Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Sunday January 11, 2009 and we are continuing our studies on the book of Genesis.

Today's Message: God Answers All Prayers. It is important to realize that God answers all prayer in Him own timing. Often we get discouraged and give up, thinking that God is not listening, but He is and knows exactly what we need. Wait on God and you will see the blessings unfold.

Today's Bible Reading: Genesis Chapters 31-33

You can read the chapters by clicking on the link above, it the link does not work you can copy ans paste this one into your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2031-33&version=9

Laban and his sons took advantage of the blessings that they received while Jacob was there, they became greedy and deceitful which resulted in their having a hostile attitude toward Jacob, the servant of God. "And he heard the words of Laban's sons, saying, Jacob hath taken away all that was our father's; and of that which was our father's hath he gotten all this glory. And Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban, and, behold, it was not toward him as before. And the LORD said unto Jacob, Return unto the land of thy fathers, and to thy kindred; and I will be with thee." (Genesis 31:1-3). We as Christian's are said to be the best workers on the planet and for that reason we often get deceived. It is important to know that even in the work that we do that God is with us and He will direct our paths away from those who deceive us.

God reminded Jacob of his earlier experience at the same hallowed place where he had received confidence that God would protect and direct him. "And the angel of God spake unto me in a dream, saying, Jacob: And I said, Here am I. And he said, Lift up now thine eyes, and see, all the rams which leap upon the cattle are ringstraked, speckled, and grisled: for I have seen all that Laban doeth unto thee. I am the God of Bethel, where thou anointedst the pillar, and where thou vowedst a vow unto me: now arise, get thee out from this land, and return unto the land of thy kindred." (31:11-13). God often talks to us in our dreams, if you wake up often wondering why your dreamt that dream, ask God to reveal what it is that He wants you to know. He will often answer you in Scripture. Regardless of our circumstances God is always with us and will lead us out of our troubles.

Now, after 20 years Jacob took his wives and children and headed back to the land of Canaan. "Then Jacob rose up, and set his sons and his wives upon camels; And he carried away all his cattle, and all his goods which he had gotten, the cattle of his getting, which he had gotten in Padanaram, for to go to Isaac his father in the land of Canaan." (31:17-18).

Jacob had mixed emotions and fears concerning this call to obey God and return to his native land where he knew that he must face his brother Esau, who had no fear of God and who had angrily vowed to kill him before he left. Esau, was quickly approaching with 400 of his men. "And Jacob sent messengers before him to Esau his brother unto the land of Seir, the country of Edom. And he commanded them, saying, Thus shall ye speak unto my lord Esau; Thy servant Jacob saith thus, I have sojourned with Laban, and stayed there until now: And I have oxen, and asses, flocks, and menservants, and womenservants: and I have sent to tell my lord, that I may find grace in thy sight. And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, We came to thy brother Esau, and also he cometh to meet thee, and four hundred men with him. Then Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed: and he divided the people that was with him, and the flocks, and herds, and the camels, into two bands; And said, If Esau come to the one company, and smite it, then the other company which is left shall escape." (Genesis 32:3-8). He hastily divided his wives, children, and flocks into two groups, reasoning that if Esau should come upon one camp and destroy it, the remaining camp would escape in the opposite direction.

Jacob recognized his helplessness and separated himself from everyone else and began to pray earnestly. "And Jacob said, O God of my father Abraham, and God of my father Isaac, the LORD which saidst unto me, Return unto thy country, and to thy kindred, and I will deal well with thee: I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which thou hast shewed unto thy servant; for with my staff I passed over this Jordan; and now I am become two bands. Deliver me, I pray thee, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau: for I fear him, lest he will come and smite me, and the mother with the children." (32:9-11). All answers to our prayers are dependent upon this spiritual insight. When we go before God humbled and feeling despair that is when we feel coser to God than ever and that is truly when prayers are anwered. There is a lesson to learn from Jacob: first, we need to know what God has said and then, we need to remind the Lord that we are relying on His promises. But most important, Jacob was praying for the future fulfillment of the Covenant promise that God had made to His grandfather Abraham.

God answers all prayers, it may seem as if He does not, but He does. There are three factors in prayers being answered:
1. No, often God will not answer a prayer that will harm yourself or others. Think about what you are asking Him, could it cause harm to you, someone else, or could it even keep you away from God all together.

2. Slow, often God is preparing us to be able to handle our prayer being answered. Be patient, God is with you and waits for the perfect time to give you what you are asking for.

3. Go, often God answers prayers in His own way, not in a way in which we expect. Think about blessings the that are before you, they are often far better than what we orginally ask Him for.

Jesus Christ is Revealed: As the Angel of God who guides.
"And the angel of God spake unto me in a dream, saying, Jacob: And I said, Here am I." (Genesis 31:11). The Angel speaks not merely in the Name of God but as God, leaving no doubt that He is the Lord Jesus in His preincarnate state.

Today's Psalm: 37:6-8
"And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday. Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil."

Today's Prayer:

Dear God,
Lord, I know that You are with me and know exactly what I need. Today I ask You for the patience I need for my prayers to be answered. Give me wisdom and understanding and help me to know that what I am asking is something that I truly need and will give glory to You. I praise You, Lord for You are my Rock, my Shield, and my Protector for any and all evil that tries to take me away from You. In Jesus' name.........Amen.

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


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