As Sarah was laid to rest, the Lord provided a wife for Isaac and reaffirmed His covenant. But as you'll read today, after the birth of Isaac's twin sons, Jacob and Esau, a new family rivalry began.
Before you begin
Ask the Lord to give you a fresh sense of wonder as you read His Word. Pray for understanding and for an open, humble, obedient heart to receive what He wants to say to you.
Read
Review
Write a sentence or two about what you've just read. This could be a summary of the passage or an observation or highlight that stood out to you.
Reflect
Are you holding a grudge or bitterness toward a family member or friend who has wronged you? Pause and ask the Lord to help you forgive them and to set you free from any lingering resentment.
"Esau held a grudge against Jacob. . . . He was storing it up, biding his time, intent on getting his revenge—and then some. But the problem is that being a “debt collector” does more than keep our offender in debtors’ prison; it puts us in prison also." —Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth1
Respond
Write a short prayer, based on today’s reading. This could include praise, gratitude, personal confession, agreement with the truth, or a request for yourself or someone else.
1Choosing Forgiveness, p. 35
Takeaway Thought
What key verse or insight will you take with you into your day?