Judges 13-15, Proverbs 18

What God said to me – “I AM” God and I will provide everything you need to accomplish whatever task I set before you.  I may not have spoken to your mother before you were born to give direction for your life, but I will speak to you today if you will seek Me.  My Spirit will fill you and direct you and teach you.  Listen closely.  Stay connected.  I will not leave you, but you can choose to ignore Me.  Don’t be like a child who only hears what he wants to hear but become My intimate companion sharing every moment.  A lifelong conversation is possible if you will only stay close.

Judges 10-12, Psalms 71

What God said to me – You have no idea all that your salvation entails.  It is so much more than escaping an eternity in hell . . . It is spending an eternity with Me.  Your eternity with Me began the very moment I saved you.  Walk with Me daily and let Me share with you the great hope that is now yours.  Walk with Me daily and let Me demonstrate My great power, not just to orchestrate My plans for the world, but for your life.  Rejoice in your journey with Me as you walk with Me, as I transform you into My image, as you see My power demonstrated in the lives of men.  Declare the glory of Me to all those around you, but especially to the next generation.  Pass on this great heritage of faith.

Judges 7-9, Psalms 70

What God said to me – Expressing gratitude and thanksgiving to Me is an important part of learning to stay faithful.  You must continually recall all I have done and give thanks to build your life of devotion to Me.  That continual remembrance and thanksgiving will begin to grow into faith which will deepen as you continue practicing thanksgiving.  As you accept and acknowledge each gift I give, you will grow stronger in your faith and walk with Me.  Living in such a way yields many benefits – peace, joy, faith, trust.  Living in such a way deepens your relationship with Me.

Judges 4-6, Psalms 69:19-36

What God said to me – Give thanks in everything and for everything – great and small.  When you live this way, it magnifies My name for you are acknowledging that everything comes from Me – that “I AM” in control.  Thanksgiving is not something that comes naturally.  In the good times it’s easy to just go along and enjoy things but forget to acknowledge it is all from Me.  In the difficult times you cry out to Me for help, not in thanksgiving.  When you are afflicted or in pain is when thanksgiving is the most meaningful for you are truly acknowledging My sovereignty.  It is truly a sacrifice to thank Me during those times.  In everything give thanks.

Judges 1-3, Psalms 69:1-18

What God said to me – Your walk with Me does not just affect your life, but also those around you.  You must live in such a way so as not to be a stumbling block, but an encourager to those who are weak in faith.  Your walk must always honor Me for there are many who are watching you.  When you dishonor Me or bring shame to My name it affects the way the world sees all who belong to Me.  You must be circumspect in your walk – always being aware that you are My light in the world, both to believers and non-believers.  Be consistent in your walk so you may bring glory to My name.

Matthew 26-28, Psalms 68

What God said to me – Not as I will but as you will – can you truly say that?  It’s not a one-time thing you know – something you say when you face a big trial, it’s a way of life.  Every day when you get up say “not as I will, but as You will” for today, for this hour, for this minute.  That is how you live a surrendered life all day every day saying, “not my will, but Yours” because only as you learn to live like this in the small things, will you be able to surrender in the big things.  This is what it means to walk with Me, always talking, always asking what’s next, always surrendering, always obeying.  Begin today and when you fall short, begin again.  It will get easier as you see My faithfulness along the way.  Never forget – My will is perfect.

Matthew 23-25, Psalms 67

What God said to me – Well done My good and faithful servant – I long to say that to each one of My children – well done!  It doesn’t take much to please Me and it takes everything.  I know it sounds paradoxical, but here is what I mean.  You serve Me and minister to Me every day as you are kind to others, encouraging them, helping them as I direct – a word here – a smile there – a drink of water for the thirsty – food for the hungry.  You don’t have to preach to thousands or lead hundreds to Me. Just do a little here or a little there as I direct – that’s where the everything comes in – “as I direct”.  You must be totally surrendered to Me so you can act “as I direct” – whatever that is.  Take up your cross daily and follow Me.

Matthew 20-22, Psalms 66

What God said to me – You know that life is not always easy.  It is not always laughter and fun.  You – everyone – goes through times that are difficult.  How do you respond in either extreme – easy or difficult circumstances or when things are just going along in the middle?  You must learn to respond the same way in good times or in bad or when things are just okay.  Look to Me.  “I AM” always at work in your life.  “I AM” always with you.  Look to Me when you encounter difficulties rather than despairing.  Turn to Me with anticipation to see what “I AM” about to do or to teach or to show you.  Going deep is difficult.  It is easy to give in to pressure or fear.  Don’t do it.  Turn to Me, take My hand, and trust Me to show you the way through.

