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Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 57 – Strength in Weakness

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 57

Strength in Weakness

Heavenly Father, sometimes I feel so physically, emotionally, and spiritually drained. I am spent. I cannot even muster enough strength to take the next step, to put one foot in front of the other. Lord, where do I turn from here? Where do I find my strength in weakness? Why do I feel so weak? I am so humbled at this point. I have lost all my strength and independence.

A Message from God’s Heart to Yours:

My good child, let Me explain. In order to keep you from being prideful, I allow trials and challenges in your life. When you are humbled before Me and emptied of all your pride; when you reach the end of your ‘self’’; only then are you ready to receive My grace and help. You begin to understand that everything you hold closely, and all that you are, comes from My hand. Every good and perfect gift is from above (James 1:17). I see you in your weakness and give you My strength.

Pain, grief, disappointment, rejection, and failure may bring you to your knees. That is not a bad place to be. I often need to allow these tough times in your life before you are ready to let go and let Me go to work for you. I promise to work all things together for the good of those who love Me and are called according to My purpose 8:28). If you never experienced frailty, would you ever have a need for Me? My desire is that you will run to Me in these tough times, so I might teach you about My love and faithfulness. However, I would love for you to seek Me in the good times as well. Worship Me and seek Me with your whole heart (Deuteronomy 4:29). Love Me with all your heart, soul, mind and strength (Deuteronomy 6:5). Put Me first, above everything else.

Depend on Me. When you are weak, it is then, you are strong in Me. Therefore, be willing to boast all the more gladly about your weaknesses. My power is made perfect in weakness (1 Corinthians 12:9). Your weakness is My strength. Believe it! You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you (Philippians 4:13). You will know My strength when you remain in relationship with Me, especially when you are at your lowest point. In difficult times, I am your rock and your fortress (Psalm 18:2). I am all that you need.

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10). I am with you in all your trials, every one. I will never leave you or forget about you (Joshua 1:5). I wait patiently for you to turn to Me for help and strength. My arms are always open to you. Run to Me when you are exhausted. I will renew your strength and you will soar on wings like eagles; you will run and not grow weary, walk and not grow faint (Isaiah 40:31). I am here for you, My child. You have access to all that is Mine, including My strength, at all times. Just ask!

Prayer:

Father in heaven, I am in awe of You. You are so good to Me. You are always there for Me any time I need a helping hand, a word of encouragement, a boost in my spirit. Thank You for Your loving kindness and Your faithfulness. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13). I am thankful in the trials, because I can depend on You. Lord, please speak to me from Your heart at this time. In the name of Christ, my solid Rock, I pray. Amen.

Two-way Conversation with God:

Papa God, what is it that you want me to know and hear from You today? (Record all the thoughts He gives you.)

Jesus, my fortress and my deliver, renew my strength today. Speak to me from Your heart. (Write every word you hear from Him.)

Holy Spirit, lead me to the Word of God. Please encourage me in my weakness. (Journal the words and ideas He gives you.)

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:

Loving Father, thank You for Your kind words and faithful promises. I am so blessed to have You for my Papa. I owe my life to You; You are my strength and my All in All. Thank You for renewing my strength when I am weak; even for carrying me in the difficult times. You build me up when I am frail. You lift me up when I am down. You support me in all I do. I love You with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Supporting Scripture:

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

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

Joshua 1:5, “No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you or forsake you.”

Psalm 18:1-2, ¹I love You, Lord, my strength. ²The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the strength of my salvation, my stronghold.

Isaiah 40:29-31, ²⁹He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. ³⁰Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; ³¹but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 41:10, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

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.

2 Corinthians 12:6-10, ⁶Even if I should choose to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will think more of me than is warranted by what I do or say, ⁷or because of these surpassingly great revelations. Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. ⁸Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. ⁹But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. ¹⁰That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Philippians 4:13, I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.

James 1:17, Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 55 – Spiritual Battle

May16

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 55

Spiritual Battle

Lord, there is a daily battle of good vs. evil going on in my mind. I know it, I feel it—it’s real. I fight against the desires of the flesh on a daily basis. Father God, please make me even more sensitive and aware of this, and give me the tools of engagement. Make me strong in You. Arm me with Your protective battle suit and defend me against my enemy.

A Message from God’s Heart to Yours:

Child of Mine, you are in a daily spiritual battle—the enemy’s goal is to destroy you. Recognizing this is the first step to victory. Whether you realize it or not, there is a conflict raging in you between flesh and Spirit. Your struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:12). This battle is as real as you are. It is not a virtual war game. Prepare your method of defense for this war.

