Job 34-36, 2 Corinthians 4:1-12, Psalms 44:1-8, Proverbs 22:10-12

What God said to me – As you read the monologues of Job’s friends you see the same misconception that is prevalent today, even within My church – that is when “bad things” happen to someone it is My punishment and judgment upon them and when “good things” happen to someone it is My blessing upon them.  This couldn’t be further from the truth.  “Name It – Claim It” preachers tell you that you can live your best life now and that My will is health, wealth, and prosperity for My people.  These false teachers have no understanding of My character or My plan.  My ways are not your ways.  My ways are higher than your ways.  My ways are perfect.  Job was a righteous man yet look at all he went through.  Paul was My faithful bondservant and apostle, yet he was persecuted and jailed and ultimately martyred.  When you walk with Me in obedience and faith you can be afflicted and yet not be crushed and even when you don’t understand and have questions, you can hold on in faith and not despair.  Even in the worst of circumstances “I AM” working in you so that I might be manifested through you and your testimony of hope and faith will bring glory to Me.

Job 31-33, 2 Corinthians 3, Psalms 43:1-5, Proverbs 22:8-9

What God said to me – Have you ever looked into a mirror and felt like your mom or dad was looking back at you because you look so much like them?  People begin to say, “the older you get the more you look like your mother” or “you sound just like your father”, or “that’s just like something your mom would say”, or “that’s just like something your dad would do”.  It is only natural that you look and sound and act like the people who bore you or raised you or who you spend the most time with.  In the same way My children should begin to look and act and sound like Me as they spend more and more time with Me.  The next step after I saved you was to begin to sanctify you and to transform you into My image.  As you spend more and more time in My word it should transform the way you talk – your speech should be filled with grace, and no unwholesome word should come out of your mouth.  Your countenance should be one of joy and peace.  Your actions should be full of mercy and kindness and generosity.  The more time you spend with Me walking in love and obedience, the more you will look like Me.  Do you?

Job 28-30, 2 Corinthians 2:12-17, Psalms 42:1-11, Proverbs 22:7

What God said to me – When you are at a barbeque the smell of meat roasting is wonderful if you love steaks or ribs or chicken but to the vegan or vegetarian it is offensive – it depends on who they are if they like the smell or not and there is nothing you can do to make it palatable short of not cooking or changing the menu.  The same is true of your life as you interact with unbelievers.  My children have a sweet aroma because of Christ in their lives.  While your aroma is pleasing to Me and to other believers, to non-believers it is offensive.  My Son was a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense for those who refused to believe and as you walk with Me and begin to look more like Him, your aroma will be offensive to unbelievers unless you change the message to make it more palatable.  You must be faithful to My word and choose daily to walk so that the sweet aroma of Christ permeates your life for it is a soothing aroma that is acceptable to Me.