Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 46 – God’s Guidance

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 46

God’s Guidance

Lord, so many times, I run ahead of You and make my decisions without Your wisdom and guidance. Help Me to remember that You are always with me, watching over me, protecting me, and You have my best interests in mind. When I seek You, I will find You, and Your Spirit will make Your heart known to me. I submit myself to You, and ask You to direct my paths (Proverbs 3:5-6). Strengthen me to run with perseverance the race You have marked out for me (Hebrews 12:1). Please guide me down that path.

A Message from God’s Heart to Yours:

I am never too busy to listen to you. I am available to you all hours of the day and night. I never slumber nor sleep (Psalm 121:4). I constantly work all things together for your good (Romans 8:28). If you lack wisdom, ask Me. I give generously to all without finding fault. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt (James 1:5-6). Ask and it will be given to you (Matthew 7:7).

Whatever situation you face, I have the answer. I will teach you from My Word. My Word is a lamp for your feet, a light on your path (Psalm 119:105). Meditate on it day and night and it will become clearer to you. My Spirit helps you understand My Word. I will instruct you with the truth and in My perfect timing. I will lead you on the path I have prepared for you and marked out for you. I will keep you in My sight at all times. My lovingkindness will surround you; I will protect you on every side. You will experience My peace and joy, even in your biggest trials.

I have plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Call on Me and I will listen to you. Seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart (Jeremiah 29:11-14). When you ask for anything according to My will, have faith and believe I will give you what you asked for (Mark 11:22-24).

I know the future and I know what’s best for you. My Spirit will guide you into all truth and tell you what is yet come (John 16:13). He will help you discern between truth and falsehoods. He will equip you for the plans I have made for you. He will empower you to carry out the purpose for which I created you. He will warn you of dangers that lie ahead. He will encourage you to live in a manner that will bring glory to Me. Pay attention to My Spirit within and your ears will hear My voice saying, “This is the way, walk in it” (Isaiah 30:21).

I reveal things to you by My Spirit; He knows the deep things of My heart and freely gives them to you (1 Corinthians 2:10-14). Blessed are you when you wait on Me! (Isaiah 30:18). Even when you do not know what to ask for, the Holy Spirit intercedes for you according to My will (Romans 8:26-27).

Come to Me and listen to Me. I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with My loving eye on you (Psalm 32:8). Trust in Me alone. When you do not follow My instructions, there will be consequences. Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but My unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in Me (Psalm 32:10). Do not be too hasty to make your own decisions and walk in your own way. In the end, your pride will reap you a harvest of destruction (Proverbs 16:18). Every decision you make is an important one, big or small. Involve Me in each one

Trust in Me with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Me and I will make your paths straight (Proverbs 3:5-6). Do not run ahead and try to fix things on your own. You’ll most assuredly be disappointed in the end. Exercise forbearance and wait on Me. I will act on your behalf (Isaiah 64:4). When you walk down the path I place you on, your obedience will lead to blessings. Your best blessings are the result of listening to My voice and following My instructions. You are never alone. I am with you always. Why try to do things on your own? Listen to My voice and follow Me (John 10:27).

Prayer:

Lord, I am so blessed by Your Spirit within me who teaches me all things, even the deep things of Your heart. I am so looking forward to hearing more of Your heart for me today. Lord, please speak to me as I seek You wholeheartedly today. I want to do Your will. I desire to know Your plans for me. Lord, please let me in on the next step in the race. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Two-way Conversation with God:

Father God, I know You want the best for me. Lord, please show me what that means for me personally in my current challenge of _______________ (fill in the blank). (Write down all thoughts and impressions you have in this moment.)

Jesus, You are the way maker. Please show me the way to Your heart. What must I do to get on the path to a deeper relationship with You? (Record everything you hear.)

Holy Spirit, You are my Helper and my Counselor. Please counsel me with the wisdom of God and help me know which way I should turn in my current dilemma or decision to make: ______________ (fill in the blank). (Listen to His voice in your thoughts and journal whatever pops into your mind.

Review God’s thoughts and impressions you’ve sensed and written above. What Scripture comes to mind as you review your notes? Use the concordance of your Bible to look up an impression from God’s Word. Record the verse or passage here. Write all insights and encouragement the Holy Spirit illumines for you as you read God’s Word right now.

Prayer:

Most Holy One, I stand in awe that I can approach Your throne of grace anytime of the day or night. Thank You for being available to me 24/7/365. I desire to know Your wisdom and Your will in all circumstances. Lord, Your eyes are forever on me; you know my coming and my going. Holy Spirit, I submit my spirit to Your leading. Please direct my paths and help me discern God’s will and His ways. I will meditate on Your Word and receive my instruction from You. Holy Spirit, bring understanding as I read it. Point me to the Scripture You want me to know and cherish in my heart for today. In the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord. Amen.

Supporting Scripture:

Psalm 121:1-4, ⁴I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? ²My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. ³He will not let your foot slip—He who watches over you will not slumber; ⁴indeed, He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

Psalm 32:8-11, ⁸I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with My loving eye on you. ⁹Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you. ¹⁰Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in Him. ¹¹Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!

Psalm 119:105, Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

Proverbs 3:5-6, ⁵Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; ⁶in all your ways submit to Him and He will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 16:18, Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.

Isaiah 30:18, Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore He will rise up to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for Him!

Isaiah 30:21, Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”

Jeremiah 29:11-14, ¹¹“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. ¹²Then you will call on Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. ¹³You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart. ¹⁴I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity.”

Matthew 7:7-8, ⁷“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. ⁸For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”

Mark 11:22-24, ²²“Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. ²³“Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea.’ And does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. ²⁴Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”

John 10:27, “My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow me.”

John 16:13, But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on His own; he will speak only what He hears, and He will tell you what is yet come.

Romans 8:26-27, ²⁶In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but he Spirit Himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. ²⁷And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

Romans 8:28, And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.

1 Corinthians 2:10-14, ¹⁰These are the things God has revealed to us by His Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. ¹¹For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way, no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. ¹²What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us. ¹³This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words. ¹⁴The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.

Hebrews 12:1-3, ¹Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, ²fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ³Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

James 1:5-8, ⁵If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. ⁶But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. ⁷That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. ⁸Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 45 – Fully Forgiven

May6

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 45

Fully Forgiven

Father God in heaven, I have the head knowledge that I am forgiven. I have confessed my sin, invited Jesus into my heart to be my Savior and Lord, and I know that He died for my sins, so that I could experience Your grace and forgiveness through a saving relationship in Christ. But so many times I have held on to past sins. I continue to ask forgiveness for the same sins, when You have already forgiven me and forgotten them, long ago. Lord, how do I completely rid myself of the shame, the guilt, and release the claim to my sins? How do I know that I am fully forgiven? How can I be freed from this burden?

A Message from God’s Heart to Yours:

O child of Mine, you are being harder on yourself than I have been on you. Let Me release you from your burden of guilt and set you free with the truth (John 8:32). When the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed (John 8:36).

Your sin separated you from Me. There was nothing you, yourself can do make that right. It is solely by My amazing grace, and the death of My Son, Jesus Christ, on the cross that you may experience the forgiveness of sins and the hope of eternal life. Accepting Jesus as your Savior, and believing that He died for your sin, is the only way to be reconciled to Me.

When you invited Jesus into your heart to be your Savior, you were crucified with Christ. You no longer live, but Christ lives in you (Galatians 2:20). When your old self was crucified with Him, your former body, ruled by sin was done away with, so that you are no longer a slave to sin—you were set free (Romans 6:6-7). Let Me say it again, “When the Son sets you free, you are free indeed” (John 8:36). Believe it and walk in the freedom I provide.

