Jacob’s Ladder

Jacob’s Ladder

Genesis 28: ¹⁰ Now Jacob went out from Beersheba and went toward Haran. ¹¹ So he came to a certain place and stayed there all night, because the sun had set. And he took one of the stones of that place and put it at his head, and he lay down in that place to sleep. ¹² Then he dreamed, and behold, a ladder was set up on the earth, and its top reached to heaven; and there the angels of God were ascending and descending on it.

 

¹³ And behold, the Lord stood above it and said: “I am the Lord God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac; the land on which you lie I will give to you and your descendants. ¹⁴ Also your descendants shall be as the dust of the earth; you shall spread abroad to the west and the east, to the north and the south; and in you and in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed. ¹⁵ Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have spoken to you.”

 

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Jacob fled from Esau, heading to his uncle Laban to find a wife. Somewhere during the journey, he went to sleep. GOD provided a vision during his dream.

 

My Observations:

• GOD showed Jacob a supernatural interaction between angels and earth.
• GOD reiterates HIS promise to Abraham through his descendants.
• GOD provides assurance, stating HE would be with Jacob, keep him and not leave him until HIS blessing was fulfilled.

 

 

Jacob the deceiver was told that he would be blessed. He did not know that he would be part of the lineage of JESUS who would save the world. GOD promised that HE would bless Jacob’s descendants from west and east, north and south. Anywhere humans would go, HIS blessing would be available.

 

This blessing would not protect Jacob from problems. Jacob would face many issues. We also face issues and wonder, “How is this a blessing?” GOD has not finished the story for you and me. HE values us enough to reveal HIS purpose for us and is powerful enough to make it happen.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about the vision Jacob had?
• Have you ever wondered if GOD would use you for anything?
• What promises has GOD made to you that have not come to pass yet?

Right on Time Encouragement

Right on Time Encouragement

Genesis 26: ²³ Then he went up from there to Beersheba. ²⁴ And the Lord appeared to him the same night and said, “I am the God of your father Abraham; do not fear, for I am with you. I will bless you and multiply your descendants for My servant Abraham’s sake.” ²⁵ So he built an altar there and called on the name of the Lord, and he pitched his tent there; and there Isaac’s servants dug a well.

 

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After facing a famine, Isaac went to meet with the King of Gerar. Isaac stayed in the land upon the LORD’s request. But in doing so, he was told by the king to get out because Isaac had become too successful. He then went back to where Abraham lived. His servants got into quarrels and hostilities digging wells. This may have been discouraging.

 

My Observations:

• Isaac faced extreme blessing, causing others to become jealous.
• Isaac tried to live a peaceful life, only to face quarrels and hostility.
• Isaac, while blessed, may have felt discouraged because of the current situation.

 

Quarrels, hostility and moving can be exhausting. Isaac was simply trying to find a place to settle where he could keep his family, servants and cattle alive. JESUS, I believe, appeared to Isaac and reiterated HIS promise. “I AM the GOD of your father Abraham.” HE then said something that leads me to believe HE was providing encouragement. “Do not fear, for I AM with you.”

 

GOD could see that Isaac needed encouragement. HE restates HIS promise to him to encourage him. Isaac responded by calling on the name of the LORD. GOD saw Isaac and HE sees you and me. HE knows life can be discouraging so HE says “Do not fear, I AM with you.” The Great I AM is with you.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about HIS appearance to Isaac?
• Have you ever felt discouraged, even though GOD has blessed you over and over?
• Are you willing to call upon the name of the LORD, knowing HE is with you to help you to get rid of fear today?

 

Prayer

Dear LORD, we are frail humans and can easily get discouraged. Please bless this reader with courage. Remove all fears, worries and doubts and raise him or her to unexpected places. Thank YOU for being with us. amen

Never Again!

Never Again!

