Judges 9:22-10:18, Luke 24:13-53, Psalms 100:1-5, Proverbs 14:11-12

What God said to me – The United States has long since moved away from being a Christian nation to becoming one where My word is banned and public prayer is frowned on – yet in times of national crisis like 9-11, churches fill up and people sing “God Bless America”.  They suddenly want Me and My protection and My blessing.  Israel was like that.  They turned from Me and served the gods of the nations around them.  However, when they were attacked and made subservient to those nations, they would cry out to Me for deliverance.  They would repent temporarily until they got what they wanted and then they would slide back into idolatry.  You must constantly be on guard so that you don’t fall into the same pattern.  It is easy during times of peace and blessing to begin to neglect this time with Me because you don’t feel the urgency to cry out to Me.  However, it is during these quiet, peaceful times that I can teach you the truths and principals that will build you up and help you to handle the difficulties that will happen in your life.

Judges 8:18-9:21, Luke 23:44-24:12, Psalms 99:1-9, Proverbs 14:9-10

What God said to me – When you were in school taking a test, it would do you no good to sit and wrack your brain to try to remember an answer to a question when you never attended class or read the material or studied to be prepared.  You can’t remember what you never heard or read – it is just not there to recall.  After My Son’s crucifixion and burial, on the first day of the week some women went to the tomb to anoint Him with spices and perfumes.  They were in the depths of despair when they got there.  My angels met them and told them to remember what He had told them.  They remembered His words and were comforted and ran to tell the others to comfort them.  That is why this time with Me and in My word is so important.  When you face difficult times, you will have something to draw on and to remember so you can get through.  You will also have something to share with others who are going through difficult times to comfort them and to minister to them.

Judges 7:1-8:17, Luke 23:13-43, Psalms 97:1-98:9, Proverbs 14:7-8

What God said to me – Most of the time people are more interested in doing what serves them best rather than serving others.  They vote for people who promise them free stuff and an easier life and not for the ones who stand for what is right or who are good leaders and public servants.  Even in their worship they follow “name it claim it” religious leaders who preach prosperity.  Look at the two thieves who were crucified next to My Son.  The one shouted at Him that if He was the Christ to save Himself as well as them.  He wanted My Son to live, not for His sake, or even so he could worship Him, but so He would save him from his punishment.  The other thief, though, realized who He was and threw himself on His mercy.  What about you?  Are you serving Me as an act of worship in obedience or are you serving Me for what you can get out of it – blessing or honor or recognition?  Motive matters.  Heart matters.  Worship Me with all of your heart, soul, mind, and strength because “I AM” worthy of all praise and honor.