The Taking of The NAME

GOD is a GOD of order. HE does everything with foreknowledge, knowing both the cause and the effect. GOD is CREATOR. GOD is FATHER. HE is SPACE. HE is TIME. HE is MATTER.

GOD is the SUBSTANCE of everything that we hope for in and
through JESUS CHRIST, YESHUA, ONLY BEGOTTEN of the FATHER, MESSIAH, THE ANOINTED ONE of GOD.

In Genesis, GOD as CREATOR, establishes HIS universal laws of order. HE establishes times and seasons; days and years. HE literally allows the HOLY SPIRIT-inspired author of Genesis to pull back the curtain on creation. As GOD conceived it. As HE spoke it. And, as HE established it.

The laws, patterns and cycles put forth in Genesis (1 and 2, in particular) is still honored by GOD even though we may not honor them.

Since HE establishes all things with foreknowledge and,after the Council of HIS OWN Holy, Infallable Will, it has to be clear to us that today's society (whatever today is), was fully in mind before the foundations of the world. Let me help you understand what this means, Nothing has changed in GOD'S mind, regardless of how much we perceive things to have changed in our minds, or in our society.

The creative and universal laws of GOD were established in CHRIST long before there was ever an earth for man to dwell in. When LIGHT was spoken into existence and the order of GOD established in the earth, in and through JESUS CHRIST (yes, HE was present during creation as THE WORD), and by the power of the HOLY SPIRIT, HE had already anticipated and accounted for the fallen nature of man.

We have to get over the notion that GOD has somehow changed because society has changed. HE has not!

GOD reveals HIS undeniable perfection to us. HE reveals HIMSELF through HIS WORD. The creative miracles of Genesis were performed by GOD in spite of the fact that HE knew we would sin, not because HE did not know.

Even as CHRIST-ians, we all too often take HIS Grace as a license for sin. We tend to act as if the rules have somehow changed because JESUS CHRIST fulfilled the law and redeemed us. This is, at least, ignorant...at worst, rebellious.

The grace of GOD to us, through HIS ONLY Begotten SON, JESUS CHRIST, is given for us to be able to abide and walk in the completed work of CHRIST. The law of grace demans a higher standard, not a lower one.

When JESUS CHRIST fulfilled the law, HE simultaneously became the Law. We are not let "off the hook" in any way, in fact, the bar has been raised. Yet, GOD in HIS Eternal Wisdom and with Foreknowledge, gave us grace through JESUS, MESSIAH, to live according to the new Standard. This "new" Standard existed before the beginning of measurable time; it was not an afterthought to it.

Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. (Exodus 20.7 and Deuteronomy 5.11, KJV)

This Scripture is not about us yelling, "JESUS CHRIST!", when we stub our baby toe on the bed post, or get upset at our children. That is a use of HIS NAME. And, no, we should not use HIS NAME in that manner.

This Scripture is about the taking of HIS NAME, which is very different from using it.

When a wo-man marries, she takes her husband's name (or, at least she should by GOD'S law). As his wife, her GOD-given role and function to her husband is to be a support to him in the HOLY SPIRIT-led fulfillment of GOD'S assignment for his life. Ideally, she represents him and their household (publically and privately) in a way that is glorifying to GOD and edifying to her husband. She bears fruit of the seed that GOD sows into her husband (the one GOD created her exclusively from and for). She nurtures both husband and seed. She does him good and not evil all his days, and does not bring shame to his name. To do otherwise, would mean she has taken her husband's name in vain (without evidence of a marriage -- without bearing fruit -- without functioning in the role she was created to function in).

As the Bride of JESUS CHRIST, our role to HIM is the same as that of a human bride. By the power of the HOLY SPIRIT, we are to:

1. Represent JESUS CHRIST and the Household of GOD (publically and privately) in a
way that is glorifying to GOD and edifying to our HUSBAND, JESUS CHRIST.

2. Bear fruit of the HOLY SPIRIT. [But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law (Gal 5.22-23)]

3. Nurture both HUSBAND and HIS Seed: We are to exalt and worship JESUS CHRIST, and love HIS People.

4. Bless JESUS CHRIST and curse him not.

5. Bring glory and honor to HIS HOLY NAME and to the House of our FATHER, GOD ALMIGHTY.

6. Surrender continually to the leading of the HOLY SPIRIT, so that in all things, we are Living Epistles borne of the LIVING WORD (JESUS CHRIST) and the LIVING WATER (HOLY SPIRIT). NOTE: The LIVING WORD and The HOLY SPIRIT must be present at all times in the creative process of GOD. HE does nothing apart from the TWO working together.

