Tag Archive | joy

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 25 – Ask and It’s Yours

Apr16

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 25

Ask and It’s Yours

Dear Jesus, I ask for so many things all the time, but not always according to Your will or in Your name. Help me to separate what I want from what You want. Teach me to seek Your will and ask for the things that are important to You. Lord, help me make the time to ‘be still’ in relationship with You and know that You are God (Psalm 46:10). You will give Me what I ask according to Your will. Please show me Your will and teach me what and how to ask.

A Message from God’s Heart to Yours:

My child, you have not because you ask not (James 4:2). I am here waiting to bestow so many blessings on you, yet you have not asked Me for any of them. 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).

My wisdom is available to you, by My Spirit, any time of the day or night. You have access to Him 24 / 7. The Spirit of truth takes what is Mine and makes it known to you (John 16:13-15). All I have is yours; simply ask and it will be given to you. The key is to ask. I want nothing more than to give you My wisdom to help you live the life I have intended for you, and to live a life more pleasing to Me.

Make the time to meet with Me in the secret place, away from noise and distractions. Pray to Me. Talk to Me. Listen to Me. Your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you (Matthew 6:6-8). I know what you need before you ask, however, I desire relationship with you, so I still want you to ask. I want you to know that you can depend on Me for all your needs. Ask Me for anything, and it’s yours. But I want to hear you ask. I want to communicate with you. I desire spiritual intimacy with you—face to face, heart to heart.

Remain in Me and let My words remain in you; then ask whatever you wish and it will be done for you (John 15:7). The key is to remain in relationship with Me. When you do, you will know My will. You have this assurance: Ask Me for anything, according to My will, and I will hear you, then you will know that you have what you asked of Me (1 John 5:14).

Approach My throne of grace with confidence. Receive My mercy and I will help you in your time of need (Hebrews 4:16). My Father will give you whatever you ask in My name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete (John 16:23-26). You may experience My joy even in the darkest of times.

When you ask, believe you will have it. Do not doubt (James 1:5-8). If you don’t receive it instantly, you doubt I heard you, or you doubt you will receive it. Wait on Me (Psalm 27:14). My timing is perfect. My ways are higher than your ways. My thoughts are higher than your thoughts (Isaiah 55:8). I know what is best for you, and I know the best time to give it to you. Trust Me. I work all things together for the good of those who love Me (Romans 8:28). I love you, My friend, and I desire the best for you. The best thing for you is to remain in relationship and two-way communication with Me. Keep asking and believing.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, thank You for the confidence that I may boldly approach Your throne of grace and ask You for anything. I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief! (Mark 9:24). Lord, I desire relationship with You also. Help me to make You, and time spent with You, a priority. I want to seek You in the secret place more often. I desire to know Your will, and I respect Your timing. Please give me the patience to wait on You. And now, as I knock on the door of Your heart, please open the door and let me in (Matthew 7:7). In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Two-way Conversation with God: 

  • God, my Father, please share Your heart with me today. What is it You want me to know? (Record what you hear in your thoughts.)

 

  • Lord, I am asking You right now for _______________ (fill in the blank) in the name of Jesus. I ask for answers according to Your will and in Your timing. Please speak to me now about this request. (Record all words, thoughts, and feelings you have.)

 

  • Holy Spirit, I ask for God’s wisdom for my current situation. What would You have me do about ________________ (fill in the blank)? (Write your thoughts and impressions here.)

 

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 in heaven, thank You for hearing my prayers and for the listening to my requests. Lord, thank You for meeting with me today, and being available to me whenever I make time for You. Lord, I pray for Your wisdom and guidance in the situations we discussed above. Spirit of truth, reveal God’s wisdom, His will, and His answers to my requests. Thank You for walking with me 24/7 so that I may counsel with You any time. Teach me to pray and ask according to Your will. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Supporting Scripture:

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

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.”

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

Matthew 6:6-8, “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.

Matthew 7:7-11, “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; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him!”

Luke 11:9-13, 9“So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. 11Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? 12Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

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 15:16, “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in My name the Father will give you.”

John 16:13-15, “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 glorify Me because it is from Me that He will receive what He will make known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from Me what He will make known to you.”

John 16:23-26, “In that day, you will no longer ask Me anything. Very truly I tell you, My Father will give you whatever you ask in My name. Until now you have not asked for anything in My name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.”

Romans 8:28, And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.

Romans 8:32, He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all—how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things.

Hebrews 4:16, Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

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

James 4:1-3, What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.

