Ezekiel 35-36, James 1:1-18, Psalms 116:1-19, Proverbs 27:23-27

What God said to me – Have you ever heard someone say, “I’m never going to pray for patience again because when I do, all kinds of bad things happen”?  Ironically, it’s a prayer I answer, but people don’t like My answer.  In order to be patient and to grow in patience, you must be placed in patience-testing situations.  It’s only as you learn to respond in patience that your patience grows.  It’s like a person who wants to be toned and fit but never exercises.  The weightlifter is constantly changing his weights in order to gain strength and endurance.  Your sanctification and spiritual walk are like a marathon, and you need endurance so you can finish well.  When you encounter various trials in your life – everything from minor irritations to difficult, intense trials and suffering – this testing of your faith produces the spiritual endurance you need.  So, consider it all joy when you encounter various trials, knowing “I AM” at work in you for your own good and My glory.  The joy is not in the trial, it is in the result that the trial is producing in you.

Ezekiel 33-34, Hebrews 13, Psalms 115:1-18, Proverbs 27:21-22

What God said to me – Does your life and walk reflect My glory or your own?  Do you seek My glory or your own?  All that you have and are and accomplish is because of Me – not you.  Your health, your wealth, your talents, your abilities, your intelligence, your gifts, your accomplishments – all are because of the grace and mercy I have extended to you in order to carry out My plan for your life.  So also is your lack of any of these things because of the grace and mercy I have extended to you in order to carry out My plan for your life.  I know what you need in your life so you can best reflect My glory and I can accomplish My purpose in you.  When you walk with Me you must learn to be content with who you are and where you are and acknowledge that it is all from me if you are to bring glory to Me.  The key is to walk with Me and allow Me to work in and through you.

Ezekiel 31-32, Hebrews 12:14-29, Psalms 113-114, Proverbs 27:18-20

What God said to me – Even when evil has reached a crescendo and My judgment is at the door, I take no delight in the death and destruction of evil men.  My heart has always been to draw people to repentance and to be able to restore them to the place where I always desired they should be – walking with Me, serving Me, worshipping Me.  As a watchman on the wall warning people of the impending judgment, your responsibility is not just to warn, but also to point them to where their salvation is found.  Don’t just tell them of the punishment and destruction of judgment but tell them of the hope and joy of salvation and restoration.  In doing so you will be faithful and obedient to Me and I will be pleased.  Don’t take on the burden of their response – it is not yours to bear.  Your responsibility is faithfulness and obedience.