Judges 19-21, Proverbs 19:15-29

What God said to me – Just as silver and gold are put through the fire to purify and to test them, so I will test your heart.  My testing is never to hurt you, but to purify you . . . to allow the dross to come to the surface so it can be removed.  Don’t ever think in your pride that you have made it, for at that point, you will surely fall.  Don’t stop seeking Me and listening to My instructions or you will stray from the path I intended and one day you will look up in shame at how far away you’ve gone.  Heed My warning and stay close.  Don’t be discouraged by the dross that is surfacing.  It just means that you are in the process of being purified.  Remove it and move on with Me for My path leads to life and godliness.  Listen to My words and accept My instruction and in the end you will be wise.

Judges 16-18, Proverbs 19:1-14

What God said to me – You must learn to evaluate your life in My eyes, not by what seems right to you.  Don’t justify your actions so you can keep doing them.  Don’t try to spiritualize them.  Be honest before Me.  Seek My direction and then follow it.  Look at the Danites who set up a place to worship with an idol and their own priests even though My house and priests were in Shiloh.  They rationalized their worship as being acceptable because it was convenient.  Following Me may mean you must sacrifice convenience for obedience.  In the end though it is the difference in hearing My condemnation or My saying “well done My good and faithful servant.”

Judges 13-15, Proverbs 18

What God said to me – “I AM” God and I will provide everything you need to accomplish whatever task I set before you.  I may not have spoken to your mother before you were born to give direction for your life, but I will speak to you today if you will seek Me.  My Spirit will fill you and direct you and teach you.  Listen closely.  Stay connected.  I will not leave you, but you can choose to ignore Me.  Don’t be like a child who only hears what he wants to hear but become My intimate companion sharing every moment.  A lifelong conversation is possible if you will only stay close.