Genesis 37-38, Matthew 12:22-45, Psalms 16:1-11, Proverbs 3:27-32

What God said to me – Joseph was a godly young man who sought Me and served Me.  I spoke to him in dreams and he was faithful to share with his family even when their response was negative.  Even Judah, whose line I eventually came through, was not receptive, but Joseph was faithful to share.  Years later after all of his suffering and imprisonment, the prophecy of his dreams came true, and because he was faithful to share with them, his brothers finally came to know Me when they bowed before Jospeh and realized the truth he had shared was from Me.  So, don’t be discouraged when those you pray for faithfully and share with about Me then respond in a negative way.  “I AM” able to use your faithful testimony even years later and cause them to turn toward Me.  Your obedience should not be dependent on others’ response, but on My direction to you.  My timing is always perfect, and you have no idea how “I AM” working in their lives to break up their hard hearts and to bring them to a place where they are ready to repent and respond.  When you get discouraged look at Joseph and take heart.  “I AM” at work in the lives of My people and My timing is always perfect.

Genesis 35-36, Matthew 12:1-21, Psalms 15:1-5, Proverbs 3:21-26

What God said to me – I met Jacob at Bethel when he was fleeing from his brother Esau’s wrath after he had deceived Isaac into blessing him rather than Esau.  I promise him the same blessings as I gave Abraham and Isaac.  Jacob’s response at the time was conditional – if I would bring him safely back to his father’s house, then I would be his God.  However, My commitment to him was not conditional – I chose him for My blessing.  When he returned safely years later, he finally returned to Me wholeheartedly.  I told him to return to Bethel where I blessed him again and reiterated My promises but then I went up from him.  As you think about this story of Jacob’s relationship with Me, think about our relationship. I chose you just as I chose Jacob, and like Jacob, My promises to you don’t change.  However, I went up from Jacob after I spoke to him, but I live in you and “I AM” always with you.   “I AM” always available to speak to you and teach you.  When you sin and move away from Me, you don’t have to return to “Bethel” for Me to speak to you again – you just have to repent and cry out to Me – I never move, and I wait patiently for you to turn to Me so our fellowship can be restored.

Genesis 32:13-34:31, Matthew 11:7-30, Psalms 14:1-17, Proverbs 3:19-20

What God said to me – Have you ever had and Easter egg hunt for your children or grandchildren and “hidden” the eggs in such obvious ways that they couldn’t possibly miss them?  They are so excited and proud that they “found” what you freely gave them to find.  Did you know that your salvation was the same?  Left to themselves, no one would ever come to Me.  There is no one who is good or who understands, or who seeks Me on their own, But I in My mercy and grace come after those who are Mine.  I sought you and caused you to seek Me.  I didn’t let you “miss” finding Me.  This knowledge should be a source of constant amazement and gratitude – that you loved Me because I first loved you and sought you out and made you My child.  You didn’t come to me on your own, but I sought you out and led you to repentance and salvation.  When you truly grasp this truth, it will change the way you live for Me and your love and obedience will come from a place of thanksgiving and gratitude and not from a sense of duty.