Job 37-39, 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:10, Psalms 44:9-26, Proverbs 22:13

What God said to me – Have you ever watched a time lapsed video of a butterfly emerging from a cocoon?  It is amazing to watch and to think that while the outside is bleak and ugly, inside a total transformation is taking place – it is becoming something beautiful.  The same is true of you, My child – while your outer shell is getting older and weaker and decaying, inwardly you are being transformed by My Spirit within you.  As you walk with Me, “I AM” at work in you changing you into something beautiful.  Your outer body, like the cocoon, is only temporary, but your soul and spirit within you is eternal.  It is good to take care of your physical body so you can be strong and healthy, and you can serve as I lead but remember it is only a shell that is going to eventually be replaced.  It is better to focus on your inward growth and transformation because this is the part of you that will burst forth from your temporary shell of an earthly body into a heavenly one that will live with Me forever.

Job 34-36, 2 Corinthians 4:1-12, Psalms 44:1-8, Proverbs 22:10-12

What God said to me – As you read the monologues of Job’s friends you see the same misconception that is prevalent today, even within My church – that is when “bad things” happen to someone it is My punishment and judgment upon them and when “good things” happen to someone it is My blessing upon them.  This couldn’t be further from the truth.  “Name It – Claim It” preachers tell you that you can live your best life now and that My will is health, wealth, and prosperity for My people.  These false teachers have no understanding of My character or My plan.  My ways are not your ways.  My ways are higher than your ways.  My ways are perfect.  Job was a righteous man yet look at all he went through.  Paul was My faithful bondservant and apostle, yet he was persecuted and jailed and ultimately martyred.  When you walk with Me in obedience and faith you can be afflicted and yet not be crushed and even when you don’t understand and have questions, you can hold on in faith and not despair.  Even in the worst of circumstances “I AM” working in you so that I might be manifested through you and your testimony of hope and faith will bring glory to Me.

Job 31-33, 2 Corinthians 3, Psalms 43:1-5, Proverbs 22:8-9

What God said to me – Have you ever looked into a mirror and felt like your mom or dad was looking back at you because you look so much like them?  People begin to say, “the older you get the more you look like your mother” or “you sound just like your father”, or “that’s just like something your mom would say”, or “that’s just like something your dad would do”.  It is only natural that you look and sound and act like the people who bore you or raised you or who you spend the most time with.  In the same way My children should begin to look and act and sound like Me as they spend more and more time with Me.  The next step after I saved you was to begin to sanctify you and to transform you into My image.  As you spend more and more time in My word it should transform the way you talk – your speech should be filled with grace, and no unwholesome word should come out of your mouth.  Your countenance should be one of joy and peace.  Your actions should be full of mercy and kindness and generosity.  The more time you spend with Me walking in love and obedience, the more you will look like Me.  Do you?