Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 10 – I am Your Counselor

Apr1

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 10 – I am Your Counselor

 Dear Heavenly Father, I am so grateful that You sent me a live-in Counselor, available 24/7, who listens to me and reveals to me all Your wisdom as I need it. Please help me appreciate and take advantage of this more and more fully as I spend time with You today.

 A Message from God’s Heart to Yours:

 Look up, child. I am your loving Father. I know and want what is best for you at all times, in all circumstances. Seek Me first. Seek My counsel first, before all else. I am here for you any time of the day or night. Listen for My voice within you. I speak to you all day long, and I will speak to you in your heart, even at night, as you sleep (Psalm 16:7).

 I know you want to trust the advice of your closest friends and family. That may be okay, at times, but their advice is only as good as their personal relationship and two-way communication with Me themselves. If they are not seeking Me first on your behalf, for your best interest, their advice may be faulty as well.

 I am your Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). I am omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent. I know all things and work all things together for your good (Romans 8:28). I am in control of all things and am present by your side, even inside you, at all times. I am trustworthy and true. I have deposited My Spirit of truth in your heart. You may believe His voice inside you. He speaks the truth and shares the deepest places of My heart with you. All that I have belongs to you. My Spirit will remind you of My wisdom as needed.

 I know that many times you will react from the flesh. But I tell you the truth, live by the Spirit, in step with My Holy Spirit, and display the fruit of the Spirit at all times as He produces it and ripens it in you. Sow to please the Spirit and from the Spirit reap eternal life (Galatians 6:8).

 I teach you wisdom in the inmost place (Psalm 51:6). From your heart, My Spirit makes My truth and wisdom known to you. Do you lack wisdom? Just ask Me, and then, believe the truth I give you in your heart. Trust in Me with all your heart. Do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways, ask Me first, and I will direct your paths (Proverbs 3:5-6).

 Ask Me for anything, any time, and it’s yours. You have not, because you ask not. Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you (Matthew 7:7). Whatever you need is only away by one conversation with Me. I am here waiting for you to ask. I can’t wait to give you what you need and desire. Just ask.

 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to Me. And my peace, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6). I am your Counselor, and I care deeply about you and your well-being. Allow Me to care for you. Let Me in on your decisions. Seek My wisdom, and then, listen and obey.

 Prayer:

 Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your Spirit of truth, my live-in Counselor. Thank You for the access that Jesus’ death on the cross gave me to Your throne. I am so grateful that I may approach You in confidence to take care of all my needs and desires. Please help me hear and discern Your voice within me at this moment, as I seek You first, above all else. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Two-way Conversation with God: 

  • Lord, what do You want me to know personally about the work of Your Spirit, my Counselor? (Record your thoughts here.)

 

  • Jesus, how do I make maximum use of the Counselor inside me? (Write what Jesus says to your heart.)

 

  • Holy Spirit, how do I best live in step with You? (Jot down all words and impressions you sense at this time.)

 

Review the Holy Spirit’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:

Mighty God, Wonderful Counselor, please grant me Your wise counsel in everything I do and say today and every day. Let my spirit be in tune with Your Spirit with every step I take. Remind me to pay attention to the voice of the Holy Spirit within me; listen and obey. Lord, I crucify the flesh when it leads me to run my own course, and I defer to the leading of Your Spirit. I submit myself to You and trust in You with all my heart. In the name of Jesus, my Lord. Amen.

Supporting Scripture:

 1 Kings 22:5, But Jehoshaphat also said to the king of Israel, “First seek the counsel of the Lord.”

2 Chronicles 18:4, But Jehoshaphat also said to the king of Israel, “First seek the counsel of the Lord.”

Psalm 16:7-8, I will praise the Lord who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I have set the Lord always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

Psalm 51:6, Surely You desire truth in the inner parts; You teach me wisdom in the inmost place.

Psalm 73:24, You guide me with Your counsel, and afterward You will take me into glory.

Proverbs 2:6, For the Lord gives wisdom, and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.

Proverbs 3:5-7, Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil.

Proverbs 8:14, Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have understanding and power.

Isaiah 9:6, For to us a child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 28:29, All this also comes from the Lord Almighty, wonderful in counsel and magnificent in wisdom.

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

John 14:15-17, “If you love Me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor to be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you will know Him, for He lives with you and will be in you.”

John 14:26-27, “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

John 15:26, “When the Counselor comes, who I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, He will testify about Me.”

John 16:7, “But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.”

John 16:13-15, “But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on His own; He will speak only what He hears, and He will tell you what is yet to come. He will bring glory to Me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is shy I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you.”

Galatians 6:8-10, The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

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

James 1:5, If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

 Copyright © Sindy Nagel. All Rights Reserved

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 9 – I am Your Comforter

Mar31

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 9 – I am Your Comforter

O God, my Comforter, soothe my heart and mind in these uncertain days and times of great loss, tremendous stress, and unbearable grief. Lord, help me feel your peace which passes all understanding, when I find myself in the pain and discomfort of situations beyond my control. Lord, why do you allow us to endure these trials and suffer through difficulty, pain, and loss?

 A Message from God’s Heart to Yours:

 My child, it is hard for you to understand, however, it is because of My extreme love for you that I allow you to endure difficult times that draw you closer to Me. When you get to the end of yourself, you’ll turn to Me. At times, you first attempt to soothe your pain with worldly pleasures and remedies, like: food, alcohol, or movie marathons. But as their calming effects fade, the pain and hardship remain, and you are still left with the challenge of getting through it. You are not alone. I am with you.

 In your pain, you will soon realize your best option is to turn to Me first. I am here for you at all times. I never leave you or forget about you (Joshua 1:5). I am your Comforter in times of sorrow and grief. My perfect love will drive out all your fears (1 John 4:18). My love for you is greater than your challenge. When you know and understand the depth of my love, you will begin to trust in Me more to walk you through your trials.  

 I am a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness (Psalm 86:15). I show compassion to all those who are afflicted and hurting. I care about you. I desire the best for you. Sometimes the best thing for you is to allow you to grow through life’s difficulties. When you experience tough times and rely on My love to get you through, you have a new faith and strength to draw on in the future. Your experience equips you better to help others through similar situations. Comfort them with the comfort you have been given (2 Corinthians 1:3-7).

