2 Chronicles 17-18, Romans 9:25-10:13, Psalms 20:1-9, Proverbs 20:2-3

What God said to me – The Jews prided themselves on being the sons of Abraham and yet they continually tried to earn their righteousness before Me by following the Law even though they knew I declared Abraham righteous because he believed Me and not because he obeyed Me.  They had it backwards – obedience doesn’t lead to belief – belief leads to obedience.  So many people think that they can be saved by being “obedient” – by doing “good”.  They may go to church regularly or even teach a Sunday School class – they are good neighbors and take care of their family and give to charity and don’t cuss or smoke and on and on, but it is all them – it is works, not faith.  They are seeking to establish their own righteousness rather than subjecting themselves to Me.  For by grace you are saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is My gift, not because of works so you can’t boast about it.  It is all of Me – I gift you the faith necessary to believe and then declare you righteous because of that belief.

2 Chronicles 14-16, Romans 9:1-24, Psalms 19:1-14, Proverbs 20:1

What God said to me – King Asa was one of the rare kings of Judah who did what was right in My sight.  He removed the high places and the incense altars and led the people in returning to Me.  Throughout his reign when he was faced with immense armies, he cried out to Me and I delivered them.  However, toward the end of his reign, King Asa relied on a treaty he made with the King of Aram rather than turning to Me.  He won the battle, but he paid a high price for his foolishness.  Even at the end when he was suffering from a severe disease, he relied on physicians and didn’t seek Me.  Learn from Asa – sometimes when you face a trial it is easier to cry out to Me when you know you lack resources or ability than it is when you are successful and established.  Don’t fall into the trap of relying on yourself because you think you can handle it, so you don’t need to call on Me – learn to seek Me in all things at all times.  Make it the habit of your whole life to pray about everything, seeking My direction and blessing.  You never arrive and you never outgrow your need for Me.

2 Chronicles 11-13, Romans 8:26-39, Psalms 18:37-50, Proverbs 19:27-29

What God said to me – The worst thing that can happen in a person’s life is not sickness or disease or disability or poverty or persecution or trials or tribulation or even death – the worst thing that can ever happen to anyone is to be separated from Me.  I realize it is not the answer you would get if you asked people, and yet it is true.  All of the other things are temporal, but a relationship with Me is eternal  To be My child – to know Me – is a blessing beyond measure – it should be a daily cause of awe and wonder and worship that I chose you and called you and saved you and am sanctifying you as you walk with Me knowing that there is nothing that can ever separate you from Me or from My Presence.  You are Mine.  I chose you.  I saved you. I love you.  “I AM” at work in you to sanctify you.  “I AM” preparing a place for you.  “I AM” coming for you that where “I AM” there you may be also.  I will never leave you or forsake you.  Absolutely nothing can ever separate you from Me.  Hallelujah!