Before you put one foot on the floor each morning, dress yourself in My full armor so that you may be able to stand your ground (Ephesians 6:13). Buckle the belt of truth around your waist. The truth is you are My child and the devil has no power over you. Believe this truth and claim it. Your identity in Christ gives you the authority over your enemy, as well as, the victory over sin, death, and the grave, that the atonement of the shed blood of Jesus Christ on the cross provided for you. Use your authority in the name of Jesus Christ and by the power of His blood to bind up Satan and restrict his destroying influence in your daily life. You are supernaturally empowered by the Spirit of Christ living in you. Be sure to tap in to that amazing power at all times.

Stand firm then, with the breastplate of righteousness in place to avert the flaming arrows of the enemy. He shoots straight for the weakest areas in your heart, but Christ has made you righteous and blameless. Clothing yourself with the breastplate of righteousness, a life of honesty and obedience to God, will keep you pure and ready to stand firm in battle, deflecting all attacks against your standing in Christ. You are Mine, and you have been made righteous in Christ.

Ready yourself to proclaim the gospel of peace by fitting your feet with My battle sandals (Ephesians 6:15). Anchor yourself in the soil of My salvation and remain steadfast in your faith. Be prepared to share with the lost the message of My love and saving grace. Be a witness for Christ even in the midst of battle. And take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one (Ephesians 6:16). This is the all-encompassing protection of Christ against everything your enemy hurls at you. Your victory is sure in Jesus’ name.

Wear the helmet of salvation (Ephesians 6:17), putting on the mind of Christ with all wisdom and discernment. Take up the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. Do not fight the enemy with your own words and thoughts, but use the Word of God as your weapon of choice. Just as Jesus battled Satan in the wilderness with the Word of God (Matthew 4:4), you too must fight the enemy’s lies and deceit with the truth of My Word. As the devil distorts Scripture, you will set him straight with the truth. The power of your testimony is no match for Satan. You will know the truth and the truth will set you free (John 8:32). You are no longer a slave, but My child (Galatians 4:7). You have been freed from the bondage of the enemy’s lies. Do not return again to a yoke of slavery.

In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. You may experience My peace, even in your troubles (John 16:33). Though you live in the world, you do not wage war as the world does. The weapons you fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. You demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and you take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:3-5).

Finally, be strong in Me and in My mighty power (Ephesians 6:10). Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying (Ephesians 6:18). Pray continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17) as prayer is another strong weapon of warfare. Pray your way through every challenge and struggle. The flesh may be weak, but you are strong in Christ Jesus. Stand firm, and when you have done everything, remain standing (Ephesians 6:13).

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for being a warrior God; you are my strength and defense (Exodus 15:2-3). Train me and prepare me for this daily battle. Lord, speak to me now with Your words of wisdom, and transform my heart with the truth of Your love and promises. Give me Your peace that passes all understanding to guard my heart and mind (Philippians 4:7). In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Two-way Conversation with God:

Abba Father, protect me with Your infinite wisdom. Train me in Your warrior ways. Teach me what I need to know for this spiritual battle. (Record everything He says to you.)

Jesus, my Deliverer, rescue me from this fight. Do not let me be bound by a yoke of slavery. Please make me aware of what that looks like. (Write all the ideas He gives you.)

Holy Spirit, please give me a sense of my most vulnerable weakness, along with the Scripture to fight against the enemy’s attack in that area. Prepare me with the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, so that I am ready to defend myself. (Journal the Scripture that comes to mind. If only a word, find the verse in your concordance and write it out here, then meditate on it and memorize it to repeat to the enemy in the battle.)

Prayer:

Lord, You do not leave me alone to fight my own battles. When I pass through the waters, You are with me, the rivers will not sweep over me. When I walk through the fire, I will not be burned; the flames will not set me ablaze (Isaiah 43:1-2). You stand with me in the fiery furnace of affliction. You hide me in the shadow of your wings (Psalm 17:8). You give me the victory in every struggle when I depend on You for my strength and wisdom. Strengthen my vulnerable areas and fortify my weak spots. You are my refuge and my fortress; I put my trust in You. I will make You my dwelling and You will give Your angels charge over me to guard me in all my ways. I will call on You and You will be with me in trouble; You will deliver me (Psalm 91). In the name of Jesus Christ and by His blood shed on the cross, I claim victory over my enemy and bind up the work of Satan, the destroyer. Amen.

Supporting Scripture:

Exodus 15:2-3, “The Lord is my strength and defense; He has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise Him, my father’s God, and I will exalt Him. The Lord is a warrior; the Lord is His name.

Psalm 17:8, Keep me as the apple of Your eye; hide me in the shadow of Your wings.

Psalm 91, ¹Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. ²I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” ³Surely He will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. ⁴He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. ⁵You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, ⁶nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. ⁷A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. ⁸You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. ⁹If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, ¹⁰no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. ¹¹For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; ¹²they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. ¹³You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent. ^14”Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. ¹⁵He will call on Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble. I will deliver him and honor him. ¹⁶With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”

Isaiah 43:1-2, “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.

