2 Samuel 20:14-21:22, Acts 1, Psalms 121:1-8, Proverbs 16:18

What God said to me – When children are in school, they have various drills they practice in case of emergency – fire drills – tornado drills – intruder drills – so when something happens it is second nature, and they can act automatically.  So, in your life you when you are faced with trials or difficulties or unseen emergencies, what do you do?  Where do you run – to friends or family – to your banker or other professionals – or do you try to go it alone?  As My child, I should aways be your first and main source for whatever you need.  Your help comes from Me so look to Me for everything. “I AM” always available – I never slumber nor sleep – I never take a day off.  I have a plan for you that “I AM” working out for your good and for My glory so no matter what is happening in your life, “I AM” at work.  If you are afraid, come to Me – if you need comfort, come to Me, if you have questions, come to Me.  This daily time with Me and in My word is necessary training and preparation for all you will encounter so don’t neglect it.  Lift up your eyes – “I AM” a very present help in time of trouble.

2 Samuel 19:11-20:13, John 21, Psalms 12:1-7, Proverbs 16:16-17

What God said to me – There are many absolutely beautiful places in the world that you can only see by traversing difficult terrain.  One such place is a hike in Zion National Park called the Narrows where you hike through a river with beautiful cliffs arising and gorgeous scenery.  The hike is not easy as you wade through water from your ankles to your waist going over slick, uneven rocks.  However, if you are not careful you can be so focused on looking down to make sure you don’t slip that you miss the beauty the hike is taking you through.  After My resurrection when I encountered Mary Magdalene in the garden, she almost missed Me in her tears and sorrow.  The two men on the road to Emmaus were so engrossed on the tragedy of My crucifixion that they didn’t recognize Me when I walked right beside them.  Several of My disciples went back to fishing but were so focused on catching nothing after toiling all night that they didn’t recognize Me when I called from a hundred yards away.  I told you that I would never leave you or forsake you and that I would work all things together for your good so when you are going through difficulties you need to learn to take your eyes off of the difficulties and look for Me in the midst of them.  The greatest blessing doesn’t come at the end of the trial, it comes as you realize that “I AM” in it with you to minister to you and to encourage you and to teach you and to walk with you through it.  Look up and you’ll see My beauty.

2 Samuel 18:1-19:10, John 20:1-31, Psalms 119:153-176, Proverbs 16:14-15

What God said to me – There is a song, “Blessings”, that says, “What if Your blessings come through raindrops?  What if Your mercy comes through tears?”  It is not what most people think of as blessing.  The song goes on, “What if the trials of this life, the rain, the storms, the hardest nights are Your mercies in disguise?”  In this day of “name it, claim it” that is not a popular theology.  After the crucifixion My disciples spent several days in hiding, fearful and sorrowful, and not understanding what was happening.  On the third day, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb heartbroken and sorrowful.  In tears she begged who she though was a gardener to tell her where they had taken My body – then I said her name.  That’s all it took and she knew everything was going to be alright.  This great sorrow she had experienced turned out to be the greatest blessing in disguise.  As you go through trials and difficulties remember this – in My mercy and My love for you I allow you to go through trials to do a wonderful work in you.  Trust Me through your tears.  “I AM” at work for your good and My glory.