9/1/25 🌿Ministry Monday: – New Month! New Season!

Unveiling Abundance: Hearing the Shepherd’s Voice

A Look Back Before We Step Forward

As we turn the calendar to September, let’s pause and breathe in the beauty of what we just walked through together. August was a sacred month of Unveiling Abundance—where we bravely peeled back the layers of doubt, distraction, and lies that had clouded our view of God’s provision. We stood together and let His truth speak louder.

Now, a new chapter begins.

 This Week’s Theme: Hearing the Shepherd’s Voice

Guiding Scripture: “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” — John 10:27 (NIV)

God’s abundance begins not with what we have, but with Whom we listen to.

This week, we lean in. We tune our hearts to the voice of the Shepherd—our Provider, our Protector, our Peace. The world is loud. Our schedules are packed. And the enemy’s whispers of fear, doubt, and distraction can be so subtle they almost seem like our own thoughts. But the voice of Jesus brings clarity, confidence, and calm - NEVER confusion.

When we hear Him clearly, everything shifts:

> Worry gives way to worship.
> Confusion turns into confidence.
> Emptiness becomes expectancy.

He is always speaking—through His Word, through quiet nudges, through moments we often rush past. This week, we invite you to slow down and ask, “Lord, what are You saying to me?”

The Role of the Holy Spirit: God’s Whisper Within

Jesus promised us that we would not be left alone after His resurrection:

“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” — John 14:26 (NIV)

The voice of God doesn’t just come in burning bushes or angelic choirs—it often comes through holy nudges, quiet impressions, sudden peace in the middle of chaos, or a scripture that seems to leap off the page. That’s the Holy Spirit at work in your heart.

The more we make room for the Holy Spirit—through prayer, stillness, and the Word—the more familiar God’s voice becomes. He never speaks in confusion or condemnation. His tone is always truthful, gentle, and anchored in love.

How Do We Hear God’s Voice?

It may not be audible, but it is always accessible.

Here are some ways God speaks:

• Through Scripture: His Word is living and active
  (Hebrews 4:12). The Holy Spirit brings verses to mind at just the right time.
• Through Prayer & Reflection: Sometimes we do all the talking.
  But what if we paused and simply asked, “Lord, what would You have me know today?”
• Through Others: Wise counsel from friends or mentors can carry the confirmation of God’s truth.
• Through Peace: Colossians 3:15 says to let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts. If you're unsettled, He may be guiding you away from something—or calling you to pause.
• Through Circumstances: Open or closed doors, repeated themes, or opportunities often align with what He’s already been whispering.

 A Scriptural Story: Samuel Hears God

“Then the Lord called Samuel. Samuel answered, ‘Here I am.’ And he ran to Eli and said, ‘Here I am; you called me.’ But Eli said, ‘I did not call; go back and lie down.’”
— 1 Samuel 3:4–5 (NIV)

Young Samuel didn’t recognize God’s voice at first. It took several attempts—and the guidance of Eli—before he could say, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.”

God is patient with us too. If you're unsure whether what you're sensing is Him,
you're not alone. He wants to be known. He delights in revealing Himself to those who seek Him.

 Reflection & Heart Check

1. What voices have been the loudest in your life lately?
2. Ask “What are You saying to me, Lord?”

Slow down. Turn down the noise. Invite the Holy Spirit into your day.

Write down what you sense. Revisit scriptures that rise in your spirit. And trust that the more you listen, the more clearly you'll hear.

 From My Heart

There’s something sacred about the quiet—when the noise of life begins to still and your spirit can finally breathe. As I reflect on the theme of this week, Hearing
the Shepherd’s Voice, I’m reminded of how often I’ve craved clarity from God—begging Him to just say something. And then looking back, I see where He was speaking all along.

Not in thunder or lightning... but in whispers:
> In a scripture that wouldn’t let go of me. A series and string of scripture
that was equipping me.
> In worship songs that just spoke to me and brought tears to my eyes.
> In a pause— and reflection of many incidents that I saw were divinely driven
and orchestrated.

The more I tune in, the more familiar His voice becomes. It isn’t always grand, but it is always good. I’ve heard others speak of hearing His voice, not audibly but
just knowing, I too now know what that feels like. So friends, if you’re struggling to hear Him right now, don’t give up. Keep showing up. Keep quieting the world around you. Reflect, Mediate and Pray. Look for the good, even in the most difficult of times. Look at what stands out. The Shepherd never stops speaking. Sometimes we just need to lean in a little
closer.

 Prayer for the Week

Lord, my Shepherd,
Thank You for being a God who speaks. Thank You for Your patience when we miss it and Your grace when we’ve tuned You out. This week, I ask that You help me slow down and silence the noise so I can truly hear You.

Teach me to recognize Your voice in the everyday—through Scripture, through stillness, through reflection, through the gentle nudges of the Holy Spirit.
Open my heart to receive Your truth and shut out the lies that try to take root. As I lean into Your voice, shift my perspective. Let Your words lead me to peace, to provision, and to purpose.

Speak, Lord… Your servant is listening.
Amen.

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 Stay tuned for our Upcoming Weekly Themes in September

• Week 2: Living from God’s Overflow
• Week 3: Joy in His Presence
• Week 4: Trusting God with Our Needs
• Week 5: Gratitude as a Gateway to Abundance

Stay with us as we tune in, trust deeply, and walk boldly into all God has in store.

 Scripture to Hold Close this week:
“The Lord is my Shepherd; I lack nothing.” — Psalm 23:1

 Ministry Invitation

Want to go deeper?
This month, our Ministry Monday newsletter will continue walking through the
powerful truths of God’s Word and how it unveils a life of trust, joy, and provision.

 If you haven’t subscribed yet, you don’t want to miss this next leg of the journey.
Subscribe at: www.shadesofdivine.com (top of the page)

 Resources to Encourage You This Week
 Keep growing in God’s abundance
I'm releasing a free downloadable journal this week that includes all 31 days from our Unveiling Abundance Challenge. It includes scripture-based prompts to help you unveil God’s abundance. Use this at your own pace and in your own time, or use as a study with others. Whether you followed along in August or are just now joining in, this resource is for you! You will receive an email when this is available and a the link to download - you can also follow on our website, Facebook or Instagram.

Then visit my webpage for more resources to help you on your faith journey. Many are free so grab yours today and share with others. Click here to check out what we have for you >> More Free devotionals + downloads

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Community Connections

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How has the Lord working in your life? Tell us about it here➜ Testimony page

Do you need prayer to see God's truth in your life? We would love to pray with you, submit your prayer request here➜ Prayer Requests

And if this message a blessing to you or touched your heart, I encourage you to share:

• Forward it to a friend who needs encouragement
• Invite someone to subscribe at ShadesofDivine.com

 A Final Word of Abundance

“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”