Jeremiah 20:11, But the Lord is with me like a mighty warrior; so my persecutors will stumble and not prevail.

Matthew 4:4, Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

John 8:32, “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

John 16:33, “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

2 Corinthians 10:3-5, For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretention that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

Galatians 4:7, So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are His child, God has made you also an heir.

Ephesians 6:10-18, ¹⁰Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. ¹¹Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. ¹²For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ¹³Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, an after you have done everything to stand. ¹⁴Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, ¹⁵and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. ¹⁶In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. ¹⁷Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. ¹⁸And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

Philippians 4:4-7, ⁴Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ⁵Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. ⁶Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

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

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 40 – Praise Him in the Storms

May1

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 40

Praise Him in the Storms

Lord, where have you been during the storms of my life?

A Message from God’s Heart to Yours:

My child, I have been there with you through each one, you just didn’t always know it.

The raindrops that fall during your storms are My tears falling to the earth. I cry with you each time you cry. The lightning that you see flash across the dark sky of your storms is from My heart breaking in two for you. My heart aches for you each time I see you suffer through trials and tribulations. The thunder you hear during your storms is from My anger. I am angry when the people I have created cause you hurt and pain. I am angry when the enemy attacks you and wounds you.

The winds that blow through your storms are the breaths of My sighs moving through the earth. I sigh with compassion when I think of My beloved children going through the pain of daily struggles with relationships, disease, divorce, sin and death. When the waves on the seas crash against your boat and toss it to and fro in your storms, I am there to make sure the waves are not bigger than your vessel can handle. My hand is upon you.

When you feel you can’t last another day, I allow you to rest in My arms and I renew you with the strength you need to go on. When you wonder and ask why I would allow you to go through these storms, I do not get angry. It has not been easy for Me to watch you go through these tough times. You’re My child and I love you. I want to rescue you from each storm. But in My infinite wisdom, I allow you to endure the pain and suffering to bring you closer to Me. I want to build your character and mature your faith so that I may use you to help others through their storms.

It is during these storms that I hope you will realize how much you need Me. I am waiting for you to cry out to Me so that I can extend My grace to you. My grace is sufficient for you (2 Corinthians 12:9). I will pull you through. I am also waiting for you to seek help from others, so that I can use them to be like Christ to you. Let down the walls of pride and reach out for assistance.

It is during these times, that I hope you’ll turn to Me. My heart breaks when My people turn to other things to comfort themselves, like: food, alcohol, drugs, gambling, sex, money, and material possessions. I want to be your God, your one and only God. I am your anchor of hope in the storm. I am your stronghold; your rock and refuge (2 Samuel 22:2-3). Take your shelter in the shadow of My wings (Psalm 36:7). I will protect you from all evil and the evil one.

It is during these storms that I am waiting to show you how much you mean to Me and whom I can be to you, but sometimes you don’t allow Me to. You don’t give Me the time with you I need to accomplish this or your pride gets in the way. You want to be so independent and in control of your own life. You want to get yourself out of your own messes in your own way. You run ahead of Me. You do not want to rely on Me or on the fellowship of believers to help you get through the tough times.

In My word, I tell you how I feel about pride. I hate pride. Pride comes before a fall (Proverbs 16:18). With pride comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom (Proverbs 11:2). I oppose the proud, but give grace to the humble (James 4:6). When you are weak, it is then that I show My power in you (2 Corinthians 12:10). When you share your needs with Me and with My faithful ones, you are not revealing your weakness, but your strength. By asking for help and prayers, you are being humble, so that you may experience all My grace and all My wisdom. But when you try to do it all on your own, you leave Me no room to help.

Do not forsake Me, for I will never leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). I have proven that. I am the God who saved Noah from the flood (See Genesis 6). I saved the three Hebrew boys from the fiery furnace (See Daniel 3). I saved Daniel from the mouths of hungry lions (See Daniel 6). I was with David when he fought the giant (See 1 Samuel 17). I released Joseph from Pharaoh’s prison (See Genesis 41). I saved Isaac from being sacrificed on the altar (See Genesis 22). I delivered Jonah from the belly of the fish (See Jonah 2). And I will see you through your storms too. Please notice that I did not keep these people from going through their struggles, but I did not forget about them; I was with them. I allowed them to go through their storms for their own good and then rescued them. And I will rescue you too, in My perfect timing, if you will let Me.

Praise Me in the storms. I love you and I will take care of you. I will rebuke the winds and the waves (Matthew 8:26). I do not allow you to endure more than you can handle, however, by the power of My Spirit within, you can handle a lot. Fix your eyes on Me and I will see you to the end of the storm. I am with you always, even to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20). I am with you in every storm. I set My rainbow in the clouds as My promise to you, that never again will waters become a flood to destroy all life. You will survive your storms. I will see to it because I love you.

