Tag Archive | live

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 66 – Seek Me First

May28

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 66

Seek Me First

Lord, I am ashamed to say that so often I do not ‘Seek You First’. I run ahead making my own plans and do not consult You until later, after the plans have been made. Lord, this will be a good lesson for me. Teach me Your will, Lord. Show me Your heart. What do You want me to know? How do I keep You my highest priority—in the forefront of my mind at all times? Glory to Your holy name. You deserve all my heart—my first fruits, not the leftovers. Train me in holiness and righteousness. Let me live in to the person You had in mind when You formed me in the secret place. Transform me into the likeness of Jesus Christ, Your Son, who was obedient to You at all cost—even death on a cross. I want to be pleasing to You. I submit my heart to You now, Lord. Educate me in Your desires.

A Message from God’s Heart to Yours:

My beloved child, here is My heart for you. I created you so I could show My love to you. I created you so you could show your love to Me. I created you so I could have an intimate relationship with you. You are My bride and I am your Bridegroom. Yes, that intimate.

Think of your marriage relationship. That is the type of relationship I desire with you. Remember your marriage vows, the promises you made to one another on that sacred wedding day: to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part.

I want to have all of your heart, and hold you in My arms of love. Seek Me in good times and bad—for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health. I love you and cherish you. I desire the same—love Me and cherish Me.

When you relate to your spouse in a healthy, godly way, you will put them in first place, second only to Me. You are willing to lay down your life, setting aside your desires, for the good of your spouse and your relationship. You put his or her wants and needs ahead of your own. You consult with your spouse before you make plans for yourself.

That is all I ask of you. Treat Me as your marriage partner. Seek Me first. Out of reverence and respect, consult with Me before making your plans. I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart (Jeremiah 29:11-13). Seek Me first; My plans are always in your best interest.

Also, think of a parent/child relationship. You want your child to seek you before he or she makes his or her plans. You want to give your permission, your blessing, your wisdom to your child. You may have better plans for them, than they are making for themselves. You are always looking out for the best interest of your child. You help them avoid traps and pitfalls. That is all I want for you too—I want the best for you. I want to help you avoid the negative consequences of plans made in haste without seeking Me first. Your plans may be good, but My plans are always the best. You are My child, and I love you. Will you seek Me first?

Because you don’t see Me, you forget about Me. I am as real as your spouse, your parent, your child. When you think of your spouse, think of Me also. When you think of your child, remember Me at the same time. When you think of your parent, reflect on Me also. When you consider those who are closest to you, include Me in that list. You may not see Me, but I am here—remember Me, and put Me first. I care for you, and I desire a close relationship with you.

Love Me with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind (Matthew 22:37). Seek first My kingdom and My righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well (Matthew 6:33). I love those who love Me, and those who seek Me find Me (Proverbs 8:17). Seek Me with all your heart; seek Me first. I love you, My child. Remember Me.

Prayer:

Father God, You are so right. You are so righteous. You have my best interests in mind. I will seek You first. I will find You. I will remember You. I desire a close, intimate relationship with You also. Lord, Holy Spirit, help me remember You. Remind me at all times that You are here with me—You never leave me or forget about me (Joshua 1:5). Speak to me now as I put You first for the next few moments with You, Lord. Let me hear clearly from You. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Two-way Conversation with God: 

  • Father, I love You. Please share Your heart with me now. How do You feel about me? (Record all the thoughts He pours into your heart and mind.)

 

  • Jesus, You are the ultimate model of putting God first and seeking Him first in all things. Lord, teach me Your ways. How do I do this? (Write every idea and thought He gives you now.)

 

  • Holy Spirit, empower me to remember God at all times. Remind me of His presence and His truth. Help me remember to seek Him first in all things. What do I need to seek Him first about today? (Journal all your thoughts and impressions.)

