Thanksgiving Day 2017

Nov23

By Sindy Nagel

 

I’m thankful for my God above

And for Jesus, His own Son

I’m grateful for the Holy Spirit

The Godhead, Three-in-One

 

I give Him thanks for His great love

It’s deeper than I know

I thank Him that He’s always present

Everywhere I go

 

I’m grateful for His promises

To be my strength and peace

I’m thankful that He hears me

When I get on my knees

 

I appreciate His promptings

To be more like His Son

I’m grateful for His guidance

His truth and great wisdom

 

I thank You, Lord, this special day

Thanksgiving Two O Seventeen

For being the most loving Daddy

That this world has ever seen

 

I bless You now as You bless me

You are my Number One

From the first light every morning

Until each day is done

 

You meet my needs and my wants

More abundantly than I ask

You’re attentive to my longings

I know that’s no small task

 

Father, Son, and Holy Ghost

I praise You for all You do

May my life be a witness

Bringing glory and honor to You

 

Happy Thanksgiving to My Father,

To Your Spirit and Jesus too

I’m grateful for Your sacrifice

And for everything You do!


 

First Thessalonians Five Poem

Oct31

As children of our Father God

Sons and daughters of the light

We belong to our heavenly King

And turn away the dark of night

 

We wear the breastplate of righteousness

Putting it on with faith and love

The helmet of salvation’s hope

Protects our heads above

 

The Lord Jesus died for us

As payment for our sin

He endured the wage, a gruesome death

Fought the battle and did win

 

No power on earth was strong enough

To keep Him in the grave

An angel of the Lord came down

And rolled the stone away

 

On the third day, He was raised to life

And seated at God’s right hand

His enemies made His footstool

He reigned over all the land

 

He gave His body and His blood

For our salvation to receive

When we confess Him as our Lord

And in our hearts believe

 

At all times, be full of joy

In everything, give thanks

This is God’s good and perfect will

For all our earthly days

 

Live in peace and harmony

With friend and foe the same

Hold on to good, avoid the bad

Bring honor to God’s name

 

Utter prayers without ceasing

Do not quench the Spirit’s fire

Let the God of peace Himself

Fulfill your heart’s desire

 

May your body, mind, and spirit

Be blameless in His eye

As the Holy Spirit cleanses you

And makes you sanctified

 

Daily read the Word of God

As the verses come alive

And remember this little ditty

From 1st Thessalonians 5.

Let Me Direct Your Path

Oct7

My dear one, it is so good to speak with you again. Thank you for spending this time with Me. I desire to sit with you every day and connect in conversation with you again. I desire to direct your days, to minister to you, to educate you, to prepare you, and to motivate you to carry out My work. I want to fill you with My goodness, relay My thoughts to you, fill you with My wisdom, and help you appreciate My presence in your life. I am with you always.

You may speak to Me any time. However, I do appreciate when you start your day spending time with Me. It shows Me that you are trying to make Me your first priority. It shows Me that you are eager to know My will and plan for your life. It warms My heart to know that you care enough about Me to give up a little sleep. I am blessed by meeting with you in the morning, before you begin your day with your own plans.

Your plans may be good, but they may not be My best for you. My ways are higher than your ways. My thoughts are higher than your thoughts. I see the future. I know the past. I see all and know all. It is in your best interest to seek Me first, before you set out to accomplish anything. Do not run ahead in a direction I have not prepared for you. When you do, you may encounter snares, traps, conflicts, and barriers. But when you run the race I have marked out for you, everything you come up against has been ordained by Me.

On My path, any trials you face have been allowed by Me. It is My goal to mature you spiritually. In order to accomplish this, sometimes I have to get your attention. Seek first My kingdom and My righteousness. I use all things for your good, to get your attention, to challenge your faith, to increase your trust in Me, to refine your character, and to return you to Myself.

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

You have been held in captivity by the things of this world. Seek Me with your whole heart again, and you will find Me. Call upon Me, come and pray to Me, and I will listen. I am the Lord. I am your Lord. I know what is best for you, and I want to guide you on the path I have planned out for you. Please seek Me first, before everything else, and then listen for My voice within throughout the day. I am with you always. You have access to Me at all times. I love you, My child. Let Me direct your path.

Busyness Can Be a Roadblock to Hearing God’s Voice

May11


FroA woman is standing at the microphone and holding a pen.m God’s Heart to Yours

            Sweet child of Mine, I desire first place in your life. I request your best, your first fruits, not your leftovers. I want the first of your time as well. My plans are to prosper you, to give you hope and a future. I designed you with a specific purpose in mind. How do you know My best for you unless you listen to My voice? How will you receive My wisdom without turning to My Word? How will you know Me without spending time with Me?

