Deuteronomy 34, Joshua 1-2, Luke 13:22-14:6, Psalms 79:1-13, Proverbs 12 :26

What God said to me – In the movies or on TV, Christians are typically portrayed as weak, namby-pamby people with no backbone and in reality, the opposite is true.  Following Me and living for Me and taking a stand for what is right and good and holy in an ungodly world is not easy.  Following Me is not easy and yet it will get even more difficult as society continues to degenerate and My return approaches.  When Joshua was going to lead My people into the promised land, I told him over and over again to be strong and courageous.  Strength and courage would be necessary to face the difficulties and battles they would encounter, but their reward would be great as I fulfilled My word and brought them into the promised land.  In your walk with Me, you also must be strong and courageous.  You will face many difficulties and battles as the enemy stirs up society to reject Me and My ways completely.  As you stand strong and courageous in steadfastness following Me, I promise your reward will be great when I return and establish My kingdom.  “I AM” coming soon – be strong and courageous.

Deuteronomy 33, Luke 13:1-21, Psalms 78:15-72, Proverbs 12:25

What God said to me – You may not have any knowledge about plants, but if you saw a tree with apples on it, then you would be able to identify it as an apple tree.  If you saw a tree with lemons on it, you would be able to identify it as a lemon tree.  Fruit is an obvious identifier of a fruit tree.  Like fruit trees, My children should be easily identifiable by the fruit in their lives.  The fruit of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control should be visible signs that identify you as My child.  As you walk by the Spirit, the fruit will begin to grow and be evident.  It is a moment by moment, step by step surrender of your selfish, fleshly desires and an acceptance of My sovereignty in leading you in every area of your life.  In the parable, the tree that never bore fruit was cut down and burned because it was useless.  Are you bearing any fruit in your life that would identify you as one of Mine?

Deuteronomy 32:28-52, Luke 12:35-59, Psalms 78:56-64, Proverbs 12:24

What God said to me – Dark clouds are gathering.  You can see it.  You can feel it.  You can even smell it – it is going to rain very soon.  You do not know exactly when, but soon.  So, you take the cushions off of the lawn furniture and pick up your gardening tools and bring them all in where they will be safe and dry.  My coming will be like this – you can see the signs all around you and you know it is going to be soon so, you need to watch and pray and prepare.  So, what does that mean practically for you?  Think about how you would change the things you do or plan or worry about if you actually knew when you were going to die – where would your focus and priorities be?  Moses actually knew when he was going to die – I told him.  He spent his last days reminding the people he loved, the nation of Israel, of how I had delivered them and how I had been faithful to them and how I would bless them and prosper them and the hope they would have in Me if they would love Me and serve Me.  Use this time of uncertainty you are living in to share openly and walk in a manner worthy of your calling so you will have no regrets and be unashamed when you see Me face to face.