Happy New Year? 2024

Refection rather than Resolutions 

I’ll tell you, I wish I could say this was my idea. It wasn’t I got a call from a friend who said he heard this from his Pastor. The idea is to stop for a little bit. "Instead of looking ahead into 2024, which Jesus Himself tells us we should not do, why not look back?" 

I agree and find this completely Biblical. Instead of looking for, coming up with, and breaking, New Year Resolutions, why not take some time in the past year's reflections?

Resolutions sometimes feel restrictive and overwhelming, while reflection encourages introspection and growth. It's like shifting from pushing a boulder uphill (resolutions) to taking a scenic hike on a winding path (reflection).

You can explore areas like these.

Achievements and accomplishments: What are you proud of? What challenges did you overcome?

Growth and learning: What new skills or perspectives did you gain? What lessons did you learn?

Relationships and connections: Who were the important people in your life this year? How did those relationships evolve?

Gratitude and appreciation: What are you thankful for? What brought you joy?

Challenges and setbacks: What did you struggle with? What did you learn from those experiences?

Where was God in this past year? Where was He working in your life? I know it seems simplified, but every breath you take is a gift from your Heavenly Father. Why not take some time to thank Him?

Why are we so quick to forget yesterday and look towards tomorrow? Look what the Bible says.

"Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth." Proverbs 27:1

This verse reminds us of the unpredictable nature of life and encourages humility in the face of the unknown.

Jesus Himself emphasizes living in the present moment and trusting in God's care for the future.

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:34

We read this in James. 

"Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, do business, and make a profit.' But you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." James 4:13-14

This verse reminds us of the fleeting nature of life and encourages reliance on God's guidance.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

This verse offers hope and assurance, reminding believers that even in uncertain times, God's plan for good prevails.

Tomorrow, or 2024, is what it is. You may lose a loved one. You may lose your job. You may get sick. You may be blessed with good fortune. It is what it is. What will be will be. Why worry? As a child of God, we are to rely on Him. His wisdom. His strength. His provisions. His love.

“I will quit smoking.” Will you?

“I will quit drinking?” Are you sure?

“I will stop swearing.” Really?

“Will no longer lie?” OK.

I only made one New Year resolution that I ever kept.

“I will not make nor keep any New Year resolutions.”

Instead of lying to yourself and others, how about taking the time to see God in your life? We go through our days at the speed of life. We do. We get into routines and we live our lives in such a way we miss SO VERY MUCH! We talked about this in the past. So many times, myself included, we travel through our every day at the speed of life. We get up. We eat breakfast or don't. We drink our coffee, watch the morning news, or whatever. We get dressed and head out the door. We, most of us, have a routine. We stop here or there. We get stuff, we head off to work, or school, or whatever. We complete our assigned tasks. We head home. We wonder what we will eat for dinner. We miss our loved ones. We think of Birthdays or now at this time, the New Year coming up. We plan trips. We pay bills. For the most part, we live in our happy little bubbles.

Who is the person who sold us the coffee? What is your mail person's name? Why is there that thing there? What is this over here? Did you see that person on the corner? What were they doing? Did you know that the person who just cut you off in traffic was on their way to the Hospital? Did you see the old person on the bench? What did you miss? You would be surprised.

We talked about tomorrow. What if this is your last day on earth? How would you spend it? Think about this. If we were to put God in our terms, a thousand years to us, is but one day to God. 2 Peter 3:8. By the time God has his first cup of coffee, you were born, grow, hope and dream, live your life, and pass on. Wars are fought and won. Wars are fought and lost. Saints walked the earth and demons have slithered. Picture the last 130 years. We went from horse and carriage, fire and horse-carried mail, to laser beams and space travel. To carry around with us little computers in our pockets. All in the last 130 years. A cup of coffee in the morning of God's day. In that, is you. "A vapor, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away."

God is not asleep. He is with you. He is not concerned with time. We are. He tells us that we need not be concerned with it. We need to live in the moment. Live in today.

“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:15-16

In Colossians 4:5-6

“Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”

He tells us, not to fear. He is with us.

“fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

Instead of us, blindly rushing toward 2024, let us take some time to reflect on God and His working in our lives and remind ourselves that we should do as Jesus tells us.

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33

What things? Food, clothing, shelter, money to pay bills, you know, our daily needs. Be thankful that we are children of a timeless and limitless God who is with us always and will never leave us nor forsake us. A God that will defend us and fill us with His Spirit to make us invincible,

“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?

Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died--more than that, who was raised--who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, "For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered." No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:31-39

2024 will be what it will be. You just need to be what you are, a blood-bought, washed clean, renewed as a new creature, a child of God. Let Him control your coming year. We cannot possibly be in better hands.

Book of Genesis Chapter 34

 Chapter 34

The Defiling of Dinah

1 Now Dinah the daughter of Leah, whom she had borne to Jacob, went out to see the women of the land. 2 And when Shechem the son of Hamor the Hivite, the prince of the land, saw her, he seized her and lay with her and humiliated her. 3 And his soul was drawn to Dinah the daughter of Jacob. He loved the young woman and spoke tenderly to her. 4 So Shechem spoke to his father Hamor, saying, “Get me this girl for my wife.”

5 Now Jacob heard that he had defiled his daughter Dinah. But his sons were with his livestock in the field, so Jacob held his peace until they came. 6 And Hamor the father of Shechem went out to Jacob to speak with him. 7 The sons of Jacob had come in from the field as soon as they heard of it, and the men were indignant and very angry because he had done an outrageous thing in Israel by lying with Jacob's daughter, for such a thing must not be done.

8 But Hamor spoke with them, saying, “The soul of my son Shechem longs for your daughter. Please give her to him to be his wife. 9 Make marriages with us. Give your daughters to us, and take our daughters for yourselves. 10 You shall dwell with us, and the land shall be open to you. Dwell and trade in it, and get property in it.” 11 Shechem also said to her father and to her brothers, “Let me find favor in your eyes, and whatever you say to me I will give. 12 Ask me for as great a bride price and gift as you will, and I will give whatever you say to me. Only give me the young woman to be my wife.”

13 The sons of Jacob answered Shechem and his father Hamor deceitfully because he had defiled their sister Dinah. 14 They said to them, “We cannot do this thing, to give our sister to one who is uncircumcised, for that would be a disgrace to us. 15 Only on this condition will we agree with you—that you will become as we are by every male among you being circumcised. 16 Then we will give our daughters to you, and we will take your daughters to ourselves, and we will dwell with you and become one people. 17 But if you will not listen to us and be circumcised, then we will take our daughter, and we will be gone.”

