Hearing God's Voice

Sometimes, I find myself longing for those moments when I can clearly hear God's voice without any doubts. Usually, these moments come during tough times when I'm pushed to my limits and Jesus leads me. This book has helped me document those moments and recognize the differences. Like Abraham, who didn't have smartphones or gadgets to capture those moments, I've learned to use symbols, like building altars, to remember encounters with God.

This is the beginning of my journaling journey, where God gave our family a vision for a business venture. Many opportunities are coming our way, not just for our family but for our entire extended family. It's crucial to listen to Jesus and make wise decisions.

Unlike before, I now hear God's voice not only in desperate moments but also in the blessings our family and business receive. My wife, Rose, questioned why we should embark on Leading Edge, a financial and accounting business venture when our mortgage is almost paid off and our daughter Janelle is finishing school. The answer lies in helping others. Our family, extended relatives, community, and even people worldwide have so many needs. Sadly, we can only do so much, and it breaks our hearts.

This is my first journal entry, inspired by Luke 4:1-13. It tells the story of Jesus being tempted by Satan after His baptism by John the Baptist in the Jordan River. Jesus prayed, and God's voice was heard saying, "You are my Son, whom I love; with you, I am well pleased" (Luke 3:21-22).

The good news starts with the Father reminding Jesus, "You are my Son, and I am well pleased." It all begins with a relationship. Before taking on a big mission, Jesus reminds me and my family of the relationship we have with God the Father through Jesus—we are His children. It's natural for children to ask their Father for things. If they ask for bread, would the Father give them a snake? Definitely not. And if a child asks for something harmful, would the Father give it to them? Of course not. God's voice tells us to ASK because, through Jesus, we are His sons and daughters. So, I pray that our business venture can relieve our family's financial burdens, help others, and expand God's kingdom.

But temptations and trials will come. In the Bible, it often happens that when we hear God's voice or encounter Him, we also face tests and trials. Satan doesn't let go easily. He tried to tempt Jesus three times, but he failed. The last verse in Luke 4:13 says, "And when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time." That's why God's voice tells us to stay ALERT.

Satan's first tactic is to plant doubt about our relationship with Jesus and flood our minds with fear and worry. This usually happens when we're vulnerable. But Jesus always reminds us of our identity as the Father's children and uses Scripture to silence Satan. The voice of God within me tells me to ABIDE. Without Jesus, I can't do anything, as John 15:5 says. He is my Savior, King, older brother, beloved, friend, and without Him, I am powerless.

His presence is enough, just as Moses prayed, "If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here" (Exodus 33:15). His message to us is summed up in "AAA": Ask fervently, stay Alert, and Abide in Jesus. I can't wait for the next chapter. God bless.

My Story becomes Our Story

Hey, my dear friend,

I have an incredible story to share about how Jesus Christ has completely turned my life around. To be honest, for a long time, I messed up a lot and made some really foolish choices. It didn't just affect me, but also my family and the people around me. But then something amazing happened. When I hit rock bottom, God, Jesus, and the people who loved me came to my rescue. They helped me put my life back together. It's been more than a decade since then, and I made a conscious decision to leave behind the shame, guilt, and devastation that used to define me. Instead, I embraced the powerful truth that God sees me as someone special. You know, there's a verse in John 1:12 that says, "If you believe in Jesus, you become a child of God."

Jesus' love knows no limits, and His grace has freed me from the heavy burdens of my past. I have been forgiven so generously, and it has completely transformed my life. I no longer feel the need to prove myself or seek validation from others. My worth is rooted in Christ alone. It's like that verse in 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, "If you're connected with Jesus, you're a completely new person. The old stuff is gone, and everything is fresh and new."

The journey of faith has its own challenges and temptations, but it's comforting to know that Jesus is always with me. He gives me strength and comfort when I'm feeling weak. I trust Him to guide me on the right path, just like it says in Proverbs 3:5, "Trust God with all your heart, and don't depend on your own understanding. Seek His advice in everything you do, and He will show you the right path."

Gratitude fills my heart, and I can't help but share my story of grace and redemption with those around me. I truly believe that my testimony can inspire and give hope to others who are going through their own struggles. I try my best to show Christ's love by being kind, compassionate, and forgiving to those who need it. Ephesians 4:32 says, "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you."

When doubt creeps in, I hold on to the fact that my faith is a precious gift from Jesus. I didn't earn it or achieve it on my own. I fully embrace His unconditional love and rely on His unwavering faithfulness. He supports me and gives me the strength to live a life that honors Him. Ephesians 2:8 says, "You have been saved by grace through faith. It is not your own doing; it is the gift of God."

I can't express enough how grateful I am for the joy, peace, and freedom I've found through the message of Jesus Christ. My journey is proof of how powerful His love can be. With unwavering determination, I continue moving forward, knowing that God has plans for me that are purposeful and filled with blessings. Jeremiah 29:11 says, "I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Now, my dear friend, I challenge you to consider the profound impact that Jesus can have on your life. Will you open your heart to His abundant grace, forgiveness, and redemption? Will you let Him transform your past mistakes and define your worth? Will you surrender your life to His loving guidance and experience the freedom that can only be found in Him? I invite you to embark on this extraordinary journey of faith and discover the immeasurable blessings that await those who choose to follow Jesus.