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Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 53 – Be Humble

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 53

Be Humble

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

A Message from God’s Heart to Yours:

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

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

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

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

Prayer:

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

Two-way Conversation with God:

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

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

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

Review God’s thoughts and impressions you’ve sensed and written above. What Scripture comes to mind as you review your notes? Use the concordance of your Bible to look up an impression from God’s Word. Record the verse or passage here. Write all insights and encouragement the Holy Spirit illumines for you as you read God’s Word right now.

Prayer:

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

Supporting Scripture:

Deuteronomy 10:12, And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to Him, to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the Lord’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

James 4:6-8, ⁶But He gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” ⁷Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. ⁸Come near to God and He will come near to you.

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

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

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 48 – Where is God?

May9

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 48

Where is God?

Father, sometimes when painful things happen to us, we wonder where You are and why You would allow us to go through our trials, troubles, and challenges. Lord, will you speak to that question for me? Where are You in the midst of our toil, pain, and heartache?

A Message from God’s Heart to Yours:

I am right there with you in the middle of your hardships and your pain. In all your distress, I too am distressed (Isaiah 63:9). I understand what you are going through; I, Myself, have experienced an even greater measure of pain and suffering. Where am I in your suffering? I am where the pain is. I was crushed for your iniquities; the punishment that brought you peace was on Me (Isaiah 53:5). I will never leave you or forsake you (Joshua 1:5).

Oh my child, I know your pain. I know your anger, your anxiety, your frustration, your hurt. Cast all your cares on me. Give over your burdens and exchange them for a lighter load. Be yoked with me and I will carry you through your difficulties. Remain in Me and I will remain in you. Find your peace in knowing that you are following My will and plans. You are doing the right thing. I know you do not understand My ways, but I will work all things together for the good of those who love me and are called according to My purpose (Romans 8:28). You have been called by Me. You do not need to understand it all right now. I am always working behind the scenes to bring about My will, to bring about change in people who are willing to seek Me with their whole heart.

In your trials I carry you (Isaiah 63:9). As you were crucified with Me, you now must daily bear your own cross of suffering (Luke 9:23). You will seek Me and find Me, when you seek Me with your whole heart. Seek Me in Your affliction and you will find Me there. I do not leave you to walk through your valleys alone. I take you by the hand and guide you through the rough terrain and over the mountain peaks. I remove the obstacles that stand in your way. But I do not necessarily remove you from your troubles, or remove your troubles from you. The lessons learned in affliction are often the most valuable teachings that mature your faith to a level that a life of all pleasure would never attain.

Submit yourself to Me. Delight in Me and I will give you the desires of your heart (Psalm 37:4). I will prosper you, give you hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). The blessings from your obedience will be passed down from generation to generation of those who love me. Hang in there. Do not be overwhelmed by the magnitude of this trial. I will carry you through. I will walk you through this challenge. There is a mountain of peace and blessing on the other side of this valley. Hold to the truth and the truth will set you free.

I am setting you free from this emotional, physical, and financial burden. I will bless you seven times the cost of this trial. Your reward is from Me. Run for the prize. Do not look back. Do not look side to side in comparison with your brother or sister. Do not let the enemy overtake you and break in or interrupt the race you are running with Me. I am your running mate. Together we will win this race and celebrate the joy of the rewards.

I love you, My child. Keep your head up, your eyes to the sky, and focus on Me, not your troubles. I am here. I will never leave you or forget about you. I will carry you through. You are My friend, My beloved child, the heir of everything that belongs to Me.

Prayer:

Most Holy One, I thank You for Your love and kindness. I am grateful that I am never alone when I remain in relationship with You. Thank You for Your presence in my trials, even when I don’t know it or feel it. I thank You for working in the background to cause the good to come out of every trial I face. Lord, I am secure in the confidence I have that You are in control and You want the best for me. I submit myself to You, and ask that You share Your heart with me now about the challenges I am walking through today. Please help me see Your hand in my life and know Your presence in every situation. In the name of Jesus, my Rescuer, I pray. Amen.

