DrD

Jacob and his family left Haran without saying good-bye for two reasons, (1) he was commanded by God to leave and return to the land of his father; and, (2) remaining in Haran was a deterent to God blessing and prospering Jacob according to the will, purpose and plan He had for Jacob. . . In a sense, Laban was decieved by Jacob when he wasn't informed of their plan to depart. . . According to the customs and traditions of the people they lived among there may have been something that could be considered unjust or unrighteous - but nothing acoording to any natural or spiritual laws. . . Rachel however did commit an unrighteous act by taking something that did not belong to her. . .

There are many that have gone on to be with the Lord which include three former pastors that have also gone on from labor to reward. . . Within the church that I am committed is a fairly young church when compared to others in the area that have been functioning successfully for so many years - so, as such, there are several potential leaders that are presently experiencing training that will result in them become great leaders for the Lord's Church. . .

According to the discription given to us in verses 4-5, I see NO difference between those he was writing to at the time and the Spirit-filled Christians today. This discription says that as believers we are to be enlightened, knowledgeable of Word of God, filled with the Holy Spirit and have experienced the miracle(s) of God. . . I beleive that as these experiences define us we ought ot want to be more diligent in these experiences and other experience that contribute to our continued growth and maturing in Christ. . .It is when we fail to do the things that contribute to our spiritual progression we find ourselves yielding to the temptations that result in apostasy. . .I.m not saying that our growth has to be leaps-and-bounds kind of growth - but there should be some steady growth - however small and minute it might be - steady growth / constant growth allows us to successfully combat and overcome temptations to become apostate. . .

I don't think that Jacob ever had the notion that such tactics would prove successful. I believe that he had such faith and trust in God that he believed his efforts and involvement in such tactics would result in God blessing his faith and those efforts to bring success and prosperity in his life. . . There is always the temptation to think that our efforts, intellect, physical strength, or resources have been the cause of our success - but, we must remain humble and continue to trust God to manifest and bring to pass what He has promised us - what we have believed Him for. . . Our effort certainly play a part in any success we have - but it is not by our efforts alone. . . James 2:17-26 (NLT) 17 So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless. 18 Now someone may argue, “Some people have faith; others have good deeds.” But I say, “How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds.” 19 You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror. 20 How foolish! Can’t you see that faith without good deeds is useless? 21 Don’t you remember that our ancestor Abraham was shown to be right with God by his actions when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see, his faith and his actions worked together. His actions made his faith complete. 23 And so it happened just as the Scriptures say: “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.” He was even called the friend of God. 24 So you see, we are shown to be right with God by what we do, not by faith alone. 25 Rahab the prostitute is another example. She was shown to be right with God by her actions when she hid those messengers and sent them safely away by a different road. 26 Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works.

Where others were trying to promote or further their own interest Tinothy's willingness to surrender to God - and submit to the authority of those who were leaders appointed by God differentiated him from those who did whatever they did with the intent to draw attemtion to themslves. . . Gaining an understanding of who I really am in the will and plan of God as well as who God is to me, has givin me enough security in myself allowing me to be earnest in my service to God glorifying Him in all that I attempt to do - without the fear of being overlooked or the need to be recognized for what I do. . . God has through the use of chastizement been able to refine me - and at other time by the leading of His Word and Holy Spirit brought about improvements in my walk with Him and service to Him. . .

"Who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguise good from evil". . . I feel that this is done when we study the Word of God and meditating in the Word of God with the intent to understand the Word of God and apply it in our life. . . Applying the Word of God in our life - in any and all situations is a way of growing in maturity. . .

God's ways are beyond finding out - however, I think God allowed Jacob to work 14 years for his two wives so that he would have some understanding of what people are subject to when we place our confidence in some thing or some one other than God - as well as to have some compassion for them when they are going through based on their failure or unwillingness to trust God. . . Anytime and in all situations when we fail to trust God - wen we refuse to all Him to direct and guide us - we find ourselves in difficult situations. . .Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT) 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. 6 Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. This experience should help Jacob in the teaching and training of his descendents directing them to always trust God - and to trust God in all things. . .

That through his suffering and obedience to the will and plan of God - He (Jesus) atoned for our sins and brought us - humanity as a whole - "BACK" into a right relationship with God. . .

What I have suffered has resulted in my growing in my relationship with Christ and Saints as a whole - they have caused me to become more and more like Christ. . . The struggles God permits are allows in my life have value because they give God an opportunity to shape me - to fashion and form me into a vessel that glorifies Him and brings honor to Him. . . Hebrews 12:5-12 (NLT) 5 And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said,

The things Jesus suffered provided Him with the experiece and practical knowledge of God's will as well as the desire to comply with the will of God. . . The things He suffered were not a result of noncompliance to the will of God - but were a result of His desire to please God - and His determination to comply with the will of God -whereas the things we suffer are as a result of our noncompliance. . .