18 Their words pleased Hamor and Hamor's son Shechem. 19 And the young man did not delay to do the thing, because he delighted in Jacob's daughter. Now he was the most honored of all his father's house. 20 So Hamor and his son Shechem came to the gate of their city and spoke to the men of their city, saying, 21 “These men are at peace with us; let them dwell in the land and trade in it, for behold, the land is large enough for them. Let us take their daughters as wives, and let us give them our daughters. 22 Only on this condition will the men agree to dwell with us to become one people—when every male among us is circumcised as they are circumcised. 23 Will not their livestock, their property, and all their beasts be ours? Only let us agree with them, and they will dwell with us.” 24 And all who went out of the gate of his city listened to Hamor and his son Shechem, and every male was circumcised, all who went out of the gate of his city.

25 On the third day, when they were sore, two of the sons of Jacob, Simeon and Levi, Dinah's brothers, took their swords and came against the city while it felt secure and killed all the males. 26 They killed Hamor and his son Shechem with the sword took Dinah out of Shechem's house and went away. 27 The sons of Jacob came upon the slain and plundered the city because they had defiled their sister. 28 They took their flocks and their herds, their donkeys, and whatever was in the city and in the field. 29 All their wealth, all their little ones and their wives, all that was in the houses, they captured and plundered.

30 Then Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, “You have brought trouble on me by making me stink to the inhabitants of the land, the Canaanites and the Perizzites. My numbers are few, and if they gather themselves against me and attack me, I shall be destroyed, both I and my household.” 31 But they said, “Should he treat our sister like a prostitute?”

Merry Christmas, 2023

 Merry Christmas

"And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, everyone into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men." Luke 2:1-14

Dear children of God,

On this special Christmas morning, as we gather to celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, I want to invite you to reflect on the profound significance of this day. Christmas is not merely a time for exchanging gifts and indulging in festive cheer; it is a commemoration of God's greatest gift to humanity – the gift of hope.

In a world often shrouded in darkness and uncertainty, the birth of Jesus brought forth a beacon of hope, illuminating the path toward salvation and eternal life. Through his humble arrival in a manger, God demonstrated his unwavering love for humankind, descending from his heavenly throne to walk among us, sharing in our joys and sorrows, our triumphs and struggles.

Jesus' life was a testament to the power of hope, a life dedicated to teaching, healing, and offering solace to those in need. He challenged the prevailing norms, spoke truth to power, and embodied compassion and forgiveness. His message resonated with the downtrodden, offering them a glimmer of hope amidst their despair.

The culmination of Jesus' earthly journey, his ultimate sacrifice on the cross, stands as the ultimate symbol of hope. Through his death and resurrection, he conquered sin and death, opening the gates of heaven to those who believe in his redemptive power. His sacrifice offered a promise of eternal life, a hope that transcends the limitations of this earthly existence.

As we celebrate Christmas this year, let us not forget the true essence of this season – the gift of hope. Let us embrace the hope that Jesus brought into the world, a hope that empowers us to face life's challenges with courage and resilience.

Let us extend this hope to others, sharing it with those who may feel lost in darkness or overwhelmed by despair. Let us be beacons of light, reflecting the love and compassion that Jesus exemplified.

Remember, dear friends, that hope is not merely wishful thinking; it is an active force, a driving motivation that compels us to strive for a better future, a future aligned with God's divine plan for our lives.

May the spirit of Christmas fill your hearts with joy, peace, and the unwavering hope that only Jesus Christ can provide.

Merry Christmas!

Book of Genesis Chapter 33

 Chapter 33

Jacob Meets Esau

1 And Jacob lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, Esau was coming, and four hundred men with him. So he divided the children among Leah and Rachel and the two female servants. 2 And he put the servants with their children in front, then Leah with her children, and Rachel and Joseph last of all. 3 He himself went on before them, bowing himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother.

4 But Esau ran to meet him and embraced him and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept. 5 And when Esau lifted up his eyes and saw the women and children, he said, “Who are these with you?” Jacob said, “The children whom God has graciously given your servant.” 6 Then the servants drew near, they and their children, and bowed down. 7 Leah likewise and her children drew near and bowed down. And last Joseph and Rachel drew near, and they bowed down. 8 Esau said, “What do you mean by all this company that I met?” Jacob answered, “To find favor in the sight of my lord.” 9 But Esau said, “I have enough, my brother; keep what you have for yourself.” 10 Jacob said, “No, please, if I have found favor in your sight, then accept my present from my hand. For I have seen your face, which is like seeing the face of God, and you have accepted me. 11 Please accept my blessing that is brought to you, because God has dealt graciously with me, and because I have enough.” Thus he urged him, and he took it.

12 Then Esau said, “Let us journey on our way, and I will go ahead of you.” 13 But Jacob said to him, “My lord knows that the children are frail and that the nursing flocks and herds are a care to me. If they are driven hard for one day, all the flocks will die. 14 Let my lord pass on ahead of his servant, and I will lead on slowly, at the pace of the livestock that is ahead of me and at the pace of the children, until I come to my lord in Seir.”

15 So Esau said, “Let me leave with you some of the people who are with me.” But he said, “What need is there? Let me find favor in the sight of my lord.” 16 So Esau returned that day on his way to Seir. 17 But Jacob journeyed to Succoth and built himself a house and made booths for his livestock. Therefore the name of the place is called Succoth.

18 And Jacob came safely to the city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, on his way from Paddan-Aram, and he camped before the city. 19 And from the sons of Hamor, Shechem's father, he bought for a hundred pieces of money the piece of land on which he had pitched his tent. 20 There he erected an altar and called it El-Elohe-Israel.

Three Gifts from God, 3

 Glorification 

Let us begin today with the fact that God IS in charge of life and death itself. If you were to truly get this truth, you would not worry about anything else. God said this.

“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” Psalm 46:10

Jesus created everything!

"For by him, all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities all things were created through him and for him." Colossians 1:16

Then He created Mankind, Genesis 1:26, and then at His appointed time, He created you.

"For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them." Psalm 139:13-16

You are the way you are because God said so. You are exactly the way you are because God said so. He created you. Then comes the "Five Steps of an Anointed Life." Romans 8:29-30

"For those whom he foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified."

He foreknew you, brought your Parents together, to bring you forth. He set up a plan and purpose for you and your life. Then He calls you. This is where you come in. "Yes." or "No." What is your answer? If you say "Yes." Then He justifies you. A time of preparation and equipping. Then step five is glorification.

For this conversation, I will assume you said "Yes." You are now a Child of God. He is now your Father. He is now in total charge of you and your life. More importantly than that, He is now in charge of your death.

“But whoever listens to me will dwell safely, and will be secure, without fear of evil.” Proverbs 1:33

We have nothing to fear. Death is simply a part of life. I will repeat that. Death is not a punishment, a curse, or something to be feared. It is simply a part of Life.

"For everything, there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die, a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace." Ecclesiastes 3:10-8

Say that part again. "a time to be born, and a time to die." Is being born something to fear? No. Of course not. Everything dies at some point. You will die too. Sorry for the spoiler. So should we fear death? No. If you are a Child of God, it is a far better place that you are going than this of which you are leaving.