Two-way Conversation with God:

Father, in the challenges I face today, what do You want me to learn from this experience? (Record every thought He gives you.)

Jesus, my Friend, please show me Your presence and compassion in my pain. Share Your heart for my suffering. (Write down all words and thoughts you hear.)

Holy Spirit, my Comforter, please ease my cares and share God’s heart for me in this struggle. Why do I need to endure this pain? (Journal what He says to you.)

Prayer:

Dear Lord, thank You for being present with me at all times, through every challenge I face, guiding me through the valleys and climbing the mountains with me. I am so grateful for your love and care. Thank You for sharing your heart with me now, and please give me a teachable heart to know and learn more about You and how You take care of me. In Jesus’ name, 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.”

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

Isaiah 53:5-6, ⁵But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds we are healed. ⁶We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.

Isaiah 63:9, In all their distress He too was distressed, and the angel of His presence saved them. In His love and mercy He redeemed them; He lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.

Luke 9:23, Then He said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow Me.”

Romans 8:18-21, ¹⁸I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. ¹⁹For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. ²⁰For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope ²¹that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.

Romans 8:28, And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.

2 Corinthians 4:10-12, ¹⁰We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. ¹¹For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that His life may also be revealed in our mortal body. ¹²So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in You.

Philippians 3:7-11, ⁷But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. ⁸What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ ⁹and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. ¹⁰I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of His resurrection and participation in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death, ¹¹and so somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.

Hebrews 2:17-18, ¹⁷For this reason He had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that He might make atonement for the sins of the people. ¹⁸Because He Himself suffered when he was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted.

Hebrews 4:14-16, ¹⁴Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. ¹⁵For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet He did not sin. ¹⁶Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 36 – Self-Control

Apr27

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 36

Self-Control

Father, at times my life feels so out of control. You know that one of my biggest challenges is surrendering to You, so that Your Spirit can produce in me the fruit of self-control. I confess that I am very weak and immature in this spiritual discipline in my life. I need to recognize that I can do none of this in my own power, but truly, it is a fruit produced by the power of the Holy Spirit when I acknowledge Him and submit to His power within me. It’s not what I, myself, can or cannot do. It’s what Your Holy Spirit can do through me. Help me to tap in to this power within me, at all times, especially when I feel weak and indulgent. Give me the willpower to yield to Your voice inside me that steers me away from temptation and sin.

A Message from God’s Heart to Yours:

Jesus liberated you from your sin. He has set you free from the yoke of slavery to sin (Galatians 5:1). Do not give in to the desires of the flesh and do whatever you want (Galatians 5:16-17). Live in step with the Spirit of God, and do not be in conflict with Him. Surrender your sinful nature to God, and instead, He will produce the fruit of righteousness and self-control in your spirit.

Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, trust in Him and He will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun (Psalm 37:4-6). Delight in Me, and though you may stumble, you will not fall. I will uphold you with My hand (Psalm 37:23-24).

When temptation and sin come knocking at your door, do not open it. Deny yourself and stay safely behind the gate of self-control. Do not allow the thief access to your life. He comes only to steal, kill, and destroy. I have come to give you life to the full (John 10:10). Remain strong in your convictions. Have faith that I can remove all evil strongholds in your life. I will set you free from sin and bondage. I give release to the prisoners and restore sight to the spiritually blind (Isaiah 61:1-3). I bind up the broken places in your heart that cause you to crave that which will not bring you true joy and satisfaction.

Pay attention to My voice within. Claim your victory in the name of Jesus Christ, by His shed blood on the cross. He has already conquered sin on your behalf. You are a new creation. The old has gone, the new is here. Live anew and enjoy your new life of freedom. Walk in the victory of Christ by living in step with His Holy Spirit within you. Maintain your relationship with the Spirit by remaining in continual communication with Him. Do not pretend to be deaf to His voice. Listen and obey; you will receive your reward, and it will be worth so much more than the momentary indulgence and pleasure of disobedience.

