Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 60 – Spiritual Growth

May21

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 60

Spiritual Growth

Heavenly Father, you have saved me and called me to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18). Teach me the best ways to mature in You, grow in my faith, and bear much fruit for Your glory. I am wholly Yours. Transform me into the image of Your Son, Jesus Christ, so I may live a life that pleases You.

A Message from God’s Heart to Yours:

My faithful child, you have already been given everything you need to become like Jesus Christ in every way. The One who saved you and gave you His spirit is able to teach you how to live a life that pleases Me. You have been given a new life in Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). All things are possible through Him who strengthens you (Philippians 4:13).

It is up to you to tap in to that divine power in Christ Jesus. Allow Jesus to live His life in and through you. Abandon sin, and rely on the life giving power of Jesus Christ; make Him the Lord of your life. Read God’s Word and listen for His voice within you. He will guide you on an exciting journey of faith and adventure in Him. Grow and mature in your relationship with the Lord by spending time in His Word and obeying the instructions you hear from His lips. Grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18). Grow in relationship with Me and become even more fruitful.

My divine power gives you everything you need for a godly life through your knowledge of Him who called you by His own glory and goodness (2 Peter 1:3). Make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:5-8).

Listen to the voice of My Spirit within. I will teach you everything you need to know to live a godly life. It’s up to you to practice what I teach you. Stay true to the quality of character modeled for you in Christ. I predestined you to be conformed to the image of My Son (Romans 8:29) and reflect My glory in ever increasing measure.

This is how you know that you live in Him and He in you: He has given you of His Spirit (1 John 4:13). Remain in Me, as I also remain in you (John 15:4). Talk to Me, listen to Me, obey Me, read My Word, pay attention to My Spirit within, and walk in the Spirit rather than the flesh. Grow in your knowledge of Me, and allow the Spirit to transform you into My likeness. All these things contribute to your spiritual growth. Remain in Me and the Spirit will produce His fruit in your character. I 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 (John 15:5). Your spiritual growth is achieved by remaining in relationship with My Spirit. Grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ and His Spirit, and you grow in Me at the same time. It pleases Me very much.

Prayer:

Almighty God, full of grace and mercy, pour out Your love on me today. Allow me to hear Your voice and see glimpses of Your heart for me. Father, show me the stagnant areas in my faith, and help me grow in the grace and knowledge of You. You are my King and the object of my affection. I submit my heart and my will to You, and ask that Your Spirit transform me into the likeness of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Lord, let my life be a fragrant offering daily unto You. Speak to me now as we meet in conversation. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Two-way Conversation with God: 

  • Father, in what areas has my faith lacked growth? (Record what you hear.)

 

  • Jesus, my Friend, what areas of my character does the Spirit need to transform to make me more like you? (Write down all the thoughts He gives you.)

 

  • Holy Spirit, how do you transform me? How do you make me more like Jesus? (Journal all the ideas He gives you.)

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:

Father God, I never want to remain stagnant in my faith. Help me to grow in the image of Christ through the transforming power of Your Spirit. I understand that challenges and trials may produce the most concentrated growth in my spirit. I submit myself to Your leading to transform me however you see fit. I trust that You walk with me in all circumstances and teach me Your ways. Lord, refine me and make me like gold, pure gold (Zechariah 13:9). In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.

Supporting Scripture:

Zechariah 13:9, “This 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.’”

John 15:5, “I 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.”

Romans 8:28-30, 28And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. 29For those God foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified.

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

Philippians 4:13, I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.

2 Peter 1:2-12, 2Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. 3His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness. 4Through these He has given us His very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. 5For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 8For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins. 10Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, 11and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 12So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have.

2 Peter 3:18, Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

1 John 4:13, This is how we know that we live in Him and He in us: He has given us of His Spirit.

Copyright © Sindy Nagel. All Rights Reserved

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 59 – Fruit of the Spirit

May20

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 59

Fruit of the Spirit

Lord, displaying the fruit of the Spirit seems a goal too difficult to continually attain. How do I become a fruit-bearing Christian? How do I maintain a life of fruitfulness in You? Lord, may You be known by the fruit of the Spirit displayed in me. I want to serve You and bring You glory all the days of my life. Let me be known as Your disciple by Your good fruit in me.

A Message from God’s Heart to Yours:

My sweet child, I desire a close relationship with you. When you remain continually connected to Me, My Spirit produces His good fruit in you. You cannot yield the fruit of the Spirit on your own. You must submit yourself to the purifying work of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit produces choice fruit in you; it is not the result of your own doing. Be the bearer of good fruit by walking in step with the Spirit, rather than striving in the flesh. Depend on Me and be sensitive to the promptings of the Spirit within.

The Holy Spirit is continually sanctifying you; daily He transforms you into the image of Christ Jesus. Surrender your will to Him. Pay attention to His voice. Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh (Galatians 5:16). Crucify the flesh with its passions and desires and live by the Spirit keeping in step with Him at all times (Galatians 5:23). When you do this, you will be recognized by your fruit (Matthew 12:33). Every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit (Matthew 7:17).You are a good tree when you remain rooted in Me.

Meditate on My Word day and night and you will be like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever you do will prosper (Psalm 1:2-3). Blessed are you when you trust in the Lord, and put your confidence in Him. You will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit (Jeremiah 17:7-8).

You are known to be My disciple, when you display the fruit of the Spirit in both your words and deeds. Stay tuned in to My Spirit. When you remain in relationship with Me, you will experience My love, joy, and peace. The seed I sow in you will reap a harvest of fruitfulness in you for others to taste and see that the Lord is good (Psalm 34:8). When you, yourself, have experienced My patience, kindness, and goodness, you can’t help but display it and share it with others. Surrender to the control of My Spirit and clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another as the Lord has forgiven you. Let your love bind all these virtues together and let peace rule in your heart (Colossians 3:12-15).

“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. I 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” (John 15:4-5). “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in My name the Father will give you. This is My command: Love each other” (John 15:16-17) Be transformed by My Spirit as you live in step with Him, and you will bear fruit that will last.

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, I do want to glorify Your holy name. I ask that Your Spirit purify me and transform me into the image of Jesus Christ. I pray that I could remain in an intimate relationship with You, walking in step with the Spirit, so that I will become a good tree that produces choice fruit. Holy Spirit, I submit myself to Your transforming power, so that I will blossom. Mature those blossoms into vine-ripened fruit. Let me remain in the vine right now as we speak face to face in quiet conversation. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Two-way Conversation with God: 

  • Father God, please share from Your heart what I need to improve on with regard to maintaining a more cherished relationship with You. (Write whatever you hear Him say.)

 

  • Jesus, my Friend, You are the vine, I am the branch. How do I bear fruit that will last? What is my part in this command? (Record everything Christ says to you in your thoughts.)

 

  • Holy Spirit, help me stay in step with You. Allow me to hear Your voice clearly. What am I missing? What must I do to remain in step with You? (Journal your thoughts and the impressions He gives you now.)

