Tag Archive | listening

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 65 – Listen to My Voice

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 65

Listen to My Voice

Father, You wake me early every morning to spend time with You. Thank You for the daily gift of hearing a word from You, whether it be an instruction I hear from Your lips, or a truth I read in Scripture, all give life to my soul. I am blessed to be Your child and have the ability to recognize Your voice within. Thank You for Your words of truth, always timely and edifying.

A Message from God’s Heart to Yours:

Good morning, My child. I awaken you morning by morning, awaken your ear to listen like one being taught. I, the Sovereign LORD, have opened your ears (Isaiah 50:4-5). When your eyes flutter open early in the morning, do not return to your slumber. Get up and meet with Me. There is no better time than first thing in the morning to receive My great love and wise instruction for your life. Jesus, My Son, modeled this as He got up while it was still dark and went to a solitary place to speak with Me (Mark 1:35). Follow Jesus to Me. Approach My throne of grace with confidence, so that you may receive mercy and find grace to help you in your time of need (Hebrews 4:16). You need Me in the morning. I will give you the best approach for your day.

Come, listen, listen to Me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare. Give ear and come to Me; listen, that you may live (Isaiah 55:1-3). Seek Me while I may be found; call on Me while I am near (Isaiah 55:6). I am with you always, all hours of the day and night. O sleeper, rise up and speak with Me in the morning. I have come to give you life in abundance.

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 Me—the LORD your God—listen to My voice, and hold fast to Me. I am your life (Deuteronomy 30:19-20). If anyone has ears to hear, let them hear (Mark 4:23). I speak to you all hours of the day. Are you listening to My voice within you? Do you hear My thoughts in your mind?

My sheep listen to My voice. I call My own sheep by name and lead them out. When I have brought out all My own, I go on ahead of them, and My sheep follow Me because they know My voice (John 10:2-4). Are you listening? Do you know My voice? Pay attention to the voice of My Spirit who dwells in your heart. I do not overpower you with the sound of thunder. My voice is most often like a whisper. Sharpen your listening skills, and tune in to the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit. He will remind you of everything I have said to you. He speaks only the truth. He will take from what is Mine and make it known to you, even the things to come (John 16:13-15).

You are My sheep. My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me (John 10:27). Follow Me, My sheep. I will lead you on the path I have marked out for you. I will guide you in the way everlasting. I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with My loving eye on you (Psalm 32:8). My eyes are upon the faithful (Psalm 101:6)). I go before you and behind you; I hem you in under the wing of My protection. Listen to My voice all the days of your life, and it will go well with you; confidence, peace, and joy will be yours in abundance.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving me the ears to hear what You are saying. I will listen to Your voice and experience the abundance Your Son came to give me. Share with me Your heart right now as we sit and speak to each other in quiet conversation—Your heart to my ears. Lord, let me hear Your voice and know You more intimately, as You already know me. In the name of Jesus, my Lord. Amen.

Two-way Conversation with God:

Father God, I desire to know Your deepest thoughts, Your desires for my life, Your instructions for my day. Please speak to me now and lead me on my way. (Record everything He says to you.)

Jesus, the living Son of God, light my way today. Give me the understanding You want me to have. Teach me Your ways, and enlighten my mind with Your thoughts. I am anxious to hear Your truth. (Write down the ideas and knowledge He gives you.)

Spirit of Truth, give me ears to hear what You say to me. What do you want me to know today? What lie have I believed? What is the truth? (Journal all His words of truth to you today.)

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:

Lord of lords, I submit myself to you today. You are the Sovereign Lord, God of all, ruler of all things, and I am Your child—blessed with Your abundance—all that belongs to You is mine. I will meditate on Your Word, day and night. It will be the feast my body, mind, and spirit crave. I will find my spiritual nourishment in You. O Bread from heaven, be my manna for today. In Jesus’ precious name, I pray. Amen.

Supporting Scripture:

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.

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 101:6, My eyes will be on the faithful in the land, that they may dwell with Me; the one whose walk is blameless will minister to me.

