THROUGH THE BIBLE IN THREE YEARS


DAILY DEVOTIONS

HI!

Near a large university, there is a ramp that goes to a freeway.
When summer vacations begin, students line the ramp to "hitch" rides home.
Some of them have signs which name the town where they are trying to catch a ride.

One innovative student was holding up a sign that said, "MOM is WAITING!"

Now how could someone resist giving him a ride?

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SCRIPTURE_____________________________________________________

Gen 32:1-5
1 And Jacob went on his way, and the angels of God met him.
2 And when Jacob saw them, he said, This is God's host: and he called the name of that place Mahanaim.
3 And Jacob sent messengers before him to Esau his brother unto the land of Seir, the country of Edom.
4 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:
5 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.
KJV

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THOUGHT_________________________________________________________

In Genesis 31:3, Jacob had received a "Word" from God telling him to return to his home town.
Jacob knew Essau was there, and they had not parted on the best of circumstances.
In fact, Essau had promised to kill Jacob when he saw him again (Genesis 27:41).

Our Scripture this morning says, "Jacob went on his way..."
His "way" was to do as God had told him, and to go home.

Is your way paved by God's description and calling, or by your own desires?

When we do as God directs, His angels protect and minister to us (Heb. 1:14).
"Mahanaim" actually means "double camp."
Jacob was there, and God and His angels were there!
Are YOU living in a double camp?

This is the second time God has assured Jacob of His presence and protection.
When we are in GOD'S "way," he assures us of His closeness and shows us His care.

Now, when we are called, washed in the blood, and sanctified by God's presence, we still should not act irresponsibly.
Jacob sent "messengers" (ambassadors) to prepare the way to Essau.
According to the remainder of this chapter, Jacob did several things other than sending ambassadors.
He divided his camp; he sent gifts to Essau, and he went to God alone in prayer.

This Scripture teaches us three things to do when we are facing difficult circumstances with other people.
First, be sure we are in GOD'S "way."
Secondly, be sure we act humbly toward others.
Third, be sure we PRAY!

Love ya,
Bruce