Lamentations 4-5, Proverbs 13:1-13, Ephesians 2

What God said to me – The world truly has no idea what it means to be saved or how to be saved.  They really believe that if they live a “good” life or do “good” works or live the “best” they can, then they’ll be okay and I’ll accept them into heaven.  Even those who are My children have a hard time understanding that their salvation is totally by My grace through faith and that even that faith was a gift from Me.  There is nothing about your salvation that you can brag about because it was all brought about by Me.  I chose you before the foundation of the world to adopt as My child and then extended you the grace and mercy and the faith to believe.  Good works are a natural outflow of your walk with Me because I created you in Christ to do them and I gifted you with the means and opportunity to do them to bring glory to Myself as you minister to others.  Your good works always point to Me and not to you.

Lamentations 3, Proverbs 12:13-28, Ephesians 2

What God said to me – “But God” – these are two of the most hopeful words anyone can ever hear.  They mean that “I AM” at work and that I can change things even when you can’t see a way.  When you can’t see a way and feel like there is no hope for whatever or whoever you are praying about, stop and remember that “but”.  You were dead in your sins and walking in total disobedience in the flesh, “but” I was rich in mercy – “but” I loved you with a great love – “but” I saved you by grace and raised you and seated you with Me in heavenly places.  So, when you begin to lose hope, don’t give up “but” cry out to Me to extend the same mercy and grace you have experienced and trust that those who are far off can also be brought near by My blood.

Lamentations 1-2, Proverbs 12:1-15, Ephesians 1

What God said to me – The people in the world you live in have become masters at changing the narrative in order to pursue their sin without a guilty conscience.  Lifestyles are no longer sinful – they are alternate.  Truth is no longer truth – it is my truth and your truth and whatever you do is acceptable as long as you are living your “truth”.  You grieve as you see your loved ones falling for the lies and into the enemy’s trap.  There comes a point when there is nothing you can do but cling to Me and the promise that “I AM” at work in the lives of those who are Mine to bring them to repentance and total trust in Me.  Praying and waiting sound so simple and I know how difficult it can be when you see no sign of remorse or repentance.  Just as with Israel so I will do what I have purposed for all of My children, and I will accomplish My word and carry out My plan for your good and My glory.