Isaiah 50:4-5, ⁴The Sovereign LORD has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed. ⁵The Sovereign LORD has opened my ears; I have not been rebellious, I have not turned away.

Isaiah 55:1-3, 6, ¹“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have not money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. ²Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to Me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare. ³Give ear and come to Me; listen, that you may live. I will make an everlasting covenant with you, my faithful love promised to David.” …⁶Seek the LORD while He may be found; call on Him while He is near.

Mark 1:35, Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where He prayed.

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

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

John 16:13-15, ¹³“But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on His own; He will speak only what He hears, and He will tell you what is yet to come. ¹⁴He will bring glory to Me by taking from what is Mine and making it known to you. ¹⁵All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is shy I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you.”

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.

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 49 – A Woman After My Own Heart

May10

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 49

A Woman After My Own Heart

Lord, what does it mean to become a woman after Your own heart? Please describe what that looks like. Help me see that woman through Your eyes, and then, teach me how to become her and pursue You more passionately. Give me the desires of my heart, O Lord. I will delight in You.

A Message from God’s Heart to Yours:

My darling, I created you for My enjoyment. I desire to have a deeply intimate relationship with you. I want to be involved in all aspects of your life. It pleases Me when you are eager to meet with Me in the secret place, quieting your heart and mind enough to see if I might say something. I speak to you often, whether you hear Me or not. Many times you do not discern My voice from your own thoughts because you do not anticipate that I will speak to you. The first step to hearing My voice is to expect and believe.

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear My voice and open the door, I will come in and eat with you and you with Me (Revelation 3:20). We will enjoy sweet communion and fellowship together. I hear all of your prayers and requests, but I ask that you leave room in the conversation for Me to speak also. I desire to encourage you, uplift you, teach you, guide you, comfort you, give you My wisdom, and pour out My love on you. You may experience all of Me, when you put Me first and daily meet with Me away from the noise and distractions.

Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, was a woman after My own heart. She knew how to honor and please Me by sitting at My feet listening to what I said (Luke 10:38-42). She eagerly waited in anticipation to hear every word that fell from My lips. She did not want to miss one thing I said. She endured the chastisement of her distracted sister, Martha, who was busy with all the preparations. Martha scolded Me to tell Mary to help her, but I would not. Mary had chosen what was better, and I would not take that from her. Mary wanted to hear everything I had to say and remained close to Me in order to hear Me. The way to experience a close relationship with Me is to sit with Me daily and eagerly listen to every word I speak.

Do not merely listen to My voice, but also, obey it. 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 (John 14:23). Love Me with all your heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37). Demonstrate the fullness of your love by listening to Me and obeying Me in the things I teach you. You are My child, even My heir. Everything I have is yours. Ask anything according to My will, and you will have what you asked of Me (1 John 5:14).

You may never be able to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God (Ephesians 3:18-19). But I would love to try to help you grasp it. Let Me fill you to overflowing with My love, beyond your imagination. Know and feel My presence as you sit with Me in two-way conversation.

Will you meet with Me more often? Will you sit at My feet listening to what I say? Do you desire to know what’s on My heart? Will you spend more time in My Word getting to know Me better, so that you can believe My promises and discern My voice? Will you pursue Me as passionately as I have been pursuing you? I created you to love you, My child. I know your inmost being (Psalm 139:13), and I desire that you would know Mine—what makes My heart come alive. Actively chase after Me and become a woman after My own heart.

Prayer:

Abba Father, make these dead bones come alive for you. Renew a steadfast spirit within me (Psalm 51:10). I desire a deeper, more intimate knowledge of You and relationship with You. Please help me establish a practice of meeting with You daily. Let me discern the promptings of Your Spirit within me, and then, obey. I submit my will to Yours, my heart to Yours, my spirit to Yours. Please make Your Word come alive for me as I read it. I want to know You better and hear everything You say. Give me ears to hear You and the heart to obey You. Please make Your home in me. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Two-way Conversation with God:

Loving Father, please give me specific ideas, for me personally, on how to establish a regular practice of putting You first, meeting with You. (Write down all the thoughts you receive.)

Jesus, fill me with Your love that surpasses knowledge. Speak to my heart today. (Record every word and thought He gives you.)

