The Daily Dose

Everyone did their part

_{So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and increased in number daily. ~ Acts 16:5}

This is truly a demonstration of the body of Christ working together as it was intended from the beginning. Everyone doing their part within the body produced the results that Jesus died for His people to have.

This reminds me of what the apostle Paul wrote in his letter to the Corinthians. In 1 Corinthians 12:12 he said, For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. God supernaturally connected His people by appointing Jesus as the head, and through the Spirit of God, He (Jesus) would remain in the world in His body of believers.

This is far greater than we often grasp, and I struggle daily to remind myself that I am not my own. I am part of a body that stretches across the entire planet. In today’s scripture, we see how the body is meant to grow in the world each day. The church at its beginning spread like wildfire because each person was doing their part. They did not depend solely on the apostles to tell the world. They all shared about the love of God and the salvation He provided everywhere they went, all throughout their day. It was the good news then, and it still is today.

So what is our part in the body of believers today? Are we all supposed to pack up our homes and travel the world to spread the message? Does every one of us need to become an ordained minister and start a church in our town? Paul told the Corinthians that each person had a part, but he did not tell them exactly what their part was. What he did say was that God set each member in the body as He pleased (1 Corinthians 12:18). Paul also said there should be no division within the church, but that we should care for one another. Finally, he wrote that we should earnestly desire the best gift for the time we are in, knowing that only the Holy Spirit knows what those gifts are.

Here are some ways to get started in this today:

• Ask God in prayer to show you the part He has placed you in within His body, and listen for His guidance through His Word and His Spirit.
• Start small by serving in simple ways right where you are, whether in your home, your church, or your community, trusting that God uses even the smallest acts of faithfulness.
• Support others in their part, by encouraging them, praying for them, or offering practical help so they can fulfill their calling.
• Avoid comparing your role to someone else’s, instead thank God for the uniqueness of your gifts and use it with joy.
• Be consistent in caring for the people around you, remembering that sharing God’s love in daily life is just as powerful as preaching on a stage.

Today I want to encourage you to operate in your gift and ability within the body of Christ. The only way to truly know your part is by hearing and following the direction of the Holy Spirit in your heart. No one else can tell you exactly what you were called to do, but God has placed you under leaders and within a church family to help you grow. Always remember that your main calling is to care for others and share the good news of salvation with those around you. Even if you never travel the world to preach, your prayers, encouragement, and support of others in the body make a difference. When we all do our part, we will see the same results the early church experienced, and Jesus will continue to grow His work through us in the earth.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 16:1-5

1 Then he came to Derbe and Lystra. And behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a certain Jewish woman who believed, but his father was Greek.

2 He was well spoken of by the brethren who were at Lystra and Iconium.

3 Paul wanted to have him go on with him. And he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in that region, for they all knew that his father was Greek.

4 And as they went through the cities, they delivered to them the decrees to keep, which were determined by the apostles and elders at Jerusalem.

5 So the churches were strengthened in the faith and increased in number daily.

Journal:

• What are some small and simple ways I can begin using my gifts to serve others this week?
• How can I encourage someone else in the body of Christ to keep going in their part?

Faithfulness

Then the contention became so sharp that they parted from one another. So Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus; ~ Acts 15:39

This has always been a hard part of Paul’s story for me to handle. Earlier in Acts, in chapter 13, the Holy Spirit separated Paul and Barnabas to go together on missionary journeys. Now, because of a disagreement, they separate. There is no indication that the Holy Spirit said they should now go their separate ways, yet they did. Paul took Silas, and Barnabas took John Mark. Paul did not want to take John Mark because he had “quit” the minstry when things became difficult when he traveled with them earlier. He was not ready yet and had not learned steady faithfulness for the mission. These were not easy trips. The team faced trouble and tests in almost every city. They did not look for comforts or applause. They often ended up in prisons. Faithfulness was costly and uncertain.

Scripture does not say the split was outside God’s will, but God’s work continued despite the separation. These men did not abandon their mission. They moved in different directions and kept serving. Later, Paul welcomed John Mark as a valuable co-worker. Barnabas and John Mark also continued ministering. The story reminds us that God can multiply impact even when teams change. He keeps building His church as His servants stay faithful.

This may happen in your mission as well. For many reasons, people you serve with in one season may move on in another. That does not mean your assignment ends. You keep following where He leads, and you remain faithful to the calling He gave you. If others leave or take another path, God will send help from another place. Your part is to keep showing up, to keep doing the next obedient thing, and to trust Him for the people and resources you need.

Here are some ways you can remain faithful in your ministry:

• Show up wholeheartedly where you are, and do the work God has placed in your hands with excellence.
• Don’t let little things grow into big barriers between you and others. Address issues quickly, forgive freely, and move forward in love.
• Refuse bitterness, and bless those who move on to other assignments. Pray for their fruitfulness.
• Look for the John Marks around you, and make room for people who are still growing. Offer encouragement and training.
• Stay accountable to spiritual authority, and invite wise counsel before major changes.
• Measure success by faithfulness, and leave outcomes with God.

How to get started:

1. Write down your current commitments at home, church, and work, and choose one area where you will be consistently faithful this week.

2. Set a simple daily rhythm of prayer and Scripture, even ten focused minutes, to ask God to strengthen your steadiness.

3. Reach out to a leader or mentor to ask for one piece of feedback that will help you serve better.

4. Send a kind note to someone who used to serve with you to thank God for what He did through that season.

5. Pick one younger believer to encourage this month to invest time in their growth.

Today I want to encourage you to stay steady in the place God has you, just as Paul, Barnabas, and John Mark kept moving forward after a painful disagreement. Your faithfulness matters in every season. Keep your heart soft, keep your hands diligent, and keep your eyes on Jesus. As you do, He will guide your steps, supply your needs, and use your life to strengthen others.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 15:36-41

36 Then after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us now go back and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they are doing.”

37 Now Barnabas was determined to take with them John called Mark.

38 But Paul insisted that they should not take with them the one who had departed from them in Pamphylia, and had not gone with them to the work.

39 Then the contention became so sharp that they parted from one another. And so Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus;

40 but Paul chose Silas and departed, being commended by the brethren to the grace of God.

41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.

Journal:

• Where is God asking you to stay faithful right now?
• What is one practical step you will take this week to serve well in that place?
  

My Jacob’s Ladder

^{“What’s more, I am with you, and I will protect you wherever you go. One day I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have finished giving you everything I have promised you.” ~ Genesis 28:15}

This chapter in Genesis tells about Jacob’s journey as he left home to get away from his brother’s fury. He was uncertain of his future and carrying the weight of the family conflict. One night, as he slept with a stone for a pillow, he dreamt of a ladder reaching from earth to heaven with angels ascending and descending on it. God came to him and made a powerful promise.  He said He would be with Jacob, protect him, and fulfill His what He promised him. In that moment, Jacob knew that no matter where he is or how uncertain things seem, God was present and working out His plan.

