Tag Archive | heart

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 15 – My Peace I Give You

Apr6

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 15 – My Peace I Give You

Dear Jesus, please calm my fears and anxieties. Replace the angst and worry with Your calming reassurance and peace. Help me to know and feel Your perfect peace that passes all understanding. Give me the confidence of knowing You are in control of all things, and You will take care of me and my loved ones. Remind me of Your perfect love and protection. 

A Message from God’s Heart to Yours:

My child, do not fear, do not be afraid. I am God, and I am in control of all things (Psalm 103:19). I will take care of you and your loved ones. You may depend on Me for all your needs, in all situations. No matter what challenges you face, I will be with you, sustaining you and strengthening you to walk victoriously through your trials. Remain in Me and I will remain in you (John 15:5).

 I am the Prince of Peace. My name is Peace. You have access to My peace at all times through My Spirit within you. The Holy Spirit is My peace I leave with you (John 14:27). Find your tranquility and respite as you remain with Me in the secret place. In the stillness, I will quiet your fears and apprehensions. Be still and know that I am God (Psalm 46:10). I am your refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1).

Trust in Me with all your heart. I will supply all your needs (Philippians 4:19). Do not doubt My faithfulness; I am true to My promises. Come to Me with your burdens. Lay them at My feet and do not pick them up again. I will carry your burdens for you and give you a lighter load. Take My yoke upon you, for My yoke is easy and My burden is light (Matthew 11:28-30).

 Seek Me in all you do. Submit yourself to Me. Come near to Me and I will come near to you (James 4:7-8). I am your Rock and Refuge (2 Samuel 22:2-3). I am your stronghold in times of trouble. Find your confidence and reassurance in Me. I will shelter you and protect you. I will rescue you and uphold you. You are mine, and I will take care of you. I have your best interests in mind, therefore, you may be at peace in your mind and in your heart. I will be with you always, my beloved one.

Prayer:

 Dear Lord, I confess my lack of faith and trust in You which is evident in my worry and anxiety. I submit myself to You now Lord, and ask that You change my negative thoughts into belief and confidence in Your eternal promises. I thank You for caring for me so completely. You meet all my needs and You give me the desires of my heart. I may trust You with my life because You are faithful and true to Your promises. My heart and mind are at peace when I am with You. You calm all my fears and worries. I cast them on You. Thank You for carrying the weight of my burdens. I am excited to meet with You now and hear more of Your heart for me. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

 Two-way Conversation with God: 

  • Father God, please describe to me how I may take refuge in You. (Record the thoughts He gives you.)

 

  • Jesus, please share with me how to know and feel Your perfect peace. (Write the words, impressions, and verses that come to mind.)

 

  • Holy Spirit, You are my inner peace. Help me tap into that peace by reminding me of Your work in my soul. (Jot down the thoughts that pop into your 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:

Lord God Almighty, thank You for sharing Your heart with me now. I am so blessed to be able to communicate with You daily and know deeper places of Your heart. Bless me now with Your peace because I am confident in Your power. You are the Sovereign Lord, ruler of all the universe, and I can depend on You for everything. You have my best interests in mind, and you provide for all my needs. There is no need for wasting time in worry. You will take care of me and my loved ones. I have nothing and no one to fear. You are my God, and I am Your beloved child. What an awesome privilege and honor. May You receive all the glory, honor and praise You are due. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Supporting Scripture:

 Numbers 6:24-26, “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.”

2 Samuel 22:2-3, The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior—from violent people You save me.

Psalm 29:11, The Lord gives strength to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace.

Psalm 46:1-3, God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountain quake with their surging.

Psalm 46:10-11, He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

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

Proverbs 14:30, A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.

Isaiah 9:6, For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 26:3, 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.

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

Luke 12:22-32, Then Jesus said to His disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have not storeroom or barn; yet God fees them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will He clothe you—you of little faith! And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek His kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.”

John 14:27, “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.”

John 15:5, “I 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.”

John 15:7, “If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”

John 16:33, “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Romans 8:6, The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.

2 Corinthians 13:11, Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.

Philippians 4:4-7, Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:19, And My God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.

Colossians 3:15, Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

2 Thessalonians 3:16, Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.

Hebrews 13:20, Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing His will, and may He work in us what is pleasing to Him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

James 4:7-8, Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and He will come near to you.

 Copyright © Sindy Nagel. All Rights Reserved

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 12 – I am Your Bridegroom

Apr3

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 12 – I am Your Bridegroom

Lord of the universe, how is it that I am considered Your bride? To what do I owe this honor, this extravagant pleasure? May I be found ready when you return to rescue me, Your bride. Lord, what does it mean to be Your bride? What do you want me to know about this privilege and calling?

A Message from God’s Heart to Yours:

My sister, My bride, you have stolen My heart. My banner over you is love (Song of Songs 4:9). Since before the beginning of time, I have thought of you and loved you. I knew you before I formed you. Before you were born, I set you apart (Jeremiah 1:5). I called you by name. You are My beloved bride and I rejoice over you with singing (Zephaniah 3:17).

 My love for you is so enormous that I was willing to lay down My life for you. A bridegroom should be willing to lay down his life for his bride. I took your place on the cross and paid the death penalty that belonged to you. I did this willingly and obediently, while you were yet a sinner (Romans 5:8). This is the full expression of My deep, unconditional, unending love for you.

 I love you so much, I gave Myself up for you to make you holy, cleansing you by the washing with water through the word, and to present you to Myself as a radiant bride, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless (Ephesians 5:25-26). I look forward to the great wedding of the Lamb. Make every effort to live a life of holiness and righteousness, so that when I come again, I will find you spotless, blameless, and at peace.

Continue to live in step with the Spirit, not giving in to the flesh, but growing in the grace and knowledge of your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; living as I would have you live, submitting yourself to Me.