You see, you are no longer part of this earth. You are now a child of God. A Prince or Princess of Heaven. The King of Kings, God of gods, The Creator of all that is, is now your Abba Father. Your Daddy. You are now a stranger in a strange land. However, God has a set time that you catch that last ride home. No one and nothing can nor will interfere with God and His timing. If God says your last day is August 17, 2025, then your last day here will be, say it with me, August 17, 2025. Nothing will end your time here on this earth before that.

You see, we have been adopted into the Family of God. Romans 8:15-17

"For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him."

So as John tells us, we are now Children of God, and we are to remember this.

"Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared, but we know that when he appears we shall be like him because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure. Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness." 1 John 3:2-4

This is why it is so important, that we stay in God's presence. This is where we need to be. With our Father. We need to pray continually. Read the Word continually. Spend time with other children of God continually. We need to always be alert and always be prepared. God called us into His Family. He wants to be our Father. Our Daddy. 24-7. We need to be His children, 24-7.

The Word declares this.

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified." 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

You are no longer of the World. The World hates you now. Sorry. Jesus told us that it would. It hated Him first. The World may even come after you. Sorry. It Crucified Him. However, just as He rose from the Dead, so shall we. When the time comes.

"Who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself." Philippians 3:21

This is the Last step to a “Christian” life.

5 "them He also glorified."God will glorify you in the end.

Even though the world itself will pass away, we have something more glorious to look forward to, according to Revelations.

"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also, he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” Revelation 21:1-22:21

That person that hated you? That person who spitefully used and abused you? That job? That company? That????? Gone. They are no more. Do you care if an Ant looks at you cross-eyed? Of course not. Why? They are an Ant. They are here for a bit, and then they are gone. They mean nothing. They can run on you. They may even bite you. But you know what? With a single step, they are crushed and completely destroyed. This is how we should see those who are not of God. They are nothing more than Ants, standing in the shadow of God's Foot, as it is preparing to come down. What are they to you?

Remember child of God, God created you. He made a plan and purpose for you and your life. He called you to accept it. He did, or will, depending on where you are in your journey, justify you and prepare you for what He wants you to do. There is coming the time that all things as we know them are crushed and completely destroyed, at the same time. You? You are being glorified by God Himself. God Himself "will wipe away every tear from" YOUR eye. Are you His child? Have you accepted His call? If you have not already done so, you need to ask Jesus into your life, then say this Prayer. Right now. Wherever you may be. Say it in your own words, and do not doubt in your heart. God will hear you. He will send the Spirit of Life to you. Let us Pray.

"Oh heavenly Father, Lord God. I am a sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Jesus's sacrifice for me. I believed He rose from the dead. I repent my sins. Please send the Spirit of Adoption into my life. Help me to get to know the real you. Save me. Please. In the name of Jesus, Amen!"

That's it. It is that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in your heart that God hath raised him from the dead, You shall be saved." Romans 10:9. You need to find a Church that God leads you to and be Baptized the way Jesus said to be. You are now a Child of God. A New Creature. You "have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him."Colossians 3:10

The email, if you wish to contact me, is truthbygod1@gmail.com

May the comfort of the Holy Ghost, and the peace of our Lord Jesus, be with you all. May God bless and be with you, always.

Until next time, be blessed, be a blessing, and Jesus is Lord!

Book of Genesis, Chapter 32

 Chapter 32

Jacob Fears Esau

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

3 And Jacob sent messengers before him to Esau his brother in the land of Seir, the country of Edom, 4 instructing them, “Thus you shall say to my lord Esau: Thus says your servant Jacob, ‘I have sojourned with Laban and stayed until now. 5 I have oxen, donkeys, flocks, male servants, and female servants. I have sent to tell my lord, in order that I may find favor in your sight.’”

6 And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, “We came to your brother Esau, and he is coming to meet you, and there are four hundred men with him.” 7 Then Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed. He divided the people who were with him, and the flocks and herds and camels, into two camps, 8 thinking, “If Esau comes to the one camp and attacks it, then the camp that is left will escape.”

9 And Jacob said, “O God of my father Abraham and God of my father Isaac, O Lord who said to me, ‘Return to your country and to your kindred, that I may do you good,’ 10 I am not worthy of the least of all the deeds of steadfast love and all the faithfulness that you have shown to your servant, for with only my staff I crossed this Jordan, and now I have become two camps. 11 Please deliver me from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau, for I fear him, that he may come and attack me, the mothers with the children. 12 But you said, ‘I will surely do you good, and make your offspring as the sand of the sea, which cannot be numbered for multitude.’”

13 So he stayed there that night, and from what he had with him he took a present for his brother Esau, 14 two hundred female goats and twenty male goats, two hundred ewes and twenty rams, 15 thirty milking camels and their calves, forty cows and ten bulls, twenty female donkeys and ten male donkeys. 16 These he handed over to his servants, each drove by itself, and said to his servants, “Pass on ahead of me and put a space between drove and drove.” 17 He instructed the first, “When Esau my brother meets you and asks you, ‘To whom do you belong? Where are you going? And whose are these ahead of you?’ 18 Then you shall say, ‘They belong to your servant Jacob. They are a present sent to my lord Esau. And moreover, he is behind us.’” 19 He likewise instructed the second and the third and all who followed the droves, “You shall say the same thing to Esau when you find him, 20 and you shall say, ‘Moreover, your servant Jacob is behind us.’” For he thought, “I may appease him with the present that goes ahead of me, and afterward I shall see his face. Perhaps he will accept me.” 21 So the present passed on ahead of him, and he himself stayed that night in the camp.

Jacob Wrestles with God

22 The same night he arose and took his two wives, his two female servants, and his eleven children, and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. 23 He took them and sent them across the stream, and everything else that he had. 24 And Jacob was left alone. And a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day. 25 When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he touched his hip socket, and Jacob's hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. 26 Then he said, “Let me go, for the day has broken.” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” 27 And he said to him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Jacob.” 28 Then he said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed.” 29 Then Jacob asked him, “Please tell me your name.” But he said, “Why is it that you ask my name?” And there he blessed him. 30 So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel, saying, “For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life has been delivered.” 31 The sun rose upon him as he passed Penuel, limping because of his hip. 32 Therefore to this day the people of Israel do not eat the sinew of the thigh that is on the hip socket, because he touched the socket of Jacob's hip on the sinew of the thigh.

Three Gifts From God, Peace

 Peace. 

We are talking about the three greatest gifts that God can give us. Last time we talked about the greatest, you exist. Seriously, if you were not here, nothing else would matter, right? Life itself is the greatest gift. Everyone who ever walked the earth was gifted this. We talked about the five steps of an anointed life found in Romans 8

"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom He predestined He also called, and those whom He called He also justified, and those whom He justified He also glorified." Romans 8:28-31

1 "For those whom He foreknew," He knew you before you were conceived. He wrote your members in His Book. You were fashioned, or formed, the way God chose you to be.