I have been walking through a personal crisis for about two and a half years with one of my children. I’m not ready to talk about the details, but ever since they were born, God has given me scriptures and promised about their life to know they were made to be an overcomer.  Where we are right now, it is mostly all I can think about and I am constantly putting my faith in God to work in that life by thanking Him for His promises and taking authority over the enemy and his influence in the situation.  I have seen progress in the last couple years but is it slow in my eyes.  I do know that God is working in many details and lives through His working in this struggle so I know that is one of the reasons it seems to be taking so long for breakthrough.

The other day, I took a look back in some of my journals from five even ten years ago.  Honestly, I was looking for some of the things I wrote down that God had given me about this very situation.  As I read through many of the entries, I was so encouraged by what I had written.  Even though many of my writings were not about what I was currently looking for encouragement in, I found so much joy and encouragement seeing what God had already brought me through.  Each day I looked at had words about something I was going through and areas that were on my heart for God to work in then. Those journals are like gold to me because now that I was looking back, I could remember how He had done such an amazing work in every single case, simply because I was trusting in Him and doing my best to believe and follow His leading.

As I read today’s passage, I thought, Sure!  That’s wonderful for Jacob, but where’s my ‘Jacob’s Ladder?  Almost instantly, my mind went back to those journals. They are my ladder, my way of seeing heaven touch earth in my own life. Just as Jacob’s dream reminded him that God was with him, my journals remind me of His presence and faithfulness through every storm. When I look back, I see the God who carried me then, and I know He is carrying me now. That’s why I am so passionate about encouraging others to keep a journal.

You may be in a similar place right now. Perhaps you are facing a new job, a move, a relationship change, or a ministry opportunity, and the unknowns feel intimidating. Like Jacob, you might be wondering how it will all work out. God’s promise to Jacob is His promise to you that He will be with you, He will protect you, and He will complete the work He has started in your life. Write it down and journal every encouraging thing you experience through your struggles so that even when you cannot see the full picture, you can trust that His presence and faithfulness goes before you, His hand is upon you, and His plan will not fail. When you keep track of His faithfulness, your journal will become your personal “Jacob’s Ladder,” anchoring you in hope when you face future storms.

Here are some steps you can take today to start your Ladder:

1. Start your day with a reminder from God’s Word that He is with you.
2. Keep a journal of past moments when God has provided or guided you.
3. Pray specifically for peace in the areas that cause you anxiety.
4. Look for small ways God is showing His presence in your daily life.
5. Take one step of faith today, even if you do not see the whole path.

Today I want to encourage you to hold on to the promise that God is with you wherever you go. His presence is your greatest assurance, and His faithfulness is unshakable. You may not have all the answers, but you have the One who knows the end from the beginning walking right beside you. Keep moving forward with confidence, knowing He will keep every promise He has spoken over your life.

Today’s scripture reading: Genesis 28

 1 So Isaac called for Jacob, blessed him, and said, “You must not marry any of these Canaanite women.

2 Instead, go at once to Paddan-aram, to the house of your grandfather Bethuel, and marry one of your uncle Laban’s daughters.

3 May God Almighty bless you and give you many children. And may your descendants multiply and become many nations!

4 May God pass on to you and your descendants the blessings he promised to Abraham. May you own this land where you are now living as a foreigner, for God gave this land to Abraham.”

5 So Isaac sent Jacob away, and he went to Paddan-aram to stay with his uncle Laban, his mother’s brother, the son of Bethuel the Aramean.

6 Esau knew that his father, Isaac, had blessed Jacob and sent him to Paddan-aram to find a wife, and that he had warned Jacob, “You must not marry a Canaanite woman.”

7 He also knew that Jacob had obeyed his parents and gone to Paddan-aram.

8 It was now very clear to Esau that his father did not like the local Canaanite women.

9 So Esau visited his uncle Ishmael’s family and married one of Ishmael’s daughters, in addition to the wives he already had. His new wife’s name was Mahalath. She was the sister of Nebaioth and the daughter of Ishmael, Abraham’s son.

10 Meanwhile, Jacob left Beersheba and traveled toward Haran.

11 At sundown he arrived at a good place to set up camp and stopped there for the night. Jacob found a stone to rest his head against and lay down to sleep.

12 As he slept, he dreamed of a stairway that reached from the earth up to heaven. And he saw the angels of God going up and down the stairway.

13 At the top of the stairway stood the Lord, and he said, “I am the Lord, the God of your grandfather Abraham, and the God of your father, Isaac. The ground you are lying on belongs to you. I am giving it to you and your descendants.

14 Your descendants will be as numerous as the dust of the earth! They will spread out in all directions—to the west and the east, to the north and the south. And all the families of the earth will be blessed through you and your descendants.

15 What’s more, I am with you, and I will protect you wherever you go. One day I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have finished giving you everything I have promised you.”

16 Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I wasn’t even aware of it!”

17 But he was also afraid and said, “What an awesome place this is! It is none other than the house of God, the very gateway to heaven!”

18 The next morning Jacob got up very early. He took the stone he had rested his head against, and he set it upright as a memorial pillar. Then he poured olive oil over it.

19 He named that place Bethel (which means “house of God”), although it was previously called Luz.

20 Then Jacob made this vow: “If God will indeed be with me and protect me on this journey, and if he will provide me with food and clothing,

21 and if I return safely to my father’s home, then the Lord will certainly be my God.

22 And this memorial pillar I have set up will become a place for worshiping God, and I will present to God a tenth of everything he gives me.”

Journal Prompt:

• Write about a situation you are currently facing where you feel uncertain.
• Ask God to make His presence known to you in a personal way and to give you courage to trust Him through each step.

Guarding your integrity

_{But Isaac said, “Your brother was here, and he tricked me. He has taken away your blessing.” ~ Genesis 27:35}

Today’s reading is a sobering reminder of how deception can cause deep hurt and lasting consequences. In this chapter, Jacob, led by his mother Rebekah, deceives his father Isaac to receive the blessing intended for his brother Esau. While Jacob gained the blessing, the cost was broken relationships, mistrust, and years of separation. Not to mention the fear he had of his brother’s wrath afterwards. This story shows us that the way we pursue God’s promises matters as much as the promise itself.

When I look back at moments in my life when I became impatient with God’s timing, I remember a particular time that I wanted a certain breakthrough so badly that I started trying to make it happen on my own. I told myself I was “helping” God, but deep down I knew I was stepping outside of His leading. Instead of peace, I felt uneasy, and instead of open doors, I found myself facing closed ones. It was only when I surrendered my plans and stopped trying to force outcomes that God began to move in a way that was far better than anything I could have arranged.

You may be in a similar place right now. Perhaps you feel pressure to act quickly or take shortcuts to get what you believe is yours. The temptation to compromise or manipulate situations for immediate results is real, especially when the waiting feels long and the desire is strong. Yet, you know that when you act outside of God’s guidance, you risk damaging relationships, forfeiting peace, and delaying His best for your life. Choosing integrity and trusting His timing may not give instant gratification, but it will always lead to His lasting blessing.

