2:16: “In these last days, take from Me all I would give you. No gift is unneeded. The seemingly unnecessary will become vital in its time. Current circumstances change. My word does not. Live in the present, prepare for the future. Eyes on the prize ahead. Fair winds give way to gusts, then gales. Preparation is not tested in the fair. Do not people in the path of a hurricane board up windows? How grateful they are for the boarding when roof shingles begin to fly. All of this to say—don’t say “no thank you” to anything I offer. Extra time with Me, a meal with friends, a nap when tired. Always there is a drive to do more, accomplish more. Define “accomplish.” I offer LIFE. My day-to-day gifts nourish the soul, make you strong for harder days ahead. No need to work until weary every day. Do you understand the meaning of this? I offer LIFE—every day. My ways of strengthening are not always to call you into discipline and hard work. Those things build strength and character, yes. So do my gifts of refreshment. Discernment lies in the balance. You do not WORK your way into pleasing Me. My pleasure lies in your OBEDIENCE. The weaker mind cries “work, always work,” for there is much to be done. The wiser mind weighs the balance, perceiving Me in the Nurture as well as the Work. My followers are familiar with the commands in My Word to bear up under difficulty, for there is strength to be gained in endurance. That is one of My great gifts to you – the taking of hardship and molding it into GOOD for you. Do not overlook My use of delight to strengthen you as well. Trust Me in ALL things, ALL gifts. See Me in the easy and the difficult. Rejoice and partake of ALL. Am I calling you into laziness, a little folding of the hands in battle? I call you to JOY in all things. Do not fold the hands when I call you to work. Do not wear out the hands when I call you to rest. Think on this. Ask Me for balance. In this season, there is much warning and preparation for what lies ahead. Difficult times? Yes. All the more reason to grasp the moments of quiet and rest. These, too, are my tools. Above all, take time with Me. Quiet, set-aside TIME for our fellowship. My gift of My Presence. Press on—yes. Press IN with the delights of My intimacy with you. Press in to LIFE. Amen.”
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Notes:
Proverbs 6:9-11: How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest—and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man.
Romans 8:28: And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
James 1:17: Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.
John 20:31: But these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.
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