things are not always what they appear.” said the Lord.

Picking up a jagged piece of glass, Jesus raised it toward the light, peering through it like a secret window into the heavens.

“When your perception is splintered, reality becomes distorted. Things become twisted and deformed.”

Watching my Savior sort through the fragments, I confessed. “I am having trouble finding you among all the broken pieces, Lord.”

Jesus turned and caught my gaze, but I quickly lowered my eyes in shame.

“That is because your perspective has been skillfully diverted.” The Lord said, moving toward me with compassion.

Touching the edge of my jaw, Jesus ran His fingers along the contours of my face, softly raising my chin to meet His eyes.

“You have been focused on the shifting patterns within your scope of vision and missed the enemy mirroring My movements. The Deceiver is highly skilled and knows human behavior well. Watch for him, for he is an illusionist.”

“What must I do, Lord?” I asked with wide eyes and a concerned heart.

Knowing the fear that was rising within me, Jesus put his arm around my waist and pulled me close.

“Do not be afraid, for I am your Keeper. Your strength and confidence manifests when you sit quietly and abide in Me. Always call upon the Spirit of Truth and listen for My still small voice. I will guide you into all truth and show you things to come, because nothing is hidden from Me.”

Tossing down the piece of jagged glass, Jesus waved His hand over the scattered mess.

“Do not be worried about these broken pieces. The Heavenly Father has given all things into My hands. I will take all the shattered segments of your heart and make them whole again. My name is Wonderful. Touch the hem of My garment and I will make all things whole. Watch as I unleash My wonders to your amazement. I am here and it is well.”

Comforted by Daniel 2:19-23; John 15, 3:35,16:13; Isaiah 9:6, 30:7 & 15; 1Kings 19:12; Luke 8:50; Matthew 14:36; Psalm 77:14, 121:5; Revelation 20:10.

 

Listen to Audio of The Embellishment

My footpath grew dark as the sun dropped below the tree line, long shadows extending across the forest floor. Darkness closed off all sides, my feet getting tangled among the dense underbrush as the path became concealed. No longer feeling secure, I froze along the trail, uncertain of my next step.

“What are you doing out here in the dark?” asked the Lord, grabbing my arm to reinforce my confidence.

“Trying to make my way in a dim and unfamiliar place.” I replied, frustrated by the question. Mostly because I did not have the answer that I wanted, the answer my heart desired. After a long silence, I stated the real condition of my heart. “I am lost and cannot find my way.”

“I know right where you are.” said the Lord. “I always watch as you come and go. Do not be afraid of the unknown, for not even one of My children will be lost. You may devise your plans, but I direct your steps.”

Listening to His voice brought peace over my heart and spirit. My body relaxing, I looked down as Jesus released my arm, noticing an object in His hand.

“I have something for you.” Jesus said. I could not yet identify the contents, but I clearly noticed the piercing through His palm. The magnitude of my Savior’s sacrifice on the cross elevated the beating of my heart.

Scanning my face as if to memorize its curves, Jesus glanced down as He opened His right hand, revealing a golden locket. As He unlatched the lid, a brilliant light flooded the forest canopy.

“It is beautiful.” I whispered, fully mesmerized by the embellishment.

“This is My gift to you.” said the Lord, fastening the necklace around me. “An ornament of grace to adorn your neck, filled with My wisdom, understanding, judgment, and discretion. A pendant to lie over your devoted heart. Wear it always because it will bring you safety. Follow Me and you will never walk in darkness. For I AM the Light of the World, the Maker of Heaven and Earth.”

Comforted by John 8:12; Jeremiah 10:23; Proverbs 3:21-26, 16:9; Psalm 37:23, 121:108; Luke 19:10; John 18:9; Genesis 3:9.

 

 

Click Here to Listen 

All feels lost as I stand before the Jordan River with my feet planted at its edge, the murky waters lapping at my toes. I watched my stolen dreams sink to the bottom, out of reach and irretrievable, a rippling ring moving out from the entry point. I felt hopelessness ascending to the surface of my soul, expanding like the rings of water.

“Were they your dreams?” inquired the Lord. “Or were they borrowed?”

The bewildering question shifted my attention to Jesus standing beside me, also surveying the waters.

