Here We Go Again

Here We Go Again

Genesis 35:1 Then God said to Jacob, “Arise, go up to Bethel and dwell there; and make an altar there to God, who appeared to you when you fled from the face of Esau your brother.”

 

============

 

Simeon and Levi, Jacob’s sons, had just caused a mess. They killed all the men of Shechem and took their wives, children and possessions. Jacob feared for everyone’s life in his camp. With no plan, GOD appeared to him.

 

My Observations:

• Jacob was in a situation where he had to run for his life again.
• Jacob caused the mess he had between him and Esau, and found himself in the same situation caused by his sons.
• GOD had to tell Jacob to go back to the same place where he fled from Esau.

 

Fleeing, probably was not Jacob’s plan. He was told by GOD to return to Isaac’s and Rebekah’s land and may have thought he would settle there. Now he feared that his sons had upset very powerful groups from all over.

 

Bethel, also called Luz, was the place where GOD showed Jacob the supernatural ladder. Angels descended and ascended the ladder and Jacob promised he would offer the LORD ten percent of all he had. GOD sent Jacob back to this place and commanded him to build the altar he promised.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about HIS command to Jacob to leave and build an altar?
• Are you in a situation that seems very messed up?
• Do you have faith in GOD to handle all your difficult situations, even the one you are in right now?

Intercepted

Intercepted

Genesis 32: So Jacob went on his way, and the angels of God met him. ² When Jacob saw them, he said, “This is God’s camp.” And he called the name of that place Mahanaim.

 

============

 

After twenty years, Jacob headed back to the land of Isaac and Rebekah. He would also have to face Esau, knowing he did him wrong by stealing his birthright and his blessing. On the way back, GOD sent angels to meet Jacob.

 

My Observations:

• Jacob was the only one who saw the vision of the angels.
• Jacob was not surprised or scared, rather he was calm because he had experienced a vision from GOD on his way from his parents.
• Jacob may have camped in the land filled with angels, to experience GOD in that moment.

 

For the second time, GOD intercepted Jacob on his journey. HE showed Jacob the camp of the angels, possibly to make him stop and think. This pause may have been introduced so Jacob would not rush into his reentry into the land he left on hostile terms.

 

Jacob may have been replaying his deceitfulness in his mind and needed some reassurance that GOD would be with him. Jacob had grown up beyond the slick behavior and now GOD could use him in a different way. HE showed Jacob the angels, which may have ignited his confidence in the LORD.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about what HE showed Jacob?
• Have you ever needed a little assurance from GOD?
• Are you facing a situation that needs your attention and will you ask GOD to meet you along the journey?

Saved by Presence

Saved by Presence

Genesis 19: ¹⁸ Then Lot said to them, “Please, no, my lords! ¹⁹ Indeed now, your servant has found favor in your sight, and you have increased your mercy which you have shown me by saving my life; but I cannot escape to the mountains, lest some evil overtake me and I die. ²⁰ See now, this city is near enough to flee to, and it is a little one; please let me escape there (is it not a little one?) and my soul shall live.”

 

²¹ And he said to him, “See, I have favored you concerning this thing also, in that I will not overthrow this city for which you have spoken. ²² Hurry, escape there. For I cannot do anything until you arrive there.”

 

Therefore the name of the city was called Zoar.

 

============

 

After being told to “Escape to the mountains”, realized what the angels were saying. He understood that Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding suburbs would be destroyed. He thought quickly and asked to go to a nearby little city. The angel granted his passage to this city and would not destroy it.

 

My Observations:

• Lot’s presence in the little city saved everyone there from destruction.
• Lot knew the area well, possibly because of skills he learned from the Chaldeans, or Abraham or Terah.
• Lot was afraid of the people who captured him years prior and did not want to take a chance of running into them again.

 

Lot and his family were allowed to go to the small city that did not have a name. Lot named it Zoar, meaning small or insignificant. GOD would protect this small group of people because of Lot. GOD still does this. By this example, HE does not destroy places where HE has a believer, unless HE urges them out.

