1 Samuel 7-8, Psalms 94, Romans 3:1-20

What God said to me – You are living in a time unlike any other.  Society as a whole is abandoning My word and turning from Me.  All you hear and read talks of imminent war and destruction, inflation and recession, and mobs demonstrating with no understanding of what they are purporting.  When you are deluged with all this day after day it is easy to become anxious and depressed and to be overwhelmed with sadness.  I don’t want you to avoid it all or tune it out because you need to know how you should pray and take a stand for what is right, but these things shouldn’t be your focus.  You need to keep your eyes on Me for “I AM” where your help comes from.  Turn to Me for encouragement for “I AM” the source of your hope.  When your anxious thoughts multiply within you “I AM” the source of comfort and consolation.  Turn to Me so I can show you how “I AM” at work carrying out My plan.

1 Samuel 5-6, Psalms 93, Romans 2:13-29

What God said to me – Those who are truly My children have been saved by grace through faith and that grace and faith was My gift to those I called so they could believe.  Your good works don’t save you and your good works don’t keep you saved.  But good works are important.  One thing they do is to show that “I AM” at work in you and that you are being obedient to My direction and calling in your life.  People should see your good works and praise Me and if they praise you instead then you use it as an opportunity to share how “I AM” transforming you and directing you in the good works you do.  Conversely, if they know you belong to Me and you are selfish or coarse or greedy or contentious, then My name is blasphemed among them and My reputation is hurt.  Always be aware that you are being watched and judged and it is not just your good name that is at stake, but Mine also.

1 Samuel 3-4, Psalms 92, Romans 2:1-16

What God said to me – How do you approach My word?  Do you read it daily so you can mark it off your list like a chore you have accomplished, or do you come with anticipation because you are about to fellowship with Me and hear from Me?  It’s easy to fall into a routine and just walk through it like something you need to do and finish so you can move on to something else.  You need to learn to put everything else aside, not just in your activity, but in your mind.  You need to realize who “I AM” and really grasp what it means that I want to fellowship with you and spend time talking to you and teaching you.  When you truly understand this you will approach this time together with joy and eagerness to spend time with Me.  Like Samuel you will say “speak Lord for your servant is listening.”