Tag Archive | voice

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 10 – I am Your Counselor

Apr1

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 10 – I am Your Counselor

 Dear Heavenly Father, I am so grateful that You sent me a live-in Counselor, available 24/7, who listens to me and reveals to me all Your wisdom as I need it. Please help me appreciate and take advantage of this more and more fully as I spend time with You today.

 A Message from God’s Heart to Yours:

 Look up, child. I am your loving Father. I know and want what is best for you at all times, in all circumstances. Seek Me first. Seek My counsel first, before all else. I am here for you any time of the day or night. Listen for My voice within you. I speak to you all day long, and I will speak to you in your heart, even at night, as you sleep (Psalm 16:7).

 I know you want to trust the advice of your closest friends and family. That may be okay, at times, but their advice is only as good as their personal relationship and two-way communication with Me themselves. If they are not seeking Me first on your behalf, for your best interest, their advice may be faulty as well.

 I am your Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). I am omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent. I know all things and work all things together for your good (Romans 8:28). I am in control of all things and am present by your side, even inside you, at all times. I am trustworthy and true. I have deposited My Spirit of truth in your heart. You may believe His voice inside you. He speaks the truth and shares the deepest places of My heart with you. All that I have belongs to you. My Spirit will remind you of My wisdom as needed.

 I know that many times you will react from the flesh. But I tell you the truth, live by the Spirit, in step with My Holy Spirit, and display the fruit of the Spirit at all times as He produces it and ripens it in you. Sow to please the Spirit and from the Spirit reap eternal life (Galatians 6:8).

 I teach you wisdom in the inmost place (Psalm 51:6). From your heart, My Spirit makes My truth and wisdom known to you. Do you lack wisdom? Just ask Me, and then, believe the truth I give you in your heart. Trust in Me with all your heart. Do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways, ask Me first, and I will direct your paths (Proverbs 3:5-6).

 Ask Me for anything, any time, and it’s yours. You have not, because you ask not. 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). Whatever you need is only away by one conversation with Me. I am here waiting for you to ask. I can’t wait to give you what you need and desire. Just ask.

 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to Me. And my peace, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6). I am your Counselor, and I care deeply about you and your well-being. Allow Me to care for you. Let Me in on your decisions. Seek My wisdom, and then, listen and obey.

 Prayer:

 Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your Spirit of truth, my live-in Counselor. Thank You for the access that Jesus’ death on the cross gave me to Your throne. I am so grateful that I may approach You in confidence to take care of all my needs and desires. Please help me hear and discern Your voice within me at this moment, as I seek You first, above all else. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Two-way Conversation with God: 

  • Lord, what do You want me to know personally about the work of Your Spirit, my Counselor? (Record your thoughts here.)

 

  • Jesus, how do I make maximum use of the Counselor inside me? (Write what Jesus says to your heart.)

 

  • Holy Spirit, how do I best live in step with You? (Jot down all words and impressions you sense at this time.)

 

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:

Mighty God, Wonderful Counselor, please grant me Your wise counsel in everything I do and say today and every day. Let my spirit be in tune with Your Spirit with every step I take. Remind me to pay attention to the voice of the Holy Spirit within me; listen and obey. Lord, I crucify the flesh when it leads me to run my own course, and I defer to the leading of Your Spirit. I submit myself to You and trust in You with all my heart. In the name of Jesus, my Lord. Amen.

Supporting Scripture:

 1 Kings 22:5, But Jehoshaphat also said to the king of Israel, “First seek the counsel of the Lord.”

2 Chronicles 18:4, But Jehoshaphat also said to the king of Israel, “First seek the counsel of the Lord.”

Psalm 16:7-8, I will praise the Lord who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I have set the Lord always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

Psalm 51:6, Surely You desire truth in the inner parts; You teach me wisdom in the inmost place.

Psalm 73:24, You guide me with Your counsel, and afterward You will take me into glory.

