Joshua 10, Luke 16:19-17:10, Psalms 83:1-18, Proverbs 13:4

What God said to me – Have you ever known someone who volunteered to work in a ministry at church or for a charity and they got upset because no one even acknowledged them?  It makes you wonder exactly why they volunteered – was it for what they could get out of it or because it would make them look “good” or was it because I called them to minister?  While thanks and acknowledgment or recognition are nice, they should never be the basis for your service – if they are, then you will quit when you feel slighted.  In today’s self-aggrandizing, self-centered society, it is rare to find anyone with a servant heart.  I came as a servant, and I have called you to be a servant also.  You are never more like Me than when you are serving and ministering to someone else.  So, look for needs you can meet and for opportunities to help and to minister and to do good with no expectation other than to help others and to please Me.

Joshua 7:16-9:27, Luke 16:1-18, Psalms 82:1-8, Proverbs 13:2-3

What God said to me – There have always been scammers and charlatans trying to deceive people or to cheat them, even more so in this digital age you live in.  You get a text out of the blue that there is a great, high-paying job, and they found your information online and you’re perfect for it or you get an email thanking you for your purchase with and invoice for hundreds of dollars that you can use PayPal to remit.  Similarly, the enemy is active and trying to deceive My people into falling into outright sin or to discourage them because they fell for it.  You must be wise as serpents and as innocent as doves.  Israel fell for a deception of the enemy because they didn’t seek Me or seek My counsel, so they believed a lie.  To avoid being destroyed, the Gibeonites pretended to have come from a far land.  They tricked Joshua and Israel into making peace with them, so they made a covenant.  Israel’s momentary lapse ended up being a thorn in their side.  That’s why a moment-by-moment interaction and dependance on Me is so important.  That’s why you must pray about everything – especially when you get a sense that something is just not quite right.  “I AM” at work guiding you step by step – follow Me.

Joshua 5:1-7:15, Luke 15, Psalms 81:1-16, Proverbs 13:1

What God said to me – There is a saying, “no man is an island.”  It really is a true statement.  Unless you live a totally isolated life where you never encounter or interact with another person, the things you say and do affect others.  Even something so small as a smile or a kind word can make someone’s day whereas a thoughtless comment or rudeness can not only ruin their day, but it can ruin your witness as well.  In My children it is especially important to take care with your words and actions.  You must be careful how you walk – your obedience is a witness and a blessing, but your disobedience brings shame, not just on you, but also on Me.  After the great victory at Jericho, Achan took contraband in disobedience and because of it, Israel was defeated at Ai and thirty-six men died.  The result of his disobedience was to cause Israel to question My faithfulness and My enemies to question My power.  You must determine each day, each moment, to walk in a manner worthy of your calling so that My name will be lifted up and I will be glorified.