In the arid climate of the Middle East,
water is life. - P122
In the New Testament,
Jesus likens the abundant life He came
to bring us to living water. - P122
Throughout Isaac‘s struggle to find
a source of water,
he remains in the land and in the end,
he is blessed. - P122
When we go through hardship,
it is tempting to run away from
our problems. - P122
But in merely seeking an escape,
we often miss out on the blessings
of endurance that God has in store for us. - P122
Let us take courage, looking to our
everlasting source of living water.
- P122
Trials are inevitable in our lives. Don‘t runthem-embrace them!
And allow God to use them to shape you
into the image of His Son. - P123
Maybe you have heard the saying, "Faith untested is faith unknown."
This is the theme of the book of James as he counsels us to
"consider it pure joy" whenever we face
trials (James 1:2). - P123
James is not trying to convince us to
enjoy painful experiences.
Rather, he is challenging us to be joyful in
the midst of trials because they produce
the perseverance that results in spiritual
growth and maturity. - P123
Lord, help me to endure trials and opposition in my life. - P123
Give me the courage to patiently shoulder
the burdens You place upon me, knowing
that sufferingproduces perseverance,
character, and hope.
In Jesus‘ name, amen. - P123
2 Isaac said, "I am now an old man and don‘t know theday of my death. 3 Now then, get your equipment-your quiver and bow-and go out to the open countryto hunt some wild game for me. 4 Prepare me the kindof tasty food I like and bring it to me to eat, so that Imay give you my blessing before I die." - P124
13 His mother said to him, "My son, let the curse fall onme. Just do what I say; go and get them for me." - P125
Before Esau and Jacob were even born, the Lord told Rebekah that the younger son
would be greater than the older. - P126
Despite God‘s clear intentions,
Isaac promises the covenantal blessing to Esau, probably because he did not want
to go against custom. - P126
Though we cannot becertain why Isaac chose to divert from the will of God, we do know that it is human nature to follow
one‘s habits and impulses even when they conflict with God‘s desires. - P126
The good news is that God‘s purposes for
us are not limited by our failures; His plans will come to pass, in spite of us.
- P126
In light of God‘s passion to fulfill His will in our lives, let us striveto follow His ways. - P126
When Rebekah hears of Isaac‘s intentions, she devises a plan for Jacob to trick his
way into receiving the blessing instead of Esau. - P126
We do notknow whether she does this because she remembers God‘s words or
because Jacob is her favored son, but her methods are clearly deceitful.
- P126
Here, we see the sovereignty of God on full display, working to fulfill His plans even
amid the sinful schemes of man. . - P126
There is nothing thatis outside of God‘s control; He is able to achieve His purposes
through us even though our actions are
so often inclined toward evil. - P126
This precious truth is a comforting
reminder to us when we stumble and
make mistakes, for God is always able to
turn evil into good - P126
"Nothing is a surprise to God; nothing is a setback to His plans; nothing canthwart His purposes; and nothing is beyond His control. His sovereignty isabsolute." - Joni Eareckson TadaSelb - P126
Lord God, Your ways are far beyond my understanding! - P127
Help me to always seek Your perfect
will and strive to follow it. - P127
When I fail, remind me of Your promise
and power to make all things good for Your glory. In Jesus‘ name, amen - P127
we will find that God‘s idea of blessing is rather different from that of the world.
God certainly blesses His people throughtangible things like food, children, and material provision. - P127
However,
the greater blessings of Scripture are spiritual and culminate in God‘sgreatest gift to the world, His Son Jesus Christ.
- P127
Christ has set us free from the power of sin and we will live eternally in fellowship
with Him! - P127
Let us look to Christ daily andbe reminded of the abundant blessings we already have in Him. - P127
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