When I adopted you as My child, I sent the Spirit of My Son, Jesus, into your heart. The Spirit calls out, “Abba Father.” You are no longer a slave, but My child; and since you are My child, I have made you My heir (Galatians 4:6-7). Not only are you fully forgiven, you are fully Mine. You belong to Me, and I love you. I am your loving Abba Father, and you are My sweet child.

You have My assurance that you are fully forgiven. It is up to you to fully believe it and fully accept My forgiveness—all of it. I remember your sins no more, and you would do well to accomplish this also. When you hold onto your sin, you are demonstrating a false belief that Jesus’ work on the cross was all in vain—that His death was not enough. But I tell you, it was. Do not discount the work of Christ on the cross. I gave Him up for you. Please accept that gift fully, and fully believe it.

Do not allow the enemy to keep you in the prison cell of sin and guilt when you have been rescued and redeemed. In Christ, you have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of My grace (Ephesians 1:7). Your sins were completely atoned for and I have washed you whiter than snow (Psalm 51:7). I love you; I died for you; you are My child; and you are forgiven. Receive it and believe it.

Prayer:

Abba Father, thank You for Your gift of grace and forgiveness. I confess that I did not fully accept Your gift. Please forgive me. I believe it and receive it anew. I bind up Satan in the name of Jesus, by His shed blood. I claim victory over sin; I am free. I am a new creation in Christ, the old is gone, the new is here (2 Corinthians 5:17). I am no longer a slave to sin; I am a child of God. Lord, please speak to me more personally right now, and share what’s on Your heart. In the name of Jesus, my Savior, I pray. Amen.

Two-way Conversation with God:

Father God, tell me what it means to be Your child. (Write down everything you hear: words, phrases, verses, etc.)

Jesus, lover of my soul, please help me understand more fully, how I was crucified with You on the cross, and how You set me free. (Record the ideas and thoughts He gives you now.)

Holy Spirit, empower me to discard the old false belief, and fully embrace the truth. What do I need to do to accomplish this? (Journal everything you hear in your head.)

Prayer:

Dear Lord, thank You for helping me to better understand what forgiveness means. Thank You for remembering my sins no more; please help me to do the same. Help me fight against the devil when he accuses me of sins that have already been forgiven by You. Help me claim my identity as Your child, and fully accept the forgiveness and the freedom that brings. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Supporting Scripture:

Exodus 34:5-7, ⁵Then the Lord came down in the cloud and stood there with him and proclaimed His name, the Lord. ⁶And He passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, ⁷maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin.”

Psalm 25:11, For the sake of Your name, Lord, forgive my iniquity, though it is great.

Psalm 51:7, Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.

Psalm 86:5, You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to You.

Psalm 130:3-4, ³If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand? ⁴But with You there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve You.

Isaiah 43:25, “I, even I, and He who blots out your transgressions, for My own sake, and remembers your sins no more.”

Jeremiah 31:34, “No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they will all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest,” declares the Lord. “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”

Jeremiah 33:8, “I will cleanse them from all the sin they have committed against Me and will forgive all their sins of rebellion against Me.”

Daniel 9:9, The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against Him.

Matthew 6:14-15, ¹⁴“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. ¹⁵But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”

Matthew 18:21-22, ²¹Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” ²²Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.”

Matthew 26:27-28, ²⁷Then He took the cup, and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. ²⁸This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”

Mark 11:25, “And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”

Luke 6:37, ³⁷“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. ³⁸Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

Luke 11:2-4, ²He said to them, “When you pray, say: ‘Father, hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come. ³Give us each day our daily bread. ⁴Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.’”

John 8:32, “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

John 8:34-36, ³⁴Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. ³⁵Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. ³⁶So if the Son set you free, you will be free indeed.”

John 20:23, “If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”

Acts 2:38, Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

Acts 10:43, “All the prophets testify about Him that everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name.”

Acts 13:38-39, ³⁸“Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. ³⁹Though Him everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses.”

Romans 6:6-7, ⁶For we know that our old self was crucified with Him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin—⁷because anyone who has died has been set free from sin.

2 Corinthians 2:10-11, ¹⁰Anyone you forgive, I also forgive. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, ¹¹in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.

Galatians 2:20, I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

Galatians 4:6-7, ⁶Because you are His sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” ⁷So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are His child, God has made you also an heir.

Ephesians 1:7-10, ⁷In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace ⁸that He lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, ⁹He made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Christ, ¹⁰to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.

Ephesians 4:30-32, ³⁰And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. ³¹Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. ³²Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Colossians 1:13-14, ¹³For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, ¹⁴in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Colossians 3:13, Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Hebrews 8:12, “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”

Hebrews 9:22, In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.

1 John 1:9, If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make Him out to be a liar and His Word is not in us.

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 44 – Confess Your Sin

May5

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 44

Confess Your Sin

Lord, I confess I am sinful, and my sins separate me from You. Lord, I do not want to live a life apart from You. Please forgive my sins, and help me feel the conviction of Your Holy Spirit every time I fall short of Your glory. Father, may I be quick to respond and confess my sin. Holy Spirit, empower me to turn away from temptation and sin; to turn and walk away from it, every time. Lord, sanctify me and make me more like Jesus. Teach me Your ways and fashion me after Your will. Help me to pay attention to Your voice within me; to listen and obey.

A Message from God’s Heart to Yours:

O child of mine, you are not your own; you were bought with a price—the death of My Son, Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Do not feel free to go your own way and continue in rebellion to Me. Partial obedience does not equal obedience. All sin, no matter how small, is disobedience. When you obey Me, I know that you love Me. I will not be anywhere near sin or those who sin. Do not let sin set you apart from Me, but remain in Me with your love and obedience.

All have sinned and fall short of My glory (Romans 3:23). But I loved you so much, while you were still sinners, I sent My Son, Jesus Christ, to die for your sin (Romans 5:8). Death is the required penalty for your sin, but My free gift to you is eternal life (Romans 6:23), when you believe in Me and confess your sin. Confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that I raised Him from the dead, and you will be saved (Romans 10:9-10).

I love you so much, that I gave My one and only Son, Jesus. Whoever believes in Him, shall not die, but experience eternal life (John 3:16). When you confess your sin, I am faithful and just and will forgive you all your sin and purify you (1 John 1:9). When you do sin, you have an Advocate with Me—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for your sins (1 John 2:1-2).

When you confess your sin, then turn and walk away from it. Do not continue in your sinful nature, when you have the Spirit living in you. In Christ, you have crucified the flesh and no longer need to walk in it. But since you now live according to the Spirit, stay in step with the Spirit of God (Galatians 5:24-25). You are a new creation in Jesus Christ, the old is gone, the new is here (2 Corinthians 5:17). Live as the new person you are, claiming your victory in the shed blood of Jesus Christ for you.

When necessary, confess your sins to each other. Seek forgiveness when you have wronged another. You have been forgiven much, therefore, you will be required to forgive as much. Do not be generous with your judgment and stingy with your forgiveness. But forgive one another as you also have been forgiven (Colossians 3:13).

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for providing the Way, Jesus Christ, to be reconciled to you despite all my sin. Thank You for loving me, even though I am sinful, and for giving the gift of Your Son to die in my place. Lord, I am so grateful that I may experience Your grace and forgiveness when I confess my sins to You. Lord, please share Your heart with me in a more personal way right now. What do I need to change? What do You see in me? Please pour into my heart directly from Yours, as deep pours into deep. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Two-way Conversation with God:

Father, please forgive me, for I have sinned. I confess my sin and weakness in this area:______________ (fill in the blank). I ask your forgiveness in the name of Jesus by His blood. Lord, what do You want to share with me about this? (Record all that you hear.)

Jesus, my atoning sacrificial Lamb of God, thank You for taking away my sin. Please tell me what You want me to know about Your love and Your sacrifice. (Write down every word and thought you receive.)

