(New Year an opportunity to come to a new place and relationship)

Intro:- Lamentations.3:22-23. niv.   Israel in Babylonian captivity when prophesy is given

1. a.      The Lord’s faithfulness to His promises  - constant
2. b.      His great love and compassion never fails – THEY ARE NEW EVERY MORNING
3. c.       They are beyond our understanding/comprehension. Isa.55:8-9.

Psalm.85:10-11a. MERCY and TRUTH – Prophetically looking forward to the ministry and resurrection of Christ.

1. 1.      Genesis.32:22-32. Peniel = Face of God. New opportunity, New Name and Purpose!  New focus upon God and His will! New walk!

Jacob – Never really grasped that the Lord’s hand was upon him from his mother’s womb, until this time.      PENIEL – A PLACE OF CRISIS AND OPPOTUINITY.

Gen.25:21-26. v.23 “Two nations! Two people! Separated! the eldest will serve the youngest!

1. a.      Jeremiah.1:5. “Before formed in the womb I knew you-----------“
2. b.      Eph.1:4. “Chosen in Him before the foundation of the world----“
3. c.       Psalm.139:13-16.”Created! Knit(formed) in mother’s womb-----“

Gen.25:29-34. Esau sells Jacob his birthright. v.32. “What good is the birthright to me”?     God’s sovereign purpose – is beginning to take place.  Jacob understood  value of the birthright.       Esau allowed his flesh to control him without thinking!

Gen.27. Jacob/ Rachel scheme to get Isaac’s blessing!   Father’s approval so important.

Gen.28:10-22.  “God’s ladder – Revelation to Jacob – Running from Esau.

1. a.      Earth to Heaven and Lord’s presence at the top.
2. b.      By faith we climb – every step takes us closer to God’s presence
3. c.       God speaks to Jacob – Promises and reassurance.
4. d.      Angels - ascending and descending – ready to assist when needed. Heb.13:2

n.b. God’s revelation to Jacob of Himself and the Way of Faith – Little effect at this  time upon Jacob – who will continue to plot and scheme!

20 years pass – Jacob works for Laban, continuing to scheme to become rich. God is about to intervene, to accomplish His will and purposes in Jacob’s life!

Gen.31:11-13. Angel appears again to Jacob in a dream – First reminds Jacob that he made a vow at Bethel Gen.28:20-22. Then tells him to “Now leave this land at once and go back to your native land”

Gen.32:24-32.    PENIEL – PLACE OF CRISIS AND OPPOTUNITY

1. a.      Alone with the Lord – The Lord wrestles with Jacob!
2. b.      Finds it hard to surrender his old nature.
3. c.       Finally realising he cannot win stops fighting and surrenders to the Lord.
4. d.      Holds on tightly to the Lord!
5. e.      REAL BLESSINGS COME WHEN WE HOLD ON TO THE LORD!

Dramatic change.      Heb.11:21.      a. Spiritually   b. Physical – limp – dependency

“What is your name?”          “Call me ISRAEL Jacob is a THING OF THE PAST”

ISRAEL =                 a.   Prince with God = Position in the Lord

b.   Rule with God = Authority to act for the Lord

       c.   Soldier of God = Wage warfare for the Lord    

HOLDING ON BRINGS   –   REFRESHING! RENEWAL! and BLESSINGS!!!!!!!!

Conclusion:- Reasons for experiencing a NEW YEAR BEGINNING TO OUR LIVES!

HIS PROVISION – HIS PRESENCE – HIS PROMISES – HIS PROTECTION

Senior Pastor Terry Brinded                                                             2012-01-01