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Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 58 – Full Obedience

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 58

Full Obedience

Father God, the word ‘obey’ is perceived so negatively in society, and is so contrary to the ways of the world. Sometimes we fear what you will ask of us. How do You see obedience?

A Message from God’s Heart to Yours:

My child, do not tremble at the word ‘obey’. I will always enable you and empower you to do whatever I ask of you. I know what is best for you, and I would not ask you to do anything outside of My will. I am the sovereign ruler of the universe (Psalm 103:19). I have the power to do what I promise (Romans 4:21). You can trust in Me to do what is in your best interest. Submit yourself to My authority and My instructions. Trust in Me with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Me, and I will make your paths straight (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Do not let your fear keep you from listening to My voice and obeying. As I commanded Joshua, so I encourage you, “Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). Your obedience may cause you to face some challenges in unknown places, but I am with you always, leading you on your way. I will fight for you and die for you. You have seen My promises fulfilled.

I am the omniscient Father. In all things, I know the perfect timing. There is a time for everything under heaven (Ecclesiastes 3:1). Do not rush ahead on your own, in your own timing, but wait on Me. I act on behalf of the one who waits for Me (Isaiah 64:4). Tune in to My Spirit within and be sensitive to His voice. He will show you when to move and when to stay.

Seek Me in the morning, and I will show you My will for your day. Put your trust in Me. I will lead you each step of the way in the plans I have for you. I may not show you more than the next step ahead. You may not have full understanding of the course I lead you on, but I will guide you down the path I have marked out for you. You may experience conflicts or objections from others as you seek to obey My will. You must obey Me rather than men (Acts 5:29). I am Lord of all. I see and know the future. I do what is best for your future. Trust Me with all your steps, even when you know not one of them. Be sensitive to My Spirit within. He will guide you in the way everlasting (Psalm 139:24).

On the other hand, disobedience brings consequence (Genesis 2:17). Continual disobedience is rebellion. This is not a good path to walk down. When you fall short of My will, be quick to confess and repent. Partial obedience is also rebellion. Full obedience is to do what I ask, how I ask you to do it, when I say to do it. Anything less than this is not obedience. I am not pleased with partial obedience. I love you and I want you to receive the blessings that follow your full obedience to Me.

Take the same attitude as Jesus did when He said, “Yet not My will, but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42) Where would you be if Jesus had not obeyed My will and gone to the cross? There would be no escape from the payment of your sin—the death penalty. There would be no reconciliation with Me. You would remain in your sin and reap the just punishment, eternal separation from Me. I do not ask you to do anything I have not done Myself. Be obedient to My will and see it through to the end.

I hear your prayers and petitions because of your reverent submission; you will learn obedience from your suffering (Hebrews 5:7-8), even as Christ Himself learned obedience from what He suffered. You know Me if you keep My commands. If anyone obeys My Word, love for Me is truly made complete in them. Whoever claims to live in Me must live as Jesus did (1 John 2:3-6). When you love Me, you will obey Me. When you obey Me, I will love you and make My home in you (John 14:23).

Meditate on My Word day and night and be careful to do everything written in it (Joshua 1:8). Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says (James 1:22). Let your food, the nourishment of your soul, satisfy you in doing what pleases Me (John 4:34). I reward those who earnestly seek Me (Hebrews 11:6). Find My joy in your obedience; I always bless you when you follow My instructions. Show Me your love by the act of obedience to all I command you. I want only the best for you in all you do.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, not My will, but Yours be done. I know You have my best in mind, and what You have planned is best. Lord, I submit my will to Yours, and ask that You will help me and empower me to carry out whatever You ask of me. Lord, please speak to me more personally right now, and allow me to see the next step in the path You have marked out for me. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Two-way Conversation with God:

Sovereign God, You see the big picture; You know the future. What is Your will for me? What is the next step required of me to be obedient to it? (Record everything you hear Him say.)

Jesus, You are the ultimate model of submission and obedience to the Father’s will. Please share with me how to have the same attitude that You achieved in the most difficult circumstances. (Write down all the words and thoughts He brings to your mind.)

Holy Spirit, empower me to do the will of the Father. Teach me to hear and know Your voice, so that I might be able to understand what is asked of me and rely on Your power to accomplish it. What do You want me to hear right now? (Journal all ideas and impressions the Holy Spirit gives to you.)

