Bread for the Broken

Have you ever felt as though you were in the wrong place at the wrong time? Or perhaps you've been in the right place, but something just didn't feel right? How did you find comfort or reassurance during such times? In today's message, Pastor James reflects on the importance of seeking out The Lord whenever you have feelings of doubt or uncertainty. In his study, you'll learn about the dangers of giving in to the “grass is greener” mentality and straying from where The Lord would have you.

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The Word of God teaches us that our Heavenly Father loves us so much so that He'll chastise us whenever we're in rebellion. In fact, if you've been a believer for any extended period of time, chances are you've experienced this in your own walk when you've drifted. In today's message, Pastor James reflects on the rebellious state of Israel in light of the famine they were experiencing. In his study, you'll learn that while it isn't always the consequence of our actions, hardship can indeed be The Lord reaching out to us.

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The Word of God teaches us that our Heavenly Father loves us so much so that He'll chastise us whenever we're in rebellion. In fact, if you've been a believer for any extended period of time, chances are you've experienced this in your own walk when you've drifted. In today's message, Pastor James reflects on the rebellious state of Israel in light of the famine they were experiencing. In his study, you'll learn that while it isn't always the consequence of our actions, hardship can indeed be The Lord reaching out to us.

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Our God is a way maker. As Pastor James will explain in today’s message, this attribute is made clear in the book of Joshua. Have you ever driven on a road that required you to drive through a body of water? This isn’t that common of an experience in the day of well-developed roads, with clear paths and safe bridges. That wasn’t the case for the Israelites as they approached the Jordan river. Crossing a river wasn’t easy or safe. But God would once again make a way where there was no way.

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As the Israelites approached the Jordan, ready to cross into the land God had promised them, they faced one final obstacle. God used Joshua to direct the priests to step into the water. This step of faith was huge. They trusted that God would respond by making a way, and He did. As Pastor James will explain in today’s message, these priests offer us a picture of the work Christ has done for us. As the final High Priest, He stepped into this world and made a way for us to cross into His Kingdom.

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There’ve been many beautiful portrayals of Jesus through history. While their creators may have had good intentions, many of those works were misleading. Whether it was in the skin tone or the demeanor they depicted, they were attempting something impossible. As Pastor James will explain in today’s message, to truly picture Jesus, you have to view Him with your soul. Consider who He was, not what He looked like. He was God in the flesh, and reflected all of God’s characteristics perfectly.

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If you’ve placed your faith in Jesus to save you, He’s freed you from the power of sin. Yet, how often do you find yourself falling back into it? In today’s message, Pastor James will confront this common problem. Why would a slave ever go back into slavery once they’ve been freed? As the Israelites wandered through the desert, looking back at Egypt longingly, they showed that sometimes the chains of sin seem easier than the arduous journey God has in store for us as He leads us to the Promised Land.

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If the people in your life – your family, friends, coworkers – were surveyed regarding you, what would they say? Would they remark on your visible faith and the way you reflect your Savior? Sadly, for many of us, some of the people in our lives may be completely unaware of our faith. They may even be surprised to find out we call ourselves a follower of Jesus. As Pastor James will challenge us in today’s message, make the presence of Christ obvious in your life – don’t hide the hope He’s given you.

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You have the power of the Creator of the Universe on your side - the One who breathed all of this into existence. That’s a lot of power. But how will you use His truth? Will you use it as a weapon to tear down others and puff yourself up? Or will you use it as an instrument of grace, lifting up the broken? As Pastor James will point out through the example of Jacob offered in today’s chapter, true wisdom and strength are demonstrated in those who surrender their control to serve God’s greater purpose.

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You only live once. This popular phrase is true. You can respond to it in a few different ways. The way the world encourages is to live fast and loose, ignoring fears and inhibitions in order to consume as much of what this world has to offer as possible. The way of God’s Kingdom is much different. As Pastor James will explain in today’s message, as a follower of Christ, you’re called to give as much of yourself as possible towards serving Him and others, not wasting one moment on selfish desires.

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If you knew you only had moments to live, what would you want to convey to the people you love? Not that you need to be serious all the time, but if you keep that in mind in your interactions, it would most likely change your conversations dramatically. As Pastor James will challenge us in today’s message, we need to be the kind of friend who loves enough to speak words of encouragement as well as calling out sin. Don’t waste your words. They have more of an impact than you may realize.