7. Hallow (consecrate and reverence) the NAME of JESUS CHRIST before all men, including those in HIS House.

If we fail in any aspect of the role and function we have been given as the Bride of JESUS CHRIST, then we can be certain that we have violated and insulted GOD (not just HIS Law, but HIS Person) by taking our LORD'S (HUSBAND'S) NAME (JESUS CHRIST, NAME above all names) in vain, and GOD ALMIGHTY, THE EVERLASTING and ETERNAL FATHER, will not hold us guiltless.

How Do You Represent JESUS?

And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. (2 Corinthians 5.18-19, KJV)

How do you represent JESUS? Are you a true Ambassador?

Do you realize and truly walk in the totality of CHRIST'S sacrifice? HIS Salvation? HE died to abolish the sin nature that we had been corrupted with. HE loves us, but HE died to kill us...self...flesh. As it is written in Romans 6.6:

Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

And again in Galatians 2.20:

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Do you know what this means? Covenant dictates that HE gave HIS life in exchange for yours. You don't get to keep your (former) life and live HIS, too. It's one or the other. You no longer belong to you, you belong to CHRIST. Same vessel (body) -- different SPIRIT -- THE HOLY SPIRIT. Problem is, HE could not violate our will, so HE let us keep it.

Because of freewill, we have a good memory of the "old" self/sinful nature, but are no longer to be conformed to it or operate in it. JESUS commands us to renew our minds so that we can walk in the spirit in the reality and truth of the Kingdom, even though we are still confined to a body of flesh. HE basically tells us that HE'S done the hardest and most essential part, but it will be up to us to comprehend HIS completed work, believe it and walk in it. How? By the renewing of our minds using HIS Holy Word (The BIBLE) as our Textbook, and through constant fellowship of HIS HOLY SPIRIT (The TEACHER).

When a baby is born into the earth through it's mother, the mother and father have to take responsibility for teaching that infant practically everything it will eventually know and act on. For the most part, that child is a "clean slate" upon which the pictures of the parents lives (values, thoughts, behaviors, speech, etc.) will be displayed.

Not so with us who are born again. JESUS has wiped the slate clean for us spiritually and wants HIS imprint to be on our souls, but we still have the old slate of the soul (the freewill being the gate or seat of the soul) to contend with.

We have the divine challenge of repenting or changing our own minds.

We have to turn from memories to miracles.

From death to demonstrations of GOD'S power.

Once born again, the truth is that you were immediately converted into a representative of CHRIST. Until you repent or change your ways/thoughts, however, you will not believe it or act on it.


HOW DO YOU REPRESENT JESUS (THE GIFT OF GOD)?

JESUS is a gift from our Holy and Heavenly, FATHER GOD. HE is a present.

If you are born again, then you are a re-present -- a gift resulting from the Original GIFT.

As a re-present-ative, you have been given the ability by the sacrificial death of the LAMB and, by the Resurrection Power of the HOLY SPIRIT to re-present the original gift of JESUS CHRIST to others.

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There is a societal practice talked about about quite a lot during the holidays.It is called re-gifting. Whereby instead of returning a gift due to dislike or duplication, they give the gift to someone else. They give the gift again, but in a different package to a different person and without compromising the purpose and integrity of the original gift.
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The principle of re-gifting is the same (and even more important) for us as it relates to the FATHER GOD and the gift of HIS Only Begotten SON, JESUS CHRIST.

THE FATHER made it possible for each of us to receive the original GIFT, but with the Original GIFT of JESUS CHRIST came THE FATHER'S expectation that we will re-gift or re-present JESUS to others through different packaging (our unique, earthen vessels) without compromising WHO JESUS IS. As a re-present of JESUS and a re-presentative for HIM, you are empowered and equipped of the HOLY SPIRIT to share the GIFT through the unique packaging of your bodily vessel that GOD created for HIS OWN glory, pleasure and delight.

The FATHER gave birth to the Original Holy PRESENT, JESUS MESSIAH. When we confess HIM, we become re-presents (we contain the Original, but in different packaging).