“What do you mean?” I asked with a puzzled heart.

“Show me the exact place where your dream sank.” said the Lord, pointing to the waters.

While I was surveying the location, I felt Jesus’ hand interlock with mine, spinning me to face Him directly. Our eyes locked, Jesus reached for my other hand, softly brushing both against His lips before placing them over my heart and holding them firmly in place.

“The current of the Jordan runs fast and deep, but I control the living waters that flow from your heart. Make Me the object of your faith, casting My promises in the exact spot where you lost all hope. I will draw-out your aspirations, for I satisfy the desires of every living thing.”

“My hands of faith seem empty.” I confessed, lowering my eyes in shame.

“On the contrary.” said the Lord. “Your faith is very pleasing to Me. I see you keeping My Words and diligently seeking Me in all areas of your life.”

Clinging to every affirming Word, tears began to flow down my cheeks as I was overtaken by the Lord’s profound love, even in the midst of my faith crisis.

Jesus cradled my face in His hands, observing the state of my heart. I felt the center of my soul become still as His thumbs lightly brushed the surface of my skin, wiping away the teardrops.

“I sit enthroned above the circle of the earth. All things are held together by Me, the Creator of the Universe. Surrender your dead dream to the One who swallows up death in victory. I will alter the components of that dream making it rise anew, tailored to My purposes and doubling your portion. There is always a death before there can be a resurrection.”

Comforted by Proverbs 20:5, 21:1; Colossians 1:16-17; Isaiah 25:8, 40:22; John 4:10; Genesis 1:1 & 27; Revelations 4:1; 1 John 3:22; Philippians 2:13; Job 42:10; 2 Kings 6:1-6.

Here I sit at a crossroads in my life, idling in an intersection of decision, the signal before me glaring ruby red. Looking in my rearview mirror, I see my well-traveled, familiar path. It brings me a sense of comfort, but the streets are lined with grief.

Traffic moves around me as the light cycles in a methodical sequence, while I remain stationary. The road directly ahead seems concealed, unsettling, and a little risky. I began to appreciate the beauty of an intersection with its emergency escape routes to the left and to the right.

“What are you doing?” asked the Lord, interrupting my potential course of action. “You cannot flee from My presence, no matter which route you take.”

Fully aware of Jesus’ supreme power and authority, my flesh still rebelled, over-ruling any commonsense and spurred on by fear.

“Turning left is very appealing at this moment.” I responded with a small degree of sarcasm.

The attitude I was exhibiting quickly halted as Lord Jehovah, the Spirit of Life, took my hand, interlocking our fingers, squeezing once – and then twice. I felt my fear dissolving in the presence of Jesus’ perfect Love.

“You have an assigned purpose and plan, but it is down that road in front of you.” said the Lord. “Turning left or turning right will only delay the inevitable and cause a skirmish between your will and Mine.”

“I do not know how to do this, Lord.” I said, with an honest and now humbled heart.

“How this will happen is of no concern to you.” said the Lord. “I have already traveled down this path, ahead of you. Everything is prepared and waiting for your feet to hit the ground running. I have you hemmed-in, ahead and behind, guiding and establishing your steps, working everything to its proper end. The only wrong step is no step at all.”

My thoughts were racing as I stared at the narrow road ahead, the escape routes provoking me from both sides while flashes from my past streamed in the mirror.

“All paths eventually lead to Me, so the destination point is the same no matter your decision. But your choices will determine the length and enjoyment of your journey. Commit your decision to Me, for I am the Way that will lead to Life enriched with promise and blessing, no matter the hardships you encounter.”

The Truth of His Words broke my fixation. Glancing over at Jesus, I found Him gazing at me with eyes of adoration. I felt the transfer of my Savior’s courage as He squeezed my hand for the third time.

“The light is green. Which way will you go?”

Comforted by Daniel 2:47; Psalm 23:2-3, 95:3, 139:1-18; Matthew 7:13-14; John 1:1-18, 14:6; Romans 8:2; Isaiah 12:2; Jonah 1 & 2; Joshua 1:1-3; Proverbs 16:3-4, 9; Jeremiah 29:11; 1 John 4:18.