Tag Archive | bridegroom

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 66 – Seek Me First

May28

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 66

Seek Me First

Lord, I am ashamed to say that so often I do not ‘Seek You First’. I run ahead making my own plans and do not consult You until later, after the plans have been made. Lord, this will be a good lesson for me. Teach me Your will, Lord. Show me Your heart. What do You want me to know? How do I keep You my highest priority—in the forefront of my mind at all times? Glory to Your holy name. You deserve all my heart—my first fruits, not the leftovers. Train me in holiness and righteousness. Let me live in to the person You had in mind when You formed me in the secret place. Transform me into the likeness of Jesus Christ, Your Son, who was obedient to You at all cost—even death on a cross. I want to be pleasing to You. I submit my heart to You now, Lord. Educate me in Your desires.

A Message from God’s Heart to Yours:

My beloved child, here is My heart for you. I created you so I could show My love to you. I created you so you could show your love to Me. I created you so I could have an intimate relationship with you. You are My bride and I am your Bridegroom. Yes, that intimate.

Think of your marriage relationship. That is the type of relationship I desire with you. Remember your marriage vows, the promises you made to one another on that sacred wedding day: to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part.

I want to have all of your heart, and hold you in My arms of love. Seek Me in good times and bad—for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health. I love you and cherish you. I desire the same—love Me and cherish Me.

When you relate to your spouse in a healthy, godly way, you will put them in first place, second only to Me. You are willing to lay down your life, setting aside your desires, for the good of your spouse and your relationship. You put his or her wants and needs ahead of your own. You consult with your spouse before you make plans for yourself.

That is all I ask of you. Treat Me as your marriage partner. Seek Me first. Out of reverence and respect, consult with Me before making your plans. I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart (Jeremiah 29:11-13). Seek Me first; My plans are always in your best interest.

Also, think of a parent/child relationship. You want your child to seek you before he or she makes his or her plans. You want to give your permission, your blessing, your wisdom to your child. You may have better plans for them, than they are making for themselves. You are always looking out for the best interest of your child. You help them avoid traps and pitfalls. That is all I want for you too—I want the best for you. I want to help you avoid the negative consequences of plans made in haste without seeking Me first. Your plans may be good, but My plans are always the best. You are My child, and I love you. Will you seek Me first?

Because you don’t see Me, you forget about Me. I am as real as your spouse, your parent, your child. When you think of your spouse, think of Me also. When you think of your child, remember Me at the same time. When you think of your parent, reflect on Me also. When you consider those who are closest to you, include Me in that list. You may not see Me, but I am here—remember Me, and put Me first. I care for you, and I desire a close relationship with you.

Love Me with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind (Matthew 22:37). Seek first My kingdom and My righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well (Matthew 6:33). I love those who love Me, and those who seek Me find Me (Proverbs 8:17). Seek Me with all your heart; seek Me first. I love you, My child. Remember Me.

Prayer:

Father God, You are so right. You are so righteous. You have my best interests in mind. I will seek You first. I will find You. I will remember You. I desire a close, intimate relationship with You also. Lord, Holy Spirit, help me remember You. Remind me at all times that You are here with me—You never leave me or forget about me (Joshua 1:5). Speak to me now as I put You first for the next few moments with You, Lord. Let me hear clearly from You. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Two-way Conversation with God: 

  • Father, I love You. Please share Your heart with me now. How do You feel about me? (Record all the thoughts He pours into your heart and mind.)

 

  • Jesus, You are the ultimate model of putting God first and seeking Him first in all things. Lord, teach me Your ways. How do I do this? (Write every idea and thought He gives you now.)

 

  • Holy Spirit, empower me to remember God at all times. Remind me of His presence and His truth. Help me remember to seek Him first in all things. What do I need to seek Him first about today? (Journal all your thoughts and impressions.)

 

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, my Bridegroom, help me to be a loving, devoted bride. I want to honor You with my love and respect, my attention and obedience, my commitment and steadfastness. Remind me to put You ahead of everything and everyone. Help me to remember You and seek You before I make any plans of any kind. I love You with all my heart, soul, and mind. Help me live out that kind of love and devotion to You. Help me be the kind of bride that pleases You. 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 5:7, “You shall have no other gods before Me.”

