Ezra 1-2, Isaiah 29, 2 Corinthians 10

What God said to me – People look around at all that is going on in the world and wonder where “I AM” or if I actually exist.  They can’t imagine that in all of the upheaval and turmoil that “I AM” in control, and yet “I AM”.  Sin has brought about all of the disaster and chaos you see, but “I AM” at work in spite of it – “I AM” at work in the midst of it – “I AM” at work because of it so I can save My people and bring them safely home to Me.  Look at King Cyrus of Persia.  My people had been in captivity of Babylon for seventy long years as punishment and judgment for turning away from Me.  Just as the seventy years that were prophesied as My plan were coming to an end, the Med-Persians defeated Babylon.  I stirred up within Cyrus’s spirit the desire to rebuild My temple in Jerusalem, so he let My people return for that purpose and even gave them the supplies to do it.  You should be encouraged by this story as you look at what is going on globally because “I AM” still at work moving in the lives of world leaders so they fulfill My long-established plans.  “I AM” sovereign.

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.