As a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will I rejoice over you, My beloved. A bride prepares for days, weeks, months, even years eagerly anticipating her big wedding day, to be united to her bridegroom in holy matrimony. What are you doing in preparation for our big day? Will you be ready for Me? Will you be waiting patiently, working diligently, and eagerly watching for My return?

Yet, by My Spirit, I am already with you always, even to the end of the age. Your heart is My dwelling place. Our spirits are closely intertwined, united in love and devotion. I am your Bridegroom, and I will rejoice over you, My darling.

Prayer:

My Lord and my Master, I am so in love with You. I willingly submit myself to You as Your beloved bride. I will do my best to wait patiently for your second coming. I will work diligently at being a good witness and sharing my testimony of your goodness with those who do not yet know You as their Lord and Savior. I will eagerly watch and be ready for Your return. Thank You for giving Your life in exchange for mine. Please help me to live in step with Your Spirit, so that I may be found spotless, blameless and at peace. Putting my trust in You, gives me the confidence I need to be at peace in any and every situation. Thank You for Your love and devotion to me. May I forever be willing to return the same to You. Will You allow me to hear clearly from You again right now as we meet together in two-way conversation? In the name of Jesus, my Bridegroom, I pray. Amen.

Two-way Conversation with God: 

  • Lord, the idea of Your being my Bridegroom, gives me a picture of a deeply intimate spiritual relationship with You. Will you describe to me what that looks like to You? What do you desire for relationship with me? (Record all the thoughts the Lord brings to your mind.)

 

  • Jesus, how do I experience an intimate relationship with a spiritual being? I can’t see you or touch you. Many times, I don’t even hear your voice. Lord, what can I do to experience you in a very real and deeper way?

 

  • Lord Jesus, what would You have me do to get ready for Your return and for the wedding of the Lamb?

 

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

 

Prayer:

Jesus, You are the lover of my soul. You loved me before You knew me. You loved me before You created me. You set me apart to be Your bride. I am so humbled by this identification in You. You are my Lover, my Father, my Brother, my Friend. I cannot even grasp the depth of Your love for me. Even in my sin, You loved me so much that You gave Your life for me. Thank You, Jesus, for loving me no matter what. Please forgive my shortcomings and help me live a life more pleasing to You. Soften my spirit to enable me to submit myself fully and totally to You in all areas. There is no fear in love. Your extreme love for me affords me the ability to put my complete trust in You. I have nothing to fear when I remain in You. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Supporting Scripture:

Song of Songs 4:9-10, “You have stolen my heart, my sister, my bride; you have stolen my heart with one glance of your eyes, with one jewel of your necklace. How delightful is your love, my sister, my bride! How much more pleasing is your love than wine, and the fragrance of your perfume more than any spice.”

Jeremiah 1:5, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart…”

Zephaniah 3:17, “The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.”

Song of Songs 2:4, Let him lead me to the banquet hall, and let his banner over me be love.

Isaiah 62:5, “As a young man marries a young woman, so will your Builder marry you; as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you.”

See Matthew 25:1-13 the parable of the ten virgins – the point is to continually watch for Jesus second coming and remain in a perpetual state of readiness and an eager anticipation of His return should keep us living productively. – The Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Bible, page 1848, NIV).

Romans 5:8, But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

See Ephesians 5:21-33.

Ephesians 5:22, Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord.

Ephesians 5:25-26, Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to Himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.

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

Also see Revelation 21:2, 21:9, 22:17.

Copyright © Sindy Nagel. All Rights Reserved.

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 10 – I am Your Counselor

Apr1

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 10 – I am Your Counselor

 Dear Heavenly Father, I am so grateful that You sent me a live-in Counselor, available 24/7, who listens to me and reveals to me all Your wisdom as I need it. Please help me appreciate and take advantage of this more and more fully as I spend time with You today.

 A Message from God’s Heart to Yours:

 Look up, child. I am your loving Father. I know and want what is best for you at all times, in all circumstances. Seek Me first. Seek My counsel first, before all else. I am here for you any time of the day or night. Listen for My voice within you. I speak to you all day long, and I will speak to you in your heart, even at night, as you sleep (Psalm 16:7).

 I know you want to trust the advice of your closest friends and family. That may be okay, at times, but their advice is only as good as their personal relationship and two-way communication with Me themselves. If they are not seeking Me first on your behalf, for your best interest, their advice may be faulty as well.

 I am your Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). I am omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent. I know all things and work all things together for your good (Romans 8:28). I am in control of all things and am present by your side, even inside you, at all times. I am trustworthy and true. I have deposited My Spirit of truth in your heart. You may believe His voice inside you. He speaks the truth and shares the deepest places of My heart with you. All that I have belongs to you. My Spirit will remind you of My wisdom as needed.

 I know that many times you will react from the flesh. But I tell you the truth, live by the Spirit, in step with My Holy Spirit, and display the fruit of the Spirit at all times as He produces it and ripens it in you. Sow to please the Spirit and from the Spirit reap eternal life (Galatians 6:8).

 I teach you wisdom in the inmost place (Psalm 51:6). From your heart, My Spirit makes My truth and wisdom known to you. Do you lack wisdom? Just ask Me, and then, believe the truth I give you in your heart. Trust in Me with all your heart. Do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways, ask Me first, and I will direct your paths (Proverbs 3:5-6).

 Ask Me for anything, any time, and it’s yours. You have not, because you ask not. Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you (Matthew 7:7). Whatever you need is only away by one conversation with Me. I am here waiting for you to ask. I can’t wait to give you what you need and desire. Just ask.

 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to Me. And my peace, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6). I am your Counselor, and I care deeply about you and your well-being. Allow Me to care for you. Let Me in on your decisions. Seek My wisdom, and then, listen and obey.