Prayer:

Lord, help me be more dependent on you to produce in me the fruit of self-control. I can do none of this in my own strength and power. I have none. My spirit is willing, but my flesh is weak. Strengthen me and empower me to live according to Your good, pleasing, and perfect will. I confess my sin and repent of it as I walk away from the desires of the flesh that try to hold me captive. I claim freedom in the blood of Christ and His death on the cross. He already won the victory and holds the keys to sin, death, and the grave. I am crucified in Christ. I no longer live, but Christ lives in me (Galatians 2:20). He is risen, and I am seated with Him in the heavenly realms. I am a new creation in Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). Lord, show me the person You see when You look at me. Share your heart with me now as we meet and talk. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Two-way Conversation with God:

Righteous Father, please help me understand the importance of submitting myself to the control and empowerment of the Holy Spirit. (Record all His words and thoughts given to you.)

Jesus, my Friend, teach me how to remain in step with the Spirit and renounce temptation and sin. Then, give me the strong conviction and desire to do this (Write the ideas and impressions He gives you.)

Holy Spirit, give me the ability to pay attention to Your voice, and then, obey. Open my ears to hear You, and give me the desire to be obedient. Impress on me the reason I need to submit myself to Your leading and direction. (Journal every word and thought you receive.)

Prayer:

God, thank You for sharing Your heart with me now. Father, help me to not focus on myself and my power, but fully rely on You and Your power to provide me an escape when I am tempted to exercise a lack of self-control. Produce in me the fruit of self-control, so that I may display the righteousness of a life surrendered to You. Lord, I yield my heart and will to You now. I ask you to remove all ungodly pleasures and strongholds in my life. Forgive me when I am weak; when I stumble, do not let me fall. Thank You for your grace and mercy toward me. As the Holy Spirit sanctifies me, teach me to be more grace-filled and merciful toward others. I ask this in the name of Jesus, my Lord. Amen.

Supporting Scripture:

Psalm 37:4-6, ⁴Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. ⁵Commit your way to the Lord, trust in Him and He will do this: ⁶He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun.

Isaiah 61:1-3, ¹“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, ²to proclaim the year of the Lords’ favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, ³and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor.

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.

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

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

Galatians 2:20, I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

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

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

Galatians 5:22-23, ²²But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 30 – Loneliness vs. Immanuel

Apr21

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 30

Loneliness vs. Immanuel

Jesus, sometimes I feel alone even in a crowded room. But Lord, other times I really am alone, in isolation, away from friends and family. How do I overcome the loneliness I feel when no one else is around? Where are You, Lord? Why don’t I feel Your presence, even though I have the knowledge that You are always with me?

A Message from God’s Heart to Yours:

When you are lonely, remember I am here. I stand with you in your loneliness (2 Timothy 4:17). I am with you always. I am with you in the darkness and obscurity. I am with you when you are lost. I am with you in your devastation. I am with you at the bottom of the pit. I am with you in the storm. In your weakness, I will strengthen you (Philippians 4:13). Seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart (Jeremiah 29:13).

Call on Me any time day or night. I wait patiently for you to meet with Me in the secret place. Turn your eyes upon Me. I am here. I do not leave you alone. I care for you and provide for you. Share your heart with Me, and then listen to My voice. I speak to you in your thoughts. I will sing songs of joy over you. I will quiet you with My love (Zephaniah 3:17). I support you and encourage you, I comfort you and give you My peace.

In your hours of loneliness, find your comfort and encouragement in the pages of My Word. For the Word of God is alive and active (Hebrews 4:12). Open the Scriptures to experience more of Me and My heart. My heart is for you; I am in favor of you. I did not create you to abandon you. I created you to love you and experience intimate relationship with you. In your loneliness, reach out to Me and know Me. When you know Me for who I really am, you will never feel alone. I am with you always (Matthew 28:20). I love you more than you can imagine.

