l.a.

God sends the angel army to Jacob to remind him he need only to trust in the Lord and His promises. Jacob now affirms he knows the presence of God and heavenly beings are with him.

As Laban changed the agreement according to the color of the goats meant for Jacob, so did the color change. If this were to happen once or twice, Jacob may have thought it to be from his 'own power.' This occurred enough times that Jacob could not deny that it was the power of God intervening in the situation. It is a good example of how God reveals to us that He is in control of our situations.

God needed to show Jacob exactly what it was like to be decieved; the consequences can seem devastating. I believe this is a wonderful example of how God works in our life, if only we will let Him. He opens our eyes to our sin, then helps us overcome them. What a wonderful God we serve!

When Jacob sets up the stone, it is an act of worship. He has seen these types of alters erected, but now, he is compelled to put up one of his own. Since anointing was an act of cleansing and consecrating, I imagine he now has enlightenment of the meaning of the act. There are sometimes when acts are just seen as rituals without spirit. Jacob's acts are done in a spirit to a God he has a personal relationship with. He goes on to respond to the vow God made with him, vowing 'his part' of the agreement.

I have been guilty of believing God has sent me to a place with a purpose. I am happy believing this, for awhile. I become discontented before God brings the purpose to full measure. I begin trying to 'fit things' to go in accordance to what I think should come to pass. I fall flat on my face. God's mercy is endless. He does not leave me or forsake me. He can still use me, inspite of myself.

These are very difficult passages to explain. God did intend for Jacob to inherit the birth right; if not I do not think it would be so. But this deception? Was not God expecting faith to play a role in this scenario? Is this what God was referring to when He called Jacob Israel? I think Rebekah is greatly responsible for these actions. She deceives her husband and expects her son to lie to his father. This is truly a representation of the times in our own lives when we hear God but do not live by faith that things will come to pass. We end up trying to 'make things fit' instead of waiting on God and His perfect timing.

Though Rebekah is from a pagan nation, she seems to have regarded the faith of her husband. This is evidenced by her ability to hear God when He speaks to her. She believes her vision is sent by God and shares it with her son. Isaac prays for his wife; what a wonderful example of how we were taught to be. I see evidence of spirituality in Jacob as he understands the significance of a blessing and Esau eventually is brought to repentence for his actions.

I believe that the New Testament condemns Esau for selling his birth right because this was a possession that represented family honor. This position was to be held in high regard and was not. It was an act of disrespect for family traditions that were held sacred. Esau seemed to lack self control and vision; if he had thought of the significance of his birth right, he could have managed to go a couple of more hours without food. Jacob reveals that he is able to take advantage of his own brother for his own personal gain.

There are many things I walked away with in this study. I believe that Abraham is an example of what faith looks like and is known as the father of faith. There are many things in the bible about Abraham and his life that were confusing - Sarah's abductions, sending away Ishmael. I couldn't understand. This study has been so well researched and has really 'shed light' on areas that I needed further explanations. I was able to read posts of other brothers and sisters that even allowed me to see more perspectives than just my own. The study is a true blessing; I wouldn't change a thing.

With me, I am truly inspired by Abram's willingness to obey God from the first call. Obviously, Abram has had a divine communication. Because of it , he leaves everything he knows; his home, family, 'to go to a place I will show you.' He has already shown he believes whole heartedly in the direction God leads him. The faith is again and again tried and true. He never doubts - that is the kind of faith we all strive for.

I think that this servant was desparate to do the right thing for his master. In his anguish over making the right choice, he sends up this prayer. I believe God grants him the prayer as confirmation. God is faithful; I know most of us can attest to a confirmation from God when we have diligently been searching for an answer to a life choice.

This passage tells me Abraham knows this land is to be his; it was promised to him. He is taking the measures necessary in the world to assure he is recognized as the owner.

We are all parents or children. It is unfathomable to think of having to sacrifice our child, our only child, our only son for the greater good. It is something that touches us all on a deep level. To think that the Almighty God of the universe would do this for us... That the Great King would lay down His life for us. It's more awesome than words can describe.

Because of the promises of God, I am free to believe He protects me and will provide my needs. He has answered my prayers in the past concerning my 2 chronically ill children and has blessed me far past my expectations. I learned to rely on Him and He has rained down His blessings in return. I cannot give enough praise for the gifts He has given. Right now, I view my job as insecure. Because of faith, I can have full assurance that God will lead me down another path if that is His will for me. I cast my cares on Him and He gives me full assurance. What a wonderful God we serve!

There are times that I must read His Word diligently, asking God to give me the grace and faith I need to surrender worry or wonder (if I have missed the mark). God is so faithful to us; I always have what I need to have faith that, if I'm not where God wants me, He will show me the path He has laid out for my life. I see my life as the story of the fishes and the loaves. When I'm in need, I reach in to the basket (His Holy Word) and it is provided to me. Hallelujah!

Satan will be pleased if we allow our trials to cause us fear, anger and or resentment. He asks that trials come our way with the goal of having us fall from grace and act according to our flesh. God would have our trials bring us closer to Him and rely on Him the more to carry us through. All of my trials has brought me closer to God Almighty through the Lord and King, Jesus Christ. I know there have been times I wanted to defend myself from verbal attacks but, when I trusted in His teachings, I ended coming out the victor. Others find it is meaningless to swing in the air; if you have no opponent, there is not a fight to be won. Thank you Lord Jesus, for teaching us the more excellent ways!

It is truly difficult to wrap your brain around the total majesty of God. I really do not think we can do more than fathom the Great and Mighty being, God. I can only humbly accept that He cares for all of us on a personal level. I can't help but worship Him, all Truth, all Righteous, all Soviern, all Merciful.