Reading for Today: Genesis 25:29-34, Acts 3:11-26

“…the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.”  Acts 3:16

The dictionary defines “sound” in this context as “Having a firm basis; unshakable.”  Do you have perfect soundness today?  It is only found through the faith which comes through Him.  It’s the work He does in us, we only need to ask and receive.

Reading for Today: Genesis 25:19-28 and Acts 3:1-10

Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you…” Acts 3:6

What? Peter and John were the leaders of the church and they didn’t have any money?  Yet, despite their poverty God chose to work through them in a mighty way. Hmmm, does that mean that as long as I have Jesus, and I’m willing to share Him with others, that God could use me in a mighty way as well? I only pray that the little bit of silver and gold that I have doesn’t get in the way.

Reading for Today: Genesis 25:7-18 and Acts 2:40-47

And it came to pass, after the death of Abraham, that God blessed his son Isaac.
Genesis 25:11

This is the first time that the Bible specifically mentions that God blessed Isaac. It mentions that Abraham was blessed by God numerous times. If that’s the case, Isaac had to wait over 75 years to receive God’s blessing. It also came after a major tragedy.  I don’t like waiting more than a day for God’s blessings, let alone 75 years. And I certainly don’t look forward to major trials in order to receive those blessings. Lord, please give me just a portion of Isaac’s patience and faith.

Reading for Today: Genesis 25:1-6 and Acts 2:14-39

 ”And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.” Acts 2:21

Peter was quoting from the Old Testament prophet Joel, but it is a simple plan that weaves its way through the entire Bible from Genesis to Revelation. Whether its Genesis 15:6, John 3:16, or Revelation 3:20, the plan for God’s salvation has always remained the same… just call upon His name. Have you called upon His name yet?

Reading for Today: Genesis 24:61-67 and Acts 2:1-13

“So Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death.” Genesis 24:67

Isaac was 37 years old when his mother died, and at this point had no wife. In that culture, that was old to not be married. Abraham thought so and he took it on himself to find a wife for his son. I also imagine that Isaac spent many sleepless nights praying that God would provide him with a wife and wondered why God hadn’t answered. However, as always, God’s timing is perfect, and he brought Rebekah to Isaac at just the time he needed her most, to comfort him during the loss of his mother.

Reading for Today: Genesis 24:50-60 and Acts 1:15-26

Then Laban and Bethuel answered and said, “The thing comes from the LORD; we cannot speak to you either bad or good.” Genesis 24:50

We later discover that Laban was an idol worshiper, yet he still recognized and heeded the voice of the LORD. He knew right from wrong. Unfortunately, there have been times in my life when non-believers have had higher standards or more integrity than I have displayed. Apparently God is speaking to them, or working in their hearts regardless of their spiritual status — and my terrible witness. Although I say this with great embarrassment, it is awesome to know that God still speaks to, and has not given up on, our unsaved friends and family.

Reading for Today: Genesis 24:29-49 and Acts 1:9-14

“These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication…” Acts 1:14

Christians often desire that today’s church be as powerful as the church in the book of Acts. This verse may serve as a good starting point to accomplish that. The very first thing the disciples did after the ascension of Jesus was to get together “with one accord in prayer and supplication.” Unfortunately, I sometimes use prayer as a last resort. I wonder if I were one of His disciples at this time if this verse would have remained in chapter one of Acts, or in chapter 28?

Reading for Today: Genesis 24:10-28 and Acts 1:1-8

“…but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”
Acts 1:5

Jesus commanded them to wait for the “Promise of the Father,” speaking of the Holy Spirit. But His disciples missed the big picture, and instead, focused on earthly concerns…”Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” I wonder how many spiritual blessings or ‘Promises of the Father’ I have missed because I am too busy asking Jesus to build and/or restore my earthly kingdom. Jesus still delivered on His promise, even though their priorities were mixed up, and He’ll do the same for us today.

Reading for today: Genesis 24:1-9, Matthew 28:1-20

“So go and make followers of all people in the world.”  Matthew 28:19

How can I make followers of all people in the world?  I can’t travel all around the whole world myself and do this, but I can do this more personally – like with my family, with my friends, at school, and when I play sports.  Kind of like as far as my world goes right now.  I can share God’s Word with them and let them see Jesus in me; His love, His joy, His peace.

Written by: Anthony ~ 5th Grade

Reading for today: Genesis 23:1-20, Matthew 27:57-66

Matthew 27:59-61 (Focus)

It probably was very tough for the two women and Joseph, seeing the Lord in the tomb.  They may not have been thinking about how the Father in Heaven is always with us, even in our time of trouble.  No matter how hard it was or how tough it is, He is always with us and hears our prayers.  That’s how great and merciful He is!

Written by: Kana ~ 4th Grade