Isaiah 60:1-52:5, Philippians 1:27-2:18, Psalms 72:1-20, Proverbs 24:11-12

What God said to me – If you ever stand in a crowded place for very long, whether it is at a ball game, or a concert, or even church, you will inevitably hear a lot of grumbling and complaining – it’s too hot – it’s too cold – why is it moving so slowly – I’m hungry – who’s blocking things up – they need a better system – they must not know what they are doing – and on and on.  So, what about you – how do you respond in those kinds of situations?  Do you find yourself joining in and piling on?  Typically, these situations are not life and death, they are mere inconveniences and how you handle them says volumes about your walk – are you walking in the Spirit or in the flesh?  By doing things without grumbling or disputing or complaining, you show how different My children are from the world.  You demonstrate your faith in Me that “I AM” at work in every situation, whether major or minor and your faith and trust shine as a light to the world.  In this tumultuous world there is so little peace and calm that your steadfast behavior in everyday situations is an encouragement and an example and a light in the darkness.  “I AM” at work in you in every situation you encounter so let the words of your mouth and the example you set reflect that truth.

Isaiah 57:15-59:21, Philippians 1:1-26, Psalms 71:1-24, Proverbs 4:9-10

What God said to me – Have you ever heard someone say, “it’s all about you”?  It is usually said in jest, but there is some truth to it.  Most people live their lives for themselves – it is all about them – their success – their health – their happiness.  For My apostle, Paul, it was just the opposite – it was all about Me and all about others.  He wrote to the Philippians, “for to me to live is Christ and to die is gain”.  While most people dread death and do everything they can to prevent dying, Paul understood that death was the ultimate gain – his trials and difficulties would end, and he would be with Me in glory.  For Paul, it was death that was “all about him”, not life – his life was serving Me and serving others – his life was sharing the gospel and discipling believers.  Paul chose life, not so he could be happy and successful, but for the sake of the cause of Christ and serving others – it was never “all about him”.  So, what about you – do you live an “it is all about me” life or like Paul, a “to live is Christ, to die is gain” life?

Isaiah 54:1-57:14, Ephesians 6, Psalms 70:1-5, Proverbs 24:8

What God said to me – You’ve occasionally heard someone say, “the struggle is real”.  They usually are joking about something like getting out of bed in the morning, or eating healthy, or exercising.  What they don’t realize is that what they said in jest is actually true.  You, My child, are in a struggle daily, but your struggle is not against flesh and blood, but it is against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.  If you allow these forces to reign unchecked, then things as seemingly innocuous as getting out of bed in the morning or eating healthy or exercising will hinder your spiritual walk and worship and service.  However, I have provided you with everything you need for life and godliness – My presence, My word, My full armor, prayer, other believers to encourage and help you, and much more.  You must be disciplined and devoted to this time with Me so I can teach you and prepare you and enable you.  Then you will be strong in Me and in the strength of My might and be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.