Job 8-11, 1 Corinthians 15:1-28, Psalms 38:1-22, Proverbs 21:28-29

What God said to me – There is a famous quote, “nothing is certain but death and taxes.”  Although taxes can come and go, death does not.  Until I come again everyone is going to die.  The certainty is devastating for those who do not know Me.  For those who are My children however, there is hope and anticipation knowing that death is not the end, but the beginning – resurrection and new life are coming!  This truth should change the way you live – it should change your focus and priorities – it should change the way you interact with those who don’t know Me.  If you knew someone was dying of a disease and you knew the cure you wouldn’t hesitate to tell them.  Use every opportunity to share the gospel of hope to those who are dying.  When you live with an eternal perspective you will see things differently and live differently.  Live as a person of hope and share the good news.

Job 4-7, 1 Corinthians 14:18-40, Psalms 37:30-40, Proverbs 21:27

What God said to me – There is an age-old question – “why do bad things happen to good people?” – even more pointed – “why do bad things happen to My people?”  Look at Job – he was a righteous and a godly man and yet he suffered in ways that very few people in history have ever suffered.  As you ponder the answers and wrestle with the “whys” and “why nots” you find nothing that satisfactorily explains it.  It comes down to faith.  It comes down to trust.  It comes down to who “I AM” and My character.  “I AM” holy.  “I AM” righteous.  “I AM” good.  I cannot and will not act outside of that and in contradiction to who “I AM”.  I have a plan for each one of My children that is for their good and for My glory.  So, as you go through life and “bad things” happen, remember these truths.  You may not understand it.  You may not like it.  You may not agree with it, but you can in faith say, “I trust you Lord, do your work in Me.  You are always good and You are at work in Me for good.”  Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the convictions of things not seen.  Trust Me even when you don’t see it.

Job 1-3, 1 Corinthians 14:1-17, Psalms 37:12-29, Proverbs 21:25-26

What God said to me – Have you ever sat by a skating rink and watched the skaters?  There is usually a small child whose dad is teaching them how to skate.  One thing you notice is that the child doesn’t hold the dad’s hand – the dad holds the child’s hand so that when they stumble or fall, and they will, the child is not hurled headlong onto the rink but is safely held by the father until they can regain their footing.  This is such a good picture of how I teach you and direct your path.  I have a plan for you, and I have established your steps.  I hold onto you so that when you stumble or fall, and you will, you will not be hurled headlong.  I’ll help you regain your footing so you can continue on.  Like the proud dad who guides and instructs and holds on and picks up and comforts, “I AM” there – cling to Me and don’t let go.