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,
Scripture
John 20:22-23 Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven. If you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”
Observation
After reading these verses this morning, I was reminded of the 'dry bones' in Ezekiel 37:1-14 . . . can these bones live? Lord, You know. I love verse Ezekiel 37:14 "I will put My Spirit within you, and you will come to life . . ." Jesus breathes on His disciples, and they receive the Holy Spirit at His word. Jesus Christ is Savior, Baptizer with the Holy Spirit, Healer, and the Soon Coming King! Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hebrews 13:8 - a Bible verse displayed in Foursquare Churches around the world. He's the same today - He still breathes on His followers and we can receive His Holy Spirit power! Power to love, power to forgive!
Application
I believe that God loves me, forgives me, and wants to empower me and bring life to areas of my life that are dead and lifeless. The breath of God gives hope, extends grace, love, forgiveness, and fruitfulness; and it's is mine for the asking. Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find; knock and it will be opened to you.
Prayer
Father, I ask that You would breathe on me, I need You. Revive me, refresh, restore me, I pray. Help me to forgive and not carry a grudge. May I live my life in such a way that will bring glory to Your Name.
Scriptures 2 Timothy 3:16-17 All scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double edged sword it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow, it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Observation
The word of God, the B I B L E is God breathed, inspired by the Holy Spirit and powerful. It teaches us the truth, revealing Jesus as the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Jesus is the true and living God, God's Son.
Reading and meditating on God's word opens our eyes to areas we cannot see otherwise - where we are missing it. It brings correction and not only corrects, but shows us the right things to do and tells us what is right and what is wrong.
God prepares us and equips us with His word to enable and empower us to do good works - good deeds. He shows us how to live life with others in ways that would honor Him.
Application
Read God's Word every day. There are no substitutes. Devotionals are ok and can even enhance our readings, but they are but leftovers of what someone else received from God. Eat fresh manna every day where there are no worms or decay . . .
Fresh bread! Cool water! The Word revives me, restores me, and refreshes me! It is able to teach me, rebuke me, correct me, and train me in righteousness. I will be throughly equipped for every good work when I read God's word and am filled with His Holy Spirit!
Prayer
Father, I thank You for the Bible, Your Word. When I hunger and thirst, when my heart and flesh cry out to You - fill me O living God, fill me and overflow me with Your love and power. Ready me for what You have prepared for me today. May I find Your Word alive and active in my life today. Adjust my thoughts and attitudes and help me respond to Your corrections quickly without excuses. In Jesus Name, A-men.
Scripture
Job 29:1-7
I long for the years gone by when God took care of me. When He lit up the way before me and I walked safely through the darkness. When I was in my prime God's friendship was felt in my home. The Almighty was still with me . . . those were the days!
Observation
Job comforts himself with visions & memories of the past. Those were the days! Reminiscing about the good ole days when God took care of him, when He walked with God and was 'friends' with God. When his children were around him. Those were the days . . . Job longs for those days gone by. The days of former blessings, the days of favor and when everyone looked up to him. When he helped others and everyone listened to him. But now . . . things have changed.
Application
Looking back, remembering the former days can bring comfort but only fleeting. I remember Lot's wife who was warned not to look back. She did, and turned into a pillar of salt. I recall the Israelites complaining, wishing they were back in Egypt. They remembered only 'the fish which we used to eat free in Egypt, the cucumbers and the melons and the leeks and the onions and the garlic', but what they did not remember was the slavery, the bondage, the blood, sweat, & tears, and the horrific murders of their newborn sons. They had forgotten their miraculous deliverance by God through Moses and only saw themselves as being stuck in the desert with only manna to eat.
There is a time to reflect and remember the past - we all do it. But what about today?
Today is the day the Lord has made! I will rejoice and be glad in it! Today I will hear His voice! Today He will give me success! Today I will pray to the Lord! Today I will praise His Name! Give me this day, today, my daily bread . . . Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, TODAY, and forever!
Prayer
Father, let me see You today. Let me hear Your voice today. Let me long for You and not the former days where my memory will play tricks on me about days gone by. Help me let go of the past and appreciate and be thankful for the great things You have done for me. Keep my will, my eyes, and my mind set for following You and pressing on to the goal, forgetting what lies behind, and pressing onto to what lies ahead. In Jesus Name, A-men.
Scripture
Mark 16:3-4
They were saying to one another, "Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?" Looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled away, although it was extremely large.
Observation
On the way to the tomb Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome purchased burial spices to anoint the body of their beloved Jesus. They were talking about what they were going to do, and remembered that the grave was sealed! A very large and heavy stone had been placed at the entrance of the tomb. How would they roll away the stone? How would they access the body of Jesus to anoint Him with the spices?
"Uh, Mary, have you been working out and buffing up? Do you think you will be able to move the stone? Salome, what about you? Maybe all 3 of us together will budge it enough to slip into the tomb . . . did anyone bring a torch? It's probably dark in there. Oh, what are we going to do?"
But when they arrived, they looked up and saw that the stone had already been rolled aside!
It's also interesting to me that Mary mother of James, Mary Magdalene, and Salome never did do what they intended to do - to anoint the body of Jesus. Instead they met an angel wearing a white robe telling them, "Don't be alarmed. You're looking for Jesus of Nazareth who was crucified. Well, He isn't here, He is risen from the dead! Look and see where they laid His body! Now, go and tell His disciples, including Peter, . . . " They had a new assignment, a new mission to 'go and tell.'
Application
Look up! Look to God! There is nothing too difficult for Him! He can remove any obstacle I face! I must set my heart's direction to seek the Lord no matter what difficulties I may encounter. Nothing can separate me from the love of God.
Prayer
Dear God, You know what I have need of even before I ask. You sometimes answer my prayers before I speak them. Nothing can keep me from full access to You Lord when I seek You with my whole heart. Keep me following You Lord, and looking to You. Thank You that there is no obstacle too great for You.
In Jesus Name, A-men.
Romans 8:38-39 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Scripture
Psalm 85:8 I will hear what God the Lord will say; For He will speak peace to His people, to His godly ones; but let them not turn back to folly.
Observation
Hearing and taking to your heart all the words God speaks to those who are His. He speaks peace to His godly children - but also warns them not to turn back to their twisted ways, 'for it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it, to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them.' 2 Peter 2:21 It would be like a dog retuning to its own vomit, or a pig after being cleaned, returning to wallow in the mire, filth, and mud.
Application
Listen to what God is saying. He speaks peace and lovingkindness to His children but listen also to the caution. Don't turn back. Keep moving forward, 'step by step'. The past is passed! Let it go and walk with God! Incline your heart to Him and confess your 'if only' or 'what if' thoughts and dreams to Him. It's folly to look back. Remember Lot's wife. Don't get stuck. God wants me to keep my eyes on Him. When I look back, I lose momentum and direction to where He is leading me. I will miss what He has for me today!
Prayer
Father, keep my ear tuned to Your voice. Help me to keep taking steps with You and to walk with You. Hold me Lord. Lead me with Your Holy Spirit in the path You have for me today.
Isaiah 41:10 Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and surely I will help you. Surely, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."
"I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back . . . no turning back." Thank You Lord. In Jesus Name, A-men.
