Genesis 30-31; Psalms 11; Mark 12

“Then the Lord said to Jacob, “Return to the land of your father and grandfather and to your relatives there, and I will be with you.” So Jacob called Rachel and Leah out to the field where he was watching his flock. He said to them, “I have noticed that your Father’s attitude toward me has changed. But the God of my father has been with me… Jacob outwitted Laban the Aramean, for they set out secretly and never told Laban they were leaving. So Jacob took all of his possessions with him and crossed the Euphrates River, heading for the hill country of Gilead.” Genesis 31:3-5,20&21 NLT

When the Lord told Jacob to go, he obeyed.  God protected him when Laban came searching for him. God saw Jacob’s hard work and came to his rescue.  Jacob didn’t have to defend himself.  He knew that the Lord was on his side.

“In fact, if the God of my father had not been on my side-the God of Abraham and the fearsome God of Isaac-you would have sent me away empty-handed. But God has seen your abuse and my hard work. That is why he appeared to you last night and rebuked you!” Genesis 31:42 NLT

Those times when I feel like I have to defend myself, God is fighting for me. He goes to battle on my behalf. Sometimes even in obedience, I am assaulted by the enemies lies. But, God is there. He is with me. I can’t flee his presence.

He is my helper.
He is my defender.
He is my protector.

“I trust in the Lord for protection. So why do you say to me, “Fly like a bird to the mountains for safety! The wicked are stringing their bows and fitting their arrows on the bowstrings. They shoot from the shadows at those whose hearts are right. The foundations of law and order have collapsed. What can the righteous do? But the Lord is in his holy Temple; the Lord still rules from heaven. He watches everyone closely, examining every person on earth.” Psalms 11:1-4 NLT

He sees my faithfulness in the mundane of life, even when my offerings feel small.

“I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions. For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on.” Mark 12:43 NLT

Thank you Father for you faithfulness. Thank you for meeting me where I am at. For revealing fresh and new things from your word. For hearing my prayers.  I love you.  I desire to love you more. Amen.

“And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.” Mark 12:31 NLT

Amy (amyctanner)

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