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

Prayer:

Father God, Your ways are higher than my ways, and Your thoughts are higher than mine (Isaiah 55:8-9). I trust Your will and plans for me are perfect, no matter the cost or difficulty. I submit myself to Your will. I ask you to prepare me, equip me, empower me to be obedient and accomplish all that You created me for. I want to bring glory to Your holy name. I ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord. Amen.

Supporting Scripture:

Genesis 2:16-17, ¹⁶And the Lord God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; ¹⁷but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.”

Deuteronomy 4:2, Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the Lord your God that I give you.

Deuteronomy 5:27, “Go near and listen to all that the Lord our God says. Then tell us whatever the Lord our God tells you. We will listen and obey.”

Deuteronomy 5:32-33, ³²So be careful to do what the Lord your God has commanded you; do not turn aside to the right or to the left. ³³Walk in obedience to all that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess.

Deuteronomy 6:3-9, ³Hear, Israel, and be careful to obey so that it may go well with you and that you may increase greatly in a land flowing with milk and honey, just as the Lord, the God of your ancestors, promised you. ⁴Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. ⁵Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. ⁶These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. ⁷Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lied own and when you get up. ⁸Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. ⁹Write them on your doorframes of your house and on your gates.

Deuteronomy 30:2-3, ²and when you and your children return to the Lord your God and obey Him with all your heart and with all your soul according to everything I command you today, ³then the Lord your God will restore your fortunes and have compassion on you and gather you again from all the nations where He scattered you.

Deuteronomy 30:19-20, ¹⁹This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live ²⁰and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to His voice, and hold fast to Him. For the Lord is your life, and He will give you many years in the land He swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob .

Joshua 1:7-9, ⁷“Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law My servant Moses gave you; do not urn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. ⁸Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. ⁹Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

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

Psalm 103:17-19, ¹⁷But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear Him, and His righteousness with their children’s children—¹⁸with those who keep His covenant and remember to obey His precepts. ¹⁹The Lord has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all.

Psalm 119:57, You are my portion, Lord; I have promised to obey Your words.

Psalm 139:23-24, ²³Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. ²⁴See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

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

Ecclesiastes 3:1, There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.

Isaiah 55:8-9, ⁸“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. ⁹“As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.”

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

Jeremiah 7:23, “But I gave them this command: Obey me, and I will be your God and you will be My people. Walk in obedience to all I command you, that it may go well with you.”

Matthew 28:19-20, ¹⁹“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, ²⁰and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Luke 11:28, He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”

Luke 22;42, “Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done.”

John 4:34, “My food,” sad Jesus, “is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to finish His work.”

John 8:51, “I am not seeking glory for Myself; but there is One who seeks it, and He is the judge. Very truly I tell you, whoever obeys My Word will never see death.”

John 10:2-4, ²“The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. ³The gatekeeper opens the gate for Him, and the sheep listen to His voice. He calls His own sheep by name and leads them out. ⁴When He has brought out all His own, He goes on ahead of them, and His sheep follow Him because they know His voice.”

John 10:11, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.

John 10:14-15, ¹⁴“I am the good shepherd; I know My sheep and My sheep know Me—¹⁵just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father—and I lay down My life for the sheep.”

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

John 14:23-24, ²³Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves Me will obey My teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. ²⁴Anyone who does not love me will not obey My teaching. These words you hear are not My own; they belong to the Father who sent Me.”

Acts 5:29-32, ²⁹Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings! ³⁰The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead—whom you killed by hanging Him on a cross. ³¹God exalted Him to His own right hand as Prince and Savior that He might bring Israel to repentance and forgive their sins. ³²We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”

Romans 4:20-22, ²⁰Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, ²¹being fully persuaded that God had power to do what He had promised. ²²This is why “it was credited to him as righteousness.”

2 Corinthians 10:5, We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete.

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24, ²³May 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. ²⁴The one who calls you is faithful, and He will do it.

Hebrews 5:7-9, ⁷During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, He offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the One who could save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverent submission. ⁸Son though He was, He learned obedience from what He suffered ⁹and, once made perfect, He became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey Him.

Hebrews 11:6, And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.

James 1:22, Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

1 John 2:3-6, ³We know that we have come to know Him if we keep His commands. ⁴Whoever says, “I know Him, but does not do what He commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. ⁵But if anyone obeys His word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in Him: ⁶Whoever claims to live in Him must live as Jesus did.

