Nehemiah 9:22-10:39, 1 Corinthians 9:19-10:13, Psalms 34:1-10, Proverbs 21:13

What God said to me – I led Israel out of slavery in Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm.  The time leading up to it was not easy – their workload was increased, and they paid a price, but they also saw Me work in mighty ways through the plagues and the parting of the sea before them.  I led them to My mountain so I could cut covenant with them and give them My law.  Amazingly after all they saw and went through, it was at the base of the mountain that they succumbed to temptation and fell.  This time of interlude as they waited for Moses to come down should have been a time of rest and restoration and preparation for what was to come, but instead it became a time of immorality and debauchery and idolatry.  These things happened as an example and were written for your instruction.  “I AM” always at work carrying out My plans.  Learn from Israel’s example – if you don’t stay close to Me and purposefully seek Me during the down times, the waiting times, the times where it doesn’t seem like “I AM” there, it is so easy to fall away.  When you fall away then you are either not ready or disqualified when it is time to go to work.  Like the athlete who is training diligently for an event, there are many days of hard work, but there are also days built in the schedule for rest and recovery – both are necessary to reach the goal – seek Me in both so you stay close and don’t fall away.

Nehemiah 7:72-9:21, 1 Corinthians 9:1-18, Psalms 33:12-22, Proverbs 21:11-12

What God said to me – Have you ever taken a child out somewhere and given them strict instructions to stay right next to you, but you look away for just a second and when you turn back, they are gone.  It is absolute terror and panic you feel because you know the danger and trouble they could experience so you frantically search until you find them.  It is such a horrific experience you do everything you can to teach and train your child of the importance of staying close and being obedient – not just for your sake, but for theirs also.  Ezra and the scribes called My people together and read and explained My word.  They recounted their history and how I called them and led them and was faithful to them.  They told how their forefathers refused to listen to My word and did not remember My wondrous deeds, so they became stubborn and arrogant and fell away from Me into idolatry and rebellion.  This is why you must stay close and not neglect My word.  It is so easy to wander off and fall away and it can happen very quickly.  Cling to Me – listen to My instructions – I will teach you and guide you and protect you – stay close!

Nehemiah 5:14-7:72, 1 Corinthians 8, Psalms 33:1-11, Proverbs 21:8-10

What God said to me – When My people had finished the rebuilding of the wall around Jerusalem and the gates were finally set back in place, Nehemiah gave instructions about when the gates were to be opened and when they were to be shut and bolted.  He appointed guards from the inhabitants of the city and assigned them posts near their own houses because when they were posted by their homes, they had a vested interest in making sure their families and property remained safe.  In the same way you need to set up a guard and protection around your family.  You must be careful and watchful about what you allow into your home and family.  Today it is not just books and magazines and television and movies, but with computers and the internet the enemy has many more ways to encroach.  I have placed My Spirit within you, and He will give you discernment, so pay attention.  The more time you spend with Me, seeking to know Me, and honor Me with your entire life, the easier it will be to spot the incursions of the enemy.  Stay alert.  Be diligent.  Put down your devices and pick up My word.  You be holy because “I AM” holy.