(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: Colossians 3:23-24

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” [New International Version (NIV) Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society]

TODAY’S MESSAGE

I’m sure it has happened to you at least once in your lifetime. You work hard… you wake up every morning and strive to give your best… you make your greatest effort to please your boss, spouse, parents, church leaders… but you feel you’re doing too much and not being recognized for it… or you’re giving away too much time and not being paid enough… or you simply feel not appreciated at all. Ever felt this way?

I know exactly how it feels, for I’ve been there many times. But God is watching, and He does not lose sight of the facts. He also sees your heart… your attitude… your great desire to serve Him and others… your willingness to go the extra mile… your desire to please Him over everyone and everything else. And He’ll definitely honor you for it.

Let us never forget Who we work and live for, Who our real boss is. And as we take care of serving and pleasing Him, He’ll take care of placing us in the right place at the right time. We’ll never lose when He is in charge!

TODAY’S PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for watching over me and not losing sight of my daily circumstances. Teach me to rely on Your grace each day to continue doing my very best wherever You place me, and thank You for the doors of opportunity that will soon open for me. This I pray in Jesus’ name and with a heart of thanksgiving and praise, amen.

(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: Proverbs 16:1

“We humans make plans, but the LORD has the final word.” [Contemporary English Version (CEV) Copyright © 1995 by American Bible Society]

TODAY’S MESSAGE

Some months ago I finished reading an awesome book written by Dr. Charles Stanley entitled “Success God’s Way.” The first two chapters alone made a huge and powerful impression on me in regards to how God sees success and how much He truly is committed to our success. In essence, and according to this book, success is…”…the continuing achievement of becoming the person God wants you to be and accomplishing the goals God has helped you set.”

Now, to make sure our lives our aligned to this godly definition of success, a key question we need to ask God each and every day is: “Lord, what do YOU want me to do today?” As today’s verse reveals, we can make our own plans, but it is following God’s lead and obeying Him that we ultimately become the successful people He designed us to be.

If you have a chance to get a hold of this book, I highly recommend it. But more than that, I encourage you to ask this key question before God every morning and listen to what He has to say. Then go ahead and live it out. I’m sure the results will be truly phenomenal!

TODAY’S PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for being such an awesome God, One Who truly cares about us and has established a divine purpose for each one of Your children. Help me each day to submit to Your will and view of success and to make sure my thoughts, words, and actions are always aligned to Your heart. In Jesus’ precious name, amen.

(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: Psalm 91:14-16

” ‘Because he loves me,’ says the LORD, ‘I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation.’ ” [New International Version (NIV) Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society]

“‘If you’ll hold on to me for dear life,’ says GOD, ‘I’ll get you out of any trouble. I’ll give you the best of care if you’ll only get to know and trust me. Call me and I’ll answer, be at your side in bad times; I’ll rescue you, then throw you a party. I’ll give you a long life, give you a long drink of salvation!’ ” [The Message (MSG) Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson]

TODAY’S MESSAGE

The following anonymous story demonstrates how God can use something as insignificant as a spider to show us His mercy and lovingkindness:

During World War II, a US marine was separated from his unit on a Pacific island. The fighting had been intense, and in the smoke and the crossfire he had lost touch with his comrades. Alone in the jungle, he could hear enemy soldiers coming in his direction. Scrambling for cover, he found his way up a high ridge to several small caves in the rock. Quickly he crawled inside one of the caves. Although safe for the moment, he realized that once the enemy soldiers looking for him swept up the ridge, they would quickly search all the caves and he would be killed. As he waited, he prayed, “Lord, if it be your will, please protect me. Whatever your will though, I love you and trust you. Amen.”

After praying, he lay quietly listening to the enemy drawing close. He thought, “Well, I guess the Lord isn’t going to help me out of this one.” Then he saw a spider begin to build a web over the front of his cave. As he watched, listening to the enemy searching for him all the while, the spider layered strand after strand of web across the opening of the cave. “Hah, he thought. “What I need is a brick wall and what the Lord has sent me is a spider web. God does have a sense of humor.”

