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OceanSide church of Christ
Read devotionals for July 2013
August 1, 2013
Genesis 29:20 – And Jacob served seven year for Rachael; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her.
Thought: Jacob truly loved Rachel. He was willing to spend and be spent for her. Seven years he labored for her, but the time seemed short. The greatest sacrifices can seem minimal when true love is present.
Ephesians 5:25
August 2, 2013
Genesis 29:21 – and Jacob said unto Laban, give me my wife, for my days are fulfilled, that I may go in unto her.
Thought: Agreements and contracts often have obligations placed upon both parties associated with them. Jacob had agreed to work seven years for Rachel. Having fulfilled his responsibility, Laban was now to honor his obligations. Fulfillment by one demands fulfillment by the other.
Colossians 4:1
August 3, 2013
Genesis 29:23, 25 – And it came to pass in the evening, that he took Leah his daughter, and brought her to him; and he went in unto her…And it came to pass, that in the morning, behold, it was Leah: and he said to Laban, What is this thou hast done unto me? Did I not serve thee for Rachel? Wherefore then hast thou beguiled me?
Thought: True honesty involves full disclosure. Laban said that had given Leah to Jacob because of a custom of the country (Gen. 29:26). This should have been disclosed at the outset of the agreement. NOTE: Most companies do disclose today, but the devil is in the details of the fine print.
Acts 5:3-4
August 4, 2013
Genesis 29:30 – And he went in also unto Rachel, and he loved Rachel more than Leah, and served with him yet seven other years.
Thought: God’s divine plan for marriage is one man with one woman for life. Polygamy was not part of God’s wisdom for the home. The practice of polygamy creates problems in the home. In Jacob’s home, we learn that he love one woman more than he loved the other. This creates tension, hostility, sorrow, and competition. Following God’s plan will bring peace and happiness to the home.
Matthew 19:4-9
August 5, 2013
Genesis 29:34 – And she conceived again, and bare a son; and said, Now this time will my husband be joined unto me, because I have born him three sons: therefore was his name called Levi.
Thought: In this section of Scripture, Rachel is given four children. When the first three sons are born, she hopes the birth will fulfill the desire she has for Jacob to love her. It was not until the fourth that she did right. When Judah was born, she said: “Now will I praise the Lord.” Children are a gift from God. Their births should bring glory and praise to the God of heaven.
Psalm 127:3
August 6, 2013
Genesis 30:1 – And when Rachel saw that she bare Jacob no children, Rachel envied her sister; and said unto Jacob, Give me children, or else I die.
Thought: Envy involves a jealous anger due to the good fortune of another. It is dangerous because of the actions that proceed from it. Here, Rachel demands that Jacob give her children. Jacob was incapable of fulfilling this demand. In the next verse, his anger is sparked against his wife. The wise writer was right when he said: “Who can stand before envy?”
Titus 3:3
August 7, 2013
Genesis 30:8 – And Rachel said, with great wrestlings have I wrestled with my sister, and I have prevailed: and she called his name Naphtali.
Thought: The conflict that was found within the home is seen three times in this verse. Rachel said that he had “wrestled” with her sister. She even named her son Naphtali which means wrestling. At this time, Rachel felt she had prevailed. It is painful to watch families fight and struggle among themselves. Is there really a winner in such experiences?
Galatians 5:15
August 8, 2013
Genesis 30:15 – Is it a small matter that thou hast taken my husband? And wouldest thou take away my son’s mandrakes also? And Rachel said, Therefore he shall lie with thee tonight for they son’s mandrakes.
Thought: When homes are in turmoil, small things become great matters. At another time, Rachel’s desire for Reuben’s mandrakes would have been of small concern. The battle that raged between these two women over Jacob’s affection, however, made the small seem large.
Proverbs 17:14
August 9, 2013
Genesis 30:22-23 – And God remembered Rachel, and God hearkened to her, and opened her womb. And she conceived, and bare a son; and said, God hath taken away my reproach.
Thought: We are reminded that the hand of God was present in this conflict between Rachel and Leah. In Genesis 30:17, we read: “And God hearkened unto Leah…” Now, He hears the cries of Rachel. Even in our battles with others, God is at work. It could be that He is at work for both sides.
