24/3/2018
Hi, Glad to be back after a busy week getting ready for Easter. We're up to Genesis Ch 29 now where Isaac has left his homeland to find a wife at his cousin Laban's home. He get's to the well (well's seem to be like our local pubs used to be. It's the place to hang out and find information and hear the gossip, or pick someone up) Rachael was a shepherdess and led her flock to the well for watering. But there was some rule that all the sheep had to be there before the big stone covering the well, could be removed. Anyway it was love at first sight for Isaac when he saw Rachael and he moved the stone himself, so Rachael's sheep had water. Rachael took Isaac back to her home and an arrangement was made for Isaac to marry Laban's daughter after he had worked for him for 7 years. The day of the wedding came and the bride wore a veil. The next morning when Isaac woke up he discovered that he had married Rachael's older sister Leah. Laban just casually announced that it was the custom for the eldest to be married first (well he could have said that before, the devious Fox). So a second deal was made for Isaac to work for another 7 years before he could marry Rachael. Such was his love for Rachael, that he was willing to agree. How many guys do you know would be willing to wait & work for 14 years in order to marry the woman he loved. That was more powerful than Laban's deception. Love and patience conquer all in the end.
Bye for now
Saturday 24 March 2018
Monday 19 March 2018
Staircase to heaven
8/3/2018
I don't believe that all dreams are prophetic, but I do believe that some are and we should take note of the ones that really stick out and speak to us.
Anyway Isaac told Jacob to find a wife (one of his cousins) from his uncle Laban Paddan-aram in the house of Bethuel. Sounds familiar Jacob had to go away to find Rebekah and now Isaac is doing the same. When Isaac went to sleep after a long days travelling, he laid his head on a big stone, and dreamt of a stairway leading right from where he was up to heaven with angels going up and down on it. At the top was the Lord who said 'I am Jehovah. The god of Abraham and your father Isaac. The ground you are lying on is yours . I will give it to your descendants for you will have as many descendants as many as dist..... what's more I am with you and will protect you wherever you go. When Jacob woke up he was a little shaken and said God lives here and turned the stone upright as a memorial pillar, pouring oil on it. naming it 'Bethel' which means house of God.
I wish I could see that place and walk right up to heaven. Its always up isn't it. heaven appears to be above the skies.
Esau defiantly married women that Isaac and Rebekah didn't approve of. and there was always fighting in his camps.
Be careful as you get what you ask for.
Bye for now
I don't believe that all dreams are prophetic, but I do believe that some are and we should take note of the ones that really stick out and speak to us.
Anyway Isaac told Jacob to find a wife (one of his cousins) from his uncle Laban Paddan-aram in the house of Bethuel. Sounds familiar Jacob had to go away to find Rebekah and now Isaac is doing the same. When Isaac went to sleep after a long days travelling, he laid his head on a big stone, and dreamt of a stairway leading right from where he was up to heaven with angels going up and down on it. At the top was the Lord who said 'I am Jehovah. The god of Abraham and your father Isaac. The ground you are lying on is yours . I will give it to your descendants for you will have as many descendants as many as dist..... what's more I am with you and will protect you wherever you go. When Jacob woke up he was a little shaken and said God lives here and turned the stone upright as a memorial pillar, pouring oil on it. naming it 'Bethel' which means house of God.
I wish I could see that place and walk right up to heaven. Its always up isn't it. heaven appears to be above the skies.
Esau defiantly married women that Isaac and Rebekah didn't approve of. and there was always fighting in his camps.
Be careful as you get what you ask for.
Bye for now
Thursday 15 March 2018
Jacob the cheater
15/3/2018
Who says it doesn't pay to cheat? God obviously approved of Isaac doing it to his brother (but to be fair, Esau had already promised his birthright to Isaac for some food). Isaac's mother overheard Jacob say to Esau the eldest; 'go out and hunt for venison and prepare my favourite meal so I can eat it and bless you with the blessings that belong to you'. But Rebekah was fast and she prepared Jacob's favourite meal while Esau was out hunting So before Esau came back, Jacob disguised himself by wearing the goat's (used to make the meal)fur on his hands and back, so he would appear hairy like Esau. Isaac's eyesight was going now as he was very old. The ruse convinced him and he gave the firstborn's blessing to Jacob and only had a little word for Esau by the time he returned, making Esau's descendant's subservient to Isaac and all the blessings of a long successful life with many descendants to Isaac. Esau became very angry and Rebekah told Jacob fled to flee to his uncle Laban in Haran until Esau had clamed down. I think I would be very afraid if I were in Jacob's shoes and very angry too if I was in Esau's, but having thought about it a bit more I would remember my eagerness to throw my rights away as Esau. I would probably realise I only had myself to blame.
I wonder how many opportunities I've thrown away in my life stupidly, not knowing the consequences of my actions. I don't think I want to know now, unless there is something I could still do to make things right? how about you?
