Deuteronomy 7-8, Luke 7:36-8:3, Psalms 69:1-18, Proverbs 12:1

What God said to me – How dumb would you be if you were in the middle of a math test and the teacher came up and looked over your shoulder and told you that you were doing it wrong, here’s how to do it, but you kept doing it your way?  In Proverbs I said, “whosoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.”  Pretty blunt, isn’t it?  Like a good parent I discipline My children.  When I say discipline, it has two parts- reproof and training.  I don’t just punish and reprove you when you are wrong, but I also discipline you by teaching and training you in the right way.  I disciplined Israel by making them wander in the wilderness for forty years before they could enter into the promised land.  It was partly punishment for their disobedience in refusing to enter the land when I told them to go, but it was also a time of training to teach them about My sovereignty and My provision.  In all the time they wandered, their clothing never wore out.  I protected them and fed them and quenched their thirst.  They learned to trust me for their every need.  So, when I reprove you when you are wrong, be grateful I didn’t let you continue going the wrong way.  When you encounter trials and difficulty, be eagerly looking for what “I AM” teaching you or how “I AM” strengthening you.  Learn to love discipline – it’s good for you.

Deuteronomy 5-6, Luke 7:11-35, Psalms 68:19-35, Proverbs 11:29-31

What God said to me – Throughout history you see men called “titans of industry” or inventors who invented incredible things or kings who build vast kingdoms or generals who led great armies and inevitably they are called “self-made men” who came from nothing and rose to great fame or accomplishment.  In reality, however, there is no such thing as a “self-made man”.  All talent and intelligence and ability and health come from Me.  I created each person with a specific plan in mind for them so it’s not what they did or made themselves into, it’s My sovereignty that makes the difference.  Take the nation of Israel for example.  When they went into the promised land, I gave them land they did not earn.  I gave them cities they did not build.  I gave them cisterns they did not dig.  I gave them vineyards and olive trees they did not plant.  It was not because of anything they did to earn or deserve it, but it was by My grace and My plan.  All that you have and are, is because of My grace and My plan for your life.  Whether you are intelligent or not, whether you are healthy or not, whether you are wealthy or not – it’s all by My grace and My plan.  What are you doing to bring glory to Me with who you are, where you are, and what you are?

Deuteronomy 4, Luke 6:39-7:10, Psalms 68:1-18, Proverbs 11:28

What God said to me – One of the greatest illustrations and confirmations of My sovereignty and plan for the world and for your life is the nation of Israel.  They were created because of My promise to Abraham.  I led them into Egypt, and I led them out of Egypt by signs and wonders and by a mighty hand and outstretched arm.  I spoke to them from the midst of a fire and gave them My law.  I led them by a cloud and a fire to the promised land.  I disciplined them and scattered them among the nations according to My word.  In these last days I have brought them back to the land according to My promise and they will never leave it.  “I AM” a faithful God.  So, when things in the world or in your life seem to be going crazy and you feel like I’m nowhere around, remember the example of Israel.  I have a plan that “I AM” working out for Israel and for the world and for you.  When you can’t see My hand or feel My presence, remember your senses are not what gives you assurance of My nearness or My sovereignty – it is My word.  Even when you can’t see Me or feel Me, “I AM” with you because I said I would never leave you or forsake you.  Look to My word – look at the example of Israel and believe.