Holy Spirit, thank You for Your convicting work in my heart. Please reveal any other layers of sin that need to be confessed regarding this situation. Tell me what I need to do. (Journal everything you hear, think, and feel. Then, be obedient to what He asks you to do.)

Prayer:

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, I appreciate all that You have done for me. I thank You for working together to accomplish in me the work You have started in me. I am a work in progress, and I am grateful that You are patient with me, every time I fail. Thank You for picking me back up, brushing me off, and setting my feet back on Your firm foundation. Thank You for second chances, and third, and fourth. I love You, and I will do better in the future with Your help. I cannot do any of this on my own. I am completely dependent on You, so I submit myself to You now. I commend my spirit into the hands of Your Spirit and ask that You will carry on Your continual redemptive, renovation work in me. In the name of Jesus, my Redeemer, I pray. Amen.

Supporting Scripture:

Psalm 32:5, Then I acknowledged my sin to You and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” And You forgave the guilt of my sin.

Psalm 65:3, When we were overwhelmed by sins, You forgave our transgressions.

Jeremiah 15:19, Therefore, this is what the says: “If you repent, I will restore you that you may serve Me; if you utter worthy, not worthless, words, you will be My spokesman. Let this people turn to you, but you must not turn to them.”

Ezekiel 18:30-32, ³⁰“Therefore, you Israelites, I will judge each of you according to your own ways, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall. ³¹Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit. Why will you die, people of Israel? ³²For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent and live!”

Luke 13:3, “I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.”

Luke 15:7, “I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.”

Luke 15:10, “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

John 16:7-11, ⁷“But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you. ⁸When He comes, He will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: ⁹about sin, because people do not believe in Me; ¹⁰about righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see Me no longer; ¹¹and about judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.”

Acts 3:18-20, ¹⁸But this is how God fulfilled what He had foretold through all the prophets, saying that His Messiah would suffer. ¹⁹Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, ²⁰and that He may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus.

Romans 2:4-8, ⁴Or do you show contempt for the riches of His kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance? ⁵But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath, when His righteous judgment will be revealed. ⁶God “will repay each person according to what they have done.” ⁷To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, He will give eternal life. ⁸But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger.

Romans 3:23-24, ²³For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, ²⁴and all are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

Romans 5:8, But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 6:23, For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 10:9-10, ⁹If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. ¹⁰For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20, ¹⁹Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; ²⁰you were bought with a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

2 Corinthians 5:17, Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

2 Corinthians 7:10, Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.

Galatians 5:24-25, ²⁴Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. ²⁵Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

Colossians 3:13, Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

James 5:16, Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

1 John 1:8-2:2, ^1:8If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. ⁹If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make Him out to be a liar and His word is not in us. ^2:1My dear children, I write this to anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. ²He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 43 – A Stay-In Order: Stay in Me

May4

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 43

A Stay-In Order: Stay in Me

Lord, with this COVID-19 pandemic, our state has issued a stay-in, stay-safe order. It keeps getting extended due to a daily increase in reported cases, hospitalizations, and deaths. Lord, I will give You thanks in the middle of this difficulty, because it has given me more time to spend with You. What a huge gift it has been to rekindle the romance of an intimate relationship with You, my Bridegroom. Lord, what is on Your heart for me to learn and accomplish during this gift of extra time that You have given me?

A Message from God’s Heart to Yours:

My darling, My bride, My heart for you is to do exactly as you have been doing since this stay-in order was established: Stay in Me. What does that mean? Return to Me. Seek Me. Come near to Me. Remain in Me. Hope in Me. Trust in Me. Pray to Me. Believe in Me. Have faith in Me. Talk to Me. Ask Me. Tell Me. Listen to Me. Know all of Me. Love Me. Obey Me. Acknowledge Me. Acclaim Me. Witness for Me. Share Me.

Remain faithful to Me, for I am your husband. I have betrothed you to Me (Hosea 2:19-20). Stay in relationship with Me. Do not lust after other lovers. Do not put your trust in other gods. Do not turn to other pleasures instead of Me. Do not wander from the sheepfold. Do not get lost in obscurity. Do not become independent of Me; but be even more dependent on Me. Stay in Me. I am the Lord, and I love you more than you will ever comprehend. I pray that you will be able to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ for you, that you may know this love that surpasses knowledge and be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God (Ephesians 3:18-19).

I am your Bridegroom. Your greatest joy comes from knowing Me personally and intimately. Know who I am. Know My ways. Know My promises. Know My Word. Stay in relationship with Me. Fear Me in awe and reverence, walk in obedience to Me, love Me, and serve Me with all your heart and all your soul (Deuteronomy 10:12). Put Me ahead of everything else in your life. I want to be first; I am a jealous God (Deuteronomy 4:24). I am protective of our time together and our relationship.

I desire to stay in daily communication with you. Meet Me in the secret place and pursue Me with all your heart. Speak to Me and listen to Me. Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know (Jeremiah 33:3). I want what is best for you. No human mind has conceived what I have prepared for those who love Me (1 Corinthians 2:9). My plans are to prosper you and give you hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). I will do immeasurably more than all you ask or imagine, according to My power that is at work within you (Ephesians 3:20). I have given you My gift of the Holy Spirit who stays in you; please honor that gift by staying in Me; stay in and stay safe. I care about you, My friend.

Prayer:

My faithful Bridegroom, I love You with all my heart. I will seek You in the morning and wait expectantly to hear Your voice (Psalm 5:3). I, too, desire to communicate with You in a more intimate way. I cherish the time we spend together each morning, and I will be more diligent to remember to speak with You throughout the day. You are my life coach, my daily bread, my living water, my champion, and my friend. I will depend on You to meet all my needs. Lord, please speak to me now in a more personal way, so that I know deeper places of Your heart. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.

Two-way Conversation with God:

Father God, I will stay in Please show me the best way to accomplish that in my life and current situation. (Record every thought that enters your mind.)

Jesus Christ, please reveal Your heart for my relationship with You. What do You desire, and what does it look like for me? (Write down all words and ideas He gives you.)

Holy Spirit, thank You for staying in me; help me to stay in How do I walk in step with You and remain in constant communication with You? You know me the best. How is this best accomplished in my life? (Journal every impression, every thought, every idea the Holy Spirit prompts you with right now.)

Prayer:

Merciful Father, thank You for Your desire for a greater intimacy with me. It is difficult to comprehend the depth of Your love for me, Your child. I am in awe of Your character and Your ways. I am so blessed by You, and I pray I may be that kind of blessing to others on Your behalf. Lord, thank You for Your great love and grace. Please stay in me and let me experience all the fullness of Your heart. Thank You for the abundant life in Your Spirit. In the name of Jesus, my Lord, I pray.Amen.

Supporting Scripture:

Deuteronomy 4:23-24, ²³Be careful not to forget the covenant of the Lord your God that He made with you; do not make for yourselves an idol in the form of anything the Lord your God has forbidden. ²⁴For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.

Deuteronomy 10:12, And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to Him, to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.

Psalm 5:3, In the morning, Lord, You hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before You and wait expectantly.

Jeremiah 33:3, “Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”

Hosea 2:16, 19-20, “In that day,” declares the Lord, “you will call Me, ‘my husband’; you will no longer call Me ‘my master.’ …I will betroth you to Me forever; I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in love and compassion. I will betroth you in faithfulness, and you will acknowledge the Lord.”

1 Corinthians 2:9, However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived”—the things God has prepared for those who love Him.

