Dec 20, 2019 12:32 PM America/Chicago
God is Faithful
Jacob, for much of his story, has been indifferent to the presence of God. But God is a pursuing God. God was faithful even when Jacob wasn't.
Jacob: Discerning the Presence of God
These stories will look at a man who was at odds with his family for most of his life. Jacob was born into God’s promise that had been given to his grandfather, Abraham, and his father, Isaac. Unlike many people of the Bible, much of Jacob’s journey was the opposite of what God desires for His children. God is always present in Jacob’s life, but Jacob doesn’t see it that way. In Jacob’s poor decision-making, rebellion, deceitfulness, and painful struggles, we see ourselves—either who we are, who we were, or who we could become. In the process, we learn that God does not give up on people, and that His purposes are not dependent on us discerning His presence or acting upon His will. However, when we do respond in obedience, we experience the richness of His presence on the journey. When we are what God meant for us to be—people who live as those who truly know Him through Christ—we become something much greater than we could have ever been on our own.
Dec 14, 2019 2:33 AM America/Chicago
Maturing in Real Faith
God had always been present with Jacob, even when Jacob didn't realize it. Jacob had begun to know God but he still hadn't fully incorporated his faith into his life which would result in tragedy. How does God want to mature your faith?
Dec 7, 2019 7:16 AM America/Chicago
The Love and Faithfulness of God
Jacob knows that it is time to leave his Uncle Laban and return home. That will mean facing his brother who had wanted to kill him 20 years earlier. It seemed that God had told him to go home, but would God protect him?
Nov 22, 2019 9:22 AM America/Chicago
Insight into the Heart of God
The dueling deceiver saga continues. Jacob realizes that he must escape the clutches of his Uncle Laban. Jacob gets insight into the heart of God in these circumstances.
Nov 22, 2019 9:12 AM America/Chicago
Relying on God
Jacob had been a deceiver most of his life. Now he has met his match in his Uncle Laban. God has told Laban that he is blessed because of Jacob, but still Laban deceives Jacob. When have you had to deal with a schemer?
Nov 15, 2019 9:30 AM America/Chicago
A Journey of Refinement
Jacob must leave home because he has deceived his brother and his life is threatened. Even with his deceitful nature, God continues repeat the promises He has made to the family. Jacob is hired on by his uncle and works for seven years to pay the bride pr
Nov 8, 2019 9:48 AM America/Chicago
God Faithfully Pursues Us
Jacob has stolen his brother's blessing and now must run for his life. Jacob’s deception and manipulation of Esau sets a pattern of behavior for him. Yet, God pursues Jacob and gives him a dream of a stairway to heaven. How is God pursuing you?
Nov 8, 2019 9:42 AM America/Chicago
The Blessings of Trusting God
Jacob and his mother Rebekah were manipulators. They hatched a plan to make sure that Jacob, not his brother Esau, would receive the blessing. The plan looked to work in the short term, but what would happen in the long term? What can we learn from this?
Oct 25, 2019 12:25 PM America/Chicago
The Mercy of God
Jacob contended with his brother Esau from the time before they were born. Jacob cheats his brother out of his birthright. Why would God let this happen? In God’s mercy He works with people of flawed character and works with them throughout their lifeti
Oct 19, 2019 5:51 AM America/Chicago
Continue in Prayer and Praise
Isaac was a son of the promise that God had given Abraham. How was he to meet a wife that would help continue this promise? How do we continue to walk in the promises that God has given us?
Oct 11, 2019 1:41 AM America/Chicago
Walking by Faith
Many of our life stories really begin with our ancestors. The same is true for biblical characters like Jacob, whose story is rooted in the life of his father and grandfather and their relationship with God. God had promised Abraham that he would become a