Isaiah 54:1-57:14, Ephesians 6, Psalms 70:1-5, Proverbs 24:8

What God said to me – You’ve occasionally heard someone say, “the struggle is real”.  They usually are joking about something like getting out of bed in the morning, or eating healthy, or exercising.  What they don’t realize is that what they said in jest is actually true.  You, My child, are in a struggle daily, but your struggle is not against flesh and blood, but it is against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.  If you allow these forces to reign unchecked, then things as seemingly innocuous as getting out of bed in the morning or eating healthy or exercising will hinder your spiritual walk and worship and service.  However, I have provided you with everything you need for life and godliness – My presence, My word, My full armor, prayer, other believers to encourage and help you, and much more.  You must be disciplined and devoted to this time with Me so I can teach you and prepare you and enable you.  Then you will be strong in Me and in the strength of My might and be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.

Isaiah 51-53, Ephesians 5, Psalms 69:19-36, Proverbs 24:7

What God said to me – I tell you over and over again that you must walk in a manner worthy of your calling.  So, how are you to do it?  Where do you start?  When I saved you part of what I did was justify you – I declared you to be righteous by virtue of being “washed clean” by the blood of My Son, Jesus Christ.  If you did nothing else, positionally you would be righteous, but what about practically?  My salvation was not just to save you from the penalty of sin; it was also to save you from its power – this is the process of sanctification in your life.  As you walk with Me, I begin to work in you and teach you how to “work out” your salvation.  You must spend time with Me in My word because My word is how I speak to you and teach you and is the foundation for your obedience.  The salvation that is “in” you will become obvious outwardly as you pursue righteousness in your walk and in your speech and you try to learn and do the things that are pleasing to Me.  The days you live in are evil so it is more important than ever that you make the most of your time and be careful how you walk.

Isaiah 48:12-50:11, Ephesians 4:17-32, Psalms 69:1-18, Proverbs 24:5-6

What God said to me – Have you ever seen a makeover on television or in a movie and the person looks so different as to be totally unrecognizable – the proverbial ugly duckling transformed into a beautiful swan.  In this case, they are totally superficial changes that have no lasting effect.  However, when you became My child, you received more than a makeover – you received a complete transformation – a regeneration – this was not just superficial – it was internal – it was spiritual – you became a new person.  As you walk with Me in a manner worthy of your calling, you lay aside your old self because it is totally corrupt and put on your new self.  This new self is in My likeness, created in righteousness and holiness of the truth – everything about you changes – your behavior – your speech – your attitudes.  Because of My Spirit living within your new self, you have the power to cease ungodly behaviors and habits and stop unwholesome speech from coming out of your mouth.  It takes conscientious practice and a commitment to walk with Me in holiness and to be renewed in the spirit of your mind.