Deuteronomy 32:28-52, Luke 12:35-59, Psalms 78:56-64, Proverbs 12:24

What God said to me – Dark clouds are gathering.  You can see it.  You can feel it.  You can even smell it – it is going to rain very soon.  You do not know exactly when, but soon.  So, you take the cushions off of the lawn furniture and pick up your gardening tools and bring them all in where they will be safe and dry.  My coming will be like this – you can see the signs all around you and you know it is going to be soon so, you need to watch and pray and prepare.  So, what does that mean practically for you?  Think about how you would change the things you do or plan or worry about if you actually knew when you were going to die – where would your focus and priorities be?  Moses actually knew when he was going to die – I told him.  He spent his last days reminding the people he loved, the nation of Israel, of how I had delivered them and how I had been faithful to them and how I would bless them and prosper them and the hope they would have in Me if they would love Me and serve Me.  Use this time of uncertainty you are living in to share openly and walk in a manner worthy of your calling so you will have no regrets and be unashamed when you see Me face to face.

Deuteronomy 31:1-32:27, Luke 12:8-34, Psalms 78:32-55, Proverbs 12:21-23

What God said to me – People often talk about coincidences or serendipity or good luck or bad luck and while superstitious people may believe in them, there are no such things – there is only My sovereignty.  “I AM” in control of every little thing in your life.  So, when you run into someone out of the blue who you were just thinking about or praying for, it’s not a coincidence, it’s an opportunity I brought for you to share and to minister.  When you have a need that you have been praying for and you get an unexpected gift or a bonus at work, it’s not good luck, but My provision in answering your prayer.  Conversely when something bad happens – a flat tire or a wreck or an illness or whatever – it’s not bad luck, it’s Me sovereignly working in your life to accomplish something or to teach you something, so, look to Me and trust.  This time with Me is important to prepare you for what I know you will be encountering.  As you are in My word, the things you read and study and meditate on are there so I can bring them to mind when you need them for comfort or encouragement or to share with others.  “I AM” with you always and I will bring to mind what you need, as you need it.  Be faithful to this time.

Deuteronomy 29-30, Luke 11:37-12:7, Psalms 78:1-31, Proverbs 12:19-20

What God said to me – We’ve all been to a family event and there was one child who was compliant and eager to please – they answered your questions, responded with a “yes ma’am” or a “no sir” and obeyed immediately – they were a joy to be with – and there was another child who was recalcitrant and refused to respond – they ignored instructions and wouldn’t cooperate or obey even when threatened with punishment – their obedience only came when the promised punishment was finally meted out and only because they wanted their toy back or to resume play.  Israel was much like the recalcitrant child – they didn’t respond or obey until judgment fell and punishment was meted out.  Then they would return and search diligently for Me.  What about you?  So many of My children go about their day to day lives virtually ignoring Me.  They don’t open My word to hear from Me, and they certainly never seek Me out for fellowship or worship or pray until something “bad” happens and then they come running.  I long for children who are eager to please Me – who seek Me out for fellowship and worship and prayer at all times, both “good” and “bad” and who are eager to obey and please Me.  You be that child.  You be the child who brings Me joy.