2 "He also predestined," He set up a plan and a purpose for you to accept Jesus's sacrifice and be called into the family of God. He has plans for you.

3 "And those whom He predestined He also called," This is where you come in. God calls you. You are reading this for a reason. You accepted the invitation to go to Church with family or friends this or past holiday season for a reason. God is calling you.

This is where we will pick up today. Again, if you say “No” nothing is likely to happen to you. You will live your life, and you will die. However, then you will stand before God if you believe or not, and you will be assigned to the place you chose beforehand. You will be on either God’s right or left. Be careful which you choose because then it will be too late. You can say you do not believe in Jesus all you want. The truth is this.

“Therefore, God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11

Now if you say “Yes,” then and only then do you get to step four.

4 "And those whom He called He also justified," Meaning,

"For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him." Romans 8:15-17

Which is the last step.

5 "Them He also glorified." God will glorify you in the end.

We will discuss this last step next time. You are now a child of God. What does that mean? The God, Creator of the universe, the Alpa, and Omega, beginning and the end, the Creator of all that is, was, and or will be, is now your “Abba Father” or? Daddy.

He wants this relationship with you. He wants to be your God. Your King. Your Saviour. But He also wants to be your Daddy. Not just something you think about on Sundays, if you feel up to going to church. No, He wants to be, and is by the way, there with you 24/7. Look what Jesus said here.

“Jesus answered him, "If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.” John 14:23

There is a lot in that one passage. Jesus just told us that He and God and the Holy Spirit, will all come and make their home with us. Look at your earthly family. I am the father of my children here on earth. I am there when they wake up. I'm there when they lay down. I’m there to gift them good things, teach them, and keep them safe. I’m also there when they may not want me to be. Think about that. God wants this relationship with each of us who is faithful and accepts Jesus into our lives. Christianity is not a religion. It is a way of life. It is THE Way. The only way to heaven.

We are not supposed to fear anything. Jesus tells us this.

"I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear, fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him!” Luke 12:4-5

Jesus promises you peace.

“Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” John 14:27

And again here.

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." John 16:33

King David put it this way.

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.” Psalm 23:5

No matter what is happening in the world, we can sit and eat with the Lord and have no fear. Again, Jesus Himself tells us to have no fear, that our heavenly Father knows what wneedof and will meet those needs as long as we are faithful to Him.

"Therefore, I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Isn't life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?

And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?

Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

He also tells us not to worry about tomorrow.

"Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Matthew 6:25-34

"Seek first the Kingdom of God." Seek His will. Pray, read His Word, and get to know the real God. Your Daddy. Grow in knowledge and in a relationship with Him. Learn what the plan and purpose are for you and your life. You have one.

You are no longer of this world, but you are still in it until God chooses to call you out of it totally to go and be with Him. Forget the wisdom of the world. It is nothing but foolishness. Seek the wisdom of God. Have faith in Jesus. Trust in what He tells us in His Word. Jesus IS the Word in the flesh. Have no fear, rather, have faith. God will give you peace.

“Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. For

“Whoever desires to love life
and see good days,
let him keep his tongue from evil
and his lips from speaking deceit;
let him turn away from evil and do good;
let him seek peace and pursue it.
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
and his ears are open to their prayer.
But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” 1 Peter 3:8-12

God called you into His family. Did you say “Yes?” Did you say “No?” Is this the first time you really considered saying “Yes?” Then say this prayer, wherever you are, say it with me or in your own words.

"Oh, heavenly Father, Lord God. I am a sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Jesus's sacrifice for me. I believed He rose from the dead. I repent my sins. Please send the Spirit of Adoption into my life. Help me to get to know the real you. Save me. Please. In the name of Jesus, Amen!"

That's it. It really is that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in your heart that God hath raised him from the dead, you shall be saved." Romans 10:9. You need to find a Church that God leads you to and be Baptized the way Jesus said to be. You are now a Child of God. A New Creature. You "have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him." Colossians 3:10

Next time we will discuss the last Gift of God, His Son. Salvation. Life everlasting. Step five.

5 "them He also glorified." God will glorify you in the end.

Email if you wish to contact me, it's truthbygod1@gmail.com

May the comfort of the Holy Ghost, and the peace of our Lord Jesus, be with you all. May God bless and be with you, always.

Until next time, be blessed, be a blessing, and Jesus is Lord!

Book of Genesis, Chapter 31

 Chapter 31

Jacob Flees from Laban

1 Jacob heard that Laban’s sons were saying, “Jacob has taken everything our father owned and has gained all this wealth from what belonged to our father.” 2 And Jacob noticed that Laban’s attitude toward him was not what it had been.

3 Then the Lord said to Jacob, “Go back to the land of your fathers and to your relatives, and I will be with you.”

4 So Jacob sent word to Rachel and Leah to come out to the fields where his flocks were. 5 He said to them, “I see that your father’s attitude toward me is not what it was before, but the God of my father has been with me. 6 You know that I’ve worked for your father with all my strength, 7 yet your father has cheated me by changing my wages ten times. However, God has not allowed him to harm me. 8 If he said, ‘The speckled ones will be your wages,’ then all the flocks gave birth to speckled young; and if he said, ‘The streaked ones will be your wages,’ then all the flocks bore streaked young. 9 So God has taken away your father’s livestock and has given them to me.

10 “In breeding season I once had a dream in which I looked up and saw that the male goats mating with the flock were streaked, speckled or spotted. 11 The angel of God said to me in the dream, ‘Jacob.’ I answered, ‘Here I am.’ 12 And he said, ‘Look up and see that all the male goats mating with the flock are streaked, speckled or spotted, for I have seen all that Laban has been doing to you. 13 I am the God of Bethel, where you anointed a pillar and where you made a vow to me. Now leave this land at once and go back to your native land.’”

14 Then Rachel and Leah replied, “Do we still have any share in the inheritance of our father’s estate? 15 Does he not regard us as foreigners? Not only has he sold us, but he has used up what was paid for us. 16 Surely all the wealth that God took away from our father belongs to us and our children. So do whatever God have told you.”

17 Then Jacob put his children and his wives on camels, 18 and he drove all his livestock ahead of him, along with all the goods he had accumulated in Paddan Aram, to go to his father Isaac in the land of Canaan.

19 When Laban had gone to shear his sheep, Rachel stole her father’s household gods. 20 Moreover, Jacob deceived Laban the Aramean by not telling him he was running away. 21 So he fled with all he had, crossed the Euphrates River, and headed for the hill country of Gilead.

Laban Pursues Jacob

22 On the third day Laban was told that Jacob had fled. 23 Taking his relatives with him, he pursued Jacob for seven days and caught up with him in the hill country of Gilead. 24 Then God came to Laban the Aramean in a dream at night and said to him, “Be careful not to say anything to Jacob, either good or bad.”

