Tag Archive | glory

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 26 – Rescuer and Redeemer

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 26 

Rescuer and Redeemer

Lord, I have firsthand knowledge of You as my Rescuer and Redeemer. You rescued me from a life of sin and mediocrity. You redeemed me with Your own life to free me from the bondage of sin. You delivered me from the captivity of my enemy’s lies, and pulled me up out of the pit of depression. You set my feet on solid ground and began the rebuilding process in me. You exchanged the lies I believed for your perfect truth, and built up my faith and confidence in You. You prepared me to fulfill the purpose You created me for and gave me a new reason to live. Thank You for loving me enough to rescue me and redeem me from the life I created for myself.

A Message from God’s Heart to Yours:

My beloved child, I am so excited that you recognize, appreciate, and bear witness to My transforming work in your life. With My own outstretched arms, I have lifted you up out of the muck and mire. I set your feet on solid ground—My firm foundation—and I began the rebuilding process in you. You have gone to difficult places, brokenness in your heart, and allowed Me to heal you with My truth. You have been set free, so now you are free indeed.

You have put Me first in your life by remaining in close relationship with Me. You meet with Me, pray to Me, listen to Me, and obey Me. I cherish you, and I treasure the time we spend together in the Spirit. As a child that runs home from school and throws open the door to tell his family about his day, I can’t wait for you to run through the door to our secret meeting place, where I can hold you in My arms and encourage you with My love and support.

On those days when you have been bullied and underappreciated, I love to uphold you and support you through your challenges. When you are knocked down, I pick you back up, and strengthen your spirit. When your soul has been depleted, I refresh you with a new filling of My Spirit, and a new meal of My bread from heaven. I nourish your soul and quench your thirst. I am your All in All. I am everything you need.

I rescue you from the mundane and give you meaning and purpose for your life, doing the work I have prepared in advance for you to do (Ephesians 2:10). I redeemed your life of sin and rebellion and exchanged it for a life of holiness and righteousness for the glory of My name’s sake. I rescued you because I delighted in you (Psalm 18:19). You are My beloved child, even My heir. All that I have belongs to you. I am a loving Father who desires a deeper intimacy with you. I created you to love you, and I saved you, so that you could love Me and relate to Me. Let’s get together again soon, My friend. I have so much more of My heart to share with you.

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, I camp on the verse from Psalm 49:15 that says, “But God will redeem me from the realm of the dead; He will surely take me to Himself.” Lord, You have so graciously done that for me and I am forever grateful to You. Thank You for rescuing me from my own dead inner spirit, and producing new life in me by the indwelling presence and power of Your Holy Spirit. Please speak to me now and share Your heart with me today. In the power of Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Two-way Conversation with God: 

  • Father, thank You for reaching down to rescue me from a life that did not glorify You as You deserve. Please share with me Your heart and Your reason for saving me. (Record all the thoughts and ideas He gives you.)

 

  • Jesus, thank You for paying the price of my redemption. Please share Your heart with me on what You want me to do with this information. (Write all ideas that pop into your head right now.)

 

  • Holy Spirit, enable me to enjoy a closer walk with You by opening my ears to hear what You share with me now. (Jot down all words and thoughts that come to mind.)

 

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

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for sharing Your heart and thoughts with me just now. I appreciate the closeness I feel when we meet. Help me to feel Your presence with me even when I don’t hear Your voice in my thoughts. You remind me that You are always with me; You never leave me or forget about me (Joshua 1:5). You are with me at all times, speaking to me and guiding me in the way I should go. I appreciate the love and affection You poured out on me today. Thank You for sharing your heart with me. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Supporting Scripture:

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

Job 19:25, I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end He will stand on the earth.

Psalm 18:16-19, 16He reached down from on high and took hold of me; He drew me out of deep waters. 17He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me. 18They confronted me in the day of my disaster, but the Lord was my support. 19He brought me out into a spacious place; He rescued me because He delighted in me.

Psalm 19:14, May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

Psalm 34:22, The Lord will rescue His servants; no one who takes refuge in Him will be condemned.

Psalm 44:26, Rise up and help us; rescue us because of your unfailing love.

Psalm 49:15, But God will redeem me from the realm of the dead; He will surely take me to Himself.

Psalm 69:14, Rescue me from the mire, do not let me sink; deliver me from those who hate me, from the deep waters.

Psalm 91:14-16, 14“Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges My name. 15He will call on Me and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. 16With long life I will satisfy him and show him My salvation.”