 

Challenge

• Why did GOD tell Moses about this conversation between Lot and the angel?
• Have you ever wondered why you are in a certain place?
• Can you realize that your presence in a place blesses it because of GOD’s favor on you?

You Gotta Be Kidding

You Gotta Be Kidding

Genesis 19: ¹² Then the men said to Lot, “Have you anyone else here? Son-in-law, your sons, your daughters, and whomever you have in the city—take them out of this place! ¹³ For we will destroy this place, because the outcry against them has grown great before the face of the Lord, and the Lord has sent us to destroy it.”

 

¹⁴ So Lot went out and spoke to his sons-in-law, who had married his daughters, and said, “Get up, get out of this place; for the Lord will destroy this city!” But to his sons-in-law he seemed to be joking.

 

============

 

Majority ruled in Sodom. Everyone else was doing whatever they pleased and Lot seemed like a judgy nag. The angels asked Lot if he had any other relatives in Sodom, because they were going to destroy the city with the people in it because their sin had reached a point of no return. Lot went to his future sons-in-law, begging them to leave. They scoffed at him in disbelief.

 

My Observations:

• Lot’s future sons-in-law were probably raised in the Sodomite ways.
• Angels are not all knowing, so they asked Lot about his relatives.
• GOD sent the angels to do a special intervention for the first time.

 

Destroying a beautifully made city seemed preposterous to Lot’s future sons-in-law. Why would GOD destroy anything? Sounds like the questions of today when GOD says HE will destroy the earth. The imminence of destruction was seemed like a joke.

 

The angels knew what they were told to do and when. Destruction of the city would happen whether Lot stayed or left. This is the second time Lot had to be rescued. The choice of the city that looked so great was a disaster. GOD intervened.

 

Challenge

• Why do the angels explain why they were there to Lot?
• Have you checked to see how much grace GOD is extending to you?
• Is GOD about to do something in your life that requires you to realize how great HIS grace and power really is?

Untamable Unquenchable

Untamable Unquenchable

Genesis 19: ⁴ Now before they lay down, the men of the city, the men of Sodom, both old and young, all the people from every quarter, surrounded the house. ⁵ And they called to Lot and said to him, “Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us that we may know them carnally.”

⁶ So Lot went out to them through the doorway, shut the door behind him, ⁷ and said, “Please, my brethren, do not do so wickedly! ⁸ See now, I have two daughters who have not known a man; please, let me bring them out to you, and you may do to them as you wish; only do nothing to these men, since this is the reason they have come under the shadow of my roof.”

 

⁹ And they said, “Stand back!” Then they said, “This one came in to stay here, and he keeps acting as a judge; now we will deal worse with you than with them.” So they pressed hard against the man Lot, and came near to break down the door. ¹⁰ But the men reached out their hands and pulled Lot into the house with them, and shut the door. ¹¹ And they struck the men who were at the doorway of the house with blindness, both small and great, so that they became weary trying to find the door.

 

============

 

After GOD visited Abraham and told him he would create a nation, Abraham took Lot to the place where GOD showed him. But eventually this land was too small. This was not the final land. Abraham asked Lot what land he wanted. Lot chose Sodom because they had figured out a human version of the Garden of Eden. Unfortunately, Lot did not know what the people of Sodom were into.

 

My Observations:

• Lot was requested, by the men, to bring the angels out so they could have sex with them.
• Lot, being desperate, offered up his virgin daughters.
• Lot was threatened by the men who quickly reminded him that he was from the outside of the city.

 

From lust to violence, the men raced towards the house to grab Lot and the angels. The men had never touched Lot, especially after being rescued by Abraham. They were probably worried that word would get to Abraham and they would be killed. But they decided to take a chance.

