Tag Archive | holy

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 19 – Crucified with Christ

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 19 – Crucified with Christ

Lord Jesus, Romans 6:6 concludes that I have been crucified with You and I died with You, and if I died with You, then I was raised with You and now live with You. This concept is so difficult for me to grasp. I have suffered nothing compared to the sacrifice You made for me. I do not feel worthy to claim this truth, and yet, if I do not, then You died for nothing! Lord, help me understand the meaning of being crucified with Christ.

A Message from God’s Heart to Yours:

My beloved sons and daughters, do not be confused by the concepts in My Word. The simple truth is I died for you. I died once for all the sins of all mankind, past, present, and future. When you invite Me into your heart to be your Savior and Lord, you confess that I am the Son of God, the Lamb of God, who died to take away the sins of the world. You believe in your heart that God raised Me from the dead. When you confess this and believe this, you will be saved. You become My child, and you will spend all eternity with Me.

I died for your sin, in your place, on the cross. So, in essence, your sin died with Me; your old sinful self died with Me. My Word says that you have been crucified with Christ, and you no longer live, but Christ lives in you (Galatians 2:19). But wait, there’s more! Christ did not remain in the grave. God raised Him from the dead! He ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the Father.

Therefore, if you died with Christ, you were raised with Christ. Your old self is gone, your new self is here (2 Corinthians 5:17). You are a new creation in Christ Jesus. Do not spend too much time trying to grasp the depth of this concept. Keep it simple. Sometimes, you need to exercise your faith and simply believe that My Word is true. You have been crucified with Christ, and you no longer live, but Jesus Christ lives in and through you (Galatians 2:19).

Do not give in, then, to the former ways of the flesh. Those old ways were nailed to the cross and died. You are dead to sin and alive to Christ. Live your new life in step with the Spirit of the risen Jesus Christ, whom I have deposited in your heart.

I have reconciled you to Myself, and I remember your sins no more (Jeremiah 31:34). You must forget them also. Do not cling to the past, but live in your present state, alive in Christ and fully forgiven. Accept My forgiveness in full. When you do not accept My forgiveness in full, you do not accept the complete work of Christ on the cross. Now, do as I do, and remember your sins no more. You are fully forgiven; fully accept it and live in the freedom that brings.

Do not hold on to your sinful nature. That was nailed to the cross as well. You now have new life in Jesus. Live for Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit and God, Himself, who sanctifies you through and through (1 Thessalonians 5:23). You are holy and righteous because I have bought you with a price and redeemed you (Psalm 103:4). You are Mine.

Prayer:

Father, Your work in me is amazing. Your Spirit in me is right. I am no longer a slave to sin (Romans 6:6), sin is not my master. I am dead to sin and alive to God in Christ. Thank You for your gift of saving grace through the death of Jesus Christ my Savior and Lord. I am crucified with Christ, and therefore, I am risen with Him, and He lives in me. Hallelujah! Praise You, Lord. And now will you speak to my heart about this some more. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Two-way Conversation with God:

Father, why did You send Your Son, Jesus, to die for me? (Record what God says to you in your thoughts.)

Jesus, I am so humbled that You would die for me and count me in on the act. I am crucified with You. Please share Your heart with me on this. (Write the words Jesus gives you in your heart and mind.)

Holy Spirit, empower me to claim this victory over death, sin, and the grave, by the precious blood of Jesus, my risen Savior. Show me my part in this plan. (Note the impressions and thoughts you experience right now.)

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, You all are so precious to me. Thank You for Your love and work in my life. Thank You for Your favor and Your grace. Thank You for Your unselfish acts. May You be glorified! Thank You for the words and thoughts You gave me just now. I am so blessed to be in relationship with You, to know Your heart and Your thoughts. Let me not take this for granted. You are my personal, living Lord, who lives and reigns in me. Have Your way in me, Lord. Sanctify me through and through, to make me more like You. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.

Supporting Scripture:

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

Jeremiah 31:34, “No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they will all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest,” declares the Lord. “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins on more.”

Romans 6:5-14, ⁵For if we have been united with Him in a death like His, we will certainly also be united with Him in a resurrection like His. ⁶For we know that our old self was crucified with Him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin—⁷because anyone who has died has been set free from sin. ⁸Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with Him. ⁹For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, He cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over Him. ¹⁰The death He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life He lives, He lives to God. ¹¹In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. ¹²Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. ¹³Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to Him as an instrument of righteousness. ¹⁴For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.