 

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:

Jesus, my Bridegroom, help me to be a loving, devoted bride. I want to honor You with my love and respect, my attention and obedience, my commitment and steadfastness. Remind me to put You ahead of everything and everyone. Help me to remember You and seek You before I make any plans of any kind. I love You with all my heart, soul, and mind. Help me live out that kind of love and devotion to You. Help me be the kind of bride that pleases You. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Supporting Scripture:

Deuteronomy 4:29, But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul.

Deuteronomy 5:7, “You shall have no other gods before Me.”

Deuteronomy 6:5, Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.

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.”

Joshua 24:15, But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.

Psalm 5:3, In the morning, Lord, You hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.

Psalm 105:3-4, Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always.

Proverbs 8:17, I love those who love Me, and those who seek Me find Me.

Isaiah 55:6, Seek the Lord while He may be found; call on Him while He is near.

Jeremiah 29:11-13, “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. Then you will call on Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.”

Jeremiah 33:2-3, “This is what the Lord says, He who made the earth, the Lord who formed it and established it—the Lord is His name: ‘Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’”

Matthew 6:33, But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

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.’”

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

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.

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.

Copyright © Sindy Nagel. All Rights Reserved

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

May27

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.

Copyright © Sindy Nagel. All Rights Reserved

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 63 – Your Body, My Temple

May25

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 63

Your Body, My Temple

Oh Lord, I am in awe that You, the Sovereign ruler of the universe, would choose to make my heart your dwelling place. I am so blessed, and yet, so convicted that I should live a life pleasing to You. However, I still fall short, so many times. I don’t remember that You live in Me, or choose to live according to the flesh, rather than the Spirit. Please show me Your heart.

Message from God’s Heart to Yours:

You are My child. I have adopted you as My sons and daughters. You are a member of My family. You have received My life in you. I have given you My Spirit. I sent My Son to be the Savior of the world. If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is My Son, I live in them and they in Me. So you know and rely on the love I have for you. I am love. Whoever lives in love lives in Me, and I in them (1 John 4:13-16). I live in you.

Be careful how you live—not as unwise but as wise. Do not become drunk on wine, but be filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:15-20). Flee sexual immorality. Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from Me? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor Me with your bodies (1 Corinthians 6:18-20).

The one who keeps My commands lives in Me, and I in them. And this is how you know that I live in you: You know it by the Spirit I gave you (1 John 3:24). And if the Spirit of Jesus is living in you, I will also give life to you because of His Spirit who lives in you (Romans 8:11). I anointed you, set My seal of ownership on you, and put My Spirit in your hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come (2 Corinthians 1:21-22). You are Mine and you will spend eternity in heaven with Me.

My Son has said, “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). I am with you always; live with that in mind. Do not defile your body, My home. Keep your heart pure. Die to sins and live for the righteousness provided by My Son (1 Peter 2:24). Let others be won over to Me without words by your behavior when they see the purity and reverence of your lives (1 Peter 3:1-2).

Your body is My temple. Worship Me with your body. Treat it with care and respect. Take care of your body, My home. Your heart is My sanctuary. Live as dedicated to Me, set apart for a higher purpose. You are My workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which I prepared in advance for you to do (Ephesians 2:10). Honor Me in all you do and say. You are Mine; live as so.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, my heart is Your home. You live and work in me. Therefore, I can hear the voice of Your Spirit within me, as He teaches me more of Your character and Your ways. Lord, speak to me now as we meet in sweet fellowship in Jesus Christ. I am eager to hear a word from You today. Show me more of Your heart through our intimate conversations right now. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Two-way Conversation with God: 

  • Abba Father, please show me any ways that I have offended You with my body. Help me to see the error of my behaviors, and let me repent of my sins. (Record everything He shows you, and then, confess your sin and turn from these ways.)

 

  • Jesus, my Savior, teach me what it means to live a life set apart for You. (Write down all thoughts and ideas He gives you.)