Ephesians 3:16-21, ¹⁶I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you wit power through His Spirit in your inner being, ¹⁷so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, ¹⁸may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, ¹⁹and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. ²⁰Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, ²¹to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 42 – I am with You

May3

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 42

I am with You

Lord, I hear and know in my mind that You are with me. I read Your promises in Your Word. I can repeat these verses in my head, however, sometimes, it just doesn’t seem real. My heart does not always feel alive with Your presence. Lord, help me to know how to feel the joy of Your presence at all times. I will say the prayer of David from Psalm 51:10-12, ¹⁰Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. ¹¹Do not cast me from Your presence or take Your Holy Spirit from me. ¹²Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me.” Lord, renew a right spirit within me. Please give me a fresh filling of Your Spirit today.

A Message from God’s Heart to Yours:

My beloved one, I will say it again for you: I am alive and I live in you. You may not always feel My presence, but I am here with you at all times. Listen to My voice; know and feel the joy of My presence. Seek Me first; spend time with Me in the morning. I will give you a good start to your day. You may hear a word of encouragement from Me, or an instruction, a blessing, or a command I want you carry out. Let’s connect daily; I wait patiently for you to seek Me, because I love you. Blessed are you when you acclaim Me, when you walk in the light of My presence. Rejoice in My name all day long (Psalm 89:15-16). Speak to Me throughout your day.

You are never alone when you are walking in relationship with Jesus. He is the great Shepherd of the sheep (Hebrews 13:20). He will leave the ninety-nine in the open field in search of the one lost sheep (Luke 15:4-7). And when He finds it, He joyfully places it on His shoulders and brings it home. Feeling lost? Stop your wandering, little sheep. Jesus, your shepherd, knows exactly where you are. His sheep hear His voice, “Come home, little lamb. Come home.” Listen and obey. Draw near to Me and I will draw near to you (James 4:8). Remain in Me, and I will remain in you (John 15:4). Love Me by obeying Me, and we will make our home with you (John 14:23).

Of course, when you sin, we must deal with it as quickly as possible. When convicted by the Holy Spirit, confess your sin and turn from it. Disobedience stands in the way of close relationship with Me. I do not remain anywhere close to sin, so it separates you from Me. Quickly get rid of any roadblock that stands in the way of a close relationship with Me. “Those whom I love, I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with Me” (Revelation 3:19-20). Feast on My words; enjoy My presence. Let us break bread together. I am nourishment for your soul. I bring refreshment to your days and life to your spirit. I am with you always (Matthew 28:20). Bear witness to My goodness; share the message of My love and salvation.

Prayer:

Dear Father in Heaven, the secret to feeling Your presence is spending time in two-way conversation with You. I must know You to feel You with me. I can know You by spending time in Your Word and speaking with You in prayer. Lord, You promise that “I will seek You and find You when I seek You with all my heart” (Jeremiah 29:13). Lord, I will seek You while you may be found; I will call on You while You are near (Isaiah 55:6). Lord, hear my cries and answer me. Share Your heart with me now, O Lord, as we sit together in the secret place. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Two-way Conversation with God:

Father God, it amazes me that You desire a close relationship with me. Will you describe what that looks like to You? (Record every word and thought He gives you now.)

Jesus, my Friend, will you share Your heart with me now. You are Immanuel, God with us. How do I feel Your presence? What shall I do? (Write His thoughts that pop into your head.)

Holy Spirit, I am drawing near to You now. Will you draw near to Me? Please convict me of anything that stands in the way of my relationship with God. (List any sins or shortcoming that the Holy Spirit reveals to you now. Confess your sin and ask the Lord’s forgiveness.

Prayer:

Lord God Almighty, thank You for the work of Your Son, Jesus Christ, on the cross who provided me the way back to You. Thank You that I, myself, may personally approach You any time. I am grateful that You want to enjoy a relationship with me, Your child. I do not deserve any amount of time You give Me, and yet, You are generous to remain with me always. Thank You for sharing Your heart, what it means to be in relationship with You, and for Your forgiveness when I fall short. Lord, I love spending time with You. Please help me to make it a regular practice, in good times and bad, every day, all day. In the name of Jesus, my Savior, I pray. Amen.

Supporting Scripture:

Exodus 3:11-12, ¹¹But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” ¹²And God said, “I will be with you, and this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain.”

Joshua 1:5,9, ⁵“No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you…⁹Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Judges 6:12, When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.”

Psalm 16:11, You make known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand.

Psalm 21:6, Surely You have granted him unending blessings and made him glad with the joy of Your presence.

Psalm 23:4, Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

Psalm 41:12, Because of my integrity You uphold me and set me in Your presence forever.

Psalm 51:10-12, ¹⁰Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. ¹¹Do not cast me from Your presence or take Your Holy Spirit from me. ¹²Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and grant me a willing sprit to sustain me.”

Psalm 89:15-16, ¹⁵Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim You, who walk in the light of Your presence, Lord. ¹⁶They rejoice in Your name all day long; they celebrate Your righteousness.

Isaiah 41:10, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Isaiah 55:6, “Seek the Lord while He may be found; call on Him while He is near.”

Jeremiah 1:4-9, ⁴The word of the Lord came to me, saying, ⁵“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” ⁶“Alas, Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am too young.” ⁷But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. ⁸Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord. ⁹Then the Lord reached out His hand and touched my mouth and said to me, “I have put My words in your mouth.”

Jeremiah 1:19, They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord.

Jeremiah 29:11-13, ¹¹“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. ¹²Then you will call on Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. ¹³You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.”

Zephaniah 3:17, The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in His love He will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.

Matthew 1:23, “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).

Matthew 28:19-20, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Luke 15:4-7, ⁴“Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? ⁵And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. ⁶Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep,’ ⁷I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.”

John 14:23, Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves Me will obey My teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.”

John 15:4-5, ⁴“Remain in Me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me. ⁵I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in Me and I in you; you will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing.”

Acts 2:28, ‘You have made known to me the paths of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence.’ (see also Psalm 16:11)

1 Thessalonians 3:9, How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you?

Hebrews 13:5-6, ⁵Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” ⁶So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”

Hebrews 13:20-21, ²⁰Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, ²¹equip you with everything goof for doing His will, and my He work in us what is pleasing to Him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

James 4:8, Come near to God and He will come near to you.

Revelation 3:19-20, ¹⁹“Those whom I love, I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. ²⁰Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with Me.”

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 41 – Refining Fire

May2

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 41

Refining Fire

Lord, I am thankful that in all things You work for the good of those who love You and are called according to Your purpose (Romans 8:28). Lord, You allow the fire of our trials and afflictions, in order to test us and purify us. Your refining fire of adversity will remove the dross, skim off the waste in our lives, and purify us, like silver and gold. When the dross has been removed, You, the Silversmith, can make something of our lives (Proverbs 25:4-5). You can use our vessel to complete the purpose You fashioned us for. Lord, thank You for Your wisdom in allowing us to suffer trials, to refine us and mature us in our faith. We learn to trust more completely in You, as You accompany us in the fiery furnace (Daniel 3:24-25) and bring us to a place of abundance (Psalm 66:8-12).

A Message from God’s Heart to Yours:

O child of Mine, it is good you understand a portion of My ways. There are times when I spare you from challenges and troubles, yet other times I do not. I allow you to endure trials and I use them for your good: to strengthen you; to perfect your faith; and to purify you, removing the unnecessary waste from your life. I refine you as silver and test you as gold (Zechariah 13:9).

Do not fear the heat of the fire; fire is your friend. The furnace will be only hot enough to soften your will to the point when I can fashion you into a masterpiece, even more beautiful. I am with you in the fiery furnace. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze (Isaiah 43:2). Take My hand; I will walk you through the fire, into a place of abundance (Psalm 66:12).

Count it all joy whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything (James 1:2-4). I will not allow you to be tested beyond what you can handle. I give you My Spirit to strengthen you in your weakness. I will renew your strength; you will soar on wings like eagles; you will run and not grow weary, you will walk and not be faint (Isaiah 40:31).