Here are some ways you can begin guarding your integrity today:

1. When facing a big decision, pause and pray before taking action.
2. Invite trusted, godly counsel into your situation to give perspective.
3. Check your motives honestly and ask God to reveal any selfish ambition.
4. Wait for confirmation through God’s Word and His peace before moving forward.
5. Practice patience by focusing on what you can faithfully do in the present.

Today I want to encourageyou to guard your heart against shortcuts that compromise your integrity. God sees the desires of your heart and knows the perfect time to bring them to pass. His blessings add no sorrow, and His ways are always higher than ours. If you stay faithful and obedient, He will open the right door in the right way at the right time, and you will be able to receive it with peace and joy.

Today’s scripture reading: Genesis 27

1 One day when Isaac was old and turning blind, he called for Esau, his older son, and said, “My son.” “Yes, Father?” Esau replied.

2 “I am an old man now,” Isaac said, “and I don’t know when I may die.

3 Take your bow and a quiver full of arrows, and go out into the open country to hunt some wild game for me.

4 Prepare my favorite dish, and bring it here for me to eat. Then I will pronounce the blessing that belongs to you, my firstborn son, before I die.”

5 But Rebekah overheard what Isaac had said to his son Esau. So when Esau left to hunt for the wild game,

6 she said to her son Jacob, “Listen. I overheard your father say to Esau,

7 ‘Bring me some wild game and prepare me a delicious meal. Then I will bless you in the Lord’s presence before I die.’

8 Now, my son, listen to me. Do exactly as I tell you.

9 Go out to the flocks, and bring me two fine young goats. I’ll use them to prepare your father’s favorite dish.

10 Then take the food to your father so he can eat it and bless you before he dies.”

11 “But look,” Jacob replied to Rebekah, “my brother, Esau, is a hairy man, and my skin is smooth.

12 What if my father touches me? He’ll see that I’m trying to trick him, and then he’ll curse me instead of blessing me.”

13 But his mother replied, “Then let the curse fall on me, my son! Just do what I tell you. Go out and get the goats for me!”

14 So Jacob went out and got the young goats for his mother. Rebekah took them and prepared a delicious meal, just the way Isaac liked it.

15 Then she took Esau’s favorite clothes, which were there in the house, and gave them to her younger son, Jacob.

16 She covered his arms and the smooth part of his neck with the skin of the young goats.

17 Then she gave Jacob the delicious meal, including freshly baked bread.

18 So Jacob took the food to his father. “My father?” he said. “Yes, my son,” Isaac answered. “Who are you—Esau or Jacob?”

19 Jacob replied, “It’s Esau, your firstborn son. I’ve done as you told me. Here is the wild game. Now sit up and eat it so you can give me your blessing.”

20 Isaac asked, “How did you find it so quickly, my son?” “The Lord your God put it in my path!” Jacob replied.

21 Then Isaac said to Jacob, “Come closer so I can touch you and make sure that you really are Esau.”

22 So Jacob went closer to his father, and Isaac touched him. “The voice is Jacob’s, but the hands are Esau’s,” Isaac said.

23 But he did not recognize Jacob, because Jacob’s hands felt hairy just like Esau’s. So Isaac prepared to bless Jacob.

24 “But are you really my son Esau?” he asked. “Yes, I am,” Jacob replied.

25 Then Isaac said, “Now, my son, bring me the wild game. Let me eat it, and then I will give you my blessing.” So Jacob took the food to his father, and Isaac ate it. He also drank the wine that Jacob served him.

26 Then Isaac said to Jacob, “Please come a little closer and kiss me, my son.”

27 So Jacob went over and kissed him. And when Isaac caught the smell of his clothes, he was finally convinced, and he blessed his son. He said, “Ah! The smell of my son is like the smell of the outdoors, which the Lord has blessed!

28 “From the dew of heaven and the richness of the earth, may God always give you abundant harvests of grain and bountiful new wine.

29 May many nations become your servants, and may they bow down to you. May you be the master over your brothers, and may your mother’s sons bow down to you. All who curse you will be cursed, and all who bless you will be blessed.”

30 As soon as Isaac had finished blessing Jacob, and almost before Jacob had left his father, Esau returned from his hunt.

31 Esau prepared a delicious meal and brought it to his father. Then he said, “Sit up, my father, and eat my wild game so you can give me your blessing.”

32 But Isaac asked him, “Who are you?”

Esau replied, “It’s your son, your firstborn son, Esau.”

33 Isaac began to tremble uncontrollably and said, “Then who just served me wild game? I have already eaten it, and I blessed him just before you came. And yes, that blessing must stand!”

34 When Esau heard his father’s words, he let out a loud and bitter cry. “Oh my father, what about me? Bless me, too!” he begged.

35 But Isaac said, “Your brother was here, and he tricked me. He has taken away your blessing.”

36 Esau exclaimed, “No wonder his name is Jacob, for now he has cheated me twice. First he took my rights as the firstborn, and now he has stolen my blessing. Oh, haven’t you saved even one blessing for me?”

37 Isaac said to Esau, “I have made Jacob your master and have declared that all his brothers will be his servants. I have guaranteed him an abundance of grain and wine—what is left for me to give you, my son?”

38 Esau pleaded, “But do you have only one blessing? Oh my father, bless me, too!” Then Esau broke down and wept.

39 Finally, his father, Isaac, said to him, “You will live away from the richness of the earth, and away from the dew of the heaven above.

40 You will live by your sword, and you will serve your brother. But when you decide to break free,

you will shake his yoke from your neck.”

41 From that time on, Esau hated Jacob because their father had given Jacob the blessing. And Esau began to scheme: “I will soon be mourning my father’s death. Then I will kill my brother, Jacob.”

42 But Rebekah heard about Esau’s plans. So she sent for Jacob and told him, “Listen, Esau is consoling himself by plotting to kill you.

43 So listen carefully, my son. Get ready and flee to my brother, Laban, in Haran.

44 Stay there with him until your brother cools off.

45 When he calms down and forgets what you have done to him, I will send for you to come back. Why should I lose both of you in one day?”

46 Then Rebekah said to Isaac, “I’m sick and tired of these local Hittite women! I would rather die than see Jacob marry one of them.”

Journal:

• Write about an area in your life where you feel tempted to rush ahead of God.
• Ask Him to help you trust His timing and to give you the strength to walk in integrity while you wait.

Keep digging your wells

Isaac reopened the wells that had been dug in the time of his father Abraham, which the Philistines had stopped up after Abraham died, and he gave them the same names his father had given them. ~ Genesis 26:18

There was a time in my life when lived far from God.  Even though I had received salvation as a young girl, when I was old enough to make my own decisions, they were not good.  I struggled through life many years that way, then finally after falling down so many times, I turn back to God and stepped back into a close relationship with Him.