 

  • Holy Spirit, convict me of my sin and help me to live a life of purity and righteousness. Spend some time with me now, cleaning my heart, Your home. (Journal everything you heart from Him.)

 

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

Prayer:

Father in heaven, who lives in me, I want to honor You with my body. I want to live as dead to sin and alive to Christ. Empower me to live a life set apart for you; a life of holiness and purity, free from debauchery. I want to live by Your commands, empowered by Your Spirit, to carry out the work You planned for me from the beginning. Thank You for the gift of Your Spirit who helps me in my weakness. I yield my spirit to the sanctifying work of Your Spirit in my life. I desire to display the fruit of self-control in my life. Spirit of God, please produce that fruit in me. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.

Supporting Scripture:

John 14:23-26, 23Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves Me will obey My teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. 24Anyone who does not love Me will not obey My teaching. These words you hear are not My own; they belong to the Father who sent Me. 25All this I have spoken while still with you. 26But 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. “

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.”

Romans 8:9-11, 9You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. 10But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. 11And 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.

1 Corinthians 3:16, Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?

1 Corinthians 6:18-20, 18Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. 19Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? 20You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

2 Corinthians 1:21-22, 21Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, 22set His seal of ownership on us, and put His Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

2 Corinthians 5:1-10, 1For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. 2Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, 3because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. 4For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. 5Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God; who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. 6Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. 7For we live by faith, and not by sight. 8We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 9So we make it our goal to please Him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. 10For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, ,so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.

2 Corinthians 6:16, What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be My people.”

Ephesians 1:13-14, 13And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of His glory.

Ephesians 2:10, For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Ephesians 2:22, And in Him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by His Spirit.

Ephesians 5:15-20, 15Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, 19speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Philippians 1:20-21, 20I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. 21For to me, to live is Christ sand to die is gain.

1 Peter 2:24, “He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by His wounds you have been healed.”

1 Peter 3:1-2, 1Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, 2when they see the purity and reverence of your lives.

1 John 3:24, The one who keeps God’s commands lives in Him, and He in them. And this is how we know that He lives in us: We know it by the Spirit He gave us.

1 John 4;13-16, 13This is how we know that we live in Him and He in us: He has given us of His Spirit. 14And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent His Son to be the Savior of the world. 15If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. 16And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.

Copyright © Sindy Nagel. All Rights Reserved

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 22 – Bread from Heaven

Apr13

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 22

Bread from Heaven

Father, give us this day, our daily bread. Satisfy our hunger with Your Bread from Heaven, Jesus Christ. He is the bread of life. We eat our daily bread in remembrance of the Lamb of God, who came to take away the sins of the world.

A Message from God’s Heart to Yours:

Your ancestors at the manna from heaven in the wilderness, and yet they died. But I am the bread that comes down from heaven; anyone may eat this bread and never die (John 6:51). I am the true bread from heaven, the bread of God that gives life to the world (John 6:32-34).

I am the bread of life; whoever comes to Me will never be hungry (John 6:35). I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats of this bread, My body broken for you, will live forever (John 6:51).

When you believe in Me, take part in the communion meal I have prepared for you. The bread is My body broken for you. The cup is My blood shed for you. Whenever you eat of the bread and drink of the cup, in remembrance of Me, you participate in proclaiming My death on the cross until I return again (1 Corinthians 11:23-26). Taste and see that the Lord is good (Psalm 34:8). Be My witness and share My goodness with the world.

Partake of the feast, My body broken for you, and My blood shed for you, which brings you life and satisfies every hunger and thirst. When you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved (Romans 10:9-10). You have the forgiveness of sins, reconciliation with God the Father, and eternal life in heaven with Me. My Holy Spirit is My gift sent directly as a deposit into your heart; He seals you for the day of redemption (Ephesians 1:13-14).

Listen to the voice of My Spirit within you. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches: To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it (Revelation 2:17). You are My child; I have called you by a new name. Spend time with Me, and I will reveal to you the secrets of My heart, hidden manna specifically meant for your ears only. I am the bread of life that came down from heaven to give life to the world. Take, eat, and live.

