Hosea 1-2, Proverbs 23:1-18, Matthew 4

What God said to me – Everything you encounter in your life is for a reason.  Whether it’s good or bad, I use all things to work My purpose in your life and to move you to the places I want you to be, both physically and spiritually.  When John the Baptist was arrested, I used that “bad” thing to move My Son, Jesus, to Galilee.  Not only did that move fulfill prophecy – “In Galilee of the Gentiles the people who were sitting in darkness saw a great light” – it was also when He called many of His disciples, including His inner circle of Peter, James, and John and His ministry began in earnest.  So, whenever you encounter a dramatic change, whether its spiritual or physical or emotional – turn to Me and seek what “I AM” doing in your life.  Whether it’s good or bad, happy or sad, your response should be the same.  Come to Me, knowing “I AM” at work in you for your good and My glory.

1 Chronicles 29, Proverbs 22:14-29, Matthew 3

What God said to me – I called John the Baptist as a forerunner of My Son.  He was the fulfillment of the prophecy I gave through Isaiah to be “the voice crying in the wilderness to make ready for the way of the Lord.”  He preached to the people the need to repent because Messiah was coming and as they confessed their sin, he baptized them.  My Son, Jesus, came to him to be baptized even though He had no sin to confess or need for repentance.  He came out of obedience to My instruction.  Hs obedience became the sign that showed others He was Mine.  There are times when I call you to do things or go places that seem unnecessary, especially given all the demands of your daily lives and yet many times, I use those very things to show others that you are Mine and to minister to them.  So next time you are asked to go somewhere or do something you don’t want to do – stop and think – not about what it does for you, but about how I may be using it to encourage others and to give you the opportunity to show that you are Mine.

1 Chronicles 27-28, Proverbs 22:1-15, Matthew 2

What God said to me – David desired earnestly to build My temple for Me in Jerusalem, but I did not intend for him to build it.  I intended for his son, Solomon, to build it.  So, David  did all the preparation.  He stockpiled all the materials that would be necessary, organized all of the priests and workers, and prepared detailed plans at My instruction.  Then Solomon stepped up and did the actual building of the temple.  In the same way I know that you would love to share the gospel with someone and have them repent and pray to accept Me as their Savior and yet it rarely seems to happen.  However, I don’t want you to be discouraged.  Think of yourself as David, preparing and gathering all of the necessary materials and finalizing the plans so it is easy for someone else to step up and complete it.  Sometimes you act as David, sometimes as Solomon – both are important.  You be obedient to share as I call you to do and trust that “I AM” working.  In the end I will receive the glory and you will hear “well done.”