It wasn’t easy and many times it felt like I was taking one step forward only to go two steps back. In the natural, it didn’t look like I was making any progress at all.  However, after continual pressing and trusting Him for each detail, eventually, I began to see fruit.  There were moments it seemed easier to stop trying. But each time, God reminded me that my well, my purpose, my calling and my daily walk with Him, could not be abandoned just because of obstacles and set backs. When I kept going, God always provided “fresh water” and open space.

This is a little like what Isaac went through in Genesis 26. Even though he was full of persistence, faith, and the determination to keep moving forward despite opposition, Isaac faced famine, jealousy, and conflict but he did not stop. He kept digging wells because he knew water was essential for life, family, and future generations.  His persistence paid off when they finally found water and God was faithful to help him every step of the way. Not only did Isaac have the satisfaction of seeing water flow, but he also received peace with his neighbors, God’s blessing on his work, and the security that his family’s needs would be met for the future. The very place where he experienced struggle became the place where he experienced God’s favor.

You may be facing something similar right now. Maybe you feel blocked by circumstances, criticism, or even spiritual resistance. Like Isaac, you have a spiritual inheritance, and there are wells God has given you such as your faith, your talents and your calling, that the enemy would love to fill in with doubt, fear, or discouragement. But the same God who gave Isaac fresh water will give you what you need when you keep “digging” in faith.

Here are some ways you can find “fresh water” in the dry places of your life:

1. Identify the “wells” in your life that are essential to your spiritual health such as prayer, time in God’s Word, fellowship, and serving.
2. Reopen a well that has been neglected. If you have let a spiritual habit or ministry role go, start small and rebuild it step by step.
3. Protect your wells from being “filled in” by distractions, negativity, or unhealthy influences.
4. Be willing to move forward when one area closes. Just as Isaac dug new wells, seek God for new opportunities and fresh direction.
5. Keep gratitude flowing. Thank God for past provision while expecting Him to provide again.

Begin your day by naming the dry wells in your life. Pray over each one, asking God to keep them open and fruitful. Commit to taking one action today to strengthen one of those wells.

Today I want to encourage you to keep digging, even when it feels hard, even when you have to start over, even when you face opposition. Your persistence will bring you to a place of Rehoboth, a place of room and fruitfulness where God’s blessings flow freely. The water is worth the work, and God’s promises are worth pursuing.

Today’s scripture reading: Genesis 26

1A severe famine now struck the land, as had happened before in Abraham’s time. So Isaac moved to Gerar, where Abimelech, king of the Philistines, lived.

2 The Lord appeared to Isaac and said, “Do not go down to Egypt, but do as I tell you.

3 Live here as a foreigner in this land, and I will be with you and bless you. I hereby confirm that I will give all these lands to you and your descendants, just as I solemnly promised Abraham, your father.

4 I will cause your descendants to become as numerous as the stars of the sky, and I will give them all these lands. And through your descendants all the nations of the earth will be blessed.

5 I will do this because Abraham listened to me and obeyed all my requirements, commands, decrees, and instructions.”

6 So Isaac stayed in Gerar.

7 When the men who lived there asked Isaac about his wife, Rebekah, he said, “She is my sister.” He was afraid to say, “She is my wife.” He thought, “They will kill me to get her, because she is so beautiful.”

8 But some time later, Abimelech, king of the Philistines, looked out his window and saw Isaac caressing Rebekah.

9 Immediately, Abimelech called for Isaac and exclaimed, “She is obviously your wife! Why did you say, ‘She is my sister’?”

“Because I was afraid someone would kill me to get her from me,” Isaac replied.

10 “How could you do this to us?” Abimelech exclaimed. “One of my people might easily have taken your wife and slept with her, and you would have made us guilty of great sin.”

11 Then Abimelech issued a public proclamation: “Anyone who touches this man or his wife will be put to death!”

12 When Isaac planted his crops that year, he harvested a hundred times more grain than he planted, for the Lord blessed him.

13 He became a very rich man, and his wealth continued to grow.

14 He acquired so many flocks of sheep and goats, herds of cattle, and servants that the Philistines became jealous of him.

15 So the Philistines filled up all of Isaac’s wells with dirt. These were the wells that had been dug by the servants of his father, Abraham.

16 Finally, Abimelech ordered Isaac to leave the country. “Go somewhere else,” he said, “for you have become too powerful for us.”

17 So Isaac moved away to the Gerar Valley, where he set up their tents and settled down.

18 He reopened the wells his father had dug, which the Philistines had filled in after Abraham’s death. Isaac also restored the names Abraham had given them.

19 Isaac’s servants also dug in the Gerar Valley and discovered a well of fresh water.

20 But then the shepherds from Gerar came and claimed the spring. “This is our water,” they said, and they argued over it with Isaac’s herdsmen. So Isaac named the well Esek (which means “argument”).

21 Isaac’s men then dug another well, but again there was a dispute over it. So Isaac named it Sitnah (which means “hostility”).

22 Abandoning that one, Isaac moved on and dug another well. This time there was no dispute over it, so Isaac named the place Rehoboth (which means “open space”), for he said, “At last the Lord has created enough space for us to prosper in this land.”

23 From there Isaac moved to Beersheba,

24 where the Lord appeared to him on the night of his arrival. “I am the God of your father, Abraham,” he said. “Do not be afraid, for I am with you and will bless you. I will multiply your descendants, and they will become a great nation. I will do this because of my promise to Abraham, my servant.”

25 Then Isaac built an altar there and worshiped the Lord. He set up his camp at that place, and his servants dug another well.

26 One day King Abimelech came from Gerar with his adviser, Ahuzzath, and also Phicol, his army commander.

27 “Why have you come here?” Isaac asked. “You obviously hate me, since you kicked me off your land.”

28 They replied, “We can plainly see that the Lord is with you. So we want to enter into a sworn treaty with you. Let’s make a covenant.

29 Swear that you will not harm us, just as we have never troubled you. We have always treated you well, and we sent you away from us in peace. And now look how the Lord has blessed you!”

30 So Isaac prepared a covenant feast to celebrate the treaty, and they ate and drank together.

31 Early the next morning, they each took a solemn oath not to interfere with each other. Then Isaac sent them home again, and they left him in peace.

32 That very day Isaac’s servants came and told him about a new well they had dug. “We’ve found water!” they exclaimed.

33 So Isaac named the well Shibah (which means “oath”). And to this day the town that grew up there is called Beersheba (which means “well of the oath”).

34 At the age of forty, Esau married two Hittite wives: Judith, the daughter of Beeri, and Basemath, the daughter of Elon.

35 But Esau’s wives made life miserable for Isaac and Rebekah.

Journal:

• What wells in my life need to be reopened or protected today?
• What step can I take today to keep them flowing?

What matters most?