Revelation 18: ²¹ Then a mighty angel picked up a stone the size of a large millstone and threw it into the sea, saying, “This is how the great city Babylon will be violently thrown down and will never be seen again. ²² The music of harps and of human voices, of players of the flute and the trumpet, will never be heard in you again! No workman in any trade will ever be found in you again; and the sound of the millstone will be heard no more! ²³ Never again will the light of a lamp be seen in you; no more will the voices of brides and grooms be heard in you. Your merchants were the most powerful in all the world, and with your false magic you deceived all the peoples of the world!”

 

²⁴ Babylon was punished because the blood of prophets and of God's people was found in the city; yes, the blood of all those who have been killed on earth.

 

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When the police arrived at the bowling alley, they asked me to identify one of the thugs who chased me. “Is this one of the people who were after you?” was the ludicrous question asked of me.

 

• I had just freshly ran away from danger and the police brought it back in my face!
• I worried that any jail time the thug would face would be short and I would have a problem later on.
• I did not believe the thug would permanently leave me alone.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, was shown a mighty angel pick up a stone, throwing it into the sea, and said many declarations about how the great city would “never again” do the harm on humanity it once did.

 

My Observations:

• GOD’s judgment is permanent and cannot be reversed.
• GOD will put an end to any torment HIS people faced throughout all of history.
• GOD sees any injustice done to anyone who believes in JESUS.

 

When GOD does away with evil, it will be permanent. I mean, there will be no retaliation, no pop up problems and no embarrassing confrontations with evil people who could cause future problems.

 

JESUS has been raised from the dead and that is not the end! HE went to build a new heaven and a new earth. HE sent the HOLY SPIRIT to live inside those who believe, to protect and give purpose to tell others about our risen Savior. I am glad I will, one day, never face problems again!

 

Challenge

• What reason does the writer give for the punishment of the great city?
• Have you ever feared to tell on someone who harmed you or lied on you or stole from you?
• Have you considered believing in JESUS as your Savior and life support today?

Stayed With

Stayed With

1John 2: ¹⁸ My children, the end is near! You were told that the Enemy of Christ would come; and now many enemies of Christ have already appeared, and so we know that the end is near. ¹⁹ These people really did not belong to our fellowship, and that is why they left us; if they had belonged to our fellowship, they would have stayed with us. But they left so that it might be clear that none of them really belonged to us.

 

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Frustrated at the world around me, I wanted “everything” to change. I decided to explore the things I was told I should not do. When the world did not explode, I tried more and more. Soon, I stopped going to church and labeled “them” as hypocrites.

 

• I could easily leave church without being missed.
• I was gathering in a church for my own reason.
• I wanted to be part of a group, but wanted to have “fun” so  I went to another group.

 

John reminds everyone about the teachings about the Enemy of CHRIST. He then stated that many enemies of CHRIST have appeared. This set of enemies pretended to love JESUS by saying HIS name, yet when persecution arose, the fake people left.

 

My Observations:

• GOD knows that people who follow JESUS will be persecuted by those who do not believe.
• Staying with GOD means I will do it through easy times and difficult times.
• Facing difficulties with servants of GOD means I “belong” to HIM.

 

Saying “The end is near” to people who do not believe in CHRIST, sounds ridiculous. I mean, weren’t these words written thousands of years ago? Yes! The return of CHRIST has remained imminent since HIS resurrection. GOD took the focus off of the date of the return by not providing it.

 

HE wants us to “remain” in HIM and “abide” in HIS ways. Staying with GOD means I will not try to leave HIM when difficulties or persecution arise. It also means I will not leave other people who serve the LORD and are going through tough times too. I am glad GOD never leaves us.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writer mentions “the end is near?”
• When times are difficult, do you want to leave GOD to find some relief somewhere else?
• Will you stay with GOD and remain focused on HIS love, even when times are difficult?

Unchanged Purpose

Unchanged Purpose

Hebrews 6: ¹⁶ When we make a vow, we use the name of someone greater than ourselves, and the vow settles all arguments. ¹⁷ To those who were to receive what he promised, God wanted to make it very clear that he would never change his purpose; so he added his vow to the promise.