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, my daily bread, I am forever grateful for Your sacrifice. Your body was broken for my sins; Your blood was shed for my forgiveness. You are victorious! Thank You for the promise that when I come near to You, You will come near to me (James 4:8). Come near to me now, Lord Jesus. Sit with me a while and share Your heart for me. Give me the identity you have for me alone. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

 Two-way Conversation with God:

  • Father, please allow me to hear Your voice clearly as You speak my identity in You. Who do You see when you look at me? Who am I to You? (Write down all words and thoughts He give you.)

 

  • Jesus, my Lord, please reveal Your new name for me. Who do you say that I am? (Record all words and ideas that come to mind.)

 

  • Holy Spirit, how do You seal me for the day of redemption. Please tell me what that looks like. (Jot down all thoughts He gives 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:

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—Thank You all in One for a special time together just now. Thank You for revealing my identity and my name in You. I am so blessed that You created me and care for me as deeply as You do. Thank You for loving me no matter what. Thank you for dying for me and living again for me. Thank You for Your grace, mercy, peace and love. I am forever grateful for these gifts, along with Your Spirit in my heart. Help me to listen daily to Your voice within me and experience all that You have in mind for me. In the precious name of Jesus Christ, my Lord, I pray. Amen.

Supporting Scripture:

Psalm 34:8, Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him.

Matthew 26:26-28, While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and gave it to His disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is My body.” Then He took a cup, and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”

Luke 4:4, Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’”

Luke 11:2-3, He said to them, “When you pray, say: ‘Father, hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.’”

John 6:32-34, Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”

John 6:35, Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in Me will never be thirsty.”

John 6:47-51, 47“Very truly I tell you, the one who believes has eternal life. 48I am the bread of life. 49Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, yet they died. 50But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which anyone may eat and not die. 51I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.

1 Corinthians 11:23-26, For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night He was betrayed, took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” In the same way, after supper He took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.”

Ephesians 1:13-14, And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession to the praise of His glory.

James 4:8, Come near to God and He will come near to you.

Revelation 2:17, Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it.

 Copyright © Sindy Nagel. All Rights Reserved

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 21 – The Resurrection and the Life 

Apr12

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 21

The Resurrection and the Life 

Happy Easter, Lord! You are risen! Hallelujah! You are the reason for this season! Thank You for providing the way for me to experience a full life here on earth now, and life in heaven with You for all eternity. Thank You for dying for my sins and for Your resurrection to life. Thank You for sending Your Holy Spirit to live in me and give me life! Please share Your heart with me now.

A Message from God’s Heart to Yours:

My beloved child, I laid down My life in exchange for yours. I willingly experienced death on the cross as payment for your sin. I died and was buried. However, sin, death and the grave did not defeat Me. I am victorious! On the third day, I was raised according to Scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:4). I am risen from the dead! The Father raised Me to life again, and now I live to give life to you through the gift of My Spirit within you. Do not waste this gift.

I did not die in your place, so that you could continue in a sinful lifestyle. Your sinful nature was crucified with Me. You no longer live, but now I live in and through you. The secret to experiencing the full life is to remain with Me in the secret place. Tap into the power of the Spirit by meeting with Me each day. Remain in tune to My voice within as you live out your day. Walk in step with the Spirit, and live a life of abundance.

I am the way and the truth and the life (John 14:6); the light of all mankind (John 1:4-5). No longer shall you remain in darkness and sin, but step into the light, as I am in the light, and the darkness will not overcome you. Remain in My presence, and the light I shine in your heart will give you the light of the knowledge of the glory of God (2 Corinthians 4:6). Meet with Me face to face, and when you depart, the light of My countenance continues to radiate from your face, bringing light for all the world to see and know that you belong to Me.

