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Sharing my thoughts on devotional readings

Journaling is a way to integrate truth and remember it. Every person views scripture from their own life context and experience, in addition to being illuminated by the Holy Spirit. We gain varied insights by listening to others. I would be happy to hear the thoughts and perspectives of readers of this blog.

Saturday, November 17, 2007

Jacob Gets Isaac's Blessing

Haven't You Reserved any Blessing for Me?

Scripture
Genesis 25-27

Observation
We may think that bestowing a blessing is an act of our own volition. Perhaps we even under value the blessing. In this story we see the agonizing regret of both Isaac and Esau, when Isaac is not able to speak the words of blessing to him that he desires to, that were intended for him. It is as though the blessing is a tangible thing. Once given it cannot be revoked or retrieved.

In the story of Balaam and Barak, Balaam says, "Indeed I have received a command to bless; he has blessed; and I cannot reverse it" (Num. 23:23). In the previous verse he says, "God is not a man that he should lie, nor a human being that he should change his mind. Has he said and will he not do it? Or has he spoken it and will he not make it happen."

Application
I am once again impressed by the extreme importance of watching what I say. According to Proverbs 18:21, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue." I had a very wretched experience once. The wife of a relative had left her husband and I carelessly said something to the effect that it was good for her and my attitude was that, he might learn a lesson. The next thing I heard he had killed himself.

Prayer
Father, set a watch before my lips and restrain me if necessary from speaking what I should not. Make me attentive to your spirit, to speak your words. Help me to be silent about myself and to speak only that which edifies.

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