Holy Spirit, make the things of God known to me (John 16:13). Let me hear Your truth today. (Journal whatever you hear in your heart.)

Prayer:

Lord, I thank You for creating me and loving me beyond my imagination—beyond what I can grasp and understand. I desire to know You as well as You know me. I want to know Your heart, listen to Your voice, and carry out Your will and plans. Lord, thank You for speaking to me and sharing Your desires. Help me to remain in relationship with You, even as You remain in me. I want to pursue You as passionately as You pursue me. Give me the desire to honor You and please You by sitting at Your feet listening to every word that falls from Your lips—they are sweeter than honey to my mouth (Psalm 119:103). I love You, Lord, and I want to become a woman after Your own heart. In Jesus’ precious name, 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 spirit, to sustain me.

Psalm 119:103, How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!

Psalm 139:13-14, ¹³For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mothers’ womb. ¹⁴I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

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 22:36-39, ³⁶“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” ³⁷Jesus replied: “’Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ ³⁸This is the first and greatest commandment. ³⁹And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

Mark 11:22-24, ²²“Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. ²³“Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea.’ And does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. ²⁴Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”

Luke 10:38-42, ³⁸As Jesus and His disciples were on their way, He came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to Him. ³⁹She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what He said. ⁴⁰But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to Him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” ⁴¹“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, ⁴²but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

John 14:13-14, ¹³“And I will do whatever you ask in My name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. ¹⁴You may ask Me for anything in My name, and I will do it.”

John 14:23, 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.”

Ephesians 3:16-21, ¹⁶I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, ¹⁷so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, ¹⁸may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people; to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, ¹⁹and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. ²⁰Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, ²¹to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

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.

Revelation 3:20, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with Me.”

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 46 – God’s Guidance

May7

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 46

God’s Guidance

Lord, so many times, I run ahead of You and make my decisions without Your wisdom and guidance. Help Me to remember that You are always with me, watching over me, protecting me, and You have my best interests in mind. When I seek You, I will find You, and Your Spirit will make Your heart known to me. I submit myself to You, and ask You to direct my paths (Proverbs 3:5-6). Strengthen me to run with perseverance the race You have marked out for me (Hebrews 12:1). Please guide me down that path.

A Message from God’s Heart to Yours:

I am never too busy to listen to you. I am available to you all hours of the day and night. I never slumber nor sleep (Psalm 121:4). I constantly work all things together for your good (Romans 8:28). If you lack wisdom, ask Me. I give generously to all without finding fault. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt (James 1:5-6). Ask and it will be given to you (Matthew 7:7).

Whatever situation you face, I have the answer. I will teach you from My Word. My Word is a lamp for your feet, a light on your path (Psalm 119:105). Meditate on it day and night and it will become clearer to you. My Spirit helps you understand My Word. I will instruct you with the truth and in My perfect timing. I will lead you on the path I have prepared for you and marked out for you. I will keep you in My sight at all times. My lovingkindness will surround you; I will protect you on every side. You will experience My peace and joy, even in your biggest trials.

I have plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Call on Me and I will listen to you. Seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart (Jeremiah 29:11-14). When you ask for anything according to My will, have faith and believe I will give you what you asked for (Mark 11:22-24).

I know the future and I know what’s best for you. My Spirit will guide you into all truth and tell you what is yet come (John 16:13). He will help you discern between truth and falsehoods. He will equip you for the plans I have made for you. He will empower you to carry out the purpose for which I created you. He will warn you of dangers that lie ahead. He will encourage you to live in a manner that will bring glory to Me. Pay attention to My Spirit within and your ears will hear My voice saying, “This is the way, walk in it” (Isaiah 30:21).

I reveal things to you by My Spirit; He knows the deep things of My heart and freely gives them to you (1 Corinthians 2:10-14). Blessed are you when you wait on Me! (Isaiah 30:18). Even when you do not know what to ask for, the Holy Spirit intercedes for you according to My will (Romans 8:26-27).

