Jeremiah 4:19-6:15, Colossians 1:18-27, Psalms 77:1-20, Proverbs 24:23-25

What God said to me – When two people are at odds very rarely do they approach one another simultaneously to make peace.  It is usually one of them who graciously reaches out to bring about a reconciliation.  That was the case with us.  While you were dead in your sins and alienated from Me, I reached out to you through My Son to reconcile you to Myself.  Not only did I save you by My grace through faith, I also gifted you the faith necessary to believe.  So, now by that same grace through faith is how you will continue in your walk with Me.  As you are diligent in this time with Me in My word and seeking to know Me, I will firmly root you and build you up and establish you in your faith.  There will be times of struggle as you face difficulties and trials and waver in unbelief and lack of understanding.  During these times, look to David’s example – he focused on Me and My character – he recounted the times of My past faithfulness and was thankful for all I had done.  Stay close during these times, overflow with gratitude for My past faithfulness and cling to My promises that “I AM” working for your good and My glory.  Just as you received Me – walk in Me – by grace through faith.

Jeremiah 2:31-4:18, Colossians 1:1-17, Psalms 76:1-12, Proverbs 24:21-22

What God said to me – My apostle, Paul, consistently and purposefully prayed for other believers, both those he knew and had ministered to personally, and those he had only heard about.  Look at Paul’s prayer for these brothers and sisters in Christ – it was not just a “bless them and be with them prayer” – it was so much more.  He prayed that they would be filled with the knowledge of My will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding so that they could walk in a manner worthy of Me, to please Me in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in knowledge of Me; strengthened with all power according to My glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously giving thanks to Me, because I qualified them to share in My inheritance with you.  I rescued them from the domain of darkness and transferred them to the kingdom of My Son.  Learn from Paul – you must learn to pray for one another more than just superficially and for more than just their physical wellbeing – pray for their spiritual growth and maturity – pray for their eternity.

Jeremiah 1:1-2:30, Philippians 4, Psalms 75:1-10, Proverbs 24:17-20

What God said to me – High level athletes have long understood there is a relationship between physical performance and mental attitude.  Many professionals have a sports psychologist on staff to help them with the mental aspects of the game.  It is the same for you in your walk with Me.  When I told you not to be conformed to the world, I didn’t tell you to work harder and be more disciplined, I told you to be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Joy and peace in your walk begin in your heart and mind, not in your actions.  Paul told the Philippians to pray about everything rather than succumbing to anxiety and as they did this, My peace would guard their hearts and minds.  Sports psychologists give their clients exercises to practice to transform their attitudes and thinking.  There is such a thing as “stinkin thinkin” and if your focus is on bad things or ungodly things or what you can’t do, it will change the way you live and respond.  You must set your mind on what is true and honorable and right and pure and lovely and of good repute and excellence.  It takes practice to consistently reject the bad thoughts and focus on the good.  If you purposely dwell on these things it will transform your life and you will experience joy and peace and contentment that surpasses all understanding.