            Your best-laid plans may not be My best for you. Your life is on GO sixteen hours a day, but how much of that time is dedicated to Me? To My work? Sixty minutes? Twenty? Ten? Any at all? You won’t comprehend the great depth of My love for you until you hear My whispers. You can’t begin to understand Me when you don’t make time for Me. You ask why you do not hear Me. Are you listening? Do you give Me time to speak? I do have something to say.


 Will you meet with Me in the morning?

Will you turn to Me mid-day?

Will you seek My face in the evening?

I do have something to say.

 

Will you turn off the television?

Will you put your phone away?

Will you shut down the computer?

I do have something to say.

 

Will you take Me with you golfing?

Will you walk with Me by the bay?

Will you talk to Me in your office?

I do have something to say.

 

Will you ask Me for My wisdom?

Will you bend your ear My way?

Will you listen with excitement?

I do have something to say.

 

Will you look for Me when you’re lonely?

Will you make time for Me in your day?

Will you call on Me in your trials?

I do have something to say.

 

Will you recognize My whispers?

Will you listen to Me when you pray?

Will you greet Me with anticipation?

I do have something to say.


Please make time for Me, My friend. I desire to walk through this life with you, but I’d prefer to lead. I am with you always. I’ll never leave you or forsake you. Please do not forget I am with you at all times, in all places. You are My beloved child. I am pleased by you. I wait with excitement to spend time with you. Please make that happen soon. I am here for you.


 


 

 

 

GROUND ZERO – THE FOUNDATION FOR THE PATHWAY TO HEARING GOD’S VOICE

May10


I am so excited about letting you in on a new project I’ve been working on. It’s my first online course on the topic I am most passionate about: PATHWAY TO HEARING GOD’S VOICE 101 – 7 SIMPLE STEPS.

A woman is standing at the microphone and holding a pen.ONLINE COURSE COMING SOON! As in most courses, there is a PRE-REQUISITE to complete before enrollment. In order to hear the voice of God’s Holy Spirit within you, just believing in God is not enough. You need to accept the FREE gift of God’s saving grace. God sent His one and only Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross in your place to save you from your sins and restore your relationship with your heavenly Father. Your disobedience and sin separate you from God, and Jesus is the ONLY way back to Him. You need to confess your sin, accept that Jesus died on the cross for YOU, believe that God raised Him from the dead, and invite the living God into your heart to be the Lord of your life. That’s GROUND ZERO. That is required in order to regularly hear the voice of God within you.

I have put together a short video which will lead you, or anyone, through the gospel of good news, including a Salvation Prayer, which you can repeat with me. Taking this step, will not only ensure your eternity with your Father in heaven, but will also complete the PRE-REQUISITE for my new online course coming soon.

Are you sure about where you will spend eternity? Do you desire to know God better and experience His daily presence in your life? Do you want to fill that God-shaped hole inside you that nothing else and no one else can fill? If so, then watch this FREE video and seal the deal today.

Watch GROUND ZERO video now! Click Here. When you get to the video, Enter 0 in the price and use the Offer Code: free


 

Step 1 to Hearing God’s Voice – Expect and Believe (Re-post–Sorry, this 3/11 post was lost)

Apr27

Do you believe in Santa Claus? As parents, we sometimes go to great lengths to preserve our children’s belief in the legendary figure known as Santa Claus.

All through the year, we attempt to deter bad behavior with the reminder that Santa knows who’s naughty and nice. Weeks before December 25th, we pile the kids in the car and drive to the mall, where we stand in long lines, so little Bobby and Jessie can sit on the jolly old elf’s lap and whisper their Christmas wish lists into his attentive ear. We might even purchase the expensive picture with Santa to solidify the memory for them. Even Fido gets his picture with Santa and receives a rawhide bone in his stocking.

To intensify their expectation and belief, on Christmas Eve we set out a plate of cookies and glass of milk for Santa. Of course, we make sure those cookies have bites out of them and the milk is half gone before the children come running down the stairs on Christmas morn.

Are we as diligent at promoting God, the true Father Christmas? To quote the old Christmas song, “He knows when you are sleeping; He knows when you’re awake. He knows if you’ve been bad or good, so be good for goodness sake.”

God gave us the gift of His one and only Son, Jesus Christ, born at Christmas, so He could pay the penalty for our sin. He died on the cross, but He didn’t stay in the grave. God raised Jesus from the dead. He’s alive! When we confess Jesus as our Savior and Lord, God sends the gift of His Holy Spirit to live in our hearts. What a priceless gift He is!