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.”

Joshua 24:15, But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.

Psalm 5:3, In the morning, Lord, You hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.

Psalm 105:3-4, Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always.

Proverbs 8:17, I love those who love Me, and those who seek Me find Me.

Isaiah 55:6, Seek the Lord while He may be found; call on Him while He is near.

Jeremiah 29:11-13, “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. Then you will call on Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.”

Jeremiah 33:2-3, “This is what the Lord says, He who made the earth, the Lord who formed it and established it—the Lord is His name: ‘Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’”

Matthew 6:33, But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Matthew 22:36-39, 36“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 37Jesus replied: “’Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38This is the first and greatest commandment. 39And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

Matthew 28:20, “…And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Mark 1:35, Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where He prayed.

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.

Copyright © Sindy Nagel. All Rights Reserved

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 43 – A Stay-In Order: Stay in Me

May4

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 43

A Stay-In Order: Stay in Me

Lord, with this COVID-19 pandemic, our state has issued a stay-in, stay-safe order. It keeps getting extended due to a daily increase in reported cases, hospitalizations, and deaths. Lord, I will give You thanks in the middle of this difficulty, because it has given me more time to spend with You. What a huge gift it has been to rekindle the romance of an intimate relationship with You, my Bridegroom. Lord, what is on Your heart for me to learn and accomplish during this gift of extra time that You have given me?

A Message from God’s Heart to Yours:

My darling, My bride, My heart for you is to do exactly as you have been doing since this stay-in order was established: Stay in Me. What does that mean? Return to Me. Seek Me. Come near to Me. Remain in Me. Hope in Me. Trust in Me. Pray to Me. Believe in Me. Have faith in Me. Talk to Me. Ask Me. Tell Me. Listen to Me. Know all of Me. Love Me. Obey Me. Acknowledge Me. Acclaim Me. Witness for Me. Share Me.

Remain faithful to Me, for I am your husband. I have betrothed you to Me (Hosea 2:19-20). Stay in relationship with Me. Do not lust after other lovers. Do not put your trust in other gods. Do not turn to other pleasures instead of Me. Do not wander from the sheepfold. Do not get lost in obscurity. Do not become independent of Me; but be even more dependent on Me. Stay in Me. I am the Lord, and I love you more than you will ever comprehend. I pray that you will be able to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ for you, that you may know this love that surpasses knowledge and be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God (Ephesians 3:18-19).

I am your Bridegroom. Your greatest joy comes from knowing Me personally and intimately. Know who I am. Know My ways. Know My promises. Know My Word. Stay in relationship with Me. Fear Me in awe and reverence, walk in obedience to Me, love Me, and serve Me with all your heart and all your soul (Deuteronomy 10:12). Put Me ahead of everything else in your life. I want to be first; I am a jealous God (Deuteronomy 4:24). I am protective of our time together and our relationship.

I desire to stay in daily communication with you. Meet Me in the secret place and pursue Me with all your heart. Speak to Me and listen to Me. Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know (Jeremiah 33:3). I want what is best for you. No human mind has conceived what I have prepared for those who love Me (1 Corinthians 2:9). My plans are to prosper you and give you hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). I will do immeasurably more than all you ask or imagine, according to My power that is at work within you (Ephesians 3:20). I have given you My gift of the Holy Spirit who stays in you; please honor that gift by staying in Me; stay in and stay safe. I care about you, My friend.

Prayer:

My faithful Bridegroom, I love You with all my heart. I will seek You in the morning and wait expectantly to hear Your voice (Psalm 5:3). I, too, desire to communicate with You in a more intimate way. I cherish the time we spend together each morning, and I will be more diligent to remember to speak with You throughout the day. You are my life coach, my daily bread, my living water, my champion, and my friend. I will depend on You to meet all my needs. Lord, please speak to me now in a more personal way, so that I know deeper places of Your heart. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.

Two-way Conversation with God: 

  • Father God, I will stay in Please show me the best way to accomplish that in my life and current situation. (Record every thought that enters your mind.)

