Exodus 39-40, Mark 1:1-28, Psalms 35:1-16, Proverbs 9:11-12

What God said to me – Many Christians never open up the Old Testament because they think it doesn’t apply to them.  However, “I AM” the Word of God – the whole word and not just part.  There is much in the Old Testament that sheds light on the New Testament – the signs and symbols – the prophesies – the history.  An understanding of the Old Testament will enrich and deepen our relationship and your understanding of My word.  Look at the tabernacle for example.  Even though it is no longer in existence on earth, it was a copy of the one in heaven.  As you study it, it will help you to worship and to serve Me now.  There were two groups of people I promised to make a kingdom of priests – Israel and the Church.  The only people to have access to the Holy Place were My priests and they entered daily of minister to and fellowship with Me.  You, as part of My Church, have access, so just as the priests of old, come daily to minister to and fellowship with Me.  This should be a time you look forward to with eagerness and excitement and not a sense of duty.  How are you approaching this time?

Exodus 37-38, Matthew 28, Psalms 34:11-22, Proverbs 9:9-10

What God said to me – In this world you will have tribulation – it’s a fact even though it’s not a popular sermon topic.  You may suffer affliction from disease or persecution or sin or rejection.  There is untold physical, mental and emotional suffering as you go through life.  My promise to My children is that I will deliver them.  My Son was abused ad tortured and He suffered and died, yet I delivered Him.  I resurrected Him and seated Him at My right hand.  I used His suffering and death for His good and My glory and demonstrated My faithfulness by fulfilling My promises.  In the accounts of His suffering and death there is an often-overlooked fact that has great significance – “none of His bones were broken”.  Why is that significant?  First, it is a sign to show that like the Passover lamb slain, but no bones were broken, He is the Passover Lamb whose shed blood saved the people who believed.  Second, it was the fulfillment of a prophecy from long ago that in His affliction none of His bones would be broken.  I fulfilled My promise concerning Him and I will fulfill My promise concerning you.  In this world, you will have tribulation, but I have overcome the world.

Exodus 35:10-36:38, Matthew 27:32-66, Psalms 34:1-10, Proverbs 9:7-8

What God said to me – My children never have to be afraid in whatever circumstance they find themselves because “I AM” sovereign and the plans for their lives are in My hands.  Just look at the things that happened around the crucifixion of My Son.  Satan thought he could thwart My plans by enticing one of His disciples to betray Him.  However, I called Judas to be a disciple years before for that very purpose.  Rather than thwart My plans by enticing Judas to betray My Son, he unknowingly fulfilled it.    Satan thought he could thwart My plans by killing My Son, so he enticed the Pharisees to kill Him.  Rather than thwarting My plan, he unknowingly fulfilled it.  Satan thought he could stop rumors of My Son’s resurrection by having them seal the tomb, but instead he unknowingly reinforced the truth of it.  So when you find yourself in difficult circumstances or feel like the enemy is on the attack, don’t be afraid – turn to Me.  I can use those very things to accomplish My plan in your life.  Trust My sovereignty, even in the smallest things and trust Me to work it out for your good and for My glory.