Ezra 8-10, Psalms 118:1-14

What God said to me – It is always better to follow My word the first time because the consequences of disobedience are painful.  When I called you out to be separate to Me, I called you to follow Me in holiness.  I know that living in the world is not easy and there are times you long for what you must not have.  Those are the times you need to cling to Me.  Delve into My word and cry out to Me.  Remember that with every temptation, I always make you a way of escape.  The longer you walk with Me in true fellowship and obedience, the easier it will become.  You will begin to experience sorrow over those things you once longed for so much.

Ezra 5-7, Psalms 117

What God said to me – Follow the example of Ezra.  He set his heart to study My word, and to practice it, and to teach it.  Time spent in My word transforms you.  Just as the king saw Me in the life of Ezra, others will see Me in your life as you allow Me to transform you.  The transformation you long for does not happen apart from spending much time with Me in My word.  Time and diligence are necessary and as you devote yourself to Me, the transformation will happen.  Although you may not realize it, others will, and they will be drawn to Me as a result.

Ezra 1-4, Psalms 116

What God said to me – You have no idea how much I long to speak to those who are Mine.  I incline My ear toward them and wait for them to acknowledge Me and seek Me.  So many days I wait in vain, longing for you to come to Me.  I know the cares of this world and the busyness of your life draw you in and before you know it, you are long into your day, and you have bypassed your time with Me.  You must be diligent not to let that happen.  Time with Me is more important than any of the things pressing in on you.  “I AM” waiting for you.  I have inclined My ear toward you.  Come to Me.