Genesis 39:1-41:16, Matthew12:46-13:23, Psalms 17, Proverbs 3:33-35

What God said to me – What is your attitude toward sin?  Do you rank it – totally evil – bad – not so bad – big sins – little sins?  One of the reasons My children fall into the same traps over and over and cannot seem to break “bad” habits or areas of strongholds of sin is because of that attitude.  Sin always has been and always will be an abomination to Me – all sin.  There are no “little” or “harmless” sins.  Sin, no matter how you decide to rank it, is always an abomination to Me and the penalty is death and separation from Me.  So, how are you as My child to walk in a manner worthy of your calling?  First, you must see sin the way I see sin.  Look at Jospeh’s attitude toward sin as an example.  When he was confronted with the temptation, he responded with “how then could I do this great evil and sin against God.”  He understood that sin was not against an individual, but it was against Me.  All sin, “big” and “small” damages our relationship and must be rejected immediately.  When you begin to see sin from that perspective – from My perspective – it will change the way you live and help you to break out of bondage.  Our relationship should be the thing of utmost importance in your life – is it?

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.