Matthew 14-16, Psalms 64

What God said to me – The secret to success is to give to Me what little you have – surrender all to Me – and let Me make much of it for My kingdom.  The world has been deluded into thinking that success is wealth and acclaim.  But I tell you that true success is to be used by Me to further the kingdom – My kingdom.  This is the only success that will last.  This is the only success that will bring fulfillment.  To be willingly used by Me for My purposes is the greatest calling anyone can have.  I use many people in the world to accomplish My purpose, but most are unwillingly and unknowing pawns.  For you to submit yourself to Me to be used is what I long for.

Matthew 11-13, Psalms 63

What God said to me – How much do you want Me?  Do you yearn for Me within your soul?  Is your desire for Me so palpable that it seems like a physical yearning to see Me – to hear from Me.  When you walk closely with Me that is what it is like.  You must be with Me.  You must be in My word.  You must hear from Me.  It seems your very life and existence depends on it.  Set your heart and mind to seek Me totally.  Think about Me.  Cry out to Me morning, noon, and night.  When your soul begins to cling to Me, you will see a dramatic change in your spiritual walk with Me.

Matthew 8-10, Psalms 62

What God said to me – Being a Christian – walking with Me – is not about ritual and tradition – checking the boxes – I went to church this week – I gave my tithe – I read my Bible – I prayed – so I am all good!  Being a Christian – walking with Me – is all about relationship, not “doing”.  You can go to church and yet not worship.  You can give and yet not minister.  You can read your Bible and yet not hear from Me.  You can pray and yet not converse with Me.  “Now I lay me down to sleep” is not prayer, it’s recitation.  If you are not careful, it is easy to slip into this mindset.  Our relationship must be personal and not perfunctory if you are to grow and mature and deepen in your faith.  I didn’t choose you to be a puppet who does all the “right” things.  I chose you to be My child so we could have a relationship and a lifelong conversation that grows and deepens and matures.