Jesus, My Son, also knew the kind of loneliness you face. As He went to His death on the cross, He felt totally alone. His disciples deserted Him (Matthew 26:36). Jesus momentarily felt the loss of My presence as He hung on the cross and cried out, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46). But He did not lose faith, living in the confidence that His Father would not abandon Him. His faith carried Him through His loneliest times. And Your faith will carry you through this time also.

You are part of My greater plan. At times, My plan may require you to experience times of isolation. Your friends or family may abandon you, but I never will. You have the privilege of serving Me. You are not alone. I am with you. I equip you and prepare you to carry out My will. I will not leave you or forget about you (Joshua 1:5). I AM Immanuel – God with you (Matthew 1:23) at all times. Please do not forget about Me. Call on Me any time. I am always right here, My beloved child.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, thank You for the gift of Your continual presence, through Your Holy Spirit dwelling in my heart. I am never alone. You are always by my side. Help me remember to turn to You more quickly whenever I feel alone or lonely. You patiently wait for me to call on You. You are quick to respond and gracious with Your presence. Help me find the meaning in the isolation as You develop and mature my faith for the works You have prepared in advance for me to carry out. Lord, speak to me now as we connect in conversation. Let me hear Your voice and Your heart for me. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Two-way Conversation with God:

Father above, grace me with full knowledge of Your presence today. Please share the depths of Your heart for me. What do You want me to understand right now? (Record all words and thoughts He gives you.)

Jesus, when You felt abandoned by Your disciples, and even by Your Father on the cross, what carried You through? Please fill me with the knowledge of what to do when I feel most alone. (Write all thoughts and impressions Jesus gives you in this moment.)

Holy Spirit, let me not forget that You are ‘God with Me’ always. You live in my heart. Lord, describe the kind of relationship You desire with me. How can we make this happen? (Journal all your thoughts and ideas.)

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 sharing Your heart and Your love with me today. I have the knowledge that I am never alone, but please help me remember to acknowledge You and Your presence in my heart at all times. I am never alone, and I will not feel alone when I am walking and talking in relationship with You. Thank You for loving me so completely. Thank You for making Yourself available to me 24/7. Thank You for the gift of Your matchless love, Your Son, Your Spirit, Your Word, and Your lifeblood in me. 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.”

Psalm 16:9-11, Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because You will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, or will You let Your faithful one see decay. You make known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Psalm 68:4-6, ⁴Sing to God, sing in praise of His name, extol Him who rides on the clouds; rejoice before Him—His name is the Lord.⁵A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows is God in His holy dwelling. ⁶God sets the lonely in families, He leads out the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.

Psalm 89:15, Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim You, who walk in the light of Your presence Lord.

Psalm 139:1-11, ¹You have searched me, Lord, and You know me. ²You know when I sit and when I rise; You perceive my thoughts from afar. ³You discern my going out and my lying down; You are familiar with all my ways. ⁴Before a word is on my tongue You, Lord, know it completely. ⁵You hem me in behind and before, and You lay Your hand upon me. ⁶Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. ⁷Where can I go from Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence? ⁸If I go up to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in the depths, You are there. ⁹If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, ¹⁰even there Your hand will guide me, Your right hand will hold me fast.

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

Jeremiah 29:11-13, 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.”

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.”

Matthew 1:23, “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel” (which means “God with us).

Matthew 26:56, “But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted Him and fled.

Matthew 27:46, About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, My God, why have You forsaken me?”

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

Luke 5:16, But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.

Acts 2:28, “You have made known to me the paths of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence.”

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

2 Timothy 4:16-18, ¹⁶At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. ¹⁷But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth. The ¹⁸Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory for ever and ever.

