Hosea 11-12, Proverbs 25:1-14, Matthew 6:19-34

What God said to me –Where is your focus?  Where is your treasure?  What do you think about when your mind wanders?  The answer to all of these questions is the same and it will tell you a lot about where you are spiritually and your relationship with Me.  Is the focus of your activity and thoughts to please Me and to minister as I direct or is it self-gratification and success.  I know you have to work and provide for your family and take care of yourself but even in these basic mundane things your focus should be on Me.  I should be the focus of your work – you should work to please Me and show good character and work ethic as a witness to others.  I should also be the focus of your down time, whatever the activity – that means you must guard your mind and heart in what you read or watch or do – that means that good character and fellowship and encouragement are more important than winning.  So, whatever you are doing, do all for My glory.

Hosea 9-10, Proverbs 24:17-34, Matthew 6:1-18

What God said to me – Each one of My children is different and I call each to different ministries and services and gift them with the talents and abilities to fulfill their callings.  But there are some things I expect of all My children.  Notice My instructions in My word – “when” you give – “when” you pray – “when” you fast.  Although each of you are different, there are some basic things I expect from all of My children – giving, praying, fasting – and when you do them in the way I instruct you, like a proud Father, I will reward you.  There is blessing in obedience, but My heart’s desire is for your obedience, not for the reward you will receive, but out of your love for Me and your desire to please Me.

Hosea 6-8, Proverbs 24:1-28, Matthew 5:27-48

What God said to me – If you want to understand the times in which you are living, keep your eyes on My people, Israel.  Yes, they are still My people – I will not reject them forever.  Just as Adam transgressed the covenant I made with him and I provided a Savior to restore mankind to Me, Israel transgressed the covenant I made with them, and I will draw them back to Me also.  “I AM” gathering them from the nations to which I have scattered them and restoring them to the land of promise.  I will restore the fortunes of My people, Israel, and establish them in their land forever.  So you, My child, are a part of My other people, My church.  Israel is your brother so pray for their total repentance and return to Me.  Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and the return of My people, Israel, not just physically to the land, but spiritually to Me.