As we reflect on Isaac’s benediction, we see that it was not just a long list of things he wanted his heir to have and enjoy in this life. This benediction, for which Jacob was willing to do anything (including deceiving his father), is relatively short in length. Was it worth all that he risked? When his deception was discovered, he had to flee from Esau for fear that his brother might kill him for stealing his blessing!
Read MoreSo he came near and kissed him. And Isaac smelled the smell of his garments and blessed him and said, “See, the smell of my son is as the smell of a field that the LORD has blessed! 28 May God give you of the dew of heaven and of the fatness of the earth and plenty of grain and wine. 29 Let peoples serve you, and nations bow down to you. Be lord over your brothers, and may your mother's sons bow down to you. Cursed be everyone who curses you, and blessed be everyone who blesses you!” (Gen. 27:27-29)
Read MoreHere is another prayer of John Baillie’s to start the week: ‘ “CREATOR SPIRIT, who forever hovers over the lands and waters of earth, enriching them with forms and colors that no human skill can copy, give me today the mind and heart to rejoice in your creation.
Read MoreAnother prayer of John Baillie’s to close out the week: “O GOD, immortal, eternal, invisible, I remember with joy and Thanksgiving all that you have been to us:
Read MoreAs we reflect on Eliezer’s prayer of thanksgiving, we have been focusing on the reasons for his deep gratitude. We talked about the immediacy of God’s answer and his deep sense of responsibility as a faithful servant. Another reason was his humility, which overwhelmed him with a sense of awe that the LORD should hear his prayer.
Read MoreWe are reflecting on Eliezer’s prayer of thanksgiving, particularly the reason for his deep gratitude. As we saw yesterday, one was the immediacy of God’s answer. Another was his deep sense of responsibility, which came from his understanding of his master’s heart. You know how it is—the heavier the burden, the greater the joy of relief.
Read MoreThe man bowed his head and worshiped the LORD 27 and said, "Blessed be the LORD, the God of my master Abraham, who has not forsaken his steadfast love and his faithfulness toward my master. As for me, the LORD has led me in the way to the house of my master's kinsmen." (Gen. 24:26-27).
Read More“ALMIGHTY and most merciful Father, your power and love eternally work together for the protection of your children. Give me grace today to put my trust in you.
Read More“O UNAPPROACHABLE Light, how can I raise these guilty hands to you? How can I pray to you with lips that have spoken hollow and grumpy words?
Read MoreDesirous to know God’s choice for Isaac’s bride, Eliezer asks for a certain sign so that “By this I shall know that you have shown steadfast love to my master.” And it is wonderful to see how God answers his prayer right away! So, today, let’s see whether we should pray this kind of prayer to discern God’s will for our lives. My concern is not whether we can do this or not. We can pray for anything and in any way we want. Whether it pleases God and God will answer it is a different story. We should also ask whether this is the wisest thing we can do. I’m sure there are times when we want so desperately to know God’s will in a particular issue and engage in this kind of prayer. There are a few things to keep in mind.
Read More