Job 1-3, 1 Corinthians 14:1-17, Psalms 37:12-29, Proverbs 21:25-26

What God said to me – Have you ever sat by a skating rink and watched the skaters?  There is usually a small child whose dad is teaching them how to skate.  One thing you notice is that the child doesn’t hold the dad’s hand – the dad holds the child’s hand so that when they stumble or fall, and they will, the child is not hurled headlong onto the rink but is safely held by the father until they can regain their footing.  This is such a good picture of how I teach you and direct your path.  I have a plan for you, and I have established your steps.  I hold onto you so that when you stumble or fall, and you will, you will not be hurled headlong.  I’ll help you regain your footing so you can continue on.  Like the proud dad who guides and instructs and holds on and picks up and comforts, “I AM” there – cling to Me and don’t let go.

Esther 8-10, 1 Corinthians 12:27-13:13, Psalms 37:1-11, Proverbs 21:23-24

What God said to me – The world is becoming a darker and darker place – with twenty-four-hour news and the internet you can’t escape the stories of evil and all the horrible things happening.  If you are not careful, you will find yourself constantly fretting and worrying and withdrawing from society because of fear.  Rather than those things causing you to worry, let them be the impetus to cause you to pray – pray for those affected – pray for opportunities to minister and to share – pray for My will to be done on earth as it is in heaven – pray for My coming.  Don’t let evil become the focus of your thoughts and conversation, but trust in Me and do good – be the light in the darkness.  It is easy to be overwhelmed and depressed and frightened when the lead story is always tragic and bad news abounds.  Rather than commiserate with one another and constantly rehash the bad news, use it as an opportunity to minister and to encourage.  I have given you the joy and peace and hope and love that people so desperately need so be intentional and share.  Overcome evil with good.

Esther 4-7, 1 Corinthians 12:1-26, Psalms 36:1-12, Proverbs 21:21-22

What God said to me – A good card player has what they call a “poker face”.  You can’t tell what cards they have been dealt by looking at their face – it is the same whether it is a good hand or a bad hand.  The same should be true of your walk with Me.  As My child, I have given you peace and joy and promised that I will work all things for your good and for My glory so a stranger looking at you should see the same peace and joy and faith in you no matter what “cards” you have been dealt.  When things are going well, stay close with your eyes on Me or pride could cause you to fall away.  When things are going badly or tragedy strikes, stay even closer or fear or anger or lack of faith can drive you away when you need Me the most.  Instead of crying out, “why is this happening to me”’cry out “what do You want to do in me.”  Whether it is blessing or seeming tragedy, “I AM” always at work in your life and your response should always be the same – “I trust you Lord – glorify yourself in me”.