Prayer:

Lord, I praise You in the storm. I praise You that You do not leave me alone. I praise You in Your sanctuary, in Your mighty heavens. I praise You for Your acts of power; for Your surpassing greatness. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. (Psalm 150:1-2, 6). With all the breath in me, I praise You, Lord. I praise You because You listen to my cries and quiet me with Your love. Please allow me to hear some more of Your heart right now, Lord. Speak to me in the stillness of this room as we sit together in conversation. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Two-way Conversation with God:

Father God, what stirs Your heart into action during my storms? (Record all the thoughts you have.)

Jesus, my faithful Savior, thank You for rebuking the winds and waves in my storms, and restoring the calm. Lord, please show me where You are in the storm. (Write the ideas and words that come to mind for you.)

Holy Spirit, I know You are with me always. Please help me feel Your presence and Your love in the midst of this tempest. Please describe the work You are doing in me through this current challenge. (Journal everything you hear in your thoughts.)

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for speaking to my heart even now. I praise You in this storm, Lord. You are worthy of all my praise. I thank You for Your work in me as I learn to depend on You for all things, in good times and bad. Lord, I confess my pride of independence and ask You to forgive my shortcomings. I submit my spirit to Yours, and ask that You continue to mature me to be more like Jesus. I ask this in His name. Amen.

Supporting Scripture:

2 Samuel 22:2-3, ²He said: “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; ³my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior—from violent people You save me.”

Psalm 17:7-9, ⁷Show me the wonders of Your great love, You who save by Your right hand those who take refuge in You from their foes. ⁸Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings ⁹from the wicked who are out to destroy me, from my mortal enemies who surround me.

Psalm 36:7, How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.

Psalm 107:28-31, ²⁸Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He brought them out of their distress. ²⁹He stilled to storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. ³⁰They were glad when it grew calm, and He guided them to their desired haven. ³¹Let them give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for mankind.

Psalm 150:1-2,6, ¹Praise the Lord. Praise God in His sanctuary; praise Him in His mighty heavens. ²Praise Him for His acts of power; praise Him for His surpassing greatness…⁶Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord.

Proverbs 11:2, When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.

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

Matthew 8:23-27, ²³Then He got into the boat and His disciples followed Him. ²⁴Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. ²⁵The disciples went and woke Him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” ²⁶He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. ²⁷The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey Him!”

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

2 Corinthians 12:9-10, ⁹But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. ¹⁰That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Hebrews 13:5, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

James 4:6-8, ⁶But He gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” ⁷Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. ⁸Come near to God and He will come near to you.

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 38 – Be Joyful

Apr29

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 38

Be Joyful

Dearest Father, You knit me together in the womb, and You know my inmost being. You know that I am not naturally a happy, joyful person. However, I do understand and believe that true joy is not a feeling, instead it is a gift from the Spirit and a confidence I experience in my relationship with You. Your joy is my inner strength (Nehemiah 8:10). My joy is made complete in a close connection and daily conversation with You. Thank You for producing the fruit of joy in my life through the gift of the Holy Spirit within me. Listening to Your voice and reading Your Word both bring me great and lasting joy.

A Message from God’s Heart to Yours:

My child, you may not feel joyful, however, that is exactly what you are. You experience supernatural joy through the gift of My Spirit. You possess the confidence in knowing that I am your God, I am in control, and you can place your hope and trust in Me and My promises. You have the assurance that I love you and care for you; therefore, I will work all things together for your good (Romans 8:28).

We are not speaking about the happiness that good circumstances produce, but an inner, enduring joy that supersedes the pleasures that the world offers. You may remain joyful in every situation because of your relationship with Jesus Christ who sustains you. That relationship never changes. Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).

I am your strength and shield. When your heart trusts in Me, it leaps for joy (Psalm 28:7). I grant you unending blessings with the joy of My presence (Psalm 21:6). My joy is your strength (Nehemiah 8:10). I turn your crying into dancing and your mourning into joy (Psalm 30:11). Rejoice and be glad that My Spirit gives you unending peace and lasting joy.

My peace and joy are available to you in good times and bad through the gift of the Spirit. You may rejoice even when I don’t deliver you from your troubles, because you know that I will take care of you and provide for all your needs. It is during your trials that you grow the most. You learn to depend on Me and know that I will never leave you or forget about you (Hebrews 13:5).

Joy is also a choice. You may enjoy a positive outlook as you focus on Me rather than your sorrows and difficult circumstances. You know I will walk you through your trials. I am in control of everything. Nothing can separate you from My love (Romans 8:39). Be thankful for what I am doing in you through your challenges. When you are weak, I am your strength (2 Corinthians 12:10). Your joy will be made full. Choose Me and be joyful.

