2 Samuel 21, Psalms 118:14-29, John 2

What God said to me – “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”  So how are you doing – do you really believe it?  Do you really trust that all that is going on in your life and in the world is because I made it happen today?  Are you rejoicing because of it?  Read that verse again and realize there is no wiggle room – good or bad – easy or difficult – life changing or just another day.  Your response is not to be based on the things that happened but it is to be based on the fact that “I AM” in control and carrying out My sovereign plan in My perfect time.  This is why My children can have joy and peace even in the midst of the greatest tragedies and adversities and like Job can say “blessed be the name of the Lord.”

2 Samuel 20, Psalms 118:1-16, John 2

What God said to me – Make no mistake about it – Israel is not going anywhere.  My lovingkindness toward them is everlasting.  As long as there is a sun and moon shining in the sky, the nation of Israel will exist.  “I AM” a covenant keeping God.  The distress they are experiencing is only temporary and I will use it to cause them to turn back to Me.  They will learn that it is better to take refuge in Me than to trust in men.  So you stand back and watch Me work in Israel and take comfort that just as “I AM” keeping My covenant with them, I will also be faithful to keep My covenant with you.  In these difficult times take refuge in Me and in My word.

2 Samuel 18-19, Psalms 117, John 1:24-51

What God said to me – John the Baptist had a ministry that I gave him to call the people to repentance and to be baptized.  His ministry was not just for the benefit of the people he served, but it was also so that he could reveal My Son for who He was.  When he baptized My Son, Jesus, My Spirit descended on Him and identified Him as My Son.  You have a ministry to which I have called you also.  Your ministry is not just for the benefit of those to whom I have called you, but it is also so that My Son would be lifted up.  So as you minister, don’t just help people and let it go at that but point them to My Son and all that He has done to save you and to save them and in doing so you will bring glory to My name.