Matters of the heart-A Blessing Model part 4 Genesis 27:18-29 In today’s talk, after a short review, we introduce the blessing model based on what we have been learning over the last several weeks. My intention is to create a visual image to represent what occurs through the blessing exchange. These are symbols only, but […]

Matters of the heart-A Blessing Model part 3 Genesis 27:18-29 We have been looking at a model for blessing. What actually occurs during this intimate and powerful exchange between a father and a son? Why is this moment so memorable to the son? Why does this exchange carry power to influence the younger man for […]

Matters of the heart-A Blessing Model part 2 Genesis 27:18-29 Last time we introduced you to the discovery of the “Mirror Neuron” with the implications this discovery has on how we relate as human beings. In this lesson we will dig deeper looking at how this discovery has direct correlation to our subject of blessing. […]

Matters of the heart-A Blessing Model part 1 Genesis 27:18-29 Based on what we have been learning it is now time to create our model for understanding “Blessing.” In our lesson today, (after I attempt to correct my verbal snafu from last week) we will look at one last and very interesting human reality which […]

Matters of the heart-The Observer Effect Genesis 27:18-29 We have been looking at this subject of blessing attempting to gain a deeper understanding of what actually happens during the exchange. This exploration is prompted by the enigmatic story we find in Genesis 27, “the stolen blessing.” It was obvious to all participants within the story […]

Matters of the heart-Connection vs. Separateness Genesis 27:18-29 We believe as Christians that God’s presence is in all places at all times. We also beleive that Christ Himself “holds all things together.” (Colossians 1:17). But what does this really mean, and how does it relate to our subject at hand? I think this truth is […]

Matters of the Heart-Influence Genesis 27:18-29 When you hear the phrase, “That really influenced me,” what does that mean? What is influence? How does it work? How does it relate to our subject at hand? Let’s think about this subject. Jesus spoke about influence. He once said, “You are the light of the world,” he […]

Matters of the Heart-Coherence and Effect Genesis 27:18-29 We are looking at the power of blessing. I’m suggesting that “to Bless” is way under-utilized within in our culture simply because it’s either misunderstood, dismissed as “touchy feely” or masked by a world view that believes we have no real ability to influence others and for […]

Matters of the Heart-Coherence Genesis 27:18-29 Last time we introduced the idea of the heart organ within our bodies may be more than a pump. Although this function is extremely important what we are suggesting is that what the ancients have believed and the Biblical language supports is an intelligence residing within the heart itself. […]

Matters of the Heart Genesis 27:18-29 I have been so captured by this story and what I think are the ramifications for us men today. So much so, we plan to set up camp for a few weeks to explore the landscape. My motive is simply to gain a deeper appreciation of what God has […]

Extreme Measures Genesis 27:18-29 I have had occasion over the last few weeks to discuss with friends this story of the “Stolen Blessing.” What I have learned is two things. One is that the story is familiar to all, not surprising one bit. Number two is that there is a common perplexity regarding the story […]

What’s My Worth Genesis 27:14-17 The message was clear as Jacob nervously anticipated the next few moments with dad. He must have thought “for me to get dad’s blessing here I need to put on a really good act, I need to be my brother. It’s show-time!” Thus the unfortunate reality that has permeated human […]

Let me do it for you Genesis 27:14-17 Rebekah’s plan is set in motion with Jacob’s compliance to his mom’s commands. With assigned tasks completed the two meet back in the kitchen to implement their plan. Savory smells fill the kitchen as mom dresses her son for battle or rather should we say, blessing. It […]

Why boys stay as boys Genesis 27:5-13 Family dynamics, we all have our stories, do we not? In this story today, Rebekah steps in. We have to believe her intentions are good, at least from her perspective. She is attempting to merely compensate for her husband’s apparent “out of touchness” regarding who should get the […]

“From Grief To Blessing” part 3 or “The Power of Blessing” Genesis 27:1-4 We have been looking at Isaac admiring how he was able to transition from a time of major disappointment in his son to now as he desires to bless. We have spent two sessions looking at background and creating the context for […]

“From Grief To Blessing” part 2 Genesis 27:1-4 Regarding “eyesight” Isaac is limited. However, regarding “lucidity” Isaac is clear as ever. So in this sense he can’t see, but yet he can see. He understands where he is, where he wants to go and how he plans to get there. His means to get to […]

“From Grief To Blessing” Genesis 27:1-4 Last time we explored how disappointment and heartache often follows a victory. The reason being of course is because life is mixed. As you and I live out our days our life experiences are categorized and indexed within our minds. Sometime within our second half of life we begin […]

“The trouble with expectations” Genesis 26:34-35 Isaac has just experienced a significant victory. This victory was not about the degree of power he was able to exercise to defeat, dominate and win. Rather it was about losing. When everything within his being shouted out to get even he humbly submitted to God within and thus […]

“Memories, Promise, Mark, Move on” Genesis 26:31-33 As I look back on my life I can identify a handful of decisions that have dramatically influenced where I am today, some good, some not so good. It would have been nice to know when such an important juncture was approaching. It sure would have been helpful […]

Nothing Noble, Total Grace Genesis 26:26-30 As Isaac peers out of his window one afternoon, coming up the sidewalk, a blast from his past. Abimelech pays Isaac a visit. The man who once handed Isaac his hat is now approaching his front porch. Isaac ponders as he watches. What could this guy want after all […]