 Prayer:

 Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your Spirit of truth, my live-in Counselor. Thank You for the access that Jesus’ death on the cross gave me to Your throne. I am so grateful that I may approach You in confidence to take care of all my needs and desires. Please help me hear and discern Your voice within me at this moment, as I seek You first, above all else. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Two-way Conversation with God: 

  • Lord, what do You want me to know personally about the work of Your Spirit, my Counselor? (Record your thoughts here.)

 

  • Jesus, how do I make maximum use of the Counselor inside me? (Write what Jesus says to your heart.)

 

  • Holy Spirit, how do I best live in step with You? (Jot down all words and impressions you sense at this time.)

 

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:

Mighty God, Wonderful Counselor, please grant me Your wise counsel in everything I do and say today and every day. Let my spirit be in tune with Your Spirit with every step I take. Remind me to pay attention to the voice of the Holy Spirit within me; listen and obey. Lord, I crucify the flesh when it leads me to run my own course, and I defer to the leading of Your Spirit. I submit myself to You and trust in You with all my heart. In the name of Jesus, my Lord. Amen.

Supporting Scripture:

 1 Kings 22:5, But Jehoshaphat also said to the king of Israel, “First seek the counsel of the Lord.”

2 Chronicles 18:4, But Jehoshaphat also said to the king of Israel, “First seek the counsel of the Lord.”

Psalm 16:7-8, I will praise the Lord who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I have set the Lord always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

Psalm 51:6, Surely You desire truth in the inner parts; You teach me wisdom in the inmost place.

Psalm 73:24, You guide me with Your counsel, and afterward You will take me into glory.

Proverbs 2:6, For the Lord gives wisdom, and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.

Proverbs 3:5-7, Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil.

Proverbs 8:14, Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have understanding and power.

Isaiah 9:6, For to us a child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 28:29, All this also comes from the Lord Almighty, wonderful in counsel and magnificent in wisdom.

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

John 14:15-17, “If you love Me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor to be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you will know Him, for He lives with you and will be in you.”

John 14:26-27, “But the Counselor, 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.”

John 15:26, “When the Counselor comes, who I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, He will testify about Me.”

John 16:7, “But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.”

John 16:13-15, “But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on His own; He will speak only what He hears, and He will tell you what is yet to come. He will bring glory to Me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is shy I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you.”

Galatians 6:8-10, The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

Philippians 4:6, Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

James 1:5, If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

 Copyright © Sindy Nagel. All Rights Reserved

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 9 – I am Your Comforter

Mar31

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 9 – I am Your Comforter

O God, my Comforter, soothe my heart and mind in these uncertain days and times of great loss, tremendous stress, and unbearable grief. Lord, help me feel your peace which passes all understanding, when I find myself in the pain and discomfort of situations beyond my control. Lord, why do you allow us to endure these trials and suffer through difficulty, pain, and loss?

 A Message from God’s Heart to Yours:

 My child, it is hard for you to understand, however, it is because of My extreme love for you that I allow you to endure difficult times that draw you closer to Me. When you get to the end of yourself, you’ll turn to Me. At times, you first attempt to soothe your pain with worldly pleasures and remedies, like: food, alcohol, or movie marathons. But as their calming effects fade, the pain and hardship remain, and you are still left with the challenge of getting through it. You are not alone. I am with you.

 In your pain, you will soon realize your best option is to turn to Me first. I am here for you at all times. I never leave you or forget about you (Joshua 1:5). I am your Comforter in times of sorrow and grief. My perfect love will drive out all your fears (1 John 4:18). My love for you is greater than your challenge. When you know and understand the depth of my love, you will begin to trust in Me more to walk you through your trials.  

 I am a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness (Psalm 86:15). I show compassion to all those who are afflicted and hurting. I care about you. I desire the best for you. Sometimes the best thing for you is to allow you to grow through life’s difficulties. When you experience tough times and rely on My love to get you through, you have a new faith and strength to draw on in the future. Your experience equips you better to help others through similar situations. Comfort them with the comfort you have been given (2 Corinthians 1:3-7).

 I use all things together for the good of those who love Me and are called according to My purpose (Romans 8:28). I am in control of all things, and I use all things for your good. You are My beloved child, and I have called you into a good work for Me. I created you for a purpose. The grit and experience you gain from enduring difficult times has great value, both in your life and in My kingdom. Are you willing to bear the weight of this current earthly trial to make yourself stronger and more valuable for the next one?

Trust in Me and I will give you the peace your heart desires. Have faith that I will see you through your difficulties, and you will be stronger on the other side. Rest in Me and enjoy the confidence My perfect love affords you. Do not fear, I am with you always, even to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20) …even in times that feel like the end.

Prayer:

 Compassionate Father, may Your unfailing love be my comfort, according to Your promise in Psalm 119:76. May Your perfect love drive out all my fear according to Your promise in 1 John 4:18. I trade in my heavy load for a lighter load to carry. I yoke myself with You and ask that You would bear my weight on this journey (Matthew 11:28-30). Lord, carry me when I can no longer put one foot in front of the other. Thank You for Your comfort and the reassurance that You are always in control. I can rest in the knowledge of Your love and faithfulness. I appreciate Your peace and Your presence in my heart. Help me to clearly hear Your voice in my thoughts and my heart right now as I spend this time in conversation with you. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

 Two-way Conversation with God:

  • Lord, please tell me and show me how You comfort me. (Write the thoughts that enter your mind right now.)

 

  • Jesus, how may I feel Your presence and Your perfect peace? What do I need to do to connect with You? (Record all emotions and impressions that flood your thoughts.)

 

  • Holy Spirit, I long to know God’s heart for me. Please share His words of comfort and consolation with me in my thoughts. Remind me of how Jesus brought comfort to people. (Write any words or verses that He brings to your memory.)

