Tag: peace

God will Inhabit the Timeline of 2026

On By Heather HensonIn Devotionals, Personal Reflections, Sharing from my Journal2 Comments

Enjoying time spent with God yesterday morning (December 30, 2025), I heard myself pray words that I had never expressed in that way before. The beloved Spirit of Jesus seemed to inspire and inform my prayer in a most wonderful way. I pray the Spirit of God might also use them to minister into your soul.

The words came vibrantly alive in my mind, “Daddy*, You inhabit the timeline of 2026!”

I went on to pray, “Would you please help Ross and I to keep hold of Your hand and walk through each day letting Your Spirit be the Choreographer—the Lord—of the dance of life as we journey together. I know that You will be there to usher us into each day; indeed, into the moments that we might not see coming. And I also know from experience that You’ll provide for us in ways that surprise and amaze us, even when we need to be patient and watch and wait to see what you will do! I’m confident that there will never be a time when You won’t be with us, or will not have prepared for us according to Your heart. It’s so good to remember this, so thank You for your gift of the inhabit word!” 

Then I remembered we’re about to leave 2025 behind… 

“And God, thank You that Your Spirit inhabited the timeline of my 2025. Ross and I surrender this year-already-lived into Your redemptive grace and Your plans which are, after all, ALL about the King of kings and Lord of lords: Jesus. You are the God of the second chance! You are not limited to the timeline that we are in, and You see and hear clearly what we do not, or what we see in part. You even see the unspoken cries of our heart. 

I seem to sense the Lord saying, “Leave it all with Me, beloved. I can wonderfully and redemptively fashion all things according to My plans designed to create in you the likeness of Jesus, My Son and your Kinsman-Redeemer. 

Relax and enjoy Me as we journey through each and every day. Some days will be filled with joy, but there will be others that will hold sorrow. Remember that in everything I AM actively with you—I am never a passive spectator. I AM your wise and compassionate Help in times of trouble. I AM your strategic Shepherd and Guide who provides for you in all sorts of creative ways. 

In this world you will experience troubles of one kind or another, but take heart because I, in Christ, have overcome the world!”

The writer of the Bible’s Old Testament book of Deuteronomy 31:6 (The Message version) says; Be strong. Take courage. Don’t be intimidated. Don’t give them a second thought because God, your God, is striding ahead of you. He’s right there with you. He won’t let you down; he won’t leave you.

*By the way, you might not already know this story about God and me… One morning about 20 years ago, while enjoying time soaking in God’s presence, He seemed to clearly communicate into my soul saying “Beloved, I want you to call me Daddy!”

His invitation into a heart to heart relationship of deeper intimacy seemed to unlock the door of a room deep in my heart. Immediately and surprisingly for me, there erupted a spontaneous flow of violent sobs! After my messy sobbing tears had subsided, not only did I feel that same deep part of me was at peace—wrapped up in the embrace of His heart—I somehow felt more gloriously free to be and continue to become who HE created me to be!

From my own lived experiences I know that with Jesus who is Immanuel, God-with-us, our story continues on; however, the living Saviour of the world who is eternally I AM (see Exodus 3:13-15) promises to inhabit the timeline of our lives—in 2026 and beyond!

Finally, Psalm 139:1-7; 10-11 says; 

Lord, you know everything there is to know about me. You perceive every movement of my heart and soul, and you understand my every thought before it even enters my mind. You are so intimately aware of me, Lord. You read my heart like an open book and you know all the words I’m about to speak before I even start a sentence! 

You know every step I will take before my journey even begins. You’ve gone into my future to prepare the way, and in kindness you follow behind me to spare me from the harm of my past. You have laid your hand on me! This is just too wonderful, deep, and incomprehensible! Your understanding of me brings me wonder and strength. 

Where could I go from your Spirit? Where could I run and hide from your face? Wherever I go, your hand will guide me; your strength will empower me. It’s impossible to disappear from you or to ask the darkness to hide me, for your presence is everywhere, bringing light into my night. —The Passion Translation (Emphasis mine.)