My beloved one, submit your will to Mine. Gladly enter the fire of refinement. Permit Me to mold you and make you according to My will. I sanctify you Myself (John 17:19). I desire that you continually allow Me to work in your life to make you more and more like Myself. This work will best be accomplished in the fire of refinement. I would not ask you to do something I have not done Myself. Lay down your life, and yield to Me. I know what is best for you and I desire only that. I want you to know how much I love you, My friend.

Prayer:

Father God, my Silversmith, I delight in You. Thank You for loving me so much that You are willing to allow the trials which will refine me the most. Thank You for walking me through the flames and not letting me perish. I am grateful for the gift of Your Spirit who strengthens me when I am weak. Do not let any of these trials go to waste, Lord. Use them all for my good. Teach me Your ways, Lord. May I be like putty in the Potter’s hand? Please speak to me now and show me more of Your beautiful heart for me. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Two-way Conversation with God:

Almighty God, help me understand Your wisdom in allowing me to experience trials. (Record everything you experience in your thoughts.)

Jesus, my Savior, please rescue me from the flames and teach me the lesson you want me to know. What is Your heart for me in this trial? (Write all the words and ideas that enter your mind.)

Holy Spirit, my Paraclete, stay with me in this present adversity. Make my spirit willing to endure this trial and my mind open to the lessons You want me to learn in it. Help me to see this challenge through Your eyes. What outcome do you desire for me? (Journal all His thoughts and impressions.)

Prayer:

Wise Father in heaven, thank You for the trials and the fire that refines me. Please use these trials for my good: mature my faith and trust in You; sanctify my spirit; teach me Your ways and Your wisdom. I submit myself to You; please take my hand and walk me through my challenges. Lord, do not let the flames set me ablaze, but rescue me before I perish. Thank You for Your presence next to me in the furnace that burns so hot. Refine me with Your fire, so that I may set the world on fire for You! In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.

Supporting Scripture:

Job 23:10, But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold.

Psalm 12:6, And the words of the Lord are flawless, like silver purified in a crucible, like gold refined seven times.

Psalm 66:8-12, ⁸Praise our God, all peoples, let the sound of His praise be heard; ⁹He has preserved our lives and kept our feet from slipping. ¹⁰For You, God, tested us; You refined us like silver. ¹¹You brought us into prison and laid burdens on our backs. ¹²You let people ride over our heads; we went through fire and water; but you brought us to a place of abundance.

Proverbs 25:4-5, ⁴Remove the dross from the silver, and a silversmith can produce a vessel; ⁵remove the wicked officials from the king’s presence, and his throne will be established through righteousness.

Isaiah 40:29-31, ²⁹He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. ³⁰Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; ³¹but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 43:1-3, ¹“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are Mine. ²When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. ³For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior…”

Isaiah 48:9-10, ⁹“For My own name’s sake I delay My wrath; for the sake of My praise I hold it back from you, so as not to destroy you completely. ¹⁰See, I have refined you, though not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction. For My own sake, for My own sake, I do this. How can I let myself be defamed? I will not yield My glory to another.”

Jeremiah 9:7, Therefore this is what the Lord Almighty says: “See, I will refine and test them, for what else can I do because of the sin of my people?”

Ezekiel 22:17-22, ¹⁷Then the word of the Lord came to me: ¹⁸“Son of man, the people of Israel have become dross to Me; all of them are the copper, tin, iron and lead left inside a furnace. They are but the dross of silver. ¹⁹Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord says: ‘Because you have all become dross, I will gather you into Jerusalem. ²⁰As silver, copper, iron, lead and tin are gathered into a furnace to be melted with a fiery blast, so will I gather you in My anger and My wrath and put you inside the city and melt you. ²¹I will gather you and I will blow on you with My fiery wrath, and you will be melted inside her. ²²As silver is melted in a furnace, so you will be melted inside her, and you will know that I the Lord have poured out My wrath on you.’”

Daniel 3:24-25, ²⁴Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, “Weren’t there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?” They replied, “Certainly Your Majesty.” He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.”

Daniel 6:26-27, ²⁶”I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel. For He is the living God and He endures forever; His kingdom will not be destroyed, His dominion will never end. ²⁷He rescues and He saves; He performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth. He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions.”

Zechariah 13:7-9, ⁷“Awake, sword, against my shepherd, against the man who is close to me!” declares the Lord Almighty. “Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered, and I will turn My hand against the little ones. ⁸In the whole land,” declares the Lord, “two-thirds will be struck down and perish; yet one-third will be left in it. ⁹This third I will put into the fire; I will refine them like silver and test them like gold. They will call on My name and I will answer them; I will say, ‘They are My people,’ and they will say, ‘The Lord is our God.’”

Malachi 3:2-3, ²But who can endure the day of His coming? Who can stand when He appears? For He will be like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap. ³He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; He will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Then the Lord will have men who will bring offerings in righteousness.

John 17:17-19, ¹⁷“Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth. ¹⁸As You sent Me into the world, I have sent them into the world. ¹⁹For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.”

Romans 8:28, And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.

2 Thessalonians 2:13, But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth.

James 1:2-4, ²Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. ⁴Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Revelation 3:18, I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 40 – Praise Him in the Storms

May1

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 40

Praise Him in the Storms

Lord, where have you been during the storms of my life?

A Message from God’s Heart to Yours:

My child, I have been there with you through each one, you just didn’t always know it.

The raindrops that fall during your storms are My tears falling to the earth. I cry with you each time you cry. The lightning that you see flash across the dark sky of your storms is from My heart breaking in two for you. My heart aches for you each time I see you suffer through trials and tribulations. The thunder you hear during your storms is from My anger. I am angry when the people I have created cause you hurt and pain. I am angry when the enemy attacks you and wounds you.

The winds that blow through your storms are the breaths of My sighs moving through the earth. I sigh with compassion when I think of My beloved children going through the pain of daily struggles with relationships, disease, divorce, sin and death. When the waves on the seas crash against your boat and toss it to and fro in your storms, I am there to make sure the waves are not bigger than your vessel can handle. My hand is upon you.

When you feel you can’t last another day, I allow you to rest in My arms and I renew you with the strength you need to go on. When you wonder and ask why I would allow you to go through these storms, I do not get angry. It has not been easy for Me to watch you go through these tough times. You’re My child and I love you. I want to rescue you from each storm. But in My infinite wisdom, I allow you to endure the pain and suffering to bring you closer to Me. I want to build your character and mature your faith so that I may use you to help others through their storms.

It is during these storms that I hope you will realize how much you need Me. I am waiting for you to cry out to Me so that I can extend My grace to you. My grace is sufficient for you (2 Corinthians 12:9). I will pull you through. I am also waiting for you to seek help from others, so that I can use them to be like Christ to you. Let down the walls of pride and reach out for assistance.

It is during these times, that I hope you’ll turn to Me. My heart breaks when My people turn to other things to comfort themselves, like: food, alcohol, drugs, gambling, sex, money, and material possessions. I want to be your God, your one and only God. I am your anchor of hope in the storm. I am your stronghold; your rock and refuge (2 Samuel 22:2-3). Take your shelter in the shadow of My wings (Psalm 36:7). I will protect you from all evil and the evil one.

It is during these storms that I am waiting to show you how much you mean to Me and whom I can be to you, but sometimes you don’t allow Me to. You don’t give Me the time with you I need to accomplish this or your pride gets in the way. You want to be so independent and in control of your own life. You want to get yourself out of your own messes in your own way. You run ahead of Me. You do not want to rely on Me or on the fellowship of believers to help you get through the tough times.

