1 Samuel 10-12, Proverbs 26:1-16

What God said to me – Following Me begins with commitment on your part.  You must listen to My voice and take a stand.  You must not turn aside or get distracted by the things of the world.  I know this is not easy.  The world is constantly distracting you from Me and it is difficult to stay focused.  When you find yourself straying away, you must learn to stop, re-focus, and quickly return.  Don’t allow sin to keep you from me but turn back to Me quickly for sin cannot profit or deliver you – only I can.  I will not abandon you for you are Mine.  I will come after you, not just for your sake, but for Mine also.  I love you.

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.