Proverbs 2:6, For the Lord gives wisdom, and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.

Proverbs 3:5-7, Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil.

Proverbs 8:14, Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have understanding and power.

Isaiah 9:6, For to us a child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 28:29, All this also comes from the Lord Almighty, wonderful in counsel and magnificent in wisdom.

Matthew 7:7, “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; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.”

John 14:15-17, “If you love Me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor to be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you will know Him, for He lives with you and will be in you.”

John 14:26-27, “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

John 15:26, “When the Counselor comes, who I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, He will testify about Me.”

John 16:7, “But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.”

John 16:13-15, “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. He will bring glory to Me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. All 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.”

Galatians 6:8-10, The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

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

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

 Copyright © Sindy Nagel. All Rights Reserved

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 4 – Who is the Holy Spirit?

Mar26

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 4

Who is the Holy Spirit?

Holy Spirit, You are the most mysterious of the Three-in-One. I do not know You as well as I could. I have heard less about You than God and Jesus. I desire to know You more intimately. I desire to know Your heart and how You work. Spirit of God, teach me Your ways. Let me hear and recognize Your voice within me. Help me to distinguish Your impressions from my own thoughts. I am excited to meet with You today. Please share Your nature and Your feelings with me right now. Help me to know You better so that I may respond to Your promptings and live in step with You. Thank You, Lord.

 A Message from God’s Heart to Yours:

 I am your Helper, your Friend, your constant companion. I am with you 24/7. I am here to help you at all times of the day or night. You may hear My voice any time you listen. I speak to you all day long to encourage you, guide you, comfort you, instruct you, support you, give you God’s wisdom, counsel you, and intercede for you. Let Me remind you of this verse:

 So we say with confidence, the Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:6)

 I am the voice of God within you. God the Father sent Me to dwell in your heart the moment you accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord. I have sealed you as a child of God. I testify that you are God’s child, adopted as His son or daughter. You are the heir of God, a co-heir with Jesus Christ (Romans 8:17). See evidence of Me in the Word of God below:

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

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you (Ephesians 4:30-32).

I am your Friend, and I speak to you, face to face, heart to heart, as the friend of God. Meditate on these verses:

The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend (Exodus 33:11).

A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a Friend who sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24).

And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend (James 2:23).

You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you (John 15:14-15).

 I am your Guide. I lead you to the truth. I receive wisdom, instruction, and truth from the Lord and make it known to you. All that God has will be made known to you. Within your heart, you possess continuous, direct access to all that belongs to God—His wisdom, love, encouragement, peace, and comfort, among many other benefits.

 “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 bring glory to Me by taking from what is Mine and making it known to you. All that belongs to the Father is Mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is Mine and make it known to you (John 16:13-15).

 I am your life Coach! I teach you, train you, instruct you and educate you in the things of God.

 Jesus said, “for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say” (Luke 12:12).

“But the Counselor, 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 14:26).

 I am your Advocate! I support you. I believe in you. I favor you. I am at your side and on your side.

 For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by Him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children (Romans 8:13-16).

I am your Counselor! I listen to you and give you sound, godly advice.

“If you love Me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor to be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you know Him, for He lives with you and will be in you” (John 14:15-17).

“All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:25-27).

“But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you” (John 16:7).

 I am your Comforter! I will have compassion on you in your troubles and heartaches. I will bring you relief and encouragement. I am your light in the darkness. I will stand with you in the fire and walk with you through the valleys and the storms. I am your God of all comfort.

Shout for joy, O heavens; rejoice, O earth; burst into song, O mountains! For the Lord comforts His people and will have compassion on His afflicted ones (Isaiah 49:13).

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

 You will know Me by the spiritual fruit I produce in your life. Tune into Me and remain in step with Me for maximum spiritual benefit and enjoyment. Taste and see that I am good (Psalm 34:8).

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

I am your Intercessor! I pray for you day and night. I pray for you when you know not what to pray.