 I use all things together for the good of those who love Me and are called according to My purpose (Romans 8:28). I am in control of all things, and I use all things for your good. You are My beloved child, and I have called you into a good work for Me. I created you for a purpose. The grit and experience you gain from enduring difficult times has great value, both in your life and in My kingdom. Are you willing to bear the weight of this current earthly trial to make yourself stronger and more valuable for the next one?

Trust in Me and I will give you the peace your heart desires. Have faith that I will see you through your difficulties, and you will be stronger on the other side. Rest in Me and enjoy the confidence My perfect love affords you. Do not fear, I am with you always, even to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20) …even in times that feel like the end.

Prayer:

 Compassionate Father, may Your unfailing love be my comfort, according to Your promise in Psalm 119:76. May Your perfect love drive out all my fear according to Your promise in 1 John 4:18. I trade in my heavy load for a lighter load to carry. I yoke myself with You and ask that You would bear my weight on this journey (Matthew 11:28-30). Lord, carry me when I can no longer put one foot in front of the other. Thank You for Your comfort and the reassurance that You are always in control. I can rest in the knowledge of Your love and faithfulness. I appreciate Your peace and Your presence in my heart. Help me to clearly hear Your voice in my thoughts and my heart right now as I spend this time in conversation with you. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

 Two-way Conversation with God:

  • Lord, please tell me and show me how You comfort me. (Write the thoughts that enter your mind right now.)

 

  • Jesus, how may I feel Your presence and Your perfect peace? What do I need to do to connect with You? (Record all emotions and impressions that flood your thoughts.)

 

  • Holy Spirit, I long to know God’s heart for me. Please share His words of comfort and consolation with me in my thoughts. Remind me of how Jesus brought comfort to people. (Write any words or verses that He brings to your memory.)

 

Review the Holy Spirit’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 for speaking to my heart and mind just now. Thank You for Your calm reassurances of Your promises and provision. I value so much the words You give me whenever I make time to listen to You. Thank You for loving me perfectly to drive out all my fears. I appreciate Your compassions, love and faithfulness which continues through all generations. Help me to effectively communicate Your unfailing love to everyone in my sphere of influence. I am grateful that You care about me enough to take time to comfort me in times of trouble. In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, I pray. Amen.

Supporting Scripture:

 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.”

1 John 4:18-19, There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because He first loved us.

Psalm 86:15, But You, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.

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.

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

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

Psalm 119:76, May Your unfailing love be my comfort, according to Your promise to Your servant.

Isaiah 49:13, Shout for joy, you heavens; rejoice, you earth; burst into song, you mountains! For the Lord comforts His people and will have compassion on His afflicted ones.

Isaiah 51:3, The Lord will surely comfort Zion and will look with compassion on all her ruins; He will make her deserts like Eden, her wastelands like the garden of the Lord. Joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and the sound of singing.

Isaiah 51:11-13, Those the Lord has rescued will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away. “I, even I, am He who comforts you. Who are you that you fear mere mortals, human beings who are but grass, that you forget the Lord your Maker, who stretches out the heavens and who lays the foundations of the earth, that you live in constant terror every day because of the wrath of the oppressor, who is ben on destruction? For where is the wrath of the oppressor?”

Isaiah 61:1-3, The 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, to 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, and 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 8:18, You are my Comforter in sorrow, my heart is faint within me.

Jeremiah 31:13, “Then young women will dance and be glad, young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow.”

2 Corinthians 1:3-7, Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. If we are distressed it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.

2 Corinthians 7:6, But God who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, and not only by his coming but also by the comfort you had given him.

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

Psalm 86:17, Give me a sign of Your goodness, that my enemies may see it and be put to shame, for You, Lord, have helped me and comforted me.

Isaiah 52:9-10, Burst into songs of joy together, you ruins of Jerusalem, for the Lord has comforted His people, He has redeemed Jerusalem. The Lord will lay bare His holy arm in the sight of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth will see the salvation of our God.

Matthew 5:4, Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Copyright © Sindy Nagel. All Rights Reserved.

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 8 — Forgive Others as I have Forgiven You

Mar30

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 8 

Forgive Others as I have Forgiven You

Dear Lord Jesus, I know You have been so gracious to forgive me, but now you want me to forgive others, even the ones who hurt me so badly? Lord, I cannot do this in my own strength. Please speak to me about this.

 A Message from God’s Heart to Yours:

You are my child, one of My chosen people. I have set you apart by cleansing you and making you holy. When you confessed Me as your Savior, I forgave you of all your sins. You became a new creation and died to your former ways (2 Corinthians 5:17). You were crucified with Me (Galatians 2:20), and now you also live with Me as I live in you. Put to death all of your old earthly ways like: anger, rage, jealousy, malice, bad language, and lies (Colossians 3:8). Put on your new self, which is being renewed in the image of God your Creator. Therefore, now be kind, compassionate, humble, gentle, and patient (Colossians 3:12). Follow My example and live as I lived on earth.

 Live in righteousness because you belong to Me. Be tolerant of each other, and forgive each other in all things—even the ones who have hurt you the most. Forgive as you have been forgiven. Your Father in heaven does not hold anything against you. When you confess your sin, God forgives you without question. He keeps no record of your wrongs (Hebrews 8:12). You must do the same. When you forgive someone, forget their misdeeds and shortcomings. Remember them no more. God, in His ultimate grace and mercy, has provided the way to forgiveness. Seek God in order to forgive as you have been forgiven. The Holy Spirit will empower you to exercise the same love, grace, and forgiveness toward others that you have experienced yourself.  Not by power or might, but by My Spirit. 

 The Bible is clear: If you forgive others of their sins, God will forgive you of yours; but if you do not forgive others of their sins, God will not forgive yours (Matthew 6:12-15). Don’t let forgiveness stand in the way of your relationship and communication with God. Knock down the roadblock of an unforgiving spirit and clear the path to connection with the Lord.