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 52 – Renew Your Mind

May13

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 52

Renew Your Mind

Father in heaven, You have made me a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me (Psalm 51:10). I now submit my mind to Your spirit for complete renewal. Lord, give my mind a makeover, so that I may think and act according to Your will and ways. Lord, let me not focus on the way the world thinks and reasons, but only as You would have me think and reason. Show me what I must do to renew my mind.

A Message from God’s Heart to Yours:

Dear sweet child of Mine—that’s what I want you to hear today—you are My child. Your identity in Christ makes you My child—it completes you. You are uniquely you because I created you in My image and yet different than every other person on earth. Your identity as My child gives you access to all of Me and all that I have. You lack nothing.

You were bought a price (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), the death of My Son, Jesus Christ. Your redemption was purchased by the blood of Jesus, nailed to a tree, for the sin of all humanity. Your identity in Me became secure when you invited Jesus in to your heart, confessing Him as your Savior and Lord. I placed My Holy Spirit in your heart to seal you as My child, to speak to you on My behalf, to guide you, comfort you, and give you My wisdom. He reminds you of Scripture and interprets the Word of God for you.

You have been given the mind of Christ. One way to renew your mind is to meditate on My Word. Read it, ponder it, digest it, and live it out. You may speak to Me about My Word any time. My Word is living and active (Hebrews 4:12). My Spirit will illumine it for you and make it come alive with meaning for every situation you face. Know My wisdom and My will for your life when you spend time in My Word. Discover My character and My love. Hear My instructions and My commands. Allow it to permeate your mind and revitalize your thoughts. Take captive every thought and make it obedient to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).

Set your mind on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace (Romans 8:5-6). You are no longer of this world. You are a stranger to it. Do not live, think and act as the world does. The world causes you to focus on yourself—put yourself first, take care of yourself, please yourself, do whatever makes you happy. This kind of thinking is opposite of kingdom thinking. I say, put others ahead of yourself. Live as Christ who did not come to be served, but to serve (Matthew 20:28). Humble yourself and serve others in love.

Do not take care of yourself and live independently from Me, but depend on Me for everything. I desire an intimate relationship with you which means that you put Me first, seeking Me and My will before you run ahead making your own decisions and your own plans. I desire only the best for your life. Your plans may be good, but are they My best for you? Begin a new practice of seeking Me first in all you do. Refresh your method of operation. Seek Me first. You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with your whole heart (Jeremiah 29:13).

Allow the Spirit of truth to transform your spiritual heart. You may have believed some words that were not true about yourself. You may have bought into the lies of the enemy; an untrue identity. Let the Spirit expose the lies and replace them with the truth—you are a child of God, you are loved, you are radiant, you are smart, and you are talented. Renew your thoughts with the truth by tuning in to the voice of My Spirit within you. Let Me renew your identity in Christ. I will refresh your mind and restore your soul. Remain in Me and be rejuvenated daily.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit who renews my mind, refreshes my spirit and restores my soul. You are an awesome Daddy, and I am so blessed to be called Your child. I love you, and I desire to walk with you and talk with you daily. Please share Your heart with me now regarding my personal circumstances. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Two-way Conversation with God:

Father God, You have adopted me as Your very own. Please renew my thinking along those lines. Tell me more about my personal and individual identity in Christ. (Record every word you hear.)

Jesus, my Savior, You have made me a new creation with the mind of Christ. Please renew my mind and correct my thinking. How do you see me? (Write down all the thoughts He gives you.)

Holy Spirit, create in me a pure heart and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Teach me how to re-connect with You to refresh my thinking and my actions according to God’s will. (Journal all the impressions and thoughts He gives you.)

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, I am grateful for Your Word, Your Spirit, and Your love. Give me the desire to meditate on Your Word, to connect with Your Spirit, and to understand the depth of Your love for me. Renew my mind, heart, and strength as I pursue a more intimate relationship with You. Thank You for speaking to me daily and refreshing me with Your words of loving kindness and encouragement. Continue to show me more aspects of Your character and Your heart. In the name of Jesus, my Lord, I pray. Amen.

Supporting Scripture:

Psalm 51:10-12, ¹⁰Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. ¹¹Do not cast me from Your presence or take Your Holy Spirit from me. ¹²Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and grant me a willing sprit to sustain me.”

