Jeremiah 8:8-9:26, Colossians 3:1-17, Psalms 78:32-55, Proverbs 24:27

What God said to me – You live in a “microwave” generation where people expect results in a few seconds or minutes at the most and if it doesn’t happen, you’re off to the next thing.  You want a pill or a shot that will remove years of self-indulgence rather than exercising self-control and being diligent step by step to grow stronger and fitter.  The same is true spiritually – there is no seminar or self-help book that can make an instant transformation in your life.  Walking with Me, living like Me, looking like Me is a step by step, day by day process where when you seek Me diligently and faithfully, I transform you and renew you according to My image.  There is no “magic pill” – there is My word, My Spirit, and your obedience.  Begin each day by setting your mind on things above and not on earthly things, because that is where your life truly is – keep your focus there.  Just as you put on your clothes each day, habitually put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.  You want to look like Me – then begin to act like Me.  How would your attitude and actions be different today if in everything you said and did today that you said and did it in My name?

Jeremiah 6:16-8:7, Colossians 2:8-23, Psalms 78:1-31, Proverbs 24:26

What God said to me – Evil upon evil – depravity upon depravity – this is the world you live in today.  Those who are truly Mine are horrified at all that is happening around them and yet they are helpless to change it.  The leaders say “elect me and I will give you peace” but there is no peace.  The “fixes” they bring are only superficial because a heart change is what is needed for a change to actually take place and only I can change a heart.  Most are far from Me and have no desire to come nearer.  They abhor Me and you because they love their sin.  To acknowledge Me or those who are Mine is to shine the light on their sin so they cling to darkness and attack the light.  You must cling to Me and trust that “I AM” in control and carrying out My plan.  Behold “I AM” at the door.

Jeremiah 4:19-6:15, Colossians 1:18-27, Psalms 77:1-20, Proverbs 24:23-25

What God said to me – When two people are at odds very rarely do they approach one another simultaneously to make peace.  It is usually one of them who graciously reaches out to bring about a reconciliation.  That was the case with us.  While you were dead in your sins and alienated from Me, I reached out to you through My Son to reconcile you to Myself.  Not only did I save you by My grace through faith, I also gifted you the faith necessary to believe.  So, now by that same grace through faith is how you will continue in your walk with Me.  As you are diligent in this time with Me in My word and seeking to know Me, I will firmly root you and build you up and establish you in your faith.  There will be times of struggle as you face difficulties and trials and waver in unbelief and lack of understanding.  During these times, look to David’s example – he focused on Me and My character – he recounted the times of My past faithfulness and was thankful for all I had done.  Stay close during these times, overflow with gratitude for My past faithfulness and cling to My promises that “I AM” working for your good and My glory.  Just as you received Me – walk in Me – by grace through faith.