Daily Disciples Devotional - January 14

January  14

Today's Reading: Genesis 29-30; Matthew 9:1-17
Today's Thoughts:  

And Laban said to him, "Please stay, if I have found favor in your eyes, for I have learned by experience that the Lord has blessed me for your sake." Then he said, "Name me your wages, and I will give it." So Jacob said to him, "You know how I have served you and how your livestock has been with me. For what you had before I came was little, and it has increased to a great amount; the Lord has blessed you since my coming. And now, when shall I also provide for my own house?" Genesis 30:27-30

Jacob had two wives and eleven children and he wanted to go to his own land. The time had come for him to leave his father-in-law, Laban, but Laban was not ready to let Jacob go. Both men acknowledged the blessings upon Laban’s house as being from the Lord. Jacob lived with and worked for Laban for over 20 years and both men prospered greatly, but the blessings came to Laban because the Lord’s hand was upon Jacob.

The same should be true about the Christian today. Because we know the Lord Jesus, our lives should bring blessings to others. Blessings come in many ways from a calmness in our presence to stability in our positions. Many times, others may not be able to discern why there is a difference in the Christian and may not ever want to give the glory to God because of His provisions, but in time, the fruit becomes evident.

Are others blessed because of you? Even if you are the only Christian in your family, God’s hand is on you and your home will be covered with your prayers. Continue to pray for your family and seek the Lord’s blessings over those who do not know Him yet. Press on to not grow weary in doing good. Wherever we go, we bring the Lord’s presence because His Holy Spirit lives within us. We need to acknowledge the Lord’s blessings not only in our own lives but in the lives of those around us. Let your light shine to those around you and give God the glory for all things.