Then Jacob gave Esau some bread and lentil stew. Esau ate the meal, then got up and left. He showed contempt for his rights as the firstborn.~ Genesis 25:34

In today’s scripture, we read about Esau trading away his birthright for a simple meal. In a moment of physical hunger, he undervalued something of eternal significance. His decision shows how easy it can be to give up God’s best for temporary satisfaction when feeling weary or desperate.

There have been times in my life when I was deeply discouraged and tired. One particular instant comes to mind when an opportunity came along that seemed to promise quick relief, but deep down I knew it was not from God. Even though I was tempted to take it just to ease my immediate discomfort, by God’s grace, I chose to wait and trust His timing. Looking back, I see how important that choice was, because the quick fix would have closed the door to the greater blessings God had in store for my life.

You may be facing a situation right now where you feel pressured to make a decision quickly. It might be in your finances, relationships, ministry, or personal life. The enemy will always try to get you to settle for less than God’s plan by magnifying your present need and minimizing the value of your spiritual inheritance. But like Esau’s birthright, God has given you promises, gifts, and a calling that are worth protecting.

Here are some ways to hold on to your spiritual inheritance instead of giving in to short-term comfort or relif:

1. Identify areas where you feel pressured to compromise or rush into a decision.
2. Ask God to give you His perspective on the long-term value of what He has entrusted to you.
3. Make decisions through prayer and consultation with trusted, godly counsel.
4. Strengthen your spirit through consistent time in God’s Word so you can resist short-term temptations.
5. Practice gratitude for what you have now as you wait for God’s timing.

Today I want to encourage you to hold on to what truly matters. Do not trade your God-given calling, joy, peace and inheritance for something temporary. Your spiritual birthright in Christ Jesus is priceless and worth protecting. Trust Him to provide what you need in His perfect timing and know that what He has promised is far greater than any shortcut the world offers.

Today’s scripture reading: Genesis 25

1 Abraham married another wife, whose name was Keturah.

2 She gave birth to Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah.

3 Jokshan was the father of Sheba and Dedan. Dedan’s descendants were the Asshurites, Letushites, and Leummites.

4 Midian’s sons were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah. These were all descendants of Abraham through Keturah.

5 Abraham gave everything he owned to his son Isaac.

6 But before he died, he gave gifts to the sons of his concubines and sent them off to a land in the east, away from Isaac.

7 Abraham lived for 175 years,

8 and he died at a ripe old age, having lived a long and satisfying life. He breathed his last and joined his ancestors in death.

9 His sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah, near Mamre, in the field of Ephron son of Zohar the Hittite.

10 This was the field Abraham had purchased from the Hittites and where he had buried his wife Sarah.

11 After Abraham’s death, God blessed his son Isaac, who settled near Beer-lahai-roi in the Negev.

12 This is the account of the family of Ishmael, the son of Abraham through Hagar, Sarah’s Egyptian servant.

13 Here is a list, by their names and clans, of Ishmael’s descendants: The oldest was Nebaioth, followed by Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam,

14 Mishma, Dumah, Massa,

15 Hadad, Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah.

16 These twelve sons of Ishmael became the founders of twelve tribes named after them, listed according to the places they settled and camped.

17 Ishmael lived for 137 years. Then he breathed his last and joined his ancestors in death.

18 Ishmael’s descendants occupied the region from Havilah to Shur, which is east of Egypt in the direction of Asshur. There they lived in open hostility toward all their relatives.

19 This is the account of the family of Isaac, the son of Abraham.

20 When Isaac was forty years old, he married Rebekah, the daughter of Bethuel the Aramean from Paddan-aram and the sister of Laban the Aramean.

21 Isaac pleaded with the Lord on behalf of his wife, because she was unable to have children. The Lord answered Isaac’s prayer, and Rebekah became pregnant with twins.

22 But the two children struggled with each other in her womb. So she went to ask the Lord about it. “Why is this happening to me?” she asked.

23 And the Lord told her, “The sons in your womb will become two nations. From the very beginning, the two nations will be rivals. One nation will be stronger than the other; and your older son will serve your younger son.”

24 And when the time came to give birth, Rebekah discovered that she did indeed have twins!

25 The first one was very red at birth and covered with thick hair like a fur coat. So they named him Esau.

26 Then the other twin was born with his hand grasping Esau’s heel. So they named him Jacob. Isaac was sixty years old when the twins were born.

27 As the boys grew up, Esau became a skillful hunter. He was an outdoorsman, but Jacob had a quiet temperament, preferring to stay at home.

28 Isaac loved Esau because he enjoyed eating the wild game Esau brought home, but Rebekah loved Jacob.

29 One day when Jacob was cooking some stew, Esau arrived home from the wilderness exhausted and hungry.

30 Esau said to Jacob, “I’m starved! Give me some of that red stew!” (This is how Esau got his other name, Edom, which means “red.”)

31 “All right,” Jacob replied, “but trade me your rights as the firstborn son.”

32 “Look, I’m dying of starvation!” said Esau. “What good is my birthright to me now?”

33 But Jacob said, “First you must swear that your birthright is mine.” So Esau swore an oath, thereby selling all his rights as the firstborn to his brother, Jacob.

34 Then Jacob gave Esau some bread and lentil stew. Esau ate the meal, then got up and left. He showed contempt for his rights as the firstborn.

Journal:

• Write about a current decision or temptation you are facing.
• Ask yourself, “Is this choice protecting or compromising the spiritual inheritance God has given me?”
• Then pray for strength to choose what matters most.

Led by God

_{This is the sign that the Lord has appointed for the one who will marry my master’s son.~ Genesis 24:44}

This is one of my most favorite love stories in the Bible and it beautifully points to the greater story of God finding a bride for His Son, Jesus. After the death of his wife Sarah, Abraham sent his most trusted servant on a mission to find a wife for his son, Isaac. He did not rely on his own wisdom but sought God’s guidance at every step. God answered his prayer in a clear and undeniable way, leading him directly to Rebekah. This was not just about a marriage on earth, it was a picture of the care and intentionality God has in drawing His people to Himself.

I remember a time when I was seeking God’s direction for a major decision in my own life. I had no idea which path to take, and every option seemed equally possible. Like Abraham’s servant, I prayed a very specific prayer for clarity and provision. God answered in a way that left no doubt it was Him, lining up the right people, the right timing, and the right resources. Looking back, I see how it was not just about the decision itself, but about God showing me that He was actively leading my step by step.

You may be facing a choice right now that feels overwhelming, whether it involves relationships, career, ministry, or another area of life. Just as God was faithful to guide Abraham’s servant, He is faithful to guide you. He cares about both the details and the bigger picture of your life.

Here are some ways you can get started today:

1. Pray specifically, asking God to clearly lead you and confirm His direction.
2. Stay attentive to the opportunities and people He places in your path.
3. Measure decisions by God’s Word to ensure they line up with His truth.
4. Thank Him in advance for His guidance, even before the answer comes.
5. Be willing to act when He opens a door, trusting that He has gone before you.

