Tag Archive | mercy

Power to Grasp the Love of Christ

Aug13

Ephesians 3:14-21

14For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15from Whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 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.

A message from God’s heart to yours:

Beloved one, you are My child, My family. Since you invited Jesus Christ, My Son, to dwell in your heart through faith, I have also sent My Spirit to dwell inside you. You have the same power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead living in you. I strengthen you with My power through My Spirit. You have the power to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ for you. You may know this love that surpasses knowledge. Be filled to the measure of all My fullness. I can do much more than you ever ask, according to My power at work within you. This brings Me glory.

You are an expression of My love toward humankind. You are My image bearer, filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Let your light shine for all to see. You are in the world, but not of the world. Let your light be a beacon, shining brightly in a darkened world. Let others taste and see My goodness and bring glory to Me through your good deeds.

You are the salt of the earth. Do not lose your saltiness. Remain in relationship with Me so that you may season others with My grace. Be full of mercy and kindness. Always know how to answer everyone. Make the most of every opportunity to proclaim the mystery of Christ. Always be ready to tell a watching world the reason for your hope.

Remain in My Word, it is choice food for your soul. If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask anything and it will be done for you. It is to My glory that you bear much fruit, showing yourself to be the followers of Jesus Christ, the Way.

Live by the Spirit and keep in step with Him. He will lead you and guide you on your way. He will empower you to do all that I ask of you. I have great plans for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart. I will be found by you. Seek Me with all your heart to know the depths of Mine. Pursue Me daily and experience My peace.

Supporting Scripture: Ephesians 3:14-21, Matthew 5:14, John 17:14, Psalm 34:8, Matthew 5:13, Colossians 4:2-6, John 15:7-8, Galatians 5:25, Jeremiah 29:11-14

Click here to purchase Sindy’s latest book from her new series: Pursuing the Heart of God – Books 1 & 2

A woman is standing at the microphone and holding a pen.
Pursuing the Heart of God Series – Book 1


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 62 – Blessed are the Merciful

May23

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 62

Blessed are the Merciful

Lord, teach me what it means to be merciful. It is a great gift directly from Your hand. You are a merciful and loving Father; You show Your kindness and compassion to Your people from generation to generation. Help me to be a representation of Your mercy.

A Message from God’s Heart to Yours:

My blessed child, I created you in My own image; in the image of God, I created you. I am kind and forgiving, compassionate and loving, understanding and merciful. Practice My ways by the power of My Spirit within you. Show kindness and tenderness to everyone. Be willing to forgive, as you, yourself have been forgiven. My compassions are new every morning (Lamentations 3:23). Arise each day with a new acceptance of the one you find difficult to love.

I desire genuine devotion, not lip service. Practice My instructions; carry out My commands. Treat others as you want to be treated, with mercy and respect. This may require a change in the way you live. Stop and think before you act or react. Trade in a criticism for a word of kindness. Rather than exercising anger, willingly extend forgiveness. Hold your tongue; it can be a double-edged sword. Speak with words of encouragement and bring peace to a weary soul.

Show mercy and you will be shown mercy (Matthew 5:7). Sow seeds of kindness, and a harvest of kindness you will reap. Practice humility with love. Do not wait to be served, but serve one another in love. Be compassionate to the hurting, helpful to those in need, and generous with your giving. Exercise grace and mercy whenever you have an opportunity. Act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God (Micah 6:8).

Religious activities mean nothing without personal surrender to the Lord. The mouth speaks what the heart is full of (Matthew 12:34). Be full of blessing and understanding. “For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings” (Hosea 6:6). “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful” (Luke 6:36).

In My great mercy, I have given you 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 My power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time (1 Peter 1:3-5). I have blessed you to be a blessing (Genesis 12:2). Bless others with an attitude of mercy, love, and forgiveness.  

Prayer:

Merciful Father in heaven, thank You for Your compassion and grace. You have been so faithful with Your promises and provision. Thank You for Your compassions; they are new every morning (Lamentations 3:23). Thank You for Your forgiveness and Your peace. Help me to know the meaning of mercy and to pass that gift along to the undeserving one. Lord, share Your heart with me now as we speak one-on-one. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen

Two-way Conversation with God: 

  • Father God, please remind me of specific ways that You have shown Your mercy to me. (Jot down all the thoughts He gives you.)

 

  • Lord, Jesus, show me ways I might be merciful to others; even specific circumstances recently when I could have shown more mercy. (Write down all the ideas He puts in your heart.)

 

  • Holy Spirit, empower me with God’s character trait of mercy. Fill my heart with mercy for the one needs to see it from me. Lord, bring that person to my mind right now and give me the opportunity to exercise Your loving mercy to this person. (Record what you hear and any examples of you are given.)