 

Their lusts were “very grave” according to the LORD. Lot probably tried to tame them by telling them what they were doing wrong against GOD. But Lot was not Abraham. He believed in GOD’s ways, but may have also wanted to straddle the fence and use the ways of Sodom when convenient. He easily offered up his daughters to save the angels.

 

This situation was handled by the angels blinding the men. Anyone who tried to approach Lot’s house would be blinded. Even the strongest could not get in. The small were probably sneaky, and tried to get into the house’s weak areas. They became blind too. GOD allowed the angels to begin judgement.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD provided details of the conversation between the men of Sodom and Lot, to Moses?
• Has your ministry at a place come to an end?
• If GOD is moving you out of a place, will you accept change and ask HIM “Where do you want me to go”?

Lone Guardian

Lone Guardian

Genesis 19: Now the two angels came to Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gate of Sodom. When Lot saw them, he rose to meet them, and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground. ² And he said, “Here now, my lords, please turn in to your servant’s house and spend the night, and wash your feet; then you may rise early and go on your way.”

And they said, “No, but we will spend the night in the open square.”

³ But he insisted strongly; so they turned in to him and entered his house. Then he made them a feast, and baked unleavened bread, and they ate.

 

============

 

After leaving Abraham and Sarah, the angels arrived at Sodom. Lot was there in the gate to the city. He recognized the angels as being special. He insisted that they stay with him. He, just like Abraham, wanted to serve the angels by washing their feet.

 

My Observations:

• Lot took it upon himself to guard the city of Sodom, turning away innocent people.
• Lot did not partake in the ways of Sodom, but his family was not with him in his beliefs.
• The angels could easily protect themselves, but went with Lot to his house.

 

Lot was raised by Haran, Abram’s father. He heard the stories of Seth and Noah. He believed in the LORD’s ways, but chose poorly when he went to Sodom. He may have realized this choice was poor and tried to make up for it by guarding the city by himself.

 

When the angels appeared, he recognized them as beings from GOD. He knew he had to do something to protect them, thinking they needed protection. The angels were going to stay in the town square, but were convinced to stay in Lot’s house. I believe that angels are not omniscient, so they only had the information revealed to them by GOD.

 

They knew about Lot and his family as informed by GOD. They were sent on a mission to destroy Sodom. Lot brought the angels in his home, thinking he was going to send them on their way in the morning.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think Lot was sitting at the gate of the city?
• Have you ever been in a situation where you were the only one who believed in GOD’s ways?
• If you are the only believer in JESUS as your LORD and Savior in your area, what would you do?

Servant Leader’s Attitude

 

Servant Leader’s Attitude

Genesis 18: Then the Lord appeared to him by the terebinth trees of Mamre, as he was sitting in the tent door in the heat of the day. ² So he lifted his eyes and looked, and behold, three men were standing by him; and when he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them, and bowed himself to the ground, ³ and said, “My Lord, if I have now found favor in Your sight, do not pass on by Your servant. ⁴ Please let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree. ⁵ And I will bring a morsel of bread, that you may refresh your hearts. After that you may pass by, inasmuch as you have come to your servant.”

They said, “Do as you have said.”

 

============

 

Some time after Abraham was circumcised and healed, the LORD appeared to him with two angels. Abraham asked them to stay so he could wash their feet to provide relief. He then wanted them to eat to “refresh your hearts.”

 

My Observations:

• Abraham was a wealthy powerful man who understood GOD’s true power.
• Abraham did not flaunt his power, rather he sprung into action by getting everyone together to serve GOD.
• Abraham did not ask for anything from GOD, rather he wanted to simply serve HIM.

 

The LORD appeared near the terebinth trees. There seems to be something special about these trees because GOD met Abraham there a couple of times. Abraham seemed excited to simply serve. Maybe he wanted to be known as one who is hospitable. He was willing to open his house up to strangers and to share the best food.

 

GOD said HE would stay while Abraham gathered water for HIS feet and food for them to eat. It seems like GOD does not mind being served. It shows the heart of the person who can give a being who has everything a little of what we have.

