1 Samuel 7-9, Proverbs 25:15-28

What God said to me – As you come up against obstacles, difficult circumstances, or difficult people, don’t try to manipulate them, pray.  Trust Me to work on your behalf.  Unless I give you specific instructions, do nothing but pray and trust in Me.  I can do more with a peal of thunder than you can with armies or wealth or clever plans.  Look back on your life and reflect how I have worked on your behalf to bring you to this place.  Set an Ebenezer in your heart to say, “thus far the Lord has helped me.”  Trust that I will continue to help you as you walk with Me.  I will accomplish My purpose in your life and in the world.

1 Samuel 4-6, Proverbs 25:1-14

What God said to me – “I AM” not a talisman to be worn around your neck like a good luck charm.  “I AM” Almighty God, King of kings, and Lord of lords.  Just because you are My child doesn’t mean that everything will come easily, or your life will be without distress.  Sometimes, in fact, it is just the opposite.  My responsibility as your Father is to conform you into My image – whatever it takes.  In order for you to be transformed it sometimes requires the use of difficult circumstances to accomplish My purpose.  You must trust that whatever is happening to you is by design.  “I AM” at work.

1 Samuel 1-3, Proverbs 24:23-34

What God said to me – Today as in the days of Samuel a word from Me is rare.  People have gone their own way and very few ever seek Me or long to hear from Me.  You must learn to listen for Me – to know My voice when I whisper – to know My voice when I shout.  I speak to My children, but they continue to tune Me out.  You must come aside with Me away from the cacophony of the world in order to learn My voice.  Spend time with Me just listening because when you do, you will be able to distinguish My voice even with all the noise of the world.