Ezekiel 39:1-40:27, James 2:18-3:18, Psalms 118:1-18, Proverbs 28:2

What God said to me – Do you go about your day moving from one thing to another, figuring out what to do, and then doing it?  There is always something so you do what needs to be done and move on to the next thing.  The problem is as you do this, you don’t engage Me or involve Me.  Even when something is difficult or tiring you just face it head on and grumble and complain all the while.  Don’t compartmentalize Me to your “quiet” time.  Engage with Me moment by moment.  Bring all the things you think need to be done and let Me order your day. I’ll give you wisdom to know what really needs to be done and how to do it.  If something pops up – ask Me what you should do. When you ask Me for wisdom you can know you are asking according to My will because I have promised wisdom to My children when they ask.  You’ll save yourself a lot of trouble and heartache when you come to Me first – “I AM” here.  Just ask!

Ezekiel 37-38, James 1:19-2:17, Psalms 117:1-2, Proverbs 28:1

What God said to me – I do not “need” you to magnify My name among the nations.  I can and will magnify My name and make Myself known in the sight of the nations.  There is coming a time when all will bow down and acknowledge Me.  But you need to magnify My name for your own sake, not Mine.  It is as you walk with Me in obedience acknowledging who “I AM” to the world that your faith grows and you are slowly changed into My image.  When you see what “I AM” doing in the world and in people around you and you join in to participate with Me in carrying out My plans as I direct you, our relationship deepens.  It is through this lifelong conversation and walking with Me that your faith and confidence grows and “I AM” magnified as a result.

Ezekiel 35-36, James 1:1-18, Psalms 116:1-19, Proverbs 27:23-27

What God said to me – Have you ever heard someone say, “I’m never going to pray for patience again because when I do, all kinds of bad things happen”?  Ironically, it’s a prayer I answer, but people don’t like My answer.  In order to be patient and to grow in patience, you must be placed in patience-testing situations.  It’s only as you learn to respond in patience that your patience grows.  It’s like a person who wants to be toned and fit but never exercises.  The weightlifter is constantly changing his weights in order to gain strength and endurance.  Your sanctification and spiritual walk are like a marathon, and you need endurance so you can finish well.  When you encounter various trials in your life – everything from minor irritations to difficult, intense trials and suffering – this testing of your faith produces the spiritual endurance you need.  So, consider it all joy when you encounter various trials, knowing “I AM” at work in you for your own good and My glory.  The joy is not in the trial, it is in the result that the trial is producing in you.