Deuteronomy 28, Psalms 64, Acts 16:19-40

What God said to me – In your life you are going to face many difficulties and trials and challenges – some very difficult and even life threatening and some minor inconveniences and irritations.  How are you going to respond in each situation?  It really should be the same no matter how difficult or how minor the circumstance.  It should be one of praise and thanksgiving and trust that “I AM” at work in your life.  Paul and Silas were in a difficult life-threatening situation and yet they were praising Me and singing hymns and in doing so they were making an impact on others around them – the other prisoners were listening.  Don’t forget that others are always watching you to see how you respond.  Do you snap at the store clerk over a perceived offense or are you kind and gracious?  Do you tell the doctors and nurses that “I AM” your healer and you are grateful for how “I AM” using them to minister?  Your responses are revelations of your actual spiritual walk.  How are you doing?

Deuteronomy 27, Psalms 63, Acts 16:1-24

What God said to me – I rarely reveal My will to My children all at once – it is usually step by step as you walk with Me and obey Me.  I use each step along the way to train you and to prepare you for what is to come.  It is not a game of hide and seek where you look and look and hopefully find it at some point.  I lead you and reveal My will step by step as we walk together.  Look at Paul. I led him to Derbe and Lystra and there he met Timothy who joined them on their missionary journey.  I led them through the regions of Phrygia and Galatia but I told them not to speak there.  I led them to Mysia but when they tried to go north to Bithynia I stopped them and told them to go to Troas where they received instructions to go on to Macedonia.  They didn’t miss My will – they found it as they followed Me and obeyed.  So don’t worry that you might somehow miss My will.  I won’t let that happen.  As you are faithful to follow Me step by step, “I AM” faithful to lead you.

Deuteronomy 25-26, Psalms 62, Acts 15:19-41

What God said to me – When you face various trials and difficulties where do you run?  Do you run to your family and friends for help or for prayer?  This is not a bad thing because you do need help and support and encouragement.  But if your first reaction is not to cry out to Me, you need to stop and repent.  “I AM” your Father.  “I AM” your very present help in time of need.  “I AM” the One who is carrying out a plan for your life that is for your good and My glory.  Whatever the issue is, you need to bring it to Me first.  I will comfort you and guide you and give you a peace and a perspective that no one else can.  I will let you know what you are to do next – if you should go to others for help or prayer or if you should just wait for Me.  The order is important, and it reveals where your faith truly is – come to Me first and let Me lead you.