 

This type of generosity may have stood out to GOD because Abraham did not keep the swag he retrieved from rescuing Sodom. Abraham’s servanthood seemed to come from the heart. He immediately sprung into action looking for ways to make his guests comfortable.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about how hot it was?
• Have you checked your conversations with GOD to see if you are only asking for things?
• Are you willing to serve GOD simply to do it just for HIM versus getting something from HIM?

What Happened?

What Happened?

Genesis 6: Now it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born to them, ² that the sons of God saw the daughters of men, that they were beautiful; and they took wives for themselves of all whom they chose.

 

³ And the Lord said, “My Spirit shall not strive with man forever, for he is indeed flesh; yet his days shall be one hundred and twenty years.” ⁴ There were giants on the earth in those days, and also afterward, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of men and they bore children to them. Those were the mighty men who were of old, men of renown.

 

============

 

At this point there were a lot of humans on the earth. Two distinct paths were identified, those who called out to the LORD and those who did not. All humans were born with a sin nature, so sin was now a preference. When Satan was thrown out of heaven, I believe he tried to ruin humans to avoid a sentence written on a holy scroll that only a perfect human could open.

 

When he was thrown out, he had convinced a third of the angels that he should be GOD. These angels were also thrown out and on earth they raped human women versus taking a vow before GOD to be a husband.

 

My Observations:

• Woman was made extremely special because only through this being can creation of life happen.
• Even the angels desired women for their own.
• Demons are very hard to explain, but their desires are not GOD’s desires.

 

Talk about a rabbit hole! Many questions can arise about angels, demons and GOD from this set of verses. BUT GOD was explaining “what happened” versus why. Evil beings raped women and giants were born. The end. This is what GOD revealed.

 

Challenge

• In reference to JESUS, why does GOD tell Moses about demons raping women?
• Have you ever served an angel without knowing it?
• Will you be hospitable to anyone, male or female, not knowing if you are entertaining a being sent by GOD?

People Reminder

 

People Reminder

Hebrews 13: Keep on loving one another as Christians. ² Remember to welcome strangers in your homes. There were some who did that and welcomed angels without knowing it. ³ Remember those who are in prison, as though you were in prison with them. Remember those who are suffering, as though you were suffering as they are.

 

============

 

“Remember where you came from” was a suggestion given to me from a person who left his neighborhood in pursuit of “success.” I was trying to escape the neighborhood I grew up in, never to look back. But after a number of years, I looked at my old neighborhood with a different view.

 

• I cared only about myself when I left.
• I could not wait to leave and not help anyone else.
• I could not understand why it was important to help those who never once thought about me or helped me.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, gives some great advice. He mentions how to treat people. He may have given this advice to help people remember those who are in need.

 

My Observations:

• It is easy for me to forget that I was placed here for other people.
• It is easy for me to forget that other people have needs beyond mine.
• It is easy for me to forget that perhaps GOD may want me to serve others, even when it is inconvenient.

 

Helping people is sometimes hard. I mean, people need help when I need help. They may even need the same resources I need and desire. GOD loves when I remember to serve people and HE provides something extra when I am willing to serve strangers. HE may test my resolve of helping others by sending an angel I am not aware of.

 

This selfless act may translate to the angel reporting back to GOD what has been done. Not that GOD does not know anyway. Each selfless act turns into a reward in heaven that cannot be stolen and will never tarnish. I am glad HE gives me people to remember.

 

Challenge

• Do you hear empathy from the writer?
• Do you like being remembered or recognized by people?
• Will you remember to serve strangers, shut in, prisoners and people who are suffering today?

Unaware of Help

Unaware of Help

Hebrews 1: ¹³ God never said to any of his angels:
“Sit here at my right side
    until I put your enemies
    as a footstool under your feet.”

¹⁴ What are the angels, then? They are spirits who serve God and are sent by him to help those who are to receive salvation.

