Leviticus 22 :17-23 :44, Mark 9 :30-10 :12, Psalms 44 :1-8, Proverbs 10 :19

What God said to me – There are people who teach at the highest levels but who in reality have no real-life experience in what they are teaching.  You can take their classes and gain knowledge, but when you graduate and go out into the world, you find that the way things actually work is different.  Actual experience makes a huge difference in knowing how to apply the things you learned.  The same is true spiritually.  You could memorize the entire Bible and be able to quote it word for word, but unless you actually apply it to your real-life experiences, it’s of little value.  You can know verses about My peace or how “I AM” with you always or how I work all things together for your good, but until you actually go through trials and difficulties and experience My peace and presence through them, they are just words – head knowledge – but when you go through the fires of life, they become heart knowledge as you experience the truth of My word and My faithfulness – then you can minister to others with your testimony of My faithfulness and not just platitudes you memorized.  So, embrace the trials you encounter because through them My words come to life.

Leviticus 20 :22-22 :16, Mark 9 :1-29, Psalms 43 :1-5, Proverbs 10 :18

What God said to me – It’s human nature to want to be accepted – to be part of the group.  However, those I have called to be My children, I have set apart from other people.  So, what does that mean for you?  You are to be holy because “I AM” holy.  There should be an obvious distinction between you and the world.  You should be different – you should act differently – you should talk differently – you should even look differently.  The world is becoming increasingly more profane in their speech – what used to be shocking is now everyday speech.  However, as My child, I have instructed you to let no unwholesome word come out of your mouth.  The world’s behavior is becoming increasingly more ungodly, and much sin has become normalized.  You, however, are to walk in a manner worthy of your calling – this includes what you read and watch and listen to and not just your behavior.  Lastly, your appearance should not reflect society, it should reflect Me and be chaste and respectful.  If people question your differences, don’t be embarrassed or ashamed, but use it as an opportunity to share who “I AM” and what I have done for you.  I set you apart for a reason – let Me use you for My glory.

Leviticus 19:1-20:21, Mark 8:11-38, Psalms 42:1-11, Proverbs 10:17

What God said to me – Have you ever been so busy that you didn’t have time to eat or drink?  When you are thirsty or hungry you typically don’t perform well or respond well even under ordinary pressures or stresses.  It’s like the commercial where someone gets “hangry” and turns into a whole different person.  You can get that way spiritually also.  Whether you realize it or not, My children thirst and hunger for Me.  “I AM” the Living Water and the Bread of Life.  You need this time with Me and in My word to strengthen you spiritually and so you can face the day-to-day challenges that come up in your life.  When you neglect this time you will find yourself being impatient or unkind or short in your responses to others.  This time with Me in not just for devotion and fellowship – it is meant to transform you and to prepare you for day-to-day life.  Don’t neglect it.