Tag Archive | flow

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 61 – Neither Hot Nor Cold

May22

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 61

Neither Hot Nor Cold

Dear Father, why do I feel on fire for You at some times, and many other times, I feel almost nothing, even cold-hearted. My fervor for You is like a tide that ebbs and flows. Father, I know that You are not happy with lukewarm devotion to You. Lord, I don’t want my faith to diminish. I want to be passionate for You at all times. How do I keep that fire burning for You? How do I burn hotter and hotter for You?

A Message from God’s Heart to Yours:

My blessed child, you have heard Me say, “I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of My mouth” (Revelation 3:14-16). You, yourself, know that lukewarm food and drinks of any type are not as pleasing to the palate as either hot or cold ones. So it is with spiritual enthusiasm for Me. I prefer to see you enjoy a passion and eagerness for Me in your service and worship. I don’t want to force you into anything; it is My hope that you would want to spend time with Me in close relationship.

“Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with Me” (Revelation 3:19-20). I discipline you because I love you. I am always waiting at the door of your heart. Will you let Me in? When you do, we will enjoy a sweet communion and companionship.

When you allow other things to take first place in your life, ahead of Me, you are at risk of your fire dying out. Anything that you invest more time in than Me, becomes an idol, whether you realize it or not. It doesn’t have to be a statue or a physical image that you hold dearly. It can be anything that you adore and revere more than your relationship with Me. Do not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything I have forbidden. I am a consuming fire, a jealous God (Deuteronomy 4:23-24). I am jealous for your love and devotion. I am jealous for your time and relationship.

To keep an engine running smoothly, you must oil it. To keep a lamp burning brightly, you must supply it with oil. Time spent with Me is the oil that will keep your lamp burning and the lubricant that will keep your engine running. A synthetic oil may promise you longer life, but it is not the real, genuine life-giving source of fuel for your fire. Only when you spend time with Me will you receive the passion for the things that really matter to Me. Be wise and do not run out of oil for your lamp. Keep your lamp burning brightly and your engine running smoothly with oil of gladness and blessing received only in relationship with Me.

When you are in tune with My Spirit and My heart, your passions will align with Mine. I ignite the fire within you, and supply you with the oil to keep it burning. Remain in Me as I remain in you (John 15:4). Remain in daily relationship and conversation with Me, and the oil of passion will continue to fuel your internal fire for Me. I am a consuming fire. I am jealous for you because I love you so much (Deuteronomy 4:24).

Prayer:

Dear Father in heaven, thank You for Your consuming fire and jealousy for me. Would it be that I return that fire for You. Let me be jealous for time with You, as You are jealous for time with me. Lord, I am here with You right now, putting You first, and desiring to know Your heart and will for my life. Set me ablaze with passion for You. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Two-way Conversation with God: 

  • Heavenly Father, how do I show You my passion for You? How does that fire for You get ignited? (Record every word and thought He gives you.)

 

  • Jesus, You are the light of the world. How do I burn brightly for You? Please help me tap in to the oil of gladness and blessing that will keep my light burning brightly for You. (Write down all the thoughts He impresses on you.)

 

  • Holy Spirit, equip me and empower me to put God first in my life. You are the lover of my soul and my life-giver. Expand my time and give me the desire to spend time in relationship with You. What is Your plan for this? (Journal all the words, thoughts, impressions He gives you right now.)

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

Prayer:

Father God, I don’t want to be a lukewarm Christ follower. Lord, ignite in me the fire of passion for You. Pour into me the oil that keeps my lamp burning brightly for You. Please stoke the fire in me and strengthen the flame as I seek a more intimate relationship with You. Lord, give me the desires of my heart (Psalm 37:4), and help me commit my time to You first. Let me be a well-oiled engine running smoothly in passion and service for You. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Supporting Scripture:

Exodus 27:20, “Command the Israelites to bring you clear oil of pressed olives for the light so that the lamps may be kept burning.”

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

Psalm 18:28, You, LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.

Matthew 3:11, “I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”

Matthew 24:12-13, 12“Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.”

Matthew 25:1-13, 1“At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2Five of them were foolish and five were wise. 3The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. 4The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. 5The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep. 6At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet Him!’ 7Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. 8The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’ 9‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’ 10But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with Him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. 11Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’ 12But He replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’ 13Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.”

Luke 3:16, John answered them all, “I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”

John 15:4-5, 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.”

Hebrews 12:28-29, 28Therfore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire” (See Deuteronomy 4:24).

Revelation 3:14-22, 14“These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. 15I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of My mouth. 17You say, ‘I am rich: I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. 18I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. 19Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. 20Here 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 that person, and they with Me. 21To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with Me on My throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with My Father on His throne. 22Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

Copyright © Sindy Nagel. All Rights Reserved

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

Mar27

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 5

I am Your Living Water

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

A Message from God’s Heart to Yours:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prayer:

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

 Two-way Conversation with God:

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Prayer:

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

Supporting Scripture:

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

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

Joshua 1:5, “No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you or forsake you.”

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

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

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

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

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

Romans 8 – See whole chapter.

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

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

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

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

Copyright © Sindy Nagel. All Rights Reserved.

My Heart Will Overflow

Apr25

Lord, last night I prayed that you would wake me with a song again. This morning as I opened my eyes, I heard these lyrics to “From the Day” by I Am They:

From the day You saved my soul

‘Til the very moment when I come home

I’ll sing, I’ll dance, my heart will overflow

From the day You saved my soul

 The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks. (Luke 6:45)

Precious one, you are good. I have made you in my image and I am good. Store up good in your heart. Discard all evil and practice good only. Let your lips overflow with praise from the good stored up in your heart. Streams of living water will flow from within you as my Spirit resides in you. Live by my Spirit; walk in the Spirit; pray in the Spirit, and experience my goodness. For when you believed in me, I gave you the gift of the Holy Spirit. You will sing, you will dance; your heart will overflow with my goodness. Do not live in the flesh as the world lives, but by my Spirit within you. Express your gratitude for my saving grace by living in obedience to me. Listen to the voice of the Spirit within you. He will lead you in the way everlasting. He will help you live a life that is pleasing to me—a good life. Truly, my goodness will flow like living water from within you. You are good.