2 Corinthians 5:17, Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them.

Galatians 2:19-21, ¹⁹“For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God. ²⁰I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. ²¹I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!”

Galatians 5:24-25, Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24, May God Himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The One who calls you is faithful, and He will do it.

2 Thessalonians 2:13, But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth.

1 Peter 1:2, who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with His blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance.

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.

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 8 — Forgive Others as I have Forgiven You

Mar30

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 8

Forgive Others as I have Forgiven You

Dear Lord Jesus, I know You have been so gracious to forgive me, but now you want me to forgive others, even the ones who hurt me so badly? Lord, I cannot do this in my own strength. Please speak to me about this.

A Message from God’s Heart to Yours:

You are my child, one of My chosen people. I have set you apart by cleansing you and making you holy. When you confessed Me as your Savior, I forgave you of all your sins. You became a new creation and died to your former ways (2 Corinthians 5:17). You were crucified with Me (Galatians 2:20), and now you also live with Me as I live in you. Put to death all of your old earthly ways like: anger, rage, jealousy, malice, bad language, and lies (Colossians 3:8). Put on your new self, which is being renewed in the image of God your Creator. Therefore, now be kind, compassionate, humble, gentle, and patient (Colossians 3:12). Follow My example and live as I lived on earth.

Live in righteousness because you belong to Me. Be tolerant of each other, and forgive each other in all things—even the ones who have hurt you the most. Forgive as you have been forgiven. Your Father in heaven does not hold anything against you. When you confess your sin, God forgives you without question. He keeps no record of your wrongs (Hebrews 8:12). You must do the same. When you forgive someone, forget their misdeeds and shortcomings. Remember them no more. God, in His ultimate grace and mercy, has provided the way to forgiveness. Seek God in order to forgive as you have been forgiven. The Holy Spirit will empower you to exercise the same love, grace, and forgiveness toward others that you have experienced yourself. Not by power or might, but by My Spirit.

The Bible is clear: If you forgive others of their sins, God will forgive you of yours; but if you do not forgive others of their sins, God will not forgive yours (Matthew 6:12-15). Don’t let forgiveness stand in the way of your relationship and communication with God. Knock down the roadblock of an unforgiving spirit and clear the path to connection with the Lord.

Above all things practice My love. This is the most desirable quality you have to give. Love will forgive a multitude of sins. Love binds all these things together in harmony. Do not love as the world does. Practice My love. Love does not fail (See 1 Corinthians 10:1-8). It is the most excellent way. If you have all these good features, and do not display My love, you are just making a loud noise. You have gained nothing; but when you put on My love to love another person, they will experience God Himself through His image bearer—you. Love as you have been loved. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for loving me with the most excellent kind of love and grace. Thank You for Your forgiveness. Thank you that you do not keep a record of my sins, flaws, shortcomings and misbehavior. Lord, I am so blessed to be Your child. Thank You for adopting me into Your kingdom and sealing my eternity You by Your Holy Spirit. Lord, help me to forgive others as I have been forgiven. Fill me to overflowing with the kind of love and grace I need to accomplish this task. I look forward to hearing more from You right now as we spend some time together alone. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Two-way Conversation with God:

Hello, Lord, it’s me. What do you want me to know about Your forgiveness? (Write what you hear.)

Jesus, I owe my life to You. I submit my heart to You and ask that You will share Your heart with me right now. What do you want me to know about You? (Record all words and impressions now.)

Holy Spirit, what is Your role in forgiveness? How do I tap into this power You offer? (Note His answer to your question.)

Prayer:

Dear Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, thank You all for Your words and thoughts You gave me as we spoke just now. It means so much to me that I may simply confess my sins and know that I am forgiven and restored to You. Thank You for that privilege as Your child. Thank You for the power You give me to accomplish all that You require of me. I am nothing without You. Thank You for Your love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness. Thank You for Your protection and power. I am so blessed to be called Your beloved. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Supporting Scripture:

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.”

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 10:1-8, If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others. It is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

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

Galatians 2:20, I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

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

Colossians 3:8-10, But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, range, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off our old self with it practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in the knowledge in the image of its Creator.

Colossians 3:12-14, Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 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.”