 Above all things practice My love. This is the most desirable quality you have to give. Love will forgive a multitude of sins. Love binds all these things together in harmony. Do not love as the world does. Practice My love. Love does not fail (See 1 Corinthians 10:1-8). It is the most excellent way. If you have all these good features, and do not display My love, you are just making a loud noise. You have gained nothing; but when you put on My love to love another person, they will experience God Himself through His image bearer—you. Love as you have been loved. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Prayer:

 Lord, thank You for loving me with the most excellent kind of love and grace. Thank You for Your forgiveness. Thank you that you do not keep a record of my sins, flaws, shortcomings and misbehavior. Lord, I am so blessed to be Your child. Thank You for adopting me into Your kingdom and sealing my eternity You by Your Holy Spirit. Lord, help me to forgive others as I have been forgiven. Fill me to overflowing with the kind of love and grace I need to accomplish this task. I look forward to hearing more from You right now as we spend some time together alone. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Two-way Conversation with God:

  •  Hello, Lord, it’s me. What do you want me to know about Your forgiveness? (Write what you hear.)

 

  • Jesus, I owe my life to You. I submit my heart to You and ask that You will share Your heart with me right now. What do you want me to know about You? (Record all words and impressions now.)

 

  • Holy Spirit, what is Your role in forgiveness? How do I tap into this power You offer? (Note His answer to your question.)

  

Review the Holy Spirit’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 Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, thank You all for Your words and thoughts You gave me as we spoke just now. It means so much to me that I may simply confess my sins and know that I am forgiven and restored to You. Thank You for that privilege as Your child. Thank You for the power You give me to accomplish all that You require of me. I am nothing without You. Thank You for Your love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness. Thank You for Your protection and power. I am so blessed to be called Your beloved. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Supporting Scripture:

Matthew 6:12-15, “And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”

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

1 Corinthians 10:1-8, If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others. It is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

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.

Ephesians 4:32, Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Colossians 3:8-10, But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, range, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off our old self with it practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in the knowledge in the image of its Creator.

Colossians 3:12-14, Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And 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.

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

Copyright © Sindy Nagel. All Rights Reserved

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 7 – I Forgive You

Mar29

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 7

 I Forgive You

Father, I am so humbled that You would shower me with Your grace and forgiveness. I am nothing but a sinner, and yet, You love me, in spite of my sin. Why? Why do You forgive me again and again, even forget all my sins (Hebrews 8:12)?

 A Message from God’s Heart to Yours:

 I am your Father and Forgiver. I created you with a free will to choose. From the beginning, I allowed humankind the free will to make their own choices and decisions. Unfortunately, humans were deceived by the evil one and chose disobedience. Sin entered the world and clouded the vision of my children. Still, I would have it no other way. I created you with your own free will. Which way will you choose? Obedience or disobedience? Life or death?

 I created you in My image with a mind to reason, a heart to love, and a will to survive. You are a beautiful representation of My character and My love. Yes, your flesh causes you to sin, but your sin does not define you. Your identity is in Christ. You are a new creation in Christ Jesus, the old is gone, the new is here (2 Corinthians 5:17). Claim your new identity as My child and discard your old way of living.

 No temptation will overtake you. I am faithful and will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, I will also provide a way out so that you can endure it (1 Corinthians 10:13). You always have a choice—good or evil, obedience or disobedience. Choose wisely. Do not rely on your own strength, but depend on Me and draw on My power within you.

 When you are tempted, look within your own heart to My Spirit. The Holy Spirit will empower you to choose the right way every time. It’s up to you to claim that power and walk in victory. Do not be overcome by sin and temptation, but overcome sin and temptation by My power and My might. You have the same power living in you that raised Jesus Christ from the dead (Ephesians 1:19-21). Tap into that power and stay on the narrow path that leads to life (Matthew 7:13-14). Choose life!

 Daily dress yourself in My spiritual armor (Ephesians 6:10-18). This too will keep you from falling into temptation and sin. Recognize that evil is all around you. Stand firm in your convictions. Fight the daily battle against the evil one and the powers of darkness. Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit (Zechariah 4:6).

 I love you, My child. I have forgiven you, now you must forgive others as I have forgiven you (Ephesians 4:32).

 Prayer:

 Father in heaven, I am so thankful that You created me to love me and care for me. Thank You for Your forgiveness. Thank You for sending Your Son to die in my place, so that relationship with You is possible. Lord, I feel indebted to You forever. But You would have done it anyway, even if I was the only sinner on earth. Thank You for Your Spirit who empowers me to resist temptation and sin. Thank You for providing a way out. Lord, will you now meet with me and share more of Your heart with me. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

 Two-way Conversation with God:

  • God, please share your heart with me about sending Your Son to die for me. (Record the thoughts God gives you.)

 

  • Jesus, what were Your thoughts as You willing went to the cross for me? (Write the impressions He places on your heart.)

 

  • Holy Spirit, remind me of an idea or verse from Scripture that will better impact me on the magnitude of God’s forgiveness. (Jot down any word or verse that comes to mind.)

 

Review the Holy Spirit’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, Son, and Holy Spirit, thank You for meeting with me and taking me into the deep places of Your heart. Thank You for sharing Your truth and promises with me. I value Your wisdom and direction as You teach me Your ways. Thank You for Your love and provision. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Supporting Scripture:

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

Zechariah 4:6, So he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.

Matthew 6:12-15, “And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”

 Matthew 7:13-14, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter thought it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”

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

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!

Ephesians 1:7-8, In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that He lavished on us.

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

 Ephesians 4:32, Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

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

Colossians 2:13-15, When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; He has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.

Colossians 3:13-14, Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And 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.

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

 1 John 1:9, If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Copyright © Sindy Nagel. All Rights Reserved

 

 

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 6 – Good News

Mar28

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 6

Good News

Mark 1:14-15 says, “After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. ‘The time has come,’ He said. ‘The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!’”

Jesus is the good news—the good news is that God provided a way to a restored relationship with Himself. He sent His one and only Son, Jesus, to pay the penalty for all our sin. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except by Him (John 14:6). Jesus is the good news!

To hear God’s voice regularly, we need to be in a close relationship with Him. God promises in Jeremiah 29:13, “you will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.” It’s possible over the first few days in this journey to a more cherished relationship with God you have not been hearing from God during the two-way conversation time in these exercises. Have you been seeking Him with all your heart? Or does something stand in the way?

It may be time to step back and take an inventory of your standing with the Lord. One of the roadblocks to hearing God’s voice is disobedience or sin. The journey to greater intimacy with Jesus begins with acknowledging your sin.

