February 28 -- "I Will Finish What I've Started"

 Today's Reading:  Genesis 28

"I Will Finish What I've Started"

Today's verse is part of a promise made by God to Jacob as he sets out on a journey to find a wife. It is God's reminder that He is always with us, guiding and protecting us on our journey, whatever that may be. It highlights the idea that God is always present, and that He will never leave us or forsake us, which is a great comfort and reassurance. It also reminds us that God is faithful to his promises and He will fulfill them. He will always finish what He has started!

We are not alone in our journey! We can trust in God's presence and protection wherever we go. So, trust in God's faithfulness to fulfill His promises to you, even when things may be difficult or uncertain. Remind yourself that God is with you and will guide you, and that He will bring you safely to the place He has promised us.

Additionally, this verse can remind us to stay obedient to God's plan for our lives, and to seek to honor Him in all that we do. God's presence and protection are not only for our physical safety, but also for our spiritual well-being. By obeying God, we can trust that He will guide us and protect us on the path He has for us.

Jesus confirms God's promise when He teaches that He is always with his followers, and that He will guide and protect them. In Matthew 28:20 Jesus said, "I am with you always, even to the end of the age." This passage reinforces the idea that God's presence and protection are always with us, no matter the circumstances.

God will not leave you until He has done all that He promised you! "And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." Philippians 1:6

February 27 -- "Fatness of the Earth"

 Today's Reading:  Genesis 27

"Fatness of the Earth"

This verse is part of a blessing given by Isaac, to Jacob, his son. It is a blessing of prosperity, asking God to provide Jacob with the necessities of life, including fertile land, bountiful crops, and an abundance of food and drink. It is also a reminder that God is the provider of all good things, and that we can trust Him to provide for our needs.

This blessing reminds us to trust God to provide for our needs, both physically and spiritually. We can pray for God's provision in our lives and trust that He will give us what we need. It can also remind us to be thankful for the blessings we have, and to share them with others.

Jesus did not specifically pronounce a blessing of prosperity on anyone's life as Isaac did for Jacob. Jesus' teachings focus primarily on spiritual blessings and the importance of seeking God's kingdom and righteousness, rather than material wealth or prosperity. However, Jesus did teach about God's provision and blessings, and encouraged people to trust in God to provide for their needs.

For example, Jesus said in Matthew 6:25-34 "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."

Here, Jesus teaches us that we shouldn't be anxious about our needs, because God will provide for us. He reminds us to trust in God's provision and blessings, and that He will take care of us. Jesus also encourages us to put God and his kingdom first, and to trust that all other needs will be met.

February 26 -- "I Am With You"

 Today's Reading:  Genesis 26

"I Am With You"

In Genesis 26:24, the Lord expands the Abrahamic Covenant to Abraham's son, Isaac. This verse is part of the story of Isaac, who was the son of Abraham and was blessed by God. Isaac faced many challenges in his life, including a famine that forced him to leave his home and go to a foreign land. However, God appeared to him in a dream and reassured him that He would be with him and bless him.

While this verse was originally spoken in a specific historical and cultural context to a specific person, it still holds relevance for modern times.

Firstly, the promise of God's presence and blessing is still applicable to believers today. God has promised to be with us always, to never leave nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5), and to bless us with every spiritual blessing in Christ (Ephesians 1:3). We can take comfort in knowing that God is still faithful to His promises and will never abandon us.

Secondly, the idea that God works through the faithfulness of those who came before us is still relevant today. Throughout history, God has used individuals and communities to accomplish His purposes and bring about His plan of redemption. Today, we are beneficiaries of the faith and obedience of those who came before us, including Abraham, Isaac, and other heroes of the faith.

Finally, the promise of multiplication of offspring can also apply to modern times in a spiritual sense. As we share the gospel and make disciples, we are participating in the multiplication of God's kingdom and the expansion of His family. Our faithfulness and obedience can have a lasting impact on future generations, just as the faith of Abraham and Isaac impacted their descendants.

February 25 -- "Answered Prayer"

 Today's Reading:  Genesis 25

"Answered Prayer"

Today's verse is part of a story in which Isaac and Rebekah, unable to have children, pray to God for a child. God answers their prayer, and Rebekah becomes pregnant with twins, Jacob and Esau. This verse is significant because it shows the faith and trust of Isaac and Rebekah in God, despite their difficulties in having children. It also highlights God's power and willingness to answer the prayers of His people and to bless them with children.

It also shows that Isaac and Rebekah's faith in God and His promise of offspring was strong enough to pray for a child, even though they were barren, they trusted in God to provide them with a child as He had promised. It also shows that God answered their prayer and blessed them with twins.

