1 Samuel 26-28, John 11:1-54, Psalms 117:1-2, Proverbs 15:22-23

What God said to me – My Son, Jesus, prayed continually.  He made sure He took time away from everything to hear from Me and to spend time with Me, not just seeking direction, but in fellowship with Me, sharing His love and His gratitude and His worship.  This lifelong conversation we have is modeled after His relationship with Me, so make sure you do not neglect this time.  When Jesus received word that Lazarus was sick, He didn’t go immediately, but He followed My instructions and waited.  He trusted My plan and understood that I can use even the most difficult circumstances to glorify My name and demonstrate My faithfulness.  When He arrived at the grave with Mary and Martha and their grieving friends, He didn’t just tell them He was praying for them – He actually prayed for them, then and there – as the saying goes, “in front of God and everybody”.  Look to His example and learn to be bold.  Don’t just tell people that you are praying for them and move on but pray for them then and there – let them hear it and I’ll use it to deepen your relationships and broaden your opportunities for ministry.

1 Samuel 24-25, John 10:22-42, Psalms 116:1-19, Proverbs 15:20-21

What God said to me – There are situations in life that are “win-win” where either both sides win, or you win no matter what option you choose.  That’s a great position to be in, but most of the time that’s not where you find yourself.  Then there is the “no-win” situation known as the catch 22 – it’s a paradox – a dilemma with no apparent solution – you need experience to get a job, but you can’t get a job because you don’t have any experience.  It’s a continuous circle.  My Son, Jesus, faced a dilemma when questioned by the Jews.  They asked Him to plainly tell them if He was the Christ – if He said yes, then they would stone Him for blasphemy, but if He said no, then He would be committing blasphemy.  However, He was totally committed to following My will and He trusted My plan and My sovereignty, so He stood firmly and didn’t waver no matter the cost.  In your life you may be faced with such a dilemma where when you stand firm in your faith, you may have to pay a great price.  Never forget that you are in My hand and nothing can take you out of it.  Trust in My plan and in My sovereignty and stand firm.

1 Samuel 22-23, John 10:1-21, Psalms 11:1-18, Proverbs 15:18-19

What God said to me – One of the worst feelings in the world is going through great trials and difficulties and to feel like you are all alone – that no one knows or cares.  David had to flee for his life and was running and hiding from Saul, knowing he was being hunted every day.  However, one of the ways I blessed David was to give him a friend in Jonathan.  Jonathan continually sought him out to encourage him and to warn him and to remind him of his calling.  They shared a connection that was unbreakable because they shared a covenant.  In your life I have told you not to forsake the gathering of yourself together with other believers.  You too share a covenant through Me and you should be seeking one another out to encourage one another and to remind each other of your calling.  You are part of a family and part of My body.  Look for opportunities to come along side one another so you can encourage each other and lift one another up.