The Holy Spirit is the voice of God in us! We can hear the words of God and know His will, because He dwells in our hearts. He speaks to us and reminds us of what God and Jesus said. He recalls Scripture to our minds and teaches us the wisdom of God. He counsels us and comforts us, among many other roles He plays.

When you know Jesus as your Savior and Lord, you can “Expect and Believe” you will hear His voice within you – Step 1. It’s up to you to “Make the Time” to listen – Step 2.

“He who belongs to God hears what He says.” (John 8:47)

Fight the Good Fight

Apr27


A woman is standing at the microphone and holding a pen.“Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.†(1 Timothy 6:12)

My beloved warrior, take hold of the life to which I have called you. Fight the good fight of the faith. Your battle is not with flesh and blood, but against the powers of this dark world. Stand firm in your faith and do not waver. Dress yourself in the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand your ground. Proudly wear the belt of truth around your waist and be ready to fight for the truth when called upon. Display the breastplate of righteousness for all to see that you belong to Me. Be ready with the gospel of peace and let your feet follow My lead. Grasp the shield of faith with which you can stop the enemy’s arrows of spiritual attack. Put on the helmet of salvation believing that you are saved by My grace, adopted by Me, and therefore, an heir to all that belongs to Me. Claim your power and authority in Jesus’ victorious name. Remain in Me and My Word so that you may draw upon it when you need it. Be ready to fight with the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. Use it against all evil. My Word is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. I stand by your side and fight your battles with you. I will never leave you or forget you. My Spirit dwells in you and gives you the authority to break strongholds. Victory is ours, My friend. You have the same Spirit living in you that raised Jesus from the dead. My power in you is unstoppable. I have called you to be My warrior. Fight to win! (See below: Ephesians 6:10-18, Hebrews 4:12, Joshua 1:5, Ephesians 1:17-20)

“For 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. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrow of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And 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 saints.†(Ephesians 6:10-18)

“For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.†(Hebrews 4:12)

“No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you or forsake you.†(Joshua 1:5)

“I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and His incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of His mighty strength, which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms.†(Ephesians 1:17-20)


 

Independence (a.k.a. Pride)

Apr20


A woman is standing at the microphone and holding a pen.The other day I overheard a single woman proudly state that she had always been able to take care of herself and provide for herself. Fantastic! I’m sure she made her parents proud also. After all, isn’t that one measure of successful parenting—that your children prosper financially, support themselves, and move out of the nest? Is there anything wrong with being pleased with yourself for exerting an independent, self-sufficient spirit? Hard work is an excellent virtue and should be rewarded, right?

Independence, control, and comparison. Those words don’t sound prideful when spoken alone. However, when we rely on ourselves for everything and don’t depend on God for anything, He could view this independent spirit as arrogance or overconfidence. Likewise, it often feels good to be in complete control of ourselves, our lives, an event, a situation, another person, or his actions. The haughty monster of pride rears its ugly head in the condescending creature of control. And when we compare ourselves to others and always come out on top, a conceited nature triumphs over humility in our souls. Be careful—this sounds a bit like sitting in the judgment seat, and that’s not a position you want to claim for yourself. Judgment is reserved for Almighty God alone.

A narrow boundary exists between independence and pride, and it’s not a line you want to cross. Pride is mentioned in Proverbs 6:16-19 as one of the seven things detestable to God. Pride manifests itself in these forms: arrogance, conceit, self-importance, egotism, vanity, haughty eyes, condescension, scorn, disrespect, snootiness, loftiness, and contemptuousness. The Lord despises proud actions and attitudes. Here are a few of the many verses that describe how God feels about pride:

  • Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. (Proverbs 16:18)
  • God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. (James 4:6)
  • The Lord detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished. (Proverbs 16:5)
  • Though the Lord is on high, He looks upon the lowly, but the proud He knows from afar. (Psalm 138:6)

Pride erects a roadblock between you and God. If you are having trouble feeling close to God and hearing His voice, you may want to perform a pride inventory in your spirit. Do you practice humility and selflessness, or are you responsible for behaviors that are detestable to God? The verses above assure us that God will punish the proud of heart, and He doesn’t go near individuals who are full of pride.

Instead of commending yourself for your independence, turn it around, and express your full gratitude to God for His faithful provision. He created you, gifted you, provided a job for you, and rewarded you for your hard work. The truth is you are not as independent as you may think. You are completely dependent on God, because He is in control of all things.

Remove the barrier that may stand in your way of communicating with God. If you hold pride in your heart, confess it and ask God’s forgiveness. Get rid of all pride, arrogance, conceit, self-importance, haughtiness, disrespect, loftiness, and condescension before you seek the Lord to listen to His voice. Treat others as more important than yourself. Assume the position of the lowly, the meek, and the servant. Don’t take it to the extreme so that you resemble a doormat, but approaching the Lord with a contrite heart, in humility, opens the door to receiving God’s words of grace, encouragement, and wisdom.

