This morning I read the story of Jacob in Genesis 28.  Isaac had sent him on a journey to find a wife.  During the journey Jacob had a dream in which the Lord promised to bless him and his offspring.  It was a wonderful promise and when Jacob awakened, he knew this was a special place.  He built an altar to honor the Lord.  But then he immediately turned and made a vow putting conditions on his service for the Lord.  “If God will be with me and watch over me on this journey, if He provides me with food to eat and clothing to wear, and if I return safely to my father’s house, then the Lord will be my God.”

Jacob was a guy that wanted his own way.  It is not unusual for us to try and put conditions on our obedience to the Lord.  We expect God to bless us and do it in the way that we suggest.  The selfishness of Jacob is alive and well today.  We must make sure that this type of attitude does not rule our thinking as we begin the week.

The response to “The Call to Follow Christ” has been tremendous.  If you do not yet have your book, we will have one for you on Wednesday.  I am so encouraged by the attitude of hundreds of people about this study.  Don’t let anything keep you from being a part of this study.  If you have some type of special circumstance, we will try to do everything that we can to help you be involved.  It is so exciting to see the way so many are taking this seriously and doing whatever it takes to take advantage of this opportunity.  God is going to do some great things in the lives of people as we spend time with Him.  Don’t hesitate to call our office if we can help.  I look forward to seeing you Wednesday.