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:

Almighty God, You have made me in Your image. You are a compassionate, merciful Father. Lord, let me be as kind and forgiving as You are, so that I might be a good representation of Your character. Lord, teach me Your ways, and help me to be merciful that I might be shown Your mercy. Lord, help me be slow to anger and quick to forgive. Give me a heart full of mercy, even when I am not shown any. I desire to live in a manner which is pleasing to You. I humbly myself to You, in order to serve You wholeheartedly. Teach me Your ways, and empower me to live them out. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Supporting Scripture:

Genesis 12:2-3, 2“I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. 3I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”

Lamentations 3:22, Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.

Nehemiah 9:17, But You are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. Therefore You did not desert them.

Nehemiah 9:31, But in Your great mercy, You did not put an end to them or abandon them, for You are a gracious and merciful God.

Psalm 25:6, Remember, LORD, Your great mercy and love, for they are from of old.

Psalm 78:38, Yet He was merciful; He forgave their iniquities and did not destroy them.

Daniel 9:9-10, 9The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against Him; 10we have not obeyed the LORD our God or kept the laws He gave us through His servants the prophets.

Daniel 9:18, Give ear, our God, and hear; open Your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears Your Name. We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy.

Hosea 6:6, “For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.”

Micah 6:8, He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

Zechariah 7:9, This is what the LORD Almighty said: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil against each other.’

Matthew 5:7, “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”

Matthew 9:13, “But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Matthew 12:34, “The mouth speaks what the heart is full of.”

Luke 1:50, “His mercy extends to those who fear Him, from generation to generation.”

Luke 6:36, “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”

Romans 9:18, Therefore God has mercy on whom He wants to have mercy, and He hardens whom He wants to harden.

Ephesians 2:4-10, 4But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus., in order that in the coming ages He might show the incomparable riches of His grace, expressed in His kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by race you have been saved, through faith—and this this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

1 Peter 1:3-5, 3Praise 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, 4and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 5who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.

Copyright © Sindy Nagel. All Rights Reserved

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

Apr16

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 25

Ask and It’s Yours

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

A Message from God’s Heart to Yours:

My child, you have not because you ask not (James 4:2). I am here waiting to bestow so many blessings on you, yet you have not asked Me for any of them. Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you (Matthew 7:7).

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

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

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

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

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

Prayer:

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

Two-way Conversation with God: 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

Prayer:

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

Supporting Scripture:

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

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

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

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

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

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

John 15:7, “If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”

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

John 16:13-15, “But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on His own; He will speak only what He hears, and He will tell you what is yet to come. He will glorify Me because it is from Me that He will receive what He will make known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from Me what He will make known to you.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

1 John 5:14, This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of Him.

 Copyright © Sindy Nagel. All Rights Reserved

 

Roadblock #7 – Unwillingness to Forgive – The Enemy of Mercy

Jun15


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

“For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins†(Matthew 6:14-15).

God’s Word is very clear on forgiveness. When we forgive others, God forgives us. When we do not forgive others, God does not forgive us. If we have an unforgiving heart, we put a distance between Him and ourselves. His voice may become silent. God may choose not to speak to us until we choose to forgive another who has hurt, offended, or sinned against us. A harsh, unforgiving, judgmental spirit can stifle our communication with God.

“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven†(Luke 6:37). Again, we hear very clearly that God will forgive us when we forgive others. Sometimes it feels impossible to forgive someone who hurts us deeply. Truly, we cannot climb this mountain in our own strength. Just as the Holy Spirit gives us the power of self-control to abstain from sin and wrongdoing, He also gives us the ability to forgive. Asking the Holy Spirit to change your heart toward the person who offended you enables you to see that person through the eyes of God. Praying for your enemies also softens your heart for them. Begin with small, one-sentence prayers led by the Holy Spirit, and soon your blossoming mercy will increase your petitions on behalf of those who hurt you.

The Holy Spirit intercedes for us when we do not know what to pray. Tune in to the Spirit of God within you to receive power from on high to do what seems impossible in your own strength. When you forgive others, God forgives you. When God forgives you, you must believe it and fully accept His gift of forgiveness.

Understanding how great a debt I owe for my sin and how much Jesus paid for it, I am grateful that God has already forgiven me. In turn, I should extend my gift of forgiveness to those who have sinned against me. Exercising forgiveness is a choice, just as accepting forgiveness is a choice.

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. (Colossians 3:12-14)

Continually thank God for His forgiveness and ask Him to carry on the healing process in you, so you feel both forgiven and forgiving, then walk in the freedom that brings. When you are freed from an unforgiving heart and let go of the sin that holds onto you, you may hear God speak to you clearly. Until then, you may have to sift through a few lies to get to God’s truth.