The power of believing prayer cannot be overstated. The Bible is full of accounts where God answered prayers in unexpected ways. It also shows how God's power and willingness to provide for His people, even in their difficult situations.

One of the most famous teachings of Jesus on prayer is the Lord's Prayer in Matthew 6:9-13, where Jesus teaches his disciples how to pray. He teaches them to address God as "our Father," to acknowledge God's sovereignty and holiness, to seek His will and kingdom, to ask for daily needs, to seek forgiveness and to avoid temptation. This passage teaches the importance of humility, dependence, and trust in God when praying.

In John 15:7, Jesus says "If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you." This verse teaches that when we remain in Jesus and His words remain in us, our prayers will be answered.

Jesus taught that prayer is a powerful tool for believers to connect with God, to receive His blessings and to receive answers to their petitions. He also taught that prayer requires humility, dependence, and trust in God, and that when we pray in His name and for His glory, we can be sure that our prayers will be answered.

February 24 - "The Power of Abraham's Exhortation"

Today's Reading:  Genesis 24:29-67 

"The Power of Abraham's Exhortation"

This verse is spoken by Abraham's servant to Rebekah's family, after he has completed his mission to find a wife for Isaac. The servant is explaining to them how God had guided and provided for him on his journey, and how he knows that Rebekah is the right woman for Isaac.

He tells them this based upon the word of exhortation he had received from Abraham before his journey. Abraham had assured him that God would be with him on his journey, will send his angel to guide and protect him, and will make his way successful.

Abraham's words of exhortation were invaluable to the success of his servant's mission. Through his words, he encouraged his servant to look to God, keep his eyes upward, and trust the outcome to Him.

The Bible teaches that exhortation, or encouraging and urging others to follow God's ways and to live according to His principles, is an important part of Christian life. Exhortation is a way to help others grow in their faith and to live in a way that honors God.

In Hebrews 3:13, it says "But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called 'Today,' so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness." This verse teaches that it is important to encourage others to stay strong in their faith and to resist the temptation to sin.

In Hebrews 10:24-25, it says "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." This verse teaches that we should encourage one another to love and do good deeds, and to not give up on meeting together as a community of believers.

In Colossians 3:16, it says "Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts." This verse teaches that we should teach and admonish one another with wisdom, using the message of Christ to help others grow in their faith.

Who do you know that needs a word of exhortation today? Take a moment to remind them to look to God, keep their eyes upward, and trust the outcome to Him. Your words of encouragement may be just what they need to succeed at their mission.

February 23 -- "When God Guides, God Provides"

 Today's Reading:  Genesis 24:1-28

"When God Guides, God Provides"

Genesis 24:26 is part of the story of how Isaac, the son of Abraham, met and married Rebekah. The verse states: "The man bowed down and worshiped the Lord and said, "Praise be to the Lord, the God of my master Abraham, who has not abandoned his kindness and faithfulness to my master. As for me, the Lord has led me on the journey to the house of my master's relatives."

This verse is part of the account in which Abraham, concerned that Isaac should not marry a local woman, sends his servant to his homeland to find a wife for Isaac. The servant, after traveling to Mesopotamia, meets Rebekah, who is a distant relative of Abraham, and brings her back to Isaac. After the servant tells Isaac and Rebekah's family about his journey and how he found Rebekah, he bows down and worships the Lord, praising Him for His kindness and faithfulness to Abraham, and for leading him on the journey to find Rebekah.

This verse is significant because it shows the servant's faith and gratitude towards God. It also highlights how God's guidance and provision were crucial in finding a suitable wife for Isaac, and in fulfilling the promise to continue the line of descendants through Isaac.

It also shows that the servant acknowledges that the Lord has led him on his journey, underscores his faith in God, and his gratitude towards God, who provided him with everything he needed to accomplish his task.

The statement, "When God guides, God provides" is a common phrase that expresses the belief that when God guides us in a certain direction, He also provides for us along the way. It is a reminder that when we trust in God's guidance and follow His will for our lives, we can have confidence that He will also take care of our needs and provide for us.

This statement is based on several Bible passages that demonstrate the care and provision of God for those who trust in Him. For example, in Isaiah 58:11, it says "The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail." This verse shows that when we follow God's guidance, He will satisfy our needs and provide for us in every situation.

February 22 -- "Sarah's Death and Abraham's Mourning"

 Today's Reading:  Genesis 23

"Sarah's Death and Abraham's Mourning"

Today's key verse is part of a story in which Sarah, the wife of Abraham, dies at the age of 127. After her death, Abraham goes to the city of Kiriath-arba, which is later known as Hebron, to mourn for her and to weep. Kiriath-arba is located in the land of Canaan, which is the land that God promised to give to Abraham and his descendants.