Matthew 17-19, Psalms 65

What God said to me – I have chosen you to walk with Me not for anything you have done to be chosen, but because “I AM”.  As you walk with Me you will encounter all varieties of life events – joys – sorrows – good times – bad times – times of ease – times of difficulties.  Walking with Me prepares you for each thing you encounter.  Spending much time in My word prepares you for such encounters.  You don’t know what the futures holds, but I do.  If you are diligent and faithful in your walk with Me, you will be prepared.  So when I prompt you to fast, then you must fast.  When I prompt you to pray, then you must pray.  All of this is preparation.  Stay faithful.

Matthew 17-19, Psalms 65

What God said to me – This is My Son – listen to Him.  In all these years, that command has not changed.  Listen to Him!  That is the way you will please Me most – listen to Him.  The problem with most people – even My children – is their attention is on everything but My Son.  There is so much going on around you – so much noise in the world that either you ignore Him, you don’t hear Him or you don’t recognize His voice in the crowd.  You must take the time to come away from it all so you can hear Him – so you can learn His voice so you will recognize it in the midst of the din of the world.  He will guide you if you only listen.  Come away often and spend time with Him.  Learn to listen.  Practice listening for you will hear from Me. 

Matthew 14-16, Psalms 64

What God said to me – The secret to success is to give to Me what little you have – surrender all to Me – and let Me make much of it for My kingdom.  The world has been deluded into thinking that success is wealth and acclaim.  But I tell you that true success is to be used by Me to further the kingdom – My kingdom.  This is the only success that will last.  This is the only success that will bring fulfillment.  To be willingly used by Me for My purposes is the greatest calling anyone can have.  I use many people in the world to accomplish My purpose, but most are unwillingly and unknowing pawns.  For you to submit yourself to Me to be used is what I long for.

Matthew 11-13, Psalms 63

What God said to me – How much do you want Me?  Do you yearn for Me within your soul?  Is your desire for Me so palpable that it seems like a physical yearning to see Me – to hear from Me.  When you walk closely with Me that is what it is like.  You must be with Me.  You must be in My word.  You must hear from Me.  It seems your very life and existence depends on it.  Set your heart and mind to seek Me totally.  Think about Me.  Cry out to Me morning, noon, and night.  When your soul begins to cling to Me, you will see a dramatic change in your spiritual walk with Me.

Matthew 8-10, Psalms 62

What God said to me – Being a Christian – walking with Me – is not about ritual and tradition – checking the boxes – I went to church this week – I gave my tithe – I read my Bible – I prayed – so I am all good!  Being a Christian – walking with Me – is all about relationship, not “doing”.  You can go to church and yet not worship.  You can give and yet not minister.  You can read your Bible and yet not hear from Me.  You can pray and yet not converse with Me.  “Now I lay me down to sleep” is not prayer, it’s recitation.  If you are not careful, it is easy to slip into this mindset.  Our relationship must be personal and not perfunctory if you are to grow and mature and deepen in your faith.  I didn’t choose you to be a puppet who does all the “right” things.  I chose you to be My child so we could have a relationship and a lifelong conversation that grows and deepens and matures.

Matthew 5-7, Psalms 61

What God said to me – When you become Mine, you become salt – the question is whether or not you will retain your “saltiness”.  You must walk with Me and stay close to Me in order to maintain your saltiness.  When you are salty, you make others around you thirst for Me, the Living Water.  This doesn’t just affect the lost, it also affects your brothers and sisters in Me.  It encourages them to walk more closely with Me.  It increases their thirst for My word and to do My will as they interact with you.  You don’t have to try to be salty – you just walk with Me, and you will be salty.  Is your life causing others to thirst for Me?

Matthew 1-4, Psalms 60

What God said to me – Immanuel – God with us.  This great truth is still true today.  “I AM” with you today and always.  Think about that – “I AM” with you.  You are Mine and I’ll never leave you.  The depth of that truth is more than you can ever understand but you can learn to walk in it day by day, moment by moment.  Constantly turn your thoughts toward Me.  Seek My direction with every person you encounter, every project you work on, every step you take.  Turn to Me and ask, “now what Lord”, “what do I do”, “what do I say”.  When something happens to hinder your schedule or cause you to change directions, turn to Me knowing that “I AM” with you and I will guide you through whatever it is.  “I AM” with you always – that doesn’t mean just for eternity – it means for this day – for this very moment.