Hebrews 4:12-13, For the Word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 18 – Serve One Another in Love

Apr9

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 18

Serve One Another in Love

Lord, how would you have us serve others? Submitting ourselves to one another is a difficult task. You are the Lord of the universe, and yet, You set a serving example for us by washing the disciples’ feet. Lord, do you really require that of us? Furthermore, You submitted Yourself to the Father’s will and died on the cross to pay my sin debt. You laid down Your life in exchange for mine. Thank You, Jesus. You are the ultimate servant leader.

A Message from God’s Heart to Yours:

Serving one another in love fulfills the second greatest commandment under the new covenant: Love your neighbor as yourself. This is second only to the greatest commandment: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. It’s that important to submit to one another in love, as Christ submitted Himself to death on the cross, giving Himself up for His bride, the church. You are able to love, because He first loved you (1 John 4:19).

Don’t get hung up on the words ‘servant’ and ‘submission.’ To submit yourself means to be obedient, surrendering your will to another. I, first, require that you submit yourself to Me. You will be obedient to Me as you submit yourself to another and serve another in love. I am King of kings and Lord of lords, however, I did not come to earth to be served, but to serve. I am a servant King, and I require no less of you.

When you serve another in love, you will be blessed (John 13:17). I modeled serving the Father, as I served My disciples by washing their feet. I humbled Myself and the Father exalted Me. I do not ask you to do more than I, myself, will do.

Perhaps you need to complete a pride inventory. Do you carry pride in your heart? If so, do what you must do to quickly get rid of all pride, haughtiness, and arrogance. Pride is detestable to Me (Proverbs 16:5). Humble yourself and I will exalt you (Matthew 23:12). Those who are greater should become the lesser, and those who rule should become the ones who serve (Luke 22: 26-27). Take up your cross and follow Me (Luke 9:23-24), then follow My example. Whoever loses their life for Me will save it. Let go of your pride.

Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, His body, of which He is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her to make her holy and blameless (Ephesians 5:21-27). Be obedient to Me and submit to one another in love. Lay down your pride and serve one another, as I have served you by the laying down of My life. That is how much I love you.

Prayer:

Lord God Almighty, thank You for humbling Yourself by leaving Your throne in heaven to take on the flesh of mankind. Thank You for submitting to the Father’s will by laying down Your life for Your bride, the church, to make us spotless, holy, and blameless. I am so grateful that You paid the full debt of My sin, by death on the cross, to make me presentable to my Heavenly Father. Thank you for making the way for me to be reconciled to Him. I appreciate the opportunity You give me to communicate with God as His child and friend. Please allow me to hear Your voice clearly in these few moments I spend with You in the secret place. In Jesus’ precious name, I pray. Amen.

Two-way Conversation with God:

Father God, please share Your heart with me; share Your desires for how I can best serve others. (Record all thoughts and ideas He gives you right now.)

Jesus, my Savior, please help me know Your heart for serving others. Teach me to be willing to follow in Your footsteps and the example You set for me. Please give me ideas of how I can bring glory to You by serving others.

Holy Spirit, please reveal all the ways I am prideful. I confess the sin of pride in my heart and ask forgiveness. How may I do better in the future of submitting my spirit to Yours? Please give me examples of changes that need to be made in my life to be obedient to Your will of serving others. (Write every thought that the Holy Spirit impresses on you.)

Prayer:

Dear Lord, thank You for communicating Your heart’s desires of how I might serve You and others in ways that bring glory to Your name. Humble me and help me be reverent and respectful to You by being obedient to Your commands to love and serve one another. Help me to submit to You and to others, the way Jesus submitted Himself to You and Your will. May you receive all the glory, honor, and praise. In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, I pray. Amen.

Supporting Scripture:

Proverbs 6:16-19, There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to Him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.

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

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

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

Luke 22:26-27, “But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.”

John 13:5…12-17, After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash His disciple’s feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around Him…When He had finished washing their feet, He put on His clothes and returned to His place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” He asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

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

Ephesians 5:21-27, Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, His body, of which He is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. 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.

