Leviticus 20 :22-22 :16, Mark 9 :1-29, Psalms 43 :1-5, Proverbs 10 :18

What God said to me – It’s human nature to want to be accepted – to be part of the group.  However, those I have called to be My children, I have set apart from other people.  So, what does that mean for you?  You are to be holy because “I AM” holy.  There should be an obvious distinction between you and the world.  You should be different – you should act differently – you should talk differently – you should even look differently.  The world is becoming increasingly more profane in their speech – what used to be shocking is now everyday speech.  However, as My child, I have instructed you to let no unwholesome word come out of your mouth.  The world’s behavior is becoming increasingly more ungodly, and much sin has become normalized.  You, however, are to walk in a manner worthy of your calling – this includes what you read and watch and listen to and not just your behavior.  Lastly, your appearance should not reflect society, it should reflect Me and be chaste and respectful.  If people question your differences, don’t be embarrassed or ashamed, but use it as an opportunity to share who “I AM” and what I have done for you.  I set you apart for a reason – let Me use you for My glory.

Leviticus 19:1-20:21, Mark 8:11-38, Psalms 42:1-11, Proverbs 10:17

What God said to me – Have you ever been so busy that you didn’t have time to eat or drink?  When you are thirsty or hungry you typically don’t perform well or respond well even under ordinary pressures or stresses.  It’s like the commercial where someone gets “hangry” and turns into a whole different person.  You can get that way spiritually also.  Whether you realize it or not, My children thirst and hunger for Me.  “I AM” the Living Water and the Bread of Life.  You need this time with Me and in My word to strengthen you spiritually and so you can face the day-to-day challenges that come up in your life.  When you neglect this time you will find yourself being impatient or unkind or short in your responses to others.  This time with Me in not just for devotion and fellowship – it is meant to transform you and to prepare you for day-to-day life.  Don’t neglect it.

Leviticus 16:29-18:30, Mark 7:24-8:10, Psalms 41:1-18, Proverbs 10:15-16

What God said to me – In education, learning is progressive.  You are taught basic facts and rules and truths and once you learn them, the teachers use those foundations to teach you more.  You would never start a kindergartner with trigonometry – they have to learn their numbers first and then progress to basic math.  There are times when students get to college and they should be taking advanced mathematic classes, but because they never truly grasped the basics, they have to take remedial classes to prepare them for what is to come.  The same can be true spiritually.  As you study My word and I take you through various life experiences, I teach you to walk in faith and to trust Me as you grow into a mature believer.  However, very often My children see the things they go through as isolated, one-off occurrences and so they are frightened and flounder spiritually.  What you need to do is to look at them as building on your past experiences – remember the times I have been faithful and brought you through.  Ask Me what “I AM” doing – ask Me what “I AM” teaching you – ask Me to show you how to get through.  Let Me use each thing to teach you and to grow you spiritually into a strong and mature believer.