MONDAY Reading for Today: Matthew 14:22-36 Acts 20:13-38 Psalm 34 Exodus 30–31 Matthew 14:22-36 We face two kinds of fear: fear of the known and fear of the unknown. That night on the Sea of Galilee the disciples faced both. They knew well the dangers of being caught in a violent storm. When they saw […]
Long ago Jewish prayers often started, “Blessed be he . . .” Prayer began with blessing God. The irony is that God, who deserves all the blessing, has blessed us (Ephesians 1:3-14). Surely we experience difficult days on this sin-stained planet. But often day after day after day we experience God’s special presence in blessed […]
Jacob had many reasons to be grateful. His long life spanned about a century and a half. His descendants multiplied and flourished under the gracious hand of God (Genesis 47:27, 28). As Jacob grew old and approached death, his faith remained strong, but his legs became tottery. He needed a staff (a wooden walking stick) […]
Use one or both of these questions to introduce the lesson: 1. Think of a time you moved from a familiar location. What were some concerns you had at that time? How did the move work out for you? 2. If you were to have a family reunion, where would you hold it? Does that […]
MONDAY Reading for Today: Matthew 12:22-37 Acts 17:16-34 Psalm 28 Exodus 13–15 Acts 17:16-34 Paul was distressed with the vast number of idols dotting the Athenian landscape, but I admire how he responded. He graciously accepted the people where they were and sought to lead them where they needed to be. There was no shame-on-you […]
