Matthew 23-25, Psalms 67

What God said to me – Well done My good and faithful servant – I long to say that to each one of My children – well done!  It doesn’t take much to please Me and it takes everything.  I know it sounds paradoxical, but here is what I mean.  You serve Me and minister to Me every day as you are kind to others, encouraging them, helping them as I direct – a word here – a smile there – a drink of water for the thirsty – food for the hungry.  You don’t have to preach to thousands or lead hundreds to Me. Just do a little here or a little there as I direct – that’s where the everything comes in – “as I direct”.  You must be totally surrendered to Me so you can act “as I direct” – whatever that is.  Take up your cross daily and follow Me.

Matthew 20-22, Psalms 66

What God said to me – You know that life is not always easy.  It is not always laughter and fun.  You – everyone – goes through times that are difficult.  How do you respond in either extreme – easy or difficult circumstances or when things are just going along in the middle?  You must learn to respond the same way in good times or in bad or when things are just okay.  Look to Me.  “I AM” always at work in your life.  “I AM” always with you.  Look to Me when you encounter difficulties rather than despairing.  Turn to Me with anticipation to see what “I AM” about to do or to teach or to show you.  Going deep is difficult.  It is easy to give in to pressure or fear.  Don’t do it.  Turn to Me, take My hand, and trust Me to show you the way through.

Matthew 17-19, Psalms 65

What God said to me – I have chosen you to walk with Me not for anything you have done to be chosen, but because “I AM”.  As you walk with Me you will encounter all varieties of life events – joys – sorrows – good times – bad times – times of ease – times of difficulties.  Walking with Me prepares you for each thing you encounter.  Spending much time in My word prepares you for such encounters.  You don’t know what the futures holds, but I do.  If you are diligent and faithful in your walk with Me, you will be prepared.  So when I prompt you to fast, then you must fast.  When I prompt you to pray, then you must pray.  All of this is preparation.  Stay faithful.