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Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 50 – The Will of God

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 50

The Will of God

Dear Lord, I want to live the best possible life You have for me. How do I know Your will? What are your plans for me? When do I need to check with You to make a decision? What direction should I take for this situation? Lord, please let me in on Your will for me.

A Message from God’s Heart to Yours:

My child, do not live as unwise but as wise; do not be foolish, but understand what My will is for you (Ephesians 5:15-17). Approach My throne of grace with confidence, so that you may receive My mercy and find My grace to help you in your time of need (Hebrews 4:16). I want you to seek My will in all decisions, in every aspect of your life. I desire your obedience, and in order to obey, you must know My will. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what My will is—My good, pleasing and perfect will (Romans 12:2).

Renew your mind in My Word. One place you can discover My desired will for you is in the Bible. Read it, believe it, and follow it. Also, when you pray, the Holy Spirit will lead you to Scripture which will instruct you to follow the path I have marked out for you. The Spirit will guide you to the next step in the plans I have pre-determined for you, plans to prosper you, give you hope, and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). Seek Me any time, day or night, and I will let you in on My plans for you. You know My voice, listen and follow (John 10:27).

As long as you remain yielded to Me, and in communication with Me, I will guide you in My will and provide everything you need to accomplish it. Even Jesus, the Son of God, depended on Me and submit Himself to My will, even unto death on the cross. He did not face that alone. He prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not My will, but yours be done.” My will for you is not always the easiest path, but I work all things together for the good of those who love Me and are called according to My purpose (Romans 8:28). Nothing is impossible for Me, and that means, nothing is impossible for you when you have faith in Me (Matthew 17:20).

I ask you to trust Me. I am in control. I established My throne in the heavens, and My sovereignty rules over all (Psalm 103:19). If you think you are in control of your own life, you are deceived. I am in control of all things. However, I do give you the free will to choose. But I know ahead of time, what your decision will be, and I work behind the scenes to use it for good. I will continue to work in your life through your circumstances, but it may not be My best for you, unless you seek Me first and walk in My will.

That doesn’t mean you won’t suffer the consequences of your poor decision gone wrong. A person reaps what he or she sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life (Galatians 6:7-8). Live by the Spirit, not the flesh. Walk in step with the Spirit (Galatians 5:25). He guides you along the right paths (Psalm 23:3).

I know the future, and it is most beneficial for you to seek Me for your next step in all situations. I give you guidance for every step of life. My plans for you are best. Submit yourself to My will, and you will prosper. When you make decisions of your own free will, without consulting Me, you may suffer the pain of your own making. Do not run ahead of Me. I act on behalf of those who wait on Me (Isaiah 64:4). Hope in Me; you will not be disappointed (Isaiah 49:23).

I know all things, while you have limited knowledge. Making decisions based on your emotions and earthly desires, may cause you to step out of My perfect will for you. Your life is but a mist, here for a little while and then gone; you do not know if you will see tomorrow (James 4:14). Walk in the favor of My will and lead the best possible life I have for you. I have come that you may have life, and have it to the full (John 10:10).

Prayer:

Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; may Your good Spirit lead me on level ground (Psalm 143:10). Guide Me along the right paths (Psalm 23:3). Help me remember to seek You first, before I make my decisions. Lord, I delight in You; please give me the desires of my heart. Help me run with perseverance the race you have marked out for me, fixing my eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith (Hebrews 12:1-3). Lord, share the inner workings of Your heart and Your will with me now. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Two-way Conversation with God:

  •  Lord, is anything in my life blocking my ears from hearing Your voice? Please show me way I have offended You, so that I may remove this roadblock. (Write all words and thoughts He gives you.)

 

  • Jesus, Your Word is a light to my path (Psalm 119:105). Please light the next step for me now. (Record whatever you hear from Him.)

 

  • Holy Spirit, please guide me in the way You would have me go. I commit my way to the Lord; I put my trust in Him. Show me how to live in step with You. (Journal all the thoughts He gives 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:

Father God Almighty, I will take delight in You. I commit my way to You; I put my trust in you. Please make my righteous reward shine like the dawn (Psalm 37:3-7). I will be still and wait patiently for You. You know what is best for me. Lord, please show me Your plans, one step at a time. I desire to do Your will God (Psalm 40:8). Give me the forbearance to wait on You and trust in You to give me the full life You intended for me. I want to walk in step with Your Spirit. Guide me along the right paths (Psalm 23:3). In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Supporting Scripture:

Psalm 23:3, He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for His name’s sake.

