Sunday Sermon based in Genesis 28-29.

Pastor Phillip takes a look at the need for us to overcome our flesh in the story of Jacob as he flees for his life, searches for a wife, and faces the deception of others. What happens when we push farther than maybe we should? What do we face when we put our desires over that of God?

Jacob learns a valuable lesson, and hopefully we do as well. 

Thank you for listening and following our Daily Devotional podcast. 

Due to a couple of situations during the week that pulled us away from our typical routine, we ask forgiveness for our delay in getting things taken care of properly. At times unforeseen things can happen, but we will begin again with daily uploads on Sunday, August 29, with our sermon podcast, and again on Monday, continuing our study of who we are. 

Thank you for understanding. 

"God created mankind in His own image, in the image of God He created them; male and female He created them." - Genesis 1:27

Why do we exist? Are we just a fluke? Genesis 1 and 2 answer the questions, answering the second with a resounding "NO". God created mankind, and that fact makes us creatures, created by the perfect Creator.

"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness." - 2 Timothy 3:16

The Bible is more than a random collection of outdated rules written by men. It is inspired by God, written under His guidance, and is more than useful for us. 

Sunday Sermon based in Genesis 27. 

Pastor Phillip takes a look at what happens when we try to use our efforts in the flesh to force the will of God. Schemes backfire, struggles happen, but God's ultimate will will win out and be accomplished. 

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction." - Proverbs 1:7

John Calvin said in Institutes of the Christian Religion, "Without knowledge of self, there is no knowledge of God" and "without knowledge of God there is no knowledge of self." Essentially arguing that the fear of God is the basis of everything and without it we are lost. Are you willing to come to know God as you should? And, in turn, come to know yourself?

GO DEEPER: Ephesians 1:15-23

The most intriguing question asked in the Bible might be the one Jesus asks in John 5:6 ...

"When Jesus saw [the lame man] lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, He asked him, 'Do you want to get well?'"

He may be asking you the same question today. So, do you?

GO DEEPER: Isaiah 53:1-6 

While praising God, David pauses to remember and marvel at his own existence. Do we take the time to do the same? 

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." - Psalm 139:14

GO DEEPER: Romans 12:3-8 - Paul explains our unique gifts and how they work with God's purposes.

"Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and the Lord your God redeemed you. That is why I give you this command today." - Deuteronomy 15:15

Moses reminded the Israelites to remember their identity, to remember they were "slaves" but have been redeemed by God. We would serve well to remember that also. 

GO DEEPER: Matthew 4:1-11 - Jesus' example shows us that we must commit the Word of God to memory to overcome the wiles of the devil.

"I heard a loud voice in heaven say: 'Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of His Messiah. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down." - Revelation 12:10

God has promised that one day "the accuser" will be hurled down. Why do we take the words of the accuser to heart? Why don't we listen to the descriptions God has give us instead? 

GO DEEPER: John 15:1, 4, 14-15; Romans 8:17; 1 Corinthians 6:19; 2 Corinthians 5:17