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

 I am all these things and more. Pay attention to My voice within. I speak to you all day, every day. I will guide you in the most excellent way. I am your constant companion. I have your best interests in mind. I am your Champion. I am in your corner, on your team. Live in step with Me and experience all that God has planned for you. Hop on this soul train and enjoy the ride of your life! It’s a spiritual adventure like none other.

 Prayer:

Dear God in heaven, thank You for revealing more of Your Spirit to me today. I am in awe of all that You have done and continue to do for me daily. I am humbled knowing that I am nothing without You. You are everything to me. Thank you for the gift of Your Holy Spirit living in my heart. I cannot even grasp the full meaning of this gift. Thank You for making my heart your home and for Your Spirit who reveals Your heart to me, more and more, as I spend time with You on this journey to a more cherished relationship with You. I am excited about hearing another word from You right now. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Two-way Conversation with the God, the Holy Spirit:

  • Holy Spirit, please tell me who You are to me personally. Tell me what you want me to hear and know today. (Write what He reveals to you in your thoughts right now.)

 

  • Dear Lord, I submit all my heart, soul, mind and strength to You today, as I learn to love you in the same way. Help me to know what it means to live in step with You always. Help me hear Your voice in my thoughts clearly right now. (Record the emotions and impressions of your heart.)

 

  • Holy Spirit, my Helper, please describe how You work in me personally and specifically. In what ways will I recognize You and Your influence in my life? (Write the first thoughts or words that come to your mind right now.)

 

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

 

Prayer:

Dear Lord, thank You for spending time with me today. I am reminded and know so much more about Your Holy Spirit and His impact in me, than I did yesterday. Thank You for Your amazing gift of Immanuel, God with me 24/7. You are faithful and true to your promises, yesterday, today, and forever. Thank You for taking up residence in my heart and making Yourself known to me. Thank You for being my Comforter, my Helper, my Guide, and my Friend. Thank You for Your constant prayers on my behalf. I have a new appreciation for Your continuous work in my life. I appreciate all the love and work You daily pour into me, when I don’t even realize it. Help me live in step with Your Spirit so that He may produce lovely spiritual fruit in my heart and life. Let my actions and my witness be a testimony of your goodness. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Copyright © Sindy Nagel. All Rights Reserved.

 

Roadblock #5 – Busyness – The Enemy of Freedom

Jun1


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

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

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

But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to Him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!â€

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

Are you too busy doing, doing, doing to sit at the feet of Jesus and listen to what He wants to say to you? It pleased Jesus that Mary sat and listened to Him, and He didn’t take that time away from her. Everything else could wait.

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

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

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

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

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

 

A woman is standing at the microphone and holding a pen.#1: I don’t have time to wait for God to speak to me.

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

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

 

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

Click here to Purchase the book now.

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Book Two in Hearing God’s Voice Series

 

Step 6 – Enjoy the Rewards – Reward #6

Mar14


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

Reward #6 – Savor the Wisdom

Appreciate and enjoy God’s wisdom. Cherish it more than everything. As believers in Christ Jesus, we have access to all the treasures of His wisdom and knowledge. The Spirit of God, who lives within us, knows the things of God and makes them known to us. His wisdom is more precious than rubies. Nothing compares to it. According to the two verses that follow, God’s wisdom is a priceless treasure:

My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. (Colossians 2:2-3)

I have not departed from the commands of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my daily bread. (Job 23:12)

How do we gain complete understanding of God’s wisdom? How does the Holy Spirit make the things of God known to us? Let’s take a look at what Jesus said,

I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. 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. He will bring glory to Me by taking from what is Mine and making it known to you. All that belongs to the Father is Mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is Mine and make it known to you. (John 16:12-15, emphasis mine)

Through Jesus Christ, we have access to all that belongs to God. His gift of the Holy Spirit dwelling in our hearts is the most priceless treasure! Without the Spirit of God living within us, we might not be able to hear His voice or have instant, direct access to His wisdom as He relays it to us.

