January 10

Genesis 23:1-24:51, Matthew 8:1-17, Psalm 9:13-20, Proverbs 3:1-6 

Pray:  Today is a day of answered pray for many. From Abraham and his servant finding a wife for Isaac, to Jesus healing many persons who had been ill or dealing with disease for some time.  In everyday life people need assistance, yet many are crying out for a double portion of God’s divine touch. Ask the Lord to give you insight today as you read.

Read: The miracles of Jesus are often explained away by those who want a “reasonable explanation” for the supernatural encounters people had with Jesus. Others wonder, “Why doesn’t God still heal today?” Many more will affirm, “God does still heal and deliver as Jesus did 2000 years ago.” Every person Jesus healed in the New Testament had one thing in common, they had a need. As you read today, what is your greatest need or problem? It might be that you don’t think you have any problems.

Edify:  Now your guess is as good as mine. Why didn’t Isaac seek a wife for himself? Was Abraham a helicopter parent and didn’t know it? Or, do we just fill in the gaps culturally as it may well be that marriages were often arranged in that era of history because the parents wanted what was best for their children and Isaac carried the “blessing of many nations and people” in his lineage. In any case, there was divine intervention as the Lord instructed the servant what to look for in a possible wife for Isaac. Rebekah could have simply said, “get your own water, I’m not your servant”, or she could have said, “I’ll give you some water, but not for your camels”. Both requests had to be met for the sign to be confirmed that Rebekah was the one. The Scriptures tell us about a God who is not simply removed from our everyday lives, but desires to be involved with our choices each day.

Practice:  People have deep needs all around us. Children in our community go to bed hungry, many deal with depression and anxiety, men are trapped in pornography, while some are dealing with heavy financial burdens. All of us have needs. The greatest need is to be valued, to be loved. Perhaps we overlook the first reality that Jesus first loved people, then He addressed their needs. Why don’t you and I first practice valuing people today? Who’s on your list? Read these words as encouragement in Proverbs 3:

5“Trust in the Lord with all your heart;

   do not depend on your own understanding.

6 Seek his will in all you do,

   and he will show you which path to take.”