Now is the time for us to re-present the gift of JESUS to the lost, dying, and desperate world around us. Whether your world is your own home, your community, your school, your family, or some other sphere of influence is not the point. The point now is, and forever shall be, that as a born again Believer, JESUS has wiped your slate absolutely clean. You have the GIFT of JESUS CHRIST living in you....now RE-PRESENT!

HIS PRESENCE or HIS Presents? You Choose.

Question: Would you rather be loved for who you are OR for what you have or can do for someone? For most of us, whether young or old, rich or poor, our heartfelt desire is to be loved for who we are. Ironically, however, we most often relate to others on the basis what they have to give to us or what they can do for us? Sadly, this is painfully evident in our relationship, with GOD.

GOD'S Relationship with us is based solely on HIS unfathomable love for us. HE loves us because we are HIS. Unfortunately, our love of GOD is usually based on what HE did, does, or will do. What he gave, gives, and will give. While HIS Exploits and HIS Blessings are marvelous beyond expression, we are shamefully deceived if we base our love, praise, and worship of HIM upon them. In fact, we cannot truly say we "love" GOD if our relationship with HIM and our response to HIM is contingent upon what HE'S given to us or done for us lately...this is not love at all.

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5.8 KJV)

Every manifestation of GOD'S Love results in a blessing to HIS Loved Ones. GOD'S Love required HIM to give the Most Precious Gift in the Universe, HIS Only Begotten SON, JESUS, SAVIOR of the World. Despite the cost, HE gave, and HE did so at a time when we were essentially dead and worthless to HIM. But, Glory to HIS HOLY NAME, the power of HIS Love, redeemed us and continues to transform us into priceless vessels.

Our Westernized, convenience-seeking, materialistic minds struggle with the concept of giving unconditional love, yet by nature, our hearts' cry is to be loved unconditionally ourselves. We want to be loved for our presence rather than our presents. Since we are created in HIS Image and Likeness, how much more do you think that GOD desires unconditional love from us?


10 Things You Need To Know About The Love of GOD

1. It is NOT the same as the world's love...it is polar opposite.
2. It is a spiritual force that overcomes and bears up under the weight of our imperfection and perfects us in HIM all at the same time.
3. It prefers giving to getting.
4. It seeks to bless rather than to be blessed.
5. It fuels faith.
6. It is the law of the Kingdom of GOD.
7. It is shed abroad (poured out) in our hearts by the HOLY SPIRIT.
8. Nothing can separate us from it (unless we allow something to separate us from it).
9. It cannot be expressed with words, only with action.
10. It requires us to give and/or to lay down what is most precious to us...our lives (which are worthless without HIS Love anyway).


7 Facts GOD Reveals In The BIBLE About HIS LOVE

1. The love of many shall wax (grow) cold.
2. Some that say they love GOD have not the love of GOD in them.
3. It constrains and compels us.
4. It passes knowledge.
5. It requires that we take care of and prefer others over ourselves.
6. HE judges how we love HIM by what we do, according to HIS Word and the leading of HIS HOLY SPIRIT.
7. We are to keep ourselves in it.

The world system teaches us that we can judge how much someone loves us by what they buy for us, how much they can benefit us (socially, financially, politically, etc.), and their ability to elevate our status in the eyes of society. To our embarrassment, this is also true in the Body of CHRIST (the Church).

GOD, however, challenges us to take a lower position or, at least, to take a lower view of ourselves in order to allow the love of GOD to reach out to others through us and elevate them.

The world's way = seek self-elevation (self-ishness)
GOD'S Way = seek to elevate others (self-lessness)

GOD'S Way, as we should know, is eternally perfect. When we continually seek opportunities to take what we can get (even if it's at the expense of others), then as the SCRIPTURES tell us, we have our just reward. When, on the other hand, we continually seek opportunities to ensure that the needs of others are met (spiritual, physical, material, etc.) in the love of GOD and by the Power of the HOLY SPIRIT, then we know that there is a reward from GOD, The FATHER, that cannot be measured. True, unconditional, 1 Corinthians 13 love, though, does not consider the ROI (return on investment). The primary reward for those of us operating in the love of GOD, or desiring to, is the high and holy privilege of having received GOD'S Love, and being able to be able to share it with others...this is reward enough.

Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. (Matthew 22.37-38 KJV).

And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. (Matthew 22.39-40 KJV)

When we get a clear picture of WHO GOD IS (HIS PRESENCE), only then can we begin to understand why HE gives what HE gives and does what HE does (HIS Presents).

HE has given us, by the NAME and by the BLOOD of HIS DEAR SON, JESUS CHRIST, the honor and the privilege of knowing HIM.

When we know HIM, we will love HIM.
When we love HIM, we will love others.
When we love others, HIS Law is fulfilled.
When HIS Law is fulfilled, HIS Kingdom is manifested in the Earth as it is in HEAVEN.

Believe me, I like presents as much as the next person. But, exactly how long does it take for the shiny newness of that "thing" to wear off and we're on to the next? If we're painfully honest, not very long at all.

In our worship of the FATHER, public or private, we need to stop asking what we can get from HIM. We need to stop asking what HE'S going to do and when HE'S going to do it. As we abide in HIS PRESENCE every moment of our lives, we have everything we need and more because HE didn't just die to "save us", HE died to be salvation to us. HE literally died so that HE could give HIMSELF to us.

We need to worship HIM with our every breath. As we enter into and abide in HIS PRESENCE, the only questions we need to be asking are, "FATHER, what can I give YOU today? What can I do for YOU as an expression of my gratitude for the awesome, incredible, and humbling gift of YOUR Love YOU gave to me in and through YOUR HOLY SON, JESUS CHRIST?

The greatest Present GOD gave us and continues to give us is HIS PRESENCE. Whatever you desire of the LORD today, HE will give you. If it's more of HIM, you have it. If it's more of HIS "Stuff", you have it. It's quite simple really, you can love GOD for WHO HE IS or for what HE can do for you. What will you choose?

Relating To GOD: Passion or Performance

All too often, in today's society, even we (as CHRIST-ians) get caught up in measuring our personal worth and justifying our existence based on performance. What we DO, how we DO, when we DO, how well we DO, how much we DO, and on and on. Our lives seem to have become one overwhelming "TO DO" list that grows by the minute and eventually, takes on a life of its own...sometimes at our expense.

We plaster the walls of our offices and homes with plaques, awards, and certificates. We build personal shrines to ourselves filled with over-sized trophies, paraphernalia, and other souvenirs in an effort to immortalize ourselves by declaring the quantity and quality of our accomplishments. Before we know it, the measure of our personal greatness ceases to be the standard set by GOD, through HIS SON, JESUS CHRIST. Rather, the standard for my personal value, and yours, becomes very subtilely and dangerously set by the constant, relentless, and insatiable demand for performance. DO MORE! DO IT FASTER! DO IT BETTER! The worst of all, DO MORE, FASTER, AND BETTER than Sister Susie or Brother Joe. And, therein lies, the problem. Not so much that performance is required, but that in performing, we begin to compare ourselves to and measuring ourselves by other people who are imperfect just as we are.

But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows. (Luke 12.7)

Our personal value, in GOD'S eyes, has nothing to do with what anyone else did, does, or will do. Our personal value, in GOD'S eyes, has nothing to do with what we did, are doing, or will do. If that were the case, we'd all be without hope; as it is written in Romans 3.23, ...for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God...

When all is said and done, our personal value to GOD will be measured by GOD based solely on our relationship with HIM versus what we have done for HIM (being versus doing). Does this mean that we have nothing to do? Absolutely not! However, what we do (performance) MUST always flow out of our relationship with HIM. From that intimate relationship with GOD THE FATHER, in the NAME of JESUS CHRIST, HE is able to govern and direct our performance by the power of HIS HOLY SPIRIT, and, in accordance with the measure of faith and the measure of grace HE gives us as individual vessels (containers or conduits) of HIS Glory. This is the only standard that GOD will use to measure performance. Additionally, we should never presume that everything we do in the NAME of JESUS is of GOD. JESUS warns us against this un-GOD-ly presumption in the SCRIPTURES:

And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. (Matthew 7.23 KJV)

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GOD desires our worship NOT our work-ship.

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The psychological shift that takes us from a human-doing back to a human-being, as GOD intended, is a huge shift. Most, if not all, of us have become conditioned to associating our personal worth to what we have accomplished or failed in. Since we apply this standard to ourselves, we naturally use it to also measure the worth and success of others.

