John 5:1-6:70

What God said to me – I tell you the truth – I always tell you the truth.  Listen to Me.  Spend much time in My word for there you will hear My voice for “I AM” the word.  It is through My word that I direct you.  The work of God is to believe in Me who He had sent.  You want to do the work of God, then believe in Me.  It is through My word that you come to know Me deeply and through My word that I direct you what you should do.  It is through My word that I refresh you and reveal Myself to you.  It is easy to let this time become routine and to just go through the motions so you can say you did it and go on with your day.  But I tell you the truth – My words are life so approach My word with a sense of urgency each day.  You need to hear from Me.  You need to know Me.

John 4:1-54

What God said to me – “I AM” in control of your life and I want to use every moment for My glory and your good.  I can even use your tiredness to accomplish My purpose.  Sometimes in your tiredness I have you stop and lay down and rest so I can refresh you and prepare you for what is to come.  Other times I have you pause and just sit down.  At those times be alert for I may have stopped you there for a ministry opportunity – either ministry to you or ministry by you.  It was not an accident that I sat down by that well in Samaria.  Others need to minister to Me, and you need to let them, even when that ministry is to you – for when others minister to you, they are ministering to Me.  Learn to accept it with gratefulness.  On the other hand, don’t allow your tiredness to be an excuse to sit idly by when I bring you an opportunity to minister.  There is so much need that you miss by rushing from one thing to the next.  If I have you sit down to rest – look up.  I may be using this quiet to show you something you would have otherwise missed.

John 2:1-3:36

What God said to me – Do you want to know how to please Me in your life and ministry?  Look at John the Baptist.  He understood that his purpose was to point to Me and not to himself and he found joy in knowing that he accomplished that.  In the same way your life is to point to Me, not you.  No matter where you are, at home, at church, at work – testify of Me by your faithfulness, your diligence, your servanthood, and your love.  It’s easy to fall back into what you want, or you feel sorry for yourself especially when you’ve been trying so hard and receive no recognition.  Don’t forget – you are not supposed to be recognized – “I AM”!  Take joy when you serve and no one notices – I notice and am pleased.