Good Friday Morning

Apr19

Good Friday morning, Lord

I praise you today because:

You are my A-Z, my All in All

You are awesome, amazing, all-powerful, all-knowing, Alpha, Abba, Almighty, Advocate,

You are beautiful, bountiful, bold, Bright Morning Star, beginning, blessing,

You are Christ, colorful, creative, caring, Comforter, Counselor, Creator

You are dedicated, Deliverer, Daddy, delightful

You are excellent, exceptional, extraordinary, end, eternal

You are Father, forgiver, friend, fun, fantastic, first, faithful, faithfulness, firstborn, Fortress

You are God, good, great, generous, grace-full, guide, gifted, goodness, gentleness, Great Physician, glorious,

You are “Holy, Holy, Holy”, happy, High Priest, Healer, Hound of Heaven, heavenly, Holy Spirit,

You are Immanuel, intelligent, indwelling

You are Jesus, just, jealous, joy, joyful

You are King of kings, kind, kindness

You are Lord of lords, love, loving, Lamb of God, Lion of Judah, last, Light of the World

You are Mighty, magnificent, mindboggling, merciful, Most High

You are nice, new, near, needed

You are omniscient, omnipresent, omnipotent, Omega

You are Prince of Peace, powerful, present, Paraclete, protector, passionate, peace, patience

You are quick to forgive, quiet

You are royal, real, Righteous, Risen, Restorer, Rock, Refiner

You are Savior, Son, Spirit, sensational, serious, spectacular, self-controlled, Shelter, stronghold

You are true, Truth

You are undeniable, unfathomable, unimaginable,

You are Victorious, the Vine, Vinedresser

You are Wonderful, wise, wisdom, Warrior,

You are Xcellent

You are youthful

You are zealous

You are my A-Z, my All in All

Jesus, thank you for dying on the cross to pay the penalty for all my sin and all the sins of the world. Thank you for making a way, the only way, to return to the Father and be close to you. Thank you for your amazing sacrifice on my behalf. Father, thank you for giving your One and Only Son, to be the sacrificial lamb, to pay for my sin. Father, thank you for making the Way back to you. Thank you for the abundant life you give me. Thank you for saving me, restoring me, and using me for your glory. Lord, please continue to use me to accomplish your will. Please forgive me of all my sin that I commit daily. Lord, convict me so that I may remain in right relationship with you. Lord, help me to live in step with your Spirit inside me. Help me to bring honor and glory to your name with every little thing I do. Lord, refine me as you see fit. Let me be quick to learn, quick to forgive, slow to anger. Lord, let me be merciful and patient as you are. Lord, let me be loving and full of grace for your children, all those whose lives I touch. Lord, bear your good fruit in me: love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control. Help me be like Jesus and daily be about your work in your kingdom here on earth. Lord, help me to live with you, for you, and like you. In Jesus’ precious name, I pray. Amen.

My child, I would have died on the cross for you even if you were the only one. I love you this much, even more than you can imagine. You will never understand how high, how wide, how long and how deep my love stretches for you. I would do anything for you. I laid down my life for you. Will you now lay down your life for me? Will you submit yourself to me and my will? Will you live for me every day? Will you meet with me every day? Will you listen to me every day? Will you obey me every day? Will you think of me all day? Will you remember me? Will you talk to me all day? Will you let me love you? Will you receive my love, my truth, my instruction, my wisdom, my mercy, my joy, my strength, my provision, my direction? Will you delight yourself in me? Will you remain in me? I love you so much that I desire intimate relationship with you at all times. I will never leave you or forget about you. I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Will you remain with me? Will you remember me? Will you remember what I have done for you? Will you remember how much I love you and desire to be involved in your life? Will you let me show you my love for you every day? I am your Abba Father. I love you to the moon and back, to the ends of the earth, for all time. There is nothing you can do to make me love you more. There is nothing you can do to make me love you less. I love you no matter what. I love you unconditionally. I love you perfectly. Live in my love. Put me first and love me more than anything. Let my love shine through you as you love others. This is all I ask of you. Now remain in me, my precious child.

Thank you, Father. Thank you, Son. Thank you, Holy Spirit. I owe my life and my everything to you. I submit myself to you. Have your way in me. I am delighted in you. Now delight yourself in me. Happy Easter! Amen.

Step 6 – Enjoy the Rewards – Reward #5

Mar7

Reward #5 – Consider the Conviction

One of our responsibilities as Christians is to change our old ways and obey the Holy Spiritâ€™s leading as He empowers us to become more Christ-like. This process is called sanctification. To be sanctified means to be holy, or set apart. Though we live in the world, we are strangers to it. We should act differently than our non-Christian friends do.

