Judges 7:1-8:17, Luke 23:13-43, Psalms 97:1-98:9, Proverbs 14:7-8

What God said to me – Most of the time people are more interested in doing what serves them best rather than serving others.  They vote for people who promise them free stuff and an easier life and not for the ones who stand for what is right or who are good leaders and public servants.  Even in their worship they follow “name it claim it” religious leaders who preach prosperity.  Look at the two thieves who were crucified next to My Son.  The one shouted at Him that if He was the Christ to save Himself as well as them.  He wanted My Son to live, not for His sake, or even so he could worship Him, but so He would save him from his punishment.  The other thief, though, realized who He was and threw himself on His mercy.  What about you?  Are you serving Me as an act of worship in obedience or are you serving Me for what you can get out of it – blessing or honor or recognition?  Motive matters.  Heart matters.  Worship Me with all of your heart, soul, mind, and strength because “I AM” worthy of all praise and honor.

Judges 6, Luke 22:54-23:12, Psalms 95:1-96:13, Proverbs 14:5-6

What God said to me – Kodi Lee was a blind autistic boy who got a golden buzzer on America’s Got Talent and went on to have a successful music career all because his mother saw past his obvious limitations to his talent and ability and signed him up for an audition.  When I called Gideon to deliver Israel, he was hiding in a winepress beating out wheat because of fear of his oppressors, yet I addressed him as “valiant warrior”.  I saw him not only for who he was, but also for who I had called him to be.  The first task I gave him was to tear down his father’s altar to Baal and to destroy the Asherah idol and to build and altar to Me and make a sacrifice – this “valiant warrior” snuck out at night to do it because he was afraid of his family and of the townspeople.  I called him to lead an army in battle to deliver Israel, and he laid out two different fleeces for assurance.  When I call you to a task or to a ministry don’t be afraid or think you are not capable – I would never call you and fail to equip you.  I would not call you for the task if you were not able.  I see you, not just for who you are, but I see you for who I died for you to become.  Trust My call.  Trust My provision.  Trust My plan.

Judges 4-5, Luke 22:35-53, Psalms 94:1-23, Proverbs 14:3-4

What God said to me – You can learn a lot “people watching” – what to do and what not to do.  If you’ve ever sat by a skating rink watching people skate, you almost always see a dad teaching his child to skate.  The dad holds tightly on to his child and when the child cries out that he’s going to fall because he’s slipping and sliding, you hear the dad say, “It’s okay – I’ve got you – straighten up and calm down, I won’t let you fall.”  It’s only when the child goes off on his own that he crashes and burns.  Learn from this observation – when you fall, it’s because you let go of Me and went off on your own.  As long as you are walking with Me – holding on to Me, you may slip and slide, but I will not let you go.  My mercy will hold you up.  When you panic and think you are about to fall, when your anxious thoughts multiply within you, cry out to Me and I will calm you and console you.  “I AM” your stronghold and your rock of refuge.  “I AM” a Father who will not let you fall – hold on to Me.