Daniel 4, 2 Peter 1, Psalms 119:97-112, Proverbs 28:17-18

What God said to me – While going to church and hanging out with godly people is important, to become godly yourself doesn’t happen by osmosis.  It takes diligence on your part.  I have granted My children everything they need for life and godliness through the true knowledge of Me,  I have called you by My own glory and excellence and have granted you My precious and magnificent promises so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust.  As you apply all diligence in your faith you will supply moral excellence because you will restrain your feet from every evil way so that you may keep My word.  My word is a light to your feet and a lamp to your path.  It is profitable for teaching, for reproof for correction, and for training in righteousness so be diligent in reading it, and in studying it, and in meditating on it, and in applying it to your life.  Therefore, My child, be all the more diligent – I have called you and I have chosen you, and I will transform you.

Daniel 2:24-3:30, 1 Peter 4:7-5:14, Psalms 119:91-96, Proverbs 28:15-16

What God said to me – There is a difference between suffering and experiencing the consequences of your own sin.  For example, when you become My child you may experience loneliness and be attacked by those you used to run with because you no longer run with them into the same excesses of dissipation you used to participate in and so they malign you and avoid you, or you may be lonely because your family will have nothing to do with you because you were unfaithful or cruel – in the first, the suffering of loneliness is because of your godliness and in the second, your loneliness is a consequence of your sin.  You will experience suffering in this world – make sure your suffering is because of your righteousness and not because of your sin.  When you suffer because of your righteousness, you will be blessed and rewarded.  Walk with Me in faith with the same attitude as that of Shadrack, Meshach, and Abednego – they chose righteousness no matter the consequences, trusting that I was able to deliver them, but if I chose not to, they understood it was for their good and My glory, so they refused to bow.  Entrust your soul to Me and stand no matter the consequences and you will hear Me say, “well done”.

Daniel 1:1-2:23, 1 Peter 3:8-4:6, Psalms 119:65-80, Proverbs 28:14

What God said to me – Do you want to walk in a manner worthy of your calling?  Then you must be in My word regularly.  Do you want to please Me and love and serve Me with all of your heart, strength, mind, and soul?  Then you must be in My word regularly.  My word has inherent power to change your heart.  For the most part it is how I speak to My children.  When you don’t know what to do or which way to go, you must prayerfully turn to My word to seek My direction.  Cry out to Me and I will speak to you.  I long to hear from you and to speak to you.  One of the main reasons My children don’t hear Me speak is that they neglect My word.  You will never truly worship Me in spirit and in truth apart from My word because My word is that which produces reverence for Me in you.  “I AM” the word so when you neglect the word, you are neglecting Me.

Ezekiel 47-48, 1 Peter 2:11-3:7, Psalms 119:49-64, Proverbs 28:12-13

What God said to me – In that day – the day I come to dwell among you forever – the name of the city will be “the Lord is there.”  Can you imagine such a thing?  It is the day I long for – the day when I will live and reign among you in a world without the chaos and sin it has today.   A day when all will joyfully serve and worship Me and fellowship with Me as I always intended.  Set your heart and mind toward that day.  Live your life with that day in mind.  Keep it in the forefront of your mind in the midst of this evil chaotic age.  “I AM” coming soon.

Ezekiel 45:13-46:24, 1 Peter 1:13-2:10, Psalms 119:33-48, Proverbs 28:11

What God said to me – “Failure to thrive” or “growth faltering” happens when a person doesn’t take in enough calories to grow or to sustain their bodily functions and activities.  It can happen as a result of lack of hunger or insufficient food or disease.  Whatever the reason, without food you cannot function or grow, and you have no strength.  So many of My children fail to thrive spiritually for the same reason.  They have no hunger for My word or they don’t spend enough time in it for it to make a difference in the way they live.  The thing is, when you neglect My word, you neglect Me because “I AM” the word.  You were born again not of seed that was perishable, but imperishable, that is, through My living and enduring word.  Like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation.  Cry out to Me to teach you and to give you understanding.  If you have no hunger for My word ask Me to incline your heart toward it – I sent My Spirit to dwell in you and He is your teacher, so seek Him constantly as you read and study so you can rightly divide My word.  My word washes you and transforms you so don’t neglect it.

Ezekiel 41:1-45:12, 1 Peter 1:1-12, Psalms 119:17-32, Proverbs 28:8-10

What God said to me – During the time when Israel turned away from Me, even most of the priests went astray also.  They led the people in their sin.  But there was one group of priests, the sons of Zadok, who remained faithful.  In the world today, those of you who are Mine are My priests.  Unfortunately, there are many of you who have gone astray and fallen into the way of the world.  Don’t be like them.  Be like the sons of Zadok.  Remain a faithful priest to Me in the world.  As you live a faithful life to Me you will teach them the difference between the holy and the profane, between the clean and the unclean by the way you live.  It is not your responsibility to convince them.  It is your responsibility to remain faithful.