Jesus did not say the Spirit would speak only to a select few. Jesus said He “will guide you†and “will speak†and “will tell you†and “make it known to you†(emphasis mine). As children of God who have accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior, we all have access to His wisdom through the Spirit of God within us. If you believe in Jesus Christ, the Spirit will speak the wisdom of God to you. Are you listening?

“A voice came from the cloud, saying, ‘This is My Son, whom I have chosen; listen to Him’†(Luke 9:35). God the Father told us to listen to His Son. Jesus is in God and God is in Jesus, so however we stack it up, we just need to listen to God’s voice and savor the wisdom. Savor means “to enjoy, to delight in, to value, and to appreciate.â€[2]

Are you enjoying the wisdom God has for you? Do you delight in Him and value the knowledge He gives you? Do you appreciate the access to all that belongs to God the Father through His Son, Jesus Christ, and His gift of the Holy Spirit dwelling in you?

If you better understood the value of hearing God’s voice and receiving wisdom from Him, would you make the time to listen more often? Proverbs 2:1-6 says,

My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom, and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.

Through the Holy Spirit dwelling in us, we have access to God’s wisdom directly from the mouth of God Himself. Isn’t that the best news you’ve ever heard? Have you tried turning your ear to the voice of God to receive His wisdom? Have you applied your heart to understanding through the voice of His Spirit within you? Do you desire to have God’s wisdom so much you are willing to “look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure†(Proverbs 2:4)? Will you put forth the effort to garner the wisdom of God by listening to His voice before everything else?

Proverbs 2:6 says, “From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.†Why don’t we seek God by listening to His voice more often? Why don’t we go to God first to gain His wisdom for everything we say and do? He waits for us to seek Him at all times, in all circumstances. He longs to impart His wisdom for our everyday challenges. His Spirit will guide us in His wisdom, if only we ask. Many times, the Spirit of God guides you even when you don’t ask.

Are you listening to the still, small voice of God within you? Will you search for God’s wisdom as you would search for hidden treasure? Will you make it a priority to meet with God daily to listen to His insight? When you do, you will savor the wisdom of God and enjoy the fruit of His peace.

Click here to order book now.

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Book One in Hearing God’s Voice Series

 

Step 6 – Enjoy the Rewards – Reward #1

Feb7


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

Step 6 – Enjoy the Rewards

Hearing God’s voice for the first time resembles discovering a buried treasure. God’s amazing treasure chest holds at least seven priceless jewels.

7 Rewards of Hearing God’s Voice

Healing

Forgiveness

Encouragement

Instruction

Conviction

Wisdom

Peace

CLICK HERE for your FREE infographic of 7 Rewards of Hearing God’s Voice

Reward #1 – Absorb the Healing

My first depression plagued me most severely. The word shattered best describes the way depression feels to me. I felt shattered into a thousand pieces on the inside, held together only by my skin. I appeared completely normal from the outside, but I felt weak, fragile, and broken on the inside. Looking back, I now know God allowed me to hit rock bottom so I had nowhere else to turn but to Him. He permitted me to hit rock bottom, but He didn’t leave me there alone.

Through Christian counseling, God showed me what kept me from the life He intended for me. I had to confront my past. I had to be delivered from the bondage of my belief in Satan’s lies before I could effectively relate to God and worship Him with all my heart. I did the work of digging into my childhood to figure out what caused me to be stuck in this life.

We all have emotional wounds. Some of them are given to us by people we love and people who love us. My most major emotional wound came from believing lies in the words my mom used about me. I’m sure she didn’t intend to wound me, but Satan used the things she said to deceive me into believing his lies. As a young girl, I remember my mom telling other people of me, “She was an accident.†I heard my mom say I was an accident many, many times. Those words stabbed deep into my little girl heart. Those words gave me my identity:

I am an accident. I am not wanted. I am not loved.

