Reading for today: Exodus 2:1-10, 1 Corinthians 1:4-9

“Then Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, ‘Take this child away and nurse him for me, and I will give you your wages.’ So the woman took the child and nursed him.”  Exodus 2:9

Moses’ mother gave him up in an act of faith and God returned him to her, plus her wages as a nurse.  As parents we want what is best for our children, and the best for our children is to learn by example that we can put our full trust in God and that He will look after His children.

Reading for today: Exodus 1:1-22, 1 Corinthians 1:1-3

“To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours.” 1 Corinthians 1:2

Paul addresses this letter to all God’s people.  He reminds them to be aware of their call to live holy lives.  As God’s children we are to be set apart, especially in personal conduct.  Our Christian character, established through a right relationship to God, should be evident to those around us.  Pursue it and seek to live a holy and pure life.

Reading for today: Genesis 50:22-26, Acts 28:17-31“So when they had appointed him a day, many came to him at his lodging, to whom he explained and solemnly testified of the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets, from morning till evening.” Acts 28:23

Paul preached boldly without hesitation or reservation. He was not hindered by circumstances. The Holy Spirit enables us to be obedient witnesses, taking the gospel message into a lost world. God is looking for willing stewards who will yield to the call (Isaiah 6:8).

Reading for today: Genesis 50:15-21, Acts 28:11-16

“‘Now therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.’” And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them. Genesis 50:21

Joseph was a true model of faith and obedience. His commitment to righteousness and integrity reveals and instructs us of what it means to be a kingdom citizen. God’s intervention brought promise into Joseph’s life. When we give our lives to Christ, He will do the same for us.

Reading for today: Genesis 50:7-14, Acts 28:1-10

“‘But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on a fire, a viper came out because of the heat, and fastened on his hand. So when the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, ‘No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped the sea, yet justice does not allow to live.’ But he shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm.’” Acts 28:3-5

As we go through ministry and serving God, we can expect to be attacked, but because we are children of God, we can serve without fear. God is mightier than any attack that comes against us. We mustn’t whine, complain or step back, but move forward and shake it off. We know ultimately God is in control and greater than anything or anyone who comes against us.

Reading for today: Genesis 50:1-6, Acts 27:39-44

“Then Joseph fell on his father’s face, and wept over him, and kissed him.” Genesis 50:1

It is always difficult to say good-bye to our loved ones when they leave this world. Our hearts are broken and we need time to heal. Nevertheless we “sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.” I Thess. 4:13. So comfort and encourage one another with the hope of the resurrection.

Reading for today: Genesis 49:29-33, Acts 27:27-38

“Therefore I urge you to take nourishment, for this is for your survival, since not a hair will fall from the head of any of you.” Acts 27:34

As God’s children we have been given the task of reaching out to others and to be a light during difficult times. God has a purpose and a plan for us. Seek after it, foster and inspire others with courage and hope. Nothing in life is coincidence.

Reading for today: Genesis 49:27-28, Acts 27:9-26

“And now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship.” Acts 27:22

Paul is an encourager. He has faced many trials since he began his journey for the Lord and, because of his faith in Jesus Christ, he is able to stand firmly in the midst of difficulty. We too can be assured that God will be faithful to protect and provide in our time of need. Share God’s goodness with the people you meet. They will be blessed.

Reading for today: Genesis 49:22-26, Acts 27:1-8

“And Julius treated Paul kindly and gave him liberty to go to his friends and receive care.” Acts 27:3

As we see with both Paul and Joseph, whatever situation we are in God is always in control.  We can look at all the different roads our lives take and not see the big picture.  But God does, and He leads us to some uncomfortable places.  We need to look at all these situations not as what they are, but for how God can use them.  There is consolation in thinking that way.

Reading for today: Genesis 49:16-21, Acts 26:24-32

“But he said, ‘I am not mad most noble Festus, but speak the words of truth and reason.’” Acts 26:25

Paul preached the Gospel with such authority that Agrippa was threatened, and stopped the dialogue.  Let us always be ready with words of truth, spoken in love, for the unsaved.