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 High God, You have laid down Your life for me. I want to honor You, by laying down the desires of the flesh, and picking up my cross daily to follow You. I submit my will to Yours and ask that You empower me to live a fruitful life when I remain in close relationship with You. As I read and meditate on Your Word, let me be like a tree planted by streams of water. Let me bear fruit in its season. I will remain in You as You remain in me. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Supporting Scripture:

Psalm 1:1-3, 1Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, 2but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on His law day and night. 3That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.

Psalm 34:8, Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him.

Proverbs 11:30, The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and the one who is wise saves lives.

Jeremiah 17:7-8, 7“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. 8They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heart comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”

Matthew 7:17-20, 17“Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown in to the fire. 20Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.”

Matthew 12:33, “Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit.”

Luke 3:9, The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”

John 15:4-17, 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. 6If you do not remain in Me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. 9As 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 and remain in His love. 11I have told you this so that My joy may be in you and that your joy may be compete. 12My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from My Father I have made known to you. 16You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in My name the Father will give you. 17This is My command: Love each other.”

Galatians 5:16-17, 16So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.

Galatians 5:22-26, 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. 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. 26Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

Colossians 1:9-14, 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. 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 3:12-15, 12Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 15Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

Copyright © Sindy Nagel. All Rights Reserved

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 58 – Full Obedience

May19

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 58

Full Obedience

Father God, the word ‘obey’ is perceived so negatively in society, and is so contrary to the ways of the world. Sometimes we fear what you will ask of us. How do You see obedience?

A Message from God’s Heart to Yours:

My child, do not tremble at the word ‘obey’. I will always enable you and empower you to do whatever I ask of you. I know what is best for you, and I would not ask you to do anything outside of My will. I am the sovereign ruler of the universe (Psalm 103:19). I have the power to do what I promise (Romans 4:21). You can trust in Me to do what is in your best interest. Submit yourself to My authority and My instructions. 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 let your fear keep you from listening to My voice and obeying. As I commanded Joshua, so I encourage you, “Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). Your obedience may cause you to face some challenges in unknown places, but I am with you always, leading you on your way. I will fight for you and die for you. You have seen My promises fulfilled.

I am the omniscient Father. In all things, I know the perfect timing. There is a time for everything under heaven (Ecclesiastes 3:1). Do not rush ahead on your own, in your own timing, but wait on Me. I act on behalf of the one who waits for Me (Isaiah 64:4). Tune in to My Spirit within and be sensitive to His voice. He will show you when to move and when to stay.

Seek Me in the morning, and I will show you My will for your day. Put your trust in Me. I will lead you each step of the way in the plans I have for you. I may not show you more than the next step ahead. You may not have full understanding of the course I lead you on, but I will guide you down the path I have marked out for you. You may experience conflicts or objections from others as you seek to obey My will. You must obey Me rather than men (Acts 5:29). I am Lord of all. I see and know the future. I do what is best for your future. Trust Me with all your steps, even when you know not one of them. Be sensitive to My Spirit within. He will guide you in the way everlasting (Psalm 139:24).

On the other hand, disobedience brings consequence (Genesis 2:17). Continual disobedience is rebellion. This is not a good path to walk down. When you fall short of My will, be quick to confess and repent. Partial obedience is also rebellion. Full obedience is to do what I ask, how I ask you to do it, when I say to do it. Anything less than this is not obedience. I am not pleased with partial obedience. I love you and I want you to receive the blessings that follow your full obedience to Me.

Take the same attitude as Jesus did when He said, “Yet not My will, but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42) Where would you be if Jesus had not obeyed My will and gone to the cross? There would be no escape from the payment of your sin—the death penalty. There would be no reconciliation with Me. You would remain in your sin and reap the just punishment, eternal separation from Me. I do not ask you to do anything I have not done Myself. Be obedient to My will and see it through to the end.

I hear your prayers and petitions because of your reverent submission; you will learn obedience from your suffering (Hebrews 5:7-8), even as Christ Himself learned obedience from what He suffered. You know Me if you keep My commands. If anyone obeys My Word, love for Me is truly made complete in them. Whoever claims to live in Me must live as Jesus did (1 John 2:3-6). When you love Me, you will obey Me. When you obey Me, I will love you and make My home in you (John 14:23).

Meditate on My Word day and night and be careful to do everything written in it (Joshua 1:8). Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says (James 1:22). Let your food, the nourishment of your soul, satisfy you in doing what pleases Me (John 4:34). I reward those who earnestly seek Me (Hebrews 11:6). Find My joy in your obedience; I always bless you when you follow My instructions. Show Me your love by the act of obedience to all I command you. I want only the best for you in all you do.  

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, not My will, but Yours be done. I know You have my best in mind, and what You have planned is best. Lord, I submit my will to Yours, and ask that You will help me and empower me to carry out whatever You ask of me. Lord, please speak to me more personally right now, and allow me to see the next step in the path You have marked out for me. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Two-way Conversation with God: 

  • Sovereign God, You see the big picture; You know the future. What is Your will for me? What is the next step required of me to be obedient to it? (Record everything you hear Him say.)

 

  • Jesus, You are the ultimate model of submission and obedience to the Father’s will. Please share with me how to have the same attitude that You achieved in the most difficult circumstances. (Write down all the words and thoughts He brings to your mind.)

 

  • Holy Spirit, empower me to do the will of the Father. Teach me to hear and know Your voice, so that I might be able to understand what is asked of me and rely on Your power to accomplish it. What do You want me to hear right now? (Journal all ideas and impressions the Holy Spirit gives to you.)

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:

Father God, Your ways are higher than my ways, and Your thoughts are higher than mine (Isaiah 55:8-9). I trust Your will and plans for me are perfect, no matter the cost or difficulty. I submit myself to Your will. I ask you to prepare me, equip me, empower me to be obedient and accomplish all that You created me for. I want to bring glory to Your holy name. I ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord. Amen.

Supporting Scripture:

Genesis 2:16-17, 16And the Lord God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; 17but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.”

Deuteronomy 4:2, Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the Lord your God that I give you.

Deuteronomy 5:27, “Go near and listen to all that the Lord our God says. Then tell us whatever the Lord our God tells you. We will listen and obey.”

Deuteronomy 5:32-33, 32So be careful to do what the Lord your God has commanded you; do not turn aside to the right or to the left. 33Walk in obedience to all that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess.

Deuteronomy 6:3-9, 3Hear, Israel, and be careful to obey so that it may go well with you and that you may increase greatly in a land flowing with milk and honey, just as the Lord, the God of your ancestors, promised you. 4Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 5Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. 7Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lied own and when you get up. 8Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9Write them on your doorframes of your house and on your gates.

Deuteronomy 30:2-3, 2and when you and your children return to the Lord your God and obey Him with all your heart and with all your soul according to everything I command you today, 3then the Lord your God will restore your fortunes and have compassion on you and gather you again from all the nations where He scattered you.

Deuteronomy 30:19-20, 19This day I call the heavens and the 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 20and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to His voice, and hold fast to Him. For the Lord is your life, and He will give you many years in the land He swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob .

Joshua 1:7-9, 7“Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law My servant Moses gave you; do not urn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 8Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 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.”

Psalm 27:14, Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.

