1 Samuel 12-13, John 7:1-30, Psalms 108:1-13, Proverbs 15:4

What God said to me – Patience is hard, but impatience can be costly.  In a recent racing movie, F-1, the veteran driver working with the rookie on his team sets him up to win.  When the rookie gets into second place, the old timer tells him to wait until he hits the straightaway and then pass for the win.  But the rookie sees an opportunity on the curve and zooms past the front runner only to go airborne and crash.  His impatience not only cost him the race, but his injuries caused him to sit our several more races.  When Saul was king of Israel and was facing the Philistines in battle, he was instructed to wait seven days for Samuel to come before he went into battle.  When the seventh day arrived and Samuel was not there, Saul decided he couldn’t wait any longer, so he usurped the duties of the priest and offered the sacrifice himself.  As soon as he had finished, Samuel showed up.  Saul’s impatience and subsequent actions revealed a heart that didn’t trust My plan or My sovereignty and it eventually cost him his kingdom.  I promised that I would instruct you and teach you in the way you should go.  So, when things are not happening in the way or in the time you think they should, stop and seek Me.  My timing is perfect.  My plan is perfect.  When you try to force something to happen or manipulate the circumstances, you are revealing a heart that doesn’t truly trust My sovereign plan.  They that wait for Me will renew their strength.  Trust My plan.  Trust My timing.  Trust My love for you – and wait.

1 Samuel 10-11, John 6:43-71, Psalms 107:1-43, Proverbs 15:1-3

What God said to me – You reap what you sow.  It is true in nature, and it is true in society.  People cry out to de-fund the police and elect officials who do it and then they are shocked when crime goes up or no one responds immediately to their 9-1-1 call because of it.  They say it is only fair that food and shelter and healthcare should be low cost to everyone and then complain that their taxes are sky high.  Whether it is society or with your own children, sometimes you have to let people experience the consequences of their actions and decisions in order to get their attention and bring them to repentance.  Many times Israel rejected Me and turned to idolatry.  They eventually rejected Me as their king and they suffered war and conquest and disease and famine as a result.  You’ve heard it said to be careful what you wish for – Israel wanted a king so they could be like the other nations so they got a flawed, sinful, selfish man as a leader rather than a holy, loving, merciful God.  The same can be true of your life if you are not careful.  You can look about and think you are missing out by not being like the world around you rather than following Me, but you’d just be exchanging the leadership of a holy, loving Father for that of yourself – a flawed, sinful, selfish person.  Hold on to Me and trust Me to lead you in the paths of righteousness.

1 Samuel 8-9, John 6:22-42, Psalms 106:32-48, Proverbs 14:34-35

What God said to me – There is a phrase, “he’s the real deal” or “it’s the real deal”, meaning they’re legit – genuine – authentic – impressive.  Good Housekeeping has a “Seal of Approval” for products they have investigated and tested and found to be worthy of endorsement and guarantee.  They stand behind the products with their seal.  Historically seals were used to communicate, to authenticate, and to identify.  I have chosen to set My seal on My children.  First, I set My seal on My Son, Jesus.  He is the Bread of Life.  He is the Living Water.  He is the Lamb of God.  He is the Word which became flesh and dwelt among you.  He is the Light of the world.  I set My seal on Him, and I fully guarantee that all He did is true and all He said will come to pass.  I also set My seal on you, My child.  I have sealed you with My Holy Spirit of promise for the day of redemption.  This firm foundation stands – I know those who are Mine – I put My seal on you.  You can never lose your salvation because no one can break My seal – not even you.  I will never leave you or forsake you.  No one can take you out of My hand.