Today I want to encourage you that God’s leading is not random. He is intentional, purposeful, and deeply involved in your story. Just as He orchestrated events to bring Rebekah to Isaac, He is working to bring about His perfect plan for your life, too. Trust His timing, listen for His direction, and step forward in faith knowing He is guiding you on the right road.

Today’s scripture reading: Genesis 24

1 Abraham was now a very old man, and the Lord had blessed him in every way.

2 One day Abraham said to his oldest servant, the man in charge of his household, “Take an oath by putting your hand under my thigh.

3 Swear by the Lord, the God of heaven and earth, that you will not allow my son to marry one of these local Canaanite women.

4 Go instead to my homeland, to my relatives, and find a wife there for my son Isaac.”

5 The servant asked, “But what if I can’t find a young woman who is willing to travel so far from home? Should I then take Isaac there to live among your relatives in the land you came from?”

6 “No!” Abraham responded. “Be careful never to take my son there.

7 For the Lord, the God of heaven, who took me from my father’s house and my native land, solemnly promised to give this land to my descendants. He will send his angel ahead of you, and he will see to it that you find a wife there for my son.

8 If she is unwilling to come back with you, then you are free from this oath of mine. But under no circumstances are you to take my son there.”

9 So the servant took an oath by putting his hand under the thigh of his master, Abraham. He swore to follow Abraham’s instructions.

10 Then he loaded ten of Abraham’s camels with all kinds of expensive gifts from his master, and he traveled to distant Aram-naharaim. There he went to the town where Abraham’s brother Nahor had settled.

11 He made the camels kneel beside a well just outside the town. It was evening, and the women were coming out to draw water.

12 “O Lord, God of my master, Abraham,” he prayed. “Please give me success today, and show unfailing love to my master, Abraham.

13 See, I am standing here beside this spring, and the young women of the town are coming out to draw water.

14 This is my request. I will ask one of them, ‘Please give me a drink from your jug.’ If she says, ‘Yes, have a drink, and I will water your camels, too!’—let her be the one you have selected as Isaac’s wife. This is how I will know that you have shown unfailing love to my master.”

15 Before he had finished praying, he saw a young woman named Rebekah coming out with her water jug on her shoulder. She was the daughter of Bethuel, who was the son of Abraham’s brother Nahor and his wife, Milcah.

16 Rebekah was very beautiful and old enough to be married, but she was still a virgin. She went down to the spring, filled her jug, and came up again.

17 Running over to her, the servant said, “Please give me a little drink of water from your jug.”

18 “Yes, my lord,” she answered, “have a drink.” And she quickly lowered her jug from her shoulder and gave him a drink.

19 When she had given him a drink, she said, “I’ll draw water for your camels, too, until they have had enough to drink.”

20 So she quickly emptied her jug into the watering trough and ran back to the well to draw water for all his camels.

21 The servant watched her in silence, wondering whether or not the Lord had given him success in his mission.

22 Then at last, when the camels had finished drinking, he took out a gold ring for her nose and two large gold bracelets for her wrists.

23 “Whose daughter are you?” he asked. “And please tell me, would your father have any room to put us up for the night?”

24 “I am the daughter of Bethuel,” she replied. “My grandparents are Nahor and Milcah.

25 Yes, we have plenty of straw and feed for the camels, and we have room for guests.”

26 The man bowed low and worshiped the Lord.

27 “Praise the Lord, the God of my master, Abraham,” he said. “The Lord has shown unfailing love and faithfulness to my master, for he has led me straight to my master’s relatives.”

28 The young woman ran home to tell her family everything that had happened.

29 Now Rebekah had a brother named Laban, who ran out to meet the man at the spring.

30 He had seen the nose-ring and the bracelets on his sister’s wrists, and had heard Rebekah tell what the man had said. So he rushed out to the spring, where the man was still standing beside his camels.

31 Laban said to him, “Come and stay with us, you who are blessed by the Lord! Why are you standing here outside the town when I have a room all ready for you and a place prepared for the camels?”

32 So the man went home with Laban, and Laban unloaded the camels, gave him straw for their bedding, fed them, and provided water for the man and the camel drivers to wash their feet.

33 Then food was served. But Abraham’s servant said, “I don’t want to eat until I have told you why I have come.” “All right,” Laban said, “tell us.”

34 “I am Abraham’s servant,” he explained.

35 “And the Lord has greatly blessed my master; he has become a wealthy man. The Lord has given him flocks of sheep and goats, herds of cattle, a fortune in silver and gold, and many male and female servants and camels and donkeys.

36 “When Sarah, my master’s wife, was very old, she gave birth to my master’s son, and my master has given him everything he owns.

37 And my master made me take an oath. He said, ‘Do not allow my son to marry one of these local Canaanite women.

38 Go instead to my father’s house, to my relatives, and find a wife there for my son.’

39 “But I said to my master, ‘What if I can’t find a young woman who is willing to go back with me?’ 40 He responded, ‘The Lord, in whose presence I have lived, will send his angel with you and will make your mission successful. Yes, you must find a wife for my son from among my relatives, from my father’s family.

41 Then you will have fulfilled your obligation. But if you go to my relatives and they refuse to let her go with you, you will be free from my oath.’

42 “So today when I came to the spring, I prayed this prayer: ‘O Lord, God of my master, Abraham, please give me success on this mission.

43 See, I am standing here beside this spring. This is my request. When a young woman comes to draw water, I will say to her, “Please give me a little drink of water from your jug.”

44 If she says, “Yes, have a drink, and I will draw water for your camels, too,” let her be the one you have selected to be the wife of my master’s son.’

45 “Before I had finished praying in my heart, I saw Rebekah coming out with her water jug on her shoulder. She went down to the spring and drew water. So I said to her, ‘Please give me a drink.’

46 She quickly lowered her jug from her shoulder and said, ‘Yes, have a drink, and I will water your camels, too!’ So I drank, and then she watered the camels.

47 “Then I asked, ‘Whose daughter are you?’ She replied, ‘I am the daughter of Bethuel, and my grandparents are Nahor and Milcah.’ So I put the ring on her nose, and the bracelets on her wrists.

48 “Then I bowed low and worshiped the Lord. I praised the Lord, the God of my master, Abraham, because he had led me straight to my master’s niece to be his son’s wife.

49 So tell me—will you or won’t you show unfailing love and faithfulness to my master? Please tell me yes or no, and then I’ll know what to do next.”

50 Then Laban and Bethuel replied, “The Lord has obviously brought you here, so there is nothing we can say.

51 Here is Rebekah; take her and go. Yes, let her be the wife of your master’s son, as the Lord has directed.”

52 When Abraham’s servant heard their answer, he bowed down to the ground and worshiped the Lord.

53 Then he brought out silver and gold jewelry and clothing and presented them to Rebekah. He also gave expensive presents to her brother and mother.

54 Then they ate their meal, and the servant and the men with him stayed there overnight.

But early the next morning, Abraham’s servant said, “Send me back to my master.”