JESUS CHRIST, SON OF GOD, and SAVIOR of the World, was known by HIS Works...HE was not defined by them.

But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him. (John 10.38 KJV)

JESUS is saying that HIS Works were and are a product of HIS Relationship with HIS FATHER. They are not the product of HIS Personal Agenda or HIS Personal 5-Year Plan. HE understood HIS FATHER'S Will intimately through relationship and worship. The relationship produced the works, the works did not produce the relationship. The same must be the case for us, especially today.


13 Things We Can "Do" For The LORD

1. Love HIM
2. Honor HIM
3. Worship HIM
4. Seek HIM
5. Celebrate HIM
6. Praise HIM
7. Wait on HIM
8. Minister to HIM
9. Abide in HIM
10. Exalt HIM
11. Humble ourselves before HIM
12. Submit to HIM
13. Let (Allow) HIM to work through us


12 Works (Accomplishments) That Will Flow Out Of Our Passionate Love For And Worship Of THE ALMIGHTY GOD, OUR FATHER

1. Cast out demons.
2. Lay hands on the sick and they will recover.
3. Souls saved.
4. Deliverance from bondages.
5. Strongholds torn down.
6. Generational curses destroyed and reversed.
7. Love others as we love ourselves (with GOD-ly love).
8. Manifested evidence that GOD'S Kingdom has come to earth in and through us.
9. Bearing of one another's burdens.
10. Preaching of the GOSPEL to the ends of the earth.
11. Every need met.
12. Lives forever transformed to the glory of GOD alone.

GOD is pleased with our relentless pursuit of HIM in every moment of our lives. Every breath we breathe must be marked by a passionate desire to be closer to HIM rather than another item crossed off the "To Do" list. There is no greater accomplishment for us to seek than to know GOD and to be known of HIM. This and this alone is and will be the ultimate measure of personal worth.

For Additional Reference and Study

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2.8-9 KJV)

I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. (John 15.5 KJV)

Elelohe Israel (The Mighty GOD of Israel) aka Jacob's Wrestling Match...The Prequel

When Jacob fled after usurping his brother Esau's blessing (Genesis 27 and Genesis 28), he did so under the covenant covering of his earthly father, Isaac. Once in Padan Aram, where Laban lived, GOD gives Jacob a dream in which there is the ladder of GOD (Genesis 28.12-15). The Angels of GOD move freely between Heaven and Earth. At the top of the ladder, GOD reveals HIMSELF to Jacob as the Covenant GOD of, or, belonging to/worshipped by, his Grandfather (Abraham) and his Father (Isaac).

While Jacob acknowledges GOD because of what GOD revealed and promised in the dream (Genesis 28.16-19), Jacob has not yet claimed this GOD, the ALMIGHTY GOD, as his own.

Jacob makes a vow unto the LORD, GOD ALMIGHTY, to worship HIM if GOD will be with him provide for him, and protect him throughout the next season of his life (Genesis 28.21-22). As we now know, out of that season, the tribes of Israel were born.


6 Important Things You Need To Know About Jacob's Ladder (The Dream GOD Gave To Jacob)

1. The dream was yet another instance of GOD revealing HIMSELF to men (humans), in this case, to Jacob (son of Isaac).

2. Cullam (pronounced sool-lawm) is the Hebrew word for ladder or stairway (Strong's Number 5551).

3. The ladders and gates of GOD are places where GOD has created spiritual, obstruction-free access to HEAVEN from Earth. HE literally opens Heaven up to us. These passageways are not only symbolic, they were and are real. In order for us to be able to accomplish the purpose for which were were created (as a human race), GOD has to provide us access to Heaven...access to HIMSELF. HE created us for collaboration, so HE has to also facilitate that process by virtue of HIS Covenant. HE created us to reveal HIS Heavenly Kingdom on Earth, and to reign with HIM in it. HE employs angels to assist HIM and us in the accomplishment of HIS Holy Purpose, as evidenced by the angels moving between Heaven and Earth on the ladder.