Be prepared to give an account for the hope which you have in Christ. I give you new birth into a living hope through My resurrection, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade. I keep this inheritance in heaven for you (1 Peter 1:3-4). Whoever believes in Me shall not die but have eternal life (John 3:16). This is the hope you may share with all the world. The anticipation of an eternity with Me in heaven helps you endure this life through good times and bad. Put your confidence in Me. My promises are true. Celebrate the truth of My resurrection. I am risen! I am alive, and I live in you.

I proclaim good news to the poor in spirit. I bind up the brokenhearted and proclaim freedom for those held in spiritual bondage. I release prisoners from darkness and open the eyes of the spiritually blind. I proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and provide comfort those who mourn. I bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. You will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor (Isaiah 61:1-3).

Let your light shine before others that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16). Live a good life and point others to Me. Profess My goodness and let your life be a witness to those who do not yet know Me. Let the light of your hope shine on them and share the gospel of peace. You are My representative of hope, the light of My salvation, and My messenger of good news. Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel (Mark 16:15).

Prayer:

O Lord, my God, You are the Bright Morning Star, the Light of the World, who lights my way in the darkness. I step out of the darkness and into your wonderful light. I leave behind the lies, the bondage, the despair and depression. I break all vows I made with the enemy, and receive the light of truth You proclaim. Thank You for opening my blind eyes and bestowing on me a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of grief, and the garment of praise instead of despair. I lift off all evil and trauma that held me captive, and receive my freedom with your truth. Your truth has set me free, so I am free indeed (John 8:32). Allow me to hear your voice clearly now as You share more of Your heart with me. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.

Two-way Conversation with God: 

  • Father in heaven, thank You for Your great plan of salvation through Your Son whom You raised from the dead. Lord, please share with me Your plan for me. (Record the thoughts God gives you right now.)

 

  • Jesus Christ, my Savior and Lord, please share with me how to experience abundant life here on earth as I wait to experience life eternal with you. (Write down the thoughts and impressions you receive from Christ.)

 

  • Holy Spirit, please share with me Your role in the resurrection and life. Tell me how you impact my life in this area. (Record the ideas you receive in your thoughts.)

 

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 Heavenly Father, thank You for sharing with me Your One and Only Son, Jesus, and the gift of Your Holy Spirit in my heart. I am so blessed that You provided a way to be reconciled with You, so that I might experience a full life here on earth, and a life of eternity with You in heaven. You are the God of all peace, and I put my complete hope and trust in You. I surrender my life to Your plan. Lord, please use me to share Your goodness with others and impact the direction of their lives. Help me lead others to a saving knowledge of Your grace and a relationship with You. Let Your light shine through me. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Supporting Scripture:

Isaiah 61:1-3, The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on Me, because the Lord has anointed Me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor.

Matthew 5:16, In the same way, let your light shine before others that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Matthew 28:5-7, The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; He has risen, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay. The go quickly and tell His disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee, There you will see Him.’ Now I have told you.”

Mark 16:15-16, He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”

Luke 24:33-34, They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.”

John 1:4-5, In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

John 3:16, For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.

John 8:31-36, To the Jews who had believed Him, Jesus said, “If you hold to My teaching, you are really My disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?” Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

John 10:8-10, “All who have come before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through Me will be saved. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

John 11:25-26, Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in Me will never die. Do you believe this?”

John 14:6, Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.Acts 2:32-33, God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it. Exalted to the right hand of God, He has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear.

Romans 6:23, For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

1 Corinthians 15:3-6, For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance; that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. After that, He appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep.

2 Corinthians 4:6, For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.

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

Philippians 3:10-11, I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of His resurrection and participation in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.

1 Peter 1:3-6, Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade, This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.

1 Peter 3:21-22, And this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to Him.

James 1:12, Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

1 John 1:1-2, That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us.

1 John 5:11-12, And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.

1 John 5:20, We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know Him who is true. And we are in Him who is true by being in His Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.

