Isaiah 57:15-59:21, Philippians 1:1-26, Psalms 71:1-24, Proverbs 4:9-10

What God said to me – Have you ever heard someone say, “it’s all about you”?  It is usually said in jest, but there is some truth to it.  Most people live their lives for themselves – it is all about them – their success – their health – their happiness.  For My apostle, Paul, it was just the opposite – it was all about Me and all about others.  He wrote to the Philippians, “for to me to live is Christ and to die is gain”.  While most people dread death and do everything they can to prevent dying, Paul understood that death was the ultimate gain – his trials and difficulties would end, and he would be with Me in glory.  For Paul, it was death that was “all about him”, not life – his life was serving Me and serving others – his life was sharing the gospel and discipling believers.  Paul chose life, not so he could be happy and successful, but for the sake of the cause of Christ and serving others – it was never “all about him”.  So, what about you – do you live an “it is all about me” life or like Paul, a “to live is Christ, to die is gain” life?

Isaiah 54:1-57:14, Ephesians 6, Psalms 70:1-5, Proverbs 24:8

What God said to me – You’ve occasionally heard someone say, “the struggle is real”.  They usually are joking about something like getting out of bed in the morning, or eating healthy, or exercising.  What they don’t realize is that what they said in jest is actually true.  You, My child, are in a struggle daily, but your struggle is not against flesh and blood, but it is against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.  If you allow these forces to reign unchecked, then things as seemingly innocuous as getting out of bed in the morning or eating healthy or exercising will hinder your spiritual walk and worship and service.  However, I have provided you with everything you need for life and godliness – My presence, My word, My full armor, prayer, other believers to encourage and help you, and much more.  You must be disciplined and devoted to this time with Me so I can teach you and prepare you and enable you.  Then you will be strong in Me and in the strength of My might and be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.

Isaiah 51-53, Ephesians 5, Psalms 69:19-36, Proverbs 24:7

What God said to me – I tell you over and over again that you must walk in a manner worthy of your calling.  So, how are you to do it?  Where do you start?  When I saved you part of what I did was justify you – I declared you to be righteous by virtue of being “washed clean” by the blood of My Son, Jesus Christ.  If you did nothing else, positionally you would be righteous, but what about practically?  My salvation was not just to save you from the penalty of sin; it was also to save you from its power – this is the process of sanctification in your life.  As you walk with Me, I begin to work in you and teach you how to “work out” your salvation.  You must spend time with Me in My word because My word is how I speak to you and teach you and is the foundation for your obedience.  The salvation that is “in” you will become obvious outwardly as you pursue righteousness in your walk and in your speech and you try to learn and do the things that are pleasing to Me.  The days you live in are evil so it is more important than ever that you make the most of your time and be careful how you walk.