*If you need support—prayer, wise counsel, or just a listening ear—please reach out to someone you trust. 

2026 Photo Credit: BoliviaInteligente

Relaxing with Jesus

On By Heather HensonIn Devotionals, Life's Lessons, Personal Reflections, Sharing from my JournalLeave a comment

Long ago the apostle Paul wrote to the first century church. His words inspired by God, the Holy Spirit, are also life-giving for us today. Very meaningful to me are words found within the second letter to the Corinthians:

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. Even when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation! For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer. We are confident that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in the comfort God gives us. (2 Corinthians 1:3-7 NLT)

The passing seasons of life as seen in the tree in front of my house.

Just like this tree, now with all of its glorious seasonal Autumn colours, we pass through seasons of life. For me, 2025 is a season which God seemed to designate as a “Sabbath”. It seems to me, Holy Spirit’s been at work in me to create space for a falling away of beliefs and thoughts and habits that never belonged to me in the first place, or are no longer serving me well, and must not be carried into the next season of life. While it’s been a stretching and challenging time, I sense I’m entering the next phase of this Sabbath year: a time of deep, peaceful, restorative rest which will quietly prepare me for the season to come.

Perhaps these thoughts I’m sharing might somehow resonate with you? Something of God’s comfort to me might also comfort you at this time. During a time of prayer journalling – writing what came to mind while listening and talking to Jesus (on 23 May, 2025) – it seemed to me that God said the following life-giving words to me:

“Beloved, remember My words to you; Relax! I just need you to enjoy Me…

I don’t expect perfection in you, or from you. I need you to relax and let Me mould and shape you—uniquely—to beautifully reflect Jesus, My beloved Son. 

Dance with Me, Jesus, and sing with Me for joy! Let My lavish, complete, life-giving love fill you and penetrate into the very core of who you are. For this to happen, I need you to relax in My presence. Relax from the inside-out. 

All will be well. All is well with your soul. 

Let that truth seep into the deep places within you. Truly, My grace will be enough—more than enough—for you!

Keep hold of My hand, and together, we will walk the one step at a time through life. Be patient and stay with Me, and remember…

Enjoy Me!“

May the Spirit of Jesus and our good-all-the-time beloved Father bless you with a deep, unshakeable knowledge and understanding of how wide and deep and eternal God’s love is for you because you experience Jesus for yourself.

The Banner of Love

On By Heather HensonIn Devotionals, Personal Reflections, Sharing from my JournalLeave a comment

As is often my first-thing-morning custom, I welcomed the presence of God that day in April, 2025.

Of course I knew that the beloved Holy Spirit never leaves me while I sleep, nor does He sleep! But this was a new day for me and, well, why wouldn’t I welcome the Lover of my soul who knows me better than I know myself? Why wouldn’t I welcome He who provides for me in all sorts of creative ways, He whose mercies are new every morning; the One whose joy will be my strength; and whose grace, faithfulness and love never ends?

In that restful and relaxed place of somewhere between sleep and morning wakefulness, I asked Who do You want to be for me today, Daddy1 and Jesus and Holy Spirit?

The words came like a gentle, clear whisper into my inner being, “My banner over you is love”.2 

Pondering on the word banner with its accompanying visual image, I replied asking, “Daddy, would You please show me or tell me more about Your banner over me?” 

These words seemed to flow into my heart…

“My banner is a declaration! Therefore My declaration of love for you, into you, is My protection over you. 

In the world—in the spiritual realm—this is seen as a light of flame burning so brightly that all must look away. You are therefore invisible to anyone who would approach with malicious intent to steal, kill or destroy. 

Nothing can penetrate My banner. You are secure in Me as you rest in Me, and I AM good.

My plans for you are good ones. 

Take heart, beloved! We will walk forward together on this journey of life. Holding My hand3 imparts strength into your being. This is what it means for you to not grow weary or faint, but to soar in the heavenly realms as on eagles wings4 – and keep going – one step at a time, infused by the joy of My strength and My peace, which passes all your understanding!

