14 May 2020
Throughout Jacob’s life we see evidence of God’s hand at work, but we may not see where all this is leading to. After he was reconciled with Esau, Jacob bought a plot in Shechem. Schechem was later declared a city of refuge – 1Chronicles 6:67 and Joshua 21:21. It was an important place for the children of Israel – Joshua 24:1, 25. The remains of Joseph, Jacob’s son, were buried on that plot according to Joshua 23:32. Abraham had also bought land there – Acts 7:16. God sees the bigger picture. Let us trust Him and allow Him to do His will in our lives.
13 May 2020
Jacob’s encounter with God in Genesis 32:22ff was not the only time he experienced God. He didn’t have enough, he kept going. The healing of his relationship with Esau, his going back to Bethel in chapter 35, the loss of his children, the famine, the deliverance of his family through Joseph, all these were seasons where he must have experienced God. These experiences must have impacted those around him and still impact millions who hear these testimonies today. Jacob desired a relationship with God and God revealed Himself to him throughout his life.
12 May 2020
Jacob, who had messed up big time came to a place where his priorities changed. He desired to know God and this act of surrender caused a big difference in his life and in the lives of others. His encounter with God in Genesis 32:22ff helps him change his focus and happens just before he meets Esau, whom he hadn’t seen for many years. Would you desire to know God more and surrender to Him again? He is trying to get our attention. Are we listening? Are we willing to yield to Him?
11 May 2020
What is the Lord looking for in the midst of all the chaos going on? A people who have purposed to pursue a surrendered lifestyle for His glory. People who are willing to lay aside their achievements, pride, failures and personal goals to pursue His goals. When Jacob met Esau in Genesis 33:1-20, you can imagine how much his past actions haunted him. God forgave him and still blessed him. Esau had been deceived and had every reason to be bitter, but he moved on and was blessed. The two men put their failures and achievements aside and agreed to live in peace because there was a greater purpose. A surrendered lifestyle will make that possible.
08 May 2020
Psalm 11:3 poses a relevant question for the time we are in. People feel helpless and are fearful. I suggest that we turn our eyes to God, even as many other things are being done to try and sort things out. This should be done with a genuineness of heart and not pretence as described in Jeremiah 3:11-14. My prayer is that the Lord will relent and the plague will pass, that we shall experience a deeper walk with Him, and that in His mercy He would fulfill His promises to us as He did for Israel (verse 15 to chapter 4:2).
07 May 2020
Moments of turbulence should motivate us to seek God earnestly. Moments of peace should remind us to desire a closer walk with God. An intimate relationship with the Saviour will ensure we hear Him clearly when He speaks. Let us be like wise King Hezekiah and dedicate our efforts to the worship and seeking of Jehovah Proverbs 25:1-4.
06 May 2020
One thing that this period of restoration has reminded me of is that God is faithful. Even in His wrath, He remembers mercy. There has been so much pain and suffering, but He has still been merciful and true to His word concerning His love for us. This could have been worse than they are. We have reason to be grateful Psalm 117:1-2.
05 May 2020
Do not harden your heart if the Lord reaches out to you concerning something, especially at such a time as this. There are some who will not be moved even when the move of God is evident and they will harden their hearts. Revelation 16:9-21.
04 May 2020
I woke up with thanksgiving in my heart. Even as we pray concerning all that is happening around us, just take a moment to praise God and to thank Him for who He is and what He is doing. May we find favour before Him Psalm 84:1-12.