Spiritual darkness is a reality that is misunderstood. Horror movies and science fiction overemphasize it for profit in the entertainment world, but it is nothing to toy with, or be entertained by.. Satan is the master of deceit, the prince of darkness, and the ruler of this present age. We saw his work in the Garden, the effect on Cain's decision to murder his brother, and the destroyer of an entire civilization in Noah's day.

He is so powerful that Jesus said He came to destroy his works.

Could it be that Abraham met him face to face along his journey?

This is a lesson for standing in faith, trusting in God, and facing the enemy.

The most well known and possibly life-changing verse in the New Testament is John 3:16. In the Old Testament there is a verse to which all of world history is hinged, Genesis 12:3.

We will begin to explore why and as time goes on, how these two verses connect.

The Redemption Story did not begin in eternity even though the price paid for it did. The Lamb of God~Yeshua~was slain before the foundation of the earth. But the need for redemption arose when Adam and Eve partook of what they were supposed to resist.We will return to the origin of Jacob's journey. That is where innocence was lost, but where hope was born. It is the beginning of God's curriculum. We call it Disciples of Hope.

Jesus paid the tuition, but it is not a free ride!

Victor is the Director of the Bible Society in Israel. They have been working on a translation of the Ancient text into modern Hebrew for over five years but in preparation for many more years. This is the first time in Israel's history that they will be able to read and understand the Bible in their own language with an authentic translation of the original text. That Bible is now being distributed in Israel. This is epic!

God wrestled Jacob through the darkness and aloneness of the night and Jacob came out a winner. His new name, Israel, became his new identity. He no longer needed to strive alone, but to serve beside the One who loves Him and gave His life for Him.

To make this story yours, allow God access to your soul. That is when your journey takes on meaning and significance. Your new identity becomes a source of life for others.

There is no need to travel your journey alone.

Jacob has traveled on a long and difficult road to this point. Is this an illustration of "what we must do to be saved?" Or was this just another Old Testament story with little significance today.

Perhaps there is much more significance and a lesson in resilience built into this episode for all. of us.

Jacob comes to a crossroads that will affect not only his future, but his family and ultimately all mankind. His situation is one that is common to us all, in varying intensity--the moment when we face the consequences of our choices and our upbringing. We approach the intersection of the divinity and the humanity within the soul of man. It becomes a moment of opportunity to be real with God and decide whether to avoid or confront the identity that has befallen me or pursue the one that is awaiting me even if it seems so foreign.

This episode is unintentionally out of sequence. You will hear an account of the events of 9/11/2001 on Paul's journey. It is an illustration of how God can turn an unexpected disaster into a life-giving encounter.

It can happen to any of us on our Journey from Jacob.

Be prepared.