1 John 5:14, This is the confidence 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.

 Copyright © Sindy Nagel. All Rights Reserved

 

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 5 – I am Your Living Water

Mar27

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 5

I am Your Living Water

Lord Jesus, I am hungry for your love and thirsty for your companionship. Please come and sit with me now, and satisfy my longings. Let my hunger forever be contented by You only, and my thirst forever be fulfilled by Your presence. Jesus, love me with Your words and quench my insatiable cravings. Please pour into me now a fresh filling of Your Living Water, the Holy Spirit.

A Message from God’s Heart to Yours:

From the moment you believed in Me, you have had access to My living water, the Holy Spirit. You may come to Me anytime you are thirsty. When you drink of My living water, you will never thirst. I am the spring of water welling up to eternal life (John 4:14). My living water is the only thing that will satisfy your spiritual thirst. Your needs can be met nowhere else but in Me. Come to Me and drink. Drink freely from the fountain of life.

 I have loved you with an everlasting love. My love is the only remedy for your soul. Your longings can be met only in relationship with Me. I am the medicine for your pain. I am the food for your hunger and the water for your thirst. I am the wisdom for your questions. I am the shelter in your storm. I am your Comforter in times of grief and loss. I am your companion in your hour of need. I will never leave you or forget about you (Joshua 1:5). I am with you always.

 Believe in Me and rivers of living water will flow from within you (John 7:38). Tune in to Me daily. I am the voice of God within you. Take delight in Me and I will give you the desires of your heart (Psalm 37:4). Commit your way to Me, and I will make firm your steps; I will uphold you (Psalm 37:23-24). Sow your seed in time spent with Me, and I will bring forth a garden of peace and satisfaction in your spirit.

 I am the bounce in your step, the sparkle in your eyes, the joy in your spirit, and the hope in your heart. A life lived apart from Me is no life at all. Spend time with Me each morning. Put your trust in Me, submit yourself to Me, and I will direct your paths (Proverbs 3:5-6). I will lead you to springs of living water (Revelation 7:17).  I am the passage through which your spiritual lifeblood flows. I am the living water, flowing from a place of righteousness.

Turn your thoughts to Me. Set your mind on what the Spirit desires and live in accordance to My will. Do not be controlled by the flesh, but let your mind be directed by Me. In this, you will find your life and peace (See Romans 8:5-6). I will teach you all things and remind you of everything Jesus said. I am the gift of Jesus, your inner peace. Do not let your heart be troubled (John 14:26-27). You can be at peace, even in the middle of the storm. Simply tune into My Spirit within.

 You may return to the well of the world time and time again, but your thirst will never be satisfied. Let down your bucket into the well of My Spirit, and I will fill it to overflowing with My living water. I am your confidence. Find your peace and joy in Me and nothing else. Let Me demonstrate My love and faithfulness to you. Drink deeply from My well and find rest for your weary soul. I am your lifeblood. I am your living water, welling up to eternal life in Christ Jesus.

Prayer:

Dear God & Jesus, I thank You for the indescribably awesome gift of Your Holy Spirit living within me. Thank You for the incredible picture of being my living water. I praise You that You offer an easily accessible way that my needs and longings will be met. I will not thirst when I drink deeply from the well of Your living water within my soul. You provide all my needs and desires. Thank You for caring for me so deeply and completely. Let Your living water flow through me right now as I spend a few minutes with You alone. Allow me to hear and recognize Your voice within me as You satisfy my thirst for more and more of You.

 Two-way Conversation with God:

  •  Holy Spirit, what does it mean to me that You exist in me as living water? (Write the first thing that comes to your mind.)

 

  • How does your living water help me in my daily life? (Record the thoughts He give you.)

 

  • Allow me to bask in the river of Your eternal love. Please tell me what You think of me? Lord, what do You want me to hear from you today? (Jot down all words and thoughts that pop into 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 Holy Spirit of God, I thank You for dwelling in me as a fountain of water welling up to eternal life. You are my living water, the lifeblood that flows through my heart. My life is so much richer because of Your presence in me. Help me fight for the time to spend alone with You. Please daily pour into me a fresh and continuous filling of your living water. Cleanse me and wash me whiter than snow. Satisfy all my longings and give me the desires of my heart. I want to live with a heart for God, allowing the overflow of Your love to burst forth from my inner fountain into the lives of others who are parched and weary. Lord, help me to love myself as You do, so that I may love others with the love You pour into me. Let me be Your fountain of life bringing Your encouragement to another desperately thirsty soul. Thank You for Your love and Your presence in my life. I am eternally grateful for these awesome gifts. In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, I pray. Amen.

