Nehemiah 11:1-12:26, 1 Corinthians 10:14-33, Psalms 34:11-22, Proverbs 21:14-16

What God said to me – Living in the world today is not easy for My children.  There is such a convoluted message of what is right and what is wrong that has nothing to do with Me.  I tell My children to respect authority and to obey the law, but you need to remember that just because something is legal doesn’t make it right or godly and you must constantly seek Me regarding your behavior.  “I AM” the plumbline – “I AM” the One you must please.  It’s not the black and white things that will trip you up – “thou shall not kill” – “thou shall not steal” – it’s the gray areas.  So, how do you as My child navigate the world and live in such a way that you please Me in all you do?  First of all remember that you are not your own – you are Mine – bought with a price – the blood of My Son.  So, ask Me – seek My direction, not just for the “serious” things like your job or your church or your ministry, but in all things – what you read or watch or your activities or who you hang out with.  Ask yourself, “is this thing profitable?” – not monetarily, but for My kingdom.  Ask yourself, “does this thing edify?” – are you or others being built up and growing closer to Me?  Does it glorify Me or bring Me shame?  Fun times can be just as glorifying to Me and build up My kingdom as well as work and ministry when you use them to grow relationships and sow My love and care.  Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all for My glory.

Nehemiah 9:22-10:39, 1 Corinthians 9:19-10:13, Psalms 34:1-10, Proverbs 21:13

What God said to me – I led Israel out of slavery in Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm.  The time leading up to it was not easy – their workload was increased, and they paid a price, but they also saw Me work in mighty ways through the plagues and the parting of the sea before them.  I led them to My mountain so I could cut covenant with them and give them My law.  Amazingly after all they saw and went through, it was at the base of the mountain that they succumbed to temptation and fell.  This time of interlude as they waited for Moses to come down should have been a time of rest and restoration and preparation for what was to come, but instead it became a time of immorality and debauchery and idolatry.  These things happened as an example and were written for your instruction.  “I AM” always at work carrying out My plans.  Learn from Israel’s example – if you don’t stay close to Me and purposefully seek Me during the down times, the waiting times, the times where it doesn’t seem like “I AM” there, it is so easy to fall away.  When you fall away then you are either not ready or disqualified when it is time to go to work.  Like the athlete who is training diligently for an event, there are many days of hard work, but there are also days built in the schedule for rest and recovery – both are necessary to reach the goal – seek Me in both so you stay close and don’t fall away.

Nehemiah 7:72-9:21, 1 Corinthians 9:1-18, Psalms 33:12-22, Proverbs 21:11-12

What God said to me – Have you ever taken a child out somewhere and given them strict instructions to stay right next to you, but you look away for just a second and when you turn back, they are gone.  It is absolute terror and panic you feel because you know the danger and trouble they could experience so you frantically search until you find them.  It is such a horrific experience you do everything you can to teach and train your child of the importance of staying close and being obedient – not just for your sake, but for theirs also.  Ezra and the scribes called My people together and read and explained My word.  They recounted their history and how I called them and led them and was faithful to them.  They told how their forefathers refused to listen to My word and did not remember My wondrous deeds, so they became stubborn and arrogant and fell away from Me into idolatry and rebellion.  This is why you must stay close and not neglect My word.  It is so easy to wander off and fall away and it can happen very quickly.  Cling to Me – listen to My instructions – I will teach you and guide you and protect you – stay close!