Ezra 1-2, 1 Corinthians 1:18-2:5, Psalms 27:7-14, Proverbs 20:22-23

What God said to me – Over a hundred years before he was born and years before Judah was taken into captivity by Babylon and My temple destroyed, I prophesied that Cyrus would be king and I would call him to rebuild My temple in Jerusalem and allow My people to return home.  All of this was recorded in My word for your benefit so you could see and understand that I have a plan that “I AM” carrying out for the world in general, but especially for My people.  This applies to you too – although My plans for your life may not have been prophesied and recorded in scripture long ago, they have been established none the less.  My plans for you are for a future and a hope – for your good and My glory because I called you to be My child for My purpose.  I have gifted you and placed you within My body to minister and to build up one another.  Just as Esther was made queen at the opportune time and Cyrus came to power exactly when I planned, I have placed you to minister and to serve for such a time as this.

2 Chronicles 35-36, 1 Corinthians 1:1-17, Psalms 27:1-6, Proverbs 20:20-21

What God said to me – You live in an age of corruption.  Sin and ungodliness are exploding and judgment is coming.  It is inevitable.  However, don’t be frightened or dismayed because in every time of judgment I have kept for Myself a faithful remnant who I prepared and enabled to stand – Noah and his family – Elijah and the seven thousand who refused to bow to Baal – Daniel – Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah – Ezekiel – thousands of others who remain unnamed but who were faithful to stand.  Before Judah went into captivity in Babylon, I established a king, Josiah, who was the last king who did what was right in My sight.  He restored My house, discovered My lost word, and led the people in revival and recommitment to My covenant.  Judgment was not averted, but Josiah’s faithfulness helped those like Daniel who went into captivity to stand strong and to trust Me in the midst of it.  In these last days, I’m calling out My people to be a faithful remnant and to stand strong on My word.  Whether it is teaching or preaching or just sharing as I lead, be committed to reaching others so that in that day you will faithfully stand.

2 Chronicles 33:14-34:33, Romans 16:10-27, Psalms 26:1-12, Proverbs 20:19

What God said to me – Josiah was the last king of Judah who did right in My sight.  One of the things he did was order the restoration of My house.  During the work they discovered the Book of the Law, My word, which had been lost.  It is a sad picture of the state of My people – not only were they neglecting My word, but they didn’t even know where it was!  Before you “tsk, tsk” too much, think about, not just society in general, but My church.  There is a song called “Dusty Bibles”, and the first line pretty well sums it up, “we got dust on our Bibles, brand new iPhones.”  You live in an age of information overload – twenty-four-hour news – social media – addictive games – email – YouTube –Tik Tok – you can scroll the morning away without even realizing it and without a thought of Me or My word.  It is so easy to fall into that trap if you are not disciplined and purposeful.  Determine to start your day with Me – set your mind on things above – then end your day with Me and it will make it easier to walk with Me in the in between.  Put your devices down and pick up My word.