Jonah 3-4, Psalms 137, John 17

What God said to me – It’s easy to love people who are loveable and to want to help them and encourage them.  But what about people who are not loveable, but are contentious and angry and profane?  How do you respond?  Do you just avoid them or ignore them?  There is a reason for My bringing anyone across your path so rather than reacting with revulsion or anger or going out of your way to keep from interacting with them, turn to Me and ask what “I AM” about.  I have a good reason for all I do.  Sometimes your encounters with others are not for your benefit, but for theirs – so you can minister to them and show My love.  Other times it’s for your benefit – so I can teach you or so I can expose some area in your character that needs to change or be repented of.  You must learn that everything you experience is filtered through My hand and My will.  Once you truly understand this it will change the way you respond because you’ll be looking for My direction.

Jonah 1-2, Psalms 136, John 17

What God said to me – You have a circle of people I have given to you – your friends, your family, your co-workers, your classmates – even random strangers I bring across your path.  These are your mission field – your ministry if you will.  Your responsibility is to share with them what I have done in your life so that they will know that you are Mine and that everything you have and are is from Me.  Share what I have done in your life and how even in the most difficult trials, I was there and working for your good and My glory.  As My Son, Jesus, prayed for those I gave Him, you pray for those in your circle and let them know you are praying.  Share with them and minister to them and as you do, I will use your joy and peace to draw them.

2 Kings 23, Psalms 134, John 15:18-27, 16:1-15

What God said to me – I have told you that I work all things for good to those who love Me and are called according to My purpose.  It’s a difficult truth to get hold of especially when you are in the midst of a great trial, but it’s true.  When My Son, Jesus, was preparing for His crucifixion He told His disciples “But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you, but if I go, I will send Him to you.”  The disciples were sorrowing that Jesus said He was leaving them but after He left, He sent His Spirit to dwell in them.  Jesus was “with” them but His Spirit was “in” them so they were never alone again.  So when you are in the midst of difficulty remember this encounter and tell yourself it is to your advantage that you are experiencing this trial and look to Me to show you what “I AM” doing through it.