In My word, I tell you how I feel about pride. I hate pride. Pride comes before a fall (Proverbs 16:18). With pride comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom (Proverbs 11:2). I oppose the proud, but give grace to the humble (James 4:6). When you are weak, it is then that I show My power in you (2 Corinthians 12:10). When you share your needs with Me and with My faithful ones, you are not revealing your weakness, but your strength. By asking for help and prayers, you are being humble, so that you may experience all My grace and all My wisdom. But when you try to do it all on your own, you leave Me no room to help.

Do not forsake Me, for I will never leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). I have proven that. I am the God who saved Noah from the flood (See Genesis 6). I saved the three Hebrew boys from the fiery furnace (See Daniel 3). I saved Daniel from the mouths of hungry lions (See Daniel 6). I was with David when he fought the giant (See 1 Samuel 17). I released Joseph from Pharaoh’s prison (See Genesis 41). I saved Isaac from being sacrificed on the altar (See Genesis 22). I delivered Jonah from the belly of the fish (See Jonah 2). And I will see you through your storms too. Please notice that I did not keep these people from going through their struggles, but I did not forget about them; I was with them. I allowed them to go through their storms for their own good and then rescued them. And I will rescue you too, in My perfect timing, if you will let Me.

Praise Me in the storms. I love you and I will take care of you. I will rebuke the winds and the waves (Matthew 8:26). I do not allow you to endure more than you can handle, however, by the power of My Spirit within, you can handle a lot. Fix your eyes on Me and I will see you to the end of the storm. I am with you always, even to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20). I am with you in every storm. I set My rainbow in the clouds as My promise to you, that never again will waters become a flood to destroy all life. You will survive your storms. I will see to it because I love you.

Prayer:

Lord, I praise You in the storm. I praise You that You do not leave me alone. I praise You in Your sanctuary, in Your mighty heavens. I praise You for Your acts of power; for Your surpassing greatness. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. (Psalm 150:1-2, 6). With all the breath in me, I praise You, Lord. I praise You because You listen to my cries and quiet me with Your love. Please allow me to hear some more of Your heart right now, Lord. Speak to me in the stillness of this room as we sit together in conversation. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Two-way Conversation with God:

Father God, what stirs Your heart into action during my storms? (Record all the thoughts you have.)

Jesus, my faithful Savior, thank You for rebuking the winds and waves in my storms, and restoring the calm. Lord, please show me where You are in the storm. (Write the ideas and words that come to mind for you.)

Holy Spirit, I know You are with me always. Please help me feel Your presence and Your love in the midst of this tempest. Please describe the work You are doing in me through this current challenge. (Journal everything you hear in your thoughts.)

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for speaking to my heart even now. I praise You in this storm, Lord. You are worthy of all my praise. I thank You for Your work in me as I learn to depend on You for all things, in good times and bad. Lord, I confess my pride of independence and ask You to forgive my shortcomings. I submit my spirit to Yours, and ask that You continue to mature me to be more like Jesus. I ask this in His name. Amen.

Supporting Scripture:

2 Samuel 22:2-3, ²He said: “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; ³my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior—from violent people You save me.”

Psalm 17:7-9, ⁷Show me the wonders of Your great love, You who save by Your right hand those who take refuge in You from their foes. ⁸Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings ⁹from the wicked who are out to destroy me, from my mortal enemies who surround me.

Psalm 36:7, How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.

Psalm 107:28-31, ²⁸Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He brought them out of their distress. ²⁹He stilled to storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. ³⁰They were glad when it grew calm, and He guided them to their desired haven. ³¹Let them give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for mankind.

Psalm 150:1-2,6, ¹Praise the Lord. Praise God in His sanctuary; praise Him in His mighty heavens. ²Praise Him for His acts of power; praise Him for His surpassing greatness…⁶Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord.

Proverbs 11:2, When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.

Proverbs 16:18, Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.

Matthew 8:23-27, ²³Then He got into the boat and His disciples followed Him. ²⁴Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. ²⁵The disciples went and woke Him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” ²⁶He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. ²⁷The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey Him!”

Matthew 28:20, “…And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

2 Corinthians 12:9-10, ⁹But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. ¹⁰That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Hebrews 13:5, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

James 4:6-8, ⁶But He gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” ⁷Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. ⁸Come near to God and He will come near to you.

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 39 – Faith as Small as a Mustard Seed

Apr30

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 39

Faith as Small as a Mustard Seed

Lord, as with everything, one’s faith is tested in trials and strengthened in a relationship with You. Extreme faith is a gift from the Spirit. And yet, Your word promises it takes only a small amount of faith to do great things. Hardships test the faith and produce perseverance. Is it even possible to increase my faith without the trials? Either way, I have faith in You to work all things together for the good of those who love You (Romans 8:28).

A Message from God’s Heart to Yours:

My beloved friend, when you encounter hardship, exercise your faith. It takes only a speck of faith to accomplish great things. “Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there.’ And it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you” (Matthew 17:19-20). Even a little faith can move mountains.

“Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer” (Matthew 21:21-22). But when you doubt, you are as a wave on the sea, tossed back and forth, double-minded. You should not expect to receive anything you ask for (James 1:7).

Consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything (James 1:2-4). Faith and trust go hand in hand. Trust in Me with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, submit to Me and I will direct your paths (Proverbs 3:5-6). Listen to My voice and submit yourself to Me. Trust that I am in control of all things; have faith that I will give you anything you ask for in My name.

Faith is a gift from Me. You have been saved through faith by My grace (Ephesians 2:8), and you live by faith every day. There are different kinds of faith. Extreme faith is a gift of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:9). Your faith will make you well. When you ask for healing, believe in it! Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours (Mark 11:24). Nothing is impossible when you believe (Matthew 17:20). Jesus dwells in your heart through faith. He is able to do immeasurably more than all you ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within you (Ephesians 3:20). Have faith and believe it!

When you experience a breakdown in your faith, do not focus on the obstacle in front of you. But fix your eyes upon Jesus. Do not grow weary and lost heart (Hebrews 12:2-3). Do not fix your eyes on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal (2 Corinthians 4:18). There is but One who remains in control of all things; it is I, the Sovereign God, who reigns on high and rules all things and all people at all times. I am trustworthy. I never change. Put your faith and trust in Me; I AM.

Always remember, never will I leave you, never will I forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). I love you deeply and want what is best for you. I am always at work behind the scenes. I have a plan and purpose for you life (Jeremiah 29:11) and I am working all things together for your good (Romans 8:28). You are my beloved child, and I care for you deeply. I desire that you mature in your faith, even if it involves allowing you to endure difficult times to do so. Stand firm in your faith; I will provide the strength and hope to persevere. I know what is best for you, and I will see you through your challenges. Have faith, even as small as a mustard seed!

Prayer:

Father in heaven, thank You for the gift of faith, even though it may be small. Thank You that even a speck of faith can move mountains. You are an awesome, all powerful God, who works through Your weakest people to show Your great strength and power. Almighty God, will you meet with me now and increase my faith and trust in You. Work Your grace and Your power in my life. Give me the confidence I need to trust in You wholeheartedly. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Two-way Conversation with God:

Father God, please share with me how my faith in You works to move mountains. (Record every word and thought He gives you.)

Jesus, my Lord, I want to have the faith of the centurion (Luke 7:6-10) and the faith of the woman who touched Your robe to be healed (Mark 5:34). Teach me how to have that kind of faith. What must I do? (Write down all thoughts and ideas Jesus gives you in this moment.)

Holy Spirit, please give me the gift of faith. I want to believe and not doubt. Help me overcome my unbelief (Mark 9:24). Please give to me as You determine. What might that be? (Journal the thoughts and verses the Holy Spirit gives you.)

Prayer:

Dear Father in heaven, I am grateful for this conversation that we shared today. Thank You for sharing Your heart on the subject of my faith. Lord, strengthen me with Your gift of faith, and empower me to trust in You completely for all things. Lord, I am so blessed that You call me Your child, You love me beyond my comprehension, and You know what is best for me and carry it out according to Your good and perfect will. Thank You for your love and faithfulness to all generations of those who love You. In Jesus’ precious name, I pray. Amen.