As the enemy drew closer he watched from the darkness of his hideout and could see them searching one cave after another. As they came to his, he got ready to make his last stand. To his amazement, however, after glancing in the direction of his cave, they moved on. Suddenly, he realized that with the spider web over the entrance, his cave looked as if no one had entered for quite a while. “Lord, forgive me,” prayed the young man. “I had forgotten that in you a spider’s web is stronger than a brick wall.”

We all face times of great trouble. When we do, it is so easy to forget the victories that God would work in our lives, sometimes in the most surprising ways. As the great leader, Nehemiah, reminded the people of Israel when they faced the task of rebuilding Jerusalem, “In God we will have success!” [Nehemiah 2:20]

Remember: Whatever is happening in your life, with God, a mere spider’s web can become a brick wall of protection. Believe He is with you always. Just speak His name through Jesus His son, and you will see His great power and love for you.

(Anonymous)

TODAY’S PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for always being there for me in good and bad times. I ask forgiveness for those moments that I have not trusted You 100% but instead have worried and become overly stressed. I receive Your forgiveness and commit to trust my life’s direction to Your divine will, for You know best. I thank You and rejoice in Your Son’s Jesus’ name, amen.

(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: James 1:5

“If you don’t know what you’re doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You’ll get his help, and won’t be condescended to when you ask for it.” [The Message (MSG) Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson]

“If any of you is deficient in wisdom, let him ask of the giving God [Who gives] to everyone liberally and ungrudgingly, without reproaching or faultfinding, and it will be given him.” [Amplified Bible (AMP) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation]

TODAY’S MESSAGE

Maintaining a positive attitude in our life journey is **vital** to obtaining successful outcomes. And this includes viewing our problems as life challenges with opportunities for growth. Believe me, once we start viewing difficulties and problems as such, our whole perspective on life is positively affected. And the results we yield through this mental attitude are incredibly beneficial –even impacting other people.

Someone once said, “Every problem has a solution…” And I agree, and would add to this phrase “…and God always has the BEST one!” For I believe there can be many solutions to any problem, but only following God’s lead with a solutions-oriented mentality will we be able to find the precise answer –and the needed strength and resources– for any problem we face in life.

Commit to be a solutions-oriented Christian. You never know who is observing you, and the way you and I handle our problems will be a witness of God’s awesome power working in and through us.

TODAY’S PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for being my True Source of all wisdom and understanding. Thank You for always being willing to offer me the best solution to any problem and difficulty I face. Help me to always rely on Your divine guidance and faithful direction, so that others may be blessed through me as I handle my life wisely and according to Your will. In Jesus’ precious name, amen.

(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: Hebrews 10:22

“So let’s come near God with pure hearts and a confidence that comes from having faith. Let’s keep our hearts pure, our consciences free from evil, and our bodies washed with clean water.” [Contemporary English Version (CEV) Copyright © 1995 by American Bible Society]

TODAY’S MESSAGE

Every single day our Heavenly Father awaits to see you and me, and share a part of His plan for our lives. He has already made sure the path to His presence is clear through Jesus. For it is this very purpose that you and I were created: to have eternal fellowship with our Universe’s Creator. But this fellowship is not forced upon us; we are invited to come and be God’s guests anytime and anywhere. For there is fullness of joy, peace and provision every time in our God’s awesome presence.

But then, our daily busyness, failures and human limitations hinder us from spending quality time with our God. Perhaps we do not know how is the best way to approach Him; perhaps we feel guilty of all our imperfections. But you know what? God is always there to listen to our hearts and provide for all our needs. He has promised to be our Healer, Restorer, Provider, and 24-hour Protector. God already knows what our needs are and desires to be all we need Him to be in our life. WE are the ones who need to take a step each day and reclaim what is already ours… just as we are!

