2 Samuel 18-19, Psalms 117, John 1:24-51

What God said to me – John the Baptist had a ministry that I gave him to call the people to repentance and to be baptized.  His ministry was not just for the benefit of the people he served, but it was also so that he could reveal My Son for who He was.  When he baptized My Son, Jesus, My Spirit descended on Him and identified Him as My Son.  You have a ministry to which I have called you also.  Your ministry is not just for the benefit of those to whom I have called you, but it is also so that My Son would be lifted up.  So as you minister, don’t just help people and let it go at that but point them to My Son and all that He has done to save you and to save them and in doing so you will bring glory to My name.

2 Samuel 17, Psalms 116, John 1:1-34

What God said to me – I know that you are despairing over the condition of your country and of the world.  You are saddened by the knowledge there is nothing you can do to stem the tide or change things.  So what are you to do?  You are to be like John the Baptist.  He was a voice crying in the wilderness for them to make straight the way of the Lord.  He called out their sin and called them to repent and he warned them of the consequences if they didn’t.  It wasn’t easy for him and he paid a great price for his stance.  He was My good and faithful servant.  You must stand firm also and call out the sin of the world around you.  Call them to repentance.  Tell them that just because the world says something is a “right” doesn’t make it right.  Warn them of the judgment that is coming if they refuse to repent.  You may pay a high price but you will hear Me say “well done My good and faithful servant.”

2 Samuel 16, Psalms 115, Romans 16

What God said to me – Which came first – ungodly people or ungodly leaders?  The answer is an indictment of the world you live in.  I could remove all of the ungodly leaders in the world today and by tomorrow they would be replaced with more ungodly leaders.  The vast majority of people have turned their backs on Me and what is holy and good.  They have chosen to go their own way.  In their “sophistication” they would never acknowledge that they are idol worshippers, but they are.  They worship themselves and their wants and desires.  They reject My holiness and My truth and My people because all of these things bring conviction of their own sin.  Rather than repent, they reject My word and they justify their sin and elect leaders who agree with and reflect their own ungodliness.  So what are My people to do – how are they to live in this ungodly place?  You are to stand firm for what is right and trust in Me as you eagerly await My return.  Your hope is in Me.