25 Jacob had pitched his tent in the hill country of Gilead when Laban overtook him, and Laban and his relatives camped there too. 26 Then Laban said to Jacob, “What have you done? You’ve deceived me, and you’ve carried off my daughters like captives in war. 27 Why did you run off secretly and deceive me? Why didn’t you tell me, so I could send you away with joy and singing to the music of timbrels and harps? 28 You didn’t even let me kiss my grandchildren and my daughter's goodbye. You have done a foolish thing. 29 I have the power to harm you; but last night the God of your father said to me, ‘Be careful not to say anything to Jacob, either good or bad.’ 30 Now you have gone off because you longed to return to your father’s household. But why did you steal my gods?”

31 Jacob answered Laban, “I was afraid, because I thought you would take your daughters away from me by force. 32 But if you find anyone who has your gods, that person shall not live. In the presence of our relatives, see for yourself whether there is anything of yours here with me; and if so, take it.” Now Jacob did not know that Rachel had stolen the gods.

33 So Laban went into Jacob’s tent and into Leah’s tent and into the tent of the two female servants, but he found nothing. After he came out of Leah’s tent, he entered Rachel’s tent. 34 Now Rachel had taken the household gods and put them inside her camel’s saddle and was sitting on them. Laban searched through everything in the tent but found nothing.

35 Rachel said to her father, “Don’t be angry, my lord, that I cannot stand up in your presence; I’m having my period.” So, he searched but could not find the household gods.

36 Jacob was angry and took Laban to task. “What is my crime?” he asked Laban. “How have I wronged you that you hunt me down? 37 Now that you have searched through all my goods, what have you found that belongs to your household? Put it here in front of your relatives and mine and let them judge between the two of us.

38 “I have been with you for twenty years now. Your sheep and goats have not miscarried, nor have I eaten rams from your flocks. 39 I did not bring you animals torn by wild beasts; I bore the loss myself. And you demanded payment from me for whatever was stolen by day or night. 40 This was my situation: The heat consumed me in the daytime and the cold at night, and sleep fled from my eyes. 41 It was like this for the twenty years I was in your household. I worked for you fourteen years for your two daughters and six years for your flocks, and you changed my wages ten times. 42 If the God of my father, the God of Abraham and the Fear of Isaac, had not been with me, you would surely have sent me away empty-handed. But God has seen my hardship and the toil of my hands, and last night he rebuked you.”

43 Laban answered Jacob, “The women are my daughters, the children are my children, and the flocks are my flocks. All you see is mine. Yet what can I do today about these daughters of mine, or about the children they have borne? 44 Come now, let’s make a covenant, you and I, and let it serve as a witness between us.”

45 So Jacob took a stone and set it up as a pillar. 46 He said to his relatives, “Gather some stones.” So, they took stones and piled them in a heap, and they ate there by the heap. 47 Laban called it Jegar Sahadutha, and Jacob called it Galeed. 

48 Laban said, “This heap is a witness between you and me today.” That is why it was called Galeed. 49 It was also called Mizpah, because he said, “May the Lord keep watch between you and me when we are away from each other. 50 If you mistreat my daughters or if you take any wives besides my daughters, even though no one is with us, remember that God is a witness between you and me.”

51 Laban also said to Jacob, “Here is this heap, and here is this pillar I have set up between you and me. 52 This heap is a witness, and this pillar is a witness, that I will not go past this heap to your side to harm you and that you will not go past this heap and pillar to my side to harm me. 53 May the God of Abraham and the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge between us.”

So, Jacob took an oath in the name of the Fear of his father Isaac. 54 He offered a sacrifice there in the hill country and invited his relatives to a meal. After they had eaten, they spent the night there.

55 Early the next morning Laban kissed his grandchildren and his daughters and blessed them. Then he left and returned home.

Three Gifts From God

 You exist. 

As we head towards Christmas, our kids are dreaming of the presents they will get. Maybe you are dreaming of a few yourself. However, have you taken time to think about, and thank God, for the three most important gifts He has given you? Maybe you haven’t really thought about them. Maybe you were never taught that it is God who gave them to you. Unless you are a child of God, you actually only have one of them. Let’s talk about that one today.

This is the first of the three most important gifts that God can ever give to everyone. He gives this one to everyone. Simply put, you exist.

We read this is Palms.

"Your hands have made and fashioned me, give me understanding that I may learn your commandments." Psalm 119:73

And here is Psalm 139:13-17

"For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows them very well.

My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth.

Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.

How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!"

God tells us.

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you," Jeremiah 1:5

God knew who you were before your mother met your Father. For me, He said I will be this tall. I will have this built. I will have brown eyes and brown hair. I will have this plan and purpose for my life. I shall be called Peter. As we talked about in a past sermon, my mother and father never really got along. He left when I was 13 months old. But that's OK. It was not his job to raise me. It was his job to bring me about. I'll say that again. I really feel like someone needs to get this. It was not my earthly father's job to raise me. In my case, it was not my mother's job either. It was my grandmother's. It was my father and mother's job to bring me into the world. That is what God chose for them. Me. I know, sounds arrogant right? But it is true.

Look at Zechariah and Elizabeth. Look at Joseph and Mary. God brought these couples together for one main reason. John the Baptist, and Jesus. None of these four people were truly special. Zechariah was a Priest, and Joseph was a Carpenter, or perhaps a Mason, some argue this point but neither really matters. Elizabeth was old, and Mary was a virgin young woman who pledged to be married to Joseph. God performed miraculous pregnancies in both Elizabeth, who was barren and well past the birthing age, and Mary who was a virgin.

In God’s Book, He wrote out how John would be, brought Zechariah and Elizabeth together, and formed John in Elizabeth’s womb. In the meantime, God arranged for Mary, a virgin, to become pregnant with The Word, who would become flesh. Look here,

“In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and she exclaimed with a loud cry, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!” Luke 1:39-42

As a side note, it was not a clump of cells or a fetus that leaped for joy, it was the person John who did that. Make no mistake about it. God did the same to bring you, me, and everyone else into the world. Well, not the virgin part but you get the point.

In Romans, we find the five steps of an anointed life.

"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom He predestined He also called, and those whom He called He also justified, and those whom He justified He also glorified." Romans 8:28-31

Again, God,

1 "For those whom He foreknew," He knew you before you were even conceived. He wrote your members in His Book. You were fashioned, or formed, the way God chose you to be.

2 "He also predestined," He set up a plan and a purpose for you to accept Jesus's sacrifice and be called into the family of God. He has plans for you.

Every human being that has ever walked this earth has received this gift. It does not matter if you believe in God or accept God or not. He is the great “I Am,” and He created you. Jesus tells us that we should never fear. Not only does God love us, as His children,

"Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows." Luke 12:7

More on that next time. Every human that has ever been born receives this gift. Life. Existence. God knew you and brought you into the world and has a plan and a purpose for you and your life. Then step three.