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

Matthew 20:26-28, ²⁶“Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, ²⁷and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—²⁸just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”

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

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

1 Corinthians 6:19-20, ¹⁹Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; ²⁰you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

2 Corinthians 3:17-18, ¹⁷Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. ¹⁸And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory, which comes form the Lord, who is the Spirit.

2 Corinthians 4:16, Therefore we do not lose heart, though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.

2 Corinthians 10:3-5, ³For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. ⁴The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. ⁵We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

Hebrews 4:12-13, ¹²For the Word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. ¹³Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.

Titus 3:5-7, ⁵He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit ⁶whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, ⁷so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.

1 John 5:6, This is the one who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ. He did not come by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth.

2 John :2-3, ²because of the truth, which lives in us and will be with us forever: ³Grace, mercy, and pace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son, will be with us in truth and love.

3 John 3:4, I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 47 – Listen to God

May8

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 47

Listen to God

Hello, Lord, are You there? Your Word says that You are with me always (Matthew 28:20); You will never leave me or forget about me (Joshua 1:5). Do you speak to Me often? Sometimes I try to be still and listen to You, but I cannot hear Your voice. I don’t really know what it sounds like or I’m not sure whether it’s Your thoughts or mine. How do I know the difference? Please help me be still enough to listen and give me the discernment to know Your voice when You speak to me.

A Message from God’s Heart to Yours:

My beloved one, I am always right here waiting to listen to you and talk to you. Will you do the same for Me? I desire intimate relationship and personal conversation with you daily. I want to listen to your requests and impart My wisdom and instructions for your life. I am your Shepherd, and you are My sheep. My sheep know My voice and follow Me (John 10:27).

You will know and recognize My voice by spending time with Me in My Word. Whenever you read My Word, you are hearing directly from Me. The Holy Spirit will open your eyes to see what I want you to understand when you spend time in the Scripture. You will hear Me speak to you through My Word. However, I love to communicate with you in prayer also. When you pray, go into the secret place, where you and I meet alone. Be still and know that I am God (Psalm 46:10). When you quiet your heart and mind enough, and give Me your undivided attention, you will hear My inaudible voice in your thoughts. It is soft as a whisper, yet powerful and majestic (Psalm 29:4).

When you spend time in My Word, getting to know My character better, you will better know what to expect when you hear Me in your thoughts. I am loving and compassionate; I will encourage you with My love and envelope you with My kindness. I am wise and discerning; I will instruct you with My wisdom. I am your Advocate; I will guide you and support you with My knowledge. I am your Counselor; I will advise you in all your circumstances. I am your Father; I will delight in you and bestow your identity as My child. I am the Prince of Peace; I will fill you with the confidence of knowing I am in control.

When you hear My voice, the message will always align with My Word in Scripture. My voice will always be consistent with My character. It will bring you a feeling of peace unless I am convicting you of a sin. My words will never be harsh, accusing, condemning, or confusing like Satan’s voice. My words in your thoughts will be sincere, clear, truthful, motivating, comforting, and uplifting. I may instruct you to do something challenging, but I will always equip you to carry it out. I will never ask you to do anything that does not agree with My Word in the Bible. I will not lie to you, manipulate you, deceive you, or shame you. Those actions identify your enemy, the devil. The more time you spend in conversation with Me, the better you will be able to identify and discern My voice in your thoughts, from your own thoughts and Satan’s.

Above all, I just want to spend time with you, however that works best: in My Word, in personal conversation, or shoulder to shoulder walking through the journey of your life. I love you, My friend, and I want what is best for you. It is best that you remain in relationship with Me by reading My Word, talking to Me in prayer, listening to Me and hearing My voice, loving Me with your obedience, and praising Me whenever possible. I look forward to our next conversation. When shall we meet again?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I so long to hear You speak more regularly, and to know for sure it’s Your voice I hear. Teach me more about Your character so that I may be confident in discerning Your voice from the other thoughts in my head. Lord, please speak to me now and let me know what needs to change in my life in order for me to hear Your voice in my thoughts more consistently. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Two-way Conversation with God:

Father God, help me to quiet my mind and heart enough to hear You speak. What do You want me to know at this time? (Record every word or thought you have.)