55 “But we want Rebekah to stay with us at least ten days,” her brother and mother said. “Then she can go.”

56 But he said, “Don’t delay me. The Lord has made my mission successful; now send me back so I can return to my master.”

57 “Well,” they said, “we’ll call Rebekah and ask her what she thinks.”

58 So they called Rebekah. “Are you willing to go with this man?” they asked her. And she replied, “Yes, I will go.”

59 So they said good-bye to Rebekah and sent her away with Abraham’s servant and his men. The woman who had been Rebekah’s childhood nurse went along with her.

60 They gave her this blessing as she parted: “Our sister, may you become the mother of many millions! May your descendants be strong and conquer the cities of their enemies.”

61 Then Rebekah and her servant girls mounted the camels and followed the man. So Abraham’s servant took Rebekah and went on his way.

62 Meanwhile, Isaac, whose home was in the Negev, had returned from Beer-lahai-roi.

63 One evening as he was walking and meditating in the fields, he looked up and saw the camels coming.

64 When Rebekah looked up and saw Isaac, she quickly dismounted from her camel.

 65 “Who is that man walking through the fields to meet us?” she asked the servant. And he replied, “It is my master.” So Rebekah covered her face with her veil.

66 Then the servant told Isaac everything he had done.

67 And Isaac brought Rebekah into his mother Sarah’s tent, and she became his wife. He loved her deeply, and she was a special comfort to him after the death of his mother.

Journal:

• Write down a specific area where you need God’s direction today.
• Pray over it, ask for His clear leading, and note any ways He begins to guide you in the coming days.

On the same page

They wrote this letter by them: The apostles, the elders, and the brethren, To the brethren who are of the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia: Greetings. ~ Acts 15:23

This is amazing!!  In today’s passage, we see the continuation of the apostles’ meeting to resolve the dispute over circumcision. They came together, discussed the matter, and determined that the new converts from other nations no longer needed to follow this Old Testament requirement to enter into covenant with God. Under the new covenant through the blood of Jesus, salvation was already complete. Once they reached agreement, they wrote a letter to send to all the churches.

The remarkable part is that they were united in their decision. When the churches received the letter, Acts 15:31 says, “When they had read it, they rejoiced over its encouragement.” The discussion was settled. The church was able to move forward without continued disputes or division.

What stands out is how the apostles were able to keep believers from many nations in agreement, without splintering into separate groups. They had the advantage of walking with Jesus during His ministry, which gave them credibility, but they also had the challenge of slow communication. Even with these obstacles, the message still carried joy and unity wherever it went.

We still have these same letters today in scripture, yet the modern church often struggles to walk in unity. Disputes and denominational divisions can be settled by the same Word of God, but pride and a religious mindset often stand in the way. If we truly focused on loving God, lifting up Jesus, and loving one another as family, we could become a unified and unstoppable force for good and for God in this world.

The kind of love that brings unity is the same love Jesus showed. A sacrificial love that is not based on someone’s behavior or choices. When we choose to see one another as God sees us, unity becomes possible.

Here are some ways you can begin walking this out in your life:

• Pray for God to give you His heart for other believers, even those with different perspectives.
• Look for common ground in scripture instead of searching for differences.
• Join with believers from other churches for worship, service, or prayer.
• Speak encouragement over the body of Christ instead of criticism.
• Let go of the need to win an argument and seek to preserve relationship instead.

Begin with a simple prayer asking the Holy Spirit to show you any area where pride or offense may be keeping you from unity. Choose one action this week that builds connection with another believer or group. Stay committed to God’s Word as your foundation.

Today I want to encourage you because God’s people have always been called to function as one family. It is still possible, and when we step into unity, the church will rise with a power the world cannot ignore. Jesus is the only hope for this broken world, and the world will see Him clearly when His people choose to walk in love and unity.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 15:22-35

22 Then it pleased the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas, namely, Judas who was also named Barsabas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren.

23 They wrote this letter by them:

The apostles, the elders, and the brethren,

To the brethren who are of the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia: Greetings.

24 Since we have heard that some who went out from us have troubled you with words, unsettling your souls, saying, “You must be circumcised and keep the law” —to whom we gave no such commandment—

25 it seemed good to us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,

26 men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

27 We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who will also report the same things by word of mouth.

28 For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things:

29 that you abstain from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell.

30 So when they were sent off, they came to Antioch; and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the letter.

31 When they had read it, they rejoiced over its encouragement.

32 Now Judas and Silas, themselves being prophets also, exhorted and strengthened the brethren with many words.

33 And after they had stayed there for a time, they were sent back with greetings from the brethren to the apostles.

34 However, it seemed good to Silas to remain there.

35 Paul and Barnabas also remained in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.

Journal:

• Ask the Lord, “What step can I take this week to walk in greater unity with other believers?”
• Write down what He shows you and take that step in faith.

Submitted to

And when they had come to Jerusalem, they were received by the church and the apostles and the elders; and they reported all things that God had done with them.  Acts 15:4

Today I want to share about faithfulness and submitting to the authority we are under. We all have authority in our lives in some form. If you are married, you and your spouse submit to one another. If you live at home with your parents, you submit to them and the rules of their household. If you are in school, you submit to teachers, counselors, and principals. If you have a job, you submit to the authority of your boss or supervisor. In your church, you submit to the authority of the pastor and elders and the mission God has given them. As citizens, we submit to local and national authorities.

True submission is shown through faithfulness. In marriage, faithfulness means loving and supporting one another and staying committed to raising your family and caring for your home. In school, it means respecting your teachers and following the rules. In church, it means supporting the mission of the church and the vision and assignment the pastor has been called to from God.

Faithfulness at your job does not mean pointing out faults to make yourself look better. It means showing up on time, giving your best effort, and following the direction of your supervisor. Even if you think you know a better way, you first work according to the instructions you have been given, or respectfully present your ideas and gain approval before making changes. Going behind someone’s back is not faithful and it is not submission to authority.

In Acts 15, the apostle Paul and Barnabas faced opposition from certain Jewish leaders who taught that salvation required following the old covenant practices. Paul knew this was not the message of Jesus and did not teach it to the Gentiles. He still honored the Ten Commandments, but the leaders were insisting on practices that belonged to the old covenant, not the new covenant established by the Lord Jesus through His death, burial, resurrection, and ascension.

Instead of continuing their mission in disagreement, Paul and Barnabas went to Jerusalem to submit the matter to the apostles and elders of the church. Even though Paul was an apostle himself, he recognized that faithfulness to the mission God gave him meant being in unity and agreement with the leadership. When they discussed what God was doing, they saw that the Holy Spirit was working in Gentiles without the old covenant rituals. Peter confirmed this from his own experience at Cornelius’ house (See Acts 10). The leaders came into agreement, and the mission moved forward in unity.

Even the most influential leaders in the New Testament submitted God and then to one another. This is how they stayed faithful and accountable to what God had called them to do.

