1 Chronicles 4:5-5:17, Acts 25, Psalms 5:1-12, Proverbs 18:19

What God said to me – As you read the book of Chronicles there is one name after another that nothing is said of them except who their father was and who their sons were, but there is one name that stands out – Jabez.  It was written that he was more honorable than his brothers.  What was it that made him stand out- that made him more honorable?  He called on Me.  He prayed.  Do you want to be honorable in My sight?  Do you want to make a difference in the lives of those around you?  Then pray.  David said in the Psalms that in the morning I would hear his voice.  In the morning, he would order his prayer toward Me and then eagerly watch for Me to work.  The greatest, most honorable thing you can do with your life is to pray for others – pray for My will to be done on earth as it is in heaven – pray for My kingdom to come.  Make it the practice of your life to begin every morning with Me in prayer and then eagerly watch for what “I AM” doing.  Pray without ceasing.

1 Chronicles 2:18-4:4, Acts 24, Psalms 4:1-8, Proverbs 18:16-18

What God said to me – Have you ever known anyone who does what they want and says they don’t care what anyone thinks?  They are going to “be themselves” and people can like it or lump it – it doesn’t matter to them.  On the surface it seems like there is freedom in having such an attitude.  However, when My children live like this, they can limit their effectiveness in sharing My gospel by alienating those I intended them to minister to or share with.  When Paul was defending his faith before Felix, the governor of Israel, he shared about the hope he had in Me knowing that there was going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked.  Because of that coming judgment, he was careful to always do his best to maintain a blameless conscience before Me and before men.  Paul didn’t want to damage his reputation by ungodly living or limit the effect of his witness to others.  Learn from Paul’s example and strive to always live in such a way that you have a reputation of godliness and faithfulness so when an opportunity comes along to witness and share that people don’t automatically tune you out because of your hypocritical lifestyle. 

What God said to me – You see a list of names – some you know and some you don’t and you can’t figure out why I’d bother to list them.  You see names but I see people I used to accomplish My purposes – some willingly and some unknowingly.  I see a testimony to My sovereignty in the world and in individual lives.  “I AM” sovereign and I will carry out My plan for this world.  The question is are you going to be a willing participant in advancing My kingdom?  It is a decision you must make every day.  Are you going to walk with Me in obedience or are you going to go your own way today?  When you choose obedience you get to participate in My work and experience the joy and peace that comes as a result.  When you don’t, you experience frustration and dissatisfaction.  Choose you this day whom you will serve.