Through the work of Christ on the cross, we have been consecrated and made righteous in Him. Our old sinful ways have died with Christ, and now we can lead a new life of righteousness in the resurrected Christ. As Christians, we should appear different to the world. We are made righteous in Christ, and we should choose to live accordingly, so the world may know we belong to God.

Being a new creation is achieved, in part, when the Holy Spirit convicts us of a sin and encourages us to repent and change our ways. When we live as Jesus Christ did, it pleases God, and it provides a witness to a watching world. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, â€œTherefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!â€

Our sin separates us from God because He hides His face from wickedness. He sent His own Son, Jesus, to be our sacrificial lamb. Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sin, so we could be reconciled to God. Jesus made us righteous and holy so we could enjoy a relationship with the righteous and holy God. Now He desires that we would set ourselves apart from the world. He wants us to lead lives that stand out from the way the rest of the world operates. He doesnâ€™t expect us to do this on our own, in our own power. He gives us the Holy Spirit, who convicts us of our sin and holds us to a life of righteousness.

In His saving grace, God gives believers a spiritual conscienceâ€”the Holy Spiritâ€”who helps us discern right from wrong in His eyes. He convicts us of sin and empowers us to overcome the flesh and change our ways. â€œBut he who unites himself with the Lord is one with Him in spiritâ€ (1 Corinthians 6:17). We are directed to submit our spirit to the leading of Godâ€™s Spirit within us.

In order to lead a God-pleasing life, we must read His Word to know what He expects of us. The Bible is very clear on what is sinful and what is righteous in Godâ€™s eyes. When we obey Him and yield ourselves to the leading of His Spirit, He recalibrates our moral conscience to recognize sin, and then He helps us steer clear of it. When we do sin, He convicts us.

The Spirit encourages us to make choices that will please God. He reminds us of what we know from Godâ€™s written Word, convicts us of our sin, and empowers us to live a life of righteousness. In order to be led by the Holy Spirit, we must tune our ears to the living God inside us. As Jesus said before His death,

â€œBut 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. When He comes, He will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: in regard to sin, because men do not believe in me; in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.â€ (John 16:7-11, emphasis mine)

Jesus provided the way to reconciliation with God, and then He provided the way to live a consecrated life by the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus reunited us with God and gave us access to His power, so we may lead a life set apart for Him. Itâ€™s up to us to choose. We can lead a life of sin in the flesh or righteousness in the Spirit. If we choose righteousness, you can be sure the Spirit convicts us when we sin.

Itâ€™s important to understand the difference between conviction and condemnation. The Holy Spirit convicts us we are guilty of sin so we can confess it, ask God for His forgiveness, and turn from our sinful ways. In contrast, the devil condemns us and causes us to wallow in guilt and shame. The Holy Spirit says, â€œYou did a bad thing,â€ while our enemy Satan says, â€œYou are a bad person.â€Â The Holy Spirit encourages or prompts us to confess our sin; Satan accuses our person, attacks our identity, demeans our self-worth, blames us, and charges us for our sin.

When we make a conscious effort to listen to the Spirit of God within us, we hold the keys to life and peace. We must allow our minds to be controlled by Him. Paul says we are obligated to be led by the Spirit. Does Satan continue to hold you in bondage and defeat? Or does Godâ€™s Spirit guide you into freedom, victory, and peace? When we obey Him and submit ourselves to His leadership, we will experience life and peace. Consider the conviction of the Holy Spirit when you are reminded of your sin and prompted to repent.

Regularly tuning in to the voice of God, the Holy Spirit within, accomplishes a giant step in the process of sanctification. If we are going to become more like Christ, we must not only listen to the voice of God, we must obey it. When you feel the Spirit prompting you to do or not do something, donâ€™t ignore Him. When you feel a tug on your heart to carry out an assignment from God, no matter how big or small, be quick to comply. When you know the Spirit of God has spoken instructions to you, act upon them as soon as possible.

When a human spirit yields to the control of the Holy Spirit, the result is life and peace. Choose to live in the Spirit and be at peace with God. Listen to His voice, and consider the conviction. Is there a sin you need to confess or turn from? What is the Holy Spirit asking you to do or not do? What behavior do you need to change? What action have you been prompted to take? Perhaps it’s the other type of conviction–to be a witness for Jesus Christ.

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

Book One in Hearing God’s Voice Series

His Heart will Sing

Sep21

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—which is your spiritual worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will (Romans 12:1-2).

