Ask Me Anything

And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him (1 John 5:11-15).

Anything. Ask Me anything according to My will and you will have it. I already know exactly what you need and want, but I prefer to hear you ask Me for it. When you approach Me with respect, in humility, I see you understand your dependence on Me. I desire to be involved in your everyday life. I created you to enjoy an intimate relationship with you.

Many times, you forget about Me and run ahead on your own path, toward your own goals. Your ways may seem good and right, however, My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts higher than yours. (Is. 55:9) Your way may not be My best for you. Seek Me to know My will at all times, in all circumstances.

Truly intimate relationships are achieved when two people regularly spend time communicating their deepest thoughts with one another. I desire to spend time in personal two-way conversation with you. I know your thoughts, but I want to hear you communicate your innermost feelings and longings to Me, and then listen. Sit quietly and listen to My voice within your heart.

You know My voice. Listen to My words of wisdom and encouragement. I will comfort you in your sorrows and counsel you in your daily decisions. Hear Me communicate the depth of My love for you. Let Me direct your paths. I am your Savior, now let Me be your Lord.

Talk to Me throughout your day. I am with you always, only a whisper away. Breathe a prayer to Me at all times, in all places. Be confident that you will have whatever you ask for according to My will. Anything.


 

Are You Ready?


“Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready†(Revelation 19:7).

Planning a wedding ceremony and reception is a monumental task. The bride and groom spend months scheduling, organizing, and formulating all the details—the attendants, the pastor, the church, the reception venue, the DJ, the photographer, the wedding music, the colors, the decorations, the meal, and so on.

A year in advance, the bride shops for the wedding dress of her dreams. Next, it’s the veil, shoes, jewelry, and lingerie. Something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue.

As the big day draws near, the bride begins to prepare herself personally. She tans her body, so her skin tone makes that beautiful dress come alive. She cuts and colors or highlights her hair the week before so it’s at that perfect stage on the day of. She enjoys a manicure and pedicure the day before with her bridal party. A “run through” of the wedding ceremony is practiced that evening so the attendants know what’s expected of them, and the wedding affair will be executed perfectly the next day. The groom’s parents host a rehearsal dinner, where the bride and groom relay their gratitude for the presence and support of their close family and friends who participate in the wedding.

Finally, the special day arrives. The exciting event the bride and groom so carefully planned comes to a culmination. The bride wakes up early and starts her day with a warm, relaxing shower or a soak in the tub. Her nerves surge and her mind races going over all the details of the day. The entire day is devoted to preparing herself for her groom. A professional artist styles her hair and applies her makeup with great perfection. At her side, her attendants help her get ready, physically and emotionally. The bride’s mother holds her daughter’s dress as she steps into it. The groom’s mother assists her with her veil. The maid of honor fastens a necklace around the bride’s neck. At last, she is ready to join the bridegroom for the long-awaited wedding—a union of their hearts, minds, and bodies. The two shall become one.   *******

Are we as diligent about getting ourselves ready for our Bridegroom? Do we spend months and years preparing for our marriage to the Lamb? Will we be ready when that special day arrives?

When we accept that Jesus Christ died for our sins, believe that God raised Him from the dead, and confess Jesus as our Savior and Lord, we become a child of the King. He washes us whiter than snow and clothes us in His righteousness, so that we may be reconciled to God. Then, He sends His Holy Spirit, our Best Man, to make ready our spirits. He dwells in us and prepares us for the day we will meet our Bridegroom. This begins our sanctification process where the Spirit counsels us, encourages us, teaches us, and guides us to become more Christ-like.

It is such a blessing that Jesus receives us just as we are. We need no special hairstyles or manicures to prepare ourselves for Him. We don’t have to shed bad habits and sinful behavior before coming to Christ. By His amazing grace, A woman is standing at the microphone and holding a pen.He accepts us in whatever condition we approach Him. And then, He begins His transforming work in us, making us a new creation in Christ. The old fades away, the new life is here. Rejoice and be glad. Give Him all the glory!A woman is standing at the microphone and holding a pen.