Supporting Scripture:

John 4:10, Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked Him and He would have given you living water.”

John 4:13-14, Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

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.”

John 7:37-39, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in Me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” By this He meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.

Psalm 37:4, Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.

Psalm 37:23-24, The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in Him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.

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

Revelation 7:16-17, “Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat down on them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; He will lead them to springs of living water.”

Romans 8 – See whole chapter.

Romans 8:5-6, Those 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. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.

Romans 8:11, And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of His Spirit who lives in you.

John 14:26-27, “But the Advocate, 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.”

Revelation 22:17, The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.

Copyright © Sindy Nagel. All Rights Reserved.

You are a Princess

May9


A woman is standing at the microphone and holding a pen.Beloved one, I have adopted you as My child. You are the daughter of the King—that makes you a Princess. You are precious to Me. Come and sit with Me this morning. Let Me shower you with My love. I will rejoice over you with singing.

 Rest your weary body and find refreshment for your soul. I am all you need. I love you much more than you will ever comprehend. I will take care of you. I never leave you or forget about you. My promises are true. I am trustworthy. You can depend on Me for everything you need.

 Delight yourself in Me, and I will give you the desires of your heart. Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. Search for Me, and find Me, when you seek Me with all of your heart. I wait patiently for you to come to Me. Will you make time for Me today? Sit and talk with Me, My love. I have so much to say to you.

 I am your shepherd, and you are My sheep. My sheep know My voice. I speak to you from within your heart. Learn to recognize My voice. Listen to My instruction. Receive My encouragement. Apply My wisdom. Walk with Me daily. Communicate with Me all day long. I am your closest companion. I will walk you through your struggles and rejoice with you in your successes. You belong to Me. I will protect you and provide for all your needs. Find new hope, confidence, and joy in Me. Do not fear, I love you perfectly.


 

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 #7

Mar21


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

Reward #7 – Delight in the Peace

By the time I reached my mid-thirties, I had created a busy life for myself. I had everything I wanted: a husband, a home, a job, a girl, a boy, friends, a dog, God, a church, a ministry, and much more. Why did I feel so empty? I controlled my life—or did my life control me? My life resulted in exactly what I had made of it, not what God had planned. My life was good, but it was not God’s best for me. My life felt full, but I remained hollow. My whole life had left me with a hole in my heart. Our definition of a full life is different than God’s. The life I had created quickly spun out of control and into depression. I was in pieces and had no peace within.

God met me at the bottom of my pit of depression. He stretched out His hand to me. I took hold, and He pulled me up. He set me down on His firm foundation and began the rebuilding process in me. As I learned to trust God more every day, I turned over new areas of my life to Him. When I turned over complete control to God, He rearranged major things in my crazy, busy life to give me the peace He wanted me to enjoy.

After many months of meeting with God on a daily basis to listen to His voice—absorb His healing, find freedom in forgiving, enjoy His encouragement, follow His instruction, consider His conviction, and savor His wisdom—I could now delight in His peace. God had rebuilt my demolished soul through the work of His Holy Spirit inside me. He gave me a newfound confidence in Christ and in myself as a child of God. He gave me a renewed relationship with the Father. He gave me a stronger, more vibrant faith and a passion for serving my Savior. He gave me more spiritual knowledge and a better understanding of the Holy Spirit and His role of transforming me into a new creation.

Let me be clear. Life did not get a lot easier, but it did become more peaceful as I gave over control to God. That statement seems contradictory. Losing control should not produce peace in one’s spirit, but the things of God are not as they seem. He does not operate as the world does. When I gave up control and surrendered to the will and plans of God, He lifted a burden from me.

As I consulted with Him in all areas of my life, big and small, I turned from being a people-pleaser into being a God-pleaser. I didn’t care as much about what people thought anymore; I concerned myself with what God thought. I did not have to please everyone; I had to please the One. I tried not to spread myself thin going in too many different directions. I focused my attention in one direction—up.

It took many months for God to rearrange my life in order to give me the kind of peace He wanted me to experience by trusting fully in Him. I had obligations I needed to fulfill and positions I had to find replacements for. I had to change the way I operated in my home among my family. As God freed up my time by releasing me from a few responsibilities, I became more available for Him to use in His work.

Doing God’s work generated a much greater reward than anything I might take on myself. With obedience come peace and joy. As I faithfully met with God every morning, our relationship deepened immensely. He did a great deal of intense work with me on discovering, processing, and healing my emotional wounds. I shed many tears along the path to healing. The rough and rocky emotional journey had to be traveled to get to a better place—a place of freedom, peace, and rest.

