Archives

My Light in Shining Armor

Dec9


A woman is standing at the microphone and holding a pen.

My Light in Shining Armor 

By Sindy Nagel

 

You called me out of darkness

Into Your glorious light

Where once my eyes were blinded

You gave me back my sight

 

You freed me from the prison

Where Satan held the key

No longer am I bound by lies

Your truth has set me free

 

You reached down with a mighty hand

And pulled me from the pit

You set my feet on solid ground

A new light in my heart you lit

 

You’re my song every morning

My friend throughout the day

You whisper truth into my ears

When I make the time to pray

 

My comfort and my guide You are

I trust you my life to You

You walk with me in challenges

In trials, You see me through

 

Your praise I will forever sing

Your joy flows from my heart

You’ve blessed my life in countless ways

I don’t know where to start

 

Thank You for your goodness

In my weakness, You are strong

You comfort me in sorrow

And change my grieving into song

 

You’re my bread when I am hungry

My manna for each day

Your living water quenches thirst

You are my hope and stay

 

You took my wretched, dreary soul

And gave my heart new zest

To live a life that pleases You

And offer You my best

 

Accept my praise to You today

As lowly as it seems

You are my Light in Shining Armor

The Man of all my dreams

 

Thank You, Jesus. You’re the Best!

 

 

Let Your Praises Ring

Nov21

Praise the Lord, O my soul

Everything in me sings your praise

All my heart, soul, mind, and strength

Will praise you all of my days

 

Praise the Lord, O ye heavens

Praise the Lord, ye earth below

He is worthy of all glory

He is awesome, this I know

 

Before I rise in the morning

Let His praises be on my lips

And when I fall into bed at night

Let the praise in my heart do flips

 

Every moment I will praise Him

For He is my EVERY thing

Let admiration flow from my mouth

As my tongue His praises sing

 

I lift my hands in holy praise

To the Almighty God above

I delight myself in the Lord of lords

And He fills my heart with love

 

The One Who bore my sin and shame

Deserves the best words I can shout

His praise flows from within my soul

And through my lips pours out

 

He is my guardian and my friend

My trusted confidant

He provides me all I’ll ever need

Much more than I shall want

 

I thank Him for His Spirit

He placed within my heart

Who seals me for the final day

When this earth I will depart

 

I hear His voice within me

He whispers in my ear

“I am with you always…

There is no need to fear”

 

If Jesus is your Savior

The Lord of what you do

Just make the time to listen

And you will hear Him too

 

Escape the crowds and noise of life

And to the Lord draw near

Pay attention to the thoughts you think

His still, small voice you’ll hear

 

He speaks to us through Scripture

When we find ourselves in need

He counsels us in God’s good ways

And convicts us of our misdeed

 

He is our hope and healing

Our anchor in the storm

When battles rage against us

He keeps us safe and warm

 

Do not forsake your time with God

He wants to be your friend

To speak with you throughout your day

From the day’s beginning to its end

 

Pay attention to His voice within

As you walk out your faith today

Be conscious of His words to you

I bet you’ll hear Him say:

 

“My child, I love you more than life

You are My special lamb

I want to be Your Shepherd

And show you Who I AM…

 

I’m your light in the darkness

I’m your stronghold in the war

I’m your comfort in your sorrow

I’m the angel at your door

 

I give you food and shelter

I protect you from your foe

I speak the truth within your heart

The things that you should know

 

I hear you when you call Me

I’m with you in all you do

And when you cannot find the strength

You can be sure I’ll carry you

 

Trust in Me, obey My words

And I will see you through

I do not ask you to perform

Without preparing you

 

And when My work you’ve carried out

My joy is your reward

Let your praises ring, let Me hear you sing

‘Halleluiah to the Lord!’”


 

Take heart! We can have peace in a troubled world.

Nov18

In John 16:33, Jesus says, “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out His commands. This is love for God: to obey His commands. And His commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. (1 John 5:2-4)

My dear children, in this world you will have trouble. But I have overcome the world. In Me you may find your peace. My peace is available to you at all times, through all the trials of this life. Though the storms rage around you, you need only look within to find your tranquility. I am in you and you are in Me, just as I am in My Father and My Father is in Me.

