Daniel 10:20-21, 11-12, Isaiah 28, 2 Corinthians 9

What God said to me – Throughout the centuries smooth talking leaders have convinced people who don’t know Me to commit unspeakable wickedness and evil – just look at Nazi Germany as an example.  Today’s people are no different.  They pride themselves on being knowledgeable and educated and sophisticated so they’d never fall for such inhumanity and godlessness and yet it continues to occur.  But the people who know Me will display strength and take a stand just as My true people have done down through the ages.  You need to understand the reality of taking a stand for Me.  Unlike the false teaching in the church today that says those who follow Me are blessed with health and safety and prosperity, you may pay a price as you stand for godliness in an ungodly society.  I told My disciples they needed to count the cost and so should you.  This time with Me will not only strengthen and prepare you to stand, but it will give you insight so you can shine brightly for Me without wavering.  The end will come at the appointed time.  You stay strong and pure no matter what you face and you will hear Me say, “well done.”

Daniel 9-10, Isaiah 26:20-21, 27, 2 Corinthians 8

What God said to me – My people, Israel, went into captivity in Babylon as judgment for their sin and to bring them to repentance.  My servant and prophet, Daniel, was in the first group to go.  He was a very young man when he was taken and was in captivity most of his life, yet he served Me faithfully and never wavered in spite of his circumstances.  Daniel knew My word and trusted My faithfulness.  He knew My prophet, Jeremiah, had written they would be in captivity for seventy years.  So, when he was an old man, Daniel knew the seventy years were coming to an end and his people would soon be returning home.  As the time approached, he gave his attention to Me.  He prayed and fasted and confessed the sin of his people and trusted Me to take them safely home.  You who know My word know that the last days are approaching, and you will soon be home.  Follow Daniel’s example and turn your attention to Me.  Pray and fast and trust Me to bring My people safely home.

Daniel 7-8, Isaiah 26, 2 Corinthians 6:11-18, 7

What God said to me – If you’ve ever been in a small town where a freight train comes barreling through, very few people look forward to the time they know it’s coming.  It’s loud – it rattles the windows and disrupts traffic – it’s dangerous to those who try to hurry and try to beat it across the tracks – it’s always so long and even though they know it’s coming, a lot of people get stuck because they didn’t plan ahead or take care of the things they needed to do ahead of time.  My judgment is going to be like that for most people – it’s going to catch them by surprise because they waited too long and are not prepared or it’ll barrel over them and smash them.  The people who are most excited to see the train are the children of the engineer.  They know the sight of the train means they’ll soon be at home with their father.  So, as you see the fires and the floods and the earthquakes and the wars, don’t be afraid because the One you have eagerly awaited is about to arrive and you’ll be home with Him.  Keep your heart and mind fixed on this promise and I will keep you in perfect peace.