Tag Archive | distractions

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 64 – The Secret Place

May26

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 64

The Secret Place

Lord, what exactly to you mean by ‘the secret place’?

A Message from God’s Heart to Yours:

My darling child, the secret place is simply the place you and I meet alone, away from crowds, noise, and distractions. The meeting place may be a room in your home, a secluded garden, a mountain top, or a jail cell. The ‘secret’ is you and I alone together. This may happen anywhere you are, anytime of the day or night. The secret place is a special place in your heart that you and I connect and communicate.

I have said, “When you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you” (Matthew 6:5-6). “But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you” (Matthew 6:17-18). Prayer and fasting done in secret will be rewarded. Anything done in the secret place with Me will be My gift to you.

Go to the secret place when you pray. Go to the secret place to seek Me and find Me. Go to the secret place to hear My voice and know My thoughts. Go to the secret place to discern My will. Go to the secret place to acquire My wisdom and My strength. Go to the secret place to find My peace in the middle of chaos. Go to the secret place to experience My love and joy.

My desire is that you frequent the secret place at least daily; My preference is that you and I meet there throughout the day. I am always waiting for you in the secret place. Seek Me at all times; I am here. Believe it! You may find Me and hear Me speak to you any time you will make the time to listen; any time you will quiet your heart enough to hear My still, small voice.

Run to the secret place for a word of encouragement. Hide in the secret place and experience My protection. Walk with Me in the secret place; I will share My heart with you. Eat with Me in the secret place; I have a feast prepared for you. Let My Spirit refresh your soul in the secret place. It is no secret that I love you, and I desire to spend time alone with you, one-on-one, in secret. See you there soon!

Prayer:

Father, I am going in to the secret place right now to be with You, and You have been here waiting for me. It feels so good and so peaceful spending time here alone with You. Thank You for dwelling in my heart, so that I may meet with You any time of the day or night. It is such a gift to hear Your voice and discover Your thoughts. Please share more with me right now. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.

Two-way Conversation with God: 

  • Abba Father, what do You want me to know about this secret place that You and I meet? What do You want me to know about our relationship? (Write every thought you have and word you hear.)

 

  • Jesus, my brother, is our relationship the same as my relationship with the Father? What do You want me to know and hear about the relationship You and I share? (Record all your thoughts, feelings, and ideas.)

 

  • Holy Spirit, thank You for dwelling in the secret place. Help me to make time to be there more regularly. You are always there waiting for me. What do you want me to know about our relationship and our meeting time? (Journal everything He makes known to you.)

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

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for sharing Your heart with me again today. It is so great knowing Your intimate thoughts, desires, and messages of love and encouragement to me. I am grateful that Jesus made the way for me to communicate with You, at all times, in all places. I carry You in my heart wherever I go. My desire is to remain in You and You in me. Come near to me now, my Friend. Let me know Your presence and feel Your love. I put my trust in You and receive the confidence that You are in control of all things. This brings me much peace and joy, no matter the circumstances I may be in. You are my Comforter, my Guide, my Protector an Provider. You are my Savior and Deliverer. You are my Rock and Refuge, my hiding place. Thank You for being my All-in-All; You are everything to me. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Supporting Scripture:

Psalm 139:13-17, 13For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mothers’ womb. 14I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 15My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. 16Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the day ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be. 17How precious to me are Your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them!

Matthew 6:5-6, 5“And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 6But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

Matthew 6:16-18, 16“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 17But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

Copyright © Sindy Nagel. All Rights Reserved

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 28 – Remain in Me

Apr19

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 28

Remain in Me

Lord, please show me what it means to remain in You. How do I accomplish this? What practices do I need to put in place to reach this goal?

A Message from God’s Heart to Yours:

My child, My top priority for you is that you stay in relationship with Me. How is this best accomplished? First and foremost, maintain a regular, daily practice of meeting with Me alone in the secret place. The secret place is merely an area in your heart that you reserve for Me exclusively. It may also involve a physical location that you deem our special meeting spot away from noise and distractions, but more accurately, it’s a place in your heart reserved for Me alone—entirely devoted to Me and no one else—a private place. What’s done in secret will be rewarded (Matthew 6:18).

Secondly, remain in My Word. When you linger in My Word, reading it and meditating on it, you will almost always experience Me. My Spirit within you will guide you to Scripture and make it come alive with meaning for you personally, both for your life in general, and for specific circumstances you are going through at any given time. If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you (John 15:7). Hanging out in My Word, saturating your mind with it, is very pleasing to Me. It is a sweet aroma that reaches deep into the middle of My heart. Your efforts will be rewarded as you make your requests known to Me.

