Numbers 24-25, Luke 2 :1-35, Psalms 59 :1-17, Proverbs 11 :14

What God said to me – Remember the story of the Trojan horse.  After years of war the Greeks came up with a scheme because their direct attacks were not successful and they entered the city of Troy inside the Trojan horse.  Similarly, Balak, the king of Moab, knew from the prophesies of Balaam that he could not defeat Israel in an outright war because I was with them.  So, they came up with a scheme to invite them to come and eat with them and see them sacrifice to their gods.  Thousands in Israel fell because of immorality and idolatry and My judgment on them.  They wanted to “belong” and be “accepted” in local society, and they slid into sin as a result, and it was their downfall.  You face a similar deceptive enemy.  Very seldom are you confronted with blatant sin because you would see it for what it was and resist.  However, the enemy doesn’t usually come at you head on like that – instead he slips things that seem innocuous into your life through television, movies and books.  You must constantly guard your heart and mind and eyes, or you too will find yourself sliding into sin and accepting it as normal.  Stay alert and seek Me continually.

Numbers 22 :21-23, Luke 1 :57-80, Psalms 58 :1-11, Proverbs 11 :12-13

What God said to me – In Zacharias’ day people were anxious – they were frightened and eager for the coming of Messiah.  I comforted them and prepared the way by answering Zacharias’ prayer and giving him a son, John.  I called John the Baptist to be My prophet to go before and to prepare the way for My Son, Jesus.  He was to declare that Messiah was coming.  He was to give the people the knowledge of salvation by My mercy and by the forgiveness of their sin when they repented.  Now fast forward to today.  You live in a similar time.  My Son will be coming again.  People are anxious – they are frightened and eager for the coming of Messiah.  Similar to the role of John the Baptist, I have called My church to go before and to prepare the way for My Son, Jesus’ return.  You be faithful to tell them that He is coming.  You tell them about salvation by My mercy and the forgiveness of sin when they come to Me in repentance.  You be faithful to warn them of what is coming and how time is running out to come to Me before it happens.  Like John the Baptist, you must live a life devoted to Me and walk in a manner worthy of your calling so you can make the greatest impact.

Numbers 21 :1-22 :20, Luke 1 :26-56, Psalms 57 :1-11, Proverbs 11 :9-11

What God said to me – Have you ever had loved ones who were going through trials or difficulties but they were far away so you couldn’t help them.  You feel so helpless because you’re not there to comfort them or pick them up or minister to them as you would if they were nearby.  It can be frustrating and frightening.  But what if they were nearby but didn’t tell you about it until it was over?  Whether it is because of pride or thinking they can handle it or not wanting to be a bother, it hurts that they didn’t turn to you for help or comfort.  What about you?  Do you not come immediately to Me because you think you can handle it, or you don’t want to bother Me?  “I AM” a refuge for your soul.  “I AM” always here for you whether it’s for something “big” or “small”.  “I AM” even here when you have “nothing” going on – come just spend time being with Me.  I have also given you brothers and sisters in Christ to build you up and to encourage you as they come along side you.  Allow them the blessing of ministering to you and encouraging you.