Celebrate life in Christ, life with Me, beloved!“

How might a picture adequately illustrate “God’s banner over me is love”? The memory of watching the sun rise over the beach at Anglesea (Australia) comes close. The experience caused me to stand in awe of who God is, revel in His great love for me, and worship Him!

I pray that you will choose to come to God through faith in His Son, Jesus; or draw closer to Him in intimate relationship, just as you are. You will be surrendering to the life-giving One whose loving-kindness never ends; the Lord of glory; the majestic, powerful, undefeatable, gentle, and wise Hope of our salvation! His grace really is sufficient for you and me. Truly, His banner over you and me is Love… because the One true God is love itself!

  1. In that glorious mystery, within the perfectly united Oneness of God, God is three: Father, Jesus the Son, and Holy Spirit. It seemed to me that Father God, the eternal I AM, said to me many years ago, “Beloved, I want you to call Me, Daddy!” His words instantly and powerfully ministered to a deep place of searching and longing in my soul. The fruit of that experience continues to be life-giving! Father God, exactly represented by the Son, Jesus Christ (see Hebrews 1:3), longs for people to go ever deeper into a place of intimacy in relationship with Him. Unlike so many earthly fathers, He is always a good and perfect Father. ↩︎
  2. The words resonated with my spirit, so it was no surprise to be reminded that the words “His banner over me is love” are the second half of a verse found in the Bible; Song of Solomon, chapter 2:4. (Complete Jewish Bible) ↩︎
  3. I continue to explore this as I journey in life with Jesus, but I wonder if holding My hand might include me staying with the Lord and agreeing with Him in a surrendered-to-the-Lordship-of-Jesus lifestyle. ↩︎
  4. “But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” – Isaiah‬ ‭40‬:‭31‬ ‭NLT‬‬ ↩︎

Hush!

On By Heather HensonIn Devotionals, Personal Reflections, Sharing from my Journal3 Comments

“Hush

Do you hear the whisper of My voice? 

Amidst the din, the cacophony of the loud hustle and bustle noise of the world, listen… 

Listen for my powerfully-gentle voice! 

I AM peace 

I AM joy  

I AM love

I AM the truth 

I AM wisdom

I AM the way!

I invite you to come to Me and rest in the glory-cloud of My goodness. 

Take My hand and walk with Me—one step at a time. 

I AM your Helper who never leaves you or forsakes you. 

My name is Jesus, the only begotten Son of the most-high God!

I came to seek the lost and bring them back to My Father who redeems all things for the sake of His holy, pure and glorious Name which is above all and before all and beyond all things. 

Surrender it all to Me. Where your treasure is, there also is your heart… so let Me hold it all.” 

Jesus, I see a picture of someone who is holding so very much. Their arms are more than full and it looks so heavy. As I watch, they are trying to protect what looks like gift-wrapped boxes from those who come, one after the other, to take for themselves. 

Jesus, the burden of trying to protect what they have collected, and are now working so very hard to protect, looks like such a heavy burden. I see the frustration and anger building in their eyes. I see desperation rising as they work to protect what they are holding.

What will they do? Who will help them? What will happen? 

Jesus, I hear you say;

“Come to Me. All of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, come to Me. I will give you rest. 

Lay it all down so that you are free to receive the gifts that I have for you. One at a time. 

What I give you is life-giving and is light to carry. And you will never be alone. My Spirit is (and will always be) your Helper, wise Counsellor, all-knowing Guide, and your Advocate. 

As you rest in Me, your weariness is washed away. Peace envelops you filling every part of your being. Joy is your everyday strength that builds you up. My loving-kindness fills you with hope that never leaves. You are now free to sing and dance as we walk together. 

One step at a time directed and empowered by My grace. 

Beloved, in Me, you are home—forever and wonderfully home! 

Welcome!“

‘… Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”‘ – Matthew 11:28-29 (NLT)