Jeremiah 39-41, 2 Timothy 1, Psalms 90:1-91:16, Proverbs 26:1-2

What God said to me – Children don’t have a realistic sense of time – school seems to go on forever, summer is short, Christmas is an eternity away in their minds.  Some parents use an advent calendar to count the days as Christmas approaches and kids are “extra” good and “extra” aware as the day approaches.  The Psalmist cried out, “Do return, O Lord; how long will it be?”  His heart yearned for that day.  Unlike Christmas, you don’t know that day, but you can feel it approaching – you sense the time is drawing close.  Be like the child who is “extra” good and “extra” aware – spend more and more time with Me.  Let Me teach you how to number your days and set your priorities.  Even though time may seem to be dragging on for you as the world grows more chaotic and pulls further away from Me, for Me it is just the blink of an eye.  The day is set and rapidly approaching so set your heart and mind to walk in a manner worthy of your calling so you won’t be ashamed at My coming and you can present to Me a heart of wisdom.

Jeremiah 37-38, 1 Timothy 6, Psalms 89:38-52, Proverbs 25:28

What God said to me – There is one method of training dogs where every time they obey or accomplish a task they receive a treat.  They obey because they want the treat.  There is another method where when they obey, they are petted and praised.  They obey because they want to please their master.  So many of My children are like the dog and the treat – they think if they are “good” then I will bless them – they obey and follow Me for the “treat” not because they love Me and want to please Me.  So often they misconstrue My blessing on their lives to be financial success or career success or good health or good children when My true blessing is peace and joy and faith and hope no matter what your circumstances.  Godliness actually is a means of gain, just not material gain – it is spiritual.  Walking in obedience and seeking to please Me because you love Me brings joy and contentment because you trust that “I AM” at work for your good in every circumstance.

Jeremiah 35-36, 1 Timothy 5, Psalms 89:14-37, Proverbs 25:25-27

What God said to me – Reputation is important.  Are you known as a person who obeys My word and follows Me no matter what happens in your life or in the world around you?  Taking a stand and speaking up for the truth is difficult when no one else around seems to agree with you, especially when you are bombarded on every side.  So few of those who claim to be Mine actually listen and obey My word.  They are like someone who hedges his bets and plays both sides.  They want the eternal benefits of being Mine without the commitment and obedience that causes the world to turn on them so they water down and change My word so as not to be offensive.  You cannot straddle the fence and still please Me.  Choose you this day whom you will serve.