Turn to Me, and I will calm the wind and the waves that threaten you. Though you are weak, you may find your strength in Me. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid, for I am with you always. I do not leave you alone as orphans. My Spirit lives in your heart.

When you accept Me as your Savior, you are born of God. When you believe that I am the Son of God, you too, in faith, will overcome the world. Live victoriously in your faith. Show yourself to be My children by loving each other as I have loved you. When you obey My commands, you will remain in My love. My joy will be in you and your joy will be complete.

My peace and joy are available to you, even in the trials and turmoil this world brings. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. Remain in Me and I will remain in you. My love, joy and peace will remain in you as well. Let My joy be a shining light in a world full of darkness. Radiate My love to a broken world.

See also John 14:27, John 15:4, John 15:9-13.

Do you feel like winter wheat?

Nov14


A woman is standing at the microphone and holding a pen.

winter wheat

A woman is standing at the microphone and holding a pen.

perennial wheat grass

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When old man winter strikes with a vengeance, do you relate more to winter wheat (left) or perennial wheat grass (right)? Do you remain in a vegetative phase during the winter but produce a higher yield in the spring or summer? Or do you flourish and produce your best harvest in the harshness of winter weather?

I’m a hybrid wheat. I don’t enjoy the colder weather, so I stay inside and keep to myself. My activities and relationships may go dormant for a few months. However, this also affords me time to read, study, write and produce good content for the harvest.

It’s okay to be the winter wheat recluse, as long as you are bulking up in spiritual knowledge and rebuilding your energy to produce your best harvest when warmer weather returns.

My child, I am the Vine; you are the branch. Remain in Me and I will remain in you. Apart from Me, you can do nothing. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the Vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me. If you remain in Me, and I in you, you will be even more fruitful. (See John 15:1-8)

If you are winter wheat, be sure to remain in the Vine during your dormancy. Use your alone time to bulk up in spiritual knowledge by remaining in God’s Word. Don’t let your relationship with Jesus go dormant. Spend time with Him daily in two-way conversation—talk to Him, and then leave room in the conversation for Him to speak to you.

Winter wheat generally produces a higher yield. You will too, when you remain in the Vine during the solitude of winter.

Shine like a Star

Oct6


 For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.[1]

My A woman is standing at the microphone and holding a pen.blessed one, live out your faith in awe and reverence, for it is I Who work in you to carry out My good and perfect will. Shine brightly like a star in a dark generation as you hold on to My word of life. Listen intently to My voice within you and radiate My words of love to a corrupt world. Take every opportunity to refer to Me in your conversations and your actions. Keep My name and My Word in a prominent position daily as you live out your life in peace. Walk in step with My Spirit, paying close attention to His teaching and prompting. Be a light to those who live in darkness. Deliver a message of hope and good news to those held in the bondage of sin. Bring sight to those who are blind to My ways. You are My messenger of salvation. Be a shining star, reflecting My glory for all to see.

stock-illustration-design-background-of-blue-luminous

© OlgaYakovenko

[1] The New King James Version. (1982). (Php 2:13). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

A Delicate Balance

Oct1

Body

Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, Who is in you, Whom you have received from God? You are not your own, you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

Mind

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2)

Spirit

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

 

My beloved one,

Honor Me with your body—it is My dwelling place. Deep within your inmost being, I make your heart My home. Do not defile your body, it is My holy temple. You are not your own. You have been purchased by My blood; I redeemed you. You belong to Me; therefore, honor Me with your body. You are My child. Put to death the misdeeds of the body and live by the Spirit of the One Who adopted you for all time.  

Renew your mind with My good pleasure. Immerse yourself daily in My Word. Do not be conformed to the ways of this world, but be transformed by Me. Do not believe the lies that originate in the darkness. But listen to the truth spoken by My Spirit. Let Him recreate your thoughts. Bathe yourself in Scripture, using it as your fortress and your defense on the battlefield of your mind.

Your spirit has been linked with mine. Live in step with the Spirit, disregarding the desires of the flesh. Set your mind on what the Spirit desires and deny the impulses of the body. When your body, mind, and spirit all cooperate with My Spirit, He gives life to your mortal body and purifies your depraved mind.