 

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 speaking to my heart and mind just now. Thank You for Your calm reassurances of Your promises and provision. I value so much the words You give me whenever I make time to listen to You. Thank You for loving me perfectly to drive out all my fears. I appreciate Your compassions, love and faithfulness which continues through all generations. Help me to effectively communicate Your unfailing love to everyone in my sphere of influence. I am grateful that You care about me enough to take time to comfort me in times of trouble. In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, I pray. Amen.

Supporting Scripture:

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

1 John 4:18-19, There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because He first loved us.

Psalm 86:15, But You, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.

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.

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

Matthew 28:19-20, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Psalm 119:76, May Your unfailing love be my comfort, according to Your promise to Your servant.

Isaiah 49:13, Shout for joy, you heavens; rejoice, you earth; burst into song, you mountains! For the Lord comforts His people and will have compassion on His afflicted ones.

Isaiah 51:3, The Lord will surely comfort Zion and will look with compassion on all her ruins; He will make her deserts like Eden, her wastelands like the garden of the Lord. Joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and the sound of singing.

Isaiah 51:11-13, Those the Lord has rescued will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away. “I, even I, am He who comforts you. Who are you that you fear mere mortals, human beings who are but grass, that you forget the Lord your Maker, who stretches out the heavens and who lays the foundations of the earth, that you live in constant terror every day because of the wrath of the oppressor, who is ben on destruction? For where is the wrath of the oppressor?”

Isaiah 61:1-3, The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor.

Jeremiah 8:18, You are my Comforter in sorrow, my heart is faint within me.

Jeremiah 31:13, “Then young women will dance and be glad, young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow.”

2 Corinthians 1:3-7, Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. If we are distressed it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.

2 Corinthians 7:6, But God who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, and not only by his coming but also by the comfort you had given him.

Philippians 2:1, Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.

Psalm 86:17, Give me a sign of Your goodness, that my enemies may see it and be put to shame, for You, Lord, have helped me and comforted me.

Isaiah 52:9-10, Burst into songs of joy together, you ruins of Jerusalem, for the Lord has comforted His people, He has redeemed Jerusalem. The Lord will lay bare His holy arm in the sight of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth will see the salvation of our God.

Matthew 5:4, Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Copyright © Sindy Nagel. All Rights Reserved.

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 7 – I Forgive You

Mar29

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 7

 I Forgive You

Father, I am so humbled that You would shower me with Your grace and forgiveness. I am nothing but a sinner, and yet, You love me, in spite of my sin. Why? Why do You forgive me again and again, even forget all my sins (Hebrews 8:12)?

 A Message from God’s Heart to Yours:

 I am your Father and Forgiver. I created you with a free will to choose. From the beginning, I allowed humankind the free will to make their own choices and decisions. Unfortunately, humans were deceived by the evil one and chose disobedience. Sin entered the world and clouded the vision of my children. Still, I would have it no other way. I created you with your own free will. Which way will you choose? Obedience or disobedience? Life or death?

 I created you in My image with a mind to reason, a heart to love, and a will to survive. You are a beautiful representation of My character and My love. Yes, your flesh causes you to sin, but your sin does not define you. Your identity is in Christ. You are a new creation in Christ Jesus, the old is gone, the new is here (2 Corinthians 5:17). Claim your new identity as My child and discard your old way of living.

 No temptation will overtake you. I am faithful and will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, I will also provide a way out so that you can endure it (1 Corinthians 10:13). You always have a choice—good or evil, obedience or disobedience. Choose wisely. Do not rely on your own strength, but depend on Me and draw on My power within you.

 When you are tempted, look within your own heart to My Spirit. The Holy Spirit will empower you to choose the right way every time. It’s up to you to claim that power and walk in victory. Do not be overcome by sin and temptation, but overcome sin and temptation by My power and My might. You have the same power living in you that raised Jesus Christ from the dead (Ephesians 1:19-21). Tap into that power and stay on the narrow path that leads to life (Matthew 7:13-14). Choose life!

 Daily dress yourself in My spiritual armor (Ephesians 6:10-18). This too will keep you from falling into temptation and sin. Recognize that evil is all around you. Stand firm in your convictions. Fight the daily battle against the evil one and the powers of darkness. Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit (Zechariah 4:6).

 I love you, My child. I have forgiven you, now you must forgive others as I have forgiven you (Ephesians 4:32).

 Prayer:

 Father in heaven, I am so thankful that You created me to love me and care for me. Thank You for Your forgiveness. Thank You for sending Your Son to die in my place, so that relationship with You is possible. Lord, I feel indebted to You forever. But You would have done it anyway, even if I was the only sinner on earth. Thank You for Your Spirit who empowers me to resist temptation and sin. Thank You for providing a way out. Lord, will you now meet with me and share more of Your heart with me. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

 Two-way Conversation with God:

  • God, please share your heart with me about sending Your Son to die for me. (Record the thoughts God gives you.)

 

  • Jesus, what were Your thoughts as You willing went to the cross for me? (Write the impressions He places on your heart.)

 

  • Holy Spirit, remind me of an idea or verse from Scripture that will better impact me on the magnitude of God’s forgiveness. (Jot down any word or verse that comes 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:

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, thank You for meeting with me and taking me into the deep places of Your heart. Thank You for sharing Your truth and promises with me. I value Your wisdom and direction as You teach me Your ways. Thank You for Your love and provision. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Supporting Scripture:

Psalm 32:5, Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin.

Zechariah 4:6, So he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.

Matthew 6:12-15, “And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”

 Matthew 7:13-14, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter thought it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”

Luke 6:37-38, “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

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

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

Ephesians 1:19-21, and His incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength He exerted when He raised Christ from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.

 Ephesians 4:32, Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Ephesians 6:10-18, 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.

Colossians 2:13-15, When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; He has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.

Colossians 3:13-14, Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

Hebrews 8:12, “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”

 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.

