1 Chronicles 2:18-4:4, Acts 24, Psalms 4:1-8, Proverbs 18:16-18

What God said to me – Have you ever known anyone who does what they want and says they don’t care what anyone thinks?  They are going to “be themselves” and people can like it or lump it – it doesn’t matter to them.  On the surface it seems like there is freedom in having such an attitude.  However, when My children live like this, they can limit their effectiveness in sharing My gospel by alienating those I intended them to minister to or share with.  When Paul was defending his faith before Felix, the governor of Israel, he shared about the hope he had in Me knowing that there was going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked.  Because of that coming judgment, he was careful to always do his best to maintain a blameless conscience before Me and before men.  Paul didn’t want to damage his reputation by ungodly living or limit the effect of his witness to others.  Learn from Paul’s example and strive to always live in such a way that you have a reputation of godliness and faithfulness so when an opportunity comes along to witness and share that people don’t automatically tune you out because of your hypocritical lifestyle. 

What God said to me – You see a list of names – some you know and some you don’t and you can’t figure out why I’d bother to list them.  You see names but I see people I used to accomplish My purposes – some willingly and some unknowingly.  I see a testimony to My sovereignty in the world and in individual lives.  “I AM” sovereign and I will carry out My plan for this world.  The question is are you going to be a willing participant in advancing My kingdom?  It is a decision you must make every day.  Are you going to walk with Me in obedience or are you going to go your own way today?  When you choose obedience you get to participate in My work and experience the joy and peace that comes as a result.  When you don’t, you experience frustration and dissatisfaction.  Choose you this day whom you will serve.

2 Kings 23:31-25:30, Acts 22:17-23:10, Psalms 2:1-12, Proverbs 18:13

What God said to me – When all the world is in an uproar around you, when evil seems to be prevailing and the ungodly prospering – don’t focus on all of those things – look to Me.  Your hope is in Me.  You can settle into despair or you can walk in hope and peace and the assurance that “I AM” in control.  This daily conversation and walking together is more for you than it is for Me.  Don’t misunderstand – I long for this time and enjoy our friendship, but “I AM” all sufficient – I don’t need this time, but I want this time and I love this time.  You, however, need this time with Me.  You need the constant assurance from Me that things will work for your good and My glory.  You need the reminder that “I AM” in control of all that is taking place around you.  You need the peace that only I can give.