Psalm 103:2-5, 2Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all His benefits–3who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, 4who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, 5who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

Isaiah 44:6, “This is what the Lord says—Israel’s King and Redeemer, the Lord Almighty: I am the first and I am the last; apart from Me there is no God.”

Isaiah 48:17-18, 17This is what the Lord says—your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go. 18If only you had paid attention to My commands, your peace would have been like a river, your well-being like the waves of the sea.”

Isaiah 59:20, “The Redeemer will come to Zion, to those in Jacob who repent of their sins,” declares the Lord.

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

Daniel 6:26-27, “For He is the living God and He endures forever; His kingdom will not be destroyed. His dominion will never end. He rescues and He saves; He performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth. He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions.”

Galatians 4:4-7, 4But when the set time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. 6Because you are His sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” 7So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are His child, God has made you also an heir.

Ephesians 1:7-8, In Him we have redemption thorough His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that He lavished on us.

Ephesians 2:10, For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Ephesians 4:30, And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

Colossians 1:13-14, For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

1 Thessalonians 1:10, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.

Titus 2:11-14, For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for Himself a people that are His very own, eager to do what is good.

1 Peter 1:18-19, For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.

2 Peter 2:9, If this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment.

Copyright © Sindy Nagel. All Rights Reserved

Thanksgiving Day 2017

By Sindy Nagel

 

I’m thankful for my God above

And for Jesus, His own Son

I’m grateful for the Holy Spirit

The Godhead, Three-in-One

 

I give Him thanks for His great love

It’s deeper than I know

I thank Him that He’s always present

Everywhere I go

 

I’m grateful for His promises

To be my strength and peace

I’m thankful that He hears me

When I get on my knees

 

I appreciate His promptings

To be more like His Son

I’m grateful for His guidance

His truth and great wisdom

 

I thank You, Lord, this special day

Thanksgiving Two O Seventeen

For being the most loving Daddy

That this world has ever seen

 

I bless You now as You bless me

You are my Number One

From the first light every morning

Until each day is done

 

You meet my needs and my wants

More abundantly than I ask

You’re attentive to my longings

I know that’s no small task

 

Father, Son, and Holy Ghost

I praise You for all You do

May my life be a witness

Bringing glory and honor to You

 

Happy Thanksgiving to My Father,

To Your Spirit and Jesus too

I’m grateful for Your sacrifice

And for everything You do!


 

Three Gifts for Christmas


A woman is standing at the microphone and holding a pen.Great things come in threes. God gives Christ followers many awesome gifts, too numerous to mention here, but the greatest are these three: 1) God the Father, 2) Jesus the Son, and 3) God the Holy Spirit—a.k.a. the Trinitarian, Three-In-One God.

God, the Father, sent His One and Only Son, Jesus Christ, to earth to: 1) be born of a virgin, 2) walk the earth in the flesh as a man, and 3) die on the cross as a sacrificial lamb of atonement for the sins of all people. Jesus was buried in a borrowed tomb. He descended into hell to bear the punishment for all our sins. Three days later, God: 1) raised Jesus from the dead, 2) seated Him next to Himself at His right hand, and 3) placed all things under His feet, appointing Jesus to be head over everything (Eph. 1:22).

Matthew narrates the Christmas story highlighting the visit from the Magi in Matthew 2:9-11,

After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the Child with His mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.

Again, the number three triumphs. The wise men from the east bowed down and worshiped the Christ child. They presented Him with three treasured gifts: 1) gold, 2) incense, and 3) myrrh.

As you honor Jesus this Christmas by giving gifts to family and friends, bosses and co-workers, employees and charities, think about what three gifts you could present directly to the Christ child. Will it be,

1)     love, obedience, and trust,

2)     glory, praise, and worship, or

3)     tithes, offerings, and service?

Whatever you decide, you can’t out-give God. He already demonstrated the great depth of His love for you by giving the ultimate gift—the birth and death of His Son, Jesus Christ, as payment for your sin.

Perhaps you could honor the Christ child today with these three gifts: 1) your time, 2) your attentiveness, and 3) your discerning ears.

1)     Make TIME to BE STILL with God today.

2)     Escape the crowds and noise, and FOCUS your attention on Him only.

3)     LISTEN to the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit within.

God loves you more than you will ever comprehend. He wants to spend time with you, showing you and telling you. In your quiet time with Jesus today, bow down and worship the King on His birthday. Present Him with your three gifts: 1) time, 2) attentiveness, and 3) listening ears. It is better to give AND receive JESUS.