Beloved one, make it your pleasure to offer yourself—heart, mind, and soul—to Me, in reverence. Do not be as the pagans, who do not acknowledge Me as God. You previously belonged to this world and its ways. However, now you are a stranger to it. Do not imitate the ways of those who do not know Me or accept me. You are My child, I adopted you as My heir. My Holy Spirit, who dwells in your heart, transforms you by the renewing of your mind. Pay attention to His voice within. He teaches you and reminds you of My good and perfect will. You need not question how to please Me. Love Me with your obedience. Set yourself apart from this world, remaining pure and holy as your spiritual worship. Serve Me wholeheartedly according to the gifts I have given you. Live into the purpose I created you for and let My heart sing.

Who Could Have Known?

Dec19

The story of Christmas with open Bible to John 3:16 Â©ginosphotos1

Who Could Have Known?

By Sindy Nagel

Who could have known

One starry night two thousand years ago,

A baby boy would change the world

And evil overthrow?

Isaiah prophesied a King

To rule on Davidâ€™s throne,

As Mary kissed her babyâ€™s cheek

How could she have known?

In fields nearby the shepherds watched

Over their flocks by night,

When an angel came to say to them

A Savior is born this night.

How could these shepherd boysÂ have known

This peaceful babe asleep,

Would one day beÂ THEIR Shepherd

And they would be His sheep?

Three Magi from the East rode far

to see this newborn King,

How could they have known this child

Had a greater gift to bring?

The angel and the heavenly host

Sang â€œGlory to God in the highestâ€

How could they have known this babe

Would be the great Messiah?

The child grew up in strength and wisdom

As the son of carpenter Joe,

He raised the boy to be a man

But how could Joseph know?

His son would one day heal the sick

And cause the blind to see,

How could he and Mary know

Their son would hang from a tree?

Twelve disciples followed Him

Not knowing where they trod,

But how could they have known this man

Was the Holy Son of God?

In three short years He was betrayed

By His friendâ€™s greed within,

How could Judas Iscariot know

Jesus would die for his sin?

A thief on either side of Him

Sharing His final hour

How could they have known this man

Was filled with Godâ€™s great power?

With all the darkness and the sin

In our evil world today,

How could anyone ever know

Why we celebrate Christmas day?

Greater still than the gift He gave–

His life in exchange for mine–

Is Jesus dwelling in my heart

Through me, His light will shine.

Who could have known

One starry night two thousand years ago,

A baby boy would change the world

For those His salvation know!

(Read Luke 2)

Patience is a Virtue

Sep29

Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. (Psalm 27:14)

My child, your heart is in My hands. I hold you close to Me. I know your desires; your longings are pure and holy. I will give you all that you ask for, in due time. Wait for Me. Good things come to those who wait expectantly for the Lord. You have heard Me say, “Ask for anything in My name and you will receive it, and your joy will be complete” (John 16:24). When you ask in My name, you will receive what you ask for. In the waiting, let your heart overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. The fruit of the Spirit is patience. Let your countenance be full of joy as you wait upon the Lord. You will receive what you ask for in My perfect timing.

I Knit You Together in Your Mother’s Womb

Jun12

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my motherâ€™s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. (Psalm 139:13-14)

My darling daughter, I knew you before I created you in your motherâ€™s womb. I ordained all of your days before one of them came to be. You are my beautiful creation, made in my likeness. Let your light shine, as my light shines through you. Raise your hands to the heavens in praise of my holy name. You are my child. I love you beyond measure. Lift your eyes toward the skies and watch me smile down upon you. You are my precious one. I call you by name, you are my own.

Spend time with me today, and I will shower you with my love an affection. Listen to my voice, my wisdom will direct your paths. Search for me as hidden treasure. Seek me and find me when you look for me with all your heart. I am with you always. I have never stopped pursuing you. Make time for me in your day. I am your strength and peace. I am your comfort and joy. Know me and experience the life I have planned for you. You are the child I delight in. I celebrate your birth today! Happy Birthday, my love.

Humble and Holy

Jan26

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. (James 4:10)

But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:15

My child, humble yourself and submit yourself to me. I am the giver of all good things. First, I give you my grace—grace that saves you into an eternity with me. Second, I give you my name. You are the child I delight in. You have been adopted by me. Third, I give you my Spirit. My Spirit will help you live a life that is holy and pleasing to me. I do not give you empty promises. Humble yourself before me and I will lift you up. Submit your spirit to my Spirit. I desire a greater intimacy with you. You are a stranger to this world, but a friend of mine. Do not conduct yourself as the world desires, but give yourself to me. Resist evil. Come near to me and enjoy the fellowship of our souls.