1 Samuel 8-9, John 6:22-42, Psalms 106:32-48, Proverbs 14:34-35

What God said to me – There is a phrase, “he’s the real deal” or “it’s the real deal”, meaning they’re legit – genuine – authentic – impressive.  Good Housekeeping has a “Seal of Approval” for products they have investigated and tested and found to be worthy of endorsement and guarantee.  They stand behind the products with their seal.  Historically seals were used to communicate, to authenticate, and to identify.  I have chosen to set My seal on My children.  First, I set My seal on My Son, Jesus.  He is the Bread of Life.  He is the Living Water.  He is the Lamb of God.  He is the Word which became flesh and dwelt among you.  He is the Light of the world.  I set My seal on Him, and I fully guarantee that all He did is true and all He said will come to pass.  I also set My seal on you, My child.  I have sealed you with My Holy Spirit of promise for the day of redemption.  This firm foundation stands – I know those who are Mine – I put My seal on you.  You can never lose your salvation because no one can break My seal – not even you.  I will never leave you or forsake you.  No one can take you out of My hand.

1 Samuel 5-7, John 6:1-21, Psalms 106:13-31, Proverbs 14:32-33

What God said to me – There is a movie, Hacksaw Ridge, about a conscientious objector named Desmond Doss who is a Christian who wants to serve as a battlefield medic during WWII.  He is harassed and beaten and forced to face a court martial trial for his beliefs.  He single-handedly saved seventy-five of his fellow soldiers in the heat of battle and ultimately is granted the Medal of Honor.  In one of the final scenes of the movie, his battalion refuses to go into battle until Private Doss prays.  There were other Christians who served, but he was the “one” everyone turned to in their desperation because of his steadfast walk and witness.  During the time in Israel’s history when Samuel was judge, from the time he was young it was obvious that I was with him and all Israel knew that he was My prophet.  After Israel’s terrible defeats by the Philistines, Samuel was the “one” who called them to return to Me and to turn away from idolatry.  He called them together so he could pray for them.  When the Philistines came back to battle against them, they begged Samuel not to quit praying for them.  You live in a world of chaos and upheaval and tragedy.  People are desperate for safety and peace and hope.  There are many who claim to be Christians, but when times are desperate, the world is looking for someone who is steadfast in their walk to fervently intercede for them.  You be that “one”.

1 Samuel 2:22-4:22, John 5:24-47, Psalms 106:1-12, Proverbs 14:30-31

What God said to me – Back in the day when Elvis Presley was a rock and roll idol, the crowd would hang around after a concert hoping for an encore.  The announcer would finally say, “Elvis has left the building” in order to disperse the disappointed crowd.  Back in the day of the judges of Israel when I was raising up Samuel to be a priest and a prophet, Israel went to battle against the Philistines and were defeated.  They never sought Me either before or after their defeat, but they sent to Shiloh to have the Ark of the Covenant where I sat above the cherubim brought so they could carry it into battle as a kind of good luck charm to ensure their win.  They suffered a horrific defeat where Eli and his two sons died along with thirty thousand Israeli soldiers, and My Ark was captured.  In great sorrow it was wailed, “the glory has departed from Israel, for the Ark of God was taken.”  The world is going to experience the same consequence as I give them over to judgment and they reap what they have sowed without Me.  You, however, as My child have the constant assurance and everlasting promise that I will never leave you or forsake you.  My Spirit is with you, leading you, guiding you, teaching you, convicting you, praying for you, and sealing you until the day I bring you to the place I have prepared for you – and lo “I AM” with you always.