Isaiah 39:1-41:16, Ephesians 1, Psalms 66:1-20, Proverbs 23:25-28

What God said to me – Have you ever been in a group where the conversation turned to everyone’s aches and pains – all the health issues they are suffering, or how bad the economy is and how hard it is to make it financially, or how society is collapsing morally, or their kids are in rebellion?  The focus is on the negative – on the bad things and the difficulties.  However, your perspective as My child should be different.  You were chosen to be My child and predestined according to the purpose of My will.  I use all of these things to refine you as silver is refined – to transform you and to sanctify you.  When you truly understand that “I AM” the one who brought you into the net or laid an oppressive burden on you, or took you through the fire and water and that “I AM” working in you for your good and for My glory, then you will quit fighting against Me and begin to cooperate with Me as you seek My direction, and My will, and My transformation.  You will begin to share, not about all the difficult things you are experiencing, but about all I have done for your soul through those things – how you walk in peace and joy knowing that “I AM” in control and at work in you.  It is not easy to get to this place of maturity in your faith.  You must cling to Me in faith, and I will give you the spirit of wisdom and enlighten your heart so you will know the hope of My calling.

Isaiah 37-38, Galatians 6, Psalms 65:1-13, Proverbs 23:24

What God said to me – “I AM” the one true God.  The world does not know Me or understand Me.  They have no idea that I have a plan that “I AM” carrying out and they are a part of that plan.  Whether they acknowledge Me or not, I use them to accomplish My purposes.  You also have a part in My plan.  You can choose to walk apart from Me, going your own way and depending on yourself and being blind to all “I AM” doing around you to carry out My plans – or you can walk with Me, seeking Me, studying My word, and letting Me reveal Myself to you.  I will open your eyes so you can see Me at work and show you how you can participate in that work.  You can be a willing instrument in My hands and a participant in My work or you can walk in ignorance and darkness, hoping for the best, but fearing the worst.

Isaiah 33:10-36:22, Galatians 5:13:25, Psalms 64:1-10,Proverbs 23:23

What God said to me – The U.S. Army Warrior Ethos states:

• I will always place the mission first
• I will never accept defeat
• I will never quit
• I will never leave a fallen comrade

Just think what would happen in the church if My children believed this way – they would not just change their lives; they would change the world.  What about you – do you always put Me first – worshipping Me, seeking My will and direction, obeying immediately?  Is this time with Me a priority for you?  When you fall to temptation and sin, do you immediately come to Me in repentance, eager for forgiveness so our relationship is restored, and you can start again, or do you avoid Me and neglect this time because you are embarrassed or ashamed?  What about your relationship with others?  The whole Law can be fulfilled by loving Me and loving your neighbor as yourself.  Look around you – encourage the exhausted and strengthen the weak.  Tell those who are anxious to take heart because “I AM” with them and “I AM” coming soon.  Do you want to please Me and make an impact?  Then always put Me first, never allow sin to overcome you and quit, and come along side and encourage fellow believers so they too can worship Me and minister to others.