 

  • Jesus Christ, please reveal Your heart for my relationship with You. What do You desire, and what does it look like for me? (Write down all words and ideas He gives you.)

 

  • Holy Spirit, thank You for staying in me; help me to stay in How do I walk in step with You and remain in constant communication with You? You know me the best. How is this best accomplished in my life? (Journal every impression, every thought, every idea the Holy Spirit prompts you with right 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:

Merciful Father, thank You for Your desire for a greater intimacy with me. It is difficult to comprehend the depth of Your love for me, Your child. I am in awe of Your character and Your ways. I am so blessed by You, and I pray I may be that kind of blessing to others on Your behalf. Lord, thank You for Your great love and grace. Please stay in me and let me experience all the fullness of Your heart. Thank You for the abundant life in Your Spirit. In the name of Jesus, my Lord, I pray.Amen.

Supporting Scripture:

Deuteronomy 4:23-24, 23Be careful not to forget the covenant of the Lord your God that He made with you; do not make for yourselves an idol in the form of anything the Lord your God has forbidden. 24For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.

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.

Psalm 5:3, In the morning, Lord, You hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before You and wait expectantly.

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.”

Jeremiah 33:3, “Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”

Hosea 2:16, 19-20, “In that day,” declares the Lord, “you will call Me, ‘my husband’; you will no longer call Me ‘my master.’ …I will betroth you to Me forever; I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in love and compassion. I will betroth you in faithfulness, and you will acknowledge the Lord.”

1 Corinthians 2:9, However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived”—the things God has prepared for those who love Him.

Ephesians 3:16-21, 16I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you wit power through His Spirit in your inner being, 17so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp  how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. 20Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, 21to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Copyright © Sindy Nagel. All Rights Reserved

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 12 – I am Your Bridegroom

Apr3

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 12 – I am Your Bridegroom

Lord of the universe, how is it that I am considered Your bride? To what do I owe this honor, this extravagant pleasure? May I be found ready when you return to rescue me, Your bride. Lord, what does it mean to be Your bride? What do you want me to know about this privilege and calling?

A Message from God’s Heart to Yours:

My sister, My bride, you have stolen My heart. My banner over you is love (Song of Songs 4:9). Since before the beginning of time, I have thought of you and loved you. I knew you before I formed you. Before you were born, I set you apart (Jeremiah 1:5). I called you by name. You are My beloved bride and I rejoice over you with singing (Zephaniah 3:17).

 My love for you is so enormous that I was willing to lay down My life for you. A bridegroom should be willing to lay down his life for his bride. I took your place on the cross and paid the death penalty that belonged to you. I did this willingly and obediently, while you were yet a sinner (Romans 5:8). This is the full expression of My deep, unconditional, unending love for you.

 I love you so much, I gave Myself up for you to make you holy, cleansing you by the washing with water through the word, and to present you to Myself as a radiant bride, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless (Ephesians 5:25-26). I look forward to the great wedding of the Lamb. Make every effort to live a life of holiness and righteousness, so that when I come again, I will find you spotless, blameless, and at peace.

Continue to live in step with the Spirit, not giving in to the flesh, but growing in the grace and knowledge of your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; living as I would have you live, submitting yourself to Me.

As a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will I rejoice over you, My beloved. A bride prepares for days, weeks, months, even years eagerly anticipating her big wedding day, to be united to her bridegroom in holy matrimony. What are you doing in preparation for our big day? Will you be ready for Me? Will you be waiting patiently, working diligently, and eagerly watching for My return?

Yet, by My Spirit, I am already with you always, even to the end of the age. Your heart is My dwelling place. Our spirits are closely intertwined, united in love and devotion. I am your Bridegroom, and I will rejoice over you, My darling.