Psalm 103:17-19, 17But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear Him, and His righteousness with their children’s children—18with those who keep His covenant and remember to obey His precepts. 19The Lord has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all.

Psalm 119:57, You are my portion, Lord; I have promised to obey Your words.

Psalm 139:23-24, 23Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

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.

Ecclesiastes 3:1, There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.

Isaiah 55:8-9, 8“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. 9“As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.”

Isaiah 64:4, Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides You, who acts on behalf of those who wait for Him.

Jeremiah 7:23, “But I gave them this command: Obey me, and I will be your God and you will be My people. Walk in obedience to all I command you, that it may go well with you.”

Matthew 28:19-20, 19“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, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Luke 11:28, He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”

Luke 22;42, “Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done.”

John 4:34, “My food,” sad Jesus, “is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to finish His work.”

John 8:51, “I am not seeking glory for Myself; but there is One who seeks it, and He is the judge. Very truly I tell you, whoever obeys My Word will never see death.”

John 10:2-4, 2“The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 3The gatekeeper opens the gate for Him, and the sheep listen to His voice. He calls His own sheep by name and leads them out. 4When He has brought out all His own, He goes on ahead of them, and His sheep follow Him because they know His voice.”

John 10:11, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.

John 10:14-15, 14“I am the good shepherd; I know My sheep and My sheep know Me—15just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father—and I lay down My life for the sheep.”

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

John 14:23-24, 23Jesus 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. 24Anyone who does not love me will not obey My teaching. These words you hear are not My own; they belong to the Father who sent Me.”

Acts 5:29-32, 29Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings! 30The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead—whom you killed by hanging Him on a cross. 31God exalted Him to His own right hand as Prince and Savior that He might bring Israel to repentance and forgive their sins. 32We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”

Romans 4:20-22, 20Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, 21being fully persuaded that God had power to do what He had promised. 22This is why “it was credited to him as righteousness.”

2 Corinthians 10:5, We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete.

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24, 23May God Himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24The one who calls you is faithful, and He will do it.

Hebrews 5:7-9, 7During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, He offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the One who could save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverent submission. 8Son though He was, He learned obedience from what He suffered 9and, once made perfect, He became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey Him.

Hebrews 11:6, And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.

James 1:22, Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

1 John 2:3-6, 3We know that we have come to know Him if we keep His commands. 4Whoever says, “I know Him, but does not do what He commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. 5But if anyone obeys His word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in Him: 6Whoever claims to live in Him must live as Jesus did.

Copyright © Sindy Nagel. All Rights Reserved

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 57 – Strength in Weakness

May18

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 57

Strength in Weakness

Heavenly Father, sometimes I feel so physically, emotionally, and spiritually drained. I am spent. I cannot even muster enough strength to take the next step, to put one foot in front of the other. Lord, where do I turn from here? Where do I find my strength in weakness? Why do I feel so weak? I am so humbled at this point. I have lost all my strength and independence.

A Message from God’s Heart to Yours:

My good child, let Me explain. In order to keep you from being prideful, I allow trials and challenges in your life. When you are humbled before Me and emptied of all your pride; when you reach the end of your ‘self’’; only then are you ready to receive My grace and help. You begin to understand that everything you hold closely, and all that you are, comes from My hand. Every good and perfect gift is from above (James 1:17). I see you in your weakness and give you My strength.

Pain, grief, disappointment, rejection, and failure may bring you to your knees. That is not a bad place to be. I often need to allow these tough times in your life before you are ready to let go and let Me go to work for you. I promise to work all things together for the good of those who love Me and are called according to My purpose 8:28). If you never experienced frailty, would you ever have a need for Me? My desire is that you will run to Me in these tough times, so I might teach you about My love and faithfulness. However, I would love for you to seek Me in the good times as well. Worship Me and seek Me with your whole heart (Deuteronomy 4:29). Love Me with all your heart, soul, mind and strength (Deuteronomy 6:5). Put Me first, above everything else.

Depend on Me. When you are weak, it is then, you are strong in Me. Therefore, be willing to boast all the more gladly about your weaknesses. My power is made perfect in weakness (1 Corinthians 12:9). Your weakness is My strength. Believe it! You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you (Philippians 4:13). You will know My strength when you remain in relationship with Me, especially when you are at your lowest point. In difficult times, I am your rock and your fortress (Psalm 18:2). I am all that you need.

“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 41:10). I am with you in all your trials, every one. I will never leave you or forget about you (Joshua 1:5). I wait patiently for you to turn to Me for help and strength. My arms are always open to you. Run to Me when you are exhausted. I will renew your strength and you will soar on wings like eagles; you will run and not grow weary, walk and not grow faint (Isaiah 40:31). I am here for you, My child. You have access to all that is Mine, including My strength, at all times. Just ask!

Prayer:

Father in heaven, I am in awe of You. You are so good to Me. You are always there for Me any time I need a helping hand, a word of encouragement, a boost in my spirit. Thank You for Your loving kindness and Your faithfulness. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13). I am thankful in the trials, because I can depend on You. Lord, please speak to me from Your heart at this time. In the name of Christ, my solid Rock, I pray. Amen.

Two-way Conversation with God: 

  • Papa God, what is it that you want me to know and hear from You today? (Record all the thoughts He gives you.)

 

  • Jesus, my fortress and my deliver, renew my strength today. Speak to me from Your heart. (Write every word you hear from Him.)

 

  • Holy Spirit, lead me to the Word of God. Please encourage me in my weakness. (Journal the words and ideas He gives you.)

 

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:

Loving Father, thank You for Your kind words and faithful promises. I am so blessed to have You for my Papa. I owe my life to You; You are my strength and my All in All. Thank You for renewing my strength when I am weak; even for carrying me in the difficult times. You build me up when I am frail. You lift me up when I am down. You support me in all I do. I love You with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Supporting Scripture:

Deuteronomy 4:29, But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul.

Deuteronomy 6:5, Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.

Joshua 1:5, “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 or forsake you.”

Psalm 18:1-2, 1I love You, Lord, my strength. 2The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the strength of my salvation, my stronghold.

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 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.”

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 Corinthians 12:6-10, 6Even if I should choose to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will think more of me than is warranted by what I do or say, 7or because of these surpassingly great revelations. Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 8Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 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.

Philippians 4:13, I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.

James 1:17, Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

Copyright © Sindy Nagel. All Rights Reserved

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 56 – Set Free in Christ

May17

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 56

Set Free in Christ

Lord, what does it mean to be set free in Christ? Sometimes, I still don’t feel free from the power of sin. I want to be free to become all that You created me to be. Lord, how can I claim Your freedom and remain free?

A Message from God’s Heart to Yours:

Child of Mine, when you accepted Christ as your Savior, you became free from the penalty of your sin. Jesus Christ died in your place and paid the wages of your sin (Romans 6:23). You are a new creation in Christ Jesus; the old is gone, the new is here (2 Corinthians 5:17). He has released you from a life of sin. You may now live a life of righteousness through faith in Christ (Philippians 3:9). Christ has made you righteous in My eyes, so that we now may enjoy an intimate relationship. You have the freedom to approach My throne of grace with boldness (Hebrews 4:16).

