Nehemiah 7, Isaiah 37, Colossians 1

What God said to me – The athlete and the couch potato are two extremes.  The athlete is constantly moving and working – if they are not in a competition, they are training or preparing, even down to what they eat or drink or how and when they rest.  The couch potato on the other hand rarely moves.  They watch rather than participate, but they can talk a good game.  This is also true spiritually.  There are those who walk in a matter worthy of their calling, bearing fruit in good works and increasing in knowledge by reading and studying My word.  They are steadfast in their walk and spend much time with Me for strength and preparation and direction.  Then there are those who sit in church but that’s about it.  They don’t participate in any way or seek Me for direction.  They seldom open My word or pray, but they pride themselves on being a “good” church member.  So, what about you?  Are you a “hearer” only or are you a “doer”?  Are you walking in a manner worthy of your calling?

Nehemiah 5-6, Isaiah 36, Philippians 4

What God said to me – “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice!”  Notice that I said to rejoice in Me and not in your circumstances or in your trials.  I know how difficult it is to rejoice when you are going through trials and difficulties.  You must remember that “I AM” the source of your joy and not your circumstances because your circumstances constantly change.  I never change.  Even when things are going well and you are happy and enjoying life, your joy can’t be in those things because when they change (and they will), you will lose your joy.  When you are walking with Me and bringing everything to Me in prayer and thanksgiving, trusting that “I AM” truly working everything for your good and My glory then My peace will guard your hearts and minds and you can experience joy no matter what is going on around you.  You can do whatever is necessary to get through because you know “I AM” with you and strengthening you and helping you.  Because “I AM” with you, you can be content wherever you are.

Nehemiah 3-4, Isaiah 35, Philippians 3

What God said to me – It is said that a sculptor has a picture in mind of what he is going to create and then he chips away everything else to get the end result.  When I died for you, I had a picture of you in mind – not of what you are or were, but what you would be when I was finished – when I was done chipping away all the pieces to reveal the person I died for you to become.  I use all of your trials and difficulties and the people and circumstances I bring into your life as tools to chip away and transform you – some I use to chop away great chunks and others I use to sand and polish.  Remember this truth no what is happening in or around you.  “I AM” at work to transform you – to do a good work in you.  This is what your sanctification is all about – making you holy as “I AM” holy.  So, keep pressing on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call.