Reading for today: Genesis 49:13-15, Acts 26:12-23

“And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice speaking to me…” Acts 26:14

What does it take for you to hear the voice of God?  Are you open to hear the still, small voice, or does He have to allow you to travel down unpleasant roads to get your attention?

Reading for today: Genesis 49:8-12, Acts 26:1-11

“The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet until Shiloh comes;…” Genesis 49:10

The scepter, a symbol of royal authority, would never depart from Judah until the coming of the Messiah.  What a promise!  Pray for this great nation (Israel).  They have withstood the test of time.

Reading for today: Genesis 49:5-7, Acts 25:13-27

“Simeon and Levi are brothers, instruments of cruelty are in their dwelling place.” Genesis 49:5

These are some of Jacob’s last words to his sons.  How heartbreaking this must have been for Jacob, and how sad not to receive a blessing.  How will you be remembered?  Do you show Christ-like qualities or do you resemble Simeon or Levi?

Reading for today: Genesis 49:1-4, Acts 25:1-12

“…to see if there is any fault in him.” Acts 25:5

The Jewish leaders were once again trying to condemn Paul with complaints they could not prove.  Paul knew he was blameless.  Could we say the same of ourselves if we were accused of some sin?  Will the way we live our lives allow us to stand blameless and righteous.

Reading for today: Genesis 48:12-22, Acts 24:22-27

“So He blessed them that day…” Genesis 48:20

Many books have been written on the blessing.  It was and still is a special thing to do.  Do you lay hands on your children dedicating them to the Lord and praying for good things to come to them?

Reading for today: Genesis 48:1-11, Acts 24:10-21

“This being so, I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men.” Acts 24:16

Strive means to work at something - may this kind of conscience be our goal! “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.” Hebrews 10:22

Reading for today: Genesis 47:27-31, Acts 24:1-9

“For we have found this man a plague, a creator of dissension among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes.” Acts 24:5

Although it can be brutal to be hated by the world, we are told in 1 Peter 4:12-19 that we shouldn’t be surprised and we should not be ashamed of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  Jesus said “In this world you will have troubles but to be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

Reading for today: Genesis 47:13-26, Acts 23:23-35

“And he called for two centurions, saying, “Prepare two hundred soldiers, seventy horseman, and two hundred spearmen to go to Caesarea… and provide mounts to set Paul on, and bring him safely to Felix the govenor.” Acts 23:23-24

Read 1 Peter 3:14-17 about suffering for doing what’s right. Persecution always has an audience; the people God puts around you can be led to Christ by what they see in your walk through hardships.  It might not just be about you!

Reading for today: Genesis 47:1-12, Acts 23:11-22

“And Joseph situated his father and his brothers, and gave them a possession in the land of Egypt, in the best of the land…” Genesis 47:11

In Matthew 5:44 Jesus said we are to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us.  Like Joseph, God wants to give you His grace to stop wearing your grudges like armor. 1 Peter 2:23 offers a Christ-like example for us to follow: He “entrusted himself to Him who judges justly.”

Reading for today: Genesis46:28-34, Acts 22:30-23:10

“Then Joseph said to his brothers and to his father’s household, “I will go up and tell Pharaoh, and say to him, ‘My brothers and those of my father’s house, who were in the land of Canaan, have come to me.” Genesis 46:31

Joseph demonstrates the love described in 1 Corinthians 13:5-6 that keeps no record of wrongs and always protects.  He chose to continually demonstrate love to his betrayers.  Will you do the same?