Notice how Satan used the words, “You are an accident,†and twisted them to accuse me of his lies: “You are not wanted; you are not loved.†In John 8:44, Jesus exposed the devil’s ways: “When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.†The enemy wanted me to believe lies that would keep me in bondage so I could not become all God wanted me to be, and I fell for it like a boulder plummeting down a mountainside.

Knowing I was unwanted caused me to become a people-pleaser. My entire life was driven by my desire to be needed and loved. My constant striving to satisfy and delight everyone required me to give large chunks of myself away. The more I gave, the more empty, unloved, and unappreciated I felt. My zest for life slowly drained out of me, leaving me unfulfilled and unhappy. I had a decent life, but if it equaled the life God had planned for me, I wasn’t sure I wanted to live. I had everything I needed and wanted, yet I lacked something. What I had was not enough to carry me through emotionally.

By believing the father of lies, I had let the deceit of Satan rule in my heart. God allowed me to experience depression so I would seek Him for help, answers, and healing. God wanted me to confront the emotional wounds from my past so He could wrap me in His blanket of light. God used my counseling as the venue where He performed the emotional healing I needed.

My counselor and I would spend time in inner healing prayer, bringing my wounds before Christ and asking Him to replace the lies I believed with the truth. Jesus showed me His presence in my childhood memories. He Himself told me of His great love for me and revealed the truth about me and the circumstances of my birth. He crushed the lies of the enemy. God planned me from the beginning; I was no accident. He wanted me and loved me.

This experience compelled me to trust Jesus even more. He is the way, the truth, and the life. The voice of Jesus in my memories transformed my life. When you are set straight by the God of the universe, it’s a permanent healing. It’s a healing you can’t get from counseling alone or from anything anyone else says to you. When God Himself meets you in your memories, shows you His presence in your life, speaks about how much He loves you, and couples it with strong, truthful feelings in your heart, it changes everything.

My beliefs about my own identity began to change. It no longer mattered that my mom didn’t want me, because the God of the universe planned me before He created the world. He wants me and loves me. I am His child, created in His image. I am a high priority to Him. My existence is important to Him. He wants to spend forever showing me how much He loves me. I know He feels the same about you.

God does speak to you in your thoughts. He can use your memories to bring you emotional healing and to show you His presence throughout your whole life. Come to Him, and quiet yourself enough to listen to what He has to say. He will enlighten you with His truth, replacing the darkness of the lies you believe.

In John 8:36, Jesus says, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.†I live a new life of freedom—a better life—because Christ set me free from my emotional prison, the bondage of the lies I held onto. That’s what Jesus came here to do—to “set the captives free.†(See Isaiah 61:1-3.) He is the truth.

Jesus Christ already won the battle over Satan, sin, and death with His obedience even unto death on the cross. God raised Jesus from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in heaven to rule over everything here on earth and in all eternity. God saved us by His grace, raised us up with Christ, and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms. Satan has been given his place already. He now resides under the feet of Christ, below His authority and below the authority of Christ’s body, the church, which includes all believers.

I believe in Christ; therefore, I have Jesus’ power and authority over Satan, sin, and death. Through the Holy Spirit living in me, I have the same power that raised Jesus from the dead. If you believe in Jesus, so do you. Exercise authority and stand firm in the finished work of Christ, believing the truth. Resist the devil, and don’t be trapped by His snares of falsehood and temptation. Don’t give him more power than God has given Him. You are alive in Christ! Live in the grace and authority of Christ so you may carry out the work God prepared in advance for you to do. (See Ephesians 2:4-10.)

Through inner healing prayer and conversations with God, He spoke sincere, truthful words to me, healing the deepest wounds of my heart. He exposed my childhood belief in the deceit Satan had fabricated in my heart and mind. He gave me a new identity: “I am a child of God; He wants me and loves me.†Not only did my thinking change, but Jesus Christ Himself engraved it on my heart. He showed me the truth, and the truth set me free. God loves me more than I will ever comprehend, and He wanted me, even before He created the world. He feels the same about you.

