Job 40-42, 2 Corinthians 5:1-21, Psalms 5:1-17, Proverbs 22:14

What God said to me – There is an old movie called “Shallow Hal” about a shallow, superficial guy who only sees and judges people based on their outward appearance until he is hypnotized by his therapist so he begins to see people who are nice and kind and good as beautiful and people who are mean and cruel and unkind as ugly no matter what their outward appearance actually was.  The question is, “how do you view people?”  Do you judge them or accept them based on appearance?  Are they attractive or successful?  Are they like you?  When I saved you, I made you a new creation – old things have passed away, and new things have come.  You don’t want to be seen or judged based on who you were before I saved you so don’t judge others that way.  Ask Me to give you a heart that sees people the way I see them.  Your behavior, your attitude, and your demeanor are always a witness, whether good or bad.  You are My ambassador in the world so never forget that you represent Me to those you interact with so walk in a manner worthy of your calling and glorify Me.

Job 37-39, 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:10, Psalms 44:9-26, Proverbs 22:13

What God said to me – Have you ever watched a time lapsed video of a butterfly emerging from a cocoon?  It is amazing to watch and to think that while the outside is bleak and ugly, inside a total transformation is taking place – it is becoming something beautiful.  The same is true of you, My child – while your outer shell is getting older and weaker and decaying, inwardly you are being transformed by My Spirit within you.  As you walk with Me, “I AM” at work in you changing you into something beautiful.  Your outer body, like the cocoon, is only temporary, but your soul and spirit within you is eternal.  It is good to take care of your physical body so you can be strong and healthy, and you can serve as I lead but remember it is only a shell that is going to eventually be replaced.  It is better to focus on your inward growth and transformation because this is the part of you that will burst forth from your temporary shell of an earthly body into a heavenly one that will live with Me forever.

Job 34-36, 2 Corinthians 4:1-12, Psalms 44:1-8, Proverbs 22:10-12

What God said to me – As you read the monologues of Job’s friends you see the same misconception that is prevalent today, even within My church – that is when “bad things” happen to someone it is My punishment and judgment upon them and when “good things” happen to someone it is My blessing upon them.  This couldn’t be further from the truth.  “Name It – Claim It” preachers tell you that you can live your best life now and that My will is health, wealth, and prosperity for My people.  These false teachers have no understanding of My character or My plan.  My ways are not your ways.  My ways are higher than your ways.  My ways are perfect.  Job was a righteous man yet look at all he went through.  Paul was My faithful bondservant and apostle, yet he was persecuted and jailed and ultimately martyred.  When you walk with Me in obedience and faith you can be afflicted and yet not be crushed and even when you don’t understand and have questions, you can hold on in faith and not despair.  Even in the worst of circumstances “I AM” working in you so that I might be manifested through you and your testimony of hope and faith will bring glory to Me.