Nehemiah 12:27-13:31, 1 Corinthians 11:1-16, Psalms 35:1-16, Proverbs 21:17-18

What God said to me – The old saying, “do as I say, not as I do”, is the epitome of hypocrisy.  Unfortunately, it is true of much of My church today, even those in leadership.  To lead by example is rare now days as leaders seek status and honor with others doing the work and making the sacrifices.  It is no wonder that the reputation of the church is in tatters and it is held in such low esteem.  Paul on the other hand was so confident in his walk with Me that he urged the Corinthians to imitate his walk as he imitated My Son’s walk.  Think about that – can you in good conscience urge others to imitate you because you are confident in the way you live your life for Me?  It is possible when you spend your life seeking Me and walking in obedience as I direct.  Walk in a manner worthy of your calling, seeking Me, serving Me, and ministering to others and you will be able to say to others, “do as I say and do as I do.”

Nehemiah 11:1-12:26, 1 Corinthians 10:14-33, Psalms 34:11-22, Proverbs 21:14-16

What God said to me – Living in the world today is not easy for My children.  There is such a convoluted message of what is right and what is wrong that has nothing to do with Me.  I tell My children to respect authority and to obey the law, but you need to remember that just because something is legal doesn’t make it right or godly and you must constantly seek Me regarding your behavior.  “I AM” the plumbline – “I AM” the One you must please.  It’s not the black and white things that will trip you up – “thou shall not kill” – “thou shall not steal” – it’s the gray areas.  So, how do you as My child navigate the world and live in such a way that you please Me in all you do?  First of all remember that you are not your own – you are Mine – bought with a price – the blood of My Son.  So, ask Me – seek My direction, not just for the “serious” things like your job or your church or your ministry, but in all things – what you read or watch or your activities or who you hang out with.  Ask yourself, “is this thing profitable?” – not monetarily, but for My kingdom.  Ask yourself, “does this thing edify?” – are you or others being built up and growing closer to Me?  Does it glorify Me or bring Me shame?  Fun times can be just as glorifying to Me and build up My kingdom as well as work and ministry when you use them to grow relationships and sow My love and care.  Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all for My glory.

Nehemiah 9:22-10:39, 1 Corinthians 9:19-10:13, Psalms 34:1-10, Proverbs 21:13

What God said to me – I led Israel out of slavery in Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm.  The time leading up to it was not easy – their workload was increased, and they paid a price, but they also saw Me work in mighty ways through the plagues and the parting of the sea before them.  I led them to My mountain so I could cut covenant with them and give them My law.  Amazingly after all they saw and went through, it was at the base of the mountain that they succumbed to temptation and fell.  This time of interlude as they waited for Moses to come down should have been a time of rest and restoration and preparation for what was to come, but instead it became a time of immorality and debauchery and idolatry.  These things happened as an example and were written for your instruction.  “I AM” always at work carrying out My plans.  Learn from Israel’s example – if you don’t stay close to Me and purposefully seek Me during the down times, the waiting times, the times where it doesn’t seem like “I AM” there, it is so easy to fall away.  When you fall away then you are either not ready or disqualified when it is time to go to work.  Like the athlete who is training diligently for an event, there are many days of hard work, but there are also days built in the schedule for rest and recovery – both are necessary to reach the goal – seek Me in both so you stay close and don’t fall away.