January 17, 2014

Psalm 40:1-11, Genesis 27:30-38, Acts 1:1-5

In each of these passages we see the importance of blessings and being cared for.
David says the Lord helped him, and there is great joy for those who trust in the Lord. He can't even begin to list all of the amazing things the Lord has done.
We see in Genesis the great anguish that comes when your blessing is taken from you (stolen, in Esau's case).
In Acts, Jesus showed many of his followers that he was still very much alive after his resurrection, and promised the blessing of the Holy Spirit, a gift from God the Father.

Can you list ten amazing things God has done in your life, or in the lives of others? Why do you think Esau was so heart-broken? What are the implications of Jesus eating with the apostles and talking about the Kingdom of God? Why do you think they needed to wait for the Holy Spirit? They were baptized by water, and then by the Holy Spirit; do you think the order matters? Do you think both are important?

Prayer from the Psalm:
Lord, don’t hold back your tender mercies from me.
Let your unfailing love and faithfulness always protect me.
Amen