Prayer:

Dear Most Holy Father, I am joyful because of the peace, hope, faith, and confidence I have in knowing You love me and You are in control of all things. There is no one like You, Lord. There is no place I’d rather be than spending time in relationship with You. It brings me great joy to listen to Your voice and read about You in Your Word. Thank You for adopting me as Your child and allowing me to approach You with freedom and confidence (Ephesians 3:12). Lord, magnify my joy by allowing me to clearly hear Your voice and Your words for me in this moment as we sit in conversation. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.

Two-way Conversation with God:

Father God, what brings You the most joy? (Record what you hear from Him.)

Jesus, my Savior, please explain to me the joy You anticipated even in Your darkest hour as stated in Hebrews 12:2, “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Write everything He brings to your mind right now.)

Holy Spirit, please sanctify me to become more like Christ and produce in me, the fruit of joy. Show me what that will require. (Journal all your thoughts and ideas.)

Prayer:

Lord, in the past, I could really relate to David’s claim in Psalm 30:11-12, “You turned my wailing into dancing; You removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing Your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise You forever.” I experienced that new joy as You brought me from depression to dancing, and now I cannot keep silent about Your goodness. You have done great things for me and I am filled with joy (Psalm 126:3). I see where the Spirit has produced that fruit of joy in me. I will praise you forever, O Lord, my God. My heart sings and leaps for joy, even in the difficult times, because I put my faith and trust in You to carry me through. I can experience joy in any situation. Thank You for this realization. Thank You for Your mercy and grace, peace and joy, love and provision. Thank You for building a firm foundation of joy in my life and a lasting joy in my heart for You. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Supporting Scripture:

Nehemiah 8:10, Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

Nehemiah 12:43, And on that day they offered great sacrifices, rejoicing because God had given them great joy. The women and children also rejoiced. The sound of rejoicing in Jerusalem could be heard far away.

Psalm 21:6, Surely You have granted him unending blessings and made him glad with the joy of Your presence.

Psalm 28:7, The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise Him.

Psalm 30:11-12, ¹¹You turned my wailing into dancing; You removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, ¹²that my heart may sing Your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise You forever.

Psalm 47:1-2, ¹Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy. ²For the Lord Most High is awesome, the great King over all the earth.

Psalm 51:12, Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

Psalm 66:1, Shout for joy to God, all the earth!

Psalm 95:1, Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.

Psalm 100:1-2, ¹Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. ²Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs.

Psalm 126:3, The Lord has done great things for us and we are filled with joy.

Proverbs 12:20, Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil, but those who promote peace have joy.

Isaiah 12:4-6, ⁴In that day you will say: “Give praise to the Lord, proclaim His name; make known among the nations what He has done, and proclaim that His name is exalted. ⁵Sing to the Lord, for He has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world. ⁶Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel among you.”

Isaiah 51:11, Those the Lord has rescued will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.

Isaiah 58:13-14, ¹³“If you keep your feet from breaking the Sabbath and from doing as you please on My holy day, if you call the Sabbath a delight and the Lord’s holy day honorable, and if you honor it by not going your own way and not doing as you please or speaking idle words, ¹⁴then you will find your joy in the Lord, and I will cause you to ride in triumph on the heights of the land, and to feast on the inheritance of your father Jacob.” For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.

Habakkuk 3:18, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.

Luke 6:23, “Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their ancestors treated the prophets.”

Luke 10:21, At that time, Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what You were pleased to do.”

John 3:29, “The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is Mine, and it is now complete.”

John 15:9-11, ⁹“As the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you. Now remain in My love. ¹⁰If you keep My commands, you will remain in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commands, you will remain in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commands and remain in His love. ¹¹I have told you this so that My joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”

John 16:23, “So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.”

John 17:13, “I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them.”

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 8:35-39, ³⁵Who shall separates us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? ³⁶As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” ³⁷No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. ³⁸For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, ³⁹neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 12:12, Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Galatians 5:22-23, ²²But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Ephesians 3:12, In Him and through faith in Him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.

Philippians 1:3-6, ³I thank my God every time I remember you. ⁴In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy ⁵because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, ⁶being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Philippians 2:1-2, ¹Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, ²then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.

Philippians 4:4, Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again: Rejoice!

Colossians 1:9-12, ⁹For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, ¹⁰so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, ¹¹being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, ¹²and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of His holy people in the kingdom of light.