God wants you and loves you very much. He desires to spend time with you daily in two-way conversation. Make time to listen to His voice and absorb His healing words.

When you have some time to yourself, seek God and ask Him to replace the lies you believe in your heart with His perfect truth. Ask for His protection from your enemy. Listen to His voice of truth in your thoughts. Confirm what you hear by finding God’s truth in His Word, the Bible. Spend time developing a deeper intimacy with Him. Ask Him what He wants to teach you. Absorb the healing He gives! Then find it in your heart to forgive the one(s) who hurt you.

Click here to order this book now.

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

Book One in Hearing God’s Voice Series

 

 

Let Me Direct Your Path

Oct7

My dear one, it is so good to speak with you again. Thank you for spending this time with Me. I desire to sit with you every day and connect in conversation with you again. I desire to direct your days, to minister to you, to educate you, to prepare you, and to motivate you to carry out My work. I want to fill you with My goodness, relay My thoughts to you, fill you with My wisdom, and help you appreciate My presence in your life. I am with you always.

You may speak to Me any time. However, I do appreciate when you start your day spending time with Me. It shows Me that you are trying to make Me your first priority. It shows Me that you are eager to know My will and plan for your life. It warms My heart to know that you care enough about Me to give up a little sleep. I am blessed by meeting with you in the morning, before you begin your day with your own plans.

Your plans may be good, but they may not be My best for you. My ways are higher than your ways. My thoughts are higher than your thoughts. I see the future. I know the past. I see all and know all. It is in your best interest to seek Me first, before you set out to accomplish anything. Do not run ahead in a direction I have not prepared for you. When you do, you may encounter snares, traps, conflicts, and barriers. But when you run the race I have marked out for you, everything you come up against has been ordained by Me.

On My path, any trials you face have been allowed by Me. It is My goal to mature you spiritually. In order to accomplish this, sometimes I have to get your attention. Seek first My kingdom and My righteousness. I use all things for your good, to get your attention, to challenge your faith, to increase your trust in Me, to refine your character, and to return you to Myself.

“For 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 upon 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. I will be found by you, and will bring you back from captivity.” (See Jeremiah 29:11-14)

You have been held in captivity by the things of this world. Seek Me with your whole heart again, and you will find Me. Call upon Me, come and pray to Me, and I will listen. I am the Lord. I am your Lord. I know what is best for you, and I want to guide you on the path I have planned out for you. Please seek Me first, before everything else, and then listen for My voice within throughout the day. I am with you always. You have access to Me at all times. I love you, My child. Let Me direct your path.

Busyness Can Be a Roadblock to Hearing God’s Voice

May11


FroA woman is standing at the microphone and holding a pen.m God’s Heart to Yours

            Sweet child of Mine, I desire first place in your life. I request your best, your first fruits, not your leftovers. I want the first of your time as well. My plans are to prosper you, to give you hope and a future. I designed you with a specific purpose in mind. How do you know My best for you unless you listen to My voice? How will you receive My wisdom without turning to My Word? How will you know Me without spending time with Me?

            Your best-laid plans may not be My best for you. Your life is on GO sixteen hours a day, but how much of that time is dedicated to Me? To My work? Sixty minutes? Twenty? Ten? Any at all? You won’t comprehend the great depth of My love for you until you hear My whispers. You can’t begin to understand Me when you don’t make time for Me. You ask why you do not hear Me. Are you listening? Do you give Me time to speak? I do have something to say.


 Will you meet with Me in the morning?

Will you turn to Me mid-day?

Will you seek My face in the evening?

I do have something to say.

 

Will you turn off the television?

Will you put your phone away?

Will you shut down the computer?

I do have something to say.

 

Will you take Me with you golfing?

Will you walk with Me by the bay?

Will you talk to Me in your office?

I do have something to say.

 

Will you ask Me for My wisdom?

Will you bend your ear My way?

