Today’s OYB reading was full of angels. Elijah was fed and encouraged by an angel and an angel broke Peter out of prison (Acts 12). Angels seem to show up at key moments in the Bible, especially when one of God’s servants needs an intervention. I wonder what God’s angels are busy doing today?
Elijah prayed to the God of his fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Perhaps he referred to God in this way to remind his people to turn back to the God of their fathers too. God answered Elijah’s prayer and sent fire from heaven. May God send fresh fire for this generation of fathers today.
Fault-finding is easy, but love looks for good. When we focus on faults, we foster separation. But looking through the lens of love, we find forgiveness and oneness. Are you a fault-finder? Or have you learned the art of seeing others through the eyes of God’s love?
Peter knew the adventure of being led by the Spirit. He obeyed the Spirit’s voice and took the gospel to the Roman soldier, Cornelius. God still speaks to those who have ears to hear.
The Lord has allowed me to live to see the truth of this proverb. What a blessing to have grandchildren not only by blood, but also by Spirit. For God has blessed me to know both. I have three grandchildren (and one on the way) through the flesh. But I have untold spiritual grandchildren through the preaching of the Gospel!
God called Saul to a very specific ministry. Do you think God still calls people today? Are we “chosen instruments” to a certain family, city, school, workplace, nation, people group, etc? If God still does this, then don’t you want to be that “chosen instrument” in His hands?
The Psalmist counted/depended on the Lord. He was banking on God and His Word. On what/whom do you depend? What is the source of your hope? We may not know what the future holds, but we can know Who holds the future!
Peace is better than prosperity. If there is discord at your house, money won’t fix it. Couples think financial problems are the source of their marital woes, but poor communication and lack of forgiveness are nearly always at the root. Start talking and forgiving one another, then sharing a PB&J sandwich will feel like a sumptuous feast.
Today’s OT and NT reading were both about the Temple. Here, Stephen gives his defense before the Sanhedrin before they have him stoned. He tried to turn them from man-made religion to God’s graceful provision in Jesus. But they wouldn’t listen.
Are you having trouble at your house? Marital woes? Parenting fatigue? Money worries? Ask God to help. There are too many factors beyond your control. Give God control. Give Him your spouse, your marriage, your kids, your money … Give God your house! Let Him build a family that lasts forever.