Through our faith in Jesus Christ, you and I have become covenant children. And this means that we do have a right to come before God’s throne anytime. For Jesus has already made a way, and by simply exercising this divine right you and I can experience all God designed us to be since the very foundations of the earth!

Isn’t this such an awesome truth??

TODAY’S PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for creating me with a divine purpose, and for granting me the right to access Your very presence through my faith in Jesus. I praise You today with all my heart and acknowledge Your work within me. Teach me to patiently abide daily in Your presence and help me to always honor Your name in every circumstance I face. In the precious name of Your Beloved Son I worship You today, amen.

(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: 2 Corinthians 10:18

“What you say about yourself means nothing in God’s work. It’s what God says about you that makes the difference.” [The Message (MSG) Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson]

TODAY’S MESSAGE

A key element in any successful and well-managed system is accountability: the need to give an account for what has been said and done. This principle applies to all areas of life, including our job, school, church, and family relationships. God’s “Kingdom System” –or ways of operating– works the same way. For every little thing we say and do –or miss to say or do– we will give an account at the appointed time. For the truth is that every word we say and action we choose to take does affect other people in positive or negative ways, and eventually all of this will be exposed to light.

Furthermore, it is what God says about you and me that really makes a difference. We may try our best to help others, submit to our assigned authority, or please others with our actions. But God, Who sees it all, knows the deep intentions of our heart. If our heart is where it needs to be, if our motives are pure and in alignment with His will, then we can be confident that God is pleased with us and will continue to place us in key positions to receive His annointing and blessing. This, my friend, is ultimately what really matters in life.

TODAY’S PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for providing me so many ways to love others and be a faithful child of Your Kingdom. Help me to search my heart in every situation I encounter, so that my motives are always pure and aligned to Your will. Thank You for Your wisdom and strength to carry out Your purpose for me, and I praise You for the wonderful results of my obedience. In Jesus’ precious name, amen.

(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: James 1:19

“Understand [this], my beloved brethren. Let every man be quick to hear [a ready listener], slow to speak, slow to take offense and to get angry.” [Amplified Bible (AMP) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation]

TODAY’S MESSAGE

Listening has been said to be one of the most difficult skills to develop in life (and I agree). As human beings, God created us with the need (and means) to talk and communicate our minds and feelings. But at the same time, God gave each of us a pair of ears so we may understand His truth and also care for our brothers and sisters’ hurts and joys. A great speaker is also considered a great listener. And perhaps God gave us just one tongue but two ears to emphasize the importance of listening over talking.

As a thinker and learning specialist who needs to share his creative ideas on a daily basis, I have found of great value channeling my thinking process through daily prayer and meditation in God’s Word. This has helped me tremendously in understanding what, when and how to share my ideas and thoughts at the right time and place –as well as when to just stop and listen. At times listening without talking can be very difficult, but it is possible –as long as we keep the Biblical principle in mind: “There is a right time for everything … a time to be silent and a time to speak.” [Ecclesiastes 3:1,7, International Children's Bible]

Perhaps you are also struggling with developing your listening skills (and I believe most of us are). If so, here’s a key: be humble before God on a daily basis and be sensitive to the needs around you. Through these, God will show you (and me) how to be the great listeners we need to be.

Are you listening?

TODAY’S PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for providing me the physical means to communicate and listen. Help me to focus on Your ability within me to listen more and speak less. Even in my quiet times with You, help me to provide You a space and listen to Your heart. In Jesus’ precious name, amen.

(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 40:31

“But those who wait for the Lord –who expect, look for and hope in Him– shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun]; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint or become tired.” [Amplified Bible (AMP) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation]

TODAY’S MESSAGE

One of the most fascinating and peculiar creatures on earth is the eagle. Not only does it make its nest between rocks at very high distances –usually the highest mountain of rocks there is around–, but it can also fly and see its food with incredible vision from thousands of miles away in the sky. And once the eagle gets its eyes fixed on its prey, it rushes down at a high speed to get hold of what it has made its own.