The God of all creation is righteous and holy. He doesn’t want to be near immorality. So our disobedience, rebellion, and sin separate us from Him. Sin is anything that doesn’t please God. It’s not just committing one of the big ten, like: murder, adultery, idol worship, stealing, etc. Sin shows up in our everyday behaviors, like: gossip, lying, cheating, pride, jealousy, unrighteous anger, gluttony, greed, and judging people, just to name a few.

The Bible very clearly states that those who do not enjoy a saving relationship with God through Jesus are condemned to a life apart from God for all eternity. Born into the sin of Adam and Eve, we are all sinful by nature. Romans 3:23 states, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” However, despite our sin, God desires to be in close relationship with every individual He created. How is that possible? God sent His Son, Jesus, to bridge the enormous gap that sin creates between Himself and us. This is good news!

Although our sin separates us from God, no sin is too big for God to forgive, and we don’t have to get our lives in order before coming to Jesus Christ. God loves you just the way you are. Romans 5:8 says, “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” This is great news!

God, in His unconditional, infinite love for His creation, established a way we could be forgiven, redeemed, and reconciled to Him. He sent His one and only Son, Jesus Christ, to earth to be the sacrificial Lamb and die on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins. In doing so, He formed a bridge between a sinful people and a perfect God. He provided the only way we could experience restored relationship with God, the Father. This is fantastic news!

John 3:16-18 says,

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.”

God gives us the opportunity to live with Him eternally, through His Son, when we confess Jesus as our Savior and Lord. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). God promises that we will be saved when we accept Jesus’ death on the cross as payment for our sin and believe in His resurrection from the dead. Did you hear that? Jesus didn’t remain in the grave. He’s not dead! Jesus is alive! We can have a relationship with a living God through Jesus Christ because He lives! Isn’t this the greatest news you’ve ever heard? Yes!

If you have never confessed your sin and invited Jesus into your heart, what are you waiting for? Simply believing in God isn’t enough. To reiterate, Jesus Christ is the only way to a restored relationship with your heavenly Father. Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). Do you desire to walk with Jesus? Do you want a fresh start in life? Do you want to let Jesus heal your hurts and fill that hole in your heart that nothing else and no one else can fill? Do you want to accept Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord today?

There is nothing you can do to earn your own salvation, and no measure of good behavior and good works will get you into heaven. It is by God’s free gift of His amazing grace and the death of His Son, Jesus Christ, on the cross that your sins are forgiven, and you are reconciled to God. The way to experience forgiveness of sins and reconciliation with God is to acknowledge that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, accept that He died for your sins, ask His forgiveness, and invite Him to be the Lord of your life. When you do this, God sends His Holy Spirit to live in your heart. This is the beginning of an intimate relationship with God—the living God living in you!

In Revelation 3:20, Jesus says, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with Me.” Jesus stands at the door of your heart today and knocks. Do you hear His voice? Will you open the door and invite Him in? If you are not a follower of Christ yet, and your heart’s desire is to know and feel God’s presence and peace daily, then accept Jesus Christ as your Savior and start your new “relationship” with Him today. You may sense the Holy Spirit of God encouraging you to make a decision for Christ right now. If so, say these words in prayer to God:

Dear Heavenly Father,

I confess that I have sinned, and I know that my sin separates me from You. Please forgive me for all my sins. I accept that Your Son, Jesus Christ, came to save me by Your grace. He died on the cross to pay the penalty for my sin and provide the only way back to You. God, I believe You raised Jesus from the dead. He is alive and lives to intercede for me.

Jesus, I invite You into my heart today to be the Lord of my life and give me a fresh start. Thank You for the promise of eternal life in heaven with You, and for the gift of Your Holy Spirit Whom You send to live in my heart right now. Please help me hear Your voice within me and lead a life that glorifies You. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Romans 10:9-10 says, “That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.” If you prayed this prayer for the first time and were sincere, there is great rejoicing in heaven today! You are forgiven, and you will spend eternity with your heavenly Father. Your fate has been sealed by the Holy Spirit Whom God gave you just now. You are a child of God! Welcome to His family. The Bible says,

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

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

If you invited Jesus Christ to be your Savior today, you now have a new life in Him, because He lives in you. By the power of God’s Holy Spirit within you, your actions and attitudes will change. With His help, you will discard your old way of living and seek to live a life that is more pleasing to God.

Record today’s date in your journal. This is your spiritual re-birth date. You are born again in Jesus Christ. Happy Birthday! God adopted you as His son or daughter today. This is the first day of the rest of your life! This is wonderful news!

Or possibly, you invited Jesus into your heart to be your Savior and Lord a long time ago, but sin has been creeping back into your life and you just need to get yourself right before God again. Take a little time with God right now to confess your sin and ask His forgiveness. 1 John 1:9 promises, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

Then, repent and turn from your sinful ways. Allow the blood of Jesus to cleanse you from all unrighteousness and wash you whiter than snow (Psalm 51:7). Ask the Holy Spirit to empower you to live a life more pleasing to God. Then, return to this journey in pursuit of God’s heart. Spend time with Him daily and enjoy a more intimate two-way conversation with the Lord. Be still and listen. And God will honor your time with the sound of His voice again.

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for providing me a way back to You. Thank You for sending your one and only Son, Jesus, to pay the death penalty for my sin, and restore my relationship with You. I confess all my sin before you, especially these sins that Your Holy Spirit convicts me with right now: (list all sins that come to your mind). Lord, please forgive me and cleanse me of all unrighteousness. Remove the roadblock of disobedience so that I may hear and know Your voice in my heart again. Lord, let me hear clearly from you right now. Thank You, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Two-way Conversation with God:

  • Lord, what do you want me to know about the good news of Jesus? (Write all words and thoughts given to you in this moment.)

 

  • Jesus, please share with me your heart. Why did You give Your life for mine? (List all thoughts and impressions you have right now.)

 

  • Holy Spirit, how do you empower me to live a life more pleasing to God? (Record the things you hear in your heart.)

 

 Review the Holy Spirit’s thoughts and impressions you’ve 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, thank You for making a way for me to communicate daily with you. Thank You for removing the roadblocks that stand in the way of my hearing Your voice. I am so grateful for Your unconditional love and grace that continuously gives me second chances, third chances and more. Lord, I look forward to meeting with You again tomorrow. I long to hear Your voice again, so I will know and experience more and more of Your heart. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

 Supporting Scripture:

Isaiah 61:1, The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.

