We often focus on the temptations of the flesh and the world and what they offer. However, many of our greatest struggles come from the temptations of life. We wonder who we are, what we have accomplished, and if followed the right path. John the Baptist dealt with these temptations. We need to learn to handle them as he did.
What is the purpose of your life? Would you serve the Lord if the only option presented to you was a job that you did not like to do? Do you murmur and complain in front of your friends, coworkers, or children about serving the Lord? Is your heart right in service? If not maybe you should go back to the example of Jacob and serve with love.
There are two different responses to the destruction of Babylon. Which side will you be on?
Joseph’s story takes up the remainder of the book of Genesis and, as such, is one of the more detailed lives in the Bible. The story is of one who does right and yet seems to be hurt all the more for it. Yet, in the end, God exalts His beloved one and he stands as second in all the land of Egypt and is the instrument for the deliverance of the people of God. The practical message of his life is to do right and God will take care of the rest. But, for now and for several chapters to come, the outlook looks gloomy. We will have to wait to see the blessings of his righteous life.<br />
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
Jacob’s vow (Genesis 28:20) asked of God both provision and protection. In this lesson, God gives provision and protection to Jacob. However, He also shows Jacob that the provision he receives is definitely from God and not a result of Jacob’s own manipulations. When Jacob’s wages become the marked cattle, he tries to make the cattle with the right marks be born (Genesis 30:37-42). But Laban changes his wages ten times (Genesis 31:7, 41) and makes it impossible for Jacob to influence the outcome. Finally, Jacob realizes that the Lord is the One who is blessing him (Genesis 31:7-9, 42).<br />
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