Ephesians 6:7-8, Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free.

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

James 4:6-8, But He gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and He will come near to you.

1 John 4:19, We love because He first loved us.

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.

Amazing Love

Apr20

Amazing Love

by Sindy Nagel

He sat upon the judgement seat

And said to me, â€œPlease stand,

Youâ€™ve been charged as guilty

And placed in My courtâ€™s hand

A slow and painful death

Is the price for all your sin

But I have sent My only Son

As your propitiation

He walked the earth as human

Yet, remained without transgression

To be the spotless Lamb of God

The only qualified concession

He was beaten, spit on, mocked and scourged

A man of sorrows great, was He

They placed a crown of thorns on Him

And nailed Him to a tree

He bore the weight of all your sin

While hanging on the cross

He took your penalty of death

So you wouldnâ€™t pay the cost

But death could not keep this man

In His earthly tomb or grave

In three days posthumously

I rolled the stone away

I raised His body from the dead

An amazing resurrection

And now, He sits at My right hand

Eternally in heaven

So confess your sin and turn away

From the life that youâ€™ve been livinâ€™

Because of My amazing love

You, now, may stand forgiven

All I ask in return from you

Is put Me first every day

Love Me more than everything

And listen to what I say

I did not leave you an orphan

When I returned My Son to Me

I gave you another gift

Thatâ€™s absolutely free

The Holy Spirit is His name

I place Him in your heart

When you accept My Son, Jesus,

I give you a fresh start

My Spirit will instruct you

And remind you what I say

Heâ€™ll comfort you and counsel you

And strengthen you each day

He is a friend who walks with you

Through your joys and your defeat

He will never leave you

He is your paraclete

So learn to listen to My voice

Through My Spirit deep within

Receive My power and My might

To live life without sin

My child, I love you immensely

More than you comprehend

I look forward to eternity with you

And I call you, My friend.â€

Ground Zero – The Foundation for Hearing God’s Voice

Apr11

Following the 7 Simple Steps to Hearing Godâ€™s Voice, and removing the 7 Roadblocks to Hearing God Speak, should help you achieve the result your heart longs forâ€”hearing Godâ€™s voice. However, there is one pre-requisite to hearing the Spirit of God within. I call it, Ground Zero. You must have already established a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, Godâ€™s one and only Son.

When you seek God with all your heart, you will find Him! This is Good News. The journey to greater intimacy with Jesus begins with acknowledging your sin. The God of all creation is righteous and holy. He doesnâ€™t want to be near immorality. So our disobedience, rebellion, and sin separate us from Him. Sin is anything that doesnâ€™t please God. Itâ€™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, â€œFor all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.â€ 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.

Although our sin separates us from God, no sin is too big for God to forgive, and we donâ€™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, â€œBut God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.â€

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. 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 Godâ€™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. â€œFor the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lordâ€ (Romans 6:23). God promises that we will be saved when we accept Jesusâ€™ death on the cross as payment for our sin and believe in His resurrection from the dead.

Did you hear that? Jesus didnâ€™t remain in the grave. Heâ€™s not dead! Jesus is alive! We can have a relationship with a living God through Jesus Christ because He lives! Isnâ€™t that the greatest news youâ€™ve ever heard? Yes! Give God a shout of praise!

If you have never confessed your sin and invited Jesus into your heart, what are you waiting for? Simply believing in God isnâ€™t enough. To reiterate, Jesus Christ is the only way to a restored relationship with your heavenly Father. Jesus said, â€œI am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Meâ€ (John 14:6).

Do you desire to walk with Jesus? Do you want to let Him 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 Godâ€™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.

In Revelation 3:20, Jesus says, â€œHere 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.â€ 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 heartâ€™s desire is to know and feel Godâ€™s presence and peace daily, then accept Jesus Christ as your Savior and start your new â€œrelationshipâ€ 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 Jesusâ€™ name, I pray. Amen.