Psalm 37:3-7, 3Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. 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. 7Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.

Psalm 40:8, “I desire to do Your will, my God; Your law is within my heart.”

Psalm 103:19, The Lord has established His throne in the heavens, and His sovereignty rules over all.

Psalm 143:7-10, 7Answer me quickly, Lord; my spirit fails. Do not hide Your face from me or I will be like those who go down to the pit. 8Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go, for to You I entrust my life. 9Rescue me from my enemies, Lord, for I hide myself in you. 10Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; may Your good Spirit lead me on level ground.

Isaiah 49:23, “Those who hope in Me will not be disappointed.”

Isaiah 64:4, Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides You, who acts on behalf of those who wait for Him.

Jeremiah 29:11-14, 11“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12Then you will call on Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. 13You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart. 14I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity.”

Jeremiah 32:17, “Ah Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! Nothing is too difficult for You.”

Matthew 7:7-8, 7“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. 8For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. ”

Matthew 7:21, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of My Father who is in heaven.”

Matthew 12:50, “For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.”

Matthew 17:19-20, Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there.’ And it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

Luke 22:39-42, 39Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and His disciples followed Him. 40On reaching the place, He said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” 41He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed. 42“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not My will, but yours be done.”

John 6:37-40, 37“All those the Father give Me will come to Me, and whoever comes to Me I will never drive away. 38For I have come down from heaven not to do My will but to do the will of Him who sent Me. 39And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that I shall lose none of all those He has given Me, but raise them up at the last day. 40For My Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.”

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

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

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.

Romans 12:2, Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.

Galatians 5:24-25, 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.

Galatians 6:7-10, 7Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

Ephesians 5:15-20, 15Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, 19speaking to one another with psalms, hymns and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Philippians 2:13, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose.

Colossians 3:23-25, 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. 25Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism.

1 Thessalonians 4:3-8, 3It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; 4that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that his holy and honorable, 5not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God; 6and that in this matter no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother or sister. The Lord will punish all those who commit such sins, as we told you and warned you before. 7For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. 8Therefore, anyone who rejects this instruction does not reject a human being but God, the very God who gives you His Holy Spirit.

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.

Hebrews 4:16, Let 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.

Hebrews 12:1-3, 1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

James 4:13-17, 13Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” 14Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 15Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and to this or that.” 16As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil. 17If anyone, then knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.

1 Peter 3:17, For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

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

1 John 5:14-15, 14This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15And if we know that He hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of Him.

Copyright © Sindy Nagel. All Rights Reserved

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 46 – God’s Guidance

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 46

God’s Guidance

Lord, so many times, I run ahead of You and make my decisions without Your wisdom and guidance. Help Me to remember that You are always with me, watching over me, protecting me, and You have my best interests in mind. When I seek You, I will find You, and Your Spirit will make Your heart known to me. I submit myself to You, and ask You to direct my paths (Proverbs 3:5-6). Strengthen me to run with perseverance the race You have marked out for me (Hebrews 12:1). Please guide me down that path.

 A Message from God’s Heart to Yours:

I am never too busy to listen to you. I am available to you all hours of the day and night. I never slumber nor sleep (Psalm 121:4). I constantly work all things together for your good (Romans 8:28). If you lack wisdom, ask Me. I give generously to all without finding fault. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt (James 1:5-6). Ask and it will be given to you (Matthew 7:7).

Whatever situation you face, I have the answer. I will teach you from My Word. My Word is a lamp for your feet, a light on your path (Psalm 119:105). Meditate on it day and night and it will become clearer to you. My Spirit helps you understand My Word. I will instruct you with the truth and in My perfect timing. I will lead you on the path I have prepared for you and marked out for you. I will keep you in My sight at all times. My lovingkindness will surround you; I will protect you on every side. You will experience My peace and joy, even in your biggest trials.

I have plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Call on Me and I will listen to you. Seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart (Jeremiah 29:11-14). When you ask for anything according to My will, have faith and believe I will give you what you asked for (Mark 11:22-24).  

