Nehemiah 1-2, Isaiah 34, Philippians 2

What God said to me – Have you ever known someone who was really out of shape and overweight and they told you they were determined to get healthy, lose weight, and get in shape?  If after a few months you saw no change, what would you think of their decision?  But if after a few months you began to notice their weight loss and their dedication to their workouts and to eat a healthy diet, you would know their commitment was genuine.  There are so many people who say they are My children, but you never see a change, either in the way they look or the way they talk or the way they act.  Those who are truly Mine are transformed – they are continually being transformed as the salvation that is in them works its way out of them.  You can see a difference in the way they look and in the way they talk and in the way they act.  You as My child should constantly be striving to work out your salvation.  Your works are not what are saving you, but your works are stemming from the salvation I gave you to demonstrate that you are truly saved.  Let Me work in you to will and to work My good pleasure.

Ezra 9-10, Isaiah 33, Philippians 1

What God said to me – You live in an age where you are constantly aware of not just what is going on in the lives of your friends and family, but things happening around the world also.  With television and the internet and social media you are bombarded in real time with what is happening, especially with the bad and sad and tragic things.  Being overwhelmed with depression is becoming more and more common and people are losing hope as they feel like things are crashing in all around them.  However, “I AM” your stability in these unstable times.  You have resources at your disposal that the world does not – you have a wealth of salvation and wisdom and knowledge with My presence and My word.  So, in the midst of the storm, you be calm for those around you.  Your steadfastness in the midst of chaos and tragedy will draw them because they long for the peace and hope you have.

Ezra 7-8, Isaiah 32, 2 Corinthians 12:19-21, 13

What God said to me – How do you become skilled at anything?  Think about top athletes – think about army snipers – think about actors – think about artists or tailors or chefs and on and on.  To achieve any level of skill takes diligence and practice and devotion.  Ezra, a scribe, was a captive in Babylon and he was skilled in the law of Moses – in My word.  Ezra had set his heart to study My word and to practice it and to teach it and he did it all while he was in captivity.  So, what about you?  I know you are busy, but do you ever feel lacking in handling the word of truth?  Do you hesitate to share because you are not confident that you know My word well enough, or they might ask you something you can’t answer?  Then do as Ezra and set your heart to study My word and to practice it and to teach it.  You may never be a teacher in a formal setting, but you are a teacher for your children and grandchildren and to those you encounter with questions and doubts.  This time with Me is where My Spirit teaches you and helps you develop as a skilled handler of My word.