Becoming more like Jesus is the “getting ready†process. We need to get to know God better by reading His Word daily, allowing the Scriptures to permeate our hearts and minds. Tuning in to the voice of the Holy Spirit within us is vital in developing a mind and heart like Christ. We need to make time to walk in close relationship with Jesus by talking to Him, listening to Him, and obeying Him. Loving and serving others, by laying down our lives for our friends, will provide opportunities to share with them the goodness of God and the gospel of Jesus Christ. These efforts describe some of our preparation work for our special event. This life is our rehearsal to get us ready for the big day when we will meet our Bridegroom, become united in marriage, and live happily ever after in eternity with Him.

Are you ready for your Bridegroom? How will you prepare for your big day—the wedding of the Lamb?

Relationship Struggles


My dearest daughter, do not fret about the relationships that you struggle with or the family connections that cause you stress. These battles are not produced in the opponents who clash. Rather, they originate from the powers of this dark world. Your spiritual enemy instigates competitiveness and jealousy in the smallest of children to the elderly saint. The devil stirs up contention and resentment in my children from the time they are young through old age.

Siblings will rival and family members will fight. Friends will disagree and marriages will crumble. But My Word endures forever. My great love lasts for all time. Seek Me in the battles. Consult Me in your competitions, both carnal and spiritual. I am Your great warrior. I fight on your behalf. I give you My suit of armor to wear for your protection. Clothe yourself in it daily. Pray it over your family. Declare victory in your home.

Buckle the belt of truth around your waist. Do not be deceived by your adversary, but expose his lies. Cling to the truth of my Word. Proudly wear the breastplate of righteousness. It will guard your heart against immorality. Be prepared always in grace and mercy to share My gospel of peace with a world at war. With the shield of faith, put out the fires started by the evil one. Put on the helmet of salvation for you have been redeemed. Carry the sword of the Spirit, my Word, with you at all times. Bind it in your heart and mind. Call on it as your weapon of choice. Use it to disprove the enemy’s deceit. After you have done all these things, stand your ground. Stand firm in My strength. Always be alert to the devils ways, and pray at all times, in all places, for all your brothers and sisters around the world who fight similar battles.

You are My precious child. I love you far more than you can understand. I won the battle for your soul, and now you must fight for the souls of those you love. Be My armor bearer. Bring My peace and light into this dark world. Shine brightly in the midst of your struggles. You will be a witness to My goodness as you withstand the tests of the times. Remain in Me, beloved one, and I will remain in you.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against the flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark worldA woman is standing at the microphone and holding a pen., 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, the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In additional to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows 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).

Also see: Isaiah 40:8, Exodus 15:3, John 15:4

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

To all the Nancy Lucas “Be a Nice Mom with Skills” listeners–


Thank you for listening to my podcast interview with Nancy Lucas. (link to: Sindy’s podcast interview by Nancy Lucas)

Just want to encourage all you moms to seek God for patience, peace, and joy in your childrearing endeavors. It’s so important that we take care of ourselves (body, mind, and soul) before we can take care of our families. It’s difficult to make time to do that when all of our time is demanded from those we love and take care of. I made the mistake of not taking care of my spirit when my children were young, and wound up clinically depressed.

I encourage you to get up early, stay up late, or use your lunch time to spend a few minutes alone with God. He will fill you to all the fullness of Jesus Christ. He will refresh your soul, strengthen your resolve, and guide you through the difficult times, even carry you. Lay all your cares at His feet and listen to His voice. He has so much love and wisdom to pass along to you. I wish I had learned this skill before I had children.

Get your free copy of my e-Book for three days only, April 6-8, and connect or re-connect with the Holy Spirit inside you. 7 Simple Steps to Hearing God’s Voice – eBook

A woman is standing at the microphone and holding a pen.God bless you with His peace and joy as you walk out your mommy career.

 

Do Not Be Fooled on April Fool’s Day!

For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength. (1 Corinthians 1:25)

Do not deceive yourselves. If any one of you thinks he is wise by the standards of this age, he should become a “fool” so that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. (1 Corinthians 3:18-19)

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. (Proverbs 1:7)

Do not be a fool and do not be fooled. Do not be deceived by the world’s wisdom, for it is merely foolishness in My eyes. My foolishness is much wiser than man’s wisdom. Hold Me in a place of honor and reverence, and My knowledge will become your strength. My weakness is much stronger than man’s strength. Seek my wisdom, and do not despise my discipline, for in it, the lessons of the wise unfold. Let My wisdom be your guide and My strength be your armament. Leave the world’s wisdom to the fools, and garner your wisdom from Me. Spend time with Me daily to know Me more intimately. Listen to My voice. Search for My wisdom as for buried treasure. Accept My words, and hold onto My wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. They will be your adornment.


