Obadiah 1, Isaiah 49:13-26, Revelation 2:12-29

What God said to me – You’ve seen movies where a storm is raging in the ocean and the ship is being tossed about and waves are crashing over the deck so the sailor lashes himself to the mast so he won’t be swept away – or a tornado is approaching and there is no shelter so they lash themselves to a pipe anchored deep in the earth and they hold on for dear life as the winds blow past.  You live in a world where storms are raging politically and morally and spiritually.  Times and world views are changing so rapidly you can’t keep up.  What used to be thought of as normal and right and acceptable is now thought of as hateful and unkind and intolerant.  So, how are you to live in such a society?  First of all, remember that “I AM” the same yesterday, today, and forever – I do not change.  The new lifestyles and accepted behaviors are just old sin repackaged and updated.  You hold fast and stand firm on My word.  The storm is coming but the one who holds fast to Me is the one who will be left standing once the storm passes.  Hold fast until I come.

Amos 9, Isaiah 49:1-13, Revelation 2:1-11

What God said to me – You’ve heard coaches who say they plan for the long game and not the short one – you can make some points quickly and run out of steam and still lose the game if you are too shortsighted.  The adage “it’s a marathon and not a sprint” has the same idea.  My plan for your life and for the world is for the long game.  I formed My Son in the womb to bring Israel back to Me knowing they would reject Him at first.  But I also knew that because of their rejection, I would form My church, and you would be saved.  In the end I will bring Israel back to Me and all of My children will be saved – Israel and My church.  Look at this example as you go through your life.  Don’t let short term defeats or even victories define your walk- look to the end and keep going.  “I AM” coming for you so persevere to the end.

Amos 7-8, Isaiah 48, Revelation 1

What God said to me – Amos, My prophet, lived in the time I was bringing judgment on Israel for their idolatry.  He stood and proclaimed My word to the people about the coming judgment because of their sin.  Israel’s priest even refused to believe and spoke against him because he stood and preached My word.  You live in a day where My word is quickly being classified as “hate speech” because it calls people out for their sinful lifestyles and that makes them uncomfortable.  There are even those in the so-called church who are changing and softening the message of My word, so it fits the times and the people rather than them fitting My word.  You must set your heart and mind to be steadfast and to stand on My word no matter what your audience or no matter their lifestyles or no matter their point of view or opinion.  “I AM” the Way, the Truth and the Life.  My word is truth!