You were crucified with Christ, so you no longer live, but Christ lives in you. Live by faith in Jesus, who loved you and gave Himself for you (Galatians 2:20). Your old self was crucified with Him, so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with and you would no longer be a slave to sin—you were set free from it (Romans 6:6). You are dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus (Romans 6:11). Sin is no longer your master because you are not under the law, but under My grace (Romans 6:14).

You are free from the power of sin. It is for freedom that Christ has set you free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourself be burdened again by a yoke of slavery (Galatians 5:1). It is up to you to claim this freedom and walk in the victory over sin that the death of Jesus Christ provided for you. You have the authority of Jesus’ name; you have the power of His Spirit within you. You can overcome the desires of the flesh, by the power and authority I have given you. I will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear, but I will provide a way out (1 Corinthians 10:13).

I sent My Son to proclaim good news to the poor, to bind up the brokenhearted, proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners (Isaiah 61:1-2). He is the way and the truth and the life (John 14:6). My divine truth has exposed the lies of Satan. The light of My salvation has released you from the bondage of Satan’s lies. Do not believe the lies of the enemy, when you know the truth of God. Walk in the freedom of the truth. Do not make vows and agreements with the devil, when Christ has freed you from the prison of the evil one. Now you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed (John 8:32, 36). Claim the freedom of the truth and walk in it victoriously.

You are free to become what I created you to be. Allow Jesus to live His life in and through you. Be obedient to whatever He asks you to do. He will demonstrate His love and power through you. Do not be distracted by the world, but focus your attention on Christ. Trust Him to live out His perfect will and plan for you, through you. This happens only when you are walking in close relationship with Him through reading the Bible, praying, and listening to His voice. The most important thing you can do is to put Him first, meet with Him daily, talk to Him and listen to His voice.

I will speak to you in your thoughts and from My Word. The Bible will come alive for you when you tune in to the voice of the Holy Spirit within you. He will remind you of what I say, as well as, reveal and interpret Scripture for you, so you are able to understand My wisdom, My promises, and My will for your life. When you hear and recognize My voice, you experience the life of abundance that Christ came to give you. I want the best for you. I am the best! Be free in Me.

Prayer:

Jesus, my Lord, thank You for dying for me, so that I might live. I submit myself to You and ask that You will live out Your will and plan for me, through me. Allow me to live a life of abundance by clearly hearing Your voice and obeying it. Lord, I am always blessed with so much joy whenever I am obedient to Your requests. Give me the desire to obey Your every command, and connect with You daily in two-way conversation. Lord, speak to me now as we meet to maintain a deeper, more intimate relationship. In Your precious name, I pray. Amen.

Two-way Conversation with God: 

  • Heavenly Father, will you expose one area of my life that I remain in the bondage of sin? Please tell me exactly what I need to be free from in this area. (Record every word you hear in your thoughts. Spend some time now confessing your sin and submitting yourself to God.)

 

  • Jesus, my Savior, please expose one of the enemy’s lies that I have believed or bought in to, and then, set me free with Your truth. (Write down whatever you hear Him say, and claim the freedom He gives you.)

 

  • Holy Spirit, please show me Your plan for me to live in freedom from the sin and bondage I just confessed. Please remind me of the truth in God’s Word and remind me to use it when the enemy attacks me in this area. (Write all the thoughts He gives you on this and record any words or verses from Scripture that come to 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:

Sovereign Lord, Your plans and timing are perfect. I submit my will to Yours, and ask that You would live Your life in and through me. Help me become the creation You had in mind when You formed me in the womb. Before you knew me, You set me apart (Jeremiah 1:5). I am grateful that You purchased my freedom from sin and continue to release me from the bondage of sin and the prison of lies I have believed over the years. Lord, I give You access to all areas of my heart and ask that You transform my life so that I might become the creation You called me to be. Thank You for the abundant blessing I receive by hearing Your voice and living in relationship with You. I am so grateful for everything You do for me. I am blessed to be dead to sin and alive to God in Christ (Romans 6:11). In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Supporting Scripture:

Psalm 146:7, He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets prisoners free.

Isaiah 61:1-3, 1The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on Me, because the Lord has anointed Me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, 2to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, 3and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor.

Jeremiah 1:5, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart…”

Luke 4:18-19, 18”The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, 19to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

John 8:31-36, 31To the Jews who had believed Him, Jesus said, “If you hold to My teaching, you are really My disciples. 32Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” 33They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?” 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 sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

John 10:10, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

John 14:6, Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Romans 6:6-14, 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. 8Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with Him. 9For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, He cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over Him. 10The death He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life He lives, He lives to God. 11In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. 12Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. 13Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and offer every part of yourself to Him as an instrument of righteousness. 14For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.

Romans 6:17-18, 17But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance. 18You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.

Romans 6:22-23, 22But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness , and the result is eternal life. 23For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.Romans 8:1-2, 1Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.

1 Corinthians 10:13, No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful: He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

2 Corinthians 3:17-18, 17Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

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

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 5:1, It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

Ephesians 2:10, For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Philippians 3:7-9, 7But whatever were gains to me I know consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ 9and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.

Colossians 1:19-22, 19For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him, 20and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through His blood, shed on the cross. 21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. 22But now He has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in His sight, without blemish and free from accusation.

Hebrews 4:16, Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Revelation 1:5-6, 5and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by His blood, 6and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve His God and Father—to Him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.

Copyright © Sindy Nagel. All Rights Reserved

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 55 – Spiritual Battle

May16

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 55

Spiritual Battle

Lord, there is a daily battle of good vs. evil going on in my mind. I know it, I feel it—it’s real. I fight against the desires of the flesh on a daily basis. Father God, please make me even more sensitive and aware of this, and give me the tools of engagement. Make me strong in You. Arm me with Your protective battle suit and defend me against my enemy.

A Message from God’s Heart to Yours:

Child of Mine, you are in a daily spiritual battle—the enemy’s goal is to destroy you. Recognizing this is the first step to victory. Whether you realize it or not, there is a conflict raging in you between flesh and Spirit. Your 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). This battle is as real as you are. It is not a virtual war game. Prepare your method of defense for this war.

Before you put one foot on the floor each morning, dress yourself in My full armor so that you may be able to stand your ground (Ephesians 6:13). Buckle the belt of truth around your waist. The truth is you are My child and the devil has no power over you. Believe this truth and claim it. Your identity in Christ gives you the authority over your enemy, as well as, the victory over sin, death, and the grave, that the atonement of the shed blood of Jesus Christ on the cross provided for you. Use your authority in the name of Jesus Christ and by the power of His blood to bind up Satan and restrict his destroying influence in your daily life. You are supernaturally empowered by the Spirit of Christ living in you. Be sure to tap in to that amazing power at all times.

Stand firm then, with the breastplate of righteousness in place to avert the flaming arrows of the enemy. He shoots straight for the weakest areas in your heart, but Christ has made you righteous and blameless. Clothing yourself with the breastplate of righteousness, a life of honesty and obedience to God, will keep you pure and ready to stand firm in battle, deflecting all attacks against your standing in Christ. You are Mine, and you have been made righteous in Christ.

