Joshua 2-3, Psalms 68:19-35, Acts 20:1-25

What God said to me – Waiting is always difficult, especially when you are waiting for something to happen, whether good or bad.  The uncertainty is stressful and the anticipation can be nerve wracking.  This is when you need to hunker down and spend much time with Me.  Pray constantly and stay in My word.  I will give you peace and comfort in the midst of the waiting.  I will use this time to strengthen you and build your faith.  You will learn to hold on to Me and trust My sovereignty in ways you never have before.  Turn your focus from the thing you are waiting for to Me because it’s when your focus is on something other than Me that you begin to waver and stumble.  “I AM” the author and the finisher of your faith – keep your eyes on Me.

Joshua 1, Psalms 68:1-19, Acts 19:23-41

What God said to me – As I was speaking with Joshua in preparation to lead the people across the Jordan into the promised land, I admonished him over and over to be strong and courageous.  You see walking with Me is not easy – it requires courage to face the things you will face, especially in the world today.  Just as Israel was going to fight many battles as they entered the land, you will also face many battles.  You will face cultural and spiritual wars and it will not be easy to stand strong and not compromise – it’s easier just to stay silent and not speak against the sin and evil in society.  I will tell you what I also told Joshua – don’t let My word depart from your mouth but meditate on it day and night – be careful to do all that I say – the world can refute your words but when you speak My word then their argument is with Me. “I AM” with you and will lead you but you must remain strong and courageous.  This time with Me is where I prepare you and give you the power to stand.

Deuteronomy33-34, Psalms 67, Acts 19:1-22

What God said to me – Not everyone who says they are a Christian are Mine.  Many who have grown up in a religious tradition claim to be Mine but in reality they are not.  After hearing My word for so long and not responding in repentance and confession they have been hardened and are disobedient.  Like the nation of Israel they are stubbornly set in their ways, claiming to be religious but living quite differently than My true disciples.  These people drive others from Me rather than leading them to Me.  You need to walk with Me with an open mind and open heart and let Me teach you what it means to be truly Mine.  My followers are kind yet still uncompromising in what is truth.  They are steadfast and faithful not just in their relationship with Me but with others also.  What about you?  This time with Me will help you to be sensitive to others and to minister with love and kindness rather than with legalistic religion.