I know the future and I know what’s best for you. My Spirit will guide you into all truth and tell you what is yet come (John 16:13). He will help you discern between truth and falsehoods. He will equip you for the plans I have made for you. He will empower you to carry out the purpose for which I created you. He will warn you of dangers that lie ahead. He will encourage you to live in a manner that will bring glory to Me. Pay attention to My Spirit within and your ears will hear My voice saying, “This is the way, walk in it” (Isaiah 30:21).

I reveal things to you by My Spirit; He knows the deep things of My heart and freely gives them to you (1 Corinthians 2:10-14). Blessed are you when you wait on Me! (Isaiah 30:18). Even when you do not know what to ask for, the Holy Spirit intercedes for you according to My will (Romans 8:26-27).   

Come to Me and listen to Me. I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with My loving eye on you (Psalm 32:8). Trust in Me alone. When you do not follow My instructions, there will be consequences. Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but My unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in Me (Psalm 32:10). Do not be too hasty to make your own decisions and walk in your own way.  In the end, your pride will reap you a harvest of destruction (Proverbs 16:18). Every decision you make is an important one, big or small. Involve Me in each one

Trust in Me with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Me and I will make your paths straight (Proverbs 3:5-6). Do not run ahead and try to fix things on your own. You’ll most assuredly be disappointed in the end. Exercise forbearance and wait on Me. I will act on your behalf (Isaiah 64:4). When you walk down the path I place you on, your obedience will lead to blessings. Your best blessings are the result of listening to My voice and following My instructions. You are never alone. I am with you always. Why try to do things on your own? Listen to My voice and follow Me (John 10:27).

Prayer:

Lord, I am so blessed by Your Spirit within me who teaches me all things, even the deep things of Your heart. I am so looking forward to hearing more of Your heart for me today. Lord, please speak to me as I seek You wholeheartedly today. I want to do Your will. I desire to know Your plans for me. Lord, please let me in on the next step in the race. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Two-way Conversation with God: 

  • Father God, I know You want the best for me. Lord, please show me what that means for me personally in my current challenge of _______________ (fill in the blank). (Write down all thoughts and impressions you have in this moment.)

 

  • Jesus, You are the way maker. Please show me the way to Your heart. What must I do to get on the path to a deeper relationship with You? (Record everything you hear.)

 

  • Holy Spirit, You are my Helper and my Counselor. Please counsel me with the wisdom of God and help me know which way I should turn in my current dilemma or decision to make: ______________ (fill in the blank). (Listen to His voice in your thoughts and journal whatever pops into your mind.

 

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:

Most Holy One, I stand in awe that I can approach Your throne of grace anytime of the day or night. Thank You for being available to me 24/7/365. I desire to know Your wisdom and Your will in all circumstances. Lord, Your eyes are forever on me; you know my coming and my going. Holy Spirit, I submit my spirit to Your leading. Please direct my paths and help me discern God’s will and His ways. I will meditate on Your Word and receive my instruction from You. Holy Spirit, bring understanding as I read it. Point me to the Scripture You want me to know and cherish in my heart for today. In the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord. Amen.

Supporting Scripture:

Psalm 121:1-4, 4I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? 2My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. 3He will not let your foot slip—He who watches over you will not slumber; 4indeed, He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

Psalm 32:8-11, 8I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with My loving eye on you. 9Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you. 10Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in Him. 11Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!

Psalm 119:105, Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

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

Proverbs 16:18, Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.

Isaiah 30:18, Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore He will rise up to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for Him!

Isaiah 30:21, Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”

Jeremiah 29:11-14, 11“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12Then you will call on Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. 13You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart. 14I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity.”

Matthew 7:7-8, 7“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”

Mark 11:22-24, 22“Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. 23“Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea.’ And does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. 24Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”

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

John 16:13, But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on His own; he will speak only what He hears, and He will tell you what is yet come.

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

1 Corinthians 2:10-14, 10These are the things God has revealed to us by His Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. 11For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way, no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 12What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us. 13This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words. 14The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.

Hebrews 12:1-3, 1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

James 1:5-8, 5If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 6But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.

Copyright © Sindy Nagel. All Rights Reserved

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 23 – Trust in Me

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 23

Trust in Me

Almighty God, I lay down my false sense of security and control, to the One who knows all things and is in control of all things. I trust in You with all my heart and submit to You in all my ways (Proverbs 3:5-6). I put my confidence in Your promise that you will work all things together for my good (Romans 8:28). I trust You with my life. You have proven Yourself faithful in all things to all generations.