Come to Me and listen to Me. I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with My loving eye on you (Psalm 32:8). Trust in Me alone. When you do not follow My instructions, there will be consequences. Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but My unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in Me (Psalm 32:10). Do not be too hasty to make your own decisions and walk in your own way. In the end, your pride will reap you a harvest of destruction (Proverbs 16:18). Every decision you make is an important one, big or small. Involve Me in each one

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 run ahead and try to fix things on your own. You’ll most assuredly be disappointed in the end. Exercise forbearance and wait on Me. I will act on your behalf (Isaiah 64:4). When you walk down the path I place you on, your obedience will lead to blessings. Your best blessings are the result of listening to My voice and following My instructions. You are never alone. I am with you always. Why try to do things on your own? Listen to My voice and follow Me (John 10:27).

Prayer:

Lord, I am so blessed by Your Spirit within me who teaches me all things, even the deep things of Your heart. I am so looking forward to hearing more of Your heart for me today. Lord, please speak to me as I seek You wholeheartedly today. I want to do Your will. I desire to know Your plans for me. Lord, please let me in on the next step in the race. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Two-way Conversation with God:

Father God, I know You want the best for me. Lord, please show me what that means for me personally in my current challenge of _______________ (fill in the blank). (Write down all thoughts and impressions you have in this moment.)

Jesus, You are the way maker. Please show me the way to Your heart. What must I do to get on the path to a deeper relationship with You? (Record everything you hear.)

Holy Spirit, You are my Helper and my Counselor. Please counsel me with the wisdom of God and help me know which way I should turn in my current dilemma or decision to make: ______________ (fill in the blank). (Listen to His voice in your thoughts and journal whatever pops into your mind.

Prayer:

Most Holy One, I stand in awe that I can approach Your throne of grace anytime of the day or night. Thank You for being available to me 24/7/365. I desire to know Your wisdom and Your will in all circumstances. Lord, Your eyes are forever on me; you know my coming and my going. Holy Spirit, I submit my spirit to Your leading. Please direct my paths and help me discern God’s will and His ways. I will meditate on Your Word and receive my instruction from You. Holy Spirit, bring understanding as I read it. Point me to the Scripture You want me to know and cherish in my heart for today. In the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord. Amen.

Supporting Scripture:

Psalm 121:1-4, ⁴I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? ²My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. ³He will not let your foot slip—He who watches over you will not slumber; ⁴indeed, He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

Psalm 32:8-11, ⁸I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with My loving eye on you. ⁹Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you. ¹⁰Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in Him. ¹¹Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!

Psalm 119:105, Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

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.

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

Isaiah 30:18, Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore He will rise up to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for Him!

Isaiah 30:21, Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”

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 7:7-8, ⁷“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. ⁸For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”

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

John 16:13, 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 come.

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

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.

1 Corinthians 2:10-14, ¹⁰These are the things God has revealed to us by His Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. ¹¹For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way, no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. ¹²What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us. ¹³This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words. ¹⁴The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.

Hebrews 12:1-3, ¹Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, ²fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ³Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

James 1:5-8, ⁵If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. ⁶But 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. ⁷That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. ⁸Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 32 – Pray Continually

Apr23

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 32

Pray Continually

Lord, what does it mean to pray continually? Do I need to breathe a prayer all day long to You? How do I work this in to my busy life? What do You require of me and desire from me with regard to prayer?

A Message from God’s Heart to Yours:

My darling child, continual conversational prayer is the main way I communicate with you through the Holy Spirit dwelling in you. I desire that you live your life, busy as it is, in an attitude of prayer, talking to Me and listening to Me throughout your day, every day. That means that as you go about your daily activities, make decisions, and plan for your future, you seek Me in prayer. As you practice this more, eventually it will become your first instinct to speak with Me in every situation, not only in trials and challenges.

Consult with Me to gain the wisdom you need to make all your decisions, large and small. Ask Me for anything, grandiose or miniscule, and it will be yours when you believe you will have what you ask for (James 1:5-6). I want to be involved in every area of your life. I want you to depend on Me for your wisdom, your direction, and your strength.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to Me, and My peace, which transcends all understanding, will guard your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7). I will calm your fears and give you the courage for every battle, the wisdom for every circumstance, the strength for every challenge.