Copyright © Sindy Nagel. All Rights Reserved

 

 

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 6 – Good News

Mar28

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 6

Good News

Mark 1:14-15 says, “After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. ‘The time has come,’ He said. ‘The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!’”

Jesus is the good news—the good news is that God provided a way to a restored relationship with Himself. He sent His one and only Son, Jesus, to pay the penalty for all our sin. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except by Him (John 14:6). Jesus is the good news!

To hear God’s voice regularly, we need to be in a close relationship with Him. God promises in Jeremiah 29:13, “you will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.” It’s possible over the first few days in this journey to a more cherished relationship with God you have not been hearing from God during the two-way conversation time in these exercises. Have you been seeking Him with all your heart? Or does something stand in the way?

It may be time to step back and take an inventory of your standing with the Lord. One of the roadblocks to hearing God’s voice is disobedience or sin. The journey to greater intimacy with Jesus begins with acknowledging your sin.

The God of all creation is righteous and holy. He doesn’t want to be near immorality. So our disobedience, rebellion, and sin separate us from Him. Sin is anything that doesn’t please God. It’s not just committing one of the big ten, like: murder, adultery, idol worship, stealing, etc. Sin shows up in our everyday behaviors, like: gossip, lying, cheating, pride, jealousy, unrighteous anger, gluttony, greed, and judging people, just to name a few.

The Bible very clearly states that those who do not enjoy a saving relationship with God through Jesus are condemned to a life apart from God for all eternity. Born into the sin of Adam and Eve, we are all sinful by nature. Romans 3:23 states, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” However, despite our sin, God desires to be in close relationship with every individual He created. How is that possible? God sent His Son, Jesus, to bridge the enormous gap that sin creates between Himself and us. This is good news!

Although our sin separates us from God, no sin is too big for God to forgive, and we don’t have to get our lives in order before coming to Jesus Christ. God loves you just the way you are. Romans 5:8 says, “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” This is great news!

God, in His unconditional, infinite love for His creation, established a way we could be forgiven, redeemed, and reconciled to Him. He sent His one and only Son, Jesus Christ, to earth to be the sacrificial Lamb and die on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins. In doing so, He formed a bridge between a sinful people and a perfect God. He provided the only way we could experience restored relationship with God, the Father. This is fantastic news!

John 3:16-18 says,

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.”

God gives us the opportunity to live with Him eternally, through His Son, when we confess Jesus as our Savior and Lord. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). God promises that we will be saved when we accept Jesus’ death on the cross as payment for our sin and believe in His resurrection from the dead. Did you hear that? Jesus didn’t remain in the grave. He’s not dead! Jesus is alive! We can have a relationship with a living God through Jesus Christ because He lives! Isn’t this the greatest news you’ve ever heard? Yes!

If you have never confessed your sin and invited Jesus into your heart, what are you waiting for? Simply believing in God isn’t enough. To reiterate, Jesus Christ is the only way to a restored relationship with your heavenly Father. Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). Do you desire to walk with Jesus? Do you want a fresh start in life? Do you want to let Jesus heal your hurts and fill that hole in your heart that nothing else and no one else can fill? Do you want to accept Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord today?

There is nothing you can do to earn your own salvation, and no measure of good behavior and good works will get you into heaven. It is by God’s free gift of His amazing grace and the death of His Son, Jesus Christ, on the cross that your sins are forgiven, and you are reconciled to God. The way to experience forgiveness of sins and reconciliation with God is to acknowledge that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, accept that He died for your sins, ask His forgiveness, and invite Him to be the Lord of your life. When you do this, God sends His Holy Spirit to live in your heart. This is the beginning of an intimate relationship with God—the living God living in you!

In Revelation 3:20, Jesus says, “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 him, and he with Me.” Jesus stands at the door of your heart today and knocks. Do you hear His voice? Will you open the door and invite Him in? If you are not a follower of Christ yet, and your heart’s desire is to know and feel God’s presence and peace daily, then accept Jesus Christ as your Savior and start your new “relationship” with Him today. You may sense the Holy Spirit of God encouraging you to make a decision for Christ right now. If so, say these words in prayer to God:

Dear Heavenly Father,

I confess that I have sinned, and I know that my sin separates me from You. Please forgive me for all my sins. I accept that Your Son, Jesus Christ, came to save me by Your grace. He died on the cross to pay the penalty for my sin and provide the only way back to You. God, I believe You raised Jesus from the dead. He is alive and lives to intercede for me.

Jesus, I invite You into my heart today to be the Lord of my life and give me a fresh start. Thank You for the promise of eternal life in heaven with You, and for the gift of Your Holy Spirit Whom You send to live in my heart right now. Please help me hear Your voice within me and lead a life that glorifies You. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Romans 10:9-10 says, “That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.” If you prayed this prayer for the first time and were sincere, there is great rejoicing in heaven today! You are forgiven, and you will spend eternity with your heavenly Father. Your fate has been sealed by the Holy Spirit Whom God gave you just now. You are a child of God! Welcome to His family. The Bible says,

And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. This is the assurance we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of Him. (1 John 5:11-15)

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

If you invited Jesus Christ to be your Savior today, you now have a new life in Him, because He lives in you. By the power of God’s Holy Spirit within you, your actions and attitudes will change. With His help, you will discard your old way of living and seek to live a life that is more pleasing to God.

Record today’s date in your journal. This is your spiritual re-birth date. You are born again in Jesus Christ. Happy Birthday! God adopted you as His son or daughter today. This is the first day of the rest of your life! This is wonderful news!

Or possibly, you invited Jesus into your heart to be your Savior and Lord a long time ago, but sin has been creeping back into your life and you just need to get yourself right before God again. Take a little time with God right now to confess your sin and ask His forgiveness. 1 John 1:9 promises, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

Then, repent and turn from your sinful ways. Allow the blood of Jesus to cleanse you from all unrighteousness and wash you whiter than snow (Psalm 51:7). Ask the Holy Spirit to empower you to live a life more pleasing to God. Then, return to this journey in pursuit of God’s heart. Spend time with Him daily and enjoy a more intimate two-way conversation with the Lord. Be still and listen. And God will honor your time with the sound of His voice again.

