Joshua 16-18, Luke 19:1-27, Psalms 87:1-7, Proverbs 13:11

What God said to me – My Son, Jesus, told the parable of a nobleman who went away to a distant land to receive a kingdom, but he was going to return at some point.  Before he left, he called his ten servants to be in charge of his estate and gave each a mina to do business with and invest as they awaited his return.  The servants did nothing to deserve the mina or to earn it – it wasn’t theirs.  Their sole responsibility was to invest it in such a way that it would increase their master’s estate.  To each person who is My child, I have given gifts and talents and abilities and ministries to use to grow My kingdom as you await My return.  So how are you doing with your “mina”?  If I were to return today, would you be excited to show Me what you have done with the things I gave you or would you be ashamed because you have done nothing.  You may not have a high opinion of yourself, or you may not believe there is anything of value you can offer, but if you have Me, you have a priceless treasure.  I place opportunities in your life to serve and to minister and to invest in My kingdom.  In the parable, the only servant the master rebuked was the one who did nothing with his “mina”.  You be faithful and you will hear Me say “well done.”

Joshua 15, Luke 18:18-43, Psalms 86:1-17, Proverbs 13:9-10

What God said to me – Since the beginning people have tried to straddle the fence between walking with Me and being accepted in the world.  Immature believers try to determine how far they can go and yet not sin, but mature believers ask what they need to do to be holy – polar opposites in heart and in attitude.  You will have a constant struggle when your heart is divided between following Me in holiness and following the world.  To win this battle you must first realize that you cannot change your heart – only I can.  Joshua admonished Israel to choose this day whom they would serve, but as for he and his house, they determined to serve Me.  Are you determined to serve Me also – to walk in a manner worthy of your calling so you will please Me?  Then devote yourself to this time and to My word so I can teach you My ways and you can quit flirting with the world and walk in My truth.  I will unite your divided heart so you can follow Me wholeheartedly and glorify Me in your life.

Joshua 13-14, Luke 18:1-17, Psalms 85:1-13, Proverbs 13:7-8

What God said to me – Have you ever worked on a project or at an event where a lot of stuff was need or a lot of things were needed to be done and people were talking and complaining, but they never went to the people in charge who could actually help?  You are that way many times when you have needs or have a lot to do and you go to friends or family either for help or to just complain rather than going to the One who can actually so something – Me!  You need to learn to make prayer your first resort and not the last.  Pray at all times about everything and do not lose heart when you do not see immediate results.  My timing is always perfect so keep praying and trusting Me.  When you pray, you do not need elaborate words or eloquent recitals – you need a sincere heart.  When the Pharisee stood praying loudly in the temple, he was not praying to Me, he was praying to himself to show others how pious he was.  Make sure when you pray that you are directing your prayers to Me and not just reciting words or trying to impress others.  Pray about everything – I always hear.