Psalm 113:9
August 10, 2013
Genesis 30:25 – And it came to pass, when Rachel had born Joseph, that Jacob said unto Laban, Send me away, that I may go unto mine own place, and to my country.
Thought: There are times in our relationships with others that it is time to separate. Jacob had spent many years with Laban. He now desired to return to his land and to his kindred. These decisions are difficult and demanding upon all involved.
Psalm 45:10
August 11, 2013
Genesis 30:27 – And Laban said unto him, I pray thee, if I have found favor in thine eyes, tarry; for I have learned by experience that the Lord hath blessed me for thy sake.
Thought: When individuals come into our lives whom the Lord has blessed, it is difficult to let me go. We know that their departure will leave us empty. There will be a hole in our lives. We will not be as blessed.
Isaiah 61:9
August 12, 2013
Genesis 30:33 – So shall my righteousness answer for me in time to come, when it shall come for my hire before thy face…
Thought: Righteous men believe that righteousness will bring them blessings. Jacob believed that God would bless his faithful service to Laban even though Laban had taken advantage of him. The challenge is to remain faithful in the face of obstacles and adversity.
II Samuel 22:21
August 13, 2013
Genesis 30:43 – And the man increased exceedingly, and had much cattle, and maidservants, and men servants, and camels, and asses.
Thought: Jacob’s trust in God and his righteous living paid off. God blessed him. As we read through Scripture, this truth presents itself over and over again. God rewards those who diligently seek Him.
Hebrews 11:6
August 14, 2013
Genesis 31:2 – And Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban, and, behold, it was not toward him as before.
Thought: Time, situations, circumstances, and choices people make cause relationships to change over time. Sometimes the relationships are strengthened. At other times, the re-lationships become weak and strained. It is always heartbreaking when brethren are alienated and can no longer dwell together in love, peace, and harmony.
II Samuel 2:26-27
August 15, 2013
Genesis 31:3 – And the Lord said unto Jacob, Return unto the land of thy fathers, and to thy kindred; and I will be with thee.
Thought: One of the great promises that God has made to His people while on earth is that He is with them. As long as God is with us, there is strength, wisdom, care, and protection. My friend, let us live in such a way that God is always with us.
Isaiah 41:10
August 16, 2013
Genesis 31:13 – I am the God of Bethel, where thou anointedst the pillar, and were thou vowedst a vow unto me: now arise, get thee out of the land, and return unto the land of thy kindred.
Thought: Man’s relationship with God is two-sided. Man must do his part. God will always do His part. Many years had passed since Jacob made his vow (Gen. 28:20-22). Jacob had remained loyal to his God during this time. Now, God begins to fulfill His part of the vow. Jacob is about to return home.
Deuteronomy 7:9
August 17, 2013
Genesis 31:16 – For all the riches which God hath taken from our father, that is ours, and our children’s: now then, whatsoever God hath said unto thee, do.
Thought: It is a joy to see entire families unified in their willingness to obey God. When husbands, wives, and children are united in their godly commitments, the family is at peace and can truly succeed.
Luke 1:6
August 18, 2013
Genesis 31:19 – And Laban went to shear his sheep: and Rachel had stolen the images that were her father’s.
Thought: It is not always easy to depart from things that are evil. Rachel was about to leave her father’s house, but she just could not leave the idols of her home behind. For her to be right with God, she would eventually have to set them aside.
Proverbs 16:6
August 19, 2013
Genesis 31:31 – And Jacob answered and said to Laban, Because I was afraid: for I said, Peradventure thou wouldest take by force thy daughters from me.
Thought: Jacob departed from Laban’s house secretly. When Laban overtook him, he rebuked Jacob for leaving as he did. He asked him why he had done this. Jacob’s answer was “fear.” Fear, whether founded or unfounded, is a motivator. Decisions based solely upon fear are often not wise.
Proverbs 29:25
August 20, 2013
Genesis 31:34 – Now Rachel had taken the images, and put them in the camel’s furniture, and sat upon them. And Laban searched all the tent, but found them not.
Thought: It is possible for sin to be within our homes and be unknown to us. Members of our household can hide their sins just as Rachel had done. Like Rachel’s transgression, it might not be uncovered immediately. Secret sins, however, will one day come to light.