Remain in Me and bear much fruit. I am the vine; you are the branch. If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing (John 15:5). The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). You are known by your fruit. I, also, am known by your fruit. When you remain in Me and bear My fruit, others are drawn to Me through you. Fruit ripened on the vine has the choicest appearance and the sweetest flavor. Remain in the vine.

Remain in communication with Me through listening prayer. When you pray, go into your inner room where you will be alone with Me (Matthew 6:5-6). I will hear your requests and answer them. Be sure to listen as much as you speak. Leave room in the conversation for Me. I have so many things to tell you. Things you do not yet know, great and unsearchable things (Jeremiah 33:3). You belong to Me, you can hear what I say (John 8:47). You are My sheep, listen to My voice and follow me (John 10:27). Pray continually (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). Listen continually. This is My will for you.

Remain in step with the Spirit by laying down your own passions and desires, and living out Mine (Galatians 5:24-25). Walk by My Spirit and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh (Galatians 5:16). Be led by the Spirit and remain blameless. Be obedient to My commands, allowing the Spirit’s power to enable you to do all things through Christ who strengthens you (Philippians 4:13).

Remain in obedience to Me. Remain in My love by keeping My commands. My greatest commands are these: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. Love your neighbor you love yourself (Matthew 22:37-39). Love each other as I have loved you, by laying down your life for your friends (John 15:12-13). When you keep My commands, I know you love Me, and I will show Myself to you and make My home in you (John 14:20-23). I love you, My child. You are My dwelling place. Keep your heart engaged with Mine.

Prayer:

Thank You, Lord, for Your generous Spirit. You have shown me today how to be more engaged with You. I know You are with me always, but I do not always remember that fact. Please forgive me when I forget You. I know You never forget me. Help me to remain in You more completely by practicing all the steps You communicated to me above. And now I long to hear more messages from Your heart as I enter my inner room, the secret place, to connect with You in a more personal way. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.

Two-way Conversation with God: 

  • Abba Father, help me see you and feel your presence during this time of conversation. Lord, speak Your heart to me right now and tell me the great, unsearchable things, I do not yet know. (Write down every word or thought that enters your mind.)

 

  • Jesus, my Friend, please allow me to know and feel Your presence daily in my heart. Let me know how You would like to best engage with me. What shall I do to be more obedient and responsive to Your voice? (Record every thought making it obedient to Christ.)

 

  • Holy Spirit, come and have Your way in me right now. Lead me, guide me, comfort me. Whatever I need to hear from You, Lord, please share it with me now. (Journal all your thoughts to Him and from Him.)

 

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

Prayer:

Dear Father in Heaven, thank You for creating me. Thank You for loving me so much that You sent Your Son, Jesus, to die for me and give me new life through His resurrection. Thank You for Your gift of the Holy Spirit who makes His home in Me and walks me through life, making me more obedient to You. I worship You, Lord, and I lift my voice. O my soul—Rejoice. I honor You and give You all the glory You deserve. I give myself wholly to You, Lord. Receive my feeble attempts to be obedient to Your commands, and teach me how to love You as deeply as You love me. In Jesus’ precious name, I pray Amen.

Supporting Scripture:

Deuteronomy 30:19-20, “…Now choose life, so that you and your children may live. And that you may love the Lord your God, listen to His voice, and hold fast to Him. For the Lord is your life, and He will give you many years in the land He swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.”

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 6:5-6, “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

Matthew 22:37-40, 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.’ 40All the Law and Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

Mark 9:7, Then a cloud appeared and covered them, and a voice came from the could: “This is My Son, whom I love. Listen to Him!”

Luke 10:39, She had a sister called Mary, who sat the Lord’s feet listening to what He said.

John 8:47, “Whoever belongs to God hears what God says…”

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

John 14:20-23, 20“On that day you will realize that I am in My Father, and you are in Me, and I am in you. 21Whoever has My commands and keeps them is the one who loves Me. The one who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them… 23Anyone who loves Me will obey My teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.”

John 15:4-17, 4“Remain in Me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me. 5I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing. 6If you do not remain in Me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. 9As the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you. Now remain in My love. 10If you keep my commands, you will remain in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commands and remain in His love. 11I have told you this so that My joy may be in you and that your joy may be compete. 12My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from My Father I have made known to you. 16You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might to and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in My name the Father will give you. 17This is My command: Love each other.”

Galatians 5:16, So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.