Prayer:

My Lord and my Master, I am so in love with You. I willingly submit myself to You as Your beloved bride. I will do my best to wait patiently for your second coming. I will work diligently at being a good witness and sharing my testimony of your goodness with those who do not yet know You as their Lord and Savior. I will eagerly watch and be ready for Your return. Thank You for giving Your life in exchange for mine. Please help me to live in step with Your Spirit, so that I may be found spotless, blameless and at peace. Putting my trust in You, gives me the confidence I need to be at peace in any and every situation. Thank You for Your love and devotion to me. May I forever be willing to return the same to You. Will You allow me to hear clearly from You again right now as we meet together in two-way conversation? In the name of Jesus, my Bridegroom, I pray. Amen.

Two-way Conversation with God: 

  • Lord, the idea of Your being my Bridegroom, gives me a picture of a deeply intimate spiritual relationship with You. Will you describe to me what that looks like to You? What do you desire for relationship with me? (Record all the thoughts the Lord brings to your mind.)

 

  • Jesus, how do I experience an intimate relationship with a spiritual being? I can’t see you or touch you. Many times, I don’t even hear your voice. Lord, what can I do to experience you in a very real and deeper way?

 

  • Lord Jesus, what would You have me do to get ready for Your return and for the wedding of the Lamb?

 

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:

Jesus, You are the lover of my soul. You loved me before You knew me. You loved me before You created me. You set me apart to be Your bride. I am so humbled by this identification in You. You are my Lover, my Father, my Brother, my Friend. I cannot even grasp the depth of Your love for me. Even in my sin, You loved me so much that You gave Your life for me. Thank You, Jesus, for loving me no matter what. Please forgive my shortcomings and help me live a life more pleasing to You. Soften my spirit to enable me to submit myself fully and totally to You in all areas. There is no fear in love. Your extreme love for me affords me the ability to put my complete trust in You. I have nothing to fear when I remain in You. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Supporting Scripture:

Song of Songs 4:9-10, “You have stolen my heart, my sister, my bride; you have stolen my heart with one glance of your eyes, with one jewel of your necklace. How delightful is your love, my sister, my bride! How much more pleasing is your love than wine, and the fragrance of your perfume more than any spice.”

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

Zephaniah 3:17, “The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.”

Song of Songs 2:4, Let him lead me to the banquet hall, and let his banner over me be love.

Isaiah 62:5, “As a young man marries a young woman, so will your Builder marry you; as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you.”

See Matthew 25:1-13 the parable of the ten virgins – the point is to continually watch for Jesus second coming and remain in a perpetual state of readiness and an eager anticipation of His return should keep us living productively. – The Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Bible, page 1848, NIV).

Romans 5:8, But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

See Ephesians 5:21-33.

Ephesians 5:22, Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord.

Ephesians 5:25-26, Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to Himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.

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

Also see Revelation 21:2, 21:9, 22:17.

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.

Are You Ready?

Apr26


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You are My Bride–Are You Ready?

Jul30


A woman is standing at the microphone and holding a pen.“Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.†(Revelation 19:7)

My darling bride, I have come to rescue you. I have brought fine linen for you to wear. You will be dressed in righteousness because you belong to me. Make yourself ready for the wedding. Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb! Blessed are you whose names are written in heaven in the Lamb’s book of life. I am with my Father now, but at His appointed time, I will return for you and take you home to be with Me. Will you be ready?

I have clothed you in salvation and righteousness. Now clothe yourself with Me, the Lord Jesus. Clothe yourself with splendor and majesty. The King is enthralled with your beauty. Honor Him for He is your Lord. Dress yourself in compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Let love be your cloak that binds all these virtues together.

Display the fruit of the Spirit prominently for all to see My attributes in you: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Live by the Spirit, I have placed in you. Let your acts of kindness be a gift to all those you attend to.

Prepare your heart for your Bridegroom. Make ready your spirit by keeping in step with My Spirit in you. Love Me with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. Honor Me by putting Me in first place in your life. Spend time with Me daily listening to my voice. I will guide you and instruct you. I will counsel you and comfort you. I will shower you with love, joy, and peace. I will give you the desires of your heart. I have come to give you life, both now and forever.

You are my bride, and I love you more than you know.

See verses embedded in this text: Rev. 19:9, Isa. 61:10, Ps. 45:3&11, Rom. 13:14, Col. 3:12, Gal. 5:22-25, Deut. 6:5, Ps. 37:4