 

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When the new leadership arrived, the place felt different. New policies were provided in orientations and the same people I used to work with had now changed. The purpose behind my job was now different.

 

• I felt there was a “bait” and “switch” happening.
• I did not like change, especially when it did not seem to benefit me or my coworkers.
• It seemed like top management needed an excuse for changing things, and all of us would “lose.”

 

Paul, the assumed writer, spoke about “GOD’s unchanging purpose. GOD made a vow based on HIS own name since there is no one greater than HIM. HE revealed this vow to humans to give assurance that HE would keep HIS promise. GOD wanted to make it clear that HE has a purpose that will never change.

 

My Observations:

• GOD will never ever change HIS purpose, namely to save the lost.
• GOD will always love me because I believe in HIS SON, JESUS, who sacrificed HIMSELF just to be with me.
• GOD does not change HIS mind or switch HIS purpose when I, or others, do something wrong.

 

Humans play the “change the rules” game all the time. I mean, when life gets uncomfortable, simply change the rules until comfort fits, even if it means throwing out GOD’s word. Unfortunately, true “comfort” and “peace” are owned by GOD, so walking away from HIS statutes leaves me guessing, lying to myself, hurt or dead. GOD doesn’t want this.

 

HE made promises to always be with me and to guide me, even through difficult times. HE promised to live inside me and cleanse me of all unrighteousness when I confess I need HIM. I am glad HE reveals HIS love for me daily and I am willing to follow HIM.

 

Challenge

• What does GOD make “very clear” according to the writer?
• Have you ever felt GOD’s conditions for you can change based on how much or how little you sin?
• Have you thrown out GOD’s ways because it does not follow “your” relative truth?
• Will you seek GOD’s unchanging ways so HE can make you whole and to change the course of your life today?

Staying Power

Staying Power

2 Timothy 4: ¹⁶ No one stood by me the first time I defended myself; all deserted me. May God not count it against them! ¹⁷ But the Lord stayed with me and gave me strength, so that I was able to proclaim the full message for all the Gentiles to hear; and I was rescued from being sentenced to death. ¹⁸ And the Lord will rescue me from all evil and take me safely into his heavenly Kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever! Amen.

 

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Attracting people was not an issue until I began imitating some of those who were more powerful. I figured since he or she was “successful”, I would try some of their standoffish, curt, directive ways. Soon my crowd was thinning out.

 

• Basically I had become the jerk who I did not even like.
• I pushed people away versus attracting them.
• I eventually had to admit that I was the problem and had to change quickly or be alone.

 

Paul sent Timothy a message about being alone. He used himself as the example when many people left him as he went off to speak about JESUS. Paul, a former murderer, felt all alone as he repented his ways and spoke about JESUS. Only ONE stood by him.

 

My Observations

• Even when I pushed people away, GOD did not leave me.
• GOD can see more about me than I can see in myself.
• GOD’s love for me is far greater than any political, social or historical boundaries I may fall into.

 

GOD’s love is quite amazing! I mean, HE sees when I am acting like a jerk and still loves me. HE does correct me and opens my eyes to HIS correction. HE then puts me back on HIS path. I may feel all alone and HE recognizes my loneliness.

 

HE stays with me and tells me “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” JESUS died for me and was raised from the dead. My belief in HIM gives me the HOLY SPIRIT who lives inside me, never leaving me. I am glad GOD doesn’t not leave me, even when I try to isolate myself.

 

Challenge

• How does the writer sound?
• Have you ever felt lonely?
• Will you know that GOD is with you because JESUS died for you and was raised from the dead for you and has place HIS HOLY SPIRIT in you so you will never be alone?

Sticky Source

Sticky Source

2 Timothy 1: ³ I give thanks to God, whom I serve with a clear conscience, as my ancestors did. I thank him as I remember you always in my prayers night and day. ⁴ I remember your tears, and I want to see you very much, so that I may be filled with joy. ⁵ I remember the sincere faith you have, the kind of faith that your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice also had. I am sure that you have it also. ⁶ For this reason I remind you to keep alive the gift that God gave you when I laid my hands on you. ⁷ For the Spirit that God has given us does not make us timid; instead, his Spirit fills us with power, love, and self-control.

