1 Kings 14:1-15:24, Acts 10:1-23, Psalms 133:1-3, Proverbs 17:7-8

What God said to me – There is an old saying, “God helps those who help themselves”, that is often attributed to My word, but it is not scriptural.  While I do give you means and ability, I want you to come to Me for direction in how to use them.  Look at the story about King Asa.  He was a King of Judah who did right in My sight – he put away the male cult prostitutes from the land and removed the idols his fathers had made.  However, when Baasha, King of Israel, came up against him, he didn’t pray and ask Me what to do but he took the silver and gold that was left in the treasuries of My house and made a treaty with the King of Aram.  He won the battle against Israel, but he missed out on My blessing because I would have given him victory over the King of Aram also.  Learn from this example – just because you have the means to fix a problem doesn’t necessarily mean that’s what you should do.  Come to Me for direction and then follow My leading.  There is blessing in obedience.

1 Kings 12:20-13:34, Acts 9:26-43, Psalms 132:1-18, Proverbs 17:6

What God said to me – I give gifts and ministries to each of My children as part of My plan for them and for My kingdom.  No one is greater than another because each one contributes to the building up of My body and establishing My church.  Paul preached and debated with non-believers as he proclaimed the gospel.  Peter healed Aeneas and Tabitha in the name of Jesus and their communities responded in belief.  Barnabas encouraged and befriended Paul and introduced him to the church leaders and helped establish his ministry.  Tabitha performed deeds of kindness and charity and impacted her community greatly.  The greatness of the gifts or ministries is not determined by numbers, but by obedience.  Don’t think that serving is any less of a gift or ministry than preaching or that encouraging others is any less a gift or ministry than evangelism.  Each one is necessary to fulfill My plan and accomplish My purposes.

1 Kings 11:1-12:19, Acts 9:1-25, Psalms 131:1-3, Proverbs 17:4-5

What God said to me – Long distance running is difficult and grueling and requires a great deal of endurance.  However, the best long-distance runners, even after running hard for the entire race, have a “kick” at the end where they sprint the last fifty or so yards, stretching for the tape and giving all they have to win the race.  Your walk with Me is much like a long-distance race – make it your goal to finish strong.  So many people serve me well for years, when they get older and retire from work, they retire from serving Me as well, saying, “they’ve done their time – let the younger people step up”.  If you are not careful, you’ll begin to falter in your walk.  Solomon served Me well when he was younger, but when he got older, he fell away and as a result the nation of Israel split.  Saul, who became Paul, didn’t start well, but he fought the good fight and finished his race strong.  Solomon had wealth beyond measure, yet he faltered in the end.  Paul learned to be content in whatever circumstances he found himself and he finished well.  Keep running the race with endurance – strive for the “kick” at the end and you will hear Me say “well done”.