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Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 18 – Serve One Another in Love

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 18

Serve One Another in Love

Lord, how would you have us serve others? Submitting ourselves to one another is a difficult task. You are the Lord of the universe, and yet, You set a serving example for us by washing the disciples’ feet. Lord, do you really require that of us? Furthermore, You submitted Yourself to the Father’s will and died on the cross to pay my sin debt. You laid down Your life in exchange for mine. Thank You, Jesus. You are the ultimate servant leader.

A Message from God’s Heart to Yours:

Serving one another in love fulfills the second greatest commandment under the new covenant: Love your neighbor as yourself. This is second only to the greatest commandment: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. It’s that important to submit to one another in love, as Christ submitted Himself to death on the cross, giving Himself up for His bride, the church. You are able to love, because He first loved you (1 John 4:19).

Don’t get hung up on the words ‘servant’ and ‘submission.’ To submit yourself means to be obedient, surrendering your will to another. I, first, require that you submit yourself to Me. You will be obedient to Me as you submit yourself to another and serve another in love. I am King of kings and Lord of lords, however, I did not come to earth to be served, but to serve. I am a servant King, and I require no less of you.

When you serve another in love, you will be blessed (John 13:17). I modeled serving the Father, as I served My disciples by washing their feet. I humbled Myself and the Father exalted Me. I do not ask you to do more than I, myself, will do.

Perhaps you need to complete a pride inventory. Do you carry pride in your heart? If so, do what you must do to quickly get rid of all pride, haughtiness, and arrogance. Pride is detestable to Me (Proverbs 16:5). Humble yourself and I will exalt you (Matthew 23:12). Those who are greater should become the lesser, and those who rule should become the ones who serve (Luke 22: 26-27). Take up your cross and follow Me (Luke 9:23-24), then follow My example. Whoever loses their life for Me will save it. Let go of your pride.

Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, His body, of which He is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her to make her holy and blameless (Ephesians 5:21-27). Be obedient to Me and submit to one another in love. Lay down your pride and serve one another, as I have served you by the laying down of My life. That is how much I love you.

Prayer:

Lord God Almighty, thank You for humbling Yourself by leaving Your throne in heaven to take on the flesh of mankind. Thank You for submitting to the Father’s will by laying down Your life for Your bride, the church, to make us spotless, holy, and blameless. I am so grateful that You paid the full debt of My sin, by death on the cross, to make me presentable to my Heavenly Father. Thank you for making the way for me to be reconciled to Him. I appreciate the opportunity You give me to communicate with God as His child and friend. Please allow me to hear Your voice clearly in these few moments I spend with You in the secret place. In Jesus’ precious name, I pray. Amen.

Two-way Conversation with God:

Father God, please share Your heart with me; share Your desires for how I can best serve others. (Record all thoughts and ideas He gives you right now.)

Jesus, my Savior, please help me know Your heart for serving others. Teach me to be willing to follow in Your footsteps and the example You set for me. Please give me ideas of how I can bring glory to You by serving others.

Holy Spirit, please reveal all the ways I am prideful. I confess the sin of pride in my heart and ask forgiveness. How may I do better in the future of submitting my spirit to Yours? Please give me examples of changes that need to be made in my life to be obedient to Your will of serving others. (Write every thought that the Holy Spirit impresses on you.)

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:

Dear Lord, thank You for communicating Your heart’s desires of how I might serve You and others in ways that bring glory to Your name. Humble me and help me be reverent and respectful to You by being obedient to Your commands to love and serve one another. Help me to submit to You and to others, the way Jesus submitted Himself to You and Your will. May you receive all the glory, honor, and praise. In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, I pray. Amen.

Supporting Scripture:

Proverbs 6:16-19, There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to Him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.

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

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

Matthew 23:12, For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

Luke 22:26-27, “But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.”

John 13:5…12-17, After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash His disciple’s feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around Him…When He had finished washing their feet, He put on His clothes and returned to His place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” He asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

Galatians 5:13-14, You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather; serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Ephesians 5:21-27, Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, His body, of which He is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. 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.

Ephesians 6:7-8, Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free.

Colossians 3:23-24, Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

James 4:6-8, But He gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and He will come near to you.

1 John 4:19, We love because He first loved us.

You are a Princess

May9

Beloved one, I have adopted you as My child. You are the daughter of the Kingâ€”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.

Â 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.

Â 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.

Â 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.

A Friend to the End

Apr12

What it means to be a friend…by Sindy Nagel

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

What it means to be a friend in every single way

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

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

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

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

Especially in the evening hours, He makes His presence known

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

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

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

Forgiving my transgressions, my iniquities, my sin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

He listens so intently to all the words my lips release

And offers me His wisdom, while giving me His peace

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Listen, pray, encourage the one you walk beside

Whether skies are sunny blue or darker shades of gray

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

First Thessalonians Five Poem

Oct31

As children of our Father God

Sons and daughters of the light

We belong to our heavenly King

And turn away the dark of night

We wear the breastplate of righteousness

Putting it on with faith and love

The helmet of salvation’s hope

Protects our heads above

The Lord Jesus died for us

As payment for our sin

He endured the wage, a gruesome death

Fought the battle and did win

No power on earth was strong enough

To keep Him in the grave

An angel of the Lord came down

And rolled the stone away

On the third day, He was raised to life

And seated at God’s right hand

His enemies made His footstool

He reigned over all the land

He gave His body and His blood

For our salvation to receive

When we confess Him as our Lord

And in our hearts believe

At all times, be full of joy

In everything, give thanks

This is God’s good and perfect will

For all our earthly days

Live in peace and harmony

With friend and foe the same

Hold on to good, avoid the bad

Bring honor to God’s name

Utter prayers without ceasing

Do not quench the Spirit’s fire

Let the God of peace Himself

Fulfill your heart’s desire

May your body, mind, and spirit

Be blameless in His eye

As the Holy Spirit cleanses you

And makes you sanctified

Daily read the Word of God

As the verses come alive

And remember this little ditty

From 1^st Thessalonians 5.

