Nehemiah 7:72-9:21, 1 Corinthians 9:1-18, Psalms 33:12-22, Proverbs 21:11-12

What God said to me – Have you ever taken a child out somewhere and given them strict instructions to stay right next to you, but you look away for just a second and when you turn back, they are gone.  It is absolute terror and panic you feel because you know the danger and trouble they could experience so you frantically search until you find them.  It is such a horrific experience you do everything you can to teach and train your child of the importance of staying close and being obedient – not just for your sake, but for theirs also.  Ezra and the scribes called My people together and read and explained My word.  They recounted their history and how I called them and led them and was faithful to them.  They told how their forefathers refused to listen to My word and did not remember My wondrous deeds, so they became stubborn and arrogant and fell away from Me into idolatry and rebellion.  This is why you must stay close and not neglect My word.  It is so easy to wander off and fall away and it can happen very quickly.  Cling to Me – listen to My instructions – I will teach you and guide you and protect you – stay close!

Nehemiah 5:14-7:72, 1 Corinthians 8, Psalms 33:1-11, Proverbs 21:8-10

What God said to me – When My people had finished the rebuilding of the wall around Jerusalem and the gates were finally set back in place, Nehemiah gave instructions about when the gates were to be opened and when they were to be shut and bolted.  He appointed guards from the inhabitants of the city and assigned them posts near their own houses because when they were posted by their homes, they had a vested interest in making sure their families and property remained safe.  In the same way you need to set up a guard and protection around your family.  You must be careful and watchful about what you allow into your home and family.  Today it is not just books and magazines and television and movies, but with computers and the internet the enemy has many more ways to encroach.  I have placed My Spirit within you, and He will give you discernment, so pay attention.  The more time you spend with Me, seeking to know Me, and honor Me with your entire life, the easier it will be to spot the incursions of the enemy.  Stay alert.  Be diligent.  Put down your devices and pick up My word.  You be holy because “I AM” holy.

Nehemiah 3:15-5:13, 1 Corinthians 7:25-40, Psalms 32:1-11, Proverbs 21:5-7

What God said to me – Have you ever watched a movie about someone breaking wild horses?  Some of the horses are only controlled and do what the rider wants when they are saddled and have a bit and a bridle and even then, the rider has to jerk the reins to get their attention.  Others are so responsive all it takes is a gentle nudge of the rider’s knees to direct them.  Like a trainer teaches and trains horses, “I AM” your teacher and instruct you in the ways of holiness and how you can please Me and direct you in the way you should go.  The sad reality is that most of My children are like the stubborn horse or mule who only responds to stern pressure.  They only come to Me when they perceive that they are in trouble and can’t handle things themselves.  Unless I use adverse circumstances to jerk the reins of control and change directions, they keep going their own way.  My eye is always on you.  I know what you need and when you need it so look to Me at all times seeking My direction and instructions and learn to respond quickly to My gentle nudges.