Will you listen with excitement?

I do have something to say.

 

Will you look for Me when you’re lonely?

Will you make time for Me in your day?

Will you call on Me in your trials?

I do have something to say.

 

Will you recognize My whispers?

Will you listen to Me when you pray?

Will you greet Me with anticipation?

I do have something to say.


Please make time for Me, My friend. I desire to walk through this life with you, but I’d prefer to lead. I am with you always. I’ll never leave you or forsake you. Please do not forget I am with you at all times, in all places. You are My beloved child. I am pleased by you. I wait with excitement to spend time with you. Please make that happen soon. I am here for you.


 


 

 

 

Let Your Praises Ring

Nov21

Praise the Lord, O my soul

Everything in me sings your praise

All my heart, soul, mind, and strength

Will praise you all of my days

 

Praise the Lord, O ye heavens

Praise the Lord, ye earth below

He is worthy of all glory

He is awesome, this I know

 

Before I rise in the morning

Let His praises be on my lips

And when I fall into bed at night

Let the praise in my heart do flips

 

Every moment I will praise Him

For He is my EVERY thing

Let admiration flow from my mouth

As my tongue His praises sing

 

I lift my hands in holy praise

To the Almighty God above

I delight myself in the Lord of lords

And He fills my heart with love

 

The One Who bore my sin and shame

Deserves the best words I can shout

His praise flows from within my soul

And through my lips pours out

 

He is my guardian and my friend

My trusted confidant

He provides me all I’ll ever need

Much more than I shall want

 

I thank Him for His Spirit

He placed within my heart

Who seals me for the final day

When this earth I will depart

 

I hear His voice within me

He whispers in my ear

“I am with you always…

There is no need to fear”

 

If Jesus is your Savior

The Lord of what you do

Just make the time to listen

And you will hear Him too

 

Escape the crowds and noise of life

And to the Lord draw near

Pay attention to the thoughts you think

His still, small voice you’ll hear

 

He speaks to us through Scripture

When we find ourselves in need

He counsels us in God’s good ways

And convicts us of our misdeed

 

He is our hope and healing

Our anchor in the storm

When battles rage against us

He keeps us safe and warm

 

Do not forsake your time with God

He wants to be your friend

To speak with you throughout your day

From the day’s beginning to its end

 

Pay attention to His voice within

As you walk out your faith today

Be conscious of His words to you

I bet you’ll hear Him say:

 

“My child, I love you more than life

You are My special lamb

I want to be Your Shepherd

And show you Who I AM…

 

I’m your light in the darkness

I’m your stronghold in the war

I’m your comfort in your sorrow

I’m the angel at your door

 

I give you food and shelter

I protect you from your foe

I speak the truth within your heart

The things that you should know

 

I hear you when you call Me

I’m with you in all you do

And when you cannot find the strength

You can be sure I’ll carry you

 

Trust in Me, obey My words

And I will see you through

I do not ask you to perform

Without preparing you

 

And when My work you’ve carried out

My joy is your reward

Let your praises ring, let Me hear you sing

‘Halleluiah to the Lord!’”


 

Shine like a Star

Oct6


 For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.[1]

My A woman is standing at the microphone and holding a pen.blessed one, live out your faith in awe and reverence, for it is I Who work in you to carry out My good and perfect will. Shine brightly like a star in a dark generation as you hold on to My word of life. Listen intently to My voice within you and radiate My words of love to a corrupt world. Take every opportunity to refer to Me in your conversations and your actions. Keep My name and My Word in a prominent position daily as you live out your life in peace. Walk in step with My Spirit, paying close attention to His teaching and prompting. Be a light to those who live in darkness. Deliver a message of hope and good news to those held in the bondage of sin. Bring sight to those who are blind to My ways. You are My messenger of salvation. Be a shining star, reflecting My glory for all to see.

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© OlgaYakovenko

[1] The New King James Version. (1982). (Php 2:13). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.