January - Day 24

Genesis 49 - In Jacob's blessing for Judah, we see the prophecy of the Messiah coming through his family.  In this passage, he addresses all of his kids and Joseph's kids that he adopted as his own who will eventual form the 12 tribes of Israel.  Each family had a specific blessing, or lack there of, based on their faithfulness to God.  This who acted wickedly, Jacob told them that they would eventually lose their influence as a family.  Our choices don't only affect us, but they can have an impact for generations to come. 

Psalm 22:12-38 - When you seek God, he will fill you with joy and give you reason to praise Him.

Matthew 9:18-38 - The little girl was dead, but Jesus said she is only asleep.  In this story, he proved God's power over death.  What seemed final in human terms, was only temporary to Jesus.  The crowd that laughed at him didn't get to stay around and see the miracle.  They were put outside.  Surround yourself with people who encourage big faith. The spiritual harvest is huge.  We need workers who will step up and serve in the ministry of the church, to be part of the harvest. 

Acts 14 - Those who once received Paul and Barnabas, were convinced by the Jews to turn against them.  They continued to do miracles.  Paul saw that a man had faith to be heal, so he healed him.  He saw with spiritual eyes the opportunity.  God give me those eyes.  V. 15 - Paul and Barnabas don't want the people to worship them.  They tell them that they are just humans like them. I think this strikes a chord in me because of the fascination today with "celebrity Pastors".  There are many who seek or at least play to that kind of praise, and I don't think it is healthy.  Pastors are just humans that God has called to shepherd his people.  
Everywhere that Paul and Barnabas took the gospel, they set up a local church with local leaders to care for and lead the church.  The local church is essential for believers to grow in their faith as they function as part of the body of Christ.  I Christian without a local church is like a spiritual orphan.  We need the family of believers to help us follow Christ.