 

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Alone in my apartment, I regretted the previous night’s activities. I was just beginning my return back to serving GOD and was trying to be “perfect” which in my mind meant sinless. But a night out with “friends” ended my perfection quickly.

 

• I felt that GOD was tired of me.
• I felt that living for GOD was too hard because “I” could not get “my” life together.
• I looked at people in the church as being hypocrites since they seemed to have it all together and I was struggling to live for GOD as they were.

 

Paul gives a pep talk to Timothy. Perhaps Timothy was feeling down and wondered if his ministry was tainted. Maybe his faith waivered and he felt like giving up. Paul reminds Timothy of his faith and the faith of those in his family. Paul then reminds Timothy that life is not about his power, but the power of GOD.

 

My Observations

• My view of GOD was not where it needed to be because I thought HIS love was based on my actions.
• I thought I could control GOD by not sinning and felt more scared of GOD when I failed.
• GOD saw all my sins and saved me anyway, that is why I love HIM.

 

Not my power, but YOURs LORD. This is something I have to say quite a bit. When I think everything has to come from my power, I am hugely mistaken. GOD did not leave something so important to HIM up to me. HE chose me and holds me firmly, even when I let go.

 

HE gave me the HOLY SPIRIT which opens my mouth to speak about HIM. HE fills me with HIS power, love and self-control “when” I sin, not “if.” HE constantly tells me “MY grace is sufficient” so I can have a clear conscience. I am glad GOD is the ultimate forgiver!

 

Challenge

• How can the writer, who was a murderer, have a clear conscience?
• Have you ever felt not worthy of serving GOD?
• Will you look at GOD’s power, love and self-control and stop thinking those come from you versus HE has power, HE has love and HE has self-control for you today?

Permanent Love

 Permanent Love

Romans 11: ²⁸ Because they reject the Good News, the Jews are God's enemies for the sake of you Gentiles. But because of God's choice, they are his friends because of their ancestors. ²⁹ For God does not change his mind about whom he chooses and blesses. ³⁰ As for you Gentiles, you disobeyed God in the past; but now you have received God's mercy because the Jews were disobedient. ³¹ In the same way, because of the mercy that you have received, the Jews now disobey God, in order that they also may now receive God's mercy. ³² For God has made all people prisoners of disobedience, so that he might show mercy to them all.

 

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Watching a promising employee, I noted her actions. I could see potential where others could not. She asked me to mentor her so I gave her my advice regularly. But one day she said she desired to go to a “rival” department. “Can I still come to you for advice?” she asked. “You have new leaders now” I said to her, knowing in my heart I did not like the leaders in that department.

 

• There were times when I provided blessings to a small number of people.
• There were times when I withheld blessings because something “that” person did.
• There were times when I changed my mind about my blessings when “that” person decided to do something different than “I” expected.

 

Paul attempts to explain how merciful GOD is. He talks about the Gentiles and the Jews disobedience. No one obeyed GOD. Since GOD’s word demands death for any sin, all humans were prisoners of disobedience from birth. Was there any hope? Yes! JESUS showed mercy to all.

 

• GOD wants me to know I would never have chosen HIM unless HE chose me.
• GOD wants me to thank HIM for HIS mercy because I do not deserve HIS glorious gift.
• GOD wants me to see the mercy HE has shown me so I can see the mercy HE can and will show others.

 

Mercy is GOD’s choice. I mean, there is nothing I can do or say to earn GOD’s mercy. JESUS, being GOD, volunteered to die for me. HE loved me so much that HE took my punishment. HE saw all my sins and died for me anyway. HE never changed HIS mind about me even when I sin the most. I am grateful HIS love for me is permanent.