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Have you ever thought about your last words? I know… it’s a morbid thought, but if Christ doesn’t return in your lifetime, you’ll find yourself in that position, at death’s door, leaving all you know and love on this earth behind. As Pastor James will point out in today’s message, as Joseph knelt by his father Jacob in his final moments, Jacob demonstrated how essential trusting God was in his life. His last words were words of faith that inspired Joseph, as well as all believers that would follow.

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Don’t fall for the idea that a life following Jesus will be easy. It’s compared to a race in Scripture. And it’s much more like an ultra-marathon than a short sprint. It requires perseverance and determination - not to battle your way to victory by your own strength, but to keep your heart surrendered and focused on following Jesus. As Pastor James continues our study of Genesis in today’s message, he’ll remind us that this challenging race can only be completed through the strength of Christ.

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Have you taken the time to thoroughly grasp the creativeness of Jesus? He made the world you live in, the entire planet earth, everything in it, and even the universe it sits in. By simply looking to the beauty surrounding you you can gain a great confidence in His greatness. Today Pastor James encourages you to see Jesus in all things. Realize that this world you're in is one of Gods masterpieces that He adores. Acknowledge this and allow it to bring out a love for all of His creations.

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Know that Gods Grace is real and always there for you. Through Jesus all sins are forgiven. Today Pastor James teaches you that despite the wicked things that Jacob did throughout his life he ultimately was shown grace by God. He was able to look forward knowing that his future was bright. Don't let the weight of your past hold you back from Jesus. Instead allow it to propel you to Him, for He holds the grace that you need most. Give your heart to Him. Ask Him to take and forgive you of all your sins.

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Is Holiness radiating through the actions you take in life? Pastor James teaches you today that as a Christian others should know there's something different about you. Doing this though is very difficult. You must fully be in line with God and His Will. You must maintain discipline and abide by the word even in the toughest of situations, and you must love people who don't deserve it. Seek this kind of life. Abide by gods Word and you'll become a person that changes the community around you.

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Jesus is always ready to hear from you. If you feel that you've strayed too far or done something too wrong, know that you're incorrect. Nothing will stop Jesus from loving you or wanting a relationship with you. Pastor James teaches you today that there's no reason to avoid Jesus. He's already died for your sins of the past and your sins of the future so that you could confidently come to Him anytime you wanted. Let nothing hold you back. If you long for the father go to Him.

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It's important to know where God wants you in life and to not blow up what you perceive as His Will into something He never intended for you. Today Pastor James encourages you to consistently be in Gods Word and to regularly seek out one on one time with Jesus through prayer. He teaches you that this is critical because it places Christ and His Words into your head. Then when it's His voice that you hear you can confidently move forward into His plan for you. Even if it's just to stay where you are.

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Often, we try to take control of our lives in ways that the Lord doesn’t want. We dig deep, and power through, when all He really wants us to do is let go. In today’s message, Pastor James shows us what happens through Judah when Jacob lets go. Judah begins to take on the responsibilities that God wanted for Him. He is in the line of Jesus, but it took years and many setbacks for him to be the man God wanted Him to be. Is there a Judah in your life? Maybe their time to shine is just around the corner?

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God’s goodness can be seen by everyone. He is everywhere and works in the lives of everyone, including those who don’t believe in Him. Pastor James reminds us in His message today, that sometimes even nonbelievers can remind us of how good our God is. He can use them to encourage us in our walk with the Lord. Sometimes when our faith is weak, God sends someone into our lives to remind us of His goodness. Have you ever needed a nonbelieving friend to remind you of God’s faithfulness?

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We are told in the Bible that this life is but a vapor. It will pass quickly, so it is important what we do with it. Sometimes we try to hold on to things that we love or are afraid to lose. But in today’s message, Pastor James reminds us that holding onto things too tightly is not what God wants for us. He desires that we trust Him with the gifts He has given us in this life, for example, our children, our income, and our health. He desires that you give everything to Him and trust that He has your best in mind!

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In today's message, Pastor James will remind you of how important is to honor the past and the work that people put in. One way that we can respect that work today is by continuing what they worked towards. But... You may be asking yourself “Why do we do this?” Well, there is a simple answer. We do it for the next generation. If we chose to not work to solve the problems that face us today then these problems will only get worse and snowball out of control from generation to generation.

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In today's message, Pastor James will remind you that because God loves you He wants what is best for you, in this life there will be struggles but you will prosper. Now, that prosperity may not come in the form that you first imagine. Sometimes in the kingdom of God, being prosperous doesn't always mean a full bank account. Pastor James will remind you that if you are obedient to the Lord, you will be prosperous, you may not have an abundance... But in this life you will never want for anything.

