Zechariah 10-11, Isaiah 63, Revelation 17

What God said to me – What is it that you value – things, people, health, Me?  How do you measure value?  You’ve heard stories about someone who got a valuable coin in their change from a store or who bought a frame at a garage sale only to find a valuable painting hidden in it, so the price that was paid is not necessarily what determines value.  How valuable would antivenom be if a poisonous snake bit you?  When you were lost and destined for eternity away from Me, I shed My blood on the cross to save you – I gave it as a gift – totally free to you – and yet although it was freely given, its value is priceless to those who accepted My gift.  It’s unheard of in the world today for someone you don’t know to randomly give you something priceless just because they chose to – to single you out and give it to you.  But that’s exactly what I did because you are valuable to Me.  You are so valuable to Me as My child that I long for and delight in spending time with you.  Can you grasp that – Me – King of Kings and Lord of Lords wants to spend time with you.

Zechariah 8-9, Isaiah 62, Revelation 16

What God said to me – You are on the verge of My final judgment where I will pour out My wrath.  I will judge Israel and cause them to return to Me and I will judge the world for its sin.  It’s going to be a horrible time, but it will be followed by a wonderful time of peace and joy as I set up My kingdom on earth.  People will be able to sit in the streets and visit and watch their children play.  They will all worship Me and will say to one another, “let us go at once and entreat the favor of the Lord and to seek the Lord of hosts.”  You, however, as My child don’t have to wait for that day.  “I AM” your King now.  “I AM” your Lord now.  “I AM” your Savior now.  You don’t have to go anywhere to seek My favor because I live in you and eagerly await your attention.  I long for the times when you slow down and put aside all of the distractions of your life and turn to Me for fellowship and guidance.  Don’t think your time with Me is for some time in the distant future.  It is now – come to Me.

Zechariah 6-7, Isaiah 61, Revelation 15

What God said to me – Are you “religious” or “spiritual” in your approach to Me?  You would think they were the same thing, but they are not.  During the time Israel was in captivity in Babylon a group of men came to Zechariah to find out how they could gain My favor.  During their years in captivity, they had continued to fast and mourn at the appropriate times as dictated by their “religion”.  The problem is that they weren’t fasting to find Me, they were fasting to get something from Me.  That is religion – to do something for Me in exchange for something I would do for you.  However, a relationship with me is not transactional – it is not quid pro quo.  There is nothing you can do to compel Me to save you or bless you.  My grace is freely given to My children.  Your relationship with Me is to be spiritual not religious.  I desire your fellowship and obedience out of love and not out of obligation.  Quit trying to please Me to get something from Me but try to please Me because you want to be in My presence and strengthen our relationship.