Matthew 9:35, Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness.

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

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

1 John 1:9, If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Copyright © Sindy Nagel. All Rights Reserved.

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 5 – I am Your Living Water

Mar27

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 5

I am Your Living Water

Lord Jesus, I am hungry for your love and thirsty for your companionship. Please come and sit with me now, and satisfy my longings. Let my hunger forever be contented by You only, and my thirst forever be fulfilled by Your presence. Jesus, love me with Your words and quench my insatiable cravings. Please pour into me now a fresh filling of Your Living Water, the Holy Spirit.

A Message from God’s Heart to Yours:

From the moment you believed in Me, you have had access to My living water, the Holy Spirit. You may come to Me anytime you are thirsty. When you drink of My living water, you will never thirst. I am the spring of water welling up to eternal life (John 4:14). My living water is the only thing that will satisfy your spiritual thirst. Your needs can be met nowhere else but in Me. Come to Me and drink. Drink freely from the fountain of life.

 I have loved you with an everlasting love. My love is the only remedy for your soul. Your longings can be met only in relationship with Me. I am the medicine for your pain. I am the food for your hunger and the water for your thirst. I am the wisdom for your questions. I am the shelter in your storm. I am your Comforter in times of grief and loss. I am your companion in your hour of need. I will never leave you or forget about you (Joshua 1:5). I am with you always.

 Believe in Me and rivers of living water will flow from within you (John 7:38). Tune in to Me daily. I am the voice of God within you. Take delight in Me and I will give you the desires of your heart (Psalm 37:4). Commit your way to Me, and I will make firm your steps; I will uphold you (Psalm 37:23-24). Sow your seed in time spent with Me, and I will bring forth a garden of peace and satisfaction in your spirit.

 I am the bounce in your step, the sparkle in your eyes, the joy in your spirit, and the hope in your heart. A life lived apart from Me is no life at all. Spend time with Me each morning. Put your trust in Me, submit yourself to Me, and I will direct your paths (Proverbs 3:5-6). I will lead you to springs of living water (Revelation 7:17).  I am the passage through which your spiritual lifeblood flows. I am the living water, flowing from a place of righteousness.

Turn your thoughts to Me. Set your mind on what the Spirit desires and live in accordance to My will. Do not be controlled by the flesh, but let your mind be directed by Me. In this, you will find your life and peace (See Romans 8:5-6). I will teach you all things and remind you of everything Jesus said. I am the gift of Jesus, your inner peace. Do not let your heart be troubled (John 14:26-27). You can be at peace, even in the middle of the storm. Simply tune into My Spirit within.

 You may return to the well of the world time and time again, but your thirst will never be satisfied. Let down your bucket into the well of My Spirit, and I will fill it to overflowing with My living water. I am your confidence. Find your peace and joy in Me and nothing else. Let Me demonstrate My love and faithfulness to you. Drink deeply from My well and find rest for your weary soul. I am your lifeblood. I am your living water, welling up to eternal life in Christ Jesus.

Prayer:

Dear God & Jesus, I thank You for the indescribably awesome gift of Your Holy Spirit living within me. Thank You for the incredible picture of being my living water. I praise You that You offer an easily accessible way that my needs and longings will be met. I will not thirst when I drink deeply from the well of Your living water within my soul. You provide all my needs and desires. Thank You for caring for me so deeply and completely. Let Your living water flow through me right now as I spend a few minutes with You alone. Allow me to hear and recognize Your voice within me as You satisfy my thirst for more and more of You.

 Two-way Conversation with God:

  •  Holy Spirit, what does it mean to me that You exist in me as living water? (Write the first thing that comes to your mind.)

 

  • How does your living water help me in my daily life? (Record the thoughts He give you.)

 

  • Allow me to bask in the river of Your eternal love. Please tell me what You think of me? Lord, what do You want me to hear from you today? (Jot down all words and thoughts that pop into your mind right now.)

 

Review the Holy Spirit’s thoughts and impressions you’ve 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 Holy Spirit of God, I thank You for dwelling in me as a fountain of water welling up to eternal life. You are my living water, the lifeblood that flows through my heart. My life is so much richer because of Your presence in me. Help me fight for the time to spend alone with You. Please daily pour into me a fresh and continuous filling of your living water. Cleanse me and wash me whiter than snow. Satisfy all my longings and give me the desires of my heart. I want to live with a heart for God, allowing the overflow of Your love to burst forth from my inner fountain into the lives of others who are parched and weary. Lord, help me to love myself as You do, so that I may love others with the love You pour into me. Let me be Your fountain of life bringing Your encouragement to another desperately thirsty soul. Thank You for Your love and Your presence in my life. I am eternally grateful for these awesome gifts. In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, I pray. Amen.

Supporting Scripture:

John 4:10, Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked Him and He would have given you living water.”

John 4:13-14, Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

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.”

John 7:37-39, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in Me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” By this He meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.

Psalm 37:4, Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.

Psalm 37:23-24, The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in Him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.

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

Revelation 7:16-17, “Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat down on them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; He will lead them to springs of living water.”

Romans 8 – See whole chapter.

Romans 8:5-6, Those 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. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.

Romans 8:11, And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of His Spirit who lives in you.

John 14:26-27, “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

Revelation 22:17, The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.

Copyright © Sindy Nagel. All Rights Reserved.

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 4 – Who is the Holy Spirit?

Mar26

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 4

Who is the Holy Spirit?

Holy Spirit, You are the most mysterious of the Three-in-One. I do not know You as well as I could. I have heard less about You than God and Jesus. I desire to know You more intimately. I desire to know Your heart and how You work. Spirit of God, teach me Your ways. Let me hear and recognize Your voice within me. Help me to distinguish Your impressions from my own thoughts. I am excited to meet with You today. Please share Your nature and Your feelings with me right now. Help me to know You better so that I may respond to Your promptings and live in step with You. Thank You, Lord.