Supporting Scripture:

Proverbs 3:5-6, Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him and He will make your paths straight.

Matthew 9:2, Some men brought to Him a paralyzed man, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the man, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.”

Matthew 9:22, Jesus turned and saw her, “Take heart, daughter,” He said, “your faith has healed you.” And the woman was healed at that moment.

Matthew 15:28, Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted,” And her daughter was healed at that moment.

Matthew 17:19-20, Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there.’ And it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

Matthew 21:21-22, ²¹Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. ²²If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”

Mark 4:37-41, ³⁷A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. ³⁸Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, don’t You care if we drown?” ³⁹He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be Still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. ⁴⁰He said to His disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” ⁴¹They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey Him!”

Mark 5:34, He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.”

Mark 9:23-24, ²³“’If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” ²⁴Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”

Mark 10:52, “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.

Mark 11:22-24, ²²“Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. ²³“Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. ²⁴Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”

Luke 5:20, When Jesus saw their faith, He said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.”

Luke 7:6-10, ⁶So Jesus went with them. He was not far from the house when the centurion sent friends to say to Him: “Lord, don’t trouble Yourself, for I do not deserve to have You come under my roof. ⁷That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to You. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. ⁸For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” ⁹When Jesus heard this, He was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following Him, He said, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.” ¹⁰Then the men who had been sent returned to the house and found the servant well.

Luke 7:48-50, ⁴⁸Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” ⁴⁹The other guests began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” ⁵⁰Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

Luke 8:48, Then He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.”

Luke 17:6, He replied, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you.”

Luke 17:19, Then He said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”

Acts 3:16, By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through Him that has completed healed him, as you can all see.

Romans 8:28, And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.

Romans 10:17, Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.

1 Corinthians 12:7-11, ⁷Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. ⁸To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, ⁹to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, ¹⁰to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. ¹¹All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and He distributes them to each one, just as He determines.

1 Corinthians 13:2, If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.

2 Corinthians 4:18, So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

2 Corinthians 5:7, For we live by faith, not by sight.

Ephesians 2:8-9, ⁸For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—⁹not by works, so that no one can boast.

Ephesians 3:16-21, ¹⁶I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, ¹⁷so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, ¹⁸may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, ¹⁹and to know His love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. ²⁰Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, ²¹to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Hebrews 10:22-23, ²²Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. ²³Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.

Hebrews 11:1-3, ¹Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. ²This is what the ancients were commended for. ³By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what I seen was not made out of what was visible.

Hebrews 12:1-3, ¹Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, ²fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him He endured the cross scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ³Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Hebrews 13:5, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

James 1:2-8, 12, ²Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. ⁴Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. ⁵If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. ⁶But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. ⁷That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. ⁸Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do….¹²Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

1 Peter 5:8-11, ⁸Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. ⁹Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. ¹⁰And the God of grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast. ¹¹To Him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 38 – Be Joyful

Apr29

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 38

Be Joyful

Dearest Father, You knit me together in the womb, and You know my inmost being. You know that I am not naturally a happy, joyful person. However, I do understand and believe that true joy is not a feeling, instead it is a gift from the Spirit and a confidence I experience in my relationship with You. Your joy is my inner strength (Nehemiah 8:10). My joy is made complete in a close connection and daily conversation with You. Thank You for producing the fruit of joy in my life through the gift of the Holy Spirit within me. Listening to Your voice and reading Your Word both bring me great and lasting joy.

A Message from God’s Heart to Yours:

My child, you may not feel joyful, however, that is exactly what you are. You experience supernatural joy through the gift of My Spirit. You possess the confidence in knowing that I am your God, I am in control, and you can place your hope and trust in Me and My promises. You have the assurance that I love you and care for you; therefore, I will work all things together for your good (Romans 8:28).

We are not speaking about the happiness that good circumstances produce, but an inner, enduring joy that supersedes the pleasures that the world offers. You may remain joyful in every situation because of your relationship with Jesus Christ who sustains you. That relationship never changes. Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).

I am your strength and shield. When your heart trusts in Me, it leaps for joy (Psalm 28:7). I grant you unending blessings with the joy of My presence (Psalm 21:6). My joy is your strength (Nehemiah 8:10). I turn your crying into dancing and your mourning into joy (Psalm 30:11). Rejoice and be glad that My Spirit gives you unending peace and lasting joy.

My peace and joy are available to you in good times and bad through the gift of the Spirit. You may rejoice even when I don’t deliver you from your troubles, because you know that I will take care of you and provide for all your needs. It is during your trials that you grow the most. You learn to depend on Me and know that I will never leave you or forget about you (Hebrews 13:5).

Joy is also a choice. You may enjoy a positive outlook as you focus on Me rather than your sorrows and difficult circumstances. You know I will walk you through your trials. I am in control of everything. Nothing can separate you from My love (Romans 8:39). Be thankful for what I am doing in you through your challenges. When you are weak, I am your strength (2 Corinthians 12:10). Your joy will be made full. Choose Me and be joyful.

Prayer:

Dear Most Holy Father, I am joyful because of the peace, hope, faith, and confidence I have in knowing You love me and You are in control of all things. There is no one like You, Lord. There is no place I’d rather be than spending time in relationship with You. It brings me great joy to listen to Your voice and read about You in Your Word. Thank You for adopting me as Your child and allowing me to approach You with freedom and confidence (Ephesians 3:12). Lord, magnify my joy by allowing me to clearly hear Your voice and Your words for me in this moment as we sit in conversation. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.

Two-way Conversation with God:

Father God, what brings You the most joy? (Record what you hear from Him.)

Jesus, my Savior, please explain to me the joy You anticipated even in Your darkest hour as stated in Hebrews 12:2, “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Write everything He brings to your mind right now.)

Holy Spirit, please sanctify me to become more like Christ and produce in me, the fruit of joy. Show me what that will require. (Journal all your thoughts and ideas.)

Prayer:

Lord, in the past, I could really relate to David’s claim in Psalm 30:11-12, “You turned my wailing into dancing; You removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing Your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise You forever.” I experienced that new joy as You brought me from depression to dancing, and now I cannot keep silent about Your goodness. You have done great things for me and I am filled with joy (Psalm 126:3). I see where the Spirit has produced that fruit of joy in me. I will praise you forever, O Lord, my God. My heart sings and leaps for joy, even in the difficult times, because I put my faith and trust in You to carry me through. I can experience joy in any situation. Thank You for this realization. Thank You for Your mercy and grace, peace and joy, love and provision. Thank You for building a firm foundation of joy in my life and a lasting joy in my heart for You. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Supporting Scripture:

Nehemiah 8:10, Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

Nehemiah 12:43, And on that day they offered great sacrifices, rejoicing because God had given them great joy. The women and children also rejoiced. The sound of rejoicing in Jerusalem could be heard far away.

Psalm 21:6, Surely You have granted him unending blessings and made him glad with the joy of Your presence.

Psalm 28:7, The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise Him.

Psalm 30:11-12, ¹¹You turned my wailing into dancing; You removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, ¹²that my heart may sing Your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise You forever.

Psalm 47:1-2, ¹Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy. ²For the Lord Most High is awesome, the great King over all the earth.

Psalm 51:12, Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

Psalm 66:1, Shout for joy to God, all the earth!

Psalm 95:1, Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.

Psalm 100:1-2, ¹Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. ²Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs.

Psalm 126:3, The Lord has done great things for us and we are filled with joy.

Proverbs 12:20, Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil, but those who promote peace have joy.

