December 13

Ecclesiastes 10-12, 2 Corinthians 8:1-15, Psalms 49:1-20, Proverbs 22:20-21

What God said to me – Have you heard of “sitters and soakers”?  All they do is go to church and listen to the message and go home – they never act on it or participate in ministry – they check the box in their mind that they went to church so they’re good for another week.  I intended each of My children to minister as I direct, but before you do, you have to give yourself wholly to Me.  When you follow Me wholeheartedly you will find yourself eager to minister and to serve.  However, let Me give you a word of warning – don’t just serve others, but allow them to serve you also.  Ministry within My body is meant to be reciprocal with you serving others as they have need and them serving you as you have need, so the entire body is built up to My glory.  No one person has every gift necessary to minister and to build up the body.  I created it so you need one another – you are a body – you are a family.  So, you must minister to others as I direct and allow them to minister to you as I direct them and I will be glorified in the process.

Ecclesiastes 7-9, 2 Corinthians 7:8-16, Psalms 48:1-14, Proverbs 22:17-19

What God said to me – If you want to truly know Me you must come quietly with an attitude ready to listen rather than to speak.  Beautiful, articulate prayers are impressive to people, but not to Me.  I look at your heart and your attitude and your desire.  Do you come wanting to know Me more deeply or do you come wanting to get what you want?  Do you come because you love Me and want to spend time with Me or do you come so you can check it off of your list and feel good about yourself?  I desire your heart more than your sacrifices and offerings.  I desire your quiet, receptive spirit rather than flowery praise.

Ecclesiastes 4-6, 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:7, Psalms 47:1-9, Proverbs 22:16

What God said to me – In most cases to be “chosen” is a very special thing, whether it is to be chosen for a team, or chosen for a part, or chosen for a job – in these cases, the people being chosen had to qualify in some way and they were chosen based on certain criteria whether it was athletic ability, or talent for acting, or having the education and experience for the job.  That’s what makes it so remarkable that I chose you to be My child.  There were no criteria or qualifications – just My choice.  There was nothing you did or could or would do to affect My choice.  I chose you when you were yet a sinner and saved you by grace through faith and that wasn’t even yours – I gave you the faith to believe!  “I AM” a Father to those I have chosen and adopted as sons and daughters.  If you spend any time at all reflecting on this truth, it will change the way you walk and live and worship.