Bye for now
Who says it doesn't pay to cheat? God obviously approved of Isaac doing it to his brother (but to be fair, Esau had already promised his birthright to Isaac for some food). Isaac's mother overheard Jacob say to Esau the eldest; 'go out and hunt for venison and prepare my favourite meal so I can eat it and bless you with the blessings that belong to you'. But Rebekah was fast and she prepared Jacob's favourite meal while Esau was out hunting So before Esau came back, Jacob disguised himself by wearing the goat's (used to make the meal)fur on his hands and back, so he would appear hairy like Esau. Isaac's eyesight was going now as he was very old. The ruse convinced him and he gave the firstborn's blessing to Jacob and only had a little word for Esau by the time he returned, making Esau's descendant's subservient to Isaac and all the blessings of a long successful life with many descendants to Isaac. Esau became very angry and Rebekah told Jacob fled to flee to his uncle Laban in Haran until Esau had clamed down. I think I would be very afraid if I were in Jacob's shoes and very angry too if I was in Esau's, but having thought about it a bit more I would remember my eagerness to throw my rights away as Esau. I would probably realise I only had myself to blame.
I wonder how many opportunities I've thrown away in my life stupidly, not knowing the consequences of my actions. I don't think I want to know now, unless there is something I could still do to make things right? how about you?
Bye for now
Tuesday 13 March 2018
The apple doesn't fall far from the tree
13/3/2018
Jacob pulled the same stunt as his father Abraham, in that while he was travelling to Gerar to avoid a severe famine, he asked Rebekah to say she was his sister so that he wouldn't get killed for her beauty. But Abimelech King of the Philistines in this land caught Isaac and Rebekah being a bit more intimate shall we say, a brother and sister should be. So when Isaac explained his situation King Abimelech made a proclamation that no-one was to harm Isaac and his family. So Isaac like Abraham prospered where he lived so much so that the king asked him to leave saying he was too rich for this kingdom and Isaac like his father moved again and prospered where he went. He had to dig three wells before the locals would leave him alone for everywhere he dug he found gushing water, but by the time he found the third well everyone left him alone and he named the well 'Room enough for us at last'. Maintaining the similarities of Isaac's life to Abraham, God came to Isaac and told him that he would bless him with many descendants to fulfil his oath to Abraham. King Abimelech saw how much Isaac was blessed and thrived so he asked for a peace treaty to be signed between them. So like Abraham his father, Isaac was also a man of peace, and lived his days out in peace by trusting God and going where God lead him. Isaacs servants came and told him the day after the oath was signed that they found water in the well they had dug so Isaac called it 'the well of the oath'
I believe, if we just keep our heads down and follow God's lead we will live a peaceful life too and be fruitful and prosperous.
Bye for now
Jacob pulled the same stunt as his father Abraham, in that while he was travelling to Gerar to avoid a severe famine, he asked Rebekah to say she was his sister so that he wouldn't get killed for her beauty. But Abimelech King of the Philistines in this land caught Isaac and Rebekah being a bit more intimate shall we say, a brother and sister should be. So when Isaac explained his situation King Abimelech made a proclamation that no-one was to harm Isaac and his family. So Isaac like Abraham prospered where he lived so much so that the king asked him to leave saying he was too rich for this kingdom and Isaac like his father moved again and prospered where he went. He had to dig three wells before the locals would leave him alone for everywhere he dug he found gushing water, but by the time he found the third well everyone left him alone and he named the well 'Room enough for us at last'. Maintaining the similarities of Isaac's life to Abraham, God came to Isaac and told him that he would bless him with many descendants to fulfil his oath to Abraham. King Abimelech saw how much Isaac was blessed and thrived so he asked for a peace treaty to be signed between them. So like Abraham his father, Isaac was also a man of peace, and lived his days out in peace by trusting God and going where God lead him. Isaacs servants came and told him the day after the oath was signed that they found water in the well they had dug so Isaac called it 'the well of the oath'
I believe, if we just keep our heads down and follow God's lead we will live a peaceful life too and be fruitful and prosperous.
Bye for now
Monday 12 March 2018
your inheritance for bread peas and stew
12/3/2018
What would you give up your inheritance for? How much do you value it? And what is it?
Abraham was a very active man because after Sarah died He married again and had several more sons. After deeding everything he owned to Isaac, but gave gifts to the sons of his concubines, sending them to the far East. He eventually died at the ripe old age of 175. You can't say it wasn't a fruitful life. Ishmael, son of the slave girl Hagar had 12 sons who became the founders of the 12 tribes that bore their names, then Ishmael died at 137. These descendants were constantly at war with each other, scattered across country from Havilah to Shur.; but Isaac moved South and was 40 when he married Rebekah who bore him twin sons who even fought in the womb. Esau (a very hairy red head)was Isaacs favorite because, he was a skilful hunter and brought Isaac his best loved food But Jacob the younger was Rebekah's favourite because he was a quiet sort and stayed at home. One day when Jacob was cooking stew and Esau was very hungry after a day out hunting; Esau aid to Jacob 'give me some of that stew I am starving'. Jacob said 'all right, trade me your birth right for it' and Esau agreed. Esau ate and drank indifferent to the loss of the rights he had just thrown away.
