Matthew 27:1-66

What God said to me – Suffering is not easy but suffering unjustly is even more difficult.  Your natural reaction is to defend yourself – to make your case.  You need to learn how to act supernaturally rather than naturally.  In order to do this, you must stop and come to Me.  Ask Me how you should respond.  Sometimes it’s okay for you to defend yourself or explain the situation.  Other times I want you to keep silent and let Me defend you.  The key is that you don’t know how you should respond until you come to Me and ask.  Remember I use all things to accomplish My purpose and I will work all things for your good.  So when you are attacked, exercise self-control, stop, and ask Me what you should do and then obey and watch Me work.

Matthew 26:1-75

What God said to me – Not as I will but as you will – can you truly say that?  It’s not a one-time thing you know – something you say when you face a big trial, it’s a way of life.  Everyday when you get up say “not as I will, but as You will” for today, for this hour, for this minute.  That is how you live a surrendered life all day everyday saying, “not my will, but Yours” because only as you learn to live like this in the small things, will you be able to surrender in the big things.  This is what it means to walk with Me, always talking, always asking what’s next, always surrendering, always obeying.  Begin today and when you fall short, begin again.  It will get easier as you see My faithfulness along the way.  Never forget – My will is perfect.

Matthew 25:1-46

What God said to me – Well done My good and faithful servant – I long to say that to each one of My children – well done!  It doesn’t take much to please Me and it takes everything.  I know it sounds paradoxical, but here is what I mean.  You serve Me and minister to Me everyday as you are kind to others, encouraging them, helping them as I direct – a word here – a smile there – a drink of water for the thirsty – food for the hungry.  You don’t have to preach to thousands or lead hundreds to Me. Just do a little here or a little there as I direct – that’s where the everything comes in – “as I direct”.  You must be totally surrendered to Me so you can act “as I direct” – whatever that is.  Take up your cross daily and follow Me.