One of the first observations my Christian mentor made about me all those years ago was that I did not have much peace in my life. It was a very smart—and true—observation. I experienced a full life, yet I did not know what peace-full felt like. Some people do not experience a full life according to worldly standards but have a life full of peace and contentment because they rely on intimate communication with God through the Holy Spirit, rather than depending on things and circumstances. The full life Jesus Christ came to give us equals a life full of His peace when we are in tune with the voice and Spirit of God, not based on material possessions, human relationships, or excellent conditions.

Jesus stood at my door and knocked. I answered and let Him in. I spent time with Him and listened to His voice. I pursued Him, drew near to Him, and remained in Him. The outcome has been a deeper, more intimate relationship with my Savior. The lasting effect is a life full of His peace. I now know the peace of God, even in the midst of life’s challenges.

Get close to God by being in touch with God’s Holy Spirit inside you. Tap into the power of the Prince of Peace, who lives in your heart. Listen to God’s voice and experience a life full of His perfect peace. Psalm 85:8 says, “I will listen to what God the Lord will say; He promises peace to His people, His saints—but let them not return to folly.† Listening to God’s voice enables us to delight in His peace. The peace of God is more precious than diamonds, silver, or gold. Enjoying all the rewards of listening to God makes me want to share this excellent practice with the world.

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

Book One in Hearing God’s Voice Series

Step 6 – Enjoy the Rewards – Reward #4

Feb28


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

Reward #4 – Follow the Instruction

God speaks to His people not only to encourage us, but also to instruct us in life. Psalm 32:8 says, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.†God shares His wisdom, His commands, and His teachings throughout the Bible. For example, read Proverbs 2 to catch a glimpse of the benefits of seeking God’s wisdom. Also, Jesus sums up the greatest commandment in Matthew 22:37-38 when He says, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’†These are instructions to live by.

Seeking God’s wisdom by listening to His voice and then following through on His instructions leads to a life of intimacy, peace, and joy with the Lord. When we tune our ears to God’s voice, quite often we hear or feel the Holy Spirit prompting us to do something important. Just as a parent instructs a child and expects obedience, God expects us to obey when He speaks to us. When we do not obey His voice, we miss out on some great opportunities to experience the plans He made for our lives, including the benefits of lasting joy, indescribable peace, and abundant blessing—the kind of full life Christ came to give us.

Proverbs 8:10-11 says, “Choose My instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.†In this verse, God compares His instruction to precious metals and reveals a worth far greater than silver or gold. Nothing you desire or money can buy surpasses the rich wisdom imparted in God’s instructions.

In John 14:23, Jesus shared an insight on how to experience intimacy with God: “Jesus replied, ‘If anyone loves me, he will obey My teaching. My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.’†When we love Jesus, we will obey His teaching. When we obey His teaching, God loves us and makes His home with us. We learn and grow in intimacy with God. Jesus didn’t leave us guessing how to get close to God. This verse came in the context of Jesus promising to send the Holy Spirit to live with us. God dwells with those who love and obey Him. He doesn’t just visit us from time to time; He makes His home IN us forever. Jesus modeled His love for God by being obedient to His Father’s instructions, even unto death on the cross. It’s not enough to listen to God’s voice. We also must obey.

In Acts 1:1-2, Paul reminds Theophilus that before God took Jesus up to heaven, Christ gave instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles He had chosen. He sent the gift of the Holy Spirit to us so He could continue to teach us and give us instructions after He returned to the side of God the Father. When the Spirit of God instructs us, He does not allow us to forget about what He wants us to do. In my experience, the Spirit does not let me ignore His instructions. He persists until I obey.

When you are obedient to God’s instructions and the prompting of the Holy Spirit, you will experience incomparable joy just as Jesus’ disciples did in Acts 13:52: “And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.â€

Don’t put off doing the will of God. When you hear God’s voice and instructions, don’t wait months to carry them out. Confirm what you hear, and then do it! When we’re obedient to the Holy Spirit’s promptings, we’ll experience a greater joy lasting longer than any happiness we might receive from the things of this world. In Luke 11:28, Jesus says, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.â€

Listen to God’s instructions, “and the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus†(Philippians 4:7).