This verse is significant because it marks the passing of a key figure in the Bible, Sarah, who is the wife of Abraham, and the mother of Isaac, who is the son of the promise. It also marks the first time that the city of Kiriath-arba (Hebron) is mentioned in the Bible and it later becomes an important city for the Israelites.

It is also significant in that it shows the love and devotion that Abraham had for Sarah, and the depth of his grief at her passing. This verse also shows that Abraham was a man of faith, who trusted in God's promise, even in the midst of his grief.

The Bible has several passages that discuss mourning and grief, particularly in relation to the death of a loved one.

In Ecclesiastes 3:4 it says "a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance," this verse highlights that mourning and grief are natural and appropriate responses to the death of a loved one, and that God comforts those who mourn and grieve. It also teaches that God will provide beauty and joy in place of ashes and mourning, and that He will turn the grievers into "trees of righteousness," and in this way, they will display His glory.

February 21 -- "Abraham's Blessing for All Nations"

 Today's Reading: Genesis 22

"Abraham's Blessing for All Nations"

Today's verse is part of the story in which God commands Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac as a test of his faith. Abraham obediently sets out to do so, but at the last moment, an angel of the Lord intervenes and provides a ram to sacrifice in Isaac's place. After the event, God speaks to Abraham and says these words, "And in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice."

This verse is significant because it is the first time in the Bible that the concept of the "offspring" of Abraham, or his descendants, is mentioned. The verse is also significant because it is the first time in the Bible that the concept of the blessing of all nations through the descendants of Abraham is mentioned. This verse is considered to be the first promise of the Messiah, who would come from the descendants of Abraham, and that he would be a blessing to all nations.

It is also considered as the first time that God revealed his plan of salvation through Abraham's descendants and it's the first instance of the promise that God made to Abraham to bless all nations through his offspring. This verse is considered as one of the foundations of the Jewish and Christian faith, as it lays the groundwork of the promise of the coming of the Savior and the blessings that would come through Him.

The New Testament teaches that Jesus is the fulfillment of this promise made in Genesis 22:18, that the Messiah would come from the descendants of Abraham and be a blessing to all nations.

February 20 -- "Calling Upon the Name of the Lord"

Today's Reading:  Genesis 21

"Calling Upon the Name of the Lord"

"Calling upon the name of the Lord" is a phrase that is used throughout the Bible to refer to prayer and worship directed towards God. It often implies a deep sense of devotion, humility, and dependence on God. It also implies a sense of seeking God's presence, guidance, and help.

When someone "calls upon the name of the Lord," they are expressing their faith and trust in God, and seeking His help and guidance. It can be a form of a prayer, a cry for help, or a declaration of faith. It's a way of acknowledging and addressing God, expressing one's dependence on Him, seeking His help and guidance, and worshipping Him by acknowledging His unfathomable greatness.

In the context of Genesis 21:33, Abraham is planting a tamarisk tree in Beersheba, and there he called upon the name of the Lord, the Everlasting God as an act of faith, and as a way of asking for God's blessings on the treaty he had just made with Abimelech. It is a way of Abraham showing his trust in God and asking for His presence to be with them and guide them in their agreement.

Jesus, in the New Testament, teaches about calling on the name of the Lord in several ways. He encourages his followers to pray to God, to have faith in God's power to help, to worship Him, and to rely on Him for guidance. He emphasizes the importance of having a personal relationship with God, and that true worship comes from the heart.

One example of Jesus teaching about worship is found in John 4:23-24, where Jesus says "But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth." Jesus is teaching that true worship is not about following a set of rules or rituals, but about having a genuine connection with God in spirit and in truth.

February 19 -- "Healing through Intercession"

 Today's Reading: Genesis 20

"Healing through Intercession"

In Genesis 20, we read about a situation where Abraham and Sarah travel to the land of Gerar, and to avoid any potential conflict, Abraham tells the king of Gerar, Abimelech, that Sarah is his sister. Abimelech takes Sarah into his household, but God reveals to Abimelech in a dream that Sarah is actually Abraham's wife and not his sister. Abimelech is outraged and immediately returns Sarah to Abraham, but God also afflicts Abimelech and his household with infertility as a punishment for taking another man's wife.

In this verse, it is said that Abraham prays to God on Abimelech's behalf, asking for forgiveness and for the healing of Abimelech and his household. God grants Abraham's request and heals Abimelech, his wife, and his female slaves, allowing them to have children again. This verse illustrates the power and effectiveness of Abraham's prayer and the mercy and grace of God.

Jesus, in the New Testament, teaches about healing through intercession and prayer several times. He encourages his followers to pray for the sick and to have faith in God's power to heal. He also performs many healings himself, demonstrating God's power to heal through him.

