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.

Genesis 32:13-34:31, Matthew 11:7-30, Psalms 14:1-17, Proverbs 3:19-20

What God said to me – Have you ever had and Easter egg hunt for your children or grandchildren and “hidden” the eggs in such obvious ways that they couldn’t possibly miss them?  They are so excited and proud that they “found” what you freely gave them to find.  Did you know that your salvation was the same?  Left to themselves, no one would ever come to Me.  There is no one who is good or who understands, or who seeks Me on their own, But I in My mercy and grace come after those who are Mine.  I sought you and caused you to seek Me.  I didn’t let you “miss” finding Me.  This knowledge should be a source of constant amazement and gratitude – that you loved Me because I first loved you and sought you out and made you My child.  You didn’t come to me on your own, but I sought you out and led you to repentance and salvation.  When you truly grasp this truth, it will change the way you live for Me and your love and obedience will come from a place of thanksgiving and gratitude and not from a sense of duty.

Genesis 31:17-32:12, Matthew 10:24-11:6, Psalms 13:1-6, Proverbs 3:16-18

What God said to me – You’ve heard the saying “to err is human, to forgive divine.”  I want you to also know that to doubt is human too, so don’t get down on yourself if you have occasional doubts.  My cousin, John the Baptist, had doubts when he was at a low point – after faithfully preaching for so long and calling for people to repent because My kingdom was at hand, he was imprisoned and sent his disciples to ask Me if I was really the one.  I didn’t berate him for his question – I responded with scripture from the prophet Isaiah, “the blind receive sight and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them.”  I knew this would comfort him because he knew My word.  Isaiah also said, “Say to those with anxious hearts, take courage, fear not.  Behold your God will come with vengeance; the recompense of God will come, but He will save you.”  So, when you have doubts or are afraid or disappointed by your circumstances or unanswered prayers, don’t get down but turn to My word and let Me minister to you and fill you with My peace that passes understanding – then you minister in the same way to others who are discouraged or doubting.