2 Corinthians 10-13, Psalms 115

What God said to me – The enemy is becoming more and more active in the world, knowing his time is short.  As you see evil all around becoming more and more prevalent, you must keep in mind who “I AM”.  You must remember that “I AM” in control and My plan is being fulfilled perfectly.  Do not be afraid.  Remember that the weapons of your warfare are not fleshly but are divinely powerful.  My Spirit is at work in the world as well.  My purposes are being accomplished.  You must stay close to Me, walk with Me, and you will participate in the accomplishment of My plan as you do.

2 Corinthians 7-9, Psalms 114

What God said to me – I love a cheerful giver, one who realizes all of their blessings are from Me, and who is willing to share those blessings.  Cheerfulness in giving is a sign that you trust Me.  Cheerfulness in life is also a sign that you trust Me no matter what circumstances you find yourself in.   One of the most difficult things in trials is to acknowledge that “I AM” at work for your good.  When you come to that place, and you truly understand that I work all things for your good is when you experience joy unspeakable and full of glory.  It is because of My joy that you can truly be cheerful in the most difficult times.

2 Corinthians 4-6, Psalms 113

What God said to me – Come out from among them and be separate.  Be set apart from them.  Be set apart to Me.  They must be able to tell a difference if you are to have any influence on them.  The way you respond in the day of trouble is one of the ways you are set apart from them.  As you trust in Me to work all thing together for your good, they are watching.  Your trust and peace baffle them and yet it also draws them.  They long for peace.  They long for hope.  You show them in your responses that there is a way to experience both.  Although they can’t identify it or won’t admit it, they long for what you have.  Stay close to Me.  Others are watching.

2 Corinthians 1-3, Psalms 112

What God said to me – “I AM” the one who establishes you in Christ and who anoints you and seals you with My Spirit.  I use preaching and teaching and Christian books as tools, but first and foremost, you must spend time with Me.  Don’t rely on others to develop a relationship with Me.  Come to Me directly.  Delve into My word and I will speak to you and teach you Myself.  This ongoing conversation with Me as you walk through life will transform you.  I will work Myself into your life and out of your life as we walk and talk together.

Obadiah 1, Psalms 111

What God said to me – The purpose in revealing My works to you is not so you can gloat over those who are to be judged or be prideful because I show Myself to you.  The purpose is so you will know the truth of who “I AM”.  “I AM” a God who does what He says.  I accomplish My purpose.  Study My word.  Study My works so you will learn to take delight in who “I AM”.  Study so you will have a good understanding of who “I AM”.  Study so you can warn those who are about to be judged.  Grieve over those who refuse to be warned. Study so you can be a faithful watchman on the wall.  Study so you can proclaim the truth accurately.

2 Chronicles 34-36, Psalms 110

What God said to me – “I AM” patient when it comes to judgment, and I give ample time for repentance.  However there comes a time when there is no remedy, but judgment.  That time is drawing near as the world plunges headlong into sin and rebellion against Me.  You must continue to walk with Me and stay close to My side, ever praying for those few who are left who will turn towards Me.  Stay focused and remain diligent.  Time is short and must not be wasted.  Immerse yourself in My word and prayer.  Stay vigilant and you will see My hand moving all things into place.

2 Chronicles 31-33, Psalms 109

What God said to me – Manasseh was a king of Judah who unlike his father, Hezekiah, did evil in My sight – he didn’t just do evil – he did much evil.  He practiced horrible idolatry and went so far as to sacrifice his own sons to them.  He practiced witchcraft and sorcery and even went so far as to set up an idol and altar in My house.  I spoke to he and his people, but they paid no attention to Me.  I finally allowed the commanders of the king of Assyria to come against them and Manasseh was captured and bound and taken to Babylon.  It would seem to be the end to a horrible story and yet . . . “I AM” a God Who loves His people and Who forgives them when they humble themselves and pray and turn from their wicked ways and seek My face.  I did just that with Manasseh.  When he was in such horrible distress he finally sought Me and humbled himself and believed.  I heard his prayer and was moved by his supplication and brought him home to Jerusalem.  After he got home, he tore down the idols and cleansed My temple.  He bore fruit in keeping with repentance.  You see one of the signs that someone has truly repented and believed is what happens afterwards – they bear fruit in keeping with repentance – the change in their heart and life is obvious. How about you?  Are you living in such a way that it is obvious you belong to Me?

