Genesis 28:10-22 and Genesis 35:1-15
Today is day one of a new series on Back to the Bible called "Sometimes You Have to Start Over." We're looking at the lives of five different Bible characters that had start overs and today's character is Jacob--and he was definitely a character. :)
Jacob didn't just make some mistakes, he made some big ones. Even so, God tells him "Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go...I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you." (Gen. 28:15). Then just a few chapters later we see Jacob building an altar to "the God who answers me in the day of my distress and has been with me wherever I have gone." (Gen. 35:3). Wow. God is so loving, so forgiving. He is truly a God of fresh starts.
I'm so thankful for start overs, and believe me, I've had my fair share. Are you with me? So let's talk. I'd love to hear about some fresh start experiences. Tami W.
A friend and I were just commenting last night about who we were in our youth and how God has helped us grow into relatively well functioning human beings. (Both of us were picked on in junior high.) God is amazing! I strongly believe that we are in a preparation period here on earth - getting ready for Heaven. That means that God is giving us opportunity to become more like Him each day; more than one "second chance".
I have been enjoying Back to the Bible many times driving, but today I listened twice and read the transcript once before I had to send the transcript to my brother. He has been into eastern religion for quite some time and has called me lately saying that he has had alot of stuff going through his head. We grew up with a single Mom and the Methodist Church, which we avoided when ever possible. He has just changed occupations and now drives tractor trailers cross country and has alot of time to think. Lately I have been stressing how much he needs to have Jesus in his life, and this message, I think will speak volumes to him. It certainly did to me!
Rob,
Just wanted you to know that I prayed for your brother tonight. Your blog made me think of one of my brothers that needs the Lord and I prayed for him too. So thanks for your boldness and the reminder to me. Tami W.
Hi Tammy,
It seems that it's an every day thing for me to "Start Over". I praise my Father GOD for his mercies are everlasting to everlasting. No matter what trouble I try to stay out of...I end up in. But for the grace of my FATHER, I would have been left for a target for the evil one...so Praise the LORD, my REDEEMER, SAVIOUR, my LIFE for HIS GRACE. Fresh starts...gotta have them to continue my race. Thanks for your blogs and all your thoughts...very special!
God gives us a fresh start each day we wake up no matter what happened the day before. What a blessing!
I thank the Lord every day for my fresh starts (there have been a few). This last time was almost 4 years ago when I was in rehab for the third time. I accepted Christ into my heart that night, and I havent looked back since. It was a very bumpy start, and I definately have done some strong "wrestling with God", but my life is so blessed and strong in faith these days, I couldnt really imagine it any other way. This is the way it was always meant to be. Rehab was my Beth'el.....lol, and I love God for it!! :)
Jacob needed a fresh start. He had run away from the Lord and the Lord brought him back to him. It is amazing how God can do that. There were several years that I did not go to church or anything. God kept persisting and finally I gave up and let him do what he wanted to do with me and he did. We always have second chances with God. He never gives up on us even if we may have given up on ourselves.