Hello Everyone,

Today is Saturday January 10, 2009 and we are continuing our studies on the book of Genesis.

Today's Message: Follow God's Directions. When we make the choice to follow the directions that God has given us we will follow a journey that is far beyond anything that we imagine.
Today's Bible Reading: Genesis Chapters 38-30

You can read today's chapters by clicking on the link above, if it does not work you can copy and paste this link into your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2028-30&version=9

When Isaac realized that God had overruled his scheme to give the God-ordained birthright of Jacob to Esau, he trembled. He quickly conferred with Rebekah, not to accuse her of any wrongdoing, but to decide how best to plan for Jacob's future. If Jacob violated the Word of God in marrying an idol-worshiping woman, as Esau had done then he would have not received the blessings that God had promised.

Isaac openly acknowledged that Jacob was the one God had chosen to receive the birthright blessing and once again conferred on him the sacred Abrahamic Covenant blessing. "And Isaac called Jacob, and blessed him, and charged him, and said unto him, Thou shalt not take a wife of the daughters of Canaan. Arise, go to Padanaram, to the house of Bethuel thy mother's father; and take thee a wife from thence of the daughers of Laban thy mother's brother. And God Almighty bless thee, and make thee fruitful, and multiply thee, that thou mayest be a multitude of people; And give thee the blessing of Abraham, to thee, and to thy seed with thee; that thou mayest inherit the land wherein thou art a stranger, which God gave unto Abraham." (Genesis 28:1-4). This blessing was an obvious admission of how wrong Isaac had been in his attempt to defraud Jacob.

Jacob journeyed hundreds of miles on foot, fleeing from the murderous threat of his brother, traveling through a strange heathen land over paths he had never traveled, and facing an uncertain future. Little did he realize that he was being directed by God and would one day be blessed with twelve sons who would be used of God to head the twelve tribes forming the mighty nation of Israel that God had foretold to Abraham.

Jacob went on his journey to Padanaram, but litte did he realize that God was with him and directing his path. He soon found out in a dream, "And Jacob went out from Beersheba, and went toward Haran. And he lighted upon a certain place, and tarried there all night, because the sun was set; and he took of the stones of that place, and put them for his pillows, and lay down in that place to sleep. And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it. And, behold, the LORD stood above it, and said, I am the LORD God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed; And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed. And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of. And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the LORD is in this place; and I knew it not." (28:10-16). Since Jacob had left, it appeared that Esau would receive the family wealth, but Jacob had something far more priceless, the birthright of God's promise.

Esau was quick to blame Jacob for his trouble, he failed to realize that the choices he made himself reflected not only him, but those around him for generations to come. Esau is typical of sinners who irresponsibly blame someone else for their making choices for selfish reasons. Isaac too had his own motives when he tried to prevent Jacob from receiving God's promise. He lived 43 years after trying to sabatoge God's plan, but there is no record of him being used again of God. Jacob however, was remarkable blessed from the time he left home.

Without a map or companion, but according to the exact plan of God, Jacob journeyed of more than 500 miles and arrived safely in Padanaram. God marvelously guided him to Rachel and the home of hismother's father, where he was received with a warm welcome. "Then Jacob went on his journey, and came into the land of the people of the east. And he looked, and behold a well in the field, and, lo, there were three flocks of sheep lying by it; for out of that well they watered the flocks: and a great stone was upon the well's mouth. And thither were all the flocks gathered: and they rolled the stone from the well's mouth, and watered the sheep, and put the stone again upon the well's mouth in his place. And Jacob said unto them, My brethren, whence be ye? And they said, Of Haran are we. 5And he said unto them, Know ye Laban the son of Nahor? And they said, We know him. And he said unto them, Is he well? And they said, He is well: and, behold, Rachel his daughter cometh with the sheep...........And Jacob told Rachel that he was her father's brother, and that he was Rebekah's son: and she ran and told her father. And it came to pass, when Laban heard the tidings of Jacob his sister's son, that he ran to meet him, and embraced him, and kissed him, and brought him to his house. And he told Laban all these things." (29:1-6,12-13).
Just as it is with everyone who lives to please the Lord, Jacob's life was set apart for a purpose. When Christians realize this truth, their attitude toward their relationships, marriage partners, workplace, physical limitations, and hardships will be seen as in the will of God.

Jesus Christ is Revealed: By Joseph who was born to save and preserve his people, "And God remembered Rachel, and God hearkened to her, and opened her womb. And she conceived, and bare a son; and said, God hath taken away my reproach: And she called his name Joseph; and said, The LORD shall add to me another son." Genesis 30:22-24). Jesus was born in order to offer salvation to all mankind.

Today's Psalm: 23:6
"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever."

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Lord, You know exactly where I need to be as I travel along my journey while here on the earth. Direct my paths and help me to stay on course. Watch over me, guide me, and abide in me always for it is the only way to keep moving in the right direction. Bless me with wisdom and understanding of Your Will for me and lead me to the the blessings that You have promised me. In Jesus' name...........Amen.

Have a wonderful day/night and weekend.
God Bless You,
Christina
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