Romans 12:6-8 // Spiritual Gifts

In verses 6 through 8, after exhorting the audience to offer their bodies as living sacrifices, to be transformed, to practice humility and compared the church to the human body with no insignificant part, Paul discusses spiritual gifts. These gifts come from the Lord, therefore none can boast and are given for the benefit of the body. We need the diversity of gifts in our church body to thrive and serve the Lord well.

Romans 12:4-5 // The Church

In verses 4 and 5, after exhorting us to view ourselves rightly, Paul encourages us in how to view other believers, as other parts of the body that we serve in. Our gifts and service are not meant for our personal fulfillment but for the impact and growth of the community of believers. We are one body in Christ, we belong to him and to each other.

Romans 12:3 // The Pathway to Humility

With verses 1 and 2 as the foundation, Paul begins to exhort Christians to live in a transformed way. What Christian characteristic is foremost according to Paul? Humility. In this short verse, we see that the pathway to humility is a proper understanding of grace, a proper mindset regarding self, and leads us to humbly serve others with our God-given gifts.

Romans 12:1-2 // Living Sacrifice

This passage calls us to be “all in” for God. Paul encourages believers to be living sacrifices and to fight against fitting into the mold of the world. As believers we are accepted by God through mercy and are set free to live as living sacrifices and in a countercultural way. Thank the Lord!

Genesis 35 // God Keeps His Promises

These are chapters marked by both life and death. We see life as God tells Jacob to return to Bethel, where he confirms His covenant promise of blessing with Jacob. Here we are drawn back to God's promise to Abraham and Isaac, as well as on God’s original words to Adam and Eve in 1:28. We also see life in the birth of another son, Benjamin. Yet this promise of life is surrounded by two deaths that remind us that the life of faith in a fallen world is marked by the pain of death. But there is hope as God continues to his covenant faithfulness to Jacob.

Genesis 34 // Dark Before The Dawn

In Chapter 34 Jacob’s daughter is defiled and he does nothing about it, which prompts Simeon and Levi to take justice and revenge into their own hands. This chapter includes rape, genocide, decpetion and looting, but God. He is sovereign and uses sinful, broken, vengeful people to showcase his grace and encat his plan for salvation for all.

Genesis 32-33 // Humbled For A Change

As Jacob returns home, he fears being reunited with his brother, Esau. Will Esau still be angry? Will Jacob be able to appease him? Before Jacob and Esau reunite, God meets Jacob "face to face." Through this encounter, Jacob learns an important lesson: the greatest approval needed is not that of man, but of God. Here we learn how God uses the tools of confronting our fears, learning our weakness, and relationships with others to conform us into the image of Christ

Genesis 31 // Jacob Flees From Laban

Jacob is called by God to return to his homeland. He leaves secretly with his wives and children in tow. Laban aggressively pursues Jacob and his family but God protects his people. After 20 years of deception, idolatry and greed, Jacob is finally free of Laban and has grown greatly in his faith.

Genesis 30:1-24 // The Folly of Idols

As the story of Jacob, Leah, and Rachel continues, we get a glimpse into the devastating effects of idolatry. Rachel is loved by Jacob, but longs for the satisfaction she thinks bearing children will bring. Leah has children, but longs for the love of her husband. We learn from this story an essential life-lesson summed up well by Augustine: "You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it finds its rest in you."

Genesis 29 // God Disciplines Those He Loves

Jacob continues on his journey after God reaffirms his covenant with him. He comes upon a well and meets his wife, but happily ever after does not follow. Chapter 29 is filled with deception, drama, sister wives and hurt. Yet, God in his sovereignty, once again uses the brokenness of his people to achieve his goals and bring about his plan for redemption.