Ready yourself to proclaim the gospel of peace by fitting your feet with My battle sandals (Ephesians 6:15). Anchor yourself in the soil of My salvation and remain steadfast in your faith. Be prepared to share with the lost the message of My love and saving grace. Be a witness for Christ even in the midst of battle. And take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one (Ephesians 6:16). This is the all-encompassing protection of Christ against everything your enemy hurls at you. Your victory is sure in Jesus’ name.

Wear the helmet of salvation (Ephesians 6:17), putting on the mind of Christ with all wisdom and discernment. Take up the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. Do not fight the enemy with your own words and thoughts, but use the Word of God as your weapon of choice. Just as Jesus battled Satan in the wilderness with the Word of God (Matthew 4:4), you too must fight the enemy’s lies and deceit with the truth of My Word. As the devil distorts Scripture, you will set him straight with the truth. The power of your testimony is no match for Satan. You will know the truth and the truth will set you free (John 8:32). You are no longer a slave, but My child (Galatians 4:7). You have been freed from the bondage of the enemy’s lies. Do not return again to a yoke of slavery.

In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. You may experience My peace, even in your troubles (John 16:33). Though you live in the world, you do not wage war as the world does. The weapons you fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. You demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and you take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:3-5).

Finally, be strong in Me and in My mighty power (Ephesians 6:10). 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 (Ephesians 6:18). Pray continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17) as prayer is another strong weapon of warfare. Pray your way through every challenge and struggle. The flesh may be weak, but you are strong in Christ Jesus. Stand firm, and when you have done everything, remain standing (Ephesians 6:13).

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for being a warrior God; you are my strength and defense (Exodus 15:2-3). Train me and prepare me for this daily battle. Lord, speak to me now with Your words of wisdom, and transform my heart with the truth of Your love and promises. Give me Your peace that passes all understanding to guard my heart and mind (Philippians 4:7). In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Two-way Conversation with God: 

  • Abba Father, protect me with Your infinite wisdom. Train me in Your warrior ways. Teach me what I need to know for this spiritual battle. (Record everything He says to you.)

 

  • Jesus, my Deliverer, rescue me from this fight. Do not let me be bound by a yoke of slavery. Please make me aware of what that looks like. (Write all the ideas He gives you.)

 

  • Holy Spirit, please give me a sense of my most vulnerable weakness, along with the Scripture to fight against the enemy’s attack in that area. Prepare me with the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, so that I am ready to defend myself. (Journal the Scripture that comes to mind. If only a word, find the verse in your concordance and write it out here, then meditate on it and memorize it to repeat to the enemy in the battle.)

 

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:

Lord, You do not leave me alone to fight my own battles. When I pass through the waters, You are with me, the rivers will not sweep over me. When I walk through the fire, I will not be burned; the flames will not set me ablaze (Isaiah 43:1-2). You stand with me in the fiery furnace of affliction. You hide me in the shadow of your wings (Psalm 17:8). You give me the victory in every struggle when I depend on You for my strength and wisdom. Strengthen my vulnerable areas and fortify my weak spots. You are my refuge and my fortress; I put my trust in You. I will make You my dwelling and You will give Your angels charge over me to guard me in all my ways. I will call on You and You will be with me in trouble; You will deliver me (Psalm 91). In the name of Jesus Christ and by His blood shed on the cross, I claim victory over my enemy and bind up the work of Satan, the destroyer. Amen.

Supporting Scripture:

Exodus 15:2-3, “The Lord is my strength and defense; He has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise Him, my father’s God, and I will exalt Him. The Lord is a warrior; the Lord is His name.

Psalm 17:8, Keep me as the apple of Your eye; hide me in the shadow of Your wings.

Psalm 91, 1Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. 2I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” 3Surely He will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. 4He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. 5You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, 6nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. 7A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. 8You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. 9If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, 10no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. 11For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; 12they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. 13You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent. 14”Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. 15He will call on Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble. I will deliver him and honor him. 16With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”

Isaiah 43:1-2, “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are Mine. When 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.

Jeremiah 20:11, But the Lord is with me like a mighty warrior; so my persecutors will stumble and not prevail.

Matthew 4:4, Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

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

John 16:33, “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.”

2 Corinthians 10:3-5, For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretention that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

Galatians 4:7, So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are His child, God has made you also an heir.

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.

Philippians 4:4-7, 4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, 16Rejoice always, 17pray continually, 18give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Copyright © Sindy Nagel. All Rights Reserved

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 54 – Satan, the Destroyer

May15

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 54

Satan, the Destroyer

Lord, some Christ followers today do not believe that Satan is still a real threat and influencer. What do You say? Are we really in a daily battle with our enemy, the devil? How do we recognize his attacks? Can we put the blame on him when we sin? How do we discern his voice in our thoughts?

A Message from God’s Heart to Yours:

Child of God, you are a new creation in Christ Jesus. The old has gone; the new has come (2 Corinthians 5:17). You may not place blame on Satan for your sin. Sin does not control you unless you allow it. I have given you the free will to choose right from wrong. It is your decision to obey or disobey Me; to follow My Word or disregard it. Satan is still a real influencer of humanity against Me. To believe anything less could cost you your life—your marriage, your family, your finances, your friendships, or your relationship with Me. Do not let down your guard. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy (John 10:10) but Jesus came to give you life in the full. I have provided you a way out of any temptation by the power of the Holy Spirit in you. He helps you say ‘No’ to sin. Be sensitive to My voice within. I lead you not into temptation; I deliver you from the evil one (Matthew 6:13).

Satan speaks to you in your thoughts. He does not know your thoughts, but he interjects his thoughts into your mind. He leads the whole world astray. He is the accuser (Revelation 12:9-10) and his accusations are shaming and condemning. His voice is harsh and condescending. His words are manipulative and wounding. He uses Scripture to deceive, and he distorts the truth. His language is disturbing and confusing. He plants ideas in your mind trying to keep you from living a life of purity and righteousness in Christ. He will stop at nothing to weaken your faith and damage your relationship with Me, your spouse, your family, your friends—anyone and anything important to you. Remain alert to his ways. He is the destroyer of all good things.

Satan is a liar and the father of lies (John 8:44). He deceives you with altered versions of the truth. When you believe in his lies and give way to his deceit, you take a step toward him and away from Me. You do not want to put yourself in this position, walking down a path to destruction, like a sheep being led to the slaughter. You are more than a conqueror. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate you from My love that is in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:31-39).

Make no mistake though. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith (1 Peter 5:8-9). Otherwise, your enemy will deceive you and destroy your life. Your 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. Daily dress yourself in 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 (Ephesians 6:10-18). Pray in the spirit on all occasions with all kinds of requests.

Submit yourself, then, to Me. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to Me, and I will come near to you (James 4:7-8). I have given you My Spirit. You may rely fully on Me. No temptation will overtake you; I am faithful, I will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it (1 Corinthians 10:13). Be strong in Me and in My mighty power (Ephesians 6:10).