Tithing was an act of submission to God as well as a demonstration that Jacob understood that whatever God blessed him with - He still had control over it and how it was to be used. . . Tithing was Jacob's way of demonstrating that understood he wasn't the "owner" of the possessions - that he was required to be a faithful "steward" and must use all that he possessed to glorify and honor God. . . The incident at Bethel brought Jacob into a greater awareness of who God truly is - His power and His glory - helping Jacob to realize that he was a servant of the one trueand living God. . . Tithing demonstrates our allegiance to God and love for God - that we are servants of God and not mammon / money. . . Matthew 6:19-24 (NLT) 19

We hold fast to the Word of life both by living in agreement with the Word of God and by proclaiming the Word of God by way of witnessing and testifying to others. . . The purpose of the Church is to be a witness for the Lord - to reconcile men back to God - to go into all the world and preach / teach the Gospel. Proclaiming the Word of God brings this about. . . Romans 1:16 (NLT) 16 For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes

We should approach the throne of God with boldness and confidence knowing that not only can the Lord help us but He is waiting to help us. . , He doesn't choose to redicule or punish us - He knows we need help and is willing to help us. . . He knows that we can't fix it ourselves - He is willing to work in us and through us to get it fixed. . . Knowing this we can come to the Lord without hesitation or fear. . . We are promised four things in this verse (1) Mercy which is kindness and / compassion for us during our time of need; (2) Grace, God's favor; (3) help, the support needed to get through the situation or circumstance we face; and (4) well timed help - what we need when it is needed. . . God is able to offer all of this to us because He faced the same temptations we face and understands how frail and weak we are in and of ourselves to resist these temptation or to gain victory over them - and being faithful to His Word and the finished work of redemptionand atonement at Calvary - and that power of His love He is able to demonstrate mercy and grace without imputing judgment. . .

Setting up the stone marked that place as a special place in Jacob's life - a place where he not only came into he very presence of God but a place where he is introduced to god sand develops a unique and permenent realtionship with Him. . . Setting up the stone as a pillar also served as a constant reminder to Jacob of the vow and covenant between himself and his God. . . Anointing the stone was an act of consecrating that place as well as himself to God - setting that place as well as himself apart to God and dedicating himself to the worship of God exclusively. . . The vows Jacob made to God were (1) his exclusive and dedicated service to God; (2) a special place (geographic location) for worship - but also a life time of worship at all places he would be and at all times; and (3) that he would give God all that he owed as indicated by the mention of the tithe. . .

Arguing and complaining are character traits of the world - peace, love, and harmony are character traits of the members of the Body of Christ (Church) - so by becoming less like the world and more like Christ, this allows us to shine as stars in a dark sky. . . Shining as stars signifies that there is very much a difference between the Church and the world - whereas ligh signifies goodness and the presence of the Lord - darkness signifies the absence of God's presence. As we shine like stars in a dark sky we present and demonstrate the presence of God in the world in which we live. . . NO, we all appear to have the same vision and hope. . . There are at times a difference in opinions or ideas or thoughts as to how things may be done - but not to the point it has interferred or prevented what we feel is God's will for our ministry being done. . . In fact there has been times when good honest and open discussions have helps us gain a clearer understanding of the task that was to be performed. . . I'm not saying that we are all in total agreement with, to, and about everything - but we haven't been so disagreeable that it has cause a rift, and I pray it never does. . .

Jesus shared our weaknesses in that He shared the same fleshly body we are clothed in which caused Him to suffer the same things we suffer. . . The writer says that Jesus was tempted in "all point" just like us and I am convinced that the greatest temptation both He and we suffer is to put our trust or confidence in something or somebody other than the One True and living God. . . To trust in or place confidence in flesh (physical strength - intellect - personal resources) or in the enemy is in essence making it or them our god. . . Considering who Jesus is I would have to say that the temptations He faced were far greater than any we could ever possible imagine facing - which gives me a reassurance that any themptation I face in live - He can and will help me to resist successfully. . . I feel that we have different versions of the same temptations Jesus faced and not different temptations - and as I previously stated I thing that all temptations we face stem from one basic temptation - to turn from God, to trust in something or someone other than God - and to worship or give honor or praise to anything other than God. . . I am conforted with the fact that He symphathizes with us when we are tempted because it assures me that there is an abundace of helf offered to me to guarantee me not only successfully resisting the temptation - but coming from that temptation with victory. . .

This dream of angels ascending and descending was a dream that signified to Jacob that he was in the very presence of God and that he had arrived at a place wherein God could and would work His will and purpose in his life. . . God's blessings to Jacob meant that just as his father and grandfather out their trust and dependance in God - he could do the same thing. which in turn meant that there was no need for him (Jacob) trying to work things out for himself or on his own - he could look to God He could trust in God and depend on Him to fulfill His purpose and plan in his life. . . I feel that all that took place in Jacob's life while on this journey strengthened his knowledge and awareness of the true and living God - the God of his father and grandfather - and as a result manifested some spiritual changes in Jacob. . .

Working out our salvation is to continue in the process of sanctification - putting off the old man (nature) with its deeds and putting on the new man - that process of transforming oiur lives by renewing our minds - basically doing all that is necessary to become more and more like Christ. . . No, this is not referring to salvation from sin - once we are saved we are delivered from sin, its power and consequence. . . This refers to producing or developing the fruit of the spirit in our lives. . . Galatians 5:22-25 (KJV) 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

Life presents many opportunities to turn back but we must be determine to press ahead in spite of what we face - the Word of God insures us that the one that endures to the end is the one who will be saved. . . Our confession of faith is that Jesus is Lord. . . Maintaining this confession is vital because this confession along with a life lived in agreement with this confession is what gives us victory in this life and allows us to enter into the very presence of God when this life is all over. . .

