Nehemiah 3:15-5:13, 1 Corinthians 7:25-40, Psalms 32:1-11, Proverbs 21:5-7

What God said to me – Have you ever watched a movie about someone breaking wild horses?  Some of the horses are only controlled and do what the rider wants when they are saddled and have a bit and a bridle and even then, the rider has to jerk the reins to get their attention.  Others are so responsive all it takes is a gentle nudge of the rider’s knees to direct them.  Like a trainer teaches and trains horses, “I AM” your teacher and instruct you in the ways of holiness and how you can please Me and direct you in the way you should go.  The sad reality is that most of My children are like the stubborn horse or mule who only responds to stern pressure.  They only come to Me when they perceive that they are in trouble and can’t handle things themselves.  Unless I use adverse circumstances to jerk the reins of control and change directions, they keep going their own way.  My eye is always on you.  I know what you need and when you need it so look to Me at all times seeking My direction and instructions and learn to respond quickly to My gentle nudges.

Nehemiah 1:1-3:14, 1 Corinthians 7:1-24, Psalms 31:19-29, Proverbs 21:4

What God said to me – In ancient times cities were surrounded by walls for their protection.  They had gates that were opened and closed at certain times and watchmen on the walls to spot danger approaching.  The walls brought a level of comfort and sense of peace when they were maintained but were a cause of reproach when they were broken down because it showed they had either succumbed to an attack or they were negligent or careless in their maintenance.  When the people of Israel began returning to Jerusalem after their captivity in Babylon, they rebuilt the temple but until the time of Nehemiah, they had neglected the walls which had been torn down when the city was destroyed so it was vulnerable to attack.  Nehemiah came for the express purpose of rebuilding the wall and he rallied them to do the work with various groups and families taking responsibility for each section.  In the same way, My people, the church, are to work together for the building up of the body so it is strong and mature and above reproach.  Each one of you is to work diligently in the ministry to which I called you using the gifts I have given you – as each one is diligent to work and to serve in this way, then the entire body is strengthened.  You be faithful to take care of your “piece of the wall” so the enemy cannot find an easy point of entry because when one of My children falls, all are affected and My church becomes an object of reproach rather than of blessing.

Ezra 10, 1 Corinthians 6, Psalms 31:9-18, Proverbs 21:3

What God said to me – When you get married you are no longer the “Lone Ranger”- there is another person for you to consider.  I designed marriage so that two become one and therefore everything one does will affect the other.  A good spouse stops to think how the money they spend or the time the time spent on jobs or hobbies or the way they take care or don’t take care of their health impacts their mate.  Whether you realize it or not, the same things apply to My children.  The one who joins himself to Me is one spirit with Me.  Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from Me, and you are not your own.  Just as a good spouse considers their mate in all they do, My children should consider Me – are the things you do and say pleasing to Me – are you taking care of your body as My temple – do you guard your heart and mind from exposure to ungodly, immoral things?  You have been bought with a price, therefore glorify Me in your body.