Nehemiah 3-4, Isaiah 35, Philippians 3

What God said to me – It is said that a sculptor has a picture in mind of what he is going to create and then he chips away everything else to get the end result.  When I died for you, I had a picture of you in mind – not of what you are or were, but what you would be when I was finished – when I was done chipping away all the pieces to reveal the person I died for you to become.  I use all of your trials and difficulties and the people and circumstances I bring into your life as tools to chip away and transform you – some I use to chop away great chunks and others I use to sand and polish.  Remember this truth no what is happening in or around you.  “I AM” at work to transform you – to do a good work in you.  This is what your sanctification is all about – making you holy as “I AM” holy.  So, keep pressing on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call.

Nehemiah 1-2, Isaiah 34, Philippians 2

What God said to me – Have you ever known someone who was really out of shape and overweight and they told you they were determined to get healthy, lose weight, and get in shape?  If after a few months you saw no change, what would you think of their decision?  But if after a few months you began to notice their weight loss and their dedication to their workouts and to eat a healthy diet, you would know their commitment was genuine.  There are so many people who say they are My children, but you never see a change, either in the way they look or the way they talk or the way they act.  Those who are truly Mine are transformed – they are continually being transformed as the salvation that is in them works its way out of them.  You can see a difference in the way they look and in the way they talk and in the way they act.  You as My child should constantly be striving to work out your salvation.  Your works are not what are saving you, but your works are stemming from the salvation I gave you to demonstrate that you are truly saved.  Let Me work in you to will and to work My good pleasure.

Ezra 9-10, Isaiah 33, Philippians 1

What God said to me – You live in an age where you are constantly aware of not just what is going on in the lives of your friends and family, but things happening around the world also.  With television and the internet and social media you are bombarded in real time with what is happening, especially with the bad and sad and tragic things.  Being overwhelmed with depression is becoming more and more common and people are losing hope as they feel like things are crashing in all around them.  However, “I AM” your stability in these unstable times.  You have resources at your disposal that the world does not – you have a wealth of salvation and wisdom and knowledge with My presence and My word.  So, in the midst of the storm, you be calm for those around you.  Your steadfastness in the midst of chaos and tragedy will draw them because they long for the peace and hope you have.