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You that I can rely on Your Holy Spirit, Your promises and the truth in Your Word to make choices and decisions according to Your will. Thank You for leading me not into temptation but delivering me from the evil one. Please make me ultra-sensitive to discerning the thoughts from the devil. When he attempts to lead me astray, remind me of the truth, and help me stand firm in my faith. Lord, please speak to me now regarding my personal battle with the enemy and how I can be victorious in the daily struggle he engages me in. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Two-way Conversation with God: 

  • Father God, please show me ways the devil is currently attacking me. What are my areas of weakness? (Write down whatever comes to mind just now.)

 

  • Jesus, it is said, ‘when I am weak, then I am strong’ (2 Corinthians 12:10). Please show me how You fortify my weakest walls against my enemy, the devil? What shall I do to protect myself? (Record every word and thought Christ gives you.)

 

  • Holy Spirit, please identify ways the devil masquerades as an angel of light to me? How am I currently being deceived by him? (Journal all the ideas that run through 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:

Heavenly Father, thank You that whenever I am tempted, you always give me a way out, by the power of Your Holy Spirit within me. Help me to recognize Your voice and draw on Your assistance every time. I hear that I am in a continual battle with the enemy, but I do not always recognize it when I am in the middle of the battle. Help me to be more sensitive to the devil’s deceitful ways and war tactics. Let me engage in battle with the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God, as my weapon of choice. Give me the time to daily read and meditate on your Word, so that your Spirit will be able to remind me of it when I need it. Holy Spirit, please bring to my memory the exact Scripture I need, at the exact moment I need it, along with the power and authority to overcome the evil one in the name of Jesus Christ, by His blood. Thank You for the victory over sin, death, and the grave. In the name of Jesus Christ, and by the power of His blood, I ask all this. Amen.

Supporting Scripture:

Matthew 4:5-7, 5Then the devil took Him to the holy city and had Him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6“If You are the Son of God,” he said, “throw Yourself down. For it is written: ‘He will command His angels concerning You, and they will lift You up in their hands, so that You will not strike Your foot against a stone.’” 7Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”

Matthew 6:13, “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”

Matthew 13:24-25, 24Jesus told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in His field. 25But while everyone was sleeping, His enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away.”

Matthew 13:36-39, 36Then He left the crowd and went into the house. His disciples came to Him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.” 37He answered, “The one who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man. 38The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one, 39and the enemy who sows them is the devil.”

Luke 22:31-32, 31Jesus said, “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. 32But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”

John 8:44, He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

John 10:10, The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

John 13:2, The evening meal was being served and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus.

1 Corinthians 10:13, No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful: He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

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

2 Corinthians 11:14-15, 14And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. 15It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.

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.

Ephesians 4:26-27, 26In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27and do not give the devil a foothold.

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.

2 Timothy 2:24-26, 24And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do His will.

Hebrews 2:14-18, 14Since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity so that by His death He might destroy him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil—15and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. 16For surely it is not angels He helps, but Abraham’s descendants. 17For this reason He had to be made like His brothers in every way, in order that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that He might make atonement for the sins of the people. 18Because He Himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted.

James 4:7-8, 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.

1 Peter 5:8-9, 8Be self-controlled and alert. 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 your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

2 John :7-8, 7I say this because many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist. 8Watch out that you do not lose what you have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully.

Revelation 12:9-17, 9The great dragon was hurled down—that the ancient serpent called the devil or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with Him.10Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: “Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of His Messiah. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down. 11They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death. 12Therefore rejoice, you heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has gone down to you! He is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short.” 13When the dragon saw that he had been hurled to earth, he pursued the woman who had given birth to the male child. 14The woman was given the two wings of a great eagle, so that she might fly to the place prepared for her in the wilderness, where she would be taken care of for a time, times and half a time, out of the serpent’s reach. 15Then from His mouth the serpent spewed water like a river, to overtake the woman and sweep her away with the torrent. 16But the earth helped the woman by opening its mouth and swallowing the river that the dragon had spewed out of his mouth. 17Then the dragon was enraged at the woman and went off to make war against the rest of her offspring—those who keep God’s commandments and hold fast their testimony about Jesus.

Copyright © Sindy Nagel. All Rights Reserved

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 53 – Be Humble

May14

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 53

Be Humble

Lord, please give me a picture of what it means to be humble. What would You have me do walk in greater humility? How do You want me to serve others? I confess that I am prideful, and I request that expose my pride every time it surfaces. Help me to see the error of my ways.

A Message from God’s Heart to Yours:

Dear one, I am your Father in heaven, the Sovereign Lord of all, everlasting God, Creator of the ends of the earth (Isaiah 40:28). I speak and even the wind and waves obey My voice (Mark 4:41). I rule and reign over heaven and earth, yet I gave the life of My Son for you. Jesus Christ is the picture of humility. He humbled Himself, taking on flesh of a man, in order to reconcile you to Me so that we could share an intimate relationship. He came to earth not to be served, but to serve (Matthew 20:26).

Jesus, My Son, bore the weight of all the sins of humankind: past, present, and future; once for all. This is real—it’s a personal sacrifice—He humbled Himself and died for your sin. He laid down His life in exchange for yours. He suffered the worst possible death, hanging on a cross—a sentence reserved for the worst of criminals. He did it willingly in obedience to His Father’s will. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends (John 15:13). You are My friend, and My Son did this for you.

I now ask you to do the same: lay down your life for Me. Humble yourself and I will lift you up (James 4:10). Serve one another in love (Galatians 5:13). Value others above yourself, not looking to your own interests but to the interests of the others (Philippians 2:3-4). Set your heart and mind on things above (Colossians 3:1-2), not on earthly things of your own desire. I favor the humble and contrite in spirit (Isaiah 66:2). Clothe yourself with humility toward others, because, I oppose the proud but show favor to the humble (1 Peter 5:5).

In your heart, you make your plans, but it is I, the Lord, who establishes your steps (Proverbs 16:9). Your own plans may fail, but My plans for you are better than you can conceive or imagine. Lay down your pride. Do not be so independent; but be dependent on Me. I hate pride and arrogance (Proverbs 8:13). Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor (Proverbs 29:23). Sow pride and reap destruction; sow humility and reap honor. Love Me with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind. Love your neighbor as yourself. Do this and live (Luke 10:27-28). I do not say love yourself only and take pride in yourself, but love Me first with your whole heart and love others as you have been loved by Me—unconditionally.

Prayer:

Thank You, Lord. I have a better understanding of humility. Please help me walk out your desires. I submit myself to Your Spirit and ask that He would guide me, convict me, and empower me to live according to Your will. May my words and actions be a beautiful aroma to Your senses. Please continue to speak to me even more personally now as we meet one-on-one. Thank You so much. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.

Two-way Conversation with God: 

  • Father, please list some specific ways I have been prideful recently. (Record every thought He gives you.)

 

  • Jesus, you are the ultimate example of humility. Help me remember all you’ve done that I might live in a similar manner and bring glory to Your name. Lord, in what areas do I need to get rid of pride? (Write everything you think and hear.)

 

  • Holy Spirit, bring Your conviction upon my heart. I confess that my pride shows through in these ways that you have convicted me with just now:_______________ (fill in the blank). Please forgive me and help me live into the new creation You made me when I accepted You as my Savior and Lord.