 

============

 

Thinking of the mischief I could get into, my heart pounded with anticipation. I had not done this particular thing before, and I figured I was already a mess so I would try something new. Out of nowhere, a person was there, asking if I knew the LORD. “Why that question of all questions!”

 

• I stopped pursuing the thing that I shouldn’t have been pursuing in the first place.
• I have been blocked from doing things I should not be doing .
• I have also been protected from harm and survived brushes with death.

 

Paul is the assumed writer who received a revelation from GOD. He compared angels to JESUS, stating JESUS holds the highest honor, while angels are servants sent to help those who are saved.

 

My Observations

• GOD has some special purposes that can only be fulfilled through JESUS.
• GOD sends supernatural help to me when I am not aware that I even need help.
• GOD loves me so much that HE guides me, leads me and protects me even though I have free will to choose HIM.

 

Supernatural help is wonderful! I mean, it is provided to those who believe in JESUS as their Savior. Since GOD wants everyone to be saved, there is no exclusion to HIS love. It is up to me to choose HIM as my Savior. When I do, I receive special treatment from the one who has all the power.

 

HE sends angels to help me go through trouble, not around it. GOD is not worried about my situation because HE dispatches angels to help me when I can’t figure it out myself. HE does this at weird times too. HE sends the right help at the right time. I am glad GOD watches over my life.

 

Challenge

• What is the purpose of angels according to the writer?
• Have you ever received help and did not know where it came from?
• Will you give your life to GOD so HE can provide supernatural help for you that you need in life today?

 

Chosen Anyway

 

Chosen Anyway

Hebrews 1: ⁷ But about the angels God said,

“God makes his angels winds,
    and his servants flames of fire.”

⁸ About the Son, however, God said:
“Your kingdom, O God, will last forever and ever!
    You rule over your people with justice.
⁹ You love what is right and hate what is wrong.
That is why God, your God, has chosen you
    and has given you the joy of an honor far greater
    than he gave to your companions.”

 

============

 

Questioning GOD’s love for me became the norm. My sins had piled up and I wondered if GOD could love me at all. I figured HE was away from me doing good things for other people and holding me accountable for all the bad things I did.

 

• I had a negative view of a loving GOD.
• I thought that HE disliked me because HE disliked sin.
• I was missing something very important, namely HE loves me.

 

JESUS was placed way above powerful angels according to the revelation given to Paul. Because JESUS loves what Is right and hates what is wrong, HE chose to do something about it. Rather than lose humanity, HE died for it. HE gave up everything. GOD raised ZHIM from the dead and placed HIM above powerful angels.

 

My Observations

• GOD cannot stand sin, but chose me anyway.
• GOD decided to do something about my sin, namely die for me so I would not have to experience eternal pain.
• GOD loves me so much, that HE took my sins away from me as far as the east is from the west.

 

GOD loves me and you. I mean, sometimes I have a sinful view of GOD, especially when I am not getting my way. BUT GOD does not have that same view of me or you. HIS love is unfathomable.

 

HIS love cannot and will not be stopped by my sin or yours. HE hated sin so much, that HE did away with it by dying for it. HIS resurrection gives HIM the right to raise anyone who is thankful for HIS loving act, to live eternally. HIS love is wild and passionate. I am grateful for love that never diminishes.

 

Challenge

• What honor is the writer speaking about?
• Have you ever doubted GOD’s love for you?
• Will you have a different view of GOD, knowing HE loves you and has forgiven you today?

Permanent Love

 

Permanent Love

Romans 8: ³⁷ No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. ³⁸ For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, ³⁹ neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

 

============

 

Collecting frequent traveler points was the norm for me. I stayed in a specific chain, gathering enough points to one day take my family on a lavish vacation. When hard times hit, I spent a long period not traveling. When I looked into the points, the hotel chain said, “You haven’t traveled in a while so you lost all your points.”