 

• Are you looking at someone and thinking how messed up “that” person is?
• Are you withholding your loving prayers for a group of people because they do not look or act like you?
• Will you recognize GOD’s mercy for you so you can thank HIM and allow HIM to open your eyes to the mercy HE wants to show “that” group of people you have judged today?

Children of the Promise

 

Children of the Promise

Romans 9: ⁶ It is not as though God’s word had failed. For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel. ⁷ Nor because they are his descendants are they all Abraham’s children. On the contrary, “It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.” ⁸ In other words, it is not the children by physical descent who are God’s children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as Abraham’s offspring. ⁹ For this was how the promise was stated: “At the appointed time I will return, and Sarah will have a son.”

 

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“I’m going to build a new garage” were the words we overheard. This was great news to me because I would use the old garage as my private toilet when I did not feel like stop playing, and now it started to stink.

 

The next day, I got with my siblings and we tore a good sized hole in the garage. “What are you doing?!” was the shout. “We are tearing down the garage” we replied excitedly. The garage wasn’t planned to be built for months.

 

• There have been times when I believed in the promise, but could not wait for the result.
• There have been times when I could see the promised fulfilled in my mind, so I tried to help the promise come in my timing.
• There have been times when I was part of the promise, but not in a way I expected.

 

Abraham was promised that he would be the father of a countless nation of people who would follow GOD. He decided to help GOD with this promise by having a child with a younger woman. GOD’s promise was fulfilled through Sarah, the older woman. Paul’s explained Abraham’s impatience.

 

• GOD has a plan for me and wants me to watch HIM make it unfold.
• GOD has a promise for me, but it includes many other factors I cannot see.
• GOD has a place for me and HE is busy preparing it.

 

When GOD promises something, it will happen. I mean, HE promises things that seem impossible to me, so I try to help HIM out with my efforts. BUT GOD is forgiving. HE sees my futile attempts to “help” HIM and shows me grace anyway.

 

GOD is my FATHER because I believe in JESUS who died for me and is alive making a wonderful place for me. HIS ways are not my ways, HIS thoughts are not my thoughts and HIS plans are always fulfilled. I am glad I am HIS child and I believe in HIS promises.

 

• Is your family dysfunctional?
• Have you fallen into the trap of thinking you are not valued?
• Will you stop believing the lie and know you are a child of GOD and HIS promise for you is far beyond what you could ever think?

Being Take Care Of

Isaiah 34: ¹⁴ Desert creatures will meet with hyenas,
    and wild goats will bleat to each other;
there the night creatures will also lie down
    and find for themselves places of rest.
¹⁵ The owl will nest there and lay eggs,
    she will hatch them, and care for her young
    under the shadow of her wings;
there also the falcons will gather,
    each with its mate.

¹⁶ Look in the scroll of the Lord and read:

None of these will be missing,
    not one will lack her mate.
For it is his mouth that has given the order,
    and his Spirit will gather them together.
¹⁷ He allots their portions;
    his hand distributes them by measure.
They will possess it forever
    and dwell there from generation to generation.

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Scared was the only word to describe how I felt as I clutched my chest. I had never felt a pain like this one and it would not go away. As I sat in my apartment alone I wondered if this was it. Was it my time to go? I mean I was just starting out.

• There were times when I felt afraid.
• There were times when I felt scared.
• There were times when I felt alone.

I called a coworker the next day and he took me to the doctor. I had a bruised sternum and needed to lay off the exercise for a while. What a relief! But the incident made me think. How do other people feel?

• GOD wants me to tell people they are never alone.
• GOD wants me to say to others “HE will never leave them nor forsake them.”
• GOD wants me to exclaim to many that HE has a plan for them and HE is providing order on a daily basis.

Looking back I can see that I was never alone. HE was always there for me and is faithful to always be there for whatever I go through.

• Do you feel alone?
• Are you nervous and confused?
• Can you reach out to GOD and ask HIM for HIS divine order today?

