September 9, 2022

Judges 16-18, Proverbs 19:1-14

What God said to me – You must learn to evaluate your life in My eyes, not by what seems right to you.  Don’t justify your actions so you can keep doing them.  Don’t try to spiritualize them.  Be honest before Me.  Seek My direction and then follow it.  Look at the Danites who set up a place to worship with an idol and their own priests even though My house and priests were in Shiloh.  They rationalized their worship as being acceptable because it was convenient.  Following Me may mean you must sacrifice convenience for obedience.  In the end though it is the difference in hearing My condemnation or My saying “well done My good and faithful servant.”

September 8, 2022

Judges 13-15, Proverbs 18

What God said to me – You must learn not to jump to conclusions as to what you are to do when you encounter an opportunity or difficult circumstances.  Just because it seems good on the surface doesn’t mean I want you to pursue it and conversely, just because it is unclear or seems bad doesn’t mean I’m telling you stop.  You must learn to seek Me in all things.  Don’t live your life based on open doors or closed doors or feelings.  Seek Me. Ask My direction.  I will not lead you astray.  Seek Me.  Follow Me.  Obey Me.  Trust Me.

September 7, 2022

Judges 10-12, Psalms 71

What God said to me – As you look around you trying to see the gifts I’ve given so you can express your gratitude and thanks, begin with Me.  My righteousness and My salvation of you should provide endless sources for praise and thanksgiving.  Even for the inarticulate or unobservant there should be plenty to spark an outflow of thanksgiving.  Once you start, you will become a fountain of praise and thanksgiving, overflowing and touching everyone you meet.  Living life in this way will make you a marvel in a world of selfishness and self-centeredness.  Living life in this way lifts Me up and draws men to Me.