 A Message from God’s Heart to Yours:

 I am your Helper, your Friend, your constant companion. I am with you 24/7. I am here to help you at all times of the day or night. You may hear My voice any time you listen. I speak to you all day long to encourage you, guide you, comfort you, instruct you, support you, give you God’s wisdom, counsel you, and intercede for you. Let Me remind you of this verse:

 So we say with confidence, the Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:6)

 I am the voice of God within you. God the Father sent Me to dwell in your heart the moment you accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord. I have sealed you as a child of God. I testify that you are God’s child, adopted as His son or daughter. You are the heir of God, a co-heir with Jesus Christ (Romans 8:17). See evidence of Me in the Word of God below:

Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set His seal of ownership on us, and put His Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come (2 Corinthians 1:21-22).

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

I am your Friend, and I speak to you, face to face, heart to heart, as the friend of God. Meditate on these verses:

The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend (Exodus 33:11).

A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a Friend who sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24).

And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend (James 2:23).

You 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 (John 15:14-15).

 I am your Guide. I lead you to the truth. I receive wisdom, instruction, and truth from the Lord and make it known to you. All that God has will be made known to you. Within your heart, you possess continuous, direct access to all that belongs to God—His wisdom, love, encouragement, peace, and comfort, among many other benefits.

 “But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on His own; He will speak only what He hears; and He will tell you what is yet to come. He will bring glory to Me by taking from what is Mine and making it known to you. All that belongs to the Father is Mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is Mine and make it known to you (John 16:13-15).

 I am your life Coach! I teach you, train you, instruct you and educate you in the things of God.

 Jesus said, “for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say” (Luke 12:12).

“But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you” (John 14:26).

 I am your Advocate! I support you. I believe in you. I favor you. I am at your side and on your side.

 For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by Him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children (Romans 8:13-16).

I am your Counselor! I listen to you and give you sound, godly advice.

“If you love Me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor to be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you know Him, for He lives with you and will be in you” (John 14:15-17).

“All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:25-27).

“But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you” (John 16:7).

 I am your Comforter! I will have compassion on you in your troubles and heartaches. I will bring you relief and encouragement. I am your light in the darkness. I will stand with you in the fire and walk with you through the valleys and the storms. I am your God of all comfort.

Shout for joy, O heavens; rejoice, O earth; burst into song, O mountains! For the Lord comforts His people and will have compassion on His afflicted ones (Isaiah 49:13).

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

 You will know Me by the spiritual fruit I produce in your life. Tune into Me and remain in step with Me for maximum spiritual benefit and enjoyment. Taste and see that I am good (Psalm 34:8).

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-25).

I am your Intercessor! I pray for you day and night. I pray for you when you know not what to pray.

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

 I am all these things and more. Pay attention to My voice within. I speak to you all day, every day. I will guide you in the most excellent way. I am your constant companion. I have your best interests in mind. I am your Champion. I am in your corner, on your team. Live in step with Me and experience all that God has planned for you. Hop on this soul train and enjoy the ride of your life! It’s a spiritual adventure like none other.

 Prayer:

Dear God in heaven, thank You for revealing more of Your Spirit to me today. I am in awe of all that You have done and continue to do for me daily. I am humbled knowing that I am nothing without You. You are everything to me. Thank you for the gift of Your Holy Spirit living in my heart. I cannot even grasp the full meaning of this gift. Thank You for making my heart your home and for Your Spirit who reveals Your heart to me, more and more, as I spend time with You on this journey to a more cherished relationship with You. I am excited about hearing another word from You right now. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Two-way Conversation with the God, the Holy Spirit:

  • Holy Spirit, please tell me who You are to me personally. Tell me what you want me to hear and know today. (Write what He reveals to you in your thoughts right now.)

 

  • Dear Lord, I submit all my heart, soul, mind and strength to You today, as I learn to love you in the same way. Help me to know what it means to live in step with You always. Help me hear Your voice in my thoughts clearly right now. (Record the emotions and impressions of your heart.)

 

  • Holy Spirit, my Helper, please describe how You work in me personally and specifically. In what ways will I recognize You and Your influence in my life? (Write the first thoughts or words that come to your mind right now.)

 

Review the Holy Spirit’s thoughts and impressions you’ve 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 Lord, thank You for spending time with me today. I am reminded and know so much more about Your Holy Spirit and His impact in me, than I did yesterday. Thank You for Your amazing gift of Immanuel, God with me 24/7. You are faithful and true to your promises, yesterday, today, and forever. Thank You for taking up residence in my heart and making Yourself known to me. Thank You for being my Comforter, my Helper, my Guide, and my Friend. Thank You for Your constant prayers on my behalf. I have a new appreciation for Your continuous work in my life. I appreciate all the love and work You daily pour into me, when I don’t even realize it. Help me live in step with Your Spirit so that He may produce lovely spiritual fruit in my heart and life. Let my actions and my witness be a testimony of your goodness. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Copyright © Sindy Nagel. All Rights Reserved.

 

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 3 – Who is Jesus?

Mar24

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 3

 Who is Jesus?

 Lord Jesus, I owe my life to You. You left Your throne in heaven and took on the flesh of man in order to save me from death and eternal separation from God the Father. You made a way for me to get back into a right relationship with God. Thank You for Your sacrifice. Thank You for loving me, despite all my sin. Thank You for paying my sin debt in full by being the spotless Lamb of God. Jesus, I want to know Your heart. Please share with me more of who You are.

A Message from God’s Heart to Yours:

I am the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End (Revelation 22:13). I am the Ruler of all (Ephesians 1:19-23). I am God’s one and only Son, who has come to earth, taken on the flesh of man, was born of a virgin, lived a sin-free life on earth, so that I could be the perfect, spotless Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). I willingly, obediently died on the cross in your place, to pay the death penalty for your sin (Romans 6:23). I am the Savior of the world (1 John 4:14) and the Lord of all creation (Colossians 1:15). I have been given all power, all dominion, all authority over everything in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18). I conquered sin, death, and the grave. My enemies will become my footstool. I am the new and living way for you to enter the Most Holy Place, the throne room of the Lord God (Hebrews 10:29-20). I have redeemed you, bought you for a price to bring you back from the death of your spirit, and restore you to new life, a new creation in Me (2 Corinthians 5:17).  

 

I have done all this, completed what was necessary, to restore your relationship with God the Father. “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). I have given you direct access to Almighty God. We desire to make your heart Our home. When you obey My teaching, We love you and make Our home in you (John 14:23). I will be with you always. I will never leave you or forget about you (Joshua 1:5).