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Spiritually, your life will be filled with highs and lows, ups and downs, feasts, and famines. In today’s message, Pastor James encourages you to get up and look for spiritual food in times of drought. Dig into God’s Word, fellowship with other believers, and pray to God to bring you through the dry times. You won’t always feel exceptionally close to God. In fact, there will be times when you feel far from Him. But God has promised never to leave you and will always make Himself known to those who ask!

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Pharaoh recognized something different in Joseph. Joseph went from a prison cell to “top of the food chain” within a short period of time. The Lord’s hand was upon him through all the trials he faced along the way. In today’s message, Pastor James points out how Joseph was faithful with small tasks and he ended up “second in command”. Pharaoh worshiped multiple pagan gods and yet he knew there was something special about Joseph. Are you allowing the Lord to change you and in turn, to share His love with others?

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Have you been blindsided by a struggle in your life? Trials have a way of showing up out of no-where and suddenly you’re at a loss for a solution. In today’s message, Pastor James teaches how Joseph advised Pharaoh to prepare ahead of time for the upcoming famine. Today, Pastor David will encourage you to stay rooted in the Word… By doing so, you’ll be better prepared and equipped for the unexpected. The Word of God will transform your life and heart.

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In today’s message, you’ll hear how Joseph’s life went from bad to worse and Pastor James will point out Joseph’s outlook during this time. Despite the trials he’s facing, his attitude remains the same; he continues to rely on the Lord through the struggle. Have you faced trials in your life? Know that the Lord is steadfast, He’s always there and in He’s in control, even when life seems to be unmanageable. The Lord has a reason for seasons of change, He's faithful and will guide you through.

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Are you currently facing a trial in your life? Even if you can’t see past your current circumstance, the Lord sees the bigger picture and He’s using those trials to shape you. Pastor James encourages you in today’s message to stay grounded in Jesus during the hard times. This life wasn’t meant to be easy every step of the way. Joseph spent years in prison and the Lord used that season of his life to prepare him for what was to come. How might the Lord be preparing you?

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How is the Lord using you in this world? You have an opportunity to be a light… whether it’s in the workforce, at the grocery store, or in your own home. The Lord has you placed where you are for a reason, He will use you if you’re willing. In today’s message, Pastor James teaches about Joseph’s influence on others despite his circumstances. Pastor James asks you today to evaluate your life and ask yourself, are you any different than the rest of the world? Have you allowed the Lord to change your heart and in turn, your life?

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God looks after the lives of His children that are fully surrendered to Him in full obedience. Even when the situation seems bleak, He can use whatever you’re going through for your good. Today, Pastor James takes us to Genesis 39 to look more into the life of Joseph, and how he stood firm in his faith and convictions no matter how bad the temptations around him seemed. Because of his unwavering faith, Joseph was blessed greatly by the God Whom he chose to serve in full obedience.

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God blesses those who consciously choose to live for Him in their daily lives. Just like Joseph in the Bible, God will always be with those who love him to give them comfort in the midst of any struggles they may go through. Today, Pastor James takes you to the story of Joseph, to see how his heart was focused on God. When pressure comes, what’s truly inside your heart will come out. Through Joseph’s life, we can see how much God blessed him because of his continued obedience to his Heavenly Father.

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Although no one is perfect, and everyone is born in to sin, God is still gracious and forgives us when we call on him. Today, Pastor James continues in Genesis chapter 38 to show you examples of how God chose to bring his son Jesus into the world through a sinful bloodline. You’ll see how Judah’s eyes were opened to his own sin through events in his life, and that God, in His mercy, didn’t turn His back on him or his family, even through the midst of Judah living to please himself.

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Today, we go to Genesis chapter 38 to look at the lives of Judah and his children. Pastor James tells us about the life of Judah, a man who lived more for the pleasures of the world than for the things of God, and how he left his brothers to marry and live his life how he wanted to. Even in the immorality and sinful lifestyles that Judah and his children lived, and the disobedience they constantly displayed, God STILL chose his family and lineage to be the one Jesus would one day be born in to.

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Even in a world where everyone around you may be living contrary to how The Bible says to live, you still have the choice to be obedient to God. Today, Pastor James continues in Genesis to show you that Joseph, even through traumatic events throughout his lifetime, chose to live morally. You learn that he was surrounded by a family that didn’t have much character. And even though he was hated for it by his brothers, he still chose to be obedient to his earthly and Heavenly Father.