Here are some ways you can submit to the authorities God has placed you under:

• Honor your spouse by valuing their voice in decisions and supporting each other’s role in the home
• In the workplace, follow instructions with a willing attitude, contribute ideas respectfully, and serve with gratitude
• In school, obey your teachers, complete assignments on time, and treat others with respect
• In church, support the mission of your pastor and leaders, serve faithfully, and encourage others in the body of Christ
• In your community, obey laws, pray for leaders, and seek ways to serve others in your neighborhood with the love of God
• Daily, submit your heart and plans to God, trusting Him to guide you in all areas of life

Today I want to encourage you that when you choose faithfulness in submission, you open the door for God to work powerfully in us and through us. Just like Paul and Barnabas, your unity with those in authority over you strengthens your mission and multiplies your impact.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 15:1-21

1 And certain men came down from Judea and taught the brethren, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.”

2 Therefore, when Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and dispute with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain others of them should go up to Jerusalem, to the apostles and elders, about this question.

3 So, being sent on their way by the church, they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, describing the conversion of the Gentiles; and they caused great joy to all the brethren.

4 And when they had come to Jerusalem, they were received by the church and the apostles and the elders; and they reported all things that God had done with them.

5 But some of the sect of the Pharisees who believed rose up, saying, “It is necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.”

6 Now the apostles and elders came together to consider this matter.

7 And when there had been much dispute, Peter rose up and said to them: “Men and brethren, you know that a good while ago God chose among us, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe.

8 So God, who knows the heart, acknowledged them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us,

9 and made no distinction between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.

10 Now therefore, why do you test God by putting a yoke on the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? 11 But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved in the same manner as they.”

12 Then all the multitude kept silent and listened to Barnabas and Paul declaring how many miracles and wonders God had worked through them among the Gentiles.

13 And after they had become silent, James answered, saying, “Men and brethren, listen to me:

14 Simon has declared how God at the first visited the Gentiles to take out of them a people for His name.

15 And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written:

16 ‘After this I will return and will rebuild the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down; I will rebuild its ruins, and I will set it up;

17 So that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord, even all the Gentiles who are called by My name, says the Lord who does all these things.’

18 “Known to God from eternity are all His works.

19 Therefore I judge that we should not trouble those from among the Gentiles who are turning to God,

20 but that we write to them to abstain from things polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from things strangled, and from blood.

21 For Moses has had throughout many generations those who preach him in every city, being read in the synagogues every Sabbath.”

Journal:

• Ask God to show you one area in your life where He is calling you to grow in faithfulness by submitting to authority.
• Write down one specific step you can take this week to honor Him in that area.

Moving forward after loss

Then, leaving her body, he said to the Hittite elders, “Here I am, a stranger and a foreigner among you. Please sell me a piece of land so I can give my wife a proper burial.” Genesis 23:3-4

We have all experienced times of loss in our lives like the passing of a grandparent or parent. Maybe you have even experienced the loss of an immediate family member. These moments are heavy, and they leave a lasting impact on our hearts. In Genesis 23, Abraham faced such a time when Sarah, his wife, passed away. His grief was real, yet what stands out is how he carried himself through it. Even in the pain, he took careful steps forward, honoring both God and the memory of his wife.

I have felt that pain of losing loved ones.  Those losses have left me feeling unsteady. When a close family member passed away, the grief was overwhelming. Everyday life felt strange, as if the world was moving on without me. During that time, I realized that moving forward didn’t mean forgetting. It meant honoring what was lost while trusting God with each next step. Like Abraham, I found that even small steps of faith matter in times of loss and pain.

This chapter speaks to anyone who is trying to keep moving when life has been shaken by loss. We can honor God in the way we handle decisions, interact with others, and move into the next season of our life with Him. Just as Abraham showed integrity and humility in negotiating for Sarah’s burial place, we can walk through our own losses with grace and faith.

Here are some ways to walk this out in your life:

1. Keep a steady heart before God in prayer and tell Him exactly how you feel.
2. Take small, intentional steps forward, even if they feel slow.
3. Treat others with kindness and integrity, even in the middle of personal pain.
4. Seek wise counsel for important decisions during times of loss.
5. Honor the memory of those you have lost in ways that bring God glory.

Begin by bringing your grief and questions to God in prayer. Open the Bible to passages that remind you of His comfort, like Psalm 34:18. Find one small action today that moves you forward, whether it is making a phone call, sending a note, or spending time with someone who encourages your faith.

Today I want to encourage you that God sees every tear and knows every ache in your heart. Loss is never easy, but you are not walking through it alone. Just as He was faithful to Abraham, He will be faithful to you in this time and beyond. Trust Him to lead you into what is next and keep your heart open to His peace.

Today’s scripture reading: Genesis 23

1 When Sarah was 127 years old,

2 she died at Kiriath-arba (now called Hebron) in the land of Canaan. There Abraham mourned and wept for her.

3 Then, leaving her body, he said to the Hittite elders,

4 “Here I am, a stranger and a foreigner among you. Please sell me a piece of land so I can give my wife a proper burial.”

5 The Hittites replied to Abraham,

6 “Listen, my lord, you are an honored prince among us. Choose the finest of our tombs and bury her there. No one here will refuse to help you in this way.”

7 Then Abraham bowed low before the Hittites

8 and said, “Since you are willing to help me in this way, be so kind as to ask Ephron son of Zohar

9 to let me buy his cave at Machpelah, down at the end of his field. I will pay the full price in the presence of witnesses, so I will have a permanent burial place for my family.”

10 Ephron was sitting there among the others, and he answered Abraham as the others listened, speaking publicly before all the Hittite elders of the town.

11 “No, my lord,” he said to Abraham, “please listen to me. I will give you the field and the cave. Here in the presence of my people, I give it to you. Go and bury your dead.”

12 Abraham again bowed low before the citizens of the land,

13 and he replied to Ephron as everyone listened. “No, listen to me. I will buy it from you. Let me pay the full price for the field so I can bury my dead there.”

14 Ephron answered Abraham,

15 “My lord, please listen to me. The land is worth 400 pieces of silver, but what is that between friends? Go ahead and bury your dead.”

16 So Abraham agreed to Ephron’s price and paid the amount he had suggested—400 pieces of silver, weighed according to the market standard. The Hittite elders witnessed the transaction.

17 So Abraham bought the plot of land belonging to Ephron at Machpelah, near Mamre. This included the field itself, the cave that was in it, and all the surrounding trees.

18 It was transferred to Abraham as his permanent possession in the presence of the Hittite elders at the city gate.

19 Then Abraham buried his wife, Sarah, there in Canaan, in the cave of Machpelah, near Mamre (also called Hebron).

20 So the field and the cave were transferred from the Hittites to Abraham for use as a permanent burial place.

Journal:

• Write about a time when you took one step forward after a season of loss.
• How did God meet you in that step?
• What did you learn about His faithfulness?