Jeremiah 12:1-14:10, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-2:8, Psalms 79:1-13, Proverbs 24:30-31

What God said to me – Judgment is coming but there are many who will be surprised by it.  They claim to know Me but their actions deny their claims.  “I AM” near to their lips but far from their hearts and minds.  They talk a good game justifying their sin by saying I made them that way.  They say that “I AM” a God of love who would never deny anyone acceptance or love or happiness.  They do not know Me or My word.  “I AM” holy and I demand holiness in My children.  I gave My own Son to make My children holy and righteous and acceptable to Me.  I know you – I see you – I will make you holy as you walk with Me.  Don’t just talk the talk – walk the walk.  This is how I transform your life.  This is how I sanctify you.  This is how the Spirit that is in you is working out your salvation in your life for all to see.

Jeremiah 10-11, Colossians 3:18-4:18, Psalms 78:56-72, Proverbs 24:28-29

What God said to me – When you are learning a new sport the coach has you do certain motions over and over because the practice of repetitive motion builds “muscle memory” so it begins to feel natural without ever having to think about it.  The same is true of your prayer life.  I have told you to pray without ceasing and like any new activity, at first it seems awkward and even impossible.  However, as you consciously practice and continue in it at some point it becomes a natural part of your walk – you see a guy changing a flat tire on the side of the road so you pray for his safety – you see a lady struggling with an unruly toddler in the store so you pray for her patience.  There are endless possibilities of things you can pray about during the day, you just need to stay alert and begin to pray.  Pray with an attitude of thanksgiving – just look around as you go through your day and like a child begin to thank Me for the things you see all around you.  As you devote yourself to the practice of prayer it will soon become second nature to you and you will find yourself constantly aware of My presence so this lifelong conversation of ours becomes a walk, a way of life, and not just a moment of time each day.

Jeremiah 8:8-9:26, Colossians 3:1-17, Psalms 78:32-55, Proverbs 24:27

What God said to me – You live in a “microwave” generation where people expect results in a few seconds or minutes at the most and if it doesn’t happen, you’re off to the next thing.  You want a pill or a shot that will remove years of self-indulgence rather than exercising self-control and being diligent step by step to grow stronger and fitter.  The same is true spiritually – there is no seminar or self-help book that can make an instant transformation in your life.  Walking with Me, living like Me, looking like Me is a step by step, day by day process where when you seek Me diligently and faithfully, I transform you and renew you according to My image.  There is no “magic pill” – there is My word, My Spirit, and your obedience.  Begin each day by setting your mind on things above and not on earthly things, because that is where your life truly is – keep your focus there.  Just as you put on your clothes each day, habitually put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.  You want to look like Me – then begin to act like Me.  How would your attitude and actions be different today if in everything you said and did today that you said and did it in My name?