Ezekiel 3:16-6:14, Hebrews 4, Psalms 104:24-35, Proverbs 26:27

What God said to me – When you are going through difficult times, whether it’s health issues or financial problems or loss of a loved one or temptation of some kind – well-meaning people can give you advice or try to encourage you, but if they have never gone through what you are experiencing, often their words are not helpful.  However, when someone who has gone through the same things reaches out to you, it means so much more because you know they understand and they can help you and encourage you in ways others can’t.   When I sent My Son, Jesus, He was tempted in all the things you are, yet He did not sin.  He can sympathize with you and encourage you in whatever you are going through because He went through the same things.  Don’t try to go through it on your own – draw near to the throne of grace with confidence and you will receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Ezekiel 1:1-3:15, Hebrews 3, Psalms 104:1-23, Proverbs 26:24-26

What God said to me – There is a small non-profit that was founded by Julie Norton Jackson after her youngest son, Brock, died in a car accident.  Everyday Julie would tell her two sons when they would leave the house, “Go be great”.  That simple encouragement morphed into the bedrock principle of the foundation – Go (Take action), Be (Make the choice), Great (Share your light).  The GoBeGreat Foundation gives scholarships to celebrate those who serve with kindness and selflessness while sharing their gifts, talents, and opportunities with others.  It encourages perseverance, leadership, and community.  If a secular foundation can offer such encouragement to others, how much more should My church do so.  You should encourage one another day after day.  Encourage one another to remain steadfast.  Encourage one another to exercise your gifts in ministry.  Encourage one another to share your faith.  Encourage one another to walk in a manner worthy of your calling.  In a world that is becoming more confrontational and every man for himself, you be known for kindness, selflessness, and encouragement.  You be known for looking like Me.

Lamentations 4-5, Hebrews 2, Psalms 103:1-22, Proverbs 26:23

What God said to me – How often do you worship?  “I AM” not talking about how much you go to church – “I AM” talking about you – one on one – worshipping Me.  As you learn to walk closely with Me, your life will become more and more about worshipping Me.  Just thinking about your salvation and all I have done for you and who “I AM” should cause you to cry out, “Bless the Lord, O my soul.”  As you think about the great salvation I have provided for you, everything within you should rise up and bless My Name.  Think about this – Man sinned and fell from grace and a group of angels sinned and fell from grace.  I did nothing to help the angels who sinned and I will judge them and pour out My wrath on them.  But for you, I became flesh and suffered and died for your sins – I became a merciful and faithful high priest to make propitiation for your sins.  I have not dealt with you according to your sins, but according to My mercy.  As far as the east is from the west, so far have I removed your sin from you.  As high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is My lovingkindness toward My children.  “I AM” the God of your salvation, so with all that is within you, worship Me.