You may be filled with joy always (1 Thessalonians 5:16), because of the confidence you have in knowing that I am God, I am in control, and I will provide for you in all situations. You may be free to give thanks in all situations for the same reason (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Prayers of gratitude and thanksgiving shall become a daily devotion for you as well. Tune in to the Spirit of God within you. Remain in step with Him. The fruit of the Spirit is joy (Galatians 5:22-23). Let others see My joy in you, even in the middle of the storms. Joy comes from the confidence you receive when you place your trust in Me through prayer.

It is possible that you can go about your daily routine maintaining an ongoing conversation with Me. Pay attention to the voice of My Holy Spirit inside you. He will direct your thoughts and prick your memory to remind you to seek Me and speak to Me often. You simply need to be more mindful of My continual presence. I am with you at all times. I hope to hear from you in all circumstances. I desire that you depend on Me for everything. Ask Me for anything in My name and I will do it (John 14:14).

Pray to Me about anything and everything. I hear all your cries, and I answer every one in My perfect way and timing. Whether it’s locating a lost set of keys or making the decision to buy a new home, I am here and ready to answer your pleas for recollection and wisdom. I am for you, not against you. I favor you, I do not disregard you. I am at your side, on your side in all situations. I love you, My child. Will you love Me with all your heart by seeking Me first, before you make your plans and decisions?

When you pray frequently, you sustain the intimate fellowship I desire. You will learn to trust Me more when you continually work on developing a more cherished connection with Me daily. You will see that I am compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness (Exodus 34:16). You will acknowledge I am your Lord, your warrior, your confidante, and your friend. I am your loving Father, and I desire to hear from you and speak to you more regularly throughout your day. I do not forget you; please do not forget me. I love you.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, I give thanks that You are available to speak with all hours of the day and night. Please help me develop the practice of speaking with you more frequently throughout my day. I want to be dependent on You and honor You by putting You first in my life. I also desire a deeper connection and a more intimate relationship with You. That comes only by communicating with you more regularly. Lord, please speak to me specifically right now about how I can accomplish this goal. Please give me ideas that I can work on with You. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Two-way Conversation with God:

Father in heaven, please speak to me personally about how I might implement this ‘Pray Continually’ attitude. (Record all ideas and thought He gives you.)

Jesus, share with me how You maintain an attitude of praying continually. How do I accomplish this in my busy life? What do you require of me? (Write the impressions and thoughts you receive.)

Holy Spirit, please prick my memory all day long to think about communicating with God all day long as I carry out every activity. Help me discern Your voice and Your leading in this area. Please show me how You work in my heart to help me carry out this request. (Journal all you hear in your thoughts right now.)

Prayer:

Most High God, thank You that I can approach Your throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16) with the confidence of knowing that I am Your child and You hear every word I speak. Lord, please help me discern Your voice within and hear every word You speak to me also. Lord, I am so grateful that I can experience a close relationship with You. Help me to maintain this two-way conversation with You that is so life changing and exhilarating. It truly is one way to experience the abundant life Jesus came to give me. Thank You that prayer is one of the ways I can experience intimacy with you. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Supporting Scripture:

Exodus 34:6-7, ⁶And He passed in front of Moses, proclaiming “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, ⁷maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness rebellion and sin.”

Deuteronomy 4:7, What other nation is so great as to have their gods near them the way the Lord our God is near us whenever we pray to Him?

Psalm 4:1, Answer me when I call to You, my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; have mercy on me and hear my prayer.

Psalm 6:9, The Lord has heard my cry for mercy; the Lord accepts my prayer.

Psalm 65:2, You who answer prayer, to You all people will come.

Psalm 86:6-7, Hear my prayer, Lord; listen to my cry for mercy. When I am in distress, I call to You, because You answer me.

Proverbs 15:29, The Lord is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous.

Mark 11:24, Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

John 14:13-14, ¹³“And I will do whatever you ask in My name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. ¹⁴You may ask Me for anything in My name, and I will do it.”