 

• There have been times when I felt I would be cast out if I did not do the right things.
• There have been times when I felt I would lose everything if I did not follow the rules of those who were holding me hostage.
• There have been times when I felt so full of fear, that I made excuses for not speaking about the only ONE who truly loved me.

 

Paul says “We are more than conquerors.” Bullies, thieves, liars and those who try to harm others cannot separate us from the love of JESUS. He speaks about permanent love.

 

• GOD wants me to know HIS love for me is permanent.
• GOD wants me to understand that nothing can separate me from the love of JESUS.
• GOD wants me to be convinced that all problems caused by humans, demons or powers are temporary but the LOVE of JESUS is eternal.

 

“Problem free” is the lie told by Satan. I mean, the expectation that life would be one long vacation on earth is a false expectation that is placed in front of humans to try to separate them from the love of GOD. Temptation after temptation are placed in front of all humans to get us to turn away from GOD. Who can save us? JESUS!

 

Only JESUS can open my eyes to see HE has the situation under control. Once HE has given me a purpose, that purpose cannot be stopped. It may look impossible, BUT GOD steps in and handles everything for me. I am grateful JESUS loves me so much that even my sin cannot separate me from HIM.

 

• Have you been dumped?
• Do you feel cast out and dejected by circumstances out of your control?
• Will you allow GOD to open your eyes to HIS permanent love for you today by believing in JESUS, who loves you dearly?

Fate of the Seed

Matthew 13: ³⁶ Then he left the crowd and went into the house. His disciples came to him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.”

³⁷ He answered, “The one who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man. ³⁸ The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the people of the kingdom. The weeds are the people of the evil one, ³⁹ and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels.

⁴⁰ “As the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age. ⁴¹ The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. ⁴² They will throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. ⁴³ Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears, let them hear.

============

GOD put me here for a purpose, namely to speak about HIS SON. Everything else is a distraction. Yet I find myself focused on the things and worries of the world. People tend to pop up with new shiny messages that keep me from focusing on the glory of GOD.

• GOD wants me to focus on HIM daily.
• GOD wants me to seek HIS face each and every day.
• GOD wants me to believe in HIM, not in humans around me.

One day GOD will harvest those who believe in HIM. I’m not just talking about HIS existence. I’m speaking about HIS love. The way HE died and was raised from the dead. I’m talking about the HOLY SPIRIT who was sent on my behalf, who now lives in me. That belief!

GOD does not want me to be part of the weeds, so HE grows me to bear fruit.

• Are you being distracted with the things of the world?
• Do you desire to be grown?
• Can you allow yourself to be led of GOD’s SPIRIT today?

Fully Supported

Psalm 94: ¹⁸ When I said, “My foot is slipping,”
    your unfailing love, Lord, supported me.
¹⁹ When anxiety was great within me,
    your consolation brought me joy.

============

When I got home from church, I felt worse than before I went this particular day. One may call it conviction, but I felt as if I had received more rules that I wasn’t following. I sat in my apartment thinking I will never measure up so what is the use in going to church?

• Sometimes my thinking is faulty when it comes to church.
• Sometimes my thinning is faulty when it comes to spiritual growth.
• Sometimes my thinking is faulty when it comes to trusting GOD.

I will admit, church is sometimes a firehose of information and the humans delivering the message are not impervious to sin. BUT GOD wanted me to open my eyes.

• GOD wants me to look at every situation as an opportunity to get closer to HIM.
• GOD wants me to know HE loves me before, during and after my sin.
• GOD wants me to understand I can call out to HIM any time and HE will be there to lift me up.

As I grew up a little more I understood that I could cry out to GOD for even the tiniest of matters. I know HE is concerned about the daily details because HE numbers the hairs on my head. GOD knows when I am at peace and when I am troubled. HE sent HIS COMFORTER to dwell inside me and to take me on the journey of life.

When I need support, GOD is only a cry away!

• Are you in need?
• Do you feel your feet slipping into something that may take you away from GOD?
• Can you cry out to HIM and let HIM support you?