Reading for today: Genesis 31:1-13, Acts 8:26-40

“Philip ran up and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet, and said, ‘Do you understand what you are reading?” Acts 8:30

What a beautiful example, not only of obedience, but also of a respectful approach to a stranger for evangelism.  Philip took his cues from the eunuch himself, gently leading him to the Lord in a manner perfectly suited to the Ethiopian.

Reading for today: Genesis 30:37-43, Acts 8:14-25

“Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was bestowed through the laying on of …hands, he offered them money…” Acts 8:18

The occult reaches deep within the heart, sometimes with disastrous ramifications.  It seems Simon did repent when Peter rebuked him: “Pray to the Lord for me yourselves, so that nothing of what you have said may come upon me” (Acts 8:24).  It took courage for Peter to prevent this man being lost.  May we be so bold in confronting evil.

Reading for today: Genesis 30:25-36, Acts 8:9-13

“…Simon himself believed; and after being baptized, he continued with Philip, and as he observed signs and great miracles taking place, he was constantly amazed.” Acts 8:13

Simon was rescued out of the occult, but still “signs and great miracles” seemed to be what fascinated him (see tomorrow’s focus).  Father, may we seek You for Yourself first, relegating awe at miracles, signs, and wonders to second place.

Reading for today: Genesis 30:14-24, Acts 8:1-8

“Then God remembered Rachel, and God gave heed to her and opened her womb.” Genesis 30:22

God is in control.  Why did He make Rachel wait so long?  Was He arranging for the other sons and a daughter to be born?  Was He testing?   Our unanswered questions can cause us to feel He doesn’t love us or isn’t listening.  Or they can train us in “hanging on” to His promises to love and care for us…to give us His very best.   So much will only be understood later, in eternity. 

Reading for today: Genesis 30:1-13, Acts 7:54-60

“And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened up and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”  Acts 7:56

At all other times Jesus is seen as “sitting at the right hand of God.”  It has been suggested He is standing to welcome His first Resurrection Martyr.

Reading for today: Genesis 29:31-35, Acts 7:37-53

“…as it is written in the book of the prophets…”  Acts 7:42

Stephen is building a “case for Jesus the Messiah”.  In these verses he cites the Hebrew Scriptures 39 times.  Recall on the road to Emmaus that awesome Resurrection Day how Jesus Himself “…opened their minds to understand the Scriptures” (Luke 24:45) “Then beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures” (Luke 24:27).  May we today, study and apply to our own lives the Old Testament…the Bible Jesus read.

Reading for today: Genesis 29:15-30, Acts 7:17-36

“And he supposed…that God was granting them deliverance through him…”  Acts 7:25

Recently we saw Abraham do the same thing.  The result was Ishmael, the “son of the bondwoman” (Gal 4:30b), resulting in 4,000 years of repercussions.  The result of Moses’ presumption was 40 years of time in the desert, which God used to prepare him for leading the Israelites another 40 years.  We so often “presume” on God’s plans, but He “…causes all things to work together for good to those who love God…”  (Romans 8:28a).

Reading for today: Genesis 29:1-14, Acts 7:1-16

“As soon as Laban heard the news about Jacob, his sister’s son, he hurried to meet him.” Genesis 29:13

Jacob was thrilled to find his uncle after his long journey, and Laban was just as thrilled to have his nephew come to live with him.  Family ties offer a level of comfort for us especially when we’re far from home or even when we’re not.  Family are usually the ones to count on for help and support when life’s circumstances are upon us. 

Reading for today: Genesis 28:10-22, Acts 6:8-15

“I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” Genesis 28:15

Jacob had done some unkind things, but instead of apologizing, Jacob ran away.  He lived away from his family for many years, but now it was time to meet with his brother.  He had to face up to the things he had done wrong.  When Jacob ran, he may have thought that he was running away from God, too. But God reminded Jacob that the promises He had made to his father and grandfather were meant for him, too.

Reading for today: Genesis 28:6-9, Acts 6:1-7

“Esau then realized how displeasing the Canaanite women were to his father Isaac; so he went to Ishmael and married Mahalath.” Genesis 28:8-9

Esau deliberately married a Canaanite woman knowing it would displease his father.  His desire to lash out and “get back” at his father resulted in many consequences throughout his life.  How do you respond when you are angry?  Do you do things you know are wrong only to regret them later?  Lord, help us respond in love to the ones who anger us.