– Today’s Community Scripture – 1/7/2025

Jacob and his company arrived at Luz, that is, Bethel, in the land of Canaan. He built an altar there and named it El-Bethel (God-of-Bethel) because that’s where God revealed himself to him when he was running from his brother. And that’s when Rebekah’s nurse, Deborah, died. She was buried just below Bethel under the oak tree. It was named Allon-Bacuth (Weeping-Oak). God revealed himself once again to Jacob, after he had come back from Paddan Aram and blessed him: “Your name is Jacob (Heel); but that’s your name no longer. From now on your name is Israel (God-Wrestler).”

                              Genesis 35:6–10 (MSG)

– Reflection:

                    Have You Built Any Altars?

Reflecting on our lives, we can identify moments where God made a path for us. We recognize His hand protecting us from accidents, granting us opportunities we didn’t earn, or guiding us through grief. These weren’t mere coincidences. In the Old Testament, such events led people to construct altars to express their gratitude to God for His deeds. Revisiting these altars became a source of strength for their faith. They understood that if He acted in the past, He would do so again.

– Where do we go from here?

We need to continue creating altars today. It’s easy to become so busy that we overlook God’s blessings. However, when you take a moment to appreciate what God has accomplished, you see how He has guided you through illness, brought someone special into your life, or opened a door that has led you beyond your wildest dreams. When you stop to say, “God, I see this is Your goodness. Thank You for Your grace and mercy,” that’s the essence of building an altar.

– Our Prayer for Today

Father, We are grateful for the strength that arises in us whenever we recall Your works in our lives. Thank You for the countless occasions when You created pathways in what seemed like impossible situations and for opening doors that appeared shut. We will construct our altars to commemorate Your goodness. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Coach Arthur Poston Jr.
Focused Development Organization
Middle School Coach