Joshua 22-24, Psalms 59

What God said to me – “I AM” your stronghold.  Turn to Me – not just in difficult times, but at all times.  I have given you rest, not because of anything you have done to achieve it, but because of who “I AM”.  “I AM” faithful to My word.  When you walk with Me you receive the benefits that go along with that faithfulness and when you don’t, you receive the discipline that goes along with that faithlessness.  For “I AM” always faithful to My children and I discipline them when they stray to bring them back to Me.  I long to bless those who are Mine.  Walk with Me and receive My blessing.

Joshua 19-21, Psalms 58

What God said to me – “I AM” faithful.  “I AM” a God who keeps His promises.  There has never been one thing I have said that I have not done or will not do.  Nothing can thwart My way or My will.  “I AM” your God and you are My child.  Walk after Me with all your heart.  I will show you My plan, step by step.  Walk with Me.  Serve Me with all of your heart and mind and soul and strength.  I will direct you in the way you should go.  I will open your eyes to see My work.  I will open your ears to hear My voice.  I will open your heart to feel My presence as we fellowship together.  I long for this – do you?

Joshua 16-18, Psalms 57

What God said to me – I have given you everything you need for life and godliness.  How long will you put off entering into all I have provided for you?  Blessing comes as you enter into a life of following Me wholeheartedly.  Quit looking at the difficulties of following Me.  You must follow wholeheartedly and trust Me to clear the hindrances and difficulties you may encounter.

Joshua 13-15, Psalms 56

What God said to me – Take refuge in Me for “I AM” always here.  Cry out to Me when you are afraid so I can assure you of My protection . . . of My plan.  “I AM” God and I will fulfill My purpose for you.  Shout out your praise to Me as you see Me at work around you.  Sing My praise to those around you.  Tell them of My sufficiency, of My grace, of My love.  Live out loud with Me.  Talk to Me about everything – the good, the bad, and the ugly.  I know it all already, but I want to hear it from you.  Live out loud with those I’ve put in your life.  Don’t be embarrassed.  Don’t be shy.  Tell them of My goodness.  Tell them about Me!

Joshua 10-12, Psalms 55

What God said to me – Walking after Me wholeheartedly is not easy.  Sometimes it is one hard fought battle after another, but you must continue to move forward as I lead.  When you do that, you will be victorious because “I AM” fighting on your behalf.  You may not always see or understand why people or even nations respond as they do.  But know this – I can harden a heart or soften a heart to accomplish My purpose.  They may not know that “I AM” at work, but you should.  You know Me.  You know My character.  Whatever you encounter along the way, know that “I AM” in control and you respond accordingly.  Stay calm.  Stay alert.  Walk with Me.

Joshua 7-9, Psalms 54

What God said to me – You must always seek My counsel if you truly want to follow Me wholeheartedly.  Don’t come to the place where you think you understand the situation, so you try to handle it on your own.  A great part of walking with Me is seeking Me out and listening to Me.  Even when things seem obvious, turn to Me and seek My counsel so you are not deceived because there are long term consequences for short term lapses in judgment.  Walking with Me means going step by step as I direct. 

Joshua 4-6, Psalms 53

What God said to me – Take off your shoes for the place you are standing is holy.  “I AM” in your presence.  “I AM” always here.  Fall on your face and worship Me for “I AM” worthy of praise and honor and glory.  Look around.  See Me and My work.  Remember all I have done on your behalf, and you will fall on your face in worship.  Don’t neglect this time.  It is important for you.  It is necessary for you to stay connected to Me.  Worship . . . the expression of gratitude . . . the acknowledgment of who “I AM” in your life binds your heart to Mine and strengthens your faith in ways you will never know or understand.

Joshua 1-3, Psalms 52

What God said to me – Be strong and courageous for “I AM” with you every step of the way.  I will never leave you nor forsake you.  Trust Me and never forget you can always count on Me.  Stay in My word for it will help you to stay on track.  “I AM” the God who keeps His promises.  I promise you that “I AM” carrying out My plan for your life.  Each day may seem insignificant to you . . . like nothing is happening, but “I AM” at work.  “I AM” growing you each day as you spend time with Me . . . preparing you . . . equipping you.  Step by step “I AM” building holiness into your life and transforming you into My image.  Stay close and let Me work.

