Third Time is a Charm

This is the third time in a year that I have written on this section of Scripture.  I went back to look at the other two and see how differently I wrote on the same words.  But, we know that God's Word is living and active and depending on our life in the moment, words will grab us differently.  The same Words will touch and/or convict us in new ways each time we read them.

It was November 18, 2013--only 4 weeks ago, when I last wrote on Genesis 28.  Probably it was the last time you read them to.  Do you know what was going on in your life those few short weeks ago?  Do you hear God speaking to you differently today than four weeks ago?  I believe I can say yes to this question.

When I read my journal entry for November 18 I see that it was Monday and I was asking God, "What lies ahead of me this week. How do I prepare to face it?" I also wrote that I can only be an effective ambassador if I surround myself with Your (God's) arms.  Well, that is all still true.

But now, only 4 weeks later, I am more certain than ever that God is in my corner. I believe that God only wants the best for me and I am not worried about how to face tomorrow. I can draw upon His faithfulness over the years, even when I didn't believe as strongly as I do now I draw comfort from the fact, God's faithfulness to me isn't measured by my trust in Him.

So, let’s go back to the Scripture selection for today.  What is new, what Word do I define differently, which phase speaks to my heart that is one month older and wiser?  I have to admit it is the last line, the final words in verse twenty-two which reflect the difference in my heart.  Genesis 28:22b (NIV) "...and of all that you give me I will give you a tenth." Tithing is very hard right now, and I have been tempted to hold back -but I have been convicted to trust and obey. 

My husband and I believed in the practice of tithing, but recently when reflecting on giving I was reminded of the phase, 'give til it hurts.'  It never used to hurt; now it does.  Perhaps I won't have these particular words listed for me to write about again for a while.  Perhaps I get it now, finally.  Do you?  Has God spoken to you in a new way this time?  I would love to hear from you.

 Genesis 28:10-22