Genesis 28:20-22

Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me and will watch over me on this journey I am taking and will give me food to eat and clothes to wear 21 so that I return safely to my father’s household, then the Lord will be my God 22 and this stone that I have set up as a pillar will be God’s house, and of all that you give me I will give you a tenth.”- Genesis 28:20-22

Dear Heavenly Father,

Jacob had ruined his family and his testimony. He stole the blessing you were going to give him anyway. Then you chased him down, but not to hurt him. No, you chased him down to restore him in redeeming grace. What an amazing Creator you are! You must have smiled with parental, condescending mercy when he promised that if you would travel with him, he'd bless you with a 10th of all you gave him. How patient you are with us people who flatter ourselves when we give back to you part of what you already owned anyway! Thank you for the grace you have in every corner of our stinking lives. It's the air we breathe, the water we drink and the food that we crave. Accept my small life as my way of saying thanks for chasing me down to save me.

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

When you give something to God from your heart, don't forget to thank him for the privilege of participating in his universe.

Additional Reading: 2 Corinthians 8 and 9.