Hebrews 1:9, “You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.” (Psalm 45:6-7)

Hebrews 12:2, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 13:5, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

Hebrews 13:8, Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

James 1:2-4, ²Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. ⁴Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

1 Peter 1:6-9, ⁶In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. ⁷These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. ⁸Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, ⁹for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

3 John 1:4, I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 36 – Self-Control

Apr27

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 36

Self-Control

Father, at times my life feels so out of control. You know that one of my biggest challenges is surrendering to You, so that Your Spirit can produce in me the fruit of self-control. I confess that I am very weak and immature in this spiritual discipline in my life. I need to recognize that I can do none of this in my own power, but truly, it is a fruit produced by the power of the Holy Spirit when I acknowledge Him and submit to His power within me. It’s not what I, myself, can or cannot do. It’s what Your Holy Spirit can do through me. Help me to tap in to this power within me, at all times, especially when I feel weak and indulgent. Give me the willpower to yield to Your voice inside me that steers me away from temptation and sin.

A Message from God’s Heart to Yours:

Jesus liberated you from your sin. He has set you free from the yoke of slavery to sin (Galatians 5:1). Do not give in to the desires of the flesh and do whatever you want (Galatians 5:16-17). Live in step with the Spirit of God, and do not be in conflict with Him. Surrender your sinful nature to God, and instead, He will produce the fruit of righteousness and self-control in your spirit.

Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, trust in Him and He will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun (Psalm 37:4-6). Delight in Me, and though you may stumble, you will not fall. I will uphold you with My hand (Psalm 37:23-24).

When temptation and sin come knocking at your door, do not open it. Deny yourself and stay safely behind the gate of self-control. Do not allow the thief access to your life. He comes only to steal, kill, and destroy. I have come to give you life to the full (John 10:10). Remain strong in your convictions. Have faith that I can remove all evil strongholds in your life. I will set you free from sin and bondage. I give release to the prisoners and restore sight to the spiritually blind (Isaiah 61:1-3). I bind up the broken places in your heart that cause you to crave that which will not bring you true joy and satisfaction.

Pay attention to My voice within. Claim your victory in the name of Jesus Christ, by His shed blood on the cross. He has already conquered sin on your behalf. You are a new creation. The old has gone, the new is here. Live anew and enjoy your new life of freedom. Walk in the victory of Christ by living in step with His Holy Spirit within you. Maintain your relationship with the Spirit by remaining in continual communication with Him. Do not pretend to be deaf to His voice. Listen and obey; you will receive your reward, and it will be worth so much more than the momentary indulgence and pleasure of disobedience.

Prayer:

Lord, help me be more dependent on you to produce in me the fruit of self-control. I can do none of this in my own strength and power. I have none. My spirit is willing, but my flesh is weak. Strengthen me and empower me to live according to Your good, pleasing, and perfect will. I confess my sin and repent of it as I walk away from the desires of the flesh that try to hold me captive. I claim freedom in the blood of Christ and His death on the cross. He already won the victory and holds the keys to sin, death, and the grave. I am crucified in Christ. I no longer live, but Christ lives in me (Galatians 2:20). He is risen, and I am seated with Him in the heavenly realms. I am a new creation in Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). Lord, show me the person You see when You look at me. Share your heart with me now as we meet and talk. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Two-way Conversation with God:

Righteous Father, please help me understand the importance of submitting myself to the control and empowerment of the Holy Spirit. (Record all His words and thoughts given to you.)

Jesus, my Friend, teach me how to remain in step with the Spirit and renounce temptation and sin. Then, give me the strong conviction and desire to do this (Write the ideas and impressions He gives you.)

Holy Spirit, give me the ability to pay attention to Your voice, and then, obey. Open my ears to hear You, and give me the desire to be obedient. Impress on me the reason I need to submit myself to Your leading and direction. (Journal every word and thought you receive.)

Prayer:

God, thank You for sharing Your heart with me now. Father, help me to not focus on myself and my power, but fully rely on You and Your power to provide me an escape when I am tempted to exercise a lack of self-control. Produce in me the fruit of self-control, so that I may display the righteousness of a life surrendered to You. Lord, I yield my heart and will to You now. I ask you to remove all ungodly pleasures and strongholds in my life. Forgive me when I am weak; when I stumble, do not let me fall. Thank You for your grace and mercy toward me. As the Holy Spirit sanctifies me, teach me to be more grace-filled and merciful toward others. I ask this in the name of Jesus, my Lord. Amen.

Supporting Scripture:

Psalm 37:4-6, ⁴Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. ⁵Commit your way to the Lord, trust in Him and He will do this: ⁶He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun.

Isaiah 61:1-3, ¹“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, ²to proclaim the year of the Lords’ favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, ³and 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.

Psalm 37:23-24, The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in Him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with His hand.

John 10:10, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

2 Corinthians 5:17, Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

Galatians 2:20, I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

Galatians 5:1, It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

Galatians 5:16-17, ¹⁶So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. ¹⁷The flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.

