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. 

Genesis 13:5-18 to 15, Matthew 5:27:48, Psalms 6, Proverbs 1:29-33

What God said to me – Have you ever seen a newborn baby and said they looked exactly like their father and as they grew, they began to look and act even more like him?  That is what I want people to say of you – that you, My child, look and act more like Me each day.  People should notice how different you are from most people if you are walking with Me.  Strive to be consistent in the way you treat everyone – be kind and considerate – be appreciative and grateful – be helpful and encouraging.  Don’t retaliate when someone treats your wrongly but respond with love.  You’ll be surprised at the doors that are opened to you to share and to minister when you respond this way.  I send the sun and the rain on the righteous and the unrighteous even though I know many will not recognize or acknowledge My kindness.  You follow My example no matter the response.  You are to strive to be perfect as “I AM” perfect.  You may never gain praise from men, but I will be pleased with you.

Genesis 11-12:4, Matthew 5:1-26, Psalms 5, Proverbs 1:24-28

What God said to me – One of the things you can learn from My word is My absolute sovereignty and control over the history of mankind.  Even when they try to go their own way, I still accomplish My purposes.  After a global flood of judgment, I told the survivors, Noah and his sons and their wives, to be fruitful and to multiply and to fill the whole earth.  Just a couple of hundred years later, people were already rebelling against Me and coming up with their own plans.  They decided to build a city and a tower so they wouldn’t be scattered abroad over the face of the earth rather than obey My command.   The people learned the hard way that they could not thwart My plans when I divided them by language, and they were forced to fill the earth.  When you look at the world today think about this story.  No matter what men are doing or how they try to control the destiny of the world, “I AM” the one who is in control and My plans cannot be thwarted.  Trust Me and watch Me accomplish My plan.