Galatians 5:22-26, 22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

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

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

1 John 2:24-27, 24As for you, see that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. If it does, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father. 25And this is what He promised us—eternal life. 26I am writing these things to you about those who are trying to lead you astray. 27As for you, the anointing you received from Him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as His anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in Him.

Copyright © Sindy Nagel. All Rights Reserved

Step 4 – Write It Down

Jan17


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

STEP 4 – WRITE IT DOWN

The best advice my Christian mentor offered me about listening to God’s voice was, “Write it down.†Writing down an idea reinforces it in my mind, so I will more accurately remember it later. The practice of writing in a journal absolutely, unequivocally produced for me the desired success in hearing the voice of God and maintaining the integrity of His words. Additionally, journaling your conversations with God offers many excellent benefits, It help you:

  • Differentiate your thoughts from God’s thoughts
  • Return to your conversations with the Lord when you experience times of disconnect from Him
  • Document the Scripture verses He leads you to
  • Preserve the exact words from God’s mouth, so your enemy can’t twist them around, and use them against you later

The Holy Spirit of God reveals His thoughts to me, and I don’t want to miss one of them. Every time I meet with God, I write down our conversation. He already knows my thoughts and questions, but I usually write them down anyway in a notebook or on the computer. Then I wait to hear Him speak. While I’m waiting to hear His voice, I journal every thought popping into my head, no matter how unusual or unimportant it seems. Why? Recording all my thoughts offers me the best chance of discerning the still, small voice of God from the other voices in my head.

As I go back and read what I have written in my journal, I can see where my own thoughts end and God’s begin. While my thoughts lack confidence and certainty, His thoughts are authoritative and convicting. My expressions are timid and self-condemning, but God’s voice exudes strength and encouragement. My ways are naïve and simple, while His ways are wise and wonderful.

Since the Holy Spirit reminds us of God’s Word, you will know the Spirit speaks to you when you recognize a concept or verse from the Bible infused with the words you have written in your journal. You will recognize God’s voice in your notes as He speaks to you in a loving, encouraging, affirming manner. His voice will be apparent when you feel conviction of a sin and when He speaks the truth in love. Read God’s encouragement in this example from my own journal:

Journal Entry on 04/15/2014

My child, I have called you My own. You belong to Me. Do you cherish Me the same way I cherish you? You are everything to Me. I have engraved you on the palms of My hands. Your name is burned into My mind. You are always on My heart. I will never forget you. Try writing My name on your palms and do not forget Me.

Remember what I say to you. Write it down. Draw on it when times are tough. Refer back to it when it becomes difficult for you to hear Me. It will help you recall what I have said to you. I have written so many things on your heart. I have written so many things in My Word. You have My written Word to help you find your way; you have My Holy Spirit to remind you of what I have said. The words spoken by My Spirit within you will lead you back to My written Word. Write down the words I put in your mind and on your heart. Examine them again as needed.

Life gets crazy. A time may come when you do not hear Me. Then you will refer back to your journal and relive the words I have spoken to you. Cling tightly to the spoken and written words I have given you. You will cherish the time we spent together in the past and allow My voice to be heard in your mind and heart once more.

You are My beloved child. I have so much wisdom to send your way. Be diligent in recording the knowledge I impart. Do not take it lightly. It may save you some day. Record everything you hear, big or small. Sometimes the biggest blessings are wrapped in the smallest packages. Record every thought that presents itself in your head. When the words begin to flow more rapidly, you will recognize My hand in it. When you look at it again, you will be able to discern your own thoughts from My thoughts in your journal writings.

Anything worth anything is worth writing down. Write down anything and everything I say to you.

 

As God mentioned above, my journal becomes really useful when I experience times of spiritual drought—when I feel disconnect from God, when He doesn’t speak to me, or when I can’t hear Him. In reading it again, I’m able to reconnect with God and remember what it sounds like to hear from Him. It helps me remember His character and how He feels toward me. It’s a way to reconnect my spirit with the Spirit of God inside me.

Pausing to listen for His voice is vital. How can I hear Him speak if I don’t leave room in the conversation for Him? Write down your comments or questions to God, and then lift your pen off the paper for a few moments to wait for His response. You may write a paragraph or two, but leave Him space on the page to reply. Do not feel the need to fill the air with your own voice and thoughts all the time. Learn to become comfortable with the silence. Ecclesiastes states, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: …a time to be silent and a time to speak†(Ecclesiastes 3:1, 7).

Clear your mind of all the clutter and obstructions. If random thoughts enter your mind—like your grocery shopping list or your “to do†list for the day—quickly jot them down so you won’t forget them, and then return your focus to God. Concentrate on the topic of your discussion. Reiterate your questions or comments to Him. Then write down the next thoughts that enter your mind—all of them, no matter how common or strange they may seem. Sometimes you will find abundant meaning in the simplest expressions.