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

Book One in Hearing God’s Voice Series

Freedom

Feb4

My chains have been broken

I give all thanks to Thee

I now know the Truth

And the Truth has set me free

 

You loosed my restraints

Where once I was bound

The chains and the shackles

Fell straight to the ground

 

The bondage of slavery

That once held me tight

No longer has hold of me

Against it we fight

 

You arm me for battle

Your sword at my side

Girded in righteousness

Behind Your shield I hide

 

Your helmet, my salvation

Your belt of truth on my waist

And Your gospel of peace

My feet will carry all my days

 

Still the most precious gift

You’ve given to me

Your Spirit in my heart

Seals my identity

 

A child of the King, I am

Adopted by Your grace

Your love fills my heart

Your joy shines from my face

 

Forever I’ll live with You

In all eternity

Forever I am grateful

That You died on Calvary

 

Your death paid my ransom

The debt I owed to Thee

You defeated my opponent

I will claim my victory

 

My chains have been broken

I give all thanks to Thee

I now know the Truth

And the Truth has set me free

 

 

Thanksgiving or Giving Thanks

Nov26

Heavenly Father, Almighty King–

Thank you for Thanksgiving. Thank you for a day that reminds us to be thankful for the many blessings you have given us. Thank you for…

Dying on the cross for me.

Your forgiveness and providing newness of life.

Your Word which is a lamp to my feet.

The gift of Your Holy Spirit Who lives in me.

The ability to hear Your voice within my thoughts.

Your goodness and faithfulness.

Your unconditional love.

Your guidance and protection.

Your perfect joy and peace, even in the midst of struggles.

My excellent husband and partner in life.

My children and the many gifts you have given them.

A godly husband for my daughter and a profession she loves.

A beautiful mind for my son and the ability to pursue the career of his choosing.

Faithful family and friends with whom we can share our lives.

My home and its furnishings, clothes to wear, and food to eat.

A church where I can worship You and fellowship with other Christ followers.

A country and constitution that still upholds the freedom of religion.

A new direction in federal government.

The promise that You are in control and will use everything for our good and Yours.

In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.

 

 

 

Take heart! We can have peace in a troubled world.

Nov18

In John 16:33, Jesus says, “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.”

This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out His commands. This is love for God: to obey His commands. And His commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. (1 John 5:2-4)

My dear children, in this world you will have trouble. But I have overcome the world. In Me you may find your peace. My peace is available to you at all times, through all the trials of this life. Though the storms rage around you, you need only look within to find your tranquility. I am in you and you are in Me, just as I am in My Father and My Father is in Me.

Turn to Me, and I will calm the wind and the waves that threaten you. Though you are weak, you may find your strength in Me. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid, for I am with you always. I do not leave you alone as orphans. My Spirit lives in your heart.

When you accept Me as your Savior, you are born of God. When you believe that I am the Son of God, you too, in faith, will overcome the world. Live victoriously in your faith. Show yourself to be My children by loving each other as I have loved you. When you obey My commands, you will remain in My love. My joy will be in you and your joy will be complete.

My peace and joy are available to you, even in the trials and turmoil this world brings. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. Remain in Me and I will remain in you. My love, joy and peace will remain in you as well. Let My joy be a shining light in a world full of darkness. Radiate My love to a broken world.

See also John 14:27, John 15:4, John 15:9-13.

Are You Wearing the Latest Fashion–the Armor of Light?

Aug23


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

@prometeus

My dear child, have you laid out your clothes for tomorrow yet? Will you be wearing the armor of light? Put aside the deeds of darkness and clothe yourself with the Lord Jesus Christ, the light of the world. Tomorrow morning, wake up from your slumber and put on My robe of righteousness. Do not hide in the shadows and gratify your fleshly desires. Instead, walk out of the darkness and into My glorious light.

You are My child; therefore, you reflect My glory. Fulfill the law by reflecting My love; it’s unconditional. Do not harm your neighbor. Neither should you judge him, because you, yourself, will be judged. Who is your neighbor? Anyone. Everyone. Spread My love to all you meet. Love even the unlovable. When you are obedient to the law of love, I am well-pleased.

I make My home in you. I am with you at all times. When love does not come easily, draw on My power within. In your weakness, I am strong. In your doubt, I am your confidence. In your pain, I am your peace. In your sorrow, I am your joy. In the darkness, I am your light. Let your light shine for all to see. Clothe yourself daily in the armor of light, that is, the Lord Jesus Christ.

From Romans 13:9-14 (NIV)

The commandments, “Do not commit adultery,†“Do not murder,†“Do not steal,†“Do not covet,†and whatever other commandment where may be, are summed up in this one rule: “Love your neighbor as yourself.†Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. And do this understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.

 

Image ID: 44298613 Historical Man ©prometeus from depositphotos.com


 

 

 

 

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