James 3-5, Psalms 51

What God said to me – Are you in trouble, then pray.  Are you happy, then praise.  Everything that happens in your life should cause you to turn to Me.  When you are struggling or overwhelmed by all that is happening, run to Me and pour out your heart.  “I AM” always with you and I always listen.  “I AM” here to comfort and to guide, to listen and to encourage.  Don’t avoid Me because you know your attitudes and feelings are not what I would want them to be.  Come to Me and let Me clear your mind and give you direction to help you get back on the right path.  Dive into My word and let Me speak to you.

James 1-2, Psalms 50

What God said to me – I know it is not an easy thing to live in this world and not be of this world.  It is so easy to get sucked into it.  You look around and see the wealth and success of the ungodly and either desire the same or are upset at what you see, at the injustice of it.  You don’t, however, look at their end, only at their present circumstances.  Has it ever occurred to you that it is all Mine, and I could give it all to you any time I wanted, but in My mercy and out of My love for you, I do not?  I want you to have a relationship with Me. I want you to know the joy and peace that comes from spending time with Me and having a relationship with Me.  It is very difficult for those who have so much to understand how much they need Me.  It is easier to depend on their riches than on Me.  My plan for you is designed for your very best.  Trust Me where I have you.

Deuteronomy 31-34, Psalms 49

What God said to me – I go before you and behind you – do not be afraid.  I will never leave you nor forsake you for you are Mine.  I know your disposition, your tendencies and the depths of your heart . . . how easily you would fall if not for Me.  Take My hand.  Walk with Me.  Stay close and I will not let you fall.  My words are not idle – they are your very life and strength.  When I speak, listen.  When I shout, stop – for its as you listen and obey that you stay safe and don’t waiver.  “I AM” your rock.  Hold on to Me and you will not be disappointed.

Deuteronomy 27-30, Psalms 48

What God said to me – I have established you as Mine.  You are set apart . . . holy to Me.  You did not choose Me, but I chose you. I love you and want a relationship with you.  I have circumcised your heart as an everlasting covenant that can never be broken.  Hold fast to Me . . . spend time seeking Me out . . . listen to Me for I desire a lifelong conversation with you, and intimate relationship with you like no other you will ever have.  I will reveal to you the secret things of My heart – things I only share with those who seek to know Me intimately.  Will you take the time?  Will you seek Me with all your heart?  “I AM” here waiting for you.

Deuteronomy 23-26, Psalms 47

What God said to me – “I AM” always with you.  “I AM” constantly watching you.  I know everything that has happened, is happening or will ever happen to you.  “I AM” in you and around you.  I move about you to protect you and deliver you from attacks you are not even aware are occurring.  You can know that if something you perceive as bad happens, I have allowed it.  Don’t be afraid or become despondent for I can and will turn a curse into a blessing, bad into good, tragedy into triumph.  Trust Me that I will indeed work all things for your good and My glory.  I love you.  You are Mine.

Deuteronomy 20-22, Psalms 46

What God said to me – You live in an age unlike any other – with television and the internet you can see turmoil that is taking place all around the world.  In your own country you are experiencing an upheaval in the morals and values that were its foundation.  It is no wonder people are consumed with stress and worry.  However, in spite of all that is happening, for My children it should be different.  As the psalmist said, “”I AM” your refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  Therefore, you shouldn’t fear even though the whole earth is changing.”  “I AM” sovereign and nothing that is occurring has taken Me by surprise.  You are watching My plan for the world unfold in real time exactly as I have planned it to.  “Cease striving and know that “I AM” God.  I will be exalted among the nations.  I will be exalted in the earth.”

Galatians 4-6, Psalms 39

What God said to me – When you grow weary of doing good or resent your lot in life it is because you have taken your eyes off of Me and put them on your circumstances.  When you find yourself comparing your life to others or wishing things were different or daydreaming about another life – stop and turn to Me.  “I AM” here to listen and to encourage you.  You have come so far, don’t stop now.  You must stand firm, or you will fall back into the bondage you were formerly in before you truly began to walk with Me.  Return to Me and you will find Me waiting to resume our walk together and to grow the fruit of My Spirit within you.  You are so close – don’t give up now.

Exodus 38-40, Proverbs 8

What God said to me – Just look at the detail I gave for My tabernacle.  Everything just so – nothing too small for My attention.  I had a specific plan and instruction for every part of My tabernacle – nothing was too small to be overlooked.  You are My tabernacle.  Every part of you is by My design, My plan – down to the smallest detail.  I care about everything in your life – if it affects you, know “I AM” involved.  I have a plan.  Every piece fits together in that plan.  Trust Me – don’t fret over details.  It’s My plan and I know how it will work.