2 Chronicles 28-30, Psalms 108

What God said to me – I have called My people to be separate from the world however that does not mean that you isolate yourself from society.  You must be holy because “I AM” holy.  Your lifestyle should be markedly different from that of the world – the things you watch or read or say or do should distinguish you.  It is never easy to be labeled as “different” and as the world becomes more and more perverse that difference will be more and more distinct.  Look at Ahaz and Hezekiah – both were kings of Judah.  One did what was right in My sight and one did not.  Ahaz succumbed to the idolatry of the world around him, but Hezekiah rejected it, cleansed My temple, and led My people back to Me.  Never underestimate the power that being “different” for Me can have in ministering and witnessing to those around you.

2 Chronicles 25-27, Psalms 107

What God said to me – There is a difference between following Me and following Me with your whole heart.  There is nothing greater than to be devoted to Me with all your heart and mind and soul and strength.  Knowing Me and walking with Me are the greatest achievements of a lifetime.  Faithfulness and steadfastness day in and day out, year after year is not easy.  Walking with Me in times of difficulty and in the midst of the battle is in many ways easier than being steadfast in times of prosperity and ease.  During trouble you constantly seek Me because you recognize your need, so you seek My help and direction.  In times of peace and prosperity it is easy to become complacent so you must be extra vigilant and devoted to Me during these times.

2 Chronicles 22-24, Psalms 106:24-35

What God said to me – There is a fine line to being in the world but not of it and you must be careful not to cross that line because it can become a slippery slope that is not easy to come back from.  You must constantly guard your heart and mind by spending time with Me and My word and by surrounding yourself with godly companions to encourage you and to keep you accountable.  The story of Joash, king of Judah is a cautionary tale that demonstrates how quickly you can fall away.  His sister was married to a priest and she saved him from being murdered as a baby after his father died.  He was raised by her and her husband, Jehoiada, the priest, and became king at seven years old.  He did right in My sight all of the days of Jehoiada.  He walked with Me and restored My house which was in disrepair.  However, after Jehoiada died, rather than listening to the priests, he listened to ungodly officials and abandoned My house and fell into idolatry.  He slid down that slippery slope and never came back.  So, take care and learn from his story.  Surround yourself with godly teachers and counselors and companions so you can do what is right in My sight from now to the end and you will finish well.

2 Chronicles 19-21, Psalms 106:1-23

What God said to me – When Jehoshaphat appointed judges in Jerusalem he admonished them, “Consider what you are doing, for you do not judge for man, but for the Lord who is with you when you render judgment.”  However, what I want you to understand is that this does not just apply to judges, it applies to you.  If you are My child, your work, your service, your ministry is all for Me and to Me.  When you truly understand this it will change the way you work and serve and minister.  So many people experience “burnout” because their work or service or ministry is for themselves – for their glory or satisfaction or out of a sense of obligation.  You will find that you have a renewed sense of excitement and joy in your work or service or ministry when you change your focus from doing it for yourself or even for others to doing it for Me and to Me.  Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for Me and to Me and for My glory.

