Genesis 24:52-26:16, Matthew 8:18-34, Psalms 10:1-15, Proverbs 3:7-8

What God said to me – You live in a society where people rarely celebrate a victory or triumph or good news that doesn’t personally affect them.  I did a great work in the country of the Gadarenes that saved and transformed the lives of two demon possessed men and yet the people of the city asked Me to leave.  Why?  Because My saving of these men only magnified their own sin, and they didn’t want to change.  Their livelihood was based on raising swine even though as Jews they couldn’t eat them, so rather than turn to Me and change, they asked Me to leave.  Don’t be surprised when people react negatively or are not happy to hear about how I have transformed your life.  It is convicting to them and for the most part, they don’t want to change.  However, don’t let anyone’s negative reaction deter you from sharing what I have done in your life.  My Spirit convicts of sin and righteousness and judgment, and your testimony may be the very thing He uses to reach them when the time is right.

Genesis 23:1-24:51, Matthew 8:1-17, Psalms 9:13-20, Proverbs 3:1-6

What God said to me – Trust Me with all of your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Me and I will make your path straight.  I have told you more than once that My ways are not your ways – My ways are higher than yours so just because I said I will make your paths straight, doesn’t mean they will be easy.  Think about climbing or descending a high mountain – even if the path up or down is straight, it is a workout that requires tremendous effort and preparation so you have the strength and stamina for the climb or descent.  So, as you walk with Me, trusting Me with all of your heart, I will teach you and train you and strengthen you for the path I have chosen for you.  Your part is to trust Me and to submit to My teaching and training by acknowledging Me in all you do and by trusting that this path I have chosen for you is for your good and My glory.

Genesis 20-22, Matthew 7:15-29, Psalms 9:1-12, Proverbs 2:16-22

What God said to me – You read about Abraham and wonder how anyone could have that kind of faith.  To follow Me the way he did, Abraham had to believe that either I would intervene before he sacrificed his son, or I would raise him from the dead because he trusted My promise that Isaac would be his heir to all the promises I had made to him.  What you fail to consider when you read this story is that faith is a gift I give to those I call and as you walk with Me in obedience and trust, your faith matures and grows.  Abraham, like you, was saved by grace through faith, not of himself, but it was a gift from Me.  So, as you experience various trials and difficulties in your life you don’t need to worry if you’ll have the faith to carry on.  If your finances falter or your children rebel or your health fails, you can know that “I AM” with you and I will be faithful to carry out My promises to you.  You will be able to trust that all that happens is for your good and My glory because I will be with you encouraging you and lifting you up.  Your foundation is built on the rock, so you will stand firm.