My three gifts to God and you today are three FREE Kindle books, 1) Manna for Today, 2) 7 Simple Steps to Hearing God’s Voice, and 3) 7 Roadblocks to Hearing God Speak. Download your three FREE Kindle books today, in honor of Jesus Christ, my King.

Manna for Todayhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B019T6OWTU

7 Simple Steps to Hearing God’s Voice https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017XXKPYM

7 Roadblocks to Hearing God Speakhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M10Z420

 

In the love and service of Christ,

Sindy Nagel

Author/Speaker/Blogger

 

 

Let Your Praises Ring

Praise the Lord, O my soul

Everything in me sings your praise

All my heart, soul, mind, and strength

Will praise you all of my days

 

Praise the Lord, O ye heavens

Praise the Lord, ye earth below

He is worthy of all glory

He is awesome, this I know

 

Before I rise in the morning

Let His praises be on my lips

And when I fall into bed at night

Let the praise in my heart do flips

 

Every moment I will praise Him

For He is my EVERY thing

Let admiration flow from my mouth

As my tongue His praises sing

 

I lift my hands in holy praise

To the Almighty God above

I delight myself in the Lord of lords

And He fills my heart with love

 

The One Who bore my sin and shame

Deserves the best words I can shout

His praise flows from within my soul

And through my lips pours out

 

He is my guardian and my friend

My trusted confidant

He provides me all I’ll ever need

Much more than I shall want

 

I thank Him for His Spirit

He placed within my heart

Who seals me for the final day

When this earth I will depart

 

I hear His voice within me

He whispers in my ear

“I am with you always…

There is no need to fear”

 

If Jesus is your Savior

The Lord of what you do

Just make the time to listen

And you will hear Him too

 

Escape the crowds and noise of life

And to the Lord draw near

Pay attention to the thoughts you think

His still, small voice you’ll hear

 

He speaks to us through Scripture

When we find ourselves in need

He counsels us in God’s good ways

And convicts us of our misdeed

 

He is our hope and healing

Our anchor in the storm

When battles rage against us

He keeps us safe and warm

 

Do not forsake your time with God

He wants to be your friend

To speak with you throughout your day

From the day’s beginning to its end

 

Pay attention to His voice within

As you walk out your faith today

Be conscious of His words to you

I bet you’ll hear Him say:

 

“My child, I love you more than life

You are My special lamb

I want to be Your Shepherd

And show you Who I AM…

 

I’m your light in the darkness

I’m your stronghold in the war

I’m your comfort in your sorrow

I’m the angel at your door

 

I give you food and shelter

I protect you from your foe

I speak the truth within your heart

The things that you should know

 

I hear you when you call Me

I’m with you in all you do

And when you cannot find the strength

You can be sure I’ll carry you

 

Trust in Me, obey My words

And I will see you through

I do not ask you to perform

Without preparing you

 

And when My work you’ve carried out

My joy is your reward

Let your praises ring, let Me hear you sing

‘Halleluiah to the Lord!’”


 

My Spirit Lives in You

My Spirit Lives in You

by Sindy Nagel

I am your refuge and your strength
Your shelter in the storm
I walk beside you in your trials
I keep you safe and warm

I formed you in your mother’s womb
You’re engraved upon my palms
Never will I leave your side
Let go of all your qualms

Your life rests in my loving arms
I will take care of you
I know the number of your days
And I will see you through

My Spirit lives deep in your heart
He is a faithful friend
Your close companion every day
‘til I come back again

Listen to My voice within
I whisper in your mind
Words of wisdom, love, and truth
Seek and you will find

I’ll comfort you and counsel you
My words are always true
My Spirit leads you on the path
That I’ve marked out for you

He will not speak on His own
But does what He should do
He takes from Me what is Mine
And makes it known to you

He tells My story for My glory
Bringing honor to My name
‘til all the world knows who I am
Will you now do the same?

Love Me with all your heart,
Your strength, mind, and soul
Love your neighbor as yourself
Make this your foremost goal

Love Me and obey My words
I’ll show Myself to you
Your life will radiate My light
In everything you do

I will never leave your side
Or forget that you are Mine
My Spirit dwells deep in your heart
I’m with you all the time

If only you could understand
What’s right within your reach
The depth of My great love for you
My Spirit’s here to teach

How far and wide, how tall and deep
My love for you does go
You’re always in My heart and mind
If only you could know

Take time, My love, to sit with Me
And listen to My voice
Forget the list of things to do
And drown out all the noise

You know My voice, You are my sheep
By name, I call to you
Open the ears within your heart
My Spirit lives in you


 

Find Your Way in Me

The Lord has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all (Psalm 103:19).