In Matthew 9:35, Jesus teaches about the importance of intercession and prayer for the sick, saying "And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction." This passage shows Jesus not only teaching about the power of intercession but also actively going out and healing people through prayer.

In James 5:14-15, the Apostle James says "Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven." This passage emphasizes the importance of intercession and prayer for the sick, and the belief that through faith in God, the person can be healed.

February 18 -- "Don't Look Back"

 Today's Reading: Genesis 19

"Don't Look Back"

In this verse, Lot's wife looks back at the city of Sodom, which is about to be destroyed by God, and turns into a pillar of salt. Lot's wife's name is not mentioned in the Bible. According to some Jewish tradition her name was Ednah, and others suggest that her name was Ado or Amrah. (It's important to note that these names are not found in the Bible and are not considered to be authoritative or historically accurate.)

This verse is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it is a reminder of the destruction that occurred in the city of Sodom, which was known for its wickedness and immorality. The destruction of the city serves as a warning to all of us that God will not tolerate sin and wickedness.

Secondly, it is a warning to God's children not to look back when God is leading them to safety. Lot and his family were instructed by God to flee the city before it was destroyed and not to look back, but Lot's wife disobeyed this instruction and looked back. Her punishment of turning into a pillar of salt serves as a warning to not to look back when God is leading us away from danger or sin.

Thirdly, Lot's wife turning into a pillar of salt can be seen as a symbol of the hardening of the heart, she disobeyed God's command and looked back towards the wickedness, she turned her back on God, this act of disobedience can be seen as a metaphor for the hardening of one's heart and turning away from God.

Our loving Heavenly Father is always leading us away from darkness, sin, and danger. We must stay focused on Him and follow Him wherever He leads us. Looking back to the ways of the world – especially if we are looking back longingly – is a sign that we are no longer finding our satisfaction and spiritual contentment in Him. Don’t look back! The glories of fellowship with your Creator await you in the future. Stay the course. Keep your eyes on Him!

February 17 -- Today's Reading: Genesis 18 "Is Anything Too Hard for the Lord?"

 Today's Reading: Genesis 18

"Is Anything Too Hard for the Lord?"

Today's verse begins with the question, "Is anything too hard for the Lord?" This is a rhetorical question, as the answer is clearly "no." God is all-powerful and there is nothing that is beyond His capabilities.

The verse continues by saying, "I [the Lord] will return to you at the appointed time next year, and Sarah will have a son." This is a promise from God to Abraham and Sarah that they will have a child, despite their advanced age and Sarah's previous inability to conceive. It is a reminder that with God, all things are possible and that He can do the impossible.

This verse is also significant because it highlights the faith and trust that Abraham and Sarah had in God. Despite their circumstances, they believed that God was able to fulfill His promise and that Sarah would have a son. Their faith is a reminder to us that we too should trust in God's power and ability to do the impossible in our own lives.

This verse also implies God's foreknowledge and sovereignty, he already knew the outcome, and he was certain that Sarah will have a son, the verse gives a sense of time frame for when the promise will be fulfilled. This can give hope and reassurance to the reader that God's promises will come true in his timing.

February 16 -- Today's Reading: Genesis 17 "The Promise of Canaan"

 Today's Reading: Genesis 17

"The Promise of Canaan"

This verse is part of God's covenant with Abram (later renamed Abraham) in which God promises to give the land of Canaan to Abraham and his descendants as an eternal possession. The land of Canaan is the land that is currently Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan.

This verse is significant because it shows God's promise to give the land to Abraham and his descendants as an eternal possession. It also shows God's promise to be their God, which is a reminder of the close relationship God desires to have with His people.

This verse is also significant because it establishes the concept of the Promised Land in the Bible, which would play a significant role in Jewish and Christian theology throughout history.

Jesus, as a Jew, would have considered the Old Testament as scripture, and would have been familiar with the story of God's covenant with Abraham and the promise of the land of Canaan.

In the New Testament, Jesus does not directly reference Genesis 17:8, but he does speak about the concept of the Promised Land and the fulfillment of God's promises in the New Covenant. Jesus emphasizes the spiritual aspect of God's promise rather than the physical land, he talks about the Kingdom of God, which is not limited by geographical boundaries. Jesus says in John 4:21-24 "For salvation is from the Jews. But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth."

In Matthew 5:5 Jesus says "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth." This verse also emphasizes the spiritual aspect of inheriting the Promised Land, which is not limited to a physical piece of land, but rather a spiritual inheritance.

So, Jesus did not negate the Old Testament, but rather fulfilled it in a spiritual way and taught the deeper meaning of God's promises.