Galatians 5:22-23, ²²But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 35 – Tired & Weary? Rest in Me

Apr26

Pursuing the Heart of God – Day 35

Tired & Weary? Rest in Me

Heavenly Father, why do I wait until I am maxed out physically, emotionally, and spiritually to seek You for renewed strength and increased power. Your Word promises that when I put my hope in You, You will renew my strength. I will soar on wings like eagles, run and not grow weary, walk and not be faint (Isaiah 40:29-31). Help me to seek You at the beginning of my trials, before I run out of fuel, running in my own direction. Lord, I put my faith in You and Your power within Me, to walk me through this challenge. Lord, what do You want me to hear and know today?

A Message from God’s Heart to Yours:

Come to Me, weary one. Lay down your burdens at My feet. I will carry your heavy load and exchange it for a lighter load to bear. Put your confidence in Me and find rest for your weary soul. My yoke is easy and My burden is light (Matthew 11:28-30). Surrender everything to Me and rest. Leave your worries and your cares in My capable hands. Allow Me to remove the weight of your responsibilities, and give you My perfect peace.

Hold fast to Me. Depend on Me for your every need. When you are weak, it is then you are strong (2 Corinthian 12:10). Trade in your stress, lay it down, and do not take it up again. Replace it with the confidence and joy of trusting in Me for everything you desire and need. My joy is your strength (Nehemiah 8:10). Take hold of the hope set before you and be encouraged. This hope in Jesus Christ is an anchor for the soul, firm and secure (Hebrews 6:18-19).

When you face trials, consider it pure joy, a testing of your faith. Learn to persevere to the finish to grow in your maturity and faith in Me (James 1:2-4). Be strong and courageous (Joshua 1:9). Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior (Isaiah 43:1-3).

Trust Me completely for everything. I am the Sovereign Lord, in control of all things. Submit yourself to Me. I am your helper. Be not afraid (Hebrews 13:6). I will see you through this difficult time. Cast all your anxiety on Me because I care for you (1 Peter 5:7). I will take care of you and allow your soul a break from the stress you endure.

Rest in Me. Be still and know that I am God (Psalm 46:10). Draw near to Me and I will draw near to you (James 4:8). I do not give you more than you can handle. I give generously the power of My Spirit within you. Look within you and find the strength which reinforces your constitution and foundation in Me. I am here. I desire to daily meet with you in a quiet place where I can effectively communicate the depth of My love and concern for you.

You are My beloved child, whom I love. I do not allow you to be overwhelmed when you depend on Me. Rest in Me, My love. I am your shelter and your strong tower. I will rescue you from your present difficulties in due time. Seek Me in the middle of your storms, and find your respite in Me. I will walk you through the valleys and push the mountains aside that stand in your way. I prepare the path I have marked out for you. This is the good way. Walk in it and you will find rest for your soul (Jeremiah 6:16).

Prayer:

Father, thank You for your comforting, encouraging words and promises. I will find rest for my weary soul when I spend some time alone with You. Jesus, as I draw near to You now, please draw near to Me and quiet me with Your love. Speak to my heart directly from Your heart through the voice of the Holy Spirit within me. Lord, I seek You now, to be still and know that You are God. In the quietness of this secret place, allow me to clearly hear a word from You. In the name of Jesus, my Rescuer and my Refuge, I pray. Amen.

Two-way Conversation with God:

1) Father in heaven, You are my Rock and Refuge. Please share Your heart with me now. How do I get to that place of shelter and rest in You. What do I need to add or remove from my life to best achieve this? (Write what you hear in your thoughts.)

2) Jesus, my Savior, will You now reveal the desires of Your heart for me? How do I weather this storm and maintain a resilient spirit and faith? (Record His words and ideas for you.)

3) Holy Spirit, I tune into Your voice and ask that You would remind me of and direct me to pertinent Scripture right now as we speak. Lord, what do You want me to know from Your Word? (Record all words and passages that come to mind just now.)

Prayer:

Most High, Omnipotent Father, I rejoice in Your sovereign power to demolish all strongholds and restore peace and rest to my soul. Lord, thank You that You walk me through my battles and bring me to a peaceful place of rest in You. Thank You, Great Shepherd, that You carry me, as a lamb in Your arms, away from dangers, foils, and snares, and lead me to the still waters and lush meadows, Your haven of security and well-being. Lord, please prepare and light the way You have marked out for me, and help me run this race with perseverance, fixing my eyes on You only (Hebrews 12:1). In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.

Supporting Scripture:

Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

2 Samuel 22:33, It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure.

Nehemiah 8:10, “…the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

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

Psalm 28:7, The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me.

Psalm 29:11, The Lord gives strength to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace.

Psalm 46:1, God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

Psalm 46:10-11, ¹⁰He says, “Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” ¹¹The Lord almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Psalm 84:5, Blessed are those whose strength is in You…

Psalm 105:4, Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always.

Psalm 118:14, The Lord is my strength and my defense; He has become my salvation.

