Genesis 30:25-43 “Meet the Masters” We now move our attention away from the competing sisters to Jacob and Laban, two men truly cut from the same cloth. The occasion for our story is Jacob’s desire to be released from Laban’s service in order to begin building his own life. He meets resistance from his father […]
Genesis 30:22-24 “Where Is Your Head?” More than once, you and I have thought “Where is your head?” most likely directed to our teenager. Some like me have been darted by this statement from our wives also more than once. I have often been present while my mind is elsewhere. I think you also know […]
Genesis 30:14-21 We are currently discussing the subject of “winning and losing.” The setting is a heated contest between two sisters with the prize being the Most Baby Award. On one hand the contest seems so ridiculously removed from our life context. But wait a minute, guys. I’m proposing this struggle as closer to home […]
Genesis 30:9-13 We awaken one morning to find ourselves in a very uncomfortable constraining box. It may be a broken or lost relationship. It may be a severe financial blow or bad news from the doctor. My tendency has been to put the gloves on and start beating my way out of the box, or […]
Genesis 30:6-8 It is relatively easy to critique these two women, their actions and their dysfunction. But the bigger question is what about you and me? I have been around long enough to know that “Comparison and Competition” have greatly influenced my view of the world around me. And therefore I too have fallen under […]
Genesis 30:6-8 Both sisters appear to be operating from the same perspective, that being, who can bear the most babies. This self created contest is motivated by a deep seated need to win. To win is defined here as simply whatever it takes to beat the opponent. As a man, winning is important. Somehow through […]
Genesis 30:1-5 Roles Reverse This idea of “Less Than” is my attempt to explain how we as human beings perceive the world and the relationships we engage every day. This way of viewing is in my opinion the result of what first occurred in Genesis chapter 3. Let’s now take a look at Sister Rachel […]
Genesis 29:31-35, Life from Leah’s Perspective (continued) We pick up this time reviewing the five different means utilized by Leah in order to capture the love of her husband. My heart goes out to her. But even bigger, I can relate, because I too have utilized these means at various junctures in order to gain […]
Genesis 29:31-35, Life from Leah’s Perspective This study is primarily focused on the life of Jacob. However, as in all life stories there are others. These others contribute to defining the man you and I become. Leah, the older sister, the unwanted wife, has much to say to us. Let’s dive in and take a […]
Genesis 29:25-29 Sooner or later we all share the experience of being duped. The context varies. But regardless, what you thought was a trusted business or family relationship has ended up in a heap of pain and broken trust. This never feels good. How you and I respond varies. Some of us rage where as […]
Genesis 29:12-25 I’ve enjoyed thinking about this story. It has raised all kinds of deeper questions regarding justice and grace. In addition, what was Leah’s role in planning for this great deception? I thought it would be fun and interesting to ask the Moothouse Men to vote regarding their response to this ultimate bait and […]
Genesis 29:12-25 Today we move into a story familiar to most. And like anytime where outcome is known it is extremely difficult for us to read without pre-conditioned bias. This is our challenge for today. Let’s attempt to read this story as if for the first time. I know it is hard. But join with […]
“Life Map” Genesis 29:11-12 Last time we introduced a helpful tool designed to map out our experience in order to gain understanding about ourselves and our relationships. As stated previously, the end goal of all this is to simply build awareness of our past journey in order to plot our course for the road […]
“Life Map” Genesis 29:11-12 Last time we had opportunity to identify up to 5 key events and 5 key relationships that have dramatically influenced our shaping as a man. In this session we will review how to import this information into a tool designed to help you understand more about yourself and your relationships. The […]
Mission Acomplished? or Just the Beginning? or Somewhere in Between? Genesis 29:11-12 Judging from Jacob’s response in verse 11, no doubt his tears were tears of joy, accomplishment and hope! But as so often the case what we think is the end goal is merely a passage to a new chapter. At the beginning […]
“Just Get er Done!” Genesis 29:1-12 Jacob is a man who has become quite good at getting what Jacob wants. He arrives in Haran not as a culturally sensitive guest but rather in his full command “let’s get it done.” From his initial inquiry, to his attempt to re-direct a local custom and then […]
“What makes up a journey?” Genesis 29:1 This morning we look at verse one of chapter 29, rather, only one word in verse one, the word “journey.” In preparation for this week my mind wandered off pondering the various circumstances, conditions and experiences Jacob most likely encountered during his very long walk. From this I […]
“Where change can truly happen (6)” Genesis 28:20-22 We continue this morning looking at aspect #5. We naturally want to believe that Jacob is really getting it here.” But I am suggesting he is “somewhat getting it,” just like you and I “somewhat get it” over time. Transformation, at least from my observation is […]
“Where change can truly happen (5)” Genesis 28:20-22 We are looking at five aspects of a “transformational experience.” Thus far, the four we have identified seem to align and make sense in regard to how one would respond to such an encounter as this. Number 5 is a bit different. After such lofty words […]
“Where change can truly happen (4)” Genesis 28:19 Think back for a moment to that time and place where you “first believed” or to that time where God in some way became very real to you. My guess is that you are able to visualize the occasion, time of day and location in vivid […]