Galatians 5:22-25, ²²But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. ²⁴Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. ²⁵Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

Philippians 4:6-7, ⁶Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, ¹⁶Rejoice always, ¹⁷pray continually, ¹⁸give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

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 1:5-6, ⁵If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. ⁶But 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.

1 Peter 3:12, “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and His ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” (also Psalm 34:15-16)

Roadblock #5 – Busyness – The Enemy of Freedom

Jun1

When we donâ€™t have time for God, itâ€™s difficult to have a meaningful conversation or relationship with Him. The busyness of life may keep you from hearing Godâ€™s voice. Satan loves to fill up our lives, even with good, godly acts of service, so that we donâ€™t have time to listen to Godâ€™s voice. The enemy keeps us in chaos and noise so that we cannot hear the still, small voice of Jesus. Are you too busy serving in too many places, so you miss out on what He says to you? Or do you make time regularly to sit alone with the Lord, listening to His Spirit within you? He does have something to say to you.

Remember Mary and Martha? Martha opened her home to Jesus. All her preparations for His visit robbed her of spending time with her Guest of honor, while Mary sat at Jesusâ€™ feet and eagerly listened to what He said.

But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to Him and asked, â€œLord, donâ€™t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!â€

â€œMartha, Martha,â€ the Lord answered, â€œYou are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.â€ (Luke 10:40-41)

Are you too busy doing, doing, doing to sit at the feet of Jesus and listen to what He wants to say to you? It pleased Jesus that Mary sat and listened to Him, and He didnâ€™t take that time away from her. Everything else could wait.

I must confess, my innate tendency is to behave more like Martha than Mary. Being the die-hard people-pleaser that I am, if Jesus and His disciples came to visit my home, I might be more worried about the hospitality than the relationality. I could see myself scurrying around, cleaning, preparing a meal, and making sure my guests are well taken care of. I would be more inclined to â€œdoâ€ than to â€œbeâ€ still and listen.

Understanding my nature and God-given spiritual gift of help or service, I must force myself to be more social and relational when hosting a gathering. My efforts are usually concentrated on fulfilling the roles of maid, cook, caterer, server, dishwasher, launderer, and concierge, rather than playing the warm, welcoming, congenial hostess role. Iâ€™m afraid I would be more concerned about making sure Jesus had a clean, comfortable place to sit, a nice meal to eat, a tasty wine to drink, and crisp, clean sheets to sleep on than on honoring Him with my undivided time, listening to every word that rolled out of His mouth.

Opposites attract, however. My husband is a popular, sanguine Mary. He walks into a crowded room and immediately bursts with positive energy from being in a social atmosphere. He loves communicating with anyone and everyone. He enjoys initiating and carrying on conversations with complete strangers. A social gathering is very exciting and emotionally stimulating for him. He talks and listens to each guest who enters our home, making them feel special and welcome. My husband would shake Jesusâ€™s hand and cheerfully sit at His feet, listening to every word He spoke. Whose behavior do you think Jesus would most appreciate? Are you a Martha or a Mary?

When Martha told Jesus to reprimand Mary for not helping her with the preparations, Jesus very clearly set Martha straight on her priorities. We have to find a balance between serving and spending time alone with Christ, listening to His voice. Is Jesus pleased with the amount of individual attention you give Him? Are you making your time with Him a priority over your other activities?

Your calendar might be due for an overhaul. Free up some time daily to be with God. Cross off some of the less important activities. Write in ink, not pencil, to schedule your â€œGodâ€ time. Donâ€™t let another activity â€œbumpâ€ your time with God or take priority over your relationship with Jesus, the Lord of your life. Perhaps you have fallen prey to some of these misconceptions:

#1: I donâ€™t have time to wait for God to speak to me.

#2: All these other activities I do are more urgent than spending time with God.

#3: Investing time in godly activities equals having a relationship with Jesus.

Click on the link below to purchase your copy of 7 Roadblocks to Hearing God Speak. Identify the obstacles and the lies that hinder your communication with the Holy Spirit, and then, make an effort to remove and disprove them. This book will get you started in the right direction.

Click here to Purchase the book now.

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

Book Two in Hearing God’s Voice Series

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