God Has Been Gracious

Listen to the Audio

One of the amazing things about God is that he is always the same and never changes. Today we will be looking at one passage from the Old Testament and another from the New Testament that both tell us the same thing. 

In the book of Genesis, Jacob steals his brother Esau's birthright and blessing, so his parents send Jacob off to find a wife because Esau wants to kill him. On his way God appears to Jacob and tells him that he will be with him and watch over him. Over the course of 20 years Jacob grows very prosperous and has 2 wives, 12 sons, flocks, herds, and servants. Eventually God tells him it is time to go back, but Jacob is fearful of seeing his brother Esau again. In preparation of meeting Esau, Jacob sends a huge amount of presents to Esau in order to pacify Esau's wrath. But to Jacob's delight Esau is actually excited to see Jacob and he tells Jacob that he doesn't need all the gifts. 

Jacob responds in Genesis 33:11 with "Please accept my gift that was brought to you, because God has been gracious to me, and I have all I need.”

Notice in this verse that God's grace caused Jacob to have all he needed. It didn't happen overnight but over the course of time God's grace provided everything Jacob needed and more. 

In 2 Corinthians 9:8 the apostle Paul says almost the same things...

And God is able to make all grace [every favor and earthly blessing] come in abundance to you, so that you may always [under all circumstances, regardless of the need] have complete sufficiency in everything [being completely self-sufficient in Him], and have an abundance for every good work and act of charity.

Today's communion is a time of gratitude that God is gracious to us and provides all that we need and more. And this is a time to receive these promises from him. 

Today's Workout/Health Tip

One of the goals of exercise is to increase our capacity to do more while having it be beautiful and graceful. Sometimes in an effort to push things to far exercise can look ugly as people try to force it. But the goal is to increase our capacity to be able to handle more and more while being totally in control, at peace on the inside, and make it look beautiful and graceful. 

I am praying for you. 

Daniel