3 "And those whom He predestined He also called," This is where you come in. God calls you. You are reading this for a reason. You accepted the invitation to go to Church with family or friends this or past holiday season for a reason. God is calling you.

If you say No. Nothing will change. There will be no hail of fire and brimstone falling down on your head. No demons will be slithering up through the ground to suck you into Hell. Truth is, things will go on for you pretty much as normal. You will either fail or succeed in your life. You will still be the choices you make. However, there is a big difference at the end of your time here on Earth. You will find that all you hear is true when you are standing before God Himself. Then it is too late.

If you say yes, then you receive that second most important gift that God can ever give you. Peace. Love. Assurance. We will discuss this in detail next time. For now, just breathe. Stand outside and feel the Sun on your face. Listen to the running waters of the creek. Look at the birds in the air. Watch the rabbit hop around the field or the deer grazing. Look at a spider in its web. Feel the rain, see the snow. Look up into the night and see the vastness of the stars. There is a Creator. Romans 1 tells us this.

“For what can be known about God is plain to them, {To us. All of us.} because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So, they {we} are without excuse.” Romans 1:19-20

When I look at a painting. I see the beauty. I see the brush strokes, the colors, and the beautiful arrangement of images on the canvas. I may not understand it. I may not know who the artist was that painted it. I am sure of one thing, there was an artist. It did not come from nothing. Neither did our universe nor did we.

 
God created all things for us. Then He created us to enjoy them. The Word declares that we, along with all things, were created by and for Jesus.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not anything that was made. ... And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:1-3, 14

We should take care of this gift we were given. We should enjoy this gift we were given. We can enjoy it even more with Jesus.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10

Slow down. Stop even. Breathe in the air. It is your air. It was created for you. We are only here for a short time. We are but a mist. Here one moment and gone the next. Do not waste it. Do not take it for granted.

Just the fact you exist is a gift from God. Another gift He gave you was free will. Now the choice is yours to make. Remember the five steps of an anointed life are these. God foreknew you. He created you with a plan and purpose. Now, He calls you. This is where you come in. “No?” Live on and follow the path you feel is best, which without Him, will lead to death and destruction, or “Yes?” Then say this prayer, wherever you are, say it with me or in your own words.

"Oh, heavenly Father, Lord God. I am a sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Jesus's sacrifice for me. I believed He rose from the dead. I repent my sins. Please send the Spirit of Adoption into my life. Help me to get to know the real you. Save me. Please. In the name of Jesus, Amen!"

That's it. It really is that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in your heart that God hath raised him from the dead, you shall be saved." Romans 10:9. You need to find a Church that God leads you to and be Baptized the way Jesus said to be. You are now a Child of God. A New Creature. You "have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him." Colossians 3:10

Now you can go on to steps 4 and 5.

4 "and those whom He called He also justified,"

5 "them He also glorified." God will glorify you in the end.

Email if you wish to contact me, it's truthbygod1@gmail.com

May the comfort of the Holy Ghost, and the peace of our Lord Jesus, be with you all. May God bless and be with you, always.

Until next time, be blessed, be a blessing, and Jesus is Lord!

Book of Genesis, Chapter 30

 Chapter 30

 When Rachel saw that she bore Jacob no children, she envied her sister. She said to Jacob, “Give me children, or I shall die!” 2 Jacob's anger was kindled against Rachel, and he said, “Am I in the place of God, who has withheld from you the fruit of the womb?” 3 Then she said, “Here is my servant Bilhah; go into her, so that she may give birth on my behalf, that even I may have children through her.” 4 So she gave him her servant Bilhah as a wife, and Jacob went into her. 5 And Bilhah conceived and bore Jacob a son. 6 Then Rachel said, “God has judged me, and has also heard my voice and given me a son.” Therefore she called his name Dan. 7 Rachel's servant Bilhah conceived again and bore Jacob a second son. 8 Then Rachel said, “With mighty wrestling, I have wrestled with my sister and have prevailed.” So she called his name Naphtali.

9 When Leah saw that she had ceased bearing children, she took her servant Zilpah and gave her to Jacob as a wife. 10 Then Leah's servant Zilpah bore Jacob a son. 11 And Leah said, “Good fortune has come!” so she called his name Gad. 12 Leah's servant Zilpah bore Jacob a second son. 13 And Leah said, “Happy am I! For women have called me happy.” So she called his name Asher.

14 In the days of wheat harvest Reuben went and found mandrakes in the field and brought them to his mother Leah. Then Rachel said to Leah, “Please give me some of your son's mandrakes.” 15 But she said to her, “Is it a small matter that you have taken away my husband? Would you take away my son's mandrakes also?” Rachel said, “Then he may lie with you tonight in exchange for your son's mandrakes.” 16 When Jacob came from the field in the evening, Leah went out to meet him and said, “You must come into me, for I have hired you with my son's mandrakes.” So he lay with her that night. 17 And God listened to Leah, and she conceived and bore Jacob a fifth son. 18 Leah said, “God has given me my wages because I gave my servant to my husband.” So she called his name Issachar.

19 And Leah conceived again, and she bore Jacob a sixth son. 20 Then Leah said, “God has endowed me with a good endowment; now my husband will honor me because I have borne him six sons.” So she called his name Zebulun. 21 Afterward she bore a daughter and called her name Dinah.

22 Then God remembered Rachel, and God listened to her and opened her womb. 23 She conceived and bore a son and said, “God has taken away my reproach.” 24 And she called his name Joseph, saying, “May the Lord add to me another son!”

Jacob's Prosperity

25 As soon as Rachel had borne Joseph, Jacob said to Laban, “Send me away, that I may go to my own home and country. 26 Give me my wives and my children for whom I have served you, that I may go, for you know the service that I have given you.” 27 But Laban said to him, “If I have found favor in your sight, I have learned by divination that the Lord has blessed me because of you. 28 Name your wages, and I will give it.” 29 Jacob said to him, “You yourself know how I have served you, and how your livestock has fared with me. 30 For you had little before I came, and it has increased abundantly, and the Lord has blessed you wherever I turned. But now when shall I provide for my own household also?” 31 He said, “What shall I give you?” Jacob said, “You shall not give me anything. If you will do this for me, I will again pasture your flock and keep it: 32 Let me pass through all your flock today, removing from it every speckled and spotted sheep and every black lamb, and the spotted and speckled among the goats, and they shall be my wages. 33 So my honesty will answer for me later when you come to look into my wages with you. Everyone that is not speckled and spotted among the goats and black among the lambs, if found with me, shall be counted stolen.” 34 Laban said, “Good! Let it be as you have said.” 35 But that day Laban removed the male goats that were striped and spotted, and all the female goats that were speckled and spotted, everyone that had white on it, and every lamb that was black, and put them in the charge of his sons. 36 And he set a distance of three days' journey between himself and Jacob, and Jacob pastured the rest of Laban's flock.