Isaiah 12:4-6, ⁴In that day you will say: “Give praise to the Lord, proclaim His name; make known among the nations what He has done, and proclaim that His name is exalted. ⁵Sing to the Lord, for He has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world. ⁶Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel among you.”

Isaiah 51:11, Those the Lord has rescued will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.

Isaiah 58:13-14, ¹³“If you keep your feet from breaking the Sabbath and from doing as you please on My holy day, if you call the Sabbath a delight and the Lord’s holy day honorable, and if you honor it by not going your own way and not doing as you please or speaking idle words, ¹⁴then you will find your joy in the Lord, and I will cause you to ride in triumph on the heights of the land, and to feast on the inheritance of your father Jacob.” For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.

Habakkuk 3:18, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.

Luke 6:23, “Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their ancestors treated the prophets.”

Luke 10:21, At that time, Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what You were pleased to do.”

John 3:29, “The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is Mine, and it is now complete.”

John 15:9-11, ⁹“As the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you. Now remain in My love. ¹⁰If you keep My commands, you will remain in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commands, you will remain in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commands and remain in His love. ¹¹I have told you this so that My joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”

John 16:23, “So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.”

John 17:13, “I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them.”

Romans 8:28, And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.

Romans 8:35-39, ³⁵Who shall separates us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? ³⁶As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” ³⁷No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. ³⁸For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, ³⁹neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 12:12, Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Galatians 5:22-23, ²²But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Ephesians 3:12, In Him and through faith in Him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.

Philippians 1:3-6, ³I thank my God every time I remember you. ⁴In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy ⁵because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, ⁶being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Philippians 2:1-2, ¹Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, ²then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.

Philippians 4:4, Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again: Rejoice!

Colossians 1:9-12, ⁹For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, ¹⁰so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, ¹¹being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, ¹²and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of His holy people in the kingdom of light.

Hebrews 1:9, “You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.” (Psalm 45:6-7)

Hebrews 12:2, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 13:5, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

Hebrews 13:8, Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

1 Peter 1:6-9, ⁶In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. ⁷These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. ⁸Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, ⁹for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

3 John 1:4, I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 37 – Be Armed for Spiritual Battle

Apr28

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 37

Be Armed for Spiritual Battle

Lord, sometimes I can really relate to what Paul said in Romans 7:15, “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.” Why do I continue to behave and respond in the flesh, when You have given me new life in the Spirit? What is this battle raging within me that keeps me from living the sanctified life You intended for me? Lord, I confess my sin and ask that You would help me fight this battle and win.

A Message from God’s Heart to Yours:

It is good for you to realize that you are involved in a form of daily spiritual battle between the flesh and the Spirit. Use the Holy Spirit’s power to annihilate the force of sin in your life. Sin has no control over you, unless you allow it to. You are no longer a slave to sin; but Jesus Christ has rescued you and delivered you from all evil (Romans 7:24-25). You are a new creation in Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:17). You have the same power living in you that raised Jesus Christ from the dead (Ephesians 1:19-21). The Holy Spirit is your ally and defender. You may exercise His supernatural strength in all your encounters. I am your Warrior God; I help you fight your battles and win them!

Also understand that you live in a continual spiritual warfare of good vs. evil. Every morning, dress yourself for spiritual battle by putting on the full Armor of God, so that you will be able to stand your ground. Gird your waist with the belt of truth, claiming who you are in Christ; you are supernaturally empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit. With the helmet of salvation, you put on the mind of Christ, giving you wisdom and discernment with regard to your enemy and his attacks. Secure the breastplate of righteousness in place to protect your heart and defend your birthright as a child of God. Hold up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Stand firm with your feet fitted with the sandals of the gospel of peace. Take up and carry the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God so you can fight against the enemy’s lies with the truth of Scripture and God’s promises. Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. Always be alert and keep on praying for all God’s people (Ephesians 6:10-18).

Draw on the dynamic power of the Holy Spirit whenever you find yourself in a diabolical battle. Your enemy’s attacks may be subtle. Sometimes you do not even know you are in a fight until you have lost. Remain alert to the devil’s ways, knowing that he will first go after your weakest areas. Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:12). When you are in a struggle against another human, consider the provocative nature of the evil one. Often times, he is your true opponent. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). Do not fall prey to his devious schemes. Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power (Ephesians 6:10). Live as wise, not as unwise (Ephesians 5:15). Remember that Christ has already defeated Satan, sin, death and the grave. Do not give the devil more power than he is due. Christ has made him powerless. Claim your victory over evil and the evil one, by the shed blood of Jesus on the cross. You are victorious in Jesus Christ. Stand firm and win over evil. You are armed with power from on high to overcome all the power of the enemy (Luke 10;19).

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank You for shedding Your blood on the cross and claiming Your victory over sin, death, and the grave. Thank You for providing me that same victory, as well as, power and authority over all evil and the evil one. I am so grateful that I do not stand alone to battle the forces of evil, but You stand at my side. You are my Warrior God, hiding me in the shadow of Your wings and protecting me from my enemies. Lord, thank You for providing me the Armor of God, so that I may stand firm in battle and remain standing. Thank You for the victory and for the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit dwelling in me. Please help me be alert to the ways of the enemy and engage in battle with the weapons and authority You provide. Please speak to me now and share Your wisdom with me to better prepare me for anything the enemy throws my way.

Two-way Conversation with God:

Loving Father, please expose the broken places in my heart and show me my areas of weakness that the enemy will most certainly go after. (Record all thoughts that come to mind in this moment.)

Jesus, my Victor, please enlighten me to the truth about my vulnerabilities exposed above. Replace the lies of the enemy with Your truth. Tell me how to defend myself against the enemy attacks in these areas. (Write down all thoughts, ideas, and Scripture verses that come to mind right now.)

Holy Spirit, please help me be alert to Satan and his ways. Remind me that I struggle not with flesh and blood, but against the evil one. Empower me with the Word of God to fight these attacks. Please give me verses that will combat the enemy when he strikes my weak spots. (Journal all His words and verses He leads you to for this application.)

Prayer:

Almighty Lord, thank You for sharing Your wisdom, words, power and protection with me as I fight these daily battles. Lord, I ask that You will daily empower me with Your wisdom and Your Word. Lord, help me always remain alert to the enemy’s ways and recognize each battle I engage in for what it truly is. I claim my victory in You. I claim all power and authority over evil and the evil one, in the name of Jesus Christ, and by His blood. Thank You, Lord. Amen.

Supporting Scripture:

Luke 10:18-19, ¹⁸He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. ¹⁹I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.”

Romans 7:14-25, ¹⁴We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. ¹⁵I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. ¹⁶And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. ¹⁷As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. ¹⁸For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. ¹⁹For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. ²⁰Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. ²¹So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. ²²For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; ²³but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. ²⁴What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? ²⁵Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God’s law, but in my sinful nature a slave to the law of sin.

2 Corinthians 5:17, Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

Ephesians 1:19-21, ¹⁹and His incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength ²⁰He exerted when He raised Christ from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms, ²¹far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.

Ephesians 5:15-20, ¹⁵Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, ¹⁶making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. ¹⁷Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. ¹⁸Do not become drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, ¹⁹speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, ²⁰always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 6:10-18, ¹⁰Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. ¹¹Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. ¹²For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ¹³Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, an after you have done everything to stand. ¹⁴Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, ¹⁵and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. ¹⁶In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. ¹⁷Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. ¹⁸And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

Sindy Nagel

Author/Speaker Communicating Messages from God's Heart to Yours and Helping You Hear His Voice Within

Archives

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 46 – God’s Guidance

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 45 – Fully Forgiven

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 44 – Confess Your Sin

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 42 – I am with You

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 41 – Refining Fire

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 40 – Praise Him in the Storms

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 39 – Faith as Small as a Mustard Seed

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 38 – Be Joyful

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 37 – Be Armed for Spiritual Battle