“Then Jacob rose early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put at his head, set it up as a pillar, and poured oil on top of it. 19 And he called the name of that place Bethel; but the name of that city had been Luz previously. 20 Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me, and keep me in this way that I am going, and give me bread to eat and clothing to put on, 21 so that I come back to my father’s house in peace, then the Lord shall be my God. 22 And this stone which I have set as a pillar shall be God’s house, and of all that You give me I will surely give a tenth to You.”” Genesis 28:18-22 NKJV
God of generosity,
Jacob was changed. He acknowledged that You, God, are real and he had to respond to You when he awoke. He made a request and an agreement with You, the God of his life. And now he was not running away but on a journey that would at some time enable him to go back and make peace. And he promises to tithe. To give from that which God would provide. Most likely a sacrifice of livestock, the most valuable commodity he had.
So Jacob begins to change. Not overnight. He is still able to scheme and cheat as we read about the sheep breeding schemes later . . . (Genesis 30:37-43). But he keeps the promises to You God. When he returns, he makes peace with Esau and You continue to be his Lord and God.
Help us recognise it is a journey to holiness. To be patient with ourselves and others, but to make progress. And to remember if we have made promises to You, God, to write them down or keep them to mind so we honour them just as You, God are faithful. Help us not to make rash promises or just admit when we cannot keep them. And to give whatever You, God give us and lay on our hearts to give.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Sunday 118th January 2026
Father of kindness
You have poured out of grace
You brought me out of darkness
You have filled me with peace
Giver of mercy
You’re my help in time of need
Lord I can’t help but sing
Faithful You are
Faithful forever You will be
Faithful You are
All Your promises are yes and Amen
All Your promises are yes and Amen
Beautiful Savior
You have brought me near
You pulled me from the ashes
You have broken every curse
Blessed redeemer
You have set this captive free
Lord I can’t help but sing
Chorus Twice
I will rest in Your promises
My confidence is Your faithfulness
I will rest in Your promises
My confidence is Your faithfulness
I will rest in Your promises
My confidence is Your faithfulness
I will rest in Your promises
My confidence is Your faithfulness
Chorus twice
All Your promises are yes and Amen
All Your promises are yes and Amen
Lyrics: Christopher Andrew Mcclarney, Nate Moore, Tony Brown