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:

Jesus, thank You for humbling Yourself and taking on the nature of a man, so that You would be the perfect sacrifice to bring me into a saving relationship with my heavenly Father. Thank You for exposing my pride. Please help me to live in Your humility and victory demonstrated on the cross. As I become the lowly in spirit—the servant—may You become greater and be glorified in me. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Supporting Scripture:

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, and to observe the Lord’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good?

1 Samuel 3:10, The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!”

Psalm 25:9, He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way.

Psalm 149:4, For the Lord takes delight in His people; He crowns the humble with victory.

Proverbs 8:13, To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.

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

Proverbs 16:5, The Lord detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.

Proverbs 16:9, In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.

Proverbs 22:4, Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life.

Proverbs 29:23, Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor.

Isaiah 40:28, Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom.

Isaiah 57:15, For this is what the high and exalted One says—He who lives forever, whose name is holy: “I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.”

Isaiah 66:2, “These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at My word.”

Zephaniah 2:3, Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land, you who do what He commands. Seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the Lord’s anger.

Matthew 11:28, 28“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Matthew 20:26, “Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”

Matthew 23:12, “For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

Mark 4:41, They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey Him!”

Luke 10:27-28, 27He answered, “’Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’ and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 28You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied, “Do this and you will live.”

Luke 14:11, “For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

Luke 22:27, “For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.”

John 12:26, “Whoever serves Me must follow Me; and where I am, My servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.”

John 15:13-14, 13“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14You are My friends if you do what I command.”

2 Corinthians 10:1, By the humility and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you—I, Paul, who am “timid” when fact to face with you, but “bold” toward you when away!

Galatians 5:13-14, 13You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather; serve one another humbly in love. 14For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Ephesians 4:2, Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

Philippians 2:3-11, 3Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. 5In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: 6Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage; 7rather, He made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! 9Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name 10that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and 11every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Colossians 3:1-2, 1Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

Colossians 3:23-24, 23Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

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.

James 4:10, Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.

1 Peter 5:5-6, 5In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble” (Proverbs 3:34). 6Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time.

Copyright © Sindy Nagel. All Rights Reserved

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 52 – Renew Your Mind

May13

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 52

 Renew Your Mind

Father in heaven, You have made me a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me (Psalm 51:10). I now submit my mind to Your spirit for complete renewal. Lord, give my mind a makeover, so that I may think and act according to Your will and ways. Lord, let me not focus on the way the world thinks and reasons, but only as You would have me think and reason. Show me what I must do to renew my mind.

A Message from God’s Heart to Yours:

Dear sweet child of Mine—that’s what I want you to hear today—you are My child. Your identity in Christ makes you My child—it completes you. You are uniquely you because I created you in My image and yet different than every other person on earth. Your identity as My child gives you access to all of Me and all that I have. You lack nothing.

You were bought a price (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), the death of My Son, Jesus Christ. Your redemption was purchased by the blood of Jesus, nailed to a tree, for the sin of all humanity. Your identity in Me became secure when you invited Jesus in to your heart, confessing Him as your Savior and Lord. I placed My Holy Spirit in your heart to seal you as My child, to speak to you on My behalf, to guide you, comfort you, and give you My wisdom. He reminds you of Scripture and interprets the Word of God for you.

You have been given the mind of Christ. One way to renew your mind is to meditate on My Word. Read it, ponder it, digest it, and live it out. You may speak to Me about My Word any time.  My Word is living and active (Hebrews 4:12). My Spirit will illumine it for you and make it come alive with meaning for every situation you face. Know My wisdom and My will for your life when you spend time in My Word. Discover My character and My love. Hear My instructions and My commands. Allow it to permeate your mind and revitalize your thoughts. Take captive every thought and make it obedient to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).

Set your mind on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace (Romans 8:5-6). You are no longer of this world. You are a stranger to it. Do not live, think and act as the world does. The world causes you to focus on yourself—put yourself first, take care of yourself, please yourself, do whatever makes you happy. This kind of thinking is opposite of kingdom thinking. I say, put others ahead of yourself. Live as Christ who did not come to be served, but to serve (Matthew 20:28). Humble yourself and serve others in love.  

Do not take care of yourself and live independently from Me, but depend on Me for everything. I desire an intimate relationship with you which means that you put Me first, seeking Me and My will before you run ahead making your own decisions and your own plans. I desire only the best for your life. Your plans may be good, but are they My best for you? Begin a new practice of seeking Me first in all you do. Refresh your method of operation. Seek Me first. You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with your whole heart (Jeremiah 29:13).

Allow the Spirit of truth to transform your spiritual heart. You may have believed some words that were not true about yourself. You may have bought into the lies of the enemy; an untrue identity. Let the Spirit expose the lies and replace them with the truth—you are a child of God, you are loved, you are radiant, you are smart, and you are talented. Renew your thoughts with the truth by tuning in to the voice of My Spirit within you. Let Me renew your identity in Christ. I will refresh your mind and restore your soul. Remain in Me and be rejuvenated daily.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit who renews my mind, refreshes my spirit and restores my soul. You are an awesome Daddy, and I am so blessed to be called Your child. I love you, and I desire to walk with you and talk with you daily. Please share Your heart with me now regarding my personal circumstances. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Two-way Conversation with God: 

  • Father God, You have adopted me as Your very own. Please renew my thinking along those lines. Tell me more about my personal and individual identity in Christ. (Record every word you hear.)

 

  • Jesus, my Savior, You have made me a new creation with the mind of Christ. Please renew my mind and correct my thinking. How do you see me? (Write down all the thoughts He gives you.)

 

  • Holy Spirit, create in me a pure heart and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Teach me how to re-connect with You to refresh my thinking and my actions according to God’s will. (Journal all the impressions and thoughts He gives you.)

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:

Dear Jesus, I am grateful for Your Word, Your Spirit, and Your love. Give me the desire to meditate on Your Word, to connect with Your Spirit, and to understand the depth of Your love for me. Renew my mind, heart, and strength as I pursue a more intimate relationship with You. Thank You for speaking to me daily and refreshing me with Your words of loving kindness and encouragement. Continue to show me more aspects of Your character and Your heart. In the name of Jesus, my Lord, I pray. Amen.

Supporting Scripture:

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.”

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 20:26-28, 26“Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—28just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”

Romans 8:5-6, 5Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.

Romans 12:2, Do not conform 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.

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 at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

2 Corinthians 3:17-18, 17Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory, which comes form the Lord, who is the Spirit.

2 Corinthians 4:16, Therefore we do not lose heart, though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.

2 Corinthians 10:3-5, 3For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

Hebrews 4:12-13, 12For the Word of God is alive 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. 13Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.

Titus 3:5-7, 5He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit 6whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.

1 John 5:6, This is the one who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ. He did not come by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth.

2 John :2-3, 2because of the truth, which lives in us and will be with us forever: 3Grace, mercy, and pace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son, will be with us in truth and love.

