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.

2 Kings 24-25, Psalms 135, John 16

What God said to me – The end is quickly approaching and nothing will be able to forestall the judgment that is coming.  My children will begin to experience more and more persecution as the end draws closer.  Just as the Jews who crucified Me made the early believers outcasts from the synagogue and they justified their persecution as offering service to Me, the world will justify their persecution of you as a good thing because your radical beliefs and intolerance needs to be stopped.  Your rights will be taken away so their sin can flourish.  I have warned you in advance so you can be prepared to stand firm.  In Me you will find peace even in the turmoil.

2 Kings 21-22, Psalms 133, John 15

What God said to me – Most people think that becoming a “Christian” is you making a decision, praying a prayer, going to church when you can, doing your best to be good, praying when you need something, and maybe occasionally reading your Bible.  But it’s so much more than that.  When I call you and you repent of your sin and believe in Me as your Savior, you  become My child.  You are connected to Me forever.  My Spirit dwells in you as your teacher and intercessor and seal that you are Mine.  I abide in you and you in Me – “I AM” the vine and you are a branch that bears fruit as a result of our relationship.  As you grow and mature in Me, I prune you so that you can bear even more fruit.  This pruning is not an easy process and is usually painful as I work in you cleansing and growing you into My image.  You are transformed and “I AM” glorified and the world knows that you are Mine.