Ezekiel 42-43, James 5, Psalms 119:1-16, Proverbs 28:6-7

What God said to me – When a farmer plants a crop, he knows in the future a crop is coming.  Even though the harvest is a long time in the future, he patiently tends the crop knowing it is coming.  As the harvest time draws near, he does not slack off, he is even more diligent to tend the crop, weeding, fertilizing, and watering.  I have told you “I AM” coming again so as you patiently wait for that time, be diligent in your life, in your walk, and in your ministry.  As the world explodes around you and you sense the time is drawing near, don’t slack off, but be even more diligent to strengthen your heart and to walk in a manner worthy of your calling.  Don’t complain about all that is happening but be an example of godliness and diligence and perseverance to those around you.  Don’t procrastinate and put things off that I have called you to do and live like “I AM” coming tomorrow.  That day is soon coming so if you want to be found faithful – live like you believe it!

Ezekiel 40:28-41:26, James 4, Psalms 118:19-29, Proverbs 28:3-5

What God said to me – Just as I told Ezekiel to declare to Israel all that he heard and saw, “I AM” telling you the same.  The things I teach you and show you as you walk through life, both good and bad are not just for you so you can grow in faith and grow closer to Me, they are also for the sake of others.  You are to share My faithfulness in your struggles.  You are to come alongside others who are struggling and encourage them by sharing what I did in your life.  When you are faithful in your walk and share your story, I use your faithfulness to carry out My plans in the lives of others.  You become My coworker as you participate and become my partner as you obey.  Let Me use you as a minister to those who are hurting.

Ezekiel 39:1-40:27, James 2:18-3:18, Psalms 118:1-18, Proverbs 28:2

What God said to me – Do you go about your day moving from one thing to another, figuring out what to do, and then doing it?  There is always something so you do what needs to be done and move on to the next thing.  The problem is as you do this, you don’t engage Me or involve Me.  Even when something is difficult or tiring you just face it head on and grumble and complain all the while.  Don’t compartmentalize Me to your “quiet” time.  Engage with Me moment by moment.  Bring all the things you think need to be done and let Me order your day. I’ll give you wisdom to know what really needs to be done and how to do it.  If something pops up – ask Me what you should do. When you ask Me for wisdom you can know you are asking according to My will because I have promised wisdom to My children when they ask.  You’ll save yourself a lot of trouble and heartache when you come to Me first – “I AM” here.  Just ask!

Ezekiel 37-38, James 1:19-2:17, Psalms 117:1-2, Proverbs 28:1

What God said to me – I do not “need” you to magnify My name among the nations.  I can and will magnify My name and make Myself known in the sight of the nations.  There is coming a time when all will bow down and acknowledge Me.  But you need to magnify My name for your own sake, not Mine.  It is as you walk with Me in obedience acknowledging who “I AM” to the world that your faith grows and you are slowly changed into My image.  When you see what “I AM” doing in the world and in people around you and you join in to participate with Me in carrying out My plans as I direct you, our relationship deepens.  It is through this lifelong conversation and walking with Me that your faith and confidence grows and “I AM” magnified as a result.

Ezekiel 35-36, James 1:1-18, Psalms 116:1-19, Proverbs 27:23-27

What God said to me – Have you ever heard someone say, “I’m never going to pray for patience again because when I do, all kinds of bad things happen”?  Ironically, it’s a prayer I answer, but people don’t like My answer.  In order to be patient and to grow in patience, you must be placed in patience-testing situations.  It’s only as you learn to respond in patience that your patience grows.  It’s like a person who wants to be toned and fit but never exercises.  The weightlifter is constantly changing his weights in order to gain strength and endurance.  Your sanctification and spiritual walk are like a marathon, and you need endurance so you can finish well.  When you encounter various trials in your life – everything from minor irritations to difficult, intense trials and suffering – this testing of your faith produces the spiritual endurance you need.  So, consider it all joy when you encounter various trials, knowing “I AM” at work in you for your own good and My glory.  The joy is not in the trial, it is in the result that the trial is producing in you.

Ezekiel 33-34, Hebrews 13, Psalms 115:1-18, Proverbs 27:21-22

What God said to me – Does your life and walk reflect My glory or your own?  Do you seek My glory or your own?  All that you have and are and accomplish is because of Me – not you.  Your health, your wealth, your talents, your abilities, your intelligence, your gifts, your accomplishments – all are because of the grace and mercy I have extended to you in order to carry out My plan for your life.  So also is your lack of any of these things because of the grace and mercy I have extended to you in order to carry out My plan for your life.  I know what you need in your life so you can best reflect My glory and I can accomplish My purpose in you.  When you walk with Me you must learn to be content with who you are and where you are and acknowledge that it is all from me if you are to bring glory to Me.  The key is to walk with Me and allow Me to work in and through you.

