Week 5 Monday
Today we watch Jacob and Laban choose peace over conflict, receive David's blessing over God's anointed one, and rejoice with Jesus as His followers return from their first mission.
Genesis 31
📖 What are we reading?: After twenty years in Haran, Jacob decides to return home. Laban comes after him in anger, but in the end, the two men make a treaty and part on good terms.
✞ What does this passage say about God? He is watching over His people even when they can't see it - He warns Laban not to harm Jacob, and keeps His covenant promises behind the scenes.
🛐 How does this passage teach us to live? Notice how Jacob and Laban choose peace over prolonged conflict, in the end. A good model for us when we're tempted to let a dispute drag on.
Looking for some extra info?
➡️ The bigger picture: Genesis, meaning "beginnings", was written by Moses around 1400 BC, and covers the story of creation, the fall, and the origins of God's chosen people, Israel.
Psalm 20
📖 What are we reading?: A psalm of blessing that David wrote over the king before he went out to battle.
✞ What does this passage say about God? He is Israel's true strength - not chariots or horses, but the name of the Lord their God (verse 7).
🛐 How does this passage teach us to live? Let David's words of blessing cover you today, as you receive them in faith! And let verse 7 be the cry of your heart.
Looking for some extra info?
➡️ The bigger picture: The Psalms is a collection of 150 poems and songs, written by David and others, expressing the full range of human emotion in response to God and to life.
Luke 10:1-24
📖 What are we reading?: Jesus sends His followers out in pairs on a mission - and they return rejoicing at what God did through them.
✞ What does this passage say about God? He delights to work through ordinary, sent-out people - and rejoices right alongside them when the mission succeeds.
🛐 How does this passage teach us to live? We are on the same mission today. Are we ready to be sent?
Looking for some extra info?
➡️ The bigger picture: Luke's Gospel was written by Luke, a Greek physician and companion of Paul, around AD 60-62. It is the most detailed account of Jesus' life, and is especially attentive to the poor, to women, and to outcasts.
📝 A series of devotions on the joy Jesus felt when His disciples returned from their mission.
A Prayer for the Day
🙏 Lord, thank You that You are our true strength and our peace-maker even in family conflict; keep us faithful to the mission You've sent us on, and let us always return to You with joy. Amen.
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