37 Then Jacob took fresh sticks of poplar and almond and plane trees, and peeled white streaks in them, exposing the white of the sticks. 38 He set the sticks that he had peeled in front of the flocks in the troughs, that is, the watering places, where the flocks came to drink. And since they bred when they came to drink, 39 the flocks bred in front of the sticks and so the flocks brought forth striped, speckled, and spotted. 40 And Jacob separated the lambs and set the faces of the flocks toward the striped and all the black in the flock of Laban. He put his own droves apart and did not put them with Laban's flock. 41 Whenever the stronger of the flock were breeding, Jacob would lay the sticks in the troughs before the eyes of the flock, that they might breed among the sticks, 42 but for the feebler of the flock he would not lay them there. So the feebler would be Laban's, and the stronger Jacob's. 43 Thus the man increased greatly and had large flocks, female servants and male servants, and camels and donkeys.

A Story to Tell 3

 Why do bad things happen to good people? 

First of all, no one is good, no not one.

“None is righteous, no, not one;
no one understands;
no one seeks God.
All have turned aside; together they have become worthless;
no one does good,
not even one.”
“Their throat is an open grave;
they use their tongues to deceive.”
“The venom of asps is under their lips.”
“Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness.”
“Their feet are swift to shed blood;
in their paths are ruin and misery,
and the way of peace they have not known.”
“There is no fear of God before their eyes.” Romans 3:11-18

Look what happened when they called Jesus good.

“And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? And he said unto him, “Why callest thou me good?” [there is] none good but one, [that is], God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.” Matthew 19:16-17

Why would Jesus not want someone calling Him good? Because He was all man. He was in the flesh, just like we are. He was in the natural world, just like we are. He was susceptible to all the Sin in this world as we are. The flesh craves the things of this world and the lord of this world is the devil. In this state, Jesus did not see Himself as good. If Jesus Himself did not see Himself as good, who are we?

Leaving that aside for a bit, why do bad things happen to God’s people? The adopted. God’s children. People sometimes think, and sadly sometimes they are falsely taught, that all you have to do is have enough faith and be obedient to God and whatever church you belong to and you will be healthy, wealthy, and wise. You will coast through life with no problems. If not? That is your lack of faith. Just have more faith. This is a lie. Let’s go back to Paul. Remember, Paul wrote a lot of the New Testament we read today. I’m pretty sure he had more than an abundance of faith. Remember he was taught by Jesus Himself face to face. If this was true, He would be healthy, wealthy, and wise, Right? Well, he tells us a bit differently.

“Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure.” 2 Corinthians 11:24-27

Consider two things here. First, does this sound like he was cruising through life without a care? Two, if he was making anything up. Jesus, the Word, all the things He was teaching, would he continue the lie in the face of all this? Of course not. He endured all this because he KNEW it was true. Look what he said here.

“I am hard-pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account.” Philippians 1:23-24

He literally just said he would rather die and go to heaven but he stayed here and endured all this because of us. The gentiles. 

How about another person who had great faith? Another that walked with Jesus and personally witnessed Jesus work miracles including rising from the dead. Peter. This is one of my favorite stories in the Bible. Peter and Jesus were talking and Jesus said this.

"Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat,”

Now think about this. You have seen everything that Jesus has done, including casting out demons and raising the dead. He just told you that the king of demons, The god of this world, Satan himself, has asked to have you. I can imagine that Peter was thinking something like “Well now, has he really? Good thing I’m with you. You told him no right?” However? Keep reading.

“but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers."

Now wait. Jesus said yes. He told Satan he could have him? Peter said this

“Peter said to him, "Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death." Jesus said, "I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day until you deny three times that you know me." Luke 22:31-34

How does this make sense? Why would Jesus say yes? Look here at another faith-filled man named Job. Another that Satan wanted to have.

“There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job, and that man was blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil.” Job 1:1

Look here.

“Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came among them. The LORD said to Satan, "From where have you come?" Satan answered the LORD and said, "From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking up and down on it." And the LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?" Then Satan answered the LORD and said, "Does Job fear God for no reason? Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But stretch out your hand and touch all that he has, and he will curse you to your face."

Hold on a second. Side note, perhaps a whole sermon, but notice Satan asked God to do it. Why? Simply put, Satan can not do anything to God's chosen people without the permission of God. What did God say?

“And the LORD said to Satan, "Behold, all that he has is in your hand. Only against him do not stretch out your hand." So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD.” Job 1:6-12

Again God said “Yes.” He said that Satan can have him, to the point of death. But not death itself because his life belongs to God. You know the story, Job lost everything, He ended up having boils all over his body, and he suffered much. Does that seem like he was healthy wealthy and wise? Of course not. God was not testing these people nor is He testing us with bad things. Nor does God tempt us with evil. 

"Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one." James 1:13

So why did God allow these “bad things” to happen to these “good people?” 

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” James 1:2-5

Notice it does not say “when God tests you.” It says “When you meet trials of various kinds.” If there is any doubt, read on a bit more.

“Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God," for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers.” James 1:13-16

So then, why? Why does God allow bad things to happen to “good people”

“Faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing”

Jesus said this. 

“but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers"

One of the whole reasons that Jesus came here was to be one of us. To suffer as one of us. To die as one of us. He knows now firsthand what it is we go through. When you end up going through something, you can now relate to someone else who is about to or is in the middle of going through the same. You now have a story to tell. Job had a story to tell. Peter has many stories to tell. Paul has many stories to tell. They are all used to straighten others. In the long run, you see that it was never actually about them at all. It was all for OUR, yes OUR, you a me, OUR benefit. Job suffered for us. Peter failed and suffered for us. Paul suffered for us. Of course, Jesus suffered and died for us.

This book {Holding up the Bible} is real. It is filled with real people with real stories to tell. That thing you are going through right now? It may not be for you. It may just be a story for you to tell. It may very well be to help others.

Where did you come from? What did you go through in the past? Who are you now that God has made you into a new creation? You say you are saved. Saved from what? Is there truly a better way than that of the world? To the lost, the simple things of God are not so simple. To the lost, your story may be exactly what they need to take the next step. You went through “it.” Therefore “it” is not the end. “It” whatever “it” is, it may just be the beginning. Always remember this also.

“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us” Romans 8:13

In other words, any and everything in this present time is temporal. Even the most heinous, be it torture at the hands of another, cancer, or any other sickness or disease. Nothing can even compare to an eternity with God in paradise. Nothing.

If you want to tell your story to someone, you can always start at the beginning which is this. Have you been adopted into the Family of God? Would you like to be? It really is simple. Say this prayer. Say it in your own words, and do not doubt in your heart. God will hear you. He will send the Spirit of Life to you. Let us Pray.