 

I am the Bridegroom who eagerly awaits the great wedding feast of the Lamb. You are My bride. I desire to woo you and romance you as you make yourself ready for My second coming. I take great delight in you and rejoice over you with singing (Zephaniah 3:17). I will lead you to the banquet hall. My banner over you is love (Song of Songs 2:4).

 

God is love (1 John 4:8), and I am God incarnate, so I am love. I love you with an everlasting, unconditional love. There is nothing you can do to make Me love you more; there is nothing you can do to make Me love you less. I am the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8), and I love you the same, yesterday, today, and forever. May you be filled with all power from on high to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is My love for you, that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God (Ephesians 3:18-19). I love you, My child, more than you know, feel, or comprehend. Receive it and believe it. Remember it and cherish it.  

 

I am the light of the world (John 8:12). I give you the light of life. When you follow Me, you do not need to walk in darkness. When you spend time with Me, you reflect the light of My countenance. You become the light of the world, the salt of the earth. Others will see and know Me through you. Walk as children of the light. 

 

I am the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). I give you a peace the world cannot offer (John 14:27). I leave you My Spirit. Tune into the Holy Spirit inside you and gain the quiet confidence, strength, and peace of knowing Me and living in step with My Spirit. There is so much more I have to share with you. Remain in Me and I will remain in you (John 15:4). Remain in relationship with Me and receive the keys of the kingdom, the treasures your heart desires. I love you, My friend. Allow Me to show you the full extent of My love.

 

Prayer:

Dear God Almighty, thank You for loving me so much that You gave Your one and only Son, Jesus Christ, to die for me to provide a way back to You. I am so grateful that You loved me so much, You sacrificed Your only child for me. That is an act of love and a depth of love I cannot even grasp. As I meet with You now, will You show me more and more of Your love? Lord, please reveal to me the desires of Your heart, and give me the desires of mine (Psalm 37:4). Thank You for spending time with me today. I look forward to hearing another word from You. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Two-way Conversation with Jesus:

  • Dear Jesus, please tell me who You are to me personally. Tell me what you want me to hear and know today. (Write what Jesus says to you in your thoughts.)

 

  • Lord Jesus, I submit my heart to You today. I ask that You would fill me to the measure of all the fullness of God. Allow me to know the desires of Your heart. Please share with me the extent of Your love for me. (Record the emotions and impressions of your heart.)

 

  • Jesus, my Friend, who do You see when you look at me? Who am I to You? (Write the first thoughts or words that come to your mind right now.)

 

Review the thoughts God gave you above. Is there a word that especially warms your heart today? Use the concordance of your Bible to look up that word(s). Scan the list of occurrences of that word cited in Scripture. When you read a verse from the concordance that stands out to you, turn to that passage of Scripture and read it. Record the verse here. Write all insights and encouragement the Holy Spirit gives you as you read God’s Word for you today.

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank You for rescuing me from a life of sin and darkness. Thank You for loving me enough to die for me. I praise You for restoring a right spirit within me. I pray that You will continue to rebuild me as we meet in the days to come. Thank You for spending time with me today. It means so much to me to know that You will speak directly to me. Thank You for communicating Your love and emotions for me. Lord, I pray that You will daily remind me of Your love for me and impress these thoughts and ideas on me continuously. I am a child of God, adopted as a daughter of the King. I am a member of the royal family of God, a co-heir with You, Jesus. Thank You for Your love and sacrifice. Thank You for making the way for me to experience eternal life in the presence of You and Your Father. In Your name, I pray, Jesus.  Amen.

Copyright © Sindy Nagel. All Rights Reserved.

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 2 – Who is God?

Mar23

Copyright © Sindy Nagel. All Rights Reserved.

 

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 2

 Who is God?

 Here I am, God. I am here to spend time with You today. Will You meet with me and share Your heart with me? I desire to know You better. God, please tell me who You are. Help me know You more fully today than I did before. I long to discover the intimate places of Your heart.

A Message from God’s Heart to Yours:

I am your Father in heaven, Creator of the heavens and the earth. Nothing is too difficult for Me (Jeremiah 32:17 & 27). I am the God of all mankind. I created you to love you. I designed you for relationship with Me. There is an empty space in your heart that only I can fill—a God-shaped hole, just waiting and longing to be filled by Me. This is not just a one-time filling. As you go into the world, and live your life, your heart and mind are depleted. You need to be filled and refueled daily by Me.

I fill you and prepare you when you meet with Me alone, away from crowds and distractions. Meet with Me each morning to receive a fresh supply of My love and encouragement. This will keep your spiritual heart strong and healthy to meet the daily demands this life requires of you. With My love and empowerment, you will triumph through the challenges of this world.

 I am the lover of your soul. I love you and take care of you, when it seems no one else does. I am your Protector (Psalm 32:7) and Defender (Proverbs 23:11). I watch over you; My eyes are always upon you (2 Chronicles 16:9). Do not fear, do not be afraid. I am Love. My perfect love will drive out all your fears (1 John 4:18).

 I am your refuge and your fortress (See Psalm 91). I am Almighty God, Most High. You will dwell in the shelter of the Most High, and rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will trample your enemies (Psalm 60:12) and protect you from your adversary.

You may trust in Me. My faithfulness endures forever (Psalm 117:2). I am compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in My love and faithfulness for you (Exodus 34:6). I am good, and My love endures forever; My faithfulness continues to all generations (Psalm 100:5).

I forgive your sins and remember them no more (Jeremiah 31:34). I am the God of second chances, and third and fourth, and more. When you believe in My Son, and confess Him as your Savior, you are a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). The old is gone, the new is here.

 I love you so much, I gave My one and only Son, Jesus, to pay the death penalty for your sin (John 3:16). Through Him, you may experience eternal life in heaven, and abundant life here on earth (John 10:10). All I have belongs to you. The indwelling presence of My Holy Spirit is another gift I give you. He takes from what is Mine and freely gives it all to you (John 16:15).

 There is so much more of Me that I want to share with you. Continue to meet with Me daily, and I will reveal more and more of My heart to you each time we meet. I’ll be waiting for you, My beloved one.