Jude :20-21, But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.

Copyright © Sindy Nagel. All Rights Reserved

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

Apr10

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

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

A Message from God’s Heart to Yours:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prayer:

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

Two-way Conversation with God: 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

Prayer:

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

Supporting Scripture:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 Copyright © Sindy Nagel. All Rights Reserved

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.

Give Thanks in Everything

Nov1

Joy and Thanksgiving

by Sindy Nagel

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not put out the Spirit’s fire (1 Thessalonians 5:16-19).

 

I’ve put in you a joyful heart

A gift of my great love

When others look upon your face

They see your God above.

 

Give thanks in every circumstance

You meet along the road

This is My will for you in Christ

Who carries your heavy load.

 

My Spirit deep within your soul

Lives only for My name

He guides you in My will for you

Don’t quench My Spirit’s flame.

 

Your constant prayers and grateful heart

Are blessings unto Me

Living in My will for you

Will set your spirit free.

 

Be joyful always; pray non-stop

Give thanks for all I give

Listen to the words I speak

In abundance, you will live.

By His Wounds You Have Been Healed

Jul22

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. (1 Peter 2:24-25)

My baby sheep, I love you and take care of you like a Good Shepherd. You once were lost, but now you are found. You wandered away from the fold, but now you have returned to me. In your wandering your story developed. Though you suffered wounds, I healed those wounds. I suffered on a tree so that you might die to sin and live for me. I turned your ashes into beauty. I am the Overseer of your soul. You may now live in righteousness because you have been healed by my wounds. I died for you. Will you now live for me?

Plumb – Need You Now (How Many Times) Lyrics

Well, everybody’s got a story to tell

And everybody’s got a wound to be healed

I want to believe there’s beauty here

So, I guess you’re tired of holding on

I can’t let go, I can’t move on

I want to believe there’s meaning here

How many times have you heard me cry out

“God please take this”?

How many times have you given me strength to

Just keep breathing?

Oh I need you God, I need you now.

Standing on a road I didn’t plan

Wondering how I got to where I am

I’m trying to hear that still small voice

I’m trying to hear above the noise

How many times have you heard me cry out

“God please take this”?

How many times have you given me strength to

Just keep breathing?

Oh I need you God, I need you now.

Though I walk, Though I walk through the shadows

And I, I am so afraid

Please stay, please stay right beside me

With every single step I take

How many times have you heard me cry out?

And how many times have you given me strength?

How many times have you heard me cry out

“God please take this”?

How many times have you given me strength to

Just keep breathing?

Oh I need you God, I need you now. I need you now

Oh I need you God, I need you now. I need you now

I need you now

Read more at http://www.songlyrics.com/plumb/need-you-now-how-many-times-lyrics/#bdluvEm0pyMIOlRK.99

 

Breathing in Your Grace

May1


A woman is standing at the microphone and holding a pen.Lord, you woke me to these lyrics from Matt Redman’s song Your Grace Finds Me:

“So I’m breathing in Your grace. And I’m breathing out Your praise. I’m breathing in Your grace. Forever I’ll be Breathing in Your grace.”

John 20:22 says–Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.†And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.â€

My sweet child, when you confessed your belief in me, you received my grace. I breathed on you and you received my Holy Spirit into your heart. My peace remains in you just as my Spirit remains in you at all times. Forever, you will breathe in my grace and peace.

Do you know how much I love you? Do you understand how deeply I care about you? I knew you before I formed you. I breathed the breath of life into your lungs. You are alive because I wanted you and created you. And now I make my home in you.

You live because I live. Your heart is alive, because I am alive in you. Do not forget that I am alive. You do not worship a god made of stone. Every breath you take is because of my grace. Every day is a gift from me. Breathe in my grace and breathe out my praise. Be a witness to my goodness every time you take a breath. Breathe in my grace and breathe out my praise before a watching world.