Life-Giving Words of Hope & Encouragement

In the Bible, Jacob, whose name means “Deceiver,” was known for his dishonesty and trickery. After years of living deceitfully, he chose to confront his past and return home to face the consequences of his actions. He had a life-changing encounter with God during his journey home at Bethel. As a result, God changed his name from Jacob to Israel, which means “Prince with God,” symbolizing a transformation from his old ways to a new, blessed identity.

We all have a Jacob and an Israel within us. Inside you, there’s a holy, righteous, favored world-changer. However, be warned: Jacob may try to surface. You may be peacefully driving to work, singing praises, and enjoying the day when suddenly someone cuts you off in traffic. Out of nowhere, Jacob emerges. Jacob wants to complain, while Israel wants to praise. Jacob wants to hold a grudge, while Israel wants to forgive.

I’m asking you to be an Israel, not a Jacob. It’s time to walk into your new name, your new identity. Every day, you must choose: “Am I Jacob, or am I Israel? Will I hold on to this offense or let it go? Am I going to hang out with these friends that cause me to compromise, or will I stay on the high road and be a person of excellence?” It’s time to let go of the old self and embrace the new and improved version of yourself.

I read something interesting about mountain climbers. When they’re climbing, one of the main things they have to watch out for are poisonous snakes. A snake bite high up in the mountains can easily be fatal, as it can take hours or even days to be rescued. So, constantly watching out for poisonous snakes is always at the forefront of their minds.

However, there’s something called “The Snake Line.” When climbers reach a certain altitude where the air is so thin, snakes cannot survive. If we maintain control over our emotions, resist giving in to our impulses, and continue to grow and spiritually mature, we’ll reach a point where the “snakes,” or the fleshly things that trouble us, can no longer affect us.

I encourage you today to align yourself with spiritual values instead of being controlled by worldly desires. Your decisions impact your own life, the lives of your children, and future generations. God is calling us to a higher standard, and now is the time to make a change. Today is a new opportunity to achieve what was previously impossible. Your choices can improve your marriage, elevate your career, and bring abundance into your life. They can also lead to a healthier, happier life and a longer lifespan.