Three Gifts for Christmas

Dec25

Great things come in threes. God gives Christ followers many awesome gifts, too numerous to mention here, but the greatest are these three: 1) God the Father, 2) Jesus the Son, and 3) God the Holy Spiritâ€”a.k.a. the Trinitarian, Three-In-One God.

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

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

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

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

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

1)Â Â Â Â love, obedience, and trust,

2)Â Â Â Â glory, praise, and worship, or

3)Â Â Â Â tithes, offerings, and service?

Whatever you decide, you canâ€™t out-give God. He already demonstrated the great depth of His love for you by giving the ultimate giftâ€”the birth and death of His Son, Jesus Christ, as payment for your sin.

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

1)Â Â Â Â Make TIME to BE STILL with God today.

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

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

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

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

Manna for Today – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019T6OWTU

7 Simple Steps to Hearing Godâ€™s Voice – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017XXKPYM

7 Roadblocks to Hearing God Speak – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M10Z420

In the love and service of Christ,

Sindy Nagel

Author/Speaker/Blogger

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)

His Love is Better than Life

Jun11

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

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

Walk in the Light

May5

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. (1 Peter 2:9)

My precious children, I have chosen you. You belong to me. I have made you holy and righteous through my death and resurrection. No longer are you sons and daughters of the darkness. I have called you into my wonderful light. Declare your praises to me. You are mine.

Rid yourselves of all evil and abstain from immorality. Live good lives to glorify me. Those that remain in darkness may still accuse you of doing wrong. However, you have chosen a better path. This road leads to everlasting life.

Live life according to the Spirit, rather than the flesh. Like a newborn craves milk, yearn for spiritual milk, that will satisfy your longings and help you grow up in the Lord. You have now tasted that the Lord is good. Only I can satisfy your thirst.

Fill your souls with spiritual wisdom by feasting on my Word. Keep it in your heart and mind that you may recall it and use it as your weapon of choice. When your adversary temps you and lies to you, draw the sword of the Spirit, which is my Word. As you now walk in the light, the darkness will not overcome you. I have already defeated your enemy. Stand victoriously in my triumph.

You are my precious children. Do you know how much I love you? Can you grasp how wide and long and high and deep my love is for you? I loved you to the grave and back. I gave my life to pay for your sin. Now you are a child of the King, you belong to God. Live into the light and leave the darkness behind.

Daughter of the King

Apr11

â€œThen you will know that I, the Lord your God, dwell in Zion, my holy hill.â€ (Joel 3:17)

Sing, O Daughter of Zion; shout aloud, O Israel. Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, O Daughter of Jerusalem! The Lord has taken away your punishment, he has turned back your enemy. The Lord, the King of Israel, is with you; never again will you fear any harm. On that day they will say to Jerusalem, â€œDo not fear, O Zion; do not let your hands hang limp. 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.â€ (Zephaniah 3:14-17)

You are my Daughter of Zion. As I dwell in Zion, I also dwell in you. I live in your heart. Be glad and rejoice, for I am with you. I take great delight in you. I rejoice over you in song. You are my child. I have adopted you as my own daughter. You are the Daughter of Zion, the Daughter of the King, my precious princess, the beautiful bride of Christ. You are mine. You belong to me.

Do not fear, I am with you always. Rejoice in the one who has saved you. Lift your hands in praise to the King. I am the one true God, and you have access to me at all times. Seek me within your own heart and you will find me. Listen to my voice from within. I will not lead you astray. Let me direct your paths. I have marked out the best way for you to go. Follow me, and I will lead you beside still waters. I will restore your soul. Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of the King! Your God is with you, he dwells in you.

Lay Down Your Palm Branches

Mar28

They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, â€œHosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the King of Israel.â€ Jesus found a young donkey and sat upon it, as it is written, â€œDo not be afraid, O Daughter of Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkeyâ€™s colt.â€ (John 12:13-15)

Thatâ€™s right. Your king is coming. Do not be afraid, O Daughter of Zion. I am here. I have come in the name of the Lord to save you and give you life. You have accepted me and will spend eternity with me. My heart is troubled for those who have rejected me and my words. For I have spoken only what the Father commanded me to say. On the last day they will stand condemned forever.

I am the light. Follow the light and walk in the light. When you believe in me, you no longer walk in the darkness. You have seen the light, and therefore, you have seen the one who sent me. Share this light with those who walk in darkness. Do not hide your light, but put it on a stand for all to see. Reflect the beauty of my glory in the light of your countenance.

O Daughter of Zion, your king is coming. Lay down your palm branches and follow me.