Blessed one, I am your Creator and you are the crown of My creation. You reflect My glory. I adopted you as My very own child. You belong to Me.

I established My throne in heaven and My kingdom rules over all. I am the God of your father and his father before him. My power and authority ruled over all the generations before you and will continue to rule over all generations to come.

I will shepherd you as My sheep. I will gather you in My arms and carry you close to My heart. I will gently lead you down paths already marked out for you. You will listen to Me and follow Me because you know My voice. My ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

I am the Most High; the Sovereign Lord of the universe, ruler of everything in heaven and on earth. I rebuke the wind and the waves. I protect you in the storm. Now rest in Me; I am in control of all things. Trust in Me; I keep My promises. Rely on Me; your strength and power come from Me alone.

You are My child whom I love deeply. Drink from the depths of My love and find your way in Me.

 

Also see:

2 Corinthians 3:18, Ephesians 1:5, Isaiah 40:11, John 10:4, John 10:27, Isaiah 55:9

Are You Ready?


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

My Soul Yearns for You

My soul yearns for You in the night; in the morning my spirit longs for You. (Isaiah 26:9)

 

My Soul Yearns for You

By Sindy Nagel

 

 

In the dark hours in the mid of night

My soul yearns for You my King.

In the early morning hours of light

For You does my spirit sing.

 

 

And all the hours throughout the day

You are present in my heart.

When I’m uncertain of my way

You show me where to start.

 

 

Your Spirit is my comfort source

My wisdom and my guide.

You lead me through the open doors

And never leave my side.

 

 

My Counselor, my Confidant,

My Mentor, and my Friend.

You speak to my every need and want

When to You, my ears I lend.

 

 

Your still, small voice I long to hear

Throughout the day and night.

I know that You are always near

In my sorrow, joy, and fright.

 

 

You yearn for me, as I yearn for You

You see the void in my soul.

You wait for me to want for You

To fill the God-shaped hole.

 

 

Please come to me, satisfy my need

As only You can do.

Pour into me and lavishly feed

My desperate soul with You.

 

 

I realize, Lord, you are the One

That I long for day and night.

I thank you, Father, Spirit, Son

That I’m always in Your sight.

 

 

You created me to bring you praise

You’re the author of my story.

You’ve saved me in a thousand ways

Forever I’ll give You glory.


 

His Love is Better than Life

O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. (Psalm 63:1-4)

O Lord, my Lord, your love is better than life. I raise my hands to you and my lips glorify you with praise. I eagerly seek you as a priceless treasure. I long for you like water in the desert. My soul thirsts to know you more intimately. My debt of gratitude wells up deep inside me for your amazing works of grace and the kindness you have shown me. I am the Lord’s temple, the dwelling place of your Spirit. All my days are lived out in your glorious presence. Speak to me, O God, and let me hear your voice within me. I am excited to learn your wisdom and your ways. Teach me what I need to know. Give me understanding that comes from you alone. I am your servant. Set my feet on the path you have marked out for me. Run with me on the adventure you created me for. You are my life. I will find my joy and peace in knowing you. You are the living God who dwells in me. All praise, honor, and glory to you, my King. I love you more than life.


 

 

Working in You


In all my prayers for you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:4-6)

Mountain Grandeur A woman is standing at the microphone and holding a pen.© Greg Olsen. Used with Permission. For more information visit, www.GregOlsen.com 

My precious child, I created you for a purpose, and I have begun a good work in you. I will continue to work in you and through you until the day Christ returns. You were made in my image from day one, and now that you have been reconciled to me through Christ, the Holy Spirit dwelling in you continues to transform you into my likeness. May you be filled with the fruit of righteousness, remaining pure and blameless until the day of Christ. Whatever you do, do it to the glory of God. Let your countenance and your actions reflect my love in all situations. You are my ambassadors of love. Let the world see who lives in you. Love out loud, sharing the message of the gospel wherever life takes you. Bring others to me as they see you walking out your faith. You are my beloved one. Be my warrior, courageous and fearless, as you fight for the souls that are lost. Let the joy of Christ in your heart overflow, touching every one you meet. I have blessed you to be a blessing to others. Go and bless my world.

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