2 Chronicles 16-18, Psalms 105

What God said to me – How much do you trust My sovereignty?  Or do you?  Do you truly believe that I have a plan for your life that is for your good and My glory?  My plans for My children are not always for healing or for rescue – sometimes they are for suffering and trials.  Are you willing to trust Me and remain steadfast in your walk if that is the case for you?  Look at the example of Joseph – I sent him down to Egypt ahead of My people, yet he went down as a slave.  He spent many years in affliction and suffering, yet he remained steadfast and faithful.  You need to understand and to trust that I allow the “bad” things and difficulties you experience to work in you – to cleanse you – to transform you – to build dependence on Me.  Look at the example of Israel – they became slaves in Egypt because I turned the hearts of the Egyptians to hate them and to enslave them so I could bring them to the place they were ready to follow Me to the promised land.  It is easy to say you trust My plan and sovereignty when things are going well but the true test of your faith is went things are not.  How are you doing?

2 Chronicles 12-15, Psalms 104:24-35

What God said to me – Distress is not always a bad thing.  I use it many times to draw back those who have wandered away from Me.  I long to bless My people, but so many times when things are good and peaceful, they turn away and it takes troubles to bring them back.  You must be more diligent in the good times so your heart doesn’t wander away from Me.  You must devote yourself to My word at all times, but even more in times of prosperity and peace.  This is not just so you won’t slip away into complacency, but it is during these times of peace that I teach you those things that will help you to get through the times of difficulty that will come.  Stay close at all times.

2 Chronicles 8-11, Psalms 104:1-23

What God said to me – I hear the prayers of My people when they humbly seek Me.  My eyes are open, and My ear is attentive to their prayer.  You don’t have to be eloquent for Me to hear.  You don’t have to be articulate to persuade Me to answer.  You must have a heart that seeks Me and longs to honor Me with your life.  Prayer to Me doesn’t have to be long and well laid out requests so I will be convinced.  Prayer is a lifestyle of walking with Me and listening to Me and talking to Me along the way.  Prayer is a lifelong conversation in which I invest Myself in you and you in Me.

2 Chronicles 5-7, Psalms 103

What God said to me – “If My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sins and heal their land.”  The problem today is that  so many who say they are My people not only will not turn from their wicked ways, but they have also adopted them into their lives and celebrate them.  While “I AM” compassionate and gracious and patient – slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness, I cannot and will not tolerate sin forever, especially among My own people.  Look at the example of Israel – judgment always fell when My people refused to humble themselves and pray and turn from their wicked ways.  When you look around at the world today you can see that judgment cannot be far off so let that knowledge cause you to be more fervent in your prayers, more urgent in your witness, and more committed in your walk.

2 Chronicles 1-4, Psalms 102

What God said to me – Psalm 102:8 says, “This will be written for the generation to come, that a people yet to be created may praise the Lord.”  Do you realize this is you – “the generation to come”?  I had My word written down for you – for all of My children – so you could read it and praise My name . . . so I could speak to you and teach you and show you My faithfulness to My children since creation.  You must be careful not to neglect My word for in it you will find all you need for life and godliness.  In it you will find hope and peace as you learn My character and see how My faithfulness to past generations will extend to you.  You can’t walk closely with Me apart from My word because “I AM” the word.  If you want to know Me more intimately and closely – dedicate yourself to My word.

1 Corinthians 15-16, Psalms 101

What God said to me – Hold fast to the word.  Things around you are changing quickly and at times the upheaval seems too much.  It is during those times that you most need to cling to My word.  When things spin out of control and you feel like you are about to lose it, My word will anchor you.  It will give you something to hold on to so you will not slip away.  In it you will find the comfort and direction you need to persevere.  Stay in My word and you will sense My closeness more than ever.  Remember “I AM” the word so when you are in the word, you are in a very real way in Me.

1 Corinthians 12-14, Psalms 100

What God said to me – You have a place in My body.  I have put you exactly where I want you to be.  Don’t waste time wondering why you are not somewhere else or why “I AM” not using you in the way I use someone else.  Be content where I have placed you and devote yourself to serving Me as I lead you.  You must realize that whatever capacity you are serving in the church, you are serving Me.  Keep that in mind when you get tired or discouraged.  All ministry is to Me.  You must not look at numbers or responses to gauge your success.  The question for you to answer is did you serve Me well?