Romans 2:16
August 21, 2013
Genesis 31:41 – Thus have I been twenty years in thy house; I served thee fourteen years for thy two daughters, and six years for thy cattle: and thou hast changed my wages ten times.
Thought: Jacob was a laborer for a harsh boss, Laban. It would have been easy for Jacob to be angry and seek revenge against his father-in-law. He did not. He was faithful in his work, often making great sacrifices for Laban. He relied solely upon his God to reward him.
Ephesians 6:5-8
August 22, 2013
Genesis 31:52 – This heap be witness, and this pillar be witness, that I will not pass over this heap to thee, and that thou shalt not pass over this heap and pillar unto me, for harm.
Thought: Can anyone imagine having to make a covenant, especially with a family member, that states he will not do another harm? Harming others should not be in our vocabulary or in our demeanor. We should seek to do others good instead of harm.
I Peter 3:11
August 23, 2013
Genesis 32:1 – And Jacob went on his way, and the angels of God met him.
Thought: God wants His people to go on their way with assurance and confidence and security. The sight of these angels gave this to Israel. God now provides assurance to His people through His written word. It is filled with promises from God that keep us secure when the way is unsure.
Psalm 57:1
August 24, 2013
Genesis 32:6-7a – And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, We came to thy brother Esau, and also he cometh to meet thee, and four hundred men with him. Then Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed…
Thought: The last time Jacob had seen Esau was when he stole his blessing from him. This was what gave rise to his flight to Laban’s house. As he approaches his brother, Jacob is full of fear and distress. It is deplorable when we must return to loved ones in fear because of past disputes and conflicts. Better is it to return with joy in one’s heart for his loved ones.
Leviticus 19:18
August 25, 2013
Genesis 32:10 – I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which thou hast showed unto thy servant; for with my staff I passed over this Jordan; and now I am become two bands.
Thought: Here, we learn about one of the conditions of acceptable prayer unto God. We must come to our Father with humility. God will not accept the arrogant and haughty. On the other hand, His ear will eagerly listen to those who approach him with lowliness of mind.
Psalm 10:17
August 26, 2013
Genesis 32:11 – Deliver me, I pray thee, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau: for I fear him, lest he will come and smith me, and the mother with the children.
Thought: Jacob had a direct promise from God that said his seed would be as the sand of the sea. Yet, he still prayed for deliverance. His prayer was precise. It was not a prayer of a general nature. Let us follow in the steps of Jacob and ask God for exactly what we need.
Psalm 145:18-19
August 27, 2013
Genesis 32:18 – Then thou shalt say, They be thy servant Jacob’s; it is a present sent unto my lord Esau: and, behold, also he is behind us.
Thought: Presents can be used for many purposes. Some are good; some are bad. Here, Jacob sends presents ahead in order to appease the anger of his brother. Jacob desires a peaceful reunion. He knows that gifts can assist with reconciliation.
Proverbs 21:14
August 28, 2013
Genesis 32:24 – And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of day.
Thought: This event in the life of Jacob is a picture of prayer for the Christian. It is interesting that prayer is described as involving wrestling. Wrestling involves two opponents tightly intertwined. It is a very physical struggle. Each one is attempting to gain advantage over the other. One leaves the mat as the victor. Many of these points can be applied to the prayers of God’s faithful.
Colossians 4:12
August 29, 2013
Genesis 32:26 – And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.
Thought: The one who prays to God must have determination of heart. If he seeks God, he must not let God go until he receives his blessing. Use the words of Jacob in your personal prayers: “I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.
Hosea 12:4
August 30, 2013
Genesis 32:28 – And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.
Thought: It is encouraging to know that men can change. They do not have to remain what they once were. The name “Jacob” meant “deceiver, supplanter.” Jacob was no longer such a man. He was now one who had power with God. Thus, his name was changed to Israel.
I Corinthians 6:11
August 31, 2013
Genesis 32:31 – And as he passed over Penuel the sun rose upon him, and he halted upon his thigh.
Thought: Man is never the same after effectual, fervent prayer has been offered unto God. Jacob was blessed. Jacob’s name was changed. Jacob walked with a limp. He was not the same after that night of wrestling with God. We, too, should walk away from prayer a different person. Prayer should change us.
I Samuel 1:18
Read devotionals for September 2013