The balance between body, mind, and spirit is delicate and difficult to achieve. Only when you live by My Spirit will you find your equilibrium. Listen to My voice within and submit yourself daily into My care and guidance. I am here to help you succeed. Take My hand and walk with Me. I will see you through your challenges and rejoice with you in your victories. We will overcome.

Let My children, called by My name, delight with Me in the joy of My salvation!


 

His Heart will Sing

Sep21

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—which is your spiritual worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will (Romans 12:1-2).

Beloved one, make it your pleasure to offer yourself—heart, mind, and soul—to Me, in reverence. Do not be as the pagans, who do not acknowledge Me as God. You previously belonged to this world and its ways. However, now you are a stranger to it. Do not imitate the ways of those who do not know Me or accept me. You are My child, I adopted you as My heir. My Holy Spirit, who dwells in your heart, transforms you by the renewing of your mind. Pay attention to His voice within. He teaches you and reminds you of My good and perfect will. You need not question how to please Me. Love Me with your obedience. Set yourself apart from this world, remaining pure and holy as your spiritual worship. Serve Me wholeheartedly according to the gifts I have given you. Live into the purpose I created you for and let My heart sing.


 

My Spirit Lives in You

Sep15

My Spirit Lives in You

by Sindy Nagel

I am your refuge and your strength
Your shelter in the storm
I walk beside you in your trials
I keep you safe and warm

I formed you in your mother’s womb
You’re engraved upon my palms
Never will I leave your side
Let go of all your qualms

Your life rests in my loving arms
I will take care of you
I know the number of your days
And I will see you through

My Spirit lives deep in your heart
He is a faithful friend
Your close companion every day
‘til I come back again

Listen to My voice within
I whisper in your mind
Words of wisdom, love, and truth
Seek and you will find

I’ll comfort you and counsel you
My words are always true
My Spirit leads you on the path
That I’ve marked out for you

He will not speak on His own
But does what He should do
He takes from Me what is Mine
And makes it known to you

He tells My story for My glory
Bringing honor to My name
‘til all the world knows who I am
Will you now do the same?

Love Me with all your heart,
Your strength, mind, and soul
Love your neighbor as yourself
Make this your foremost goal

Love Me and obey My words
I’ll show Myself to you
Your life will radiate My light
In everything you do

I will never leave your side
Or forget that you are Mine
My Spirit dwells deep in your heart
I’m with you all the time

If only you could understand
What’s right within your reach
The depth of My great love for you
My Spirit’s here to teach

How far and wide, how tall and deep
My love for you does go
You’re always in My heart and mind
If only you could know

Take time, My love, to sit with Me
And listen to My voice
Forget the list of things to do
And drown out all the noise

You know My voice, You are my sheep
By name, I call to you
Open the ears within your heart
My Spirit lives in you


 

I AM Your Stronghold

Sep10

The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know Your name will trust in You, for You, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek You (Psalm 9:9-10).

Lord, where are you? You have allowed this trial in my life, but I cannot feel your presence. Are you here?

My precious child, I AM here. I AM always with you. I will never leave you or forget you. I have written you on My palms. Your name is engraved on My heart. Close your eyes and look for Me in your mind again. Pay attention to your heart which is My dwelling place. I will give you My perfect peace, even in your trials.

You are not alone. Seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with your whole heart. Trust Me. I will take care of you. I will walk with you through this valley. I will carry you when necessary. Rest in Me.

The road is long, but I AM your ever-present strength. Though we walk through fire, we will not be burned. I AM your Savior and your friend. I love you more than you can comprehend. My perfect love casts out your fears. You need not be afraid. I AM with you at all times, in all places. Cast your cares upon Me, and I will give you rest.


 

Rewarded for Your Labor

Sep5

I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor (1 Corinthians 3:6-8).

My child, your labor is not in vain. You may not see the results of it, but I do. At times, you plant the seed. Other times, you water it. And I make it grow. So you see, in performing My work, you are fulfilling your purpose, and you will be rewarded accordingly.

Do not be discouraged. Continue to work alongside Me for the salvation of My people. I will use you in ways you don’t even know about. Bring the light of salvation and the good news of the gospel to all the places I bring you. Plant, water, and move on. Leave the growth to Me. Your reward will come later. Your labor does not go unnoticed.

I am delighted in you. I value you as My creation. Good job, faithful one. My blessings are upon you. Now enjoy My presence and My peace.