Numbers 19-20, Luke 1 :1-25, Psalms 56 :1-13, Proverbs 11 :3

What God said to me – I sent my angel, Gabriel, to tell Zacharias that I was going to answer his prayer and give him a son.  Not only was I going to answer his prayer, but his son would have a very special calling to ministry that would fulfill prophecy and herald the coming of the long-awaited Messiah, My Son, Jesus.  Zacharias’ response was fear and disbelief and so he was struck mute until it all came about.  The natural response to this is to say how in the world could he have encountered an angel and then not believe what he told him.  Don’t be so quick to judge Zacharias – just look at your own life.  I chose you and saved you and gave you My word and gave you My Spirit to live within you and to teach you and to comfort you.  I promised that I would work all things together for your good and for My glory yet when something happens in your life that seems bad or frightening, your first response is rarely praise or thanks or even acknowledgement that “I AM” at work.  When you are afraid you must learn to immediately put your trust in Me and My sovereignty.  Remember “I AM” for you – “I AM” with you.  Zacharias’ fear resulted in him not being able to glorify Me and share it with others.  Don’t let your fear become a hindrance to your witness.  Trust Me in your circumstances and glorify Me in everything so your faith becomes an example for others. 

Numbers 16 :41-18 :32, Mark 16, Psalms 55 :1-23, Proverbs 11 :7

What God said to me – From the time I brought Israel out of Egypt, they were constantly grumbling and rebelling and questioning the authority of Moses and Aaron.  Several times the intercessions of Moses and Aaron were what kept them from My judgment and total annihilation.  Once when a plague of judgment was spreading through the people, Aaron ran into their midst with a censer of incense from the altar to stop the plague and save the people.  The world today is on the verge of judgment.  Are you willing to follow the example of Moses and intercede for them to come to Me before it is too late?  Are you willing to follow the example of Aaron and go out into the crowd so that some might be saved?  I have called you to be salt and light in a world that is tumbling quickly toward destruction.  Just as the people grumbled against Moses and Aaron, your reception will not always be positive but stand firm and remain faithful and you will hear Me say “well done”.

Numbers 15 :17-16 :40, Mark 15, Psalms 54 :1-7, Proverbs 11:5-6

What God said to me – When an alcoholic decides to turn from their addiction and to live soberly, they might join AA for help and support.  They are appointed a sponsor to help them and advise them when they are struggling, and they attend regular meetings with others in the same situation for support and encouragement.  When they reach various milestones in their sobriety they receive a coin.  It’s not just a memento but also a reminder to encourage them to continue to move forward and also to cling to for encouragement when they are struggling.  When I called you and you repented of your sin and turned to Me for salvation, you became My child, and I placed you in a body of believers for support and encouragement.  I gave you My Spirit to live within you and to teach you and to help you.  At a time when the Jews were struggling with their obedience, I instructed them to sew tassels on the corners of their garments as a reminder of My word and a visual sign to encourage them to follow Me with all their heart whenever they saw them.  Much of your sin is inadvertent, thoughtless, and unintended, so a reminder of who you are and how you should act is often helpful – whether it’s a cross around your neck or your Bible on your desk or a sticky note with scripture, find things that will help you to keep your focus on walking in a manner worthy of your calling.