A woman is standing at the microphone and holding a pen.#1: I can’t forgive my brother or sister—he/she hurt me too deeply.

#2: God doesn’t expect me to forgive this one.

#3: God will forgive me, even if I don’t forgive others.

 Purchase my book, 7 Roadblocks to Hearing God Speak, today and find the truth to disprove the above lies. Also read a whole lot more about the truth in God’s Word on the subject of forgiveness. Practice removing the barriers that stand between you and God.  Then, resume your two-way communication and achieve greater intimacy with Jesus.

Click here to purchase book today.

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

Book Two in Hearing God’s Voice Series

 

Watch out!

Sep17

Then Jesus said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of His possessions.” (Luke 12:15)

You have heard it said, “You are what you eat.” I say also, “You are what you possess.” In this world, a man’s life is about his possessions. However, in the world to come, there is no place for them. Rather than storing up for yourselves treasures on earth, grow your investment in the heavenly realm. Instead of working toward financial wealth, focus your efforts on spiritual richness. The more time you spend laboring to pay for your material possessions, the less time you may spend with Me. Do not build bigger barns to store your abundance, but use your wealth to feed the poor and house the homeless. I extended My rich mercy by laying down My life to save yours. Would you be willing to lay down your rich life to extend kindness and blessing to those who are less fortunate? Are you prideful, greedy, and stingy? Or do you possess an abundance of humility, generosity, and mercy? You are what you possess. Are you in control of your possessions or do they control you?

His Mercy Made Us Alive

Apr24

Lord, today you woke me to these lyrics to “Mercy” by Casting Crowns

You’re greater than my yesterdays
You hold me close today
You’re the Lord of my tomorrows
My heart will always say
Your mercy saved me
Mercy made me whole
Your mercy found me
Called me as Your own

You called us as Your own
Your Mercy Made Us Alive

But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of this grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Ephesians 2:4-10)

My children, I called you as my own. You are my sons and daughters. My mercy made you alive with Christ. My grace saved you and raised you with Jesus so that I might show you the riches of my grace expressed in my loving kindness to you. I love you beyond your comprehension. I created you for a purpose. You are my workmanship, created to do the works I have prepared in advance for you to do. Seek me in all you do. I have plans for you. I prepare you for the work I designed you for. I make a way for you to accomplish my will.

 Draw near to me, and I will draw near to you. I will strengthen you and give you my wisdom. Ask and you will receive the incomparable riches of my grace. All I have is yours. You have access to it through my Son, Jesus Christ. Your inheritance is secure. Your eternal fate has been sealed by the Holy Spirit who lives in your heart. Listen to my voice within you. I desire a close relationship with you. Develop intimacy with me through my Spirit in you. Spend time with me daily in conversation. Share your heart with me and then listen as I share my heart with you. My mercy and grace saved you. My love and companionship will bless you. My peace will carry you through your trials. My Spirit in you makes you alive in me. I call you my own; you are mine.

Today is a New Day

Mar17

Sheepishly I sat with the Lord this morning admitting that I had not made him a priority lately. He did not shame me or rebuke me. With a few poignant words from Him and lyrics from songs on Christian radio, He turned it into a beautiful, uplifting time of worshipping Him. His mercies are new every morning. This is Day 1 of forever! Make good use of your time and spend it with the One who created you for a purpose. It’ll be the best use of your time all day. Worship His holy name and live into His perfect will. Even when you can’t feel him, I promise He’s still there. He doesn’t require large blocks of your time. He’ll take whatever time you give him and make good use of it. Bless the Lord, O my soul.

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:23)

 

Your Heart is My Dwelling Place

May5

“Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Remember, O Lord, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old. Remember not the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you are good, O Lord.” (Psalm 25:4-7)

My child, my love for you is great and unfathomable. My mercy is as from old. I remember not the sins of your youth, nor do I have record of your rebellious ways. I remember you according to my love for you. As I have given love and mercy in great portions to you, so you should be generous with your love and mercy to others.

My Spirit will show you my ways, and teach you the paths I have set down for you. Put your hope and trust in me. My truth will guide you on your journey. Look to me for your direction, and I will instruct you in the way chosen for you.

You are the one I love. I cherish the time we spend together. Seek me first in your day, and everything else will fall into place. Give me your first fruits, and the flood gates of heaven will open with blessing for you. Give me your reverent love, and I will confide in you. Call on me, and I will tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.

You are my beloved child. Hunger and thirst after me, and you will be satisfied. Seek me with all of your heart, and you will find me. You need to look no further than the depths of your own heart; I am there. Your heart is my dwelling place. The living God is living in you. Live not according to your own power, but by the Spirit who lives in you.