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.

Ezekiel 33-34, Hebrews 13, Psalms 115:1-18, Proverbs 27:21-22

What God said to me – Does your life and walk reflect My glory or your own?  Do you seek My glory or your own?  All that you have and are and accomplish is because of Me – not you.  Your health, your wealth, your talents, your abilities, your intelligence, your gifts, your accomplishments – all are because of the grace and mercy I have extended to you in order to carry out My plan for your life.  So also is your lack of any of these things because of the grace and mercy I have extended to you in order to carry out My plan for your life.  I know what you need in your life so you can best reflect My glory and I can accomplish My purpose in you.  When you walk with Me you must learn to be content with who you are and where you are and acknowledge that it is all from me if you are to bring glory to Me.  The key is to walk with Me and allow Me to work in and through you.