A Message from God’s Heart to Yours:

My humble child, I delight in you. In your weakness, you are strong in Me (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). Your life is but a vapor, a momentary breath. The sooner you learn to trust Me with all your heart, the better your life will be. I understand how difficult it is to lay down your life and submit yourself fully to Me. But I will not let you down. I do not ask you to trust in humans or the things of this earth, but trust in My name alone. 

I have proven Myself faithful to a thousand generations of those who love Me. I am the one True God, Creator and sustainer of all life. I am capable. I see the big picture, I know the future, and I know what is best for you. I know the plans I have for you, to prosper you; to give you hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). My intentions for you are good. My ways are perfect and just (Deuteronomy 32:4).

Take delight in Me and I will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to Me and I will make your reward shine like the dawn (Psalm 37:3-6). My love reaches to the heavens and My faithfulness to the skies (Psalm 57:10).

I am trustworthy in all I promise and faithful in all I do. I uphold all who fall and lift up all who are bowed down. I give you your food at the proper time and satisfy your desires. I am righteous in all My ways and faithful in all I do. I am near to all who call on Me in truth (Psalm 145:13-18). I have shown My faithfulness to generations upon generations of My people, those who call Me their Lord and put their trust in Me.

Trust in Me with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Me, and I will make your paths straight (Proverbs 3:5-6). I will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in Me. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord Himself, is the Rock eternal (Isaiah 26:3-4).

I am the God of hope. I fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Me, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13). I love you, My child, and I will take care of you. I know you better than you know yourself. I know what is best for you and I give you everything you need. I will satisfy all your longings and provide for all your desires. I strengthen you and protect you. My power is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Exercise your faith. Put your confidence in what you hope for and your assurance in what you do not see. Though you do not see Me, I am with you always. I will never leave you or forget about you (Joshua 1:5). The better you know Me, the more confidence you gain in Me. To know Me better, meet with Me alone daily. Listen to My voice within you, as I love you, guide you, comfort you and protect you. Remain in Me as I also remain in you (John 15:4) 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). Ask Me, and then, trust Me.

Prayer:

Father in heaven, as I know You better and know Your heart better each time we meet, I gain more and more confidence in You and Your faithfulness. In the flesh, many times I default to my own abilities, instead of trusting in Your Almighty power. But when I do muster my faith, and put my confidence in You, I am able to throw down mountains of fear and worry, because I am safe and secure in You. Lord, please share Your heart with Me today, and expose my weaknesses in the areas of trusting in You. Calm my fears and anxieties and replace them with peace and hope found in You alone. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Two-way Conversation with God:

  • Father God, please tell me what You want me to know about my level of trust in You. (Record the thoughts God gives you now.)

 

  • Lord Jesus Christ, give me an idea where I am lacking in trusting You completely. Give me the confidence that I need to put my trust in You for all things. Tell me what I need to hear. (Write the ideas, words, and thoughts that enter your mind.)

 

  • Holy Spirit, convict my heart where I lack in faith and empower me to submit myself totally and completely to the Lord for Him to provide for all my desires, wants, and needs. Reveal to me today what I need to do to more fully trust in the Lord for everything. (Journal your thoughts and impressions.)

 

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 Lord, my Lord, empower me to submit myself fully to You. I confidently place my trust in You to meet all my needs for essentials and inessentials. Lord, I trust You to provide everything I need and protect me from all evil and the evil one. Lord, You are my warrior who fights for me. Deliver me now from all fears, insecurities, lies, vows, and bondages, and set me free with Your everlasting truth. I place my hope and trust in You. Thank You for Your grace, mercy, peace and love. I love You too, my Lord, with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Let my confidence in You be evident as a witness in my words and actions. Let me actively live out my trust in You. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Supporting Scripture:

Deuteronomy 7:9, Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; He is the faithful God, keeping His covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commandments.

Deuteronomy 32:4, He is the Rock, His works are perfect, and all His ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is He.

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 nor forsake you.

Psalm 9:10, Those who know Your name trust in You, for You, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek You.

Psalm 13:5-6, But I trust in Your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in Your salvation I will sing the Lord’s praise, for He has been good to me.

Psalm 18:25, To the faithful, You show Yourself faithful, to the blameless You show Yourself blameless.

Psalm 20:7, Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.

Psalm 31:6, I hate those who cling to worthless idols; as for me, I trust in the Lord.

