"Jesus says, ‘You see, if you have me, I will actually fulfill you, and if you fail me, Iwill always forgive you. I‘m the only savior who can do that." - Timothy Keller - P148
There is nothing wrong with desiring good things in this world,be it money, romance, security, health, or
a sense of accomplishment.
- P149
The problem arises when we take those good things and turn them into gods that
we serve and worship, believing they will bless us with fulfillment. - P149
The siren song of the idol calls out, "If you only had a little more,
then you will truly be happy." - P149
But if we fix our eyes on the One
who provides true blessing, we realize that this is a lie that will lead us
down a path of despair. - P149
Only God is worthy of our worship becauseHe is the only one who can truly satisfy our souls. - P149
Father, I thank you that You richly provide for me. - P149
You not only pour out big,
unexpected blessings, but You also provide for my daily, practical needs. - P149
Keep my heart humble so that I may
always receive Your gifts with joy and gratitude.
In Jesus‘ name, amen. - P149
[NIV] 15 Laban said to him, "Just because you are a rel-ative of mine, should you work for me for nothing? Tellme what your wagesshould be." - P150
17 Leah had weak eyes, but Rachel had a lovely figureand was beautiful. - P150
19 Laban said, "It‘s better that I give her to you than tosome other man. Stay here with me." 20 So Jacob servedseven years to get Rachel, but they seemed like only afew days to him because of his love for her.
alco Stay and - P150
25 When morning came, there was Leah! So Jacob saidto Laban, "What is this you have done to me? I servedyou for Rachel, didn‘t I? Why have you deceived me?" - P151
30 Jacob made love to Rachel also, and his love forRachel was greater than his love for Leah. And heworked for Laban another seven years. - P151
At first glance, Jacob‘s desire for Rachel may seem romantic, but onfurther reflection, it becomes clear that his attachment is unhealthy and obsessive. - P152
Desperate to earn Rachel‘s hand in marriage, Jacob offers to labor for seven years. - P152
When the years are completed, he demandsthat Rachel be given to him that he might satisfy his desire for her.
- P152
Jacob turns God‘s beautiful gift into an idol that consumes his heart.
- P152
Romantic desire is not sinful in itself, but it is all too easy to become so entangled in
the pursuit of this love that we forget our
calling to love the Lord our God above all
else. - P152
When we put God first, He equips and
strengthens us to love others well. - P152
Laban takes advantage of Jacob‘s impatient desire and deceives him into marrying
Rachel‘s older sister, Leah. - P152
Thus, Jacob the deceiver reaps what he
has sown and gets duped in a humiliating fashion. - P152
He has already thrown away seven years
of his life and will now serve seven more inorder to win the wife he desires. - P152
It is a humbling experience through
which God wants to teach Jacob to stop relying on his own devices and
instead depend on Him. - P152
God works in the same way in our lives as He refines our character for His greater
purposes. - P152
It may take some time,
and for many it is a lifelong journey,
but God promises to sanctify us into
His likeness. - P152
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