We, very much like eagles, have been provided spiritual “wings” to soar and reach new heights at every stage of our earthly lives. As we continue to grow in our Christian journey, and allow ourselves to proceed to higher levels in our relationship with God, our vision and purpose become clearer and brighter. The closer we get to God and His purpose for our life the more evident our potential and blessings. The higher we strive to go, the better equipped we will be to experience success as God intended us to experience it. And once we see our blessing from that altitude, nothing can stop us from getting hold of what is already ours.

Dare to go higher in your daily walk with God. Adjustments might be needed, but the results will be worth everything.

TODAY’S PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for providing me ways to soar higher in my daily walk with You. Help me each day to acknowledge Your willingness to soar with me to new heights, and give me the strength to carry on regardless of my present circumstances. In Jesus’ name I pray and give You thanks, amen.

(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: Matthew 5:3-10

3″You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.”

4″You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.”

5″You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought.”

6″You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat.”

7″You’re blessed when you care. At the moment of being ‘care-full,’ you find yourselves cared for.”

8″You’re blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.”

9″You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.”

10″You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom.” [The Message (MSG) Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson]

TODAY’S MESSAGE

Here’s a great anonymous story to encourage you to believe and proclaim your victory today and every day:

While shopping at a local department store, I spotted a man with B.A.D. printed on his shirt. Being the curious person that I am , I stopped the man and asked, “What does B.A.D. stand for?” He replied, B.A.D. stands for: “Blessed And Delivered.” That thought stuck with me as I finished doing my shopping that day. So I came up with a little advice for you today:

1. When the enemy tries to attack you, tell him that you are indeed B.A.D.!

2. When things don’t seem to be going right on your job, keep acting B.A.D.!

3. When things are not looking good in your relationships, remember that you’re B.A.D.!

4. When others scandalize your name, just be B.A.D.!

5. Finally, get together with someone you know you can be B.A.D. with!

6. And, by the way, have A B.A.D. Day!!

TODAY’S PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your awesome lovingkindness through which You have blessed me and delivered me from the evil one. I commit every day to see myself as a Blessed and Delivered child of Your Kingdom, whom You have given the authority in Jesus to be victorious and successful. In Jesus’ name I declare an ever-increasing anointing over my life and my loved ones, AMEN!

(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: John 8:12

“[Jesus] said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’ ” New International Version (NIV) Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society]

“Jesus once again addressed them: ‘I am the world’s Light. No one who follows me stumbles around in the darkness. I provide plenty of light to live in.’ ” [The Message (MSG) Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson]

TODAY’S MESSAGE

You and I are called to be Christ-like in words and deeds. And just like Jesus came one day as a human being to be God’s light to all humankind, you and I are called to be lights to our present world.

Since creation and human fall, darkness seems to have prevailed throughout history. Not only in the spiritual sense –related directly to sin and the reality of satan and his kingdom– but in many other different forms derived from these. The presence of guilt and fear, the unawareness of one’s possibilities and opportunities, and the absence of a purpose-driven life are just a few examples of the reality of the many forms of darkness all around us.

So how can we be lights in the midst of our present darkness? Besides being Jesus’ faithful witnesses on earth by sharing His light, we can assist others in understanding their true purpose in life. By affirming other people’s self-worth and potential we are giving them light to see God’s plan for them. And by going the extra mile and reaching out to those in need we definitely show God’s true loving nature, which is powerful enough to make any blind see.

Only by gratefully reminding ourselves of who we were and who we are now will we be able to help others learn who they can become.

TODAY’S PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Jesus as my Savior and Everlasting Light. Help me to share this light with those around me, so that they can also live a life that may shine through their present darkness and enlighten their world and those around them. In Jesus’ precious name, amen.