Psalm 33:4, For the word of the Lord is right and true; He is faithful in all He does.

Psalm 37:3-6, Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. 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 40:4-5, Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods. Many, Lord my God, are the wonders You have done, the things You planned for us. None can compare with You; were I to speak and tell of Your deeds, they would be too many to declare.

Psalm 40:11, Do not withhold Your mercy from me, Lord; may your love and faithfulness always protect me.

Psalm 56:3-4, When I am afraid, I put my trust in You. In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals to do me?

Psalm 57:10, For great is Your love, reaching to the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches to the skies.

Psalm 62:8, Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge.

Psalm 100:5, For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.

Psalm 117:2, For great is His love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord.

Psalm 118:8, It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans.

Psalm 125:1, Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever.

Psalm 145:13-18, 13Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and Your dominion endures through all generations. The Lord is trustworthy in all He promises and faithful in all He does. 14The Lord upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. 15The eyes of all look to You, and You give them their food at the proper time. 16You open Your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing. 17The Lord is righteous in all His ways and faithful in all He does. 18The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth.

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 paths straight.

Isaiah 26:3-4, You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord Himself, is the Rock eternal.

Isaiah 28:16, So this is what the Sovereign Lord says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic.”

Jeremiah 17:7-8, “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out it roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes, its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”

Jeremiah 29:11-14, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity.”

Jeremiah 39:17-18, “But I will rescue you on that day, declares the Lord; you will not be given into the hands of those you fear. I will save you; you will not fall by the sword but will escape with your life, because you trust in Me, declares the Lord.”

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.

Romans 15:13, May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

1 Corinthians 10:13, No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10, But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

2 Thessalonians 3:3, But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.

1 Peter 2:6, For in Scripture it says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in Him will never be put to shame.” (Isaiah 28:16)

Hebrews 11:1, Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

Hebrews 13:5, …“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

Revelation 19:11, I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice He judges and wages war.

Copyright © Sindy Nagel. All Rights Reserved.

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 13 – I am Your Champion

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 13 – I am Your Champion

Lord Jesus, I am most intrigued by Your title Champion. It is such a positive, powerful description of Your character. The word Champion itself implies Winner, Victor. You are a Winner! You are a Victor! You were victorious over sin, death, and the grave. You came to earth, taking on the flesh of a man, and yet You remained without sin. Spectacular! Lord, please explain to me Your heart for being my Champion. What does that look like to You?

 A Message from God’s Heart to Yours:

 I am Yahweh, your warrior God. I am victorious over all things. I win every battle. I love you and care for you so much that I fight your battles for you, on your behalf. I am with you always. I am your Protector, Defender, Guardian, and Advocate.

 I am your Protector. I dress you in my full armor so that when the day of evil comes you will be strong and stand your ground against the devil’s schemes. I protect you from all evil and the evil one. Stand firm with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, the breastplate of righteousness in place and your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. Take up the shield of faith and extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit on all occasions. (See Ephesians 6:10-18).

 I am your Defender. I care for you and stand up for you. I defend the weak and powerless. I am the Great Shepherd who cares for His sheep. I defend My sheep against the perils of life. I slay the bear and the wolf. I lay down My life for the sheep (John 10:11) to keep them safe and free from harm. I laid down My life for you because I love you so deeply.

 I am your Guardian. I take care of you. I am concerned about you at all times. I always do what is best for you. I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and give you hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). I protect you from the snares of the enemy. I stand watch over you in the night hours making sure you remain safe. I never slumber or sleep.

 I am your Advocate. I plead your case day and night before My Father in heaven. I live forever and I live to intercede for you. I am your Great High Priest, seated at the right hand of God. I am the One who saves completely.

 Champion is an all-encompassing word that helps describe the way I feel about you. I love you so much, I want to protect you from all evil. I go before you and behind you. I stand at your side in support of you through all your battles and challenges. I defend your causes and plea your cases. I am your biggest cheerleader, and I care about every aspect of your life.

Prayer:

Dear God, I am humbled again by the greatness of Your love for me. You care about me when no one else does. You watch over me day and night to protect me from all perils. Your eyes are always upon me and Your ears are always attentive to my cry (1 Peter 3:12). Lord, thank You for loving me, caring for me, protecting me, defending me, guarding me, and being my Champion. I am so blessed to be Your child, to be loved by You. I scarce can take it in. Please continue to speak to me now as we spend a few moments together alone. Allow me to clearly hear Your voice and thoughts within me. Eliminate all distractions and help me focus my heart in the direction of Yours. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.

