1 Samuel 10-11, John 6:43-71, Psalms 107:1-43, Proverbs 15:1-3

What God said to me – You reap what you sow.  It is true in nature, and it is true in society.  People cry out to de-fund the police and elect officials who do it and then they are shocked when crime goes up or no one responds immediately to their 9-1-1 call because of it.  They say it is only fair that food and shelter and healthcare should be low cost to everyone and then complain that their taxes are sky high.  Whether it is society or with your own children, sometimes you have to let people experience the consequences of their actions and decisions in order to get their attention and bring them to repentance.  Many times Israel rejected Me and turned to idolatry.  They eventually rejected Me as their king and they suffered war and conquest and disease and famine as a result.  You’ve heard it said to be careful what you wish for – Israel wanted a king so they could be like the other nations so they got a flawed, sinful, selfish man as a leader rather than a holy, loving, merciful God.  The same can be true of your life if you are not careful.  You can look about and think you are missing out by not being like the world around you rather than following Me, but you’d just be exchanging the leadership of a holy, loving Father for that of yourself – a flawed, sinful, selfish person.  Hold on to Me and trust Me to lead you in the paths of righteousness.

1 Samuel 8-9, John 6:22-42, Psalms 106:32-48, Proverbs 14:34-35

What God said to me – There is a phrase, “he’s the real deal” or “it’s the real deal”, meaning they’re legit – genuine – authentic – impressive.  Good Housekeeping has a “Seal of Approval” for products they have investigated and tested and found to be worthy of endorsement and guarantee.  They stand behind the products with their seal.  Historically seals were used to communicate, to authenticate, and to identify.  I have chosen to set My seal on My children.  First, I set My seal on My Son, Jesus.  He is the Bread of Life.  He is the Living Water.  He is the Lamb of God.  He is the Word which became flesh and dwelt among you.  He is the Light of the world.  I set My seal on Him, and I fully guarantee that all He did is true and all He said will come to pass.  I also set My seal on you, My child.  I have sealed you with My Holy Spirit of promise for the day of redemption.  This firm foundation stands – I know those who are Mine – I put My seal on you.  You can never lose your salvation because no one can break My seal – not even you.  I will never leave you or forsake you.  No one can take you out of My hand.

1 Samuel 5-7, John 6:1-21, Psalms 106:13-31, Proverbs 14:32-33

What God said to me – There is a movie, Hacksaw Ridge, about a conscientious objector named Desmond Doss who is a Christian who wants to serve as a battlefield medic during WWII.  He is harassed and beaten and forced to face a court martial trial for his beliefs.  He single-handedly saved seventy-five of his fellow soldiers in the heat of battle and ultimately is granted the Medal of Honor.  In one of the final scenes of the movie, his battalion refuses to go into battle until Private Doss prays.  There were other Christians who served, but he was the “one” everyone turned to in their desperation because of his steadfast walk and witness.  During the time in Israel’s history when Samuel was judge, from the time he was young it was obvious that I was with him and all Israel knew that he was My prophet.  After Israel’s terrible defeats by the Philistines, Samuel was the “one” who called them to return to Me and to turn away from idolatry.  He called them together so he could pray for them.  When the Philistines came back to battle against them, they begged Samuel not to quit praying for them.  You live in a world of chaos and upheaval and tragedy.  People are desperate for safety and peace and hope.  There are many who claim to be Christians, but when times are desperate, the world is looking for someone who is steadfast in their walk to fervently intercede for them.  You be that “one”.