4. Today, whatever date of today might be, there are still ladders of GOD in every place on Earth where there is a person, or a people, who are in covenant with GOD. Who understand the significant and holy nature of the Covenant. Who have forsaken their own earthly (sinful) wills and desires. Who have voluntarily chosen to take on GOD'S Will instead. Who are fearless in their ability to walk out the Covenant in the sight of GOD and man to manifest GOD'S Kingdom on Earth. Just one person or just one people (nation) who Covenant with GOD to conquer, to cure, and to consecrate HIS Land as Holy.

5. GOD reiterates to Jacob the very same promise that HE originally gave to Abraham (Genesis 28.13-15) in the dream. It is GOD'S formal Invitation to Jacob to enter into Covenant with HIM.

6. Jacob agrees to the terms of the Invitation as demonstrated by: his acknowledging (Genesis 28.16-17), his anointing (Genesis 28.18), his ascribing (Genesis 28.19), and his avowing (Genesis 28.20-22).

BUT, although Jacob has given his word to the LORD to enter into Covenant with HIM, Jacob is first waiting on GOD to perform HIS Word (as we all too often do today rather than just taking GOD at HIS WORD). Therefore, the Covenant is not yet in place.

How do we know when the Covenant between GOD and Jacob takes effect?


6 Scriptural Evidences That Jacob Had Not Yet Fulfilled His Vow To The LORD To Enter Into A Personal Covenant Relationship With HIM

In these verses, it is evident hat Jacob has not fulfilled his vow to the LORD because he still refers to GOD as "the GOD of my father". Jacob has no personal relationship with GOD yet, he his being blessed on the basis of the Covenant relationship that Abraham and Isaac had with GOD.)

GOD blessed Jacob and he can bless us on the basis of a personal Covenant of someone in our spiritual lineage. GOD'S preference and desire, however, is that each and every one of us has a personal relationship with HIM.

1. Genesis 28.20-22 (Vow made)
2. Genesis 31.5 (Jacob refers to GOD as the GOD of my father)
3. Genesis 31.13 (GOD reminds Jacob of WHO HE IS and that he made a vow to HIM)
4. Genesis 31.21 (Jacob is in Mount Gilead instead of Gerar where GOD had instructed him to go)
5. Genesis 31.52 (Jacob refers to GOD as the GOD of my father)
6. Genesis 32.9 (Jacob refers to GOD as the GOD of my father)


12 Events Leading Up To the Sealing Of The Covenant Between GOD and Jacob (Father of the 12 Tribes of Israel)

1. Isaac blesses Jacob, his 2nd son, instead of Esau, his firstborn (Genesis 27 and 28).

2. GOD reveals HIMSELF and gives Jacob a personal invitation to enter to Covenant with HIM in the dream we know as "Jacob's Ladder" (Genesis 28.12-15).

3. Jacob conditionally accepts GOD'S invitation (Genesis 28.16-22).

4. GOD fulfills the conditions upon which Jacob made his vow (Genesis 30.43, Genesis 31.24).

5. GOD reminds Jacob that HE is the same GOD that he made a vow to setting the stage for the Jacob to fulfill his vow to the LORD (Genesis 31.13)

6. Jacob's fear of Laban causes him to disobey the GOD'S command to leave Laban's house (territory) and return to his father's house. Jacob ended up across the Jordan River in Mount Gilead, but Isaac (his father) lived in Gerar. If you look at a BIBLE map for the time of Genesis through Deuteronomy, it will be obvious how significant this is. (Genesis 31.13)

7. Because Jacob flees in terror of Laban, he by-passes Beth-El, (where he originally made his vow to the LORD) without fulfilling the vow. We know this because when Laban overtakes Jacob after 7 days' journey, Jacob is in the mount of Gilead which is across the Jordan from Beth-El (Genesis 31.21-23).

8. Jacob asks the LORD for protection from his brother, Esau, and makes another vow to HIM. He does so even though he has disobeyed GOD by not going back to his father's house, and therefore, by-passing the altar in Beth-El where he would have fulfilled his vow (Genesis 32.9-12).

9. GOD as a "man" comes to Jacob in the same night that he prayed for protection from Esau. Keep in mind, and this is extremely important, the Covenant has not yet been established because Jacob has not fulfilled his vow. GOD came to kill Jacob that night because of the Covenant and because of his disobedience (refer to incident with Moses in Exodus 4.24 for the same theme). Jacob had acted disobediently and presumptuously concerning the Holy Nature of the ALMIGHTY GOD, and feared Laban and Esau more than he feared GOD HIMSELF. In the fight of his life and for his life, Jacob found mercy in the sight of GOD and he was left disabled instead of dead (Genesis 32.30-31).

