Abraham gave everything he owned to his son Isaac. But before he died, he gave gifts to the sons of his concubines and sent them off to a land in the east, away from Isaac. ... His sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah. ... Isaac loved Esau ... but Rebekah loved Jacob. ... Jacob replied (to Esau), “... trade me your rights as the firstborn son.” ... So Esau swore an oath, thereby selling all his rights as the firstborn to his brother, Jacob. ... He showed contempt for his rights as the firstborn.
Father God ...
Someone will always have more than me. Someone will always have less. Grant me contentment in all things and wise words to share which encourage satisfaction.
Someone will appear to walk in greater favor than me; someone will seem to have less favor than me. Keep my eyes on You and let me listen only for Your grace to me. Help me to stir that same gladness in others.
Sometimes, I will have to work with one whose existence truly complicates my thought-life and challenges my prayer-life. Lord, no one enters my life apart from Your plan; let me stay focused on You and not my emotions, thoughts or preferences.
The attention one receives does not reflect the entire story of another, or me. Lord, grant me supernatural understanding that I may engage in truth, love and spirit with the person and not the perception.
A person's values and priorities are expressed in their appetites. Holy Spirit, let my desires reflect You. May I never compromise spiritually to gain physically.
The decisions people make may bring great or grave consequences; but people are still people. Unique and in need of God. Lord Jesus, You showed perfect love and grace in response to sinners; let me follow Your divine example. May I receive what You offer me, too.
Lord God, I praise You for You are the One who knows each of us, Who sees each of us and knows us by name. You alone are the One worthy of praise and honor and glory and majesty.
I confess, I am sometimes unsettled by what I perceive one has and another lacks. I struggle when I see or experience some of the scenarios these verses remind of. Help me, inspire me to respond lovingly, honorably and with integrity when I do pass through these opportunities. May I bring You glory in each encounter. Purify my desires and passions that I may not trample Your grace, malign Your Name or show contempt for the gifts You have blessed me with. Heal me of insecurity, Father, and use me to heal others, if it pleases You.
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