Jeremiah 16:16-18:23, 1 Thessalonians 4:1-5:3, Psalms 81:1-16, Proverbs 25:6-8

What God said to me – Elite athletes are diligent in their training.  They have a goal they are working for whether it is the Olympics, or the Super Bowl, or the Masters, or Wimbledon, they keep their eye on the goal and don’t give up.  As the time approaches, they double down and work even harder.  For My children your time here on earth is your training and preparation for eternity as you walk with Me in obedience and are diligent to seek Me in all you do and say.  I have saved you and now “I AM” at work in you for your sanctification – to make you holy as “I AM” holy and to transform you step by step into My image.  However, unlike the athlete who knows the time of his event, you don’t know the day or time “I AM” coming.  That day will be “like a thief in the night”.  However, as you walk with Me and study My word you can be aware that the time is approaching.  So, like the athlete whose event is nearing, feel the urgency and be even more diligent in your walk.  There will be some of My children who are caught by surprise and ashamed when they see Me so stay faithful and diligent and alert and excited to see Me face to face.  Time is running short – live like it!

Jeremiah 14:11-16:15, 1 Thessalonians 1:9-3:13, Psalms 80:1-19, Proverbs 25:1-5

What God said to me – You live in a temporal world where the focus is on the physical – the here and now.  The problem with that is that I have created you as eternal beings and everything that happens in your life is part of My plan to accomplish My purpose and to prepare you for eternity.  Most people want a peaceful, prosperous, wonderful life but with few exceptions, that is not where you dig in and grow spiritually – it is usually the opposite – in the difficult and trying times you cling to Me and grow stronger in your faith.  When tough times come for yourself or those you love, your first inclination is to cry out to Me to get out of them.  When the people of Israel were in the midst of judgment I told My prophet, Jeremiah, not to pray for their welfare because I was using their circumstances to cleanse and refine them and to draw them back to Me.  Paul told the Thessalonians that he knew he was destined for affliction and persecution.  He understood I was using these things to grow him and to grow the spread of the gospel as he moved from place to place because of it.  Rather than focusing your prayers on the temporal – on situations – learn to focus on the eternal – pray that you would be established in holiness – pray that you would know Me in all My fullness – pray that you would be without blame and unashamed at My coming.

Jeremiah 12:1-14:10, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-2:8, Psalms 79:1-13, Proverbs 24:30-31

What God said to me – Judgment is coming but there are many who will be surprised by it.  They claim to know Me but their actions deny their claims.  “I AM” near to their lips but far from their hearts and minds.  They talk a good game justifying their sin by saying I made them that way.  They say that “I AM” a God of love who would never deny anyone acceptance or love or happiness.  They do not know Me or My word.  “I AM” holy and I demand holiness in My children.  I gave My own Son to make My children holy and righteous and acceptable to Me.  I know you – I see you – I will make you holy as you walk with Me.  Don’t just talk the talk – walk the walk.  This is how I transform your life.  This is how I sanctify you.  This is how the Spirit that is in you is working out your salvation in your life for all to see.