10. GOD gives Jacob HIS NAME: Isra-el. Meaning GOD prevails and He who rules with/as GOD. (Genesis 32.28).

11. GOD answers Jacob's prayer (Genesis 32.11), Jacob finds favor in the eyes of his brother, Esau, from whom he had previously stolen both his birthright and his blessing.

12. Jacob erects an altar, but this time it is not to the GOD of his Fathers. This time, for the first time in his life, Jacob (now Isra-El) erects an altar to ELELOHE ISRA-EL, THE MIGHTY GOD OF/BELONGING TO/WORSHIPPED BY ISRA-EL. The GOD of his Fathers had become his own, personal GOD. His Covenant with his GOD is the foundation upon which GOD will birth and bless an entire nation.

Today, when we enter into and uphold our personal Covenant with the LORD, GOD ALMIGHTY, we hold in place that foundation upon which the Kingdom of the HOLY GOD of HEAVEN will be evident and prevail in the Earth.

All glory, honor and praise be ascribed to ELELOHE ISRA-EL!

Today's Reading: Genesis 33 (KJV)

Jacob's Wrestling Match (Genesis 32.24-32)

In my reading of the BIBLE today (Genesis 32), I read of the account of Jacob wrestling with GOD. Much has been taught and preached on this particular encounter and although I have some knowledge on the event, I'm constantly amazed at how the LORD shows me another dimension of HIS Word every time I read it or ask questions about it. Here's what I came away with as a result of my reading today.


7 Things You Should Know About Jacob's Wrestling Match And What It Means To You Today

1. The man in Genesis 32.24 is a manifestation of GOD.

2. The wrestling takes place because, although Jacob had been blessed by GOD throughout his time of service to Laban, he had not yet entered into covenant with GOD (which is what he promised to do in Genesis 28.21). Similar to Moses' encounter with GOD in Exodus 4.24-25.

3. The implied time of the wrestling (the darkest part of the night) is significant because it is a foreshadowing to us of GOD delivering (wrestling) us out of darkness into light through HIS SON, JESUS CHRIST, WHO later came to us in the form of a man.

4. Jacob wrestled and was prevailing upon the "man" according to his natural strength. Yet, the "man" ultimately prevailed upon Jacob's body in a place of great vulnerability. Ultimately, the lesser strength of the man Jacob, despite being great according to human standards, could not hold up under the weight of the greater, GOD-strength. The flesh gave way to the spirit as it must in us today. That which is earthly gives way to the heavenly. The natural to the supernatural.

5. The significance of the touching of the thigh in this encounter is not to be missed or in any way underestimated. This was a customary way of sealing covenant (swearing), as we also see in Genesis 24.9 and Genesis 47.29. This was not a casual promise with loopholes we are so famous for making today; this was the "I keep my word or I lose my life" kind of promise. Also, known as Covenant. This was the equivalent of a man swearing to GOD by his own life.

6. Jacob's alone-ness (not to be confused with loneliness) symbolizes the private, dark place of struggle with GOD that brought him into the blessing of GOD in the light of day.

7. Before Jacob will release the "man" to go, he demands a blessing. Keep in mind that Jacob was already quite wealthy by the standards of his times, so why is he demanding a blessing? Here's the key, Jacob was wealthy, but he was not blessed. Blessedness or Blessing can only proceed from GOD to the human race through Covenant. Blessing can produce wealth, but wealth can never produce blessing. Jacob had "stuff", but he did not have a Covenant relationship with GOD. The result of Jacob's fearless fight with GOD, blessing as evidenced in his new name, Israel. Jacob was no longer identified as merely a wealthy man by other men. He was now identified by GOD and with GOD as a blessed man.

There is a secret place that all of us have to go with GOD whether to wrestle out the dark, non-GOD parts of our being that still cling to us. Yet, we are never to leave wrestling without first receiving a blessing. I don't mean nagging GOD to give us more cars, money, fame, or fortune which is what we so often do. No, I'm talking about the true blessing of the FATHER GOD, to be identified by HIM and associated with HIM through the taking of our new name.

Isaiah 62.2: And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory: and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD shall name.

Revelation 2.17: He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.