The book of Hebrews describes Esau as "godless," a man who "for a single meal sold
his inheritance rights as the oldest son" (Heb. 12:16).
- P110
These words are meant as a warning and encouragement to Christians who are
weak and weary from their trials and
tempted to run to the world. - P110
We must cling to God‘s promises by faith. - P110
It is easy, especially when we deal with
discomfort or suffering, to place our felt
needs above God‘s blessings. - P110
The world offers many different kinds of
"stew" that promise to satisfy our hunger,
but none of them are lasting or eternal.
- P110
God, on the other hand, offers us inestimable blessings through His Son,
the "firstborn over all creation" (Col. 1:15). - P110
Lord, may I cling to Your promises in times of testing and trial, knowing that patience
and endurance are marks of faith and that this narrow path will surely lead to a full
and abundant life with You. In Your name, amen. - P111
[NIV] 1 Now there was a famine in the land-besidesthe previous famine in Abraham‘s time—and Isaac wentto Abimelek king of the Philistines in Gerar. - P112
2 The LORD appeared to Isaac and said, "Do not godown to Egypt; live in the land where I tell you to live. - P112
5 because Abraham obeyed me and did everything I re-quired of him, keeping my commands, my decrees andmy instructions." 6 So Isaac stayed in Gerar. - P112
7 When the men of that place asked him about his wife,
he said, "She is my sister," because he was afraid to say,
"She is my wife." He thought, "The men of this placemight kill me on account of Rebekah, because she isbeautiful." - P113
Children learn not only from their parent‘s faithfulness but from their failures
as well. - P114
As famine hits the land, Isaac seems inclined to make the same decision
as his father to leave, perhaps intending
to go down to Egypt. - P114
But God appears to him, expressly urging him not to. He reminds him of
the promises given to his family and
guarantees His presence and blessing
if he remains in the land. - P144
Isaac, in turn, responds in faithful
obedience. - P114
In His patience and mercy, God walks with each generation, training our families to
grow in our capacity to rely on Him.
Families built on faith and the promises of God pass on blessings to future
generations. - P114
Unlike his father, Isaac demonstrates trust and obedience to God by remaining in the
land despite the famine. - P114
However, like his father, he eventually
gives in to fear and lies to the Philistines,
telling them thatRebekah is his sister. - P114
Once again, a pagan king discovers the truth and does all he can to avoid the
judgment of God. - P114
There is a truth here thatwe would do well to learn: our actions and behavior as God‘s people are either potential blessings or
stumbling blocks for our friends and
neighbors. - P114
It is also true that, at times,
God can correct us through unlikely means. - P114
Let us heed these rebukes so that our faith and testimony may be purified. - P114
When God transforms your life, do not keep this blessing to yourself.
Pass it on to future generations! - P115
Lord, help me to live in faithful obedience to You so that I may be salt and lightto those around me. - P115
May my faith serve as a witness that brings others into Your kingdom through faith
in Jesus. In His name, amen. - P115
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