Exodus 10:1-12:13, Matthew 20:1-28, Psalms 25:1-15, Proverbs 6:6-11

What God said to me – Have you ever had a family reunion somewhere and everyone was going to meet up at a certain time and place?  The travel plans for everyone are different depending on where they are coming from or how much time they have or if they need to stop along the way for something else.  Sometimes it’s quicker to go the back way if there are construction or traffic issues on the highway or you may need to go out of the way to pick someone up or to run an errand.  That’s the way it is for My children.  They are all going to the same place but the way they travel along the way is different – different life experiences – different paths – different gifts and ministries, but the same destination.  That is part of what this time together is all about – I instruct you in the way you should go and the things you should do along the way.  I instruct you in the things you should choose as I direct you along the path I have chosen for you.  No matter how difficult the path you are on seems to be, trust that it is the best way for you to go because I chose it for you.  “I AM” with you always and I will make your paths straight.

Exodus 8-9, Matthew 9:13-30, Psalms 24:1-10, Proverbs 6:1-5

What God said to me – Have you ever said or heard someone say, “I need to lose weight and get into shape so I’m going to start a diet and exercise program – – – tomorrow.”  Why put if off until tomorrow?  When I brought Moses to Egypt to free My people, I brought about many horrific plagues to cause Pharaoh to let them go.  One of the plagues was frogs throughout the land.  They were everywhere – in their homes – in their beds – they covered everything.  Pharaoh told Moses he would give in and let the Hebrews go so they could sacrifice to Me if he stopped the frog invasion.  So, Moses told Pharaoh it was his honor to choose the time for the frogs to be destroyed.  You would think Pharaoh would say to stop them this minute – as soon as possible – but do you know what he said?  Tomorrow!!!  Can you believe it?  Why in the world would he say “tomorrow” when he could be freed from them today?  For the same reason it’s always “tomorrow” when the diet starts or when you start a regular quiet time or prayer time or on and on.  Stop putting off and delaying the things you know you should be doing.  Today is the day!  Postponed obedience is disobedience.  Commit each day to follow Me wholeheartedly.

Exodus 5:22-7:25, Matthew 18:21-19:12, Psalms 23:1-6, Proverbs 5:22-23

What God said to me – When the people of Israel were in captivity in Egypt and I sent Moses to lead them out of captivity and into the promised land, they didn’t listen to Moses on account of their despondency and cruel bondage.  They were so focused on their present circumstances that they missed the promises I made them which would have given them hope and peace and the strength to hang on until their faith became sight.  I promised that I would deliver them from bondage.  I promised that I would redeem them with an outstretched arm and with great judgments.  I promised that I would take them for My people, and I would be their God.  I promised that I would bring them into the land which I swore to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.  I told them My name – “I AM”.  There will be times in your life where like Israel, you will find yourself in desperate circumstances.  But don’t be like Israel and be so focused on the circumstances that you miss My promises because you’ll miss out on the peace and joy that comes with trusting Me to fulfill them.  Never forget that for My children I work all things for your good and for My glory.  Cling to that promise and wait for Me to work on your behalf.