TODAY’S DAILY READING: Genesis 31-32 & Matthew 16
Old Testament: Genesis 31- God In My Pocket
Genesis 31:34
“Now Rachel had taken the household idols, put them in the camel’s saddle, and sat on them. And Laban searched all about the tent but did not find them.”
Later in Israel’s history, the Law of God will be imparted, and idolatry will be forbidden. One of the main reasons is, a manmade icon cannot adequately represent an infinite God. No matter how skilled the worker, or how beautiful the image, it will be a poor representation of God. The actions of Rachel reflect that idea, as she sits on her… Read More
Genesis 32- The Champion
Genesis 32:28
“And He said, ‘Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed.’”
The Bible is filled with fascinating stories and amazing promises. I think it is safe to say, the most amazing events ever recorded are written in the pages of our Bibles. Of all these stories, this one records perhaps the most striking statement of them all,
” . . . you have struggled with God and prevailed.”
The same truth is … Read More
New Testament: Matthew 16- Gates Of Hell
Matthew 16:18-19
“And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”
Webster’s Dictionary defines ‘prevail’ as,
“to gain ascendancy through strength or superiority, . . .to triumph over.”
This verse has always fascinated me. Jesus is promising He is the one who will build the church. Since the church is not a building, but people, He is saying, He will add the living stones to the church of God. Jesus is also telling us, the devil and his forces seek to prevail against the church. The Bible gives us just … Read More
Jim Gallagher 