Isaiah 40:28-31, ²⁸Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom. ²⁹He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. ³⁰Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall, ³¹but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 41:10, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

Isaiah 43:1-3, ¹“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine. ²When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. ³For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior (Isaiah 43:1-3).

Isaiah 50:4, The 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.

Jeremiah 6:16, This is what the Lord says, “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.”

Habakkuk 3:19, The Sovereign Lord is my strength; He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, He enables me to tread on the heights.

Matthew 11:28-30, ²⁸“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ²⁹Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Romans 8:26, In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.

Galatians 6:9, Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

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

Ephesians 6:10, Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.

Colossians 1:9-14, ⁹For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, ¹⁰so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, ¹¹being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, ¹²and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of His holy people in the kingdom of light. ¹³For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, ¹⁴in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Philippians 4:13, I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.

1 Thessalonians 3:13, May He strengthen you in your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all His holy ones.

2 Thessalonians 3:13, And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing good.

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

Hebrews 6:18-19, ¹⁸God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged. ¹⁹We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.

Hebrews 13:6, So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals to do me?”

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

1 Peter 4:11, If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

1 Peter 5:6-11, ⁶Humble yourselves, therefore under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. ⁷Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. ⁸Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around looking for someone to devour. ⁹Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. ¹⁰And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast. ¹¹To Him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.

A Friend to the End

Apr12

What it means to be a friend…by Sindy Nagel

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

What it means to be a friend in every single way

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

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

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

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

Especially in the evening hours, He makes His presence known

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

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

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

Forgiving my transgressions, my iniquities, my sin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

He listens so intently to all the words my lips release

And offers me His wisdom, while giving me His peace

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Listen, pray, encourage the one you walk beside

Whether skies are sunny blue or darker shades of gray

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

Are You Wearing the Latest Fashion–the Armor of Light?

Aug23

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

@prometeus

My dear child, have you laid out your clothes for tomorrow yet? Will you be wearing the armor of light? Put aside the deeds of darkness and clothe yourself with the Lord Jesus Christ, the light of the world. Tomorrow morning, wake up from your slumber and put on My robe of righteousness. Do not hide in the shadows and gratify your fleshly desires. Instead, walk out of the darkness and into My glorious light.

You are My child; therefore, you reflect My glory. Fulfill the law by reflecting My love; itâ€™s unconditional. Do not harm your neighbor. Neither should you judge him, because you, yourself, will be judged. Who is your neighbor? Anyone. Everyone. Spread My love to all you meet. Love even the unlovable. When you are obedient to the law of love, I am well-pleased.

I make My home in you. I am with you at all times. When love does not come easily, draw on My power within. In your weakness, I am strong. In your doubt, I am your confidence. In your pain, I am your peace. In your sorrow, I am your joy. In the darkness, I am your light. Let your light shine for all to see. Clothe yourself daily in the armor of light, that is, the Lord Jesus Christ.

From Romans 13:9-14 (NIV)

The commandments, â€œDo not commit adultery,â€ â€œDo not murder,â€ â€œDo not steal,â€ â€œDo not covet,â€ and whatever other commandment where may be, are summed up in this one rule: â€œLove your neighbor as yourself.â€ Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. And do this understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.

You Can Do It, With His Strength

Oct24

By Sindy Nagel

When the road you’re on is long and hard

With snares on either side

Take My hand; I’ll lead you on

I AM your strength and guide.

When challenges present themselves

And keep you from your way

Run to Me, I’m here for you

To walk you through your day.

When sorrow strikes and grief sets in

Your Comforter, I’m He

I’ll hold you in My loving arms

Your strength I’ll always be.

When sin is knocking at your door

Asking you to play

Call on Me, I’ll give you strength

There is a better way.

When hope is gone and your heart feels weak

You need a loyal friend

I AM your ever-present strength

I AM faithful to the end.

When you’re all alone and gripped with fear

Of some impending threat

I am your Fortress and your Shield

That truth, do not forget.

When the task at hand is much too large

For you to do yourself

I AM the One who gets you through

Trust Me to give you help.

You can do everything

You set your hand to do

Do not fear what lies ahead

My strength will lead you through.

Inspired by the Word of God from Philippians 4:13

“I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.”

His Joy is Here to Stay

Oct23

By Sindy Nagel

Trust in Him, the God of hope

Who fills you with His peace

The Spirit’s power within your heart

Will be your joy-filled feast.

It matters not what circumstance

You find you’re in today

God will walk you through your trials

He is your hope and stay.

His joy and peace; His endless love

Is true abundant life

It carries you through thick and thin

No matter what your strife

His strength He gives the weary

He fortifies the weak

He lifts you up on eagle’s wings

When heartfelt joy you seek

Fame and fortune do not last

Worldly “happy” fades away

But with His Spirit deep inside

His joy is here to stay.

Inspired by the Word of God from Romans 15:13

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.