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for providing me a way back to You. Thank You for sending your one and only Son, Jesus, to pay the death penalty for my sin, and restore my relationship with You. I confess all my sin before you, especially these sins that Your Holy Spirit convicts me with right now: (list all sins that come to your mind). Lord, please forgive me and cleanse me of all unrighteousness. Remove the roadblock of disobedience so that I may hear and know Your voice in my heart again. Lord, let me hear clearly from you right now. Thank You, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Two-way Conversation with God:

  • Lord, what do you want me to know about the good news of Jesus? (Write all words and thoughts given to you in this moment.)

 

  • Jesus, please share with me your heart. Why did You give Your life for mine? (List all thoughts and impressions you have right now.)

 

  • Holy Spirit, how do you empower me to live a life more pleasing to God? (Record the things you hear in your heart.)

 

 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:

Father God, thank You for making a way for me to communicate daily with you. Thank You for removing the roadblocks that stand in the way of my hearing Your voice. I am so grateful for Your unconditional love and grace that continuously gives me second chances, third chances and more. Lord, I look forward to meeting with You again tomorrow. I long to hear Your voice again, so I will know and experience more and more of Your heart. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

 Supporting Scripture:

Isaiah 61:1, The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.

Matthew 9:35, Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness.

John 14:6, Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Psalm 51:7, Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.

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.

Copyright © Sindy Nagel. All Rights Reserved.

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 4 – Who is the Holy Spirit?

Mar26

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 4

Who is the Holy Spirit?

Holy Spirit, You are the most mysterious of the Three-in-One. I do not know You as well as I could. I have heard less about You than God and Jesus. I desire to know You more intimately. I desire to know Your heart and how You work. Spirit of God, teach me Your ways. Let me hear and recognize Your voice within me. Help me to distinguish Your impressions from my own thoughts. I am excited to meet with You today. Please share Your nature and Your feelings with me right now. Help me to know You better so that I may respond to Your promptings and live in step with You. Thank You, Lord.

 A Message from God’s Heart to Yours:

 I am your Helper, your Friend, your constant companion. I am with you 24/7. I am here to help you at all times of the day or night. You may hear My voice any time you listen. I speak to you all day long to encourage you, guide you, comfort you, instruct you, support you, give you God’s wisdom, counsel you, and intercede for you. Let Me remind you of this verse:

 So we say with confidence, the Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:6)

 I am the voice of God within you. God the Father sent Me to dwell in your heart the moment you accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord. I have sealed you as a child of God. I testify that you are God’s child, adopted as His son or daughter. You are the heir of God, a co-heir with Jesus Christ (Romans 8:17). See evidence of Me in the Word of God below:

Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set His seal of ownership on us, and put His Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come (2 Corinthians 1:21-22).

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you (Ephesians 4:30-32).

I am your Friend, and I speak to you, face to face, heart to heart, as the friend of God. Meditate on these verses:

The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend (Exodus 33:11).

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

And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend (James 2:23).

You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you (John 15:14-15).

 I am your Guide. I lead you to the truth. I receive wisdom, instruction, and truth from the Lord and make it known to you. All that God has will be made known to you. Within your heart, you possess continuous, direct access to all that belongs to God—His wisdom, love, encouragement, peace, and comfort, among many other benefits.

 “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 to come. He will bring glory to Me by taking from what is Mine and making it known to you. All that belongs to the Father is Mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is Mine and make it known to you (John 16:13-15).

 I am your life Coach! I teach you, train you, instruct you and educate you in the things of God.

 Jesus said, “for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say” (Luke 12:12).

“But the Counselor, 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” (John 14:26).

 I am your Advocate! I support you. I believe in you. I favor you. I am at your side and on your side.

 For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by Him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children (Romans 8:13-16).

I am your Counselor! I listen to you and give you sound, godly advice.

“If you love Me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor to be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you know Him, for He lives with you and will be in you” (John 14:15-17).

“All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Counselor, 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” (John 14:25-27).

“But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you” (John 16:7).

 I am your Comforter! I will have compassion on you in your troubles and heartaches. I will bring you relief and encouragement. I am your light in the darkness. I will stand with you in the fire and walk with you through the valleys and the storms. I am your God of all comfort.

Shout for joy, O heavens; rejoice, O earth; burst into song, O mountains! For the Lord comforts His people and will have compassion on His afflicted ones (Isaiah 49:13).

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

 You will know Me by the spiritual fruit I produce in your life. Tune into Me and remain in step with Me for maximum spiritual benefit and enjoyment. Taste and see that I am good (Psalm 34:8).

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-25).

I am your Intercessor! I pray for you day and night. I pray for you when you know not what to pray.

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

 I am all these things and more. Pay attention to My voice within. I speak to you all day, every day. I will guide you in the most excellent way. I am your constant companion. I have your best interests in mind. I am your Champion. I am in your corner, on your team. Live in step with Me and experience all that God has planned for you. Hop on this soul train and enjoy the ride of your life! It’s a spiritual adventure like none other.

 Prayer:

Dear God in heaven, thank You for revealing more of Your Spirit to me today. I am in awe of all that You have done and continue to do for me daily. I am humbled knowing that I am nothing without You. You are everything to me. Thank you for the gift of Your Holy Spirit living in my heart. I cannot even grasp the full meaning of this gift. Thank You for making my heart your home and for Your Spirit who reveals Your heart to me, more and more, as I spend time with You on this journey to a more cherished relationship with You. I am excited about hearing another word from You right now. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Two-way Conversation with the God, the Holy Spirit:

  • Holy Spirit, please tell me who You are to me personally. Tell me what you want me to hear and know today. (Write what He reveals to you in your thoughts right now.)

