Song of Solomon 5-8, 2 Corinthians 9, Psalms 51:1-19, Proverbs 22:24-25

What God said to me – The chorus of a Casting Crowns song says it perfectly, “Not because of who I am, but because of what You’ve done, not because of what I’ve done, but because of who You are.”  “I AM” gracious to you according to My lovingkindness.  It is according to My great compassion that I blot out your sin, not because of anything you have done or can do.  My grace is always sufficient for you.  I will never cast you away from My presence or take My Holy Spirit from you because you are My child and He is the seal and the guarantee of your salvation.  Come to Me quickly in repentance when you sin so I can restore to you the joy of your salvation.  The longer you walk with Me and the closer you stay to Me, the more willing your spirit becomes to cling to Me and obey Me because you know the grief and devastation that comes when you go your own way.  You can walk in a manner worthy of your calling not because of who you are, but because of who “I AM” – cling to Me.

Song of Solomon1-4, 2 Corinthians 8:16-24, Psalms 50:1-23, Proverbs 22:22-23

What God said to me – People today have such a misconstrued idea about what “church” should be.  Because they think “I AM” just like them, they have designed a church service that pleases them – so they are entertained and happy and they leave without worshipping or learning about Me or changing or committing to follow Me more closely.  When the early the early church met together, they worshipped Me, they were taught My word, they ministered to one another, and fellowshipped together, and they changed the world – the focus was not on them feeling good about themselves but on living for Me and glorifying Me.  So, what is your focus?

December 13

Ecclesiastes 10-12, 2 Corinthians 8:1-15, Psalms 49:1-20, Proverbs 22:20-21

What God said to me – Have you heard of “sitters and soakers”?  All they do is go to church and listen to the message and go home – they never act on it or participate in ministry – they check the box in their mind that they went to church so they’re good for another week.  I intended each of My children to minister as I direct, but before you do, you have to give yourself wholly to Me.  When you follow Me wholeheartedly you will find yourself eager to minister and to serve.  However, let Me give you a word of warning – don’t just serve others, but allow them to serve you also.  Ministry within My body is meant to be reciprocal with you serving others as they have need and them serving you as you have need, so the entire body is built up to My glory.  No one person has every gift necessary to minister and to build up the body.  I created it so you need one another – you are a body – you are a family.  So, you must minister to others as I direct and allow them to minister to you as I direct them and I will be glorified in the process.