Documenting what you hear God say to you will be monumental in your quest for intimacy with Him. With all the distractions we have pulling us away from God, taking time to read through your journal of His messages to you will put you back on track in focusing your attention in His direction. The ability to read and reread His loving, encouraging words, specifically given to you, will build your confidence in your relationship with Him, just like reading His message of love for you in the Bible does.

Had the scribes not put their time and attention into writing down the inspired words of God, we would not have the Bible today. If you do not write down what He says to you, those words may get lost in your head, and you may not be able to recall them exactly as He gave them to you. Satan would love to twist and mix up the words God has given you to make you believe his version instead. Just as you use the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God, to battle your enemy, you may also use the truth in God’s words you have written down in your journal to fight the one who opposes you. What God says to you will be reinforced by Scripture.

When you learn to distinguish God’s voice, or thoughts, as you are journaling your conversation with Him, write His voice in cursive or italics, and print your thoughts to distinguish the two voices on paper. When possible, date each conversation. Title your journal entry with a fitting name to identify the topic, so it’s easier to spot when you want to return to it later.

Maybe you love to blog or post on social media. When your conversations with God are not too personal, consider posting them in some form. You can tweak them to be more generic and allow others to enjoy a word from the Lord. If you don’t yet have a blog, you may set one up free on WordPress.org or WordPress.com. I maintain a blog on my website, www.sindynagel.com. The posts filed under the category titled “From God’s Heart to Yours†come from messages I hear from God and relay to you. Here’s a sample:

Life in the Son

Lord, I have been in a slump because of the dreary weather. Would You shine some light into my life? Does the sun, or the lack of it, really make that big of a difference in my life?

My child, if only you knew. Life in the Son makes a monumental difference. The sun I have placed in the sky may lift your spirits while it shines, but it does not provide constant light, as you know. Truly, My Son will shine His light into your darkness at all hours of the day and night. You never need to endure the storms of life alone. I am with you always. I will shine My light of life into every dark corner. I will light the way for you. I will lead you in the path of life.

My sweet daughter, life in the Son does make a big difference. Even on the darkest of days, you may have joy in your heart because you belong to Me. I am the true light that gives life. As you walk in the rain, My light will lead you on your way. Follow Me and you will never walk in darkness, because I am the light of life. (See John 8:12.) I have made My light shine in your heart to give you the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. (See 2 Corinthians 4:6.)

My precious one, life in the Son does make a big difference. You may be downcast for a little while, but consider what I have done for you. I am light. I have given you My light. In Me there is no darkness. (See 1 John 1:5.) Never again will you remain in darkness, because you believe in Me, the light of the world.

Are you downcast? Look to Me for your happiness. Are your spirits low? I will lift you up on eagle’s wings. Are you depressed? I will remove your sackcloth and clothe you with joy. Are you stuck in a pit? I will pull you out and place you on solid ground. Are you caught in the middle of a storm? I will weather it with you and bring you to a place of rest. I am with you.

Seek Me, My child, and I will give you joy in your spirit and peace in your heart. My light will illuminate the darkest of days. Even as we speak, the skies are getting brighter. I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in Me shall stay in darkness (John 12:46). Life in the Son does make a big difference. Choose the light of life.

 

The gift of the Holy Spirit and the ability to hear God’s voice are like having your own Bible, personalized just for you. At all times and in all places, you have access to God’s will and word through His Spirit inside you. The Holy Spirit takes the words of God and Jesus and makes them known to you. Listen to the inspired word of God inside you, and write it down. You’ll be thankful you have the opportunity to refer back to God’s personal words for you at a later date.

Each word He utters has value and may connect to other things He reveals to you later. The thoughts God gives you one day may make sense down the road a month or two later. You may ask God a question or pray a prayer He doesn’t answer for several days, weeks, months, even years. Recording your conversations will allow you to track and relate one to another, as God uncovers His will, plan, and purpose for your life.

Rejoice whether you hear one word, four sentences, or two paragraphs from the mouth of the Lord. Each and every word God speaks to you is precious and valuable. Sometimes the most priceless things God says are one-word expressions. Don’t compare how He speaks to you with how He speaks to your friend. He communicates with you exactly the way you can hear Him with exactly the word(s) you need to hear—no more, no less. Write down every word God says to you while you practice the art of listening to His voice. You’ll be really glad you did!

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

Book One in Hearing God’s Voice Series

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