 

  • Dear Lord, I submit all my heart, soul, mind and strength to You today, as I learn to love you in the same way. Help me to know what it means to live in step with You always. Help me hear Your voice in my thoughts clearly right now. (Record the emotions and impressions of your heart.)

 

  • Holy Spirit, my Helper, please describe how You work in me personally and specifically. In what ways will I recognize You and Your influence in my life? (Write the first thoughts or words that come to 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 Lord, thank You for spending time with me today. I am reminded and know so much more about Your Holy Spirit and His impact in me, than I did yesterday. Thank You for Your amazing gift of Immanuel, God with me 24/7. You are faithful and true to your promises, yesterday, today, and forever. Thank You for taking up residence in my heart and making Yourself known to me. Thank You for being my Comforter, my Helper, my Guide, and my Friend. Thank You for Your constant prayers on my behalf. I have a new appreciation for Your continuous work in my life. I appreciate all the love and work You daily pour into me, when I don’t even realize it. Help me live in step with Your Spirit so that He may produce lovely spiritual fruit in my heart and life. Let my actions and my witness be a testimony of your goodness. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Copyright © Sindy Nagel. All Rights Reserved.

 

Matchless Love

Jul24


A woman is standing at the microphone and holding a pen.My child, your new little granddaughter helps you understand, even greater, My love for you. The way you feel about her is the way I feel about you, multiplied a thousand times. I want to see you and hold you every day. I don’t want to share you with anyone or anything else. I am jealous for you. I want to be your number one priority. I want to spend all My time with you. I can’t get enough of you.

When we are together, I am joyful. When we depart, you take a piece of My heart with you. I long to be with you again. I can’t wait until you will spend time with Me again. I want to shower you with kisses and hugs. I love to hold you in My lap and speak to you face to face. Your smile lights up My countenance and brings Me great joy.

 I want you to come to Me as a little babe: pure and simple, innocent and untainted, unworldly and naïve. I want to consume the aroma of your pureness and innocence. I cannot get enough of you. I want to see you every moment of every day. I don’t want to let you out of My sight. I am blessed by you. I am enamored with you. I am captivated by you. I can’t take My eyes off you. I want you for My very own. I want to love you perfectly. I want to protect you from all evil. I want to provide for your every need and desire. I want to bless you with My best for you.

I want to teach you and instruct you with all the wisdom I have. I want you to know and feel My presence at all times. I want to sing songs over you and shower you with My unending love for you. I want you to grasp the depth, the width, the length and the height of My great love for you. I want you to know I will never leave you or forget you. I want to be the wind beneath your wings, the strength of your convictions, and the power behind your confidence.  

You are My child, My heir. All I have belongs to you. All I ask is that you love Me with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. Love Me out of the overflow of My love for you. When you love Me, you will obey My commands. Make Me your Number One. Meet with Me. Talk to Me and listen to Me. Seek Me and you will find Me when you seek Me with all your heart. Be a child after My own heart. Love Me like you love the little one in your arms—deeply, indescribably, jealously. Fight for your time with Me. I wait patiently to see you again, to speak with you again, to shower you with My love again. I am yours and you are Mine. I love you with an unconditional, everlasting love. I love you perfectly.  

 

Roadblock #3 – Pride – The Enemy of Humility

May2


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

Independence, control, and comparison. Those words don’t sound prideful when spoken individually. However, when we rely on ourselves for everything and don’t depend on God for anything, He could view this independent spirit as arrogance or overconfidence. Likewise, it often feels good to be in complete control of ourselves, our lives, an event, a situation, another person, or his actions. The haughty monster of pride rears its ugly head in the condescending creature of control. And when we compare ourselves to others and always come out on top, a conceited nature triumphs over humility in our souls. Be careful—this sounds a bit like sitting in the judgment seat, and that’s not a position you want to claim for yourself. Judgment is reserved for Almighty God alone.

Pride is mentioned in Proverbs 6:16-19 as one of the seven things detestable to God. Pride manifests itself in these forms: arrogance, conceit, self-importance, egotism, vanity, haughty eyes, condescension, scorn, disrespect, snootiness, loftiness, and contemptuousness. The Lord despises proud actions and attitudes. Here are a few of the many verses that describe how God feels about pride:

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

God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. (James 4:6)

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

Though the Lord is on high, He looks upon the lowly, but the proud He knows from afar. (Psalm 138:6)

If you are not hearing God’s voice, you may want to perform a pride inventory in your spirit. Do you practice humility and selflessness, or are you responsible for behaviors that are detestable to God? The verses above assure us that God will punish the proud of heart, and He doesn’t go near individuals who are full of pride. If you hold pride in your heart, confess it and ask God’s forgiveness. Get rid of all pride, arrogance, conceit, self-importance, haughtiness, disrespect, loftiness, and condescension before you seek the Lord to listen to His voice. Treat others as more important than yourself. Assume the position of the lowly, the meek, and the servant. Don’t take it to the extreme so that you resemble a doormat, but approaching the Lord with a contrite heart, in humility, opens the door to receiving God’s words of grace, encouragement, and wisdom.

Unfortunately, pride comes much too naturally to all of us, including me. Read about the fall of humankind in Genesis 3. From the very beginning of time, self-importance snuck into human desire. Satan tempted Eve with the idea that she could be all-knowing and wise, like God, if she ate the fruit from the forbidden tree. Deceived by the devil, Eve ate some and gave some to Adam. Pride initiated a sinful response when the evil one presented his temptation.

The need for independence and superiority continues to be the cause of some of our sin today. Proverbs 16:18 says, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.†The truth of this verse rang loudly in the Garden of Eden. It still rings true thousands of years later.