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Sometimes what seems like tragedy can be the very thing that God uses to help us grow the most. When we keep our eyes on Him, we remember that God must be using what we’re going through for good. Today, Pastor James takes you to Genesis 37 to look at Joseph’s childhood, and how God was using events in his family to grow his faith. You can see that he became more blessed than his brothers over time, because he was the one that remembered God day to day and didn’t stray from His ways.

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None of the earthly things here on earth compare to the joy of having your heart set on Jesus! Everything else pales in comparison when your eyes are set on the LORD.We visit the family of Esau to see where his heart was focused, and how it was evidenced for generations after him. Pastor James explains how we can see the difference between a life lived with focus on God verses a life lived for the world, so we can be encouraged to set our own hearts upon Jesus every day!

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As we look at Jacob and Esau and observe their family line, we see a number of people that, although sometimes deep in sin, are continuously used by God in incredible ways. Pastor James shows us how God chose the people who were poor in the eyes of the world to speak through the most, when they chose to live their lives for Him. This holds true for anyone even today. No matter how far you may have strayed from God, He will still forgive you and move in your life if you choose to let him.

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As we look at Jacob and Esau and observe their family line, we see a number of people that, although sometimes deep in sin, are continuously used by God in incredible ways. Pastor James shows us how God chose the people who were poor in the eyes of the world to speak through the most, when they chose to live their lives for Him. This holds true for anyone even today. No matter how far you may have strayed from God, He will still forgive you and move in your life if you choose to let him.

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Jacob, one of the most important figures in the Bible, was distant from God for almost 30 years, yet was still able to go back to Him. Pastor James teaches you today that there's no point in your life where God's not an option. No matter how distant you may get from Him, no matter what type of sin you allowed to infiltrate your life, Jesus is always ready to take you back. If you've been apart from God and fear that it's too late, know that it isn't. Jesus desires to have you back. Hesitate no longer. Go to Him.

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Jacob, one of the most important figures in the Bible, was distant from God for almost 30 years, yet was still able to go back to Him. Pastor James teaches you today that there's no point in your life where God's not an option. No matter how distant you may get from Him, no matter what type of sin you allowed to infiltrate your life, Jesus is always ready to take you back. If you've been apart from God and fear that it's too late, know that it isn't. Jesus desires to have you back. Hesitate no longer. Go to Him.

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God will never give up on you or come to a point where He's unwilling to use you. The moment you're willing to go to Him you'll be welcomed by Him as though you were His long lost child. Pastor James teaches you today that nothing can separate you from God except you. You alone get to decide whether or not you'll open your heart to Christ. Know that whatever horrid history you might have. No matter what bad things you've done, Jesus is always willing to forgive you.

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What is it that you have placed before you? Is it the will and desires of the Lord, or is it the will and desires of the world? Today Pastor James encourages you to be aware of the things that you take in each day. The things that you look at and listen to daily have the power to slowly sway your perspectives. Are those things Godly or not? If not, now's as good a time as any to start changing things. Through Gods Word learn what it is that Jesus considers good and begin to place those things in your life.

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If unchecked your anger will eventually lead you to place of sin. As such it's important that you learn to take your anger to Jesus. Pastor James teaches you that though anger itself is not a sin the things that it may lead you to do very well may be. By placing Jesus as your master and counselor you'll give yourself a King to whom you can take all your burdens. Get comfortable with speaking to Jesus. Learn to take all things, big or small, to Him. Know that He cares for you and can help you use your anger for His glory.

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Have you seen others struggle with sin in life and fear that you yourself are headed down that same path? If so then take it upon yourself to go to Jesus now. Do this and you'll find the help you need to veer back onto the path you're meant to be on. Pastor James reminds you today that if you've failed to place God as the center of your life you are headed towards destruction. It's through Jesus alone that you can find the salvation that your soul desires. Allow Him to define who you are.

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Even in the midst of tragic stories and chaos the Lord can take the mess you make and turn it into a masterpiece. He can make beautiful things out of your disasters. He is continually working on you. He is active in your life. He’s forming and fashioning each of us. Pastor James encourages, “You may be sitting in the biggest disaster of your life. I want you to know He’s not done with you yet!”

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You may ask the question, “How can I minister to my family and friends. Especially the ones I don’t understand and am totally different from?” You may feel like you’re on two different pages with them. You may wonder how to serve them. He has placed you there, in your family. He is very intentional in everything he does. Pastor James reminds us that Jacob and Esau were total opposites. They didn’t become best friends, but peace was made within their relationship, even though it was hard for them.

