1 Kings 15:25-16:34, Acts 10:24-48, Psalms 134:1-3, Proverbs 17:9-11

What God said to me – Have you ever noticed that within some families there are generations of preachers or teachers or doctors and within others there are generations of alcoholics or criminals or abusers?  Although the decision to follow Me is on an individual basis, family influence and lifestyle are important.  It is rare for someone to seek Me and follow Me when no one else in their family does.  When Ahab became King of Israel he treated his walking in idolatry as a trivial thing, not realizing it was actually life or death.  He came from a line of kings who did evil in My sight by worshipping idols and then married Jezebel, who was even more idolatrous.  He not only brought condemnation on himself, but also on his family and nation.  There are many of My own children who would never bow down to an idol, but who mistakenly put their family or their career or their success ahead of their relationship with Me.  If you want to leave your children and grandchildren a legacy of faith, then make your relationship with Me the priority of your life.

1 Kings 14:1-15:24, Acts 10:1-23, Psalms 133:1-3, Proverbs 17:7-8

What God said to me – There is an old saying, “God helps those who help themselves”, that is often attributed to My word, but it is not scriptural.  While I do give you means and ability, I want you to come to Me for direction in how to use them.  Look at the story about King Asa.  He was a King of Judah who did right in My sight – he put away the male cult prostitutes from the land and removed the idols his fathers had made.  However, when Baasha, King of Israel, came up against him, he didn’t pray and ask Me what to do but he took the silver and gold that was left in the treasuries of My house and made a treaty with the King of Aram.  He won the battle against Israel, but he missed out on My blessing because I would have given him victory over the King of Aram also.  Learn from this example – just because you have the means to fix a problem doesn’t necessarily mean that’s what you should do.  Come to Me for direction and then follow My leading.  There is blessing in obedience.

1 Kings 12:20-13:34, Acts 9:26-43, Psalms 132:1-18, Proverbs 17:6

What God said to me – I give gifts and ministries to each of My children as part of My plan for them and for My kingdom.  No one is greater than another because each one contributes to the building up of My body and establishing My church.  Paul preached and debated with non-believers as he proclaimed the gospel.  Peter healed Aeneas and Tabitha in the name of Jesus and their communities responded in belief.  Barnabas encouraged and befriended Paul and introduced him to the church leaders and helped establish his ministry.  Tabitha performed deeds of kindness and charity and impacted her community greatly.  The greatness of the gifts or ministries is not determined by numbers, but by obedience.  Don’t think that serving is any less of a gift or ministry than preaching or that encouraging others is any less a gift or ministry than evangelism.  Each one is necessary to fulfill My plan and accomplish My purposes.