Daniel Moore: 0:04
The Me First mentality is a mindset that prioritizes personal gain and success above all else, often at the expense of others. It promotes the idea that in order to get ahead in life, one must be cunning, cutthroat and willing to do whatever it takes to come out on top. This mentality can lead individuals to engage in deceptive or manipulative behavior in the pursuit of success. Jacob initially embraced this me-first mentality, using deceit, manipulation, to gain an advantage over others, including his own brother Esau and his uncle Laban. However, he eventually learned that this approach was not sustainable in the long run. In the long run, he experienced firsthand the consequences of his actions and realized that relying solely on his own cunning and cleverness could ultimately lead to his downfall. This week, on Connecting the Gap, we're continuing our study on feeling unqualified as we get into part 10 of this series, and we'll be back right after this. Welcome to Connecting the Gap. I'm Daniel Moore, your host. Thank you guys once again for joining us this week for another brand new episode of the podcast. If you're not familiar with our show, you can check out our website at wwwconnectingthegapnet. There you'll find out all of our platforms. Our YouTube and Rumble links are there. We're also on the Christian podcasting app, edify. You can also visit us on social at facebookcom, forward, slash, ctgaponline. If you're a fan of the show, please subscribe and feel free to leave a comment on our platforms and, of course, give us a thumbs up or a five-star review on Apple Podcasts. We love to hear what other people have to say about our ministry and we hope you'll take advantage of that. Well, as I stated here in the intro, we are in part 10 of our 12-part series on feeling unqualified. This week we're going to be talking about the Player Gets Played.
Daniel Moore: 2:41
A pastor once told a story about his sons, graham and Elijah. When they asked him to tell them a Bible story just before bedtime, they were probably just using this as a spiritual stall tactic, but, as the pastor said, I'm a sucker. Well, there's this one story in the Bible about wrestling match, but you probably wouldn't want to hear it. He teased. Yes, yes, please tell us. They said. So he began to tell them about Jacob and Esau and how they wrestled in their mommy's belly. He went on to tell them about the twins. He explained how Jacob was born, trying to beat his brother, and how he spent years of his life lying and deceiving to get what he wanted. He told them about the time Jacob pretended to be Esau and tricked his dad into giving the blessing to him instead of Esau. During the story he happened to mention that Isaac would have put his right hand on Jacob's head when he blessed him, because it was the hand of authority, the hand of the firstborn. The boys could definitely relate to all the competition and sibling rivalry, and when he got up to the part about Jacob fighting the angel, they were totally into it. You know, he may or may not have demonstrated a few gentle ultimate fighting championship moves on them to make that scene come alive.
Daniel Moore: 3:57
Well, his story choice was a success. The boys were completely engrossed and bummed when it ended, but he didn't comprehend the extent to which they were paying attention until a few nights later it was bedtime again. He laid them down for a minute so that they could say their prayers. Now he didn't do this every time that he prays for them, but this particular night he happened to put his hands on their heads while he was praying. He just happened to put his right hand on Elijah, his oldest, and his left hand on Graham, the youngest, and he didn't mean anything by it, but suddenly he felt Graham reach up and grab his right hand. He pulled it off of Elijah's head and put it on his own. Well, elijah figured out what was happening before the pastor did and he yanked the pastor's hand back and said oh no, you don't Too late, graham gloated. Then came the line that made the pastor's night. Just call me Jacob sucker. The pastor said he really did make this story up. At the time the kids were around five years old and he said clearly, our family needs some prayer. You know that statement. Just call me Jacob. You know, as the kids illustrated.
Daniel Moore: 5:10
Thousands of years after the original Jacob Esau wrestling match, nothing has changed. The same hill-grabbing, self-centered tendency is alive and well in all of us. No one has to teach us to fight for what we want. No one has to show us how to lie and deceive and to steal. It comes naturally. You know, from the moment that we are born.
Daniel Moore: 5:35
We are driven by a desire to protect and advance ourselves. This instinctual drive for self-preservation and self-advancement can manifest in various ways throughout our lives, often leading to conflicts and struggles with others. In the case of Jacob and Esau, they were already competing with each other before their birth, symbolizing the ongoing rivalry and conflict that would characterize their relationship. This constant struggle for dominance and power is an example of the self-motivations that can drive human behavior. It is natural for individuals to be primarily concerned with their own well-being and success. This self-focused mentality can lead to behaviors such as manipulation, deception and aggression. As individuals strive to secure their own interests, the belief that the world exists to serve our needs and desires can fuel a sense of entitlement and an insatiable drive for more. However, while self-preservation is an important instinct, excessive self-centeredness can hinder meaningful relationships and prevent personal and spiritual growth. Learning to balance our own needs with the needs of others can lead to a more fulfilling and harmonious life. By recognizing and overcoming our innate selfish tendencies, we can cultivate compassion and a greater sense of interconnectedness with the world around us.
Daniel Moore: 7:03
Now the story of Jacob shows that a life driven by self-serving motives can lead to prolonged struggles, broken relationships and unfilled desires. Jacob's journey taught him the hard way that his manipulative tactics and self-centered behavior did not bring lasting satisfaction or true fulfillment. Similarly, many people find themselves caught up in the cycle of self-preservation and self-advancement, constantly striving to secure their own interests at the expense of others. This mindset can lead to a sense of isolation, mistrust and emptiness, as individuals prioritize personal gain over meaningful connections and genuine compassion. While it may seem natural to focus on our own goals, needs and desires, an excessive preoccupation with self can ultimately hinder our growth. Constantly putting up defenses, plotting ahead and engaging in manipulative behaviors can create barriers between ourselves and others, preventing us from experiencing authentic relationships and genuine satisfaction.
Daniel Moore: 8:12
And you know, that was Jacob, always looking out for himself, always the master of his fate and always alone against the world. But you know what God didn't design us for? That? In last week's episode we looked at Jacob's propensity for pretense. He was an actor, a poser, a fake. Jacob had to learn to accept who he was before God could bless him. He became Israel when he learned to be Jacob.
Daniel Moore: 8:45
Jacob's tendencies towards manipulation can be seen as a reflection of his deep-rooted insecurities and lack of trust in God's providence. His relentless pursuit of personal gain and success stemmed from a fear of inadequacy and a belief that he had to rely solely on his own cunning and efforts to secure his destiny belief that he had to rely solely on his own cunning and efforts to secure his destiny. By constantly plotting and scheming to get ahead, jacob sought to compensate for his perceived weaknesses and vulnerabilities. Jacob's fixation on achieving his desires and asserting his superior ority was a result of his desperate need to prove himself and assert his identity. His relentless drive to be the best, the wealthiest and the most powerful was fueled by a deep-seated fear of failure and a need for validation from others. This relentless pursuit of success and recognition blinded Jacob to the destructive consequences of his manipulative actions and the toll it took on his relationships and sense of integrity. Ultimately, jacob's preoccupation with self-promotion and self-preservation prevented him from fully trusting in God's guidance and provision. His refusal to surrender control and acknowledge his limitations hindered his ability to experience true fulfillment and peace. It was only through a transformative encounter with God and a realization of his own vulnerability that Jacob was able to relinquish his manipulative tendencies and embrace a life of humility and faith. That's why the name Jacob was so perfect for him, as it reflected his nature as a hill grabber and a deceiver. The name Jacob itself means a planner, or he deceives, which aligns perfectly with Jacob's character and actions throughout his life.