Jesus, my Friend, will You share what You want me to know about listening to Your voice? How do I discern between Your voice and my own thoughts? (Write down what He says to you now.)

Holy Spirit, teach me to be more in tune with Your whispers and how You speak to me all day long. What do I need to do to hear You speaking to me and guiding me? (Journal all ideas and thoughts that pop into your mind.)

Prayer:

Dear Lord, thank You for speaking Your heart and pouring Your thoughts into my mind whenever I meet with You. Thank You for making Yourself available to meet with me any time and anywhere. Lord, I so appreciate that Your desire is for greater intimacy with me. Give me the same desire and expand my time, so that I may accomplish the goal of putting You first in my life, and listening to You daily. Thank You for Your loving kindness and forbearance. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.

Supporting Scripture:

Psalm 29:4, The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is majestic.

Psalm 32:8, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”

Psalm 46:10, He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

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

Matthew 28:19-20, ¹⁹“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. ²⁰And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Mark 4:23, “If anyone has ears to hear, let them hear.”

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

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 24 – Listen and Obey

Apr15

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 24

Listen and Obey

Lord, how do I recognize Your voice from the other voices I hear in my thoughts? Teach me to know Your voice and follow You. Lord, give me the desire to obey You knowing that You have only my best interests in mind and want to protect me from the consequences of disobedience. Lord, help me remember that partial obedience does not equal obedience. I fully submit myself to Your good and perfect will. Teach me Your ways, O Lord.

A Message from God’s Heart to Yours:

Get away from the crowds and noise. Meet Me in the secret place in the early hours of the morning. Pay attention to the whispers in your heart. Be sensitive to My Spirit. Spend time alone with Me to know Me better. When you know Me better, you will recognize the voice of My Spirit within you.

You will know My voice, because I will not contradict My character or My Word. Meditate on Scripture to know Me better. My will for You always aligns with what the Bible says. For the most part, you will experience peace when you hear from Me, unless it is a conviction or warning from the Holy Spirit.

I ask you to obey Me, because I do not want to watch you suffer the consequences of disobedience and sin. However, you know I will use all things for your good (Romans 8:28). Your obedience is pleasing to Me. Obedience is not always easy, but it is always the right way to operate. Obey Me and leave the rest to me.

I am the Shepherd and you are My sheep. My sheep know My voice and they follow Me (John 10:4). The Good Shepherd lays down His life for His sheep (John 10:11). I protect My sheep from dangers, snares and traps. When My sheep listen to My voice, I am able to steer them away from threats and lead them into safety. When you are obedient to My voice, My commands and instructions will keep you safe in My protection. I hide you in the shadow of My wings (Psalm 17:8).

Like a lamb in My arms, I will carry you through your trials and challenges. You may depend on Me for all your needs. I will feed you in pastures of green, and lead you beside still waters to drink. I will protect you from the wolf and the bear. I keep you safe from your enemies and those who would devour you. Find your solace, peace, and rest in My loving arms. I will quiet your fears and bring comfort to your troubled soul.

I have sent My Spirit into your heart to help you live an obedient life more pleasing to Me. He will convict you of sin and empower you to resist temptation and disobedience. He will sanctify you through and through (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24), making you holy and pleasing in My sight. Pay attention to the Spirit’s prompting and heed His guidance. His subtle warnings may save your soul and keep you safe from the ill effects that disobedience produces.

My child, I love you and I want what is best for you. When you love Me, listen to My voice, and hold fast to Me, you will enjoy many years, for I am your life (Deuteronomy 30:19-20). Choose life and experience all the blessings that I have for you. To all who have ears, let them hear what I say: Listen and obey. Experience My best for you.

Prayer:

Father, thank You for the gift of Your Holy Spirit dwelling in my heart. I need His assistance to live a life more pleasing to You. Allow me to clearly hear Your voice within me—not only to hear, but also obey. Lord, thank You for the promise that when I love You and obey You, You make Your home in me (John 14:23). What an awesome promise! I pray that I will know Your voice right now as I meet with You alone to discern Your will for my life. Lord, speak to me in my heart and mind, as I listen intently, away from people and distractions. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Two-way Conversation with God:

Father God, speak to me now with Your words of wisdom and instruction. What do you want me to hear today? (Record all thoughts He gives you now.)

Jesus, my Lord, I love you and want to obey You. Please make Your home in Me and teach me Your perfect will and ways. Lord, teach me to recognize Your voice. What does it sound like? (Write all words, ideas, and impressions He gives you.)

