Isaiah 51-53, Ephesians 5, Psalms 69:19-36, Proverbs 24:7

What God said to me – I tell you over and over again that you must walk in a manner worthy of your calling.  So, how are you to do it?  Where do you start?  When I saved you part of what I did was justify you – I declared you to be righteous by virtue of being “washed clean” by the blood of My Son, Jesus Christ.  If you did nothing else, positionally you would be righteous, but what about practically?  My salvation was not just to save you from the penalty of sin; it was also to save you from its power – this is the process of sanctification in your life.  As you walk with Me, I begin to work in you and teach you how to “work out” your salvation.  You must spend time with Me in My word because My word is how I speak to you and teach you and is the foundation for your obedience.  The salvation that is “in” you will become obvious outwardly as you pursue righteousness in your walk and in your speech and you try to learn and do the things that are pleasing to Me.  The days you live in are evil so it is more important than ever that you make the most of your time and be careful how you walk.

Isaiah 48:12-50:11, Ephesians 4:17-32, Psalms 69:1-18, Proverbs 24:5-6

What God said to me – Have you ever seen a makeover on television or in a movie and the person looks so different as to be totally unrecognizable – the proverbial ugly duckling transformed into a beautiful swan.  In this case, they are totally superficial changes that have no lasting effect.  However, when you became My child, you received more than a makeover – you received a complete transformation – a regeneration – this was not just superficial – it was internal – it was spiritual – you became a new person.  As you walk with Me in a manner worthy of your calling, you lay aside your old self because it is totally corrupt and put on your new self.  This new self is in My likeness, created in righteousness and holiness of the truth – everything about you changes – your behavior – your speech – your attitudes.  Because of My Spirit living within your new self, you have the power to cease ungodly behaviors and habits and stop unwholesome speech from coming out of your mouth.  It takes conscientious practice and a commitment to walk with Me in holiness and to be renewed in the spirit of your mind.

Isaiah 45:11-48:11, Ephesians 4:1-16, Psalms 68:19-35, Proverbs 24:3-4

What God said to me – The most dedicated people are those who feel they have a calling on their life – whether it is as a teacher or a physician or a missionary or a preacher – whatever it is – they devote their time to preparing and studying and serving and practicing their call.  Whether or not you have ever had a calling for a specific profession or career, if you are My child, you have a calling on your life.  I have called you to be My child and to be a part of My body, and to serve Me and worship Me.  Like those who have a calling to a specific career, it didn’t just become a reality by chance – they had to study and practice and serve, and you do too.  In order to reach maturity as a believer and fully realize your calling, you must be diligent to study and to practice My word and obey and serve as I direct.  This daily time with Me is an essential part, much like the relationship of an apprentice and a master craftsman.  I will teach you how to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called.  Are you ready to walk in the hope of your calling and follow Me fully?