 Two-way Conversation with God: 

  • Warrior God, help me understand how You fight for me daily. (Record the thoughts He gives you.)

 

  • Jesus, my Good Shepherd, please describe to me how You take care of me as Your sheep. (Write all words and ideas given to you right now.)

 

  • Holy Spirit, my Advocate, intercede for me and give me access to God’s heart for me with regard to a current battle I face. (Record all thoughts and impressions you receive.)

 

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

 

 Prayer:

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, thank You for meeting with me to share more of Your heart with me and for me. I am so grateful for Your omniscience, omnipotence, omnipresence in my life. You know all, control all, and inhabit all. I am so blessed to have You, the Almighty Warrior God, on my side, in my corner. Thank You for Your protection, defense, and intercession. I am eternally grateful that You care for me so completely and thoroughly, meeting all my needs and desires. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

 Supporting Scripture:

Warrior:

Exodus 15:2-3, “The Lord is my strength and defense; He has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise Him, my father’s God, and I will exalt Him. The Lord is a warrior; the Lord is His name.

Jeremiah 20:11, But the Lord is with me like a mighty warrior; so my persecutors will stumble and not prevail.

2 Corinthians 10:3-5, For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretention that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

He Protects:

Psalm 32:7, You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance

Psalm 40:11, Do not withhold your mercy from me, Lord; may your love and faithfulness always protect me.

Psalm 41:1-3, Blessed are those who have regard for the weak; the Lord delivers them in times of trouble. The Lord protects and preserves them—they are counted among the blessed in the land—he does not give them over to the desire of their foes. The Lord sustains them on their sickbed and restores them from their bed of illness.

Proverbs 2:7-8, He hold success in store for the upright, He is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for He guards the course of the just and protects the way of His faithful ones.

John 10:10-11, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.”

John 17:11-15, “I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of Your name, the name You gave Me, so that they may be one as We are One. While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name You gave Me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled. “I am coming to You now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of My joy within them. I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that You take them out of the world but that You protect them from the evil one.”

2 Thessalonians 3:3, But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.

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

He Defends:

Psalm 82:3-4, Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.

Psalm 119:154, Defend my cause and redeem me; preserve my life according to your promise.

Isaiah 41:10, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Isaiah 41:13, “For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.”

Jeremiah 50:34, Yet their Redeemer is strong; the Lord Almighty is His name. He will vigorously defend their cause so that He may bring rest to their land, but unrest to those who live in Babylon.

Jeremiah 22:16, “He defended the cause of the poor and needy, and so all went well. Is that not what it means to know Me?” declares the Lord.

He Guards:

Jeremiah 29:11-14, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity.”

1 Peter 3:12, For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and His ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.

He Advocates:

Hebrews 7:24-26, But because Jesus lives forever, He has a permanent priesthood. Therefore He is able to save completely those who come to God through Him, because He always lives to intercede for them. Such a high priest truly meets our need—One who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens.

Copyright © Sindy Nagel. All Rights Reserved

Put One Foot in Front of the Other


A woman is standing at the microphone and holding a pen.“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity.” (Jeremiah 29:11-14)

Daughter of the King—You are seeing the fruits of your labor. You have been faithful to completing this task I have given you. Your obedience is appreciated. You have done your part for the moment. The next step is in my hands. Leave it to me. I am in control. I am with you. Listen to me and follow my lead. I will make things happen for you in a way that I will receive all the glory. I have chosen you for a reason. Be patient. I will act when the time is right. Keep pressing forward. Do not be overwhelmed. Put one foot in front of the other each day and make progress in the work I have for you. Your reward will be worth the wait. I am in control of all things. You are in my sight. I will not leave you alone to face the wolves of this world. They will bow down to me. Remain humble and obedient to your call. I will produce fruit ten-, fifty-, one-hundred fold. It matters not that you have a small following. You have a great God who is in your court cheering for you. Be faithful and committed to your work. The time may come when your time will go. Remain true to me and maintain your relationship with me. Do not forget who has called you to this. Tune in to me. I will let you in on my plans. My plan is to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you hope and a future. Your future is secure with me.