2 Chronicles 16-17, Proverbs 30:17-33

What God said to me – In football – or in any sport for that matter – the winner is not the one who is ahead at the beginning of the game, but the one who is ahead at the end.  Spiritually there are many of My children who started off strong but then faltered as they began to depend on themselves and others rather than Me.  Look at the example of Judah’s King Asa – early on when they were attacked by a million-man army from Ethiopia, he cried out to Me knowing they had no chance, and I saved them.  But later when they were facing an invasion, Asa turned to an enemy and made a treaty through bribery.  Judah was saved, but they missed out on the blessing I had intended had they relied on Me.  I long for My children to follow Me wholeheartedly and to trust Me wholeheartedly so I can bless them.  I look for those whose heart is completely Mine so I can support them and help them in their distress – so I can build them up and encourage them.  If you want to finish well you must always be pressing on toward the mark and in the end you will hear “well done.”

2 Chronicles 14-15, Proverbs 30:1-17, Matthew 12:12-50

What God said to me – After Asa became king of Judah they had ten years of peace.  So, what did they do during this time of peace?  They went through the land and removed all the idols and cleaned it up.  They restored their cities and fortified them.  Then they were attacked.  The Ethiopians came with an army of a million men.  What was the response of Asa and the people?  They prayed and put their trust in Me and then they fought the battle.  So, follow their example.  Use the times of peace in your life to dig deep.  Root out the sin in your life and fortify and strengthen your heart and faith by studying My word and spending much time with Me.  Battles are coming – they come into everyone’s life – so don’t let down and coast in your spiritual walk.  Use this time to prepare and to strengthen and to build up your heart and faith so you are ready when the battle comes.

2 Chronicles 12-13, Proverbs 29:15-27, Matthew 12:1-21

What God said to me – Rehoboam, Solomon’s son, became king of Judah after him.  During his seventeen year reign there were times when he sought Me and followed Me, but more often than not, he went his own way.  Like so many people, he did what he wanted and went his own way until he got into trouble and then he would cry out to Me for help.  Rehoboam did evil because he did not set his heart on Me.  What about you?  Is your heart set on Me or do you, like Rehoboam, do what you want until you get into trouble and then you turn back to Me?  Sadly, this up and down, back and forth spiritual walk is true for most of My children.  This consistent time with Me is necessary to set your heart on Me and avoid being like Rehoboam.  You cannot be steadfast and faithful in your walk without spending much time with Me and in My word – that is what this lifelong conversation is all about.