I believe that Isaac was aware of God's will and plan concerning the covenant He made with Abraham and that it included Jacob - so Isaac was simply participating in God's plan by pronouncing these blessing on Jacob. . . There were three major elements in the blessing; (1) fruitfulnes - numerous descendants; (2) land - the land of Canaan; and (3) the world as a whole - all nations of the world will be blessed through Abraham. . .

Jacob's character flaws remind me of myself than Esau, Isaac, or Rebekah - in that I feel i have a pretty good knowledge of what God's will, purpose, and plan is for my life - yet I lack the contentment or patience to endure in all things not knowing or accepting that everything that happens in my life is necessary to fulfill God's plan - or permit God to work His plan out and bring it to pass in my life. . . At times I have even found myself somewhat resistent to the circumstances or situations that I faced - not wanting to believe that such was necessary for the plan of God to develop anything good in my life. . .Like Jacob, I've thought that I had a better plan - or that there was certainly a better way that God could work things out. . Romans 5:3-5 (NLT) 3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. I honestly don't know what God is doing to improve my character. . . I know the things that I am doing with the hope that it improves my character - being faithful to the Word of God - reading and studying the Word - meditating in the Word - praying in agreement with the Word - and doing all I know to walk in agreement with the Word. . . I would like to think that everything that happens in my life God's allows or permits to make improvements in my life - but in actuality I know that a great deal of what happens in my life is as a result of decisions or choices I've made - and even in that God finds a way to improve my character. . . Romans 8:26-31 (KJV) 26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. 31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? James 1:2-8 (KJV) 2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. 5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. 7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. 8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

When children sense that you love one child more than the other(s) it threatens the unity of that family and results in division and mistrust - sometimes the results can bring about tragic and even fatal consequences. . . NO, I don't believe that there was any real evidence that there was any such discrimination in our home when I was growing up - I have two brothers and three sisters and whatever one had or received everyone who desired to share in it had the opportunity to do so - not sharing in what any of the siblings had was a decision that was made by the sibling who for whatever reason chose not to participate - not the parents or the recipient . . . I think that too often the only expression that many members of a family sees is in the giving and/or receiving of material things. Although giving and receivings are a part of love or demostrating love - they are not the whole of love. Within our families and especially among our off-springs we need to clearly define and demonstrate love. . . 1 Corinthians 13:4-13 (NLT) 4 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud 5 or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. 6 It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. 8 Prophecy and speaking in unknown languages and special knowledge will become useless. But love will last forever! 9 Now our knowledge is partial and incomplete, and even the gift of prophecy reveals only part of the whole picture! 10 But when full understanding comes, these partial things will become useless. 11 When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. 12 Now we see things imperfectly as in a cloudy mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely. 13 Three things will last foreverfaith, hope, and loveand the greatest of these is love.

We can know and should know thatn God will "exalt" us when we have humbled ourselves because the Word of God declares this truth. There is also the evidence of this happening as we see this happening in the life of Jesus - this fact declares that the same will come to pass in our lives when we humble ourselves. . . We get inpatient with this in most situations because as much as we would like to proclaim that we have crucified our flesha and mortified the deeds of our flesh - in actuality we are not as dead as we will be as we continue to progress in our walk with God. . . Also, as much as we declare that we are walking by faith and not by sight - we still have the tendency to walk or live more by our senses that in our trust in God. . . Impatience has the tendency to lead us to doubt the Word of God which prevents the things that we hav ebeen believinbg God for coming to pass in our lives. . .James 1:2-8 (NASB) 2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. 5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, 8 being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

These verses warn us, they caution us to seriously consider what God has done to bring about our redemption - that we should not allow this opportunity for our deliverence from sin and its consequence or the opportunity to enter into an eternal relationship with God through Jesus to slip away. . . Theses verse let us know that there is nothing else that there is no other redemptive plan other than God's plan and that there is a consequence to great for us to suffer if we fail to take advantage of this divine act of grace and mercy. . . The Word of God is described as being both alive and able to provide life to all that will heard and act upon it - and powerful enough to bring judgment upon those who deny and reject it. . . That it is also able to refute any and all excuses and provide deliverence to all of humanity. . . The effect the Word of God has upon humanity is that it, and only it, can and will bring provide salvation. . . Romans 1:16 (KJV) 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. Continual exposure to the Word of God develops us into vessels that honor God and are useful to God. . .

In spite of the deception of Jacob and his mother Rebekah the blessings Isaac spoke into Jacob's life were in actuality God's will, purpose and plan - which cannot be amended, anulled, reversed or denied. . . Isaac's role in this was to speak the blessings into the life Jacob, who is the one God's intends to bless in these areas. . . God's role, since this is His will and plan for Jacob, is to manifest and bring these blessings to pass in Jacob's life. . .