Scripture
Genesis 31:1-5 Now Jacob heard that the sons of Laban were saying, “Jacob has taken all that was our father's, and from what was our father's he has gained all this wealth.” And Jacob saw that Laban did not regard him with favor as before. Then the Lord said to Jacob, “Return to the land of your fathers and to your kindred, and I will be with you.”
So Jacob sent and called Rachel and Leah into the field where his flock was and said to them, “I see that your father does not regard me with favor as he did before. But the God of my father has been with me.
Observation
Jacob overhears the complaint of the sons of Laban. Jacob also sees Laban's countenance and reads the body language that reflects an attitude that Laban has with him - Jacob has lost favor with his father in law. When Laban first met Jacob, he ran to him, embraced him, and kissed him, and brought him into his house. (Genesis 29:13) But now, Jacob clearly sees a different face on Laban.
The Lord speaks to Jacob and instructs and reassures him. 'You made a vow to Me, Jacob, at Bethel . . . remember? It's time to go home - to return, and know that I am with you.' (Genesis 31:13)
Jacob meets his wives in the field with the flock - far from listening ears. He knows no one else is out there tending the flock and it's a place of privacy. He informs the wives about their father, something they were already aware of. They too feel have felt used by their father for monetary gain.
Application
Relationships with family and friends are ever-changing, but God, never changes or waivers in His love for us. He says He loves me, will never leave me nor forsake me. When others fail me or don't meet my expectations, or if I fail or offend them, I can always turn to God and know He promises to be with me. The Lord is my helper, I will not fear. What can man do to me? (Hebrews 13:5-6) "Though my father and mother forsake me - the Lord will hold me close." (Psalm 27:10)
Prayer
Father I can trust in You! You will never abandon me! Thank You for Your steadfast love and grace, Your great mercy and forgiveness, for Your promises and faithfulness. In You I can put all my trust. Thank You. In Jesus Name, A-men.
Scripture
Genesis 4: 3-7 When it was time for the harvest, Cain presented some of his crops as a gift to the Lord. Abel also brought a gift—the best of the firstborn lambs from his flock. The Lord accepted Abel and his gift, but he did not accept Cain and his gift. This made Cain very angry, and he looked dejected.
“Why are you so angry?” the Lord asked Cain. “Why do you look so dejected? You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master.
Observation
Cain's offering of the fruit of the 'cursed' ground is refused by God. Yet God in His love and mercy, speaks to Cain about his countenance - he's angry and his face is downcast. God is addressing a heart attitude in Cain. "If you do what is right Cain, you will be accepted - but if not . . . sin is waiting right at the door of your heart . . . sin desires to make you it's slave Cain. But you have a choice here! Do the right thing! Rule over those thoughts of anger and sin. Reel them in - do what you know is right! You will be choosing life instead of death - your very countenance will change! Just obey . . . and be happy!" God is merciful and gives Cain an opportunity to choose life and obedience, but in the end, Cain lures his brother into the field and kills him.
Application
The battle continues even still. I can choose to 'obey and be happy' or give into sin that leads to death. God gives us a free will - the choosing is ours. There is a tremendous struggle that goes on between the flesh and the spirit, but thanks be to God that though I once was a slave to sin, I have learned to obey God, and have been set free from sin by the precious sacrifice of Jesus Christ my Savior. God still comes and speaks to our hearts if sin is crouching at the door of our heart - and He makes a way for us . . . Beloved one, repent, obey, and be happy - to life everlasting!
Prayer
Father, it's Your kindness that leads me to repentance. Your mercies are new every morning. You have made my heart glad and I overflow with joy and anticipation for the days ahead. May Your Holy Spirit help me to discern between good and evil. When my countenance changes and I'm thinking bad thoughts - help me to reel them in - to bring those thoughts captive in Jesus Name, A-men.
2 Corinthians 10:4-5 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,