 Pray:

Almighty God, thank You for loving me and desiring a relationship with me despite my prideful ways. Please forgive me for acting in a manner that is detestable to You. I lay down all arrogance, pride, conceit, and self-righteousness at Your feet, Lord. I trade in my haughty spirit for a spirit of humility and submission. I will try not to pass judgment on others, nor put myself on a pedestal above anyone else. Help me listen to and obey the direction of Your Holy Spirit as He guides me to adopt the heart of a servant and strive to act more like Jesus. I lift You up as the Sovereign Lord, Who rules over everything on earth and in heaven. Father, please help me to seek You for direction in everything I do and put Your desires and the interests of others ahead of my own. I cannot do any of this on my own without the power and strength of Jesus Christ. Please grant me the ability and the blessing of hearing Your voice. I ask all this in Jesus’ name. Amen.  

Freedom

Feb4

My chains have been broken

I give all thanks to Thee

I now know the Truth

And the Truth has set me free

 

You loosed my restraints

Where once I was bound

The chains and the shackles

Fell straight to the ground

 

The bondage of slavery

That once held me tight

No longer has hold of me

Against it we fight

 

You arm me for battle

Your sword at my side

Girded in righteousness

Behind Your shield I hide

 

Your helmet, my salvation

Your belt of truth on my waist

And Your gospel of peace

My feet will carry all my days

 

Still the most precious gift

You’ve given to me

Your Spirit in my heart

Seals my identity

 

A child of the King, I am

Adopted by Your grace

Your love fills my heart

Your joy shines from my face

 

Forever I’ll live with You

In all eternity

Forever I am grateful

That You died on Calvary

 

Your death paid my ransom

The debt I owed to Thee

You defeated my opponent

I will claim my victory

 

My chains have been broken

I give all thanks to Thee

I now know the Truth

And the Truth has set me free

 

 

Three Gifts for Christmas

Dec25


A woman is standing at the microphone and holding a pen.Great things come in threes. God gives Christ followers many awesome gifts, too numerous to mention here, but the greatest are these three: 1) God the Father, 2) Jesus the Son, and 3) God the Holy Spirit—a.k.a. the Trinitarian, Three-In-One God.

God, the Father, sent His One and Only Son, Jesus Christ, to earth to: 1) be born of a virgin, 2) walk the earth in the flesh as a man, and 3) die on the cross as a sacrificial lamb of atonement for the sins of all people. Jesus was buried in a borrowed tomb. He descended into hell to bear the punishment for all our sins. Three days later, God: 1) raised Jesus from the dead, 2) seated Him next to Himself at His right hand, and 3) placed all things under His feet, appointing Jesus to be head over everything (Eph. 1:22).

Matthew narrates the Christmas story highlighting the visit from the Magi in Matthew 2:9-11,

After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the Child with His mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.

Again, the number three triumphs. The wise men from the east bowed down and worshiped the Christ child. They presented Him with three treasured gifts: 1) gold, 2) incense, and 3) myrrh.

As you honor Jesus this Christmas by giving gifts to family and friends, bosses and co-workers, employees and charities, think about what three gifts you could present directly to the Christ child. Will it be,

1)     love, obedience, and trust,

2)     glory, praise, and worship, or

3)     tithes, offerings, and service?

Whatever you decide, you can’t out-give God. He already demonstrated the great depth of His love for you by giving the ultimate gift—the birth and death of His Son, Jesus Christ, as payment for your sin.

Perhaps you could honor the Christ child today with these three gifts: 1) your time, 2) your attentiveness, and 3) your discerning ears.

1)     Make TIME to BE STILL with God today.

2)     Escape the crowds and noise, and FOCUS your attention on Him only.

3)     LISTEN to the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit within.

God loves you more than you will ever comprehend. He wants to spend time with you, showing you and telling you. In your quiet time with Jesus today, bow down and worship the King on His birthday. Present Him with your three gifts: 1) time, 2) attentiveness, and 3) listening ears. It is better to give AND receive JESUS.

My three gifts to God and you today are three FREE Kindle books, 1) Manna for Today, 2) 7 Simple Steps to Hearing God’s Voice, and 3) 7 Roadblocks to Hearing God Speak. Download your three FREE Kindle books today, in honor of Jesus Christ, my King.

Manna for Today – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019T6OWTU

7 Simple Steps to Hearing God’s Voice – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017XXKPYM

7 Roadblocks to Hearing God Speak – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M10Z420

 

In the love and service of Christ,

Sindy Nagel

Author/Speaker/Blogger