 

The Perfect Parent – Encouragement for Moms

“Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to His voice, and hold fast to Him.” (Deuteronomy 30:20, NIV)

My precious daughter, you are the apple of My eye. I am captivated by your beauty, both inside and out. You are made in My image. I am the God of love, joy, peace, patience, and perseverance. These are the same attributes you need most to parent your children well.

Love

My love for you is unconditional. I love you no matter what you do or don’t do, what you say or don’t say. Nothing you do can make Me love you less. Nothing you do can make Me love you more. My great love for you is unchangeable. I love you longer, higher, deeper, and wider than you will ever grasp.

Likewise, you must love your children in the same manner. Love them no matter what they do or don’t do, what they say or don’t say. Nothing they do or don’t do should make you love them less.

My love for them shines through you, when your love for them is unwavering. Let them see My great love for them in your words and actions.

Joy

My joy is your strength. Seek Me and I will fill you with joy and peace as you trust in Me wholeheartedly. By the power of My Holy Spirit, you will overflow with joy in all areas of life, even in the difficult times.

Children bring great joy to a home. Savor the joyful times, and recall them when facing the challenges. A spirit of hope and joy is the result of confidence in Me. Trust in Me with all your heart, and find sweet joy in your faith. When you know and believe I am in control of all things, the heaviness in your heart fades and gives way to joy and expectation. I will not fail you. Trust in Me, joyfully, and draw on the strength My Spirit brings you.

Peace

Jesus is the Prince of Peace. When you accept Jesus into your heart and walk with Him, His Spirit lives inside you. You have the peace of Christ living in you. To experience peace, simply look deep within your heart and you will find it. Get in touch with My Spirit that dwells in you, and find the peace you long for.

This is the peace that passes all comprehension. You may experience My peace, even in the midst of your trials and challenges. When you are angry and frustrated with your children, seek My peace within. No matter the current test, spend a few moments alone with Me, and draw on My peace. I am with you always. Then deal with your children from a spirit of peacefulness.

Patience

Where there is wisdom, patience is found. When you seek My wisdom for childrearing, you will discover a greater measure of endurance for the task. In wisdom, you will handle the challenges with patient tolerance and unwavering determination.

The outcome of your confrontation will be determined by your patience in the battle. When your patience is tested to its limits, reach within your soul and receive power from My Holy Spirit. Breathe a silent prayer to Me and receive what you are in need of at the moment. Pause to take a deep breath, inhaling My peace and exhaling more patience.

Perseverance

Parenting requires perseverance and consistency. Let Me determine your steps, and then, devote yourself to the cause. Trust in Me with all your heart. Do not operate solely from your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Me and I will instruct you on the right course. (See Proverbs 3:5-6)

When you seek Me and listen to My voice, I will direct all your steps, big and small. Ask Me, and I will let you in on the plans I have laid out for you. Then you may parent with confidence and a firm resolve, knowing that your wisdom comes from Me. Persist in the major battles, and let go of the minor conflicts. Draw on the strength of My Spirit as you proceed on the path of My will for you and your children.

Battles with children are a test of the wills. Whose desire shall prevail? When you are confident that your desires align with My will, persevere in the battle. Press on toward the goal, and do not surrender.

In Summary

You cannot do any of this successfully in your own strength. You must rely on Me. I am the vine, you are the branch. Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. Apart from Me you can do nothing. (See John 15) Remain in close relationship with Me by spending time with Me. Yes, talk to Me, but also, listen to Me. I have so much to say to you.

When you make time to listen to Me, you will receive My encouragement, my wisdom, and my guidance for all areas of your life, including your parenting. I am waiting patiently for you to seek Me, know Me, listen to My voice, and hold fast to Me. I am the perfect parent and I will help you parent well.

Make Me your first priority. Seek Me before everything else. Spend time with Me daily, away from all noise and confusion. Draw your wisdom, strength, and power from Me. Receive your hope and confidence from your Father above.