1 Corinthians 9-11, Psalms 99

What God said to me – It takes discipline to walk consistently with Me.  It is so easy for you to make excuses.  Walking with Me is for a lifetime.  You must discipline your mind and body so you will endure.  Discipline your body so you will be fit and able to take on whatever task I call you to.  Discipline your mind so your focus is on Me.  It takes great effort to not let your mind wander.  Bringing your thoughts back to Me once you have allowed them to wander is difficult.  Staying in My word is the most helpful way to train your mind to stay focused on Me.  Memorize it and take it to heart.

1 Corinthians 6-8, Psalms 98

What God said to me – Whether judgment is a time of rejoicing, or a time of mourning and fear depends what side you are on.  For those who belong to Me, it is a time of rejoicing for evil and sin will finally be done away with, and you will no longer be tormented by that sin and evil.  Even creation itself will rejoice as I put things right.  It is only those who oppose Me who dread that day for they will feel the full brunt of My wrath.  It will not be long now.  Hold fast to Me.  Walk by My side each moment.  The day is approaching when you will see Me set things right again.

1 Corinthians 3-5, Psalms 97

What God said to me – There is no foundation but Me.  Everything else is sinking sand.  Once My foundation is laid, you must build carefully upon it – sometimes it’s working on your own life and sometimes it’s investing in the lives of others.  Be careful what teachers you expose yourself to – make sure their teaching lives up to My word.  Trust that check in your spirit when you’re not certain about what they say.  It is My Spirit giving you warning.  You must also be careful how you build in the lives of others.  They trust that you are accurately handling My word.  That is why you must stay by My side and continually seek Me as you study.  “I AM” your teacher and I will lead you into all truth.  Your responsibility is to pass it on to others.

1 Corinthians 1-2, Psalms 96

What God said to me – I have given you My Spirit so that you might know My mind.  I speak to you not only through My word but through My Spirit who leads you into all truth.  You must learn My voice and not question yourself.  As I have told you before, I long to speak to all of My children, but not all listen.  Devote yourself to walking with Me and seeking Me.  I will speak to you and teach you.  Not all that I say through My word is obvious.  There is so much that those who are not Mine cannot understand.  But there is also much that those who are Mine will not understand because they do not take the time to seek Me and hear from Me.  “I AM” your teacher.  Spend time with Me.

Hosea 12-14, Psalms 95

What God said to me – Prosperity has a way of making My children complacent, and when they become complacent, they turn from Me.  They begin to think all they have, they earned on their own.  They no longer depend on Me.  You must learn to let your blessings be things of joy that cause you to turn to Me with gratitude and thanksgiving.  Let them be things that draw you closer to Me.  Be watchful so that you don’t become self-satisfied and fall into complacency.

Hosea 9-11, Song of Solomon 8

What God said to me – I punish My children, but I do not destroy them.  My aim is to bring them to repentance.  My love is everlasting, and My covenant is eternal.  I will not turn away forever.  ‘I AM” a faithful Father who only desires what is best for My children.  I long for each one to walk with Me in faith, trusting Me, and seeking Me.  Stay close by My side.  Listen closely to what I say.  Stay so close that I only need to say a word or make a sound to get your attention.  It is so easy to wander – not so much physically as in your heart and mind.  You must constantly work at setting your mind on things above.  Stay focused on Me.  When you find your mind wandering, rein it in quickly, and return your thoughts to Me.

Hosea 5-8, Song of Solomon 7

What God said to me – There is no escaping My judgment.  Don’t forget this when you look at society and are distressed by all you see.  I will redeem those who are Mine and judge those who are not.  You must stand firm for a little while longer.  My plan is decided, and I will carry it out.  Walk with Me and stay alert.  I will show you great things and open your eyes to what “I AM” doing.  You will see My hand directing events that are leading to that day.  You must be faithful to sound the alarm as you do.  Be a faithful watchman for “I AM” coming soon.