Ezekiel 31-32, Hebrews 12:14-29, Psalms 113-114, Proverbs 27:18-20

What God said to me – Even when evil has reached a crescendo and My judgment is at the door, I take no delight in the death and destruction of evil men.  My heart has always been to draw people to repentance and to be able to restore them to the place where I always desired they should be – walking with Me, serving Me, worshipping Me.  As a watchman on the wall warning people of the impending judgment, your responsibility is not just to warn, but also to point them to where their salvation is found.  Don’t just tell them of the punishment and destruction of judgment but tell them of the hope and joy of salvation and restoration.  In doing so you will be faithful and obedient to Me and I will be pleased.  Don’t take on the burden of their response – it is not yours to bear.  Your responsibility is faithfulness and obedience.

Ezekiel 29-30, Hebrews 11:32-12:13, Psalms 112:1-10, Proverbs 27:17

What God said to me – I know you think of judgment as punishment and devastation, but it is much more.  It is when I manifest My holiness in the midst of it all.  Judgment is not just because of disobedience and rebellion – it is also because My holiness cannot abide sin.  In order for My children to spend eternity with Me, judgment must come so that all sin and rebelliousness and ungodliness are dealt with because My holiness requires they be removed.  I have been patient for a very long time in order to give time for repentance and restoration, but My patience is coming to an end.  My plans have a set time and when the time comes, I will accomplish them.  You must be ready.  You must be alert.  Don’t let down your guard because you think there is plenty of time.  Behold I stand at the door.

Ezekiel 27-28, Hebrews 11:17-31, Psalms 111:1-10, Proverbs 27:15-16

What God said to me – By faith Abraham – By faith Isaac – By faith Jacob – By faith Joseph – By faith Moses – By faith Rahab – Notice it was all by faith. It was not by ability. It was not by riches. It was not by talent. It was not by intelligence. It was by faith! So, stop making excuses for why you can’t do whatever it is. It is not about you and what you can or cannot do. Look at Abraham’s response to his test in offering Isaac – he considered that I was able. I call My children to do ordinary things and extraordinary things in their service. No matter what you are facing – no matter what I have asked you to do, you can be assured that if I have called you to do it, I will provide all you need to fulfill your calling. If I have placed you in a situation in your life, no matter how difficult, I will provide all you need to sustain you. I have given you all you need for life and godliness, so by faith, look to Me, the author and the finisher of your faith.

Ezekiel 24-26, Hebrews 11:1-16, Psalms 110:1-7, Proverbs 27:14

What God said to me – There are certain sporting events or concerts that are “hot” tickets.  You may really want to go and hope to get in, but the only way you can be assured you are going to get in is by having a ticket or a confirmation.  No matter how much you want it, if you are not willing to buy a ticket, you won’t be able to get in unless someone was to purchase a ticket and give it to you.  Even then, unless you accepted the ticket and went to the venue, you wouldn’t get in.  The same is true of heaven – everyone wants to go, but there is a price to get in – a very high price that no one can realistically pay.  However, by My grace, I paid the price on your behalf.  My Son, Jesus, died to pay the price for you.  When you accept that by faith and believe, I put My Spirit within you as confirmation.  By grace you are saved through faith.  Men have always gained My approval by faith – Abraham believed Me and it was counted to him as righteousness.  Without faith, it is impossible to please Me – you must believe who “I AM” and that “I AM” a rewarder of those who seek Me.  So, walk by faith, seeking Me moment by moment, and you will be rewarded as I say, “well done, My good and faithful servant.”

Ezekiel 23, Hebrews 10:18-39, Psalms 109:1-31, Proverbs 27:13

What God said to me – Judgment should never come as a surprise and yet it always does.  I give ample warnings and opportunities for repentance, but they are ignored and neglected.  People go their own way because they love their sin and hate Me.  They think their refusal to acknowledge Me makes Me nonexistent.  It’s like a child who closes their eyes and because he can’t see, he thinks no one can see him.  “I AM” all seeing, ever present and all knowing.  No one can hide their sin from Me.  Judgment is coming whether people acknowledge Me or not.  The question for My children is this – are you encouraging one another as you see the day approaching – are you living in such a way that you will not be ashamed at My coming?

Ezekiel 21-22, Hebrews 10:1-17, Psalms 108:1-13, Proverbs 27:12

What God said to me – There is a difference between a water-based ink and an indelible ink – one fades over time and one is made to last.  The same is true of a single use product and one with a lifetime guarantee – one is intended to be temporary and the other is intended to be permanent.  The same is true about the Law and the sacrifices that were made year by year – there is a reminder of sins year by year and that it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to permanently take away sin.  The good news is that while this first covenant was temporary, I have provided another one – one that is permanent – one that will not fade and is made to last.  By one offering My Son, Jesus, perfected for all time those who are sanctified – My children.  While priests stood daily ministering and offering the same sacrifices over and over, My Son offered one sacrifice for sins for all time and sat down at My right hand.  He glorified Me and made a permanent, indelible mark by His obedience and sacrifice.  You purpose to glorify Me and walk in obedience, and you too can make a permanent, indelible mark in the lives of those I bring to you.