LivethruJesus

Jacob agrees to work for Laban in exchange for his own flock. Laban changes his wages several times. Jacob trusts God for his livlihood & God prospers him. The Lord says its time for Jacob to go back home. Jacob doesn't tell Laban & leaves. Laban is angry & goes after him. They come to an agreement. We can trust God with our livlihood. His timing is best. We should be upfront & honest even if we are concerned about another's response.

Jacob marries Leah and Rachel. Rachel has his love and Leah has his children. Jacob is deceived. The sisters compete and both come up lacking. This is drama at its height!

Esau hated his birthright. Where are our priorities? Jacob is extended the Abrahamic blessing. God is involved in our everyday lives. We owe Him everything!

Rebekah and Jacob trick Isaac and cheat Esau. The ends don't justify the means. Two wrongs don't make a right. What if I get caught? Insticts. God's will.

Lies. Being a good example. Following our parents example. The progression of sin. Being peaceful. Open and closed doors. Follow God. Don't make assumptions. Trust Him.

Isaac prays for a child. God answers his prayer after 20 years of childlessness. The twins differences and how the parents play favorites. Coveting & jealousy.

Abraham has children with Keturah. He dies at age 175. He is buried in Hebron. Muslims, Jews, & Christians all claim Abraham as their descendant & fight over his grave site. The summary of Abraham's life.

Sarah dies. Abraham's servant seeks a wife for Isaac. We use his prayer as an example of how to discern God's will. When it is God's will then our thoughts about it shouldn't matter. We need to follow Him.

Being Tested. Exhibiting and Growing our Faith. Offering. Sacrifice. Substitute. Propitiation. Abraham and God. Isaac and Jesus.

God cares about the things that we care about because He cares about us. Ishmael symbolizes slavery to the law that must be cast away to make way for Isaac forever symbolizing the promised inheritance found through freeing grace. We may not have control of our circumstances, but we have control over how we react to them. Don't be a permanent victim. With God's help, we can persevere!