Esau was impetuous and failed to recognise the importance of his birthright being the first born . but it came back later to bite him on the bum so to speak, as we read later. Do we take our lives for granted and live purely to satisfy our immediate physical needs?
Have a think what's most important to you?
Bye for now
What would you give up your inheritance for? How much do you value it? And what is it?
Abraham was a very active man because after Sarah died He married again and had several more sons. After deeding everything he owned to Isaac, but gave gifts to the sons of his concubines, sending them to the far East. He eventually died at the ripe old age of 175. You can't say it wasn't a fruitful life. Ishmael, son of the slave girl Hagar had 12 sons who became the founders of the 12 tribes that bore their names, then Ishmael died at 137. These descendants were constantly at war with each other, scattered across country from Havilah to Shur.; but Isaac moved South and was 40 when he married Rebekah who bore him twin sons who even fought in the womb. Esau (a very hairy red head)was Isaacs favorite because, he was a skilful hunter and brought Isaac his best loved food But Jacob the younger was Rebekah's favourite because he was a quiet sort and stayed at home. One day when Jacob was cooking stew and Esau was very hungry after a day out hunting; Esau aid to Jacob 'give me some of that stew I am starving'. Jacob said 'all right, trade me your birth right for it' and Esau agreed. Esau ate and drank indifferent to the loss of the rights he had just thrown away.
Esau was impetuous and failed to recognise the importance of his birthright being the first born . but it came back later to bite him on the bum so to speak, as we read later. Do we take our lives for granted and live purely to satisfy our immediate physical needs?
Have a think what's most important to you?
Bye for now
Saturday 10 March 2018
God's dating app
10/3/2018
Abraham was getting old now and was concerned that his son Isaac find a suitable wife, but not any girl from the Canaanites where they were living, but to find a girl from their homeland, so the servant travelled to Iraq and Nahor's village. (remember Nahor was Abraham's brother.
He shot a prayer up to God to let the first woman that comes to the watering stream where he has set himself and his camels down to rest would be the woman for Isaac. He asked God for a little test first so he could be sure and the test was that the woman would ask him if he wanted a drink and would give all his camels a drink too. Well along came Rebecca and passed the test with flying colours. She brought then man back to her home and told her father the whole story accompanied with presents of Jewellery and gold. The servant (we never know his name) begs Rebekah to come with him straight away. Her parents left the decision up to her. We are not told how old Rebekah was but she made up her own mind to go back with the savant. It was like a fairy-tale scene. Isaac decided to take a stroll in the long grasses and Rebekah comes along at the same time and it was love at first sight. You can imagine the picture Seeing each other from afar and as they get closer they fall for each other.
Kind of romantic don't you think in a time of arranged marriages. Even better than a dating app; just shoot up a prayer to God and there you have it.
How is your love life?
Bye for now
Abraham was getting old now and was concerned that his son Isaac find a suitable wife, but not any girl from the Canaanites where they were living, but to find a girl from their homeland, so the servant travelled to Iraq and Nahor's village. (remember Nahor was Abraham's brother.
He shot a prayer up to God to let the first woman that comes to the watering stream where he has set himself and his camels down to rest would be the woman for Isaac. He asked God for a little test first so he could be sure and the test was that the woman would ask him if he wanted a drink and would give all his camels a drink too. Well along came Rebecca and passed the test with flying colours. She brought then man back to her home and told her father the whole story accompanied with presents of Jewellery and gold. The servant (we never know his name) begs Rebekah to come with him straight away. Her parents left the decision up to her. We are not told how old Rebekah was but she made up her own mind to go back with the savant. It was like a fairy-tale scene. Isaac decided to take a stroll in the long grasses and Rebekah comes along at the same time and it was love at first sight. You can imagine the picture Seeing each other from afar and as they get closer they fall for each other.
Kind of romantic don't you think in a time of arranged marriages. Even better than a dating app; just shoot up a prayer to God and there you have it.
How is your love life?
