Day 9 - Week 2 Day 2

Todays Reading

Genesis 16, 17
Psalms 9
Isaiah 7
Matthew 7:15 - 8:13

Today's Thoughts

  1. Sometimes it's difficult to wait for God.  Because, both Abram and Sarai knew God would make a great nation from Abram, they had not had children so Sarai suggested and Abram did what she suggested and took Hagar as a wife and Hagar had a child.  Abram and Sarai thought that's how he'd have offspring.  But it still took 14 years before God fulfilled the promise and Sarai would have a child.  That child would be the start of the great nation.  Notice God did not ignore Ishmael and still would bless him.  Isn't it cool that God uses mans decisions and still make them good.  I make lots of mistakes so this is really encouraging.
  2. Here's where I find prophecy cool.  In one verse, we see Jesus birth foretold more than 400 years before he was born.  Isaiah 7:14.  "Behold,a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and will call his name Immanuel(God is with us)." I know it doesn't sound like a name but if you say "God is with us" every time you say Jesus, maybe it will sink in that Jesus is really God in human form.
  3. We finish off the sermon on the mount with Jesus talking about "False prophets who come to you in sheep's clothing."  One simple word, BEWARE!  Here's one reason to continually be in God's word.  It will help you recognize those who speak God's truth and those who mislead.  We see it all over the world but more so in North America when there are many who are using God as an agenda rather than representing God in truth.  Notice that Jesus warns, "Not everyone who says to me Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven..."

Comments

  1. Anonymous3 January 2026 at 21:44

    A great one today! Thanks Steve

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sylvia Pauls6 January 2026 at 10:42

    Genesis 16:13. I love this story of how Hagar encounters God for the first time in the midst of a crisis that she did not originate (ok, so she retaliated against Sarah for being used. As a slave she felt alone and unseen which made matters worse).
    This story makes me misty every time because I can relate to being used by people in authority, felt all alone, unseen, and unheard. Then I too, saw God for the first time in the middle of my homelessness. He rescued me and set my feet on level ground. God is a God who sees us all, individually, loves us, and gives us hope and a future! I've never been the same since that day He opened my eyes and fixed my broken heart.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Steve Pauls - Daily Readings and Thoughts7 January 2026 at 10:08

      Isn't it great that God sees us all, individually. When you feel alone, unseen and unheard. He is with you, you are seen and you are heard!

      Delete

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