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.

Genesis 18:16-19:38, Matthew 6:25-7:14, Psalms 8:1-9, Proverbs 2:6-15

What God said to me – I never do anything without revealing My plans to My children.  Before I sent the worldwide flood, I revealed My plans to Noah.  Before I destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, I revealed My plans to Abram and Lot.  I have revealed My plans for the end days through various prophets and then gave you My word and My Spirit so you can see and understand.  “I AM” sovereign and you can see it as I did exactly what I said as past prophesies have been fulfilled.  So, as you look ahead at what is to come you can trust that I will be faithful because I have already demonstrated My faithfulness throughout history.  As you see the upheaval and turmoil happening today, do not worry about how you are going to get through – remember My past faithfulness, not just to My children in the Bible stories, but in your life too.  “I AM” the same yesterday, today, and forever – trust My sovereignty.  I will take care of you – don’t worry.

Genesis 16:1-18:15, Matthew 6:1-24, Psalms 7, Proverbs 2:1-5

What God said to me – Your relationship with Me is to be both public and private.  I know that sounds paradoxical for it to be both public and private at the same time, but it’s true.  While you are not to do good deeds, or give, or pray, or fast in such a way as to publicly draw attention to yourself and be praised by others, you should live in such a way that the people you encounter know that you are Mine.  Walking in a manner worthy of your calling will not always generate praise – some will ridicule you or persecute you, but some will be encouraged and drawn to Me.  There is also a private side in your walk with Me where you do good works quietly, one on one, or you give or pray in such a way that no one is aware but Me and maybe the person you ministered to – no fanfare – just walking as I direct.  The same is true about fasting.  When I call you to fast, it is between you and Me so you can focus on seeking Me and praying as I direct.  When you walk in this way you are storing up treasures in heaven and your heart is bound to Mine.