Refining Process

Job 23: ⁹ When he is at work in the north, I do not see him;
    when he turns to the south, I catch no glimpse of him.
¹⁰ But he knows the way that I take;
    when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.

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Even when I don’t see GOD, HE is at work. I mean sometimes I can clearly see HIS hand on me. Like that time when I slid in front of the bus just before it began moving and it stopped. Or the time when I hit a huge puddle of water and the car spun sideways on the expressway and no one hit me. But what about the times I don’t see HIM?

• Sometimes I can’t see what GOD is doing in my life.
• Sometimes I wonder if GOD is even there.
• Sometimes I think GOD has moved on and is helping someone else who has more needs.

When I pray and don’t get my wish in minutes I cry like a baby, but what if I have been praying for years? I mean certainly GOD has ears doesn’t HE? What if HE told me to do something and that something seems endless?

• GOD says to me “I will fortify your steps.”
• GOD says to me “Keep going for I am with you.”
• GOD says to me “Pray without ceasing and I will make you strong.”

My strength comes from GOD not the item I yearn for. HE walks with me day by day, step by step. HE is loving as HE tests me with fire and refines me to shine like gold. HE is the one who I can trust.

• Are you going through the fire?
• Have you been waiting for years for deliverance?
• Can you take off your blinders and recognize what GOD “IS” doing in your life?
• Will you tell someone about GOD today?

Devotion

Ezra 7: ⁸ Ezra arrived in Jerusalem in the fifth month of the seventh year of the king. ⁹ He had begun his journey from Babylon on the first day of the first month, and he arrived in Jerusalem on the first day of the fifth month, for the gracious hand of his God was on him. ¹⁰ For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.

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Looking back on many rough times I can see where GOD has had HIS hand on me. From bullies at my school to thugs robbing me to having no mentor or guide in college all the way to today, I can see GOD’s hand on me.

• GOD has HIS hand on me through very difficult times.
• GOD has HIS hand on me through extreme rough times.
• GOD has HIS hand on me through times I had no idea how I was going to escape.

Devotion is that drive that says “I will never give up.” Ezra was devoted to GOD and GOD is devoted to those who HIS SON has saved. GOD says to those “I will never leave you or forsake you.”

My devotion is faulty. I doubt, fear and worry BUT GOD’s devotion to me is solid. It is un-waving. It is like a tree planted by the water, it shall not be moved. GOD has devotion to me and it is up to me to be devoted to HIM.

• Are you devoted to GOD?
• When times are good do you find yourself dropping GOD off and picking HIM back up when times are bad?
• Can you devote a small portion of your life to GOD and keep adding more and more to HIM daily?

GOD is with me

Genesis 28: ¹⁵ I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”

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“Unload that truck” was the task, throwing wads of paper at each other was what we did. “Count survey responses” was my job, sleeping was my gift I gave to the company. “Be here on time” was the expectation, but I was extremely tired from staying out the night before.  They should understand this one time.

• I have broken my promise many times.
• I have not followed through with what I was supposed to many times.
• I have fallen short of what I was supposed to accomplish many times.

When I look back at the promises of “praying” for people or “calling” people or “doing the job” I was supposed to do, I realized I failed miserably. I leave a wake of disappointed people because of my broken promises. Is there anyone who doesn’t break promises?

• GOD said “I am with you” which means HE won’t leave when I mess up.
• GOD said “I will bring you back” no matter how far I have gone HE will be there to guide me.
• GOD says “I will not leave you” which means HE will not leave me!

There are times when I think GOD doesn’t hear me or has just left me alone but that’s because I’m looking at HIM through unfaithful eyes. When GOD says “I will not leave you” HE didn’t say it with a conditional clause.

HE knows my every thought, my every move.  HE saw the good with the bad and still loves me with only the love GOD can give. GOD never breaks HIS promises.

• Are you feeling alone even though there are people around you?
• Do you feel a bit lost right now?
• Can you know that GOD is with you?
• Won’t you stop looking at the circumstance and start paying attention to what GOD is saying to you?