Emotionally and spiritually healthy children come from emotionally and spiritually healthy parents. Maintain a healthy, spiritually intimate relationship with Me that will be seen and passed down to your children and their children. It is My greatest desire to be in constant two-way communication and relationship with each of My children, including you. Learn to listen to My voice and receive everything you stand in need of. Now choose life and hold fast to Me.


 

Now Choose Life

Deuteronomy 30:19-20

This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to His voice, and hold fast to Him.

I have made it very simple for you—you may have life and prosperity or death and destruction. You choose. You can love Me, walk in My ways, and keep My commands. On this path, I will bless you and prosper you with true life. Or you can turn away from Me, disobey Me, and worship other gods, which will surely cause death and destruction to your soul. Choose Me and live. Do not choose Me, and you will reap what you sow. I desire close relationship with you through daily two-way conversation. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live. Love Me, listen to My voice, and hold fast to Me, for I am your life.


 

Who Could Have Known?


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

The story of Christmas with open Bible to John 3:16

©ginosphotos1

Who Could Have Known?

By Sindy Nagel

 

Who could have known

One starry night two thousand years ago,

A baby boy would change the world

And evil overthrow?

 

Isaiah prophesied a King

To rule on David’s throne,

As Mary kissed her baby’s cheek

How could she have known?

 

In fields nearby the shepherds watched

Over their flocks by night,

When an angel came to say to them

A Savior is born this night.

 

How could these shepherd boys have known

This peaceful babe asleep,

Would one day be THEIR Shepherd

And they would be His sheep?

 

Three Magi from the East rode far

to see this newborn King,

How could they have known this child

Had a greater gift to bring?

 

The angel and the heavenly host

Sang “Glory to God in the highestâ€

How could they have known this babe

Would be the great Messiah?

 

The child grew up in strength and wisdom

As the son of carpenter Joe,

He raised the boy to be a man

But how could Joseph know?

His son would one day heal the sick

And cause the blind to see,

How could he and Mary know

Their son would hang from a tree?

 

Twelve disciples followed Him

Not knowing where they trod,

But how could they have known this man

Was the Holy Son of God?

 

In three short years He was betrayed

By His friend’s greed within,

How could Judas Iscariot know

Jesus would die for his sin?

 

A thief on either side of Him

Sharing His final hour

How could they have known this man

Was filled with God’s great power?

 

With all the darkness and the sin

In our evil world today,

How could anyone ever know

Why we celebrate Christmas day?

 

Greater still than the gift He gave–

His life in exchange for mine–

Is Jesus dwelling in my heart

Through me, His light will shine.

 

Who could have known

One starry night two thousand years ago,

A baby boy would change the world

For those His salvation know!

 

(Read Luke 2)


 

I AM Your Daddy

Good morning, Lord

I have missed You. I am sorry I have not made time for You. I feel like I need a fresh filling of your Spirit. Please wrap Your Spirit around my spirit and envelope me with Your love. I want to do Your will, but I get caught up in my own plans. When I’m on vacation, I mistakenly believe this time is mine, but really, Lord, I owe all my time to You. What would You have me do today? What are YOUR plans for me?

I DO want you to spend time with your family. This is important too. When you can sneak it in, please spend alone time with Me. I will wrap My arms around you and hold you close to My heart. I will pour out a fresh filling of My Spirit upon you and give you rest. You are with Me and accomplishing My will all the time. Simply be more intentional about including Me and bringing Me into all your conversations and activities. You have never been away from Me.

Remember, I am with you always. Acknowledge Me in all you do and say. I am an intricate part of your life. It is not necessary to compartmentalize your life and MAKE time for Me. Just INCLUDE Me automatically in EVERYTHING, because I am always with you. Do not think of Me as an outsider or a guest. I am your family, your Papa. Acknowledge My presence with you every moment. Do life with Me.

I know this is not natural for you. The more you practice this, the more it will become your new normal. I am not an imaginary friend. I am real. I am here. I desire to lead you in this dance of life. Whether it’s a waltz with Me alone or a line dance with friends and family, include Me. I am your dance partner. I am your dance teacher. I have a dance choreographed just for you. Let Me lead you in the dance.

I love you, My child. Never forget the great depth of My love for you. If you are uncertain about anything, let it NOT be about My love for you.

You are very precious to Me. I am your Daddy, and you are My special angel.