"Oh heavenly Father, Lord God. I am a sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Jesus's sacrifice for me. I believed He rose from the dead. I repent my sins. Please send the Spirit of Adoption into my life. Help me to get to know the real you. Save me. Please. In the name of Jesus, Amen!"

That's it. It really is that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in your heart that God hath raised him from the dead, You shall be saved." Romans 10:9. You need to find a Church that God leads you to and be Baptized the way Jesus said to be. You are now a Child of God. A New Creature. You "have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him."Colossians 3:10

Email if you wish to contact me, it's truthbygod1@gmail.com

May the comfort of the Holy Ghost, and the peace of our Lord Jesus, be with you all. May God bless and be with you, always.

Until next time, be blessed, be a blessing, and Jesus is Lord!

Thanksgiving 2023

 Thanksgiving 2023

It's that time again. Another year. Another day where we have set aside time to gather with friends and family and be thankful for all you have. It amazes me that some people,

1- Have no idea who to be thankful to.

2- What to be thankful for.

3- How to be thankful.

First, God. Plain and simple. Without God, we would not even be. Think about that. Your life. Without Him, you would not even exist to be thankful for anything.

“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them. How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!” Psalm 139:13-17

You are not an accident. God knew you before your mother knew your father.

“And we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.” Romans 8:28-30

He has a plan and a purpose for you and your life. You are here for a reason. Be thankful He created you and gave you this life. Born when and where you were, how you were, to whom you were. I know I know, not all of us have had a rosey, happy, childhood. Some suffered. Some struggled. That was not God. However, God has, or is trying to, set you free from that. He made the way.

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.” John 3:16-18

From Life to life everlasting, and all things in between, be thankful to God always. Without Him, none of us would ever even have been here in the first place. Without Him, we would all perish together in a place of suffering and death. Without Him, we would have nothing. Be thankful in the very fact you exist, and you are loved, and you are saved from death itself. Everything else is temporal. Remember, God is here tomorrow as well. Give Him thanks daily.

Here is a prayer if you would like to pray along these words.

“Heavenly Father,

We gather today to give You thanks for all Your many blessings.

We thank You for the gift of life, and for the opportunity to experience all that You have created.

We thank You for the food we eat, prepared with love by our hands and the hands of others.

We thank You for the home we live in, a place of safety and comfort.

We thank You for our family and friends, who enrich our lives with their love and support.

Most of all, we thank You for Your Son, Jesus Christ. He is our Savior and Redeemer, and through Him, we have eternal life.

As we enjoy this Thanksgiving meal, help us to remember those who are less fortunate than ourselves. May we be generous with our time and resources, and work to make the world a better place for all.

Guide us in our lives, Lord, and help us to live in accordance with Your will. May our hearts be filled with gratitude for all that You have given us.

In Jesus' name, amen.”

May you all have a Happy and bountiful Thanksgiving. May God be with you all. Always.

Book of Genesis, Chapter 29

 Chapter 29

Jacob Arrives in Paddan Aram

1 Then Jacob continued on his journey and came to the land of the eastern peoples. 2 There he saw a well in the open country, with three flocks of sheep lying near it because the flocks were watered from that well. The stone over the mouth of the well was large. 3 When all the flocks were gathered there, the shepherds would roll the stone away from the well’s mouth and water the sheep. Then they would return the stone to its place over the mouth of the well.

4 Jacob asked the shepherds, “My brothers, where are you from?”

“We’re from Harran,” they replied.

5 He said to them, “Do you know Laban, Nahor’s grandson?”

“Yes, we know him,” they answered.

6 Then Jacob asked them, “Is he well?”

“Yes, he is,” they said, “and here comes his daughter Rachel with the sheep.”

7 “Look,” he said, “the sun is still high; it is not time for the flocks to be gathered. Water the sheep and take them back to pasture.”

8 “We can’t,” they replied, “until all the flocks are gathered and the stone has been rolled away from the mouth of the well. Then we will water the sheep.”

9 While he was still talking with them, Rachel came with her father’s sheep, for she was a shepherd. 10 When Jacob saw Rachel daughter of his uncle Laban, and Laban’s sheep, he went over and rolled the stone away from the mouth of the well and watered his uncle’s sheep. 11 Then Jacob kissed Rachel and began to weep aloud. 12 He had told Rachel that he was a relative of her father and a son of Rebekah. So she ran and told her father.

13 As soon as Laban heard the news about Jacob, his sister’s son, he hurried to meet him. He embraced him and kissed him and brought him to his home, and there Jacob told him all these things. 14 Then Laban said to him, “You are my own flesh and blood.”

Jacob Marries Leah and Rachel

After Jacob had stayed with him for a whole month, 15 Laban said to him, “Just because you are a relative of mine, should you work for me for nothing? Tell me what your wages should be.”

16 Now Laban had two daughters; the name of the older was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel. 17 Leah had weak eyes, but Rachel had a lovely figure and was beautiful. 18 Jacob was in love with Rachel and said, “I’ll work for you seven years in return for your younger daughter Rachel.”

19 Laban said, “It’s better that I give her to you than to some other man. Stay here with me.” 20 So Jacob served seven years to get Rachel, but they seemed like only a few days to him because of his love for her.

21 Then Jacob said to Laban, “Give me my wife. My time is completed, and I want to make love to her.”

22 So Laban brought together all the people of the place and gave a feast. 23 But when evening came, he took his daughter Leah and brought her to Jacob, and Jacob made love to her. 24 And Laban gave his servant Zilpah to his daughter as her attendant.

25 When morning came, there was Leah! So Jacob said to Laban, “What is this you have done to me? I served you for Rachel, didn’t I? Why have you deceived me?”

26 Laban replied, “It is not our custom here to give the younger daughter in marriage before the older one. 27 Finish this daughter’s bridal week; then we will give you the younger one also, in return for another seven years of work.”

28 And Jacob did so. He finished the week with Leah, and then Laban gave him his daughter Rachel to be his wife. 29 Laban gave his servant Bilhah to his daughter Rachel as her attendant. 30 Jacob made love to Rachel also, and his love for Rachel was greater than his love for Leah. And he worked for Laban for another seven years.

Jacob’s Children

31 When the Lord saw that Leah was not loved, he enabled her to conceive, but Rachel remained childless. 32 Leah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Reuben, for she said, “It is because the Lord has seen my misery. Surely my husband will love me now.”

33 She conceived again, and when she gave birth to a son she said, “Because the Lord heard that I am not loved, he gave me this one too.” So she named him Simeon.

34 Again she conceived, and when she gave birth to a son she said, “Now at last my husband will become attached to me, because I have borne him three sons.” So he was named Levi.

35 She conceived again, and when she gave birth to a son she said, “This time I will praise the Lord.” So she named him Judah. Then she stopped having children.