Grieving over a loved one is an experience that, sooner or later, we all go through. We grieve because of our love for another person. My father died after a brief illness and left a huge heart hole. To help me overcome my grief, I spent the next five months meditating on the Psalms. Then …
The older I become, the more I realize that life is a journey and trials refine us no matter where we are. The Bible tells us that God plans out each day of our fantastic adventure on this earth. Yes, the God of the universe, who is all-knowing and powerful, has plans for each of …
Jacob needed faith without scheming. He had spent most of his life making manipulative plans. First, he bought the birthright from his brother Esau for a bowl of soup. (Genesis 25) Then his mother, Rebekah, helps him concoct a plan to impersonate Esau and get the firstborn’s blessing. (Genesis 27) At this point, angry Esau …
Laban’s reprehensible deception had short-term success but long-term consequences. Yes, he got both daughters married off and another seven years of labor from Jacob, but at what cost? Short-term Victory Leah appeared to be the less attractive sister. Genesis 29:17 Leah’s eyes were weak, but Rachel was beautiful in form and appearance. [1] We are unsure what Scripture …
God was training Jacob as he was learning to wait. Jacob had to wait seven years before he could marry Rachel. Then, Laban substituted Leah for Rachel on the wedding night. Jacob had to complete a week with Leah; then Laban allowed him to marry Rachel. But this came with a price, another seven years …
Jacob, as the deceiver, is deceived by his Uncle Laban. He had promised that Jacob could marry his daughter, Rachel, after serving him for seven years. Instead, on the wedding night, Laban substituted his older daughter, Leah. For whatever reason, Jacob doesn’t realize the switch until the morning. He could not morally and legally return …
What is the difference between serving in love and serving out of obligation? Merriam-Webster defines obligation this way: a formal contract, a promise, or the demands of conscience or custom that obligates one to a course of action, a duty.[1] When one serves out of obligation, it is a “have to” type of thing. On …
We see the sovereign timing of God as Jacob meets Rachel. Jacob’s mother, Rebekah, had sent Jacob away from his angry brother on the pretense of finding a wife. Jacob was going back to Rebekah’s family. Years before, Abraham had sent a servant to find a wife for Isaac, and the servant brought back Rebekah …
We see God’s mercy in covenant as God makes His promises from father to son to grandson. God had made a covenant with Abraham. Genesis 12: 2 I (God) will make you (Abraham) into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. 3 I will bless those …
Will you go deeper with Jesus? One of the most amazing things about God is that He gives us free will. We are free to follow God’s plan for our life or go our own way. We are free to follow Jesus or have nothing to do with placing our faith in Him. Life is …