Bye for now
Monday 5 March 2018
The sacrifice
5/3/2018
Now God pays Abraham a visit one day and asks him to take his much loved son Isaac out to Moriah and sacrifice him on the hills there. Abraham went where he was told Isaac asked where was the lamb to be sacrificed and Abraham just replied 'God will provide'. They went a little further and Abraham tied Isaacs legs together and laid him out on the alter he had built and took a knife to kill Isaac. At this point Isaac must have known that he was the one to be sacrificed and I often wonder what thoughts went on in his mind and why there was no struggle, but just obedience from Isaac. An angel just suddenly shouted to Abraham to stop just in the nick of time and showed him a ram caught in a thicket to be sacrificed instead. This was obviously a test from God and because Abraham passed with flying colours God blessed him with incredible blessings and promised to multiply his descendants into countless thousands and millions and to conquer all his enemies. When he got back home Abraham found that the wife of his brother had borne him 8 sons. Now that's what I call quick work; anyway what strikes me the most about this story is Isaac rather than Abraham. Not a peep out of him even as he saw his father raise a knife to kill him. Of course this paradies Jesus as God's only son being a willing sacrifice for us, but Jesus was a full grown man and knew exactly what was happening and why. I wonder if I could trace my family back as far as Abraham, because it is said that we are all children of Abraham.
Another thing to ponder on and put ourselves in Isaac or Abraham's shoes. What would be the biggest sacrifice God could ask of you?
Bye for now
Now God pays Abraham a visit one day and asks him to take his much loved son Isaac out to Moriah and sacrifice him on the hills there. Abraham went where he was told Isaac asked where was the lamb to be sacrificed and Abraham just replied 'God will provide'. They went a little further and Abraham tied Isaacs legs together and laid him out on the alter he had built and took a knife to kill Isaac. At this point Isaac must have known that he was the one to be sacrificed and I often wonder what thoughts went on in his mind and why there was no struggle, but just obedience from Isaac. An angel just suddenly shouted to Abraham to stop just in the nick of time and showed him a ram caught in a thicket to be sacrificed instead. This was obviously a test from God and because Abraham passed with flying colours God blessed him with incredible blessings and promised to multiply his descendants into countless thousands and millions and to conquer all his enemies. When he got back home Abraham found that the wife of his brother had borne him 8 sons. Now that's what I call quick work; anyway what strikes me the most about this story is Isaac rather than Abraham. Not a peep out of him even as he saw his father raise a knife to kill him. Of course this paradies Jesus as God's only son being a willing sacrifice for us, but Jesus was a full grown man and knew exactly what was happening and why. I wonder if I could trace my family back as far as Abraham, because it is said that we are all children of Abraham.
Another thing to ponder on and put ourselves in Isaac or Abraham's shoes. What would be the biggest sacrifice God could ask of you?
Bye for now
Friday 2 March 2018
little white lies can get you in a lot of trouble
1st March 2018
Happy St. David's day to all the Welsh.
Abraham was travelling through Kadesh; King Abimelech's country and because Sarah was so Beautiful he told her to tell everyone that she was his sister because he was afraid he would be killed for someone to take Sarah. Sorry I had to pause there to see 'How green was my valley'. I felt it my duty as it was St. David's day and I don't think I'd seen it all properly before at all. It won a lot of Oscars and was directed by John Ford; not your usual western.
Now back to Abraham lying about his wife Sarah; saying she was his sister and not his wife. King Abimelech took Sarah to his palace to be his wife. God came to him in a dream and told him the truth and said he was a dead man. He pleaded that he didn't know Sarah was Abraham's wife and so he was reprieved and a curse that had been put on all the wives to not be able to conceive was lifted and the threat of death or worse from God. Abimelech not only returned Sarah to Abraham but also gave him land, money, sheep and oxen. So it does help sometimes to tell a little white lie or be a little deceptive, as after all Abraham said 'she is my half sister; we have to same father' Incest again? What is going on I cant's fathom it and I will have to leave it till I die as with a lot of other unanswered questions. The list is getting longer, but I struggle on.
Bye for now
Happy St. David's day to all the Welsh.
Abraham was travelling through Kadesh; King Abimelech's country and because Sarah was so Beautiful he told her to tell everyone that she was his sister because he was afraid he would be killed for someone to take Sarah. Sorry I had to pause there to see 'How green was my valley'. I felt it my duty as it was St. David's day and I don't think I'd seen it all properly before at all. It won a lot of Oscars and was directed by John Ford; not your usual western.
Now back to Abraham lying about his wife Sarah; saying she was his sister and not his wife. King Abimelech took Sarah to his palace to be his wife. God came to him in a dream and told him the truth and said he was a dead man. He pleaded that he didn't know Sarah was Abraham's wife and so he was reprieved and a curse that had been put on all the wives to not be able to conceive was lifted and the threat of death or worse from God. Abimelech not only returned Sarah to Abraham but also gave him land, money, sheep and oxen. So it does help sometimes to tell a little white lie or be a little deceptive, as after all Abraham said 'she is my half sister; we have to same father' Incest again? What is going on I cant's fathom it and I will have to leave it till I die as with a lot of other unanswered questions. The list is getting longer, but I struggle on.
Bye for now
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