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There are going to be things that change when you come to Christ, but some of those old ways have a tendency to stick around. Pastor James assures us by saying, “even an all-night wrestling match with Jesus wasn’t going to perfect Jacob. He was still going to go back to Jacob-like tendencies. Isn’t that true of us too?” We are all on a journey called Sanctification. It’s a process. He is refining you. You aren’t perfect. You will mess up. You’re going to make mistakes, that’s part of the journey.

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The world will tell you many things. Don’t believe what others have said to you, believe what Jesus has told you. Go back to the word of God. Read it! What does it say? You are a daughter, a son, you are his child! You are way more valuable to Him than anything else in this world. He loves you more than anything. It may sound funny but, He wants you to give up. Give up and surrender your life to Him. Pastor James says, “If you are wrestling with Him, wave your white flag and surrender!”

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Pastor James says, “Sometimes it’s really good for you to be alone and sometimes God will show up gently in your life, He’ll know the sweet words you need to hear and sometimes he will show up and put you in a headlock!” He wants to get your attention. One thing you need to know more than anything is that Jesus sees you. That is your real identity. His opinion far surpasses anyone’s opinion of you. He loves you and wants to get you to a place that you ask yourself, “Who are you?”

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The Lord is so in love with his children. He cares about every aspect of your life. He has a great plan for you. He’s trying hard every day to get you on the same page as Him. Sometimes you need a gentle pat on the back. You need to hear Him say, “It’s going to be ok!” Pastor James says, “Sometimes you need a Dad to show up and wrestle with you on the living room floor, showing you that He is stronger than you and has everything under control. Try as hard as you may, you can’t beat Him.”

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If you ever forget who you are, God will show up when you least expect it and say, “Don’t you remember who you are? Remember what I have done for you! Do you remember how I see you? I see you as a son, a daughter, my child. I love you and care about you.” God will transform you and make you new. He needs you to be a part of His Kingdom work. When you are unsure, take a step back and say “Ok Lord, where am I with you? Who do you say I am? Remind me of my identity in you.”

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Many people struggle with the question, “Who am I?” The Bible says that you are God’s workmanship and His masterpiece. This is how Jesus sees you! You are not perfect, because He’s still working on you. Jesus asked Jacob, “Who are you?” He asked him so that Jacob could have an understanding of who he was. Pastor James says, “When God shows up and asks you, it’s not because He doesn’t know the answer. He wants you to understand where you are and that you are a work in progress.”

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Today Pastor James tells us about Jacob and Laben. Laben tried tricking Jacob out of sheep. When he found out that he had been cheated, he did not leave but made it so that he would have his own flock. Later, Jacob left with his family and Laben pursued them. He was angry and tried to get them to admit they had stolen from him. God showed up in a dream and told Laben to treat his family with respect. God was telling Jacob, “I’ve got your back!” When you struggle He does the same for you! Now, here's Pastor James in the book of Genesis chapter 30 with today's edition of Bread for the Broken.

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Today Pastor James teaches how God is in control. To some that may be difficult to hear. You need to trust even when it doesn’t make sense. He will come through like no other. When Jacob was older he fell in love with Rebecca. After 14 years of hard labor, being tricked into marrying Rebecca’s older sister Leah, Leban finally allowed Jacob to marry his true love. He was also tricked out of money and livestock by Leban. Through this, God continued to teach Jacob, “Don’t worry, I am with you!” Now, here's Pastor James in the book of Genesis chapter 30 with today's edition of Bread for the Broken.

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Pastor James starts todays’ message off by sharing some encouraging scripture. Jesus said, “Don’t worry, I will be with you!” A man in the Bible named Jacob needed to hear those words. The first of many troubles Jacob went through, had to do with his twin brother Esau. They fought from the very beginning of their lives. When they were older, Jacob stole Esau’s blessing, so Esau wanted him dead. Today we learn how Jacob used those powerful words to make it through the tough times.

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In this passage of scripture, you will see so much competition between Rachel and Leah who were fighting for Jacob’s love. In today’s message, Pastor James will encourage you to stop trying to please others in the hopes that they will love you. It will only frustrate you if you are constantly trying to please people. Instead of trying harder to please others, make your aim to please God in all that you do and out of the overflow of your praise to God will come kindness to others.

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It is so easy to be jealous of other people, especially family members. Today, Pastor James will remind you that it is never good to be envious or jealous of other people. Instead, you should be happy for those who are blessed and come alongside those who are hurting and need encouragement. Pastor James will show you an example from Rachel’s life of how envy is very destructive. Instead of doing things her own way, Rachel should have prayed and asked God for help.

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