Another example of haughtiness is found in Ezekiel 28, the prophecy against the king of Tyre. In verse 17, the Sovereign Lord says, “Your heart became proud on account of your beauty, and you corrupted your wisdom because of your splendor. So I threw you to the earth; I made a spectacle of you before kings.†God detested his arrogance. The king’s pride preceded his destruction.

In Proverbs 8:13, the wise Solomon says, “To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.†Fear in this case is the same reverence for the Lord that we talked about in the previous blog. When you respect the Lord, you will detest all pride and arrogance, as He does. Yet arrogance sneaks into all areas of life. Recall that pride inventory we talked about? It may be necessary to make that assessment daily, even hourly.

If pride in any form resides in your life, don’t expect to be close to God and hear from Him regularly. Psalm 138:6 says, “Though the Lord is on high, He looks upon the lowly, but the proud He knows from afar.†As another passage I’ve already quoted says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and He will come near to you†(James 4:6-8). God spends time with humble people who submit themselves to Him and make time for Him. God distances Himself from the self-righteous, prideful, judgmental person.

When the needle on the pride-o-meter registers anywhere on the gauge, take action immediately to dispose of all forms of pride. Humble yourself before the Lord. Submit yourself to Him and exalt Him, rather than yourself. Show the Lord how much you trust in Him for everything. Relinquish your control to the Most High. Place the desires of others ahead of your own. Do not judge any person or behavior. Assume the servant position in God’s kingdom.

Do you struggle with judging others or promoting yourself to a higher pedestal? What alerts you of your arrogance? I can tell you truly, when I do not practice the humility of a servant, I should not expect God will speak to me. No matter my standing or position in the world, I am but an unworthy sinner, forgiven and saved by God’s grace alone. I am no better than anyone else. If I do not treat others better than myself, God has no business with me, and therefore no reason to talk to me.

Anytime I have seated myself on the judgment throne with regard to another human being, God has given me an opportunity to experience the same affliction, position, or experience as the one I judged. Very soon I’ve gained a new appreciation and respect for the one I condemned because I have walked down a similar path. Becoming the object of my own pride rapidly and effectively cuts me down to size. When the roadblock of pride comes down, my reception of God’s voice dramatically improves.

The Bible provides many significant illustrations of humility. Jesus, God’s own Son, displayed the ultimate humility when He left His throne in heaven and came to earth to be the sacrificial Lamb and die for our sins. Another dramatic demonstration of Christ’s servanthood took place when He washed the feet of His disciples. We can imitate this kind of humility when we selflessly serve our own subordinates, or, better yet, those we judge. This foot washing can be accomplished literally or figuratively. Think of a way you might take an unassuming position with someone you lead, manage, or influence. Is there any type of metaphorical foot washing you could perform for him or her? Maybe picking up a towel and basin of water is what you really need.

Let’s examine some of the enemy’s deceit in our thoughts, which gives birth to overconfidence. You might believe you can take care of yourself; you know what’s best for you. Or, you might think you are in control of your own life. Is it possible that thinking you are better than someone else for any reason could be hampering your clear reception of God’s voice in your thoughts? Grab your copy of 7 Roadblocks to Hearing God’s Voice today, and begin identifying what stands in your way of hearing the voice of the Holy Spirit, who makes your heart His home.

Click here to purchase this book now.

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

Book Two in Hearing God’s Voice Series

A Friend to the End

Apr12

What it means to be a friend…by Sindy Nagel

 

I’m excited to share with you one thing I know today

What it means to be a friend in every single way

Then ask your inner being, “Does this reflect myself?”

“Am I this good of friend to anybody else?”

 

My Friend is always near me; He’s never far away

I can call upon His name and speak with Him all day

Especially in the evening hours, He makes His presence known

And watches over me when I’m in the sleeping zone

 

He’s quite the gentle man, never pushing His own way

He opens wide His arms of love when I have gone astray

Forgiving my transgressions, my iniquities, my sin

And helps me live a better life by His Spirit guide within

 

When I am feeling down in heart or my spirit seems depressed

My friend helps cheer my inner soul and shows me I am blessed

When fear sets in, or doubt attacks, or I feel my heart is weak

He reminds me of His promises, and things don’t look so bleak

 

When life gets hard and things go wrong, He is my hiding place

I run to Him, climb in His arms; He wipes tears from my face

He listens so intently to all the words my lips release

And offers me His wisdom, while giving me His peace

 

My Friend is there in good times too, when I am filled with glee

His heart swells up, He cracks a smile, when things go well for me

My biggest fan and cheerleader, He’s always the first one

To fondly pat me on the back and say the words, “Well done!”

 

Every morning when we meet for prayer, He listens and He speaks

When my challenges go on for days and days turn into weeks

I can pour out my troubles to Him and He’s the first to say,

“Don’t worry ‘bout a thing that’s coming, I’ve got your back today!”

 

Like two best friends can usually do, we enjoy our time together

We laugh and cry, we joke and play, like two birds of a feather

I always know when I’m in trouble, He’ll stay close by my side

He cheers me on, encourages me—in Him I can confide

 

My Friend is my comforter, my protector, and my guide

He loves me so much that He paid my debt and died

Although it sometimes feels this way, He left me not alone

He’s always there, deep within, because my heart’s His home

 

This poem is dedicated to My Friend, He is the world’s best

Even when I’ve fallen short and put Him to the test

He loves me more than I can grasp and shows it when He can

He is my Rock, my Friend, my King, and I, His biggest fan

 

I’ve shared with you one thing I know about being a good friend

Both in the good and bad times, an ally to the end

Now ask your inner being, “Does this reflect myself?”

“Am I this good of friend to anybody else?”

 

Go and be a friend today, and use this as your guide

Listen, pray, encourage the one you walk beside

Whether skies are sunny blue or darker shades of gray

Be the best that you can be–a good friend, through Him today