 Prayer:

Father in heaven, You are awesome and amazing. I cannot believe I am able to have two-way conversation with the God of the universe. That is so difficult for me to imagine. I can approach Your throne in confidence because Your Son, Jesus, provided the way for me. When I hear Your voice within me, it is such a special time for me. You are not the stern, angry God I once imagined. I wrongfully assumed You are disappointed in me all the time for all my failures. On the contrary, You see so much more potential in me. You really love me and want the best for me. You want to spend time with me to guide me, encourage me, and build me up. You want to help me become the person you designed me to be, so I can carry out the plans You made for me. Lord, thank you for revealing a small piece of Your heart to me today. Please help me hear more from You right now, as I spend a few more minutes in Your presence. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Two-way Conversation with God:

  • Father God, please tell me who You are to me personally. Tell me what you want me to hear and know today. (Write what God says to you in your thoughts.)

 

  • Lord, I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made by You. You created me in Your image. Lord, please share with me the characteristics of Your image that You see in me. (Record His answer here.)

 

  • Heavenly Father, what is Your heart for me today? What can I do today to show my love for You? (Write the first thoughts that come to your mind right now.)

 

Review the thoughts God gave you above. Is there a common theme in the impressions you recorded? Use the concordance of your Bible to look up a word that you heard more than once in your thoughts. Scan the list of occurrences of that word cited in Scripture. When you see a verse in the concordance that has special meaning for you today, turn to that passage of Scripture and read it. Write the verse here. Then, write all further insights and encouragement the Holy Spirit gives you as you meditate on God’s Word for you today.

 

 

Prayer:

Almighty God, thank You for sharing Your heart with me just now. You promise that when I seek You with all my heart, I will find You (Jeremiah 29:13). Lord, You have waited patiently for me. Thank You for not giving up on me. Thank You for pursuing a deeper relationship with me. As I begin to hear Your voice, know Your heart, and understand Your ways, I grow more and more hungry for this special intimacy with You. Lord, thank You for providing Your Son, Jesus, as the only way to have a restored relationship with You. I am so grateful for His obedience, even unto death on the cross, so that I could find You in the secret place and communicate personally with You. Father, thank You for Your plan of salvation and for the gift of grace and redemption. I owe my life to You. You are my All in All. You are everything to me! In the precious name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

 

Copyright © Sindy Nagel. All Rights Reserved.

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 1

Mar21

God uses difficult times like these to draw us to Himself so that we may experience a more cherished intimacy with Him than our normally busy lives allow.

 

Copyright © Sindy Nagel. All Rights Reserved.

 

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 1

Why Me?

Heavenly Father, why me? Why do You, the All Powerful, All Knowing, Ever-present, Amazing God, Creator and Ruler of the universe, desire an intimate relationship with me?

A Message from God’s Heart to Yours:

You are My beloved child, a daughter of the King. Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, before you were born I set you apart (Jeremiah 1:5). I loved you even before I knit you together in your mother’s womb. I knew the number of your days before one of them came to be (See Psalm 139:11-16).

You are a crown of splendor in My hand (Isaiah 62:3). I have adopted you as My own child, even My heir (Galatians 4:5), and sealed you for the day of redemption (Ephesians 4:30), so you will know Me and spend all eternity in My presence (John 17:3).

O daughter, I am with you. Do not fear. I take great delight in you. I will quiet you with My love and sing songs of joy over you. I will bring you home with Me, and I will restore your fortunes before your very eyes (See Zephaniah 3:17-20).

You are My beloved bride and I am your Bridegroom. I rejoice over you as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride (Isaiah 62:5). You are radiant. You reflect the light of My glory and your obedience brings Me joy and happiness.

Why you? I have engraved you on the palms of My hands (Isaiah 49:16). I love you more than you will ever comprehend. When you obey Me, I make My home in you (John 14:23). You are My temple, My very dwelling place (1 Corinthians 3:16). I know you intimately, and I desire that you would know Me as well.

Draw near to Me, and I will draw near to you (James 4:8). Remain in Me, and I will remain in you (John 15:4). Delight yourself in Me, and I will give you the desires of your heart (Psalm 37:4).

You are My beloved, and I am your Friend (See John 15:13-15). I desire a deeper intimacy with you. Know Me better and cherish the passions of My heart. Let My mercy, grace, and love transform your heart entirely and eternally.

Why you? I created you, and I desire a greater spiritual intimacy with you. Will you make time for Me, to know My heart? Be still and know (Psalm 46:10). I am God, and I love you, My child.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, Your banner over me is love (Song of Songs 2:4). Thank You for expressing Your love and joy over me, Your creation. Please expand my time and help me to spend more time in Your Word, and more time listening to Your voice as I seek to know the passions and desires of Your heart. Help me understand more of Your love for me, so I, in turn, can return that love to You and others. Help me understand who You are, and therefore, who I am in You, so I may become all that You designed for me before You breathed Your breath of life into my lungs. I desire to know You more intimately and love You more passionately. Thank You for meeting with me today. As I listen to Your voice within, please tell me who I am. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Two-way Conversation with God:

  • Father God, please tell me, personally and individually, who I am to You. (Write what God says to you in your thoughts.)

 

  • Jesus, help me understand, what is Your desire for me? (Record His answer here.)

 

  • Holy Spirit, empower me to live my life for God, in step with You. What does that look like? (Record the thoughts given to you by the Holy Spirit within you.)

 

Review the thoughts God gave you above. Many times the Lord will bring words from Scripture to your mind. Use the concordance of your Bible to look up those words and verses. Read those Scripture passages and record them here. Write any further impressions and confirmations the Holy Spirit gives you as you read God’s Word for you today.

 

Prayer:

Father in heaven, thank You for communicating Your love and affections to me. As I seek to know You more personally, help me remember who I am in You. Give me the confidence to approach Your throne with boldness because Your Son has made me righteous and provided the way for me to experience intimacy with You. Thank You for the gift of Your Spirit in me. I am so blessed that You are with me 24/7, all hours of the day and night. Father God, You never leave me or forget about me (Joshua 1:5). Jesus, You are with me always (Matthew 28:20). Thank You for these promises. Holy Spirit, write them on my heart and remind me of them as needed. In the precious name of Your One and Only Son, Jesus, I pray. Amen.