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

Copyright © Sindy Nagel. All Rights Reserved

 

 

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 51 – No More Grumbling or Complaining

May12

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 51

No More Grumbling or Complaining

Lord, I admit and confess that I grumble and complain too much. I am not as grateful as I should be for all the blessings You have bestowed on me and all the comforts of home that You allow me to enjoy. When something does not go right, or as I had planned, I confess, I am quick to grumble or complain. Please help me understand Your heart with regard to my grumbling.

A Message from God’s Heart to Yours:

My beloved one, when you read the story of the Israelites wandering in the desert in Exodus 15 through 17, you see how much they grumbled. I abhor grumbling and complaining. I had rescued My people from 400 years of slavery under Pharaoh; I separated the waters of the Red Sea, so they could walk through it; I caused the sea to close up again, killing the Egyptians that pursued the Israelites, saving them again; I had Moses leading them through the desert toward the promise land—a land flowing with milk and honey. And yet, they went a few days without good water to drink, and they began grumbling and complaining. A few more days with little food, and they grumbled again, so I provided them daily with manna and quail. They quickly forgot the drudgery they had come from, and thought a life of bondage to Pharaoh was better than a life of freedom in Me. I was so frustrated with these ungrateful people, that I caused this generation to die in the wilderness after 40 years of wandering. They never made it out of the desert to see the wonderful land I promised them.

You would do well to learn from the mistakes of the Israelite people. Do not practice grumbling and complaining when I have given you so much. Like I freed the Israelites from slavery, I freed you from the bondage and slavery of sin. I gave the life of My one and only Son, Jesus, so that you could live a life of freedom. Do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear (Luke 12:22-32). Seek Me first, and all these things will be given to you. I will provide. I always have; I always will. Trust Me to meet all your needs, and quit the grumbling.

In your suffering, you will learn obedience (Hebrews 5:8). Instead of complaining, focus on Me and what I have done for you. Every good and perfect gift is from above (James 1:17). Raise your prayers and petitions to Me. I hear your cries, and I know your need better than you do (Matthew 6:8). Do not be anxious about anything but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to Me. And My peace, which transcends all understanding, will guard your heart and mind (Philippians 4:6-7).  

It is My will that you appreciate all I have given you. Overflow with thankfulness (Colossians 2:7). Rejoice always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Trade in your grumbling for thanksgiving. Be thankful and focus on all I have done and continue to do for you. You are My child. I will always love you and take care of you. I am your Faithful Father. Be thankful; and no more grumbling!

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I do appreciate all that You have done for me. I enter Your gates with thanksgiving and Your courts with praise; I give thanks to You and praise Your name. You are good and Your love endures forever; Your faithfulness continues through all generations (Psalm 100:4-5). Lord, I trade in my grumbling for thanksgiving. I am thankful that I can meet with You, one-on-one, and You will communicate Your heart to me. Please open my ears to hear Your voice now. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Two-way Conversation with God: 

  • Father God, I confess my ungratefulness in these areas: _____________ (fill in the blank). Help me to see the error of my ways and express my thankfulness to You more regularly. Please show me Your heart for me about this. (Write down everything the Lord says to you now.)

 

  • Jesus, thank You everything You have done for me, especially laying down Your life on my behalf. I also appreciate these things about You: ________________ (fill in the blank). How might I best show my appreciation to you? (Record every word and thought you have.)

 

  • Holy Spirit, I ask that You convict me when I begin to grumble, and help me convert that to thanksgiving immediately. Show me how to live a life of thankfulness. What must I do? (Journal all thoughts and ideas He gives you.)

 

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:

Lord, please forgive me, when I do not appreciate all You have done for me. I should be bouncing off the walls with joy because You have saved me from my sin and call me Your child. You gave the life of Your Son, so that I could be reconciled to You. I have a roof over my head, food on my table, clothes on my back, and I enjoy good health too. I lack nothing, nor do I need anything. Lord, next time I want to grumble or complain that something didn’t go right, please place a check in my spirit, and help me to find the good in every situation and be thankful for it. In Jesus’ precious name, I pray. Amen.

Supporting Scripture:

Exodus 15:22-27, 22Then Moses led Israel from the Red Sea and they went into the Desert of Shur. For three days they traveled in the desert without finding water. 23When they came to Marah, they could not drink its water because it was bitter. (That is why the place is called Marah.) 24So the people grumbled against Moses, saying, “What are we to drink?” 25Then Moses cried out to the Lord, and the Lord showed him a piece of wood. He threw it into the water, and the water became fit to drink. There the Lord issued a ruling and instruction for them and put them to the test. 26He said, “If you listen carefully to the Lord your God and do what is right in His eyes, if you pay attention to His commands and keep all His decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you.” 27Then they came to Elim, where there were twelve springs and seventy palm trees, and they camped there near the water.

Numbers 14:26-32, 26The Lord said to Moses and Aaron: 27“How long will this wicked community grumble against Me?  I have heard the complaints of these grumbling Israelites. 28So tell them, ‘As surely as I live, declares the Lord, I will do to you the very thing I heard you say: 29In this wilderness your bodies will fall—every one of you twenty years old or more who was counted in the census and who has grumbled against Me. 30Not one of you will enter the land I swore with uplifted hand to make your home, except Caleb son of Jephunneh and Joshua son of Nun. 31As for your children that you said would be taken as plunder, I will bring them in to enjoy the land you have rejected. 32But as for you, your bodies will fall in this wilderness.’”

Psalm 100:1-2, 1Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. 2Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs. 3Know that the Lord is God. It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, the sheep of His pasture. 4Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. 5For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.

Matthew 6:8, “Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.”

Luke 12:22-32, 22Then Jesus said to His disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. 23For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. 24Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have not storeroom or barn; yet God fees them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! 25Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? 26Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? 27Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 28If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will He clothe you—you of little faith! 29And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. 30For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31But seek His kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. 32Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.”

John 6:35-44, 35Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in Me will never be thirsty.” 36But as I told you, you have seen Me and still you do not believe. 37All those the Father gives Me will come to Me, and whoever comes to Me I will never drive away. 38For I have come down from heaven not to do My will but to do the will of Him who sent Me. 39And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that I shall lose none of all those He has given Me, but raise them up at the last day. 40For My Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.” 41At this the Jews there began to grumble about Him because He said, “I am the bread that came down from heaven.” 42They said, “Is this not Jesus the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How can he now say, ‘I came down from heaven?’ 43“Stop grumbling among yourselves,” Jesus answered.44“No one can come to me unless the Father who sent Me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day.”

1 Corinthians 10:10-11, 10And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel. 11These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come.

Philippians 2:12-18, 12Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose. 14Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky 16as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not urn or labor in vain. 17But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.

Philippians 4:6-7, 6Do not be anxious about anything but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7).

Colossians 2:6-7, 6So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, 7rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

Colossians 3:23-25, 23Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. 25Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, 16Rejoice always, 17pray continually, 18give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Hebrews 5:7-10, 7During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, He offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the One who could save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverent submission. 8Son though He was, He learned obedience from what He suffered 9and, once made perfect, He became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey Him 10and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek.

James 1:17, Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

James 5:7-9, 7Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. 8You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. 9Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!

1 Peter 4:7-10, 7The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. 8Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.

Copyright © Sindy Nagel. All Rights Reserved