Deuteronomy 29-30, Luke 11:37-12:7, Psalms 78:1-31, Proverbs 12:19-20

What God said to me – We’ve all been to a family event and there was one child who was compliant and eager to please – they answered your questions, responded with a “yes ma’am” or a “no sir” and obeyed immediately – they were a joy to be with – and there was another child who was recalcitrant and refused to respond – they ignored instructions and wouldn’t cooperate or obey even when threatened with punishment – their obedience only came when the promised punishment was finally meted out and only because they wanted their toy back or to resume play.  Israel was much like the recalcitrant child – they didn’t respond or obey until judgment fell and punishment was meted out.  Then they would return and search diligently for Me.  What about you?  So many of My children go about their day to day lives virtually ignoring Me.  They don’t open My word to hear from Me, and they certainly never seek Me out for fellowship or worship or pray until something “bad” happens and then they come running.  I long for children who are eager to please Me – who seek Me out for fellowship and worship and prayer at all times, both “good” and “bad” and who are eager to obey and please Me.  You be that child.  You be the child who brings Me joy.

Deuteronomy 28, Luke 11:14-36, Psalms 77:1-20, Proverbs 12:18

What God said to me – Have you ever been in the dark, but in the distance, there was a single light shining?  The darker it gets, the brighter the light becomes and the closer you get, the lighter it gets.  The world is becoming an increasingly dark place, but “I AM” still the Light of the world.  I live in the lives of My children, so, those who are Mine should have My light shining out of them.  Do you?  You don’t light a light in the darkness and then put in under a bushel basket or hide it under a bed or lock it away in a closet – you put it out where it can illuminate the darkness.  Just as moths are drawn to a light in the darkness, I’ll draw people to your light for you to share with and minister to, but to do that, you have to let your light shine.  You know people – family, friends, co-workers, acquaintances – who you are not sure if they are Christians.  If it is not evident – if they are not shining their “light” for Me, then very probably they are not Mine.  Don’t let there be any question that you are Mine.  Let your light so shine before men that they see your good works and glorify Me. Let My light in you draw them.

Deuteronomy 26-27, Luke 10:38-11:13, Psalms 76:1-12, Proverbs 12:15-17

What God said to me – There is an old saying that “idle hands are the devil’s workshop”.  While there is some truth to that, busyness is sometimes just busyness and doesn’t necessarily accomplish anything or bring you closer to Me.  It’s like sitting down for your quiet time and you read that “I AM” the bread of life and you remember you are out of bread so you stop to make a grocery list, then you open the frig to see what else you need and realize the frig needs cleaning out, so, you start cleaning it and go to get a dish towel to wipe it down, and realize they are in the dryer, so, you go to the dryer and fold the clothes and you open a drawer to put the laundry up, and realize the drawer is a mess, so you start cleaning it and then you find a picture that reminds you that you were going to scan all of your pictures, and on and on – before you know it, you’ve been busy all day, but accomplished nothing.  In the story of Mary and Martha, Martha was busy serving Me and Mary sat at My feet listening to Me – Mary chose the good part.  I have a plan for your whole life and walk with Me that includes each day.  Start with sitting at My feet, worshipping Me and praying and letting Me speak to you and teach you through My word.  Seek My direction for your day so you can set your priorities.  Choose the good part.