Holy Spirit, it is Your voice I long to hear at all times, in all circumstances. Teach me to be obedient to Your voice in my thoughts. Help me discern Your voice from the others in my head. How do I separate them? (Jot down all instructions and insights.)

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, thank You for sharing Your heart as You speak to mine. Thank You for the relationship we have in the quiet places of my heart. Thank You that I may approach Your throne in confidence and experience intimacy with the King of kings and Lord of lords. How amazing is that? Thank You for being my friend, confidante, constant companion, counselor, and guide. I love you with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Help me to show my love through my obedience to You. In Jesus’ name, I ask this. Amen.

Supporting Scripture:

Deuteronomy 4:2, Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the Lord your God that I give you.

Deuteronomy 5:27, “Go near and listen to all that the Lord our God says. Then tell us whatever the Lord our God tells you. We will listen and obey.”

Deuteronomy 5:32-33, So be careful to do what the Lord your God has commanded you; do not turn aside to the right or to the left. Walk in obedience to all that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess.

Deuteronomy 30:2-3, and when you and your children return to the Lord your God and obey Him with all your heart and with all your soul according to everything I command you today, then the Lord your God will restore your fortunes and have compassion on you and gather you again from all the nations where He scattered you.

Deuteronomy 30:19-20, This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to His voice, and hold fast to Him. For the Lord is your life, and He will give you many years in the land He swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

1 Samuel 3:10, The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” Then Samuel said, “Speak, for Your servant is listening.”

Psalm 17:8, Keep me as the apple of Your eye; hide me in the shadow of Your wings.

Psalm 103:17-18, But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear Him, and His righteousness with their children’s children—with those who keep His covenant and remember to obey His precepts.

Psalm 119:57, You are my portion, Lord; I have promised to obey Your words.

Proverbs 1:5, Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance.

Jeremiah 7:23, “But I gave them this command: Obey me, and I will be your God and you will be My people. Walk in obedience to all I command you, that it may go well with you.”

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.”

Mark 9:7, Then a cloud appeared and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is My Son, whom I love. Listen to Him!”

Luke 10:39, She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what He said.

Luke 11:28, He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”

John 8:51, “I am not seeking glory for Myself; but there is One who seeks it, and He is the judge. Very truly I tell you, whoever obeys My Word will never see death.”

John 10:2-4, “The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for Him, and the sheep listen to His voice. He calls His own sheep by name and leads them out. When He has brought out all His own, He goes on ahead of them, and His sheep follow Him because they know His voice.”

John 10:11, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.

John 10:14-15, “I am the good shepherd; I know My sheep and My sheep know Me—just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father—and I lay down My life for the sheep.”

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

John 14:23-24, Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves Me will obey My teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Anyone who does not love me will not obey My teaching. These words you hear are not My own; they belong to the Father who sent Me.”

Acts 5:29-32, Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings! The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead—whom you killed by hanging Him on a cross. God exalted Him to His own right hand as Prince and Savior that He might bring Israel to repentance and forgive their sins. We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”

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.

James 1:22, Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

1 John 2:3-6, We know that we have come to know Him if we keep His commands. Whoever says, “I know Him, but does not do what He commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. But if anyone obeys His word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in Him: Whoever claims to live in Him must live as Jesus did.

Faithful and True

Mar29

Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful. (1 Corinthians 1: 7-9)

I am called Faithful and True. I am faithful and true to my promises. I will keep you strong to the end when Jesus Christ is revealed. I have called you into relationship with my Son and have adopted you as my own sons and daughters. You do not lack any spiritual gift. You have been enriched in every way. You have the gift of knowledge available to you through my Spirit who lives within you.

Listen to the voice of my Spirit of Truth and grow in spiritual wisdom. This way you will remain strong to the end, when you remain in continuous relationship with me. Do not forsake meeting with me and listening to me. I am the voice of reason in a world that has gone astray. Pay attention to my teachings. Remain pure and humble. Be obedient to my commands. Follow my instructions and you will be blameless on that final day. Be forever faithful and true to me.

Listen like one being taught

Apr19

Listen Like One Being Taught

Click on the link above to hear an audio message read by Sindy Nagel. This is an excerpt from Manna for Today, page 48.