Romans 10:9-10 says, â€œThat if you confess with your mouth, â€˜Jesus is Lord,â€™ 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.â€

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 usâ€”whatever we askâ€”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 Godâ€™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 todayâ€™s date and keep it somewhere safe. 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! You have just established your new personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit of God now lives within you, and He is eager to speak with you in two-way conversation.

To learn how to recognize Godâ€™s voice, I will refer you back to my recent blog posts beginning with January 4, 2018, entitled, Step 1- Expect and Believe. Also see my book, 7 Simple Steps to Hearing Godâ€™s Voice, available on Amazon.com in three forms: Audio Book, Kindle, or Paperback.

Click here to buy 7 Simple Steps book

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

Book One in Hearing God’s Voice Series

Click here to buy 7 Roadblocks book

Book Two in Hearing God’s Voice Series

Click here for FREE Ground Zero Video Course

His Matchless Love

Mar21

My darling, I love you, much more than you will ever comprehend. Your life is like a mere ember that can be squashed out any time. However, My love for you goes on forever. I will love you into all eternity. I love you to the moon and back, past the stars, and beyond the oceans. My love for you is greater than the expanse of the heavens. I love you long into the night and all throughout the day. There is no match for My love. Sit with Me a while and rest. Lean on Me and feel the warmth of My embrace. I kiss your cheek and whisper in your ear, “All is well, My love. I am with you always. I will never leave you.”

You are My beloved child. I am your loving Father. Stay with Me and absorb the abundance I give you. All I have is yours. Claim My blessing and My affection. It is yours for the taking. Ask, and you shall receive. I give you whatever you need, and then, I give you more. I will pour out My abundant blessing and My wisdom. My mercies are new every morning. Begin each day with Me and end it the same. Listen to My still, small voice throughout your day. I have much wisdom to impart. I will teach you all things and remind you what I have said. I will offer you conviction and encouragement, forgiveness and redemption, blessing and love.

Love is the greatest of My gifts to you, because it is unconditional, no strings attached. I love you no matter what. I love you regardless of your sins and shortcomings. I will forgive you again and again, when you ask. I help you in your time of need. When you are tempted, I offer you a way out. I strengthen you for each battle. I prepare you for every circumstance. I walk you through all your trials. I lift you up when you are down. I protect you when you are weak. I carry the weight of your burdens. I walk through fire for you. I modeled the depth of My love for you when I died on the cross, in your place.

You are the crown of my creation. I desire your full devotion. Do not give time to other gods. Put Me first. I am your One and only true God. I am your loving Father, your faithful friend. I will never leave you. I am with you at all times. I enjoy spending time with you. Will you sit with Me each day?

Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. Apart from Me, you can do nothing. Experience all of Me when you spend time with Me daily. I am delighted in you. Delight yourself in Me, and I will give you the desires of your heart. You are My special angel. I am your doting Father. All I have belongs to you. I can’t wait to pour out My blessings upon you, when you spend time with Me. You are My child. I love you perfectly and completely.

Step 6 – Enjoy the Rewards – Reward #5

Mar7

Reward #5 – Consider the Conviction

One of our responsibilities as Christians is to change our old ways and obey the Holy Spiritâ€™s leading as He empowers us to become more Christ-like. This process is called sanctification. To be sanctified means to be holy, or set apart. Though we live in the world, we are strangers to it. We should act differently than our non-Christian friends do.

Through the work of Christ on the cross, we have been consecrated and made righteous in Him. Our old sinful ways have died with Christ, and now we can lead a new life of righteousness in the resurrected Christ. As Christians, we should appear different to the world. We are made righteous in Christ, and we should choose to live accordingly, so the world may know we belong to God.

Being a new creation is achieved, in part, when the Holy Spirit convicts us of a sin and encourages us to repent and change our ways. When we live as Jesus Christ did, it pleases God, and it provides a witness to a watching world. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, â€œTherefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!â€

Our sin separates us from God because He hides His face from wickedness. He sent His own Son, Jesus, to be our sacrificial lamb. Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sin, so we could be reconciled to God. Jesus made us righteous and holy so we could enjoy a relationship with the righteous and holy God. Now He desires that we would set ourselves apart from the world. He wants us to lead lives that stand out from the way the rest of the world operates. He doesnâ€™t expect us to do this on our own, in our own power. He gives us the Holy Spirit, who convicts us of our sin and holds us to a life of righteousness.

In His saving grace, God gives believers a spiritual conscienceâ€”the Holy Spiritâ€”who helps us discern right from wrong in His eyes. He convicts us of sin and empowers us to overcome the flesh and change our ways. â€œBut he who unites himself with the Lord is one with Him in spiritâ€ (1 Corinthians 6:17). We are directed to submit our spirit to the leading of Godâ€™s Spirit within us.

In order to lead a God-pleasing life, we must read His Word to know what He expects of us. The Bible is very clear on what is sinful and what is righteous in Godâ€™s eyes. When we obey Him and yield ourselves to the leading of His Spirit, He recalibrates our moral conscience to recognize sin, and then He helps us steer clear of it. When we do sin, He convicts us.

The Spirit encourages us to make choices that will please God. He reminds us of what we know from Godâ€™s written Word, convicts us of our sin, and empowers us to live a life of righteousness. In order to be led by the Holy Spirit, we must tune our ears to the living God inside us. As Jesus said before His death,

â€œBut 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. When He comes, He will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: in regard to sin, because men do not believe in me; in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.â€ (John 16:7-11, emphasis mine)

Jesus provided the way to reconciliation with God, and then He provided the way to live a consecrated life by the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus reunited us with God and gave us access to His power, so we may lead a life set apart for Him. Itâ€™s up to us to choose. We can lead a life of sin in the flesh or righteousness in the Spirit. If we choose righteousness, you can be sure the Spirit convicts us when we sin.

Itâ€™s important to understand the difference between conviction and condemnation. The Holy Spirit convicts us we are guilty of sin so we can confess it, ask God for His forgiveness, and turn from our sinful ways. In contrast, the devil condemns us and causes us to wallow in guilt and shame. The Holy Spirit says, â€œYou did a bad thing,â€ while our enemy Satan says, â€œYou are a bad person.â€Â The Holy Spirit encourages or prompts us to confess our sin; Satan accuses our person, attacks our identity, demeans our self-worth, blames us, and charges us for our sin.

When we make a conscious effort to listen to the Spirit of God within us, we hold the keys to life and peace. We must allow our minds to be controlled by Him. Paul says we are obligated to be led by the Spirit. Does Satan continue to hold you in bondage and defeat? Or does Godâ€™s Spirit guide you into freedom, victory, and peace? When we obey Him and submit ourselves to His leadership, we will experience life and peace. Consider the conviction of the Holy Spirit when you are reminded of your sin and prompted to repent.

Regularly tuning in to the voice of God, the Holy Spirit within, accomplishes a giant step in the process of sanctification. If we are going to become more like Christ, we must not only listen to the voice of God, we must obey it. When you feel the Spirit prompting you to do or not do something, donâ€™t ignore Him. When you feel a tug on your heart to carry out an assignment from God, no matter how big or small, be quick to comply. When you know the Spirit of God has spoken instructions to you, act upon them as soon as possible.

When a human spirit yields to the control of the Holy Spirit, the result is life and peace. Choose to live in the Spirit and be at peace with God. Listen to His voice, and consider the conviction. Is there a sin you need to confess or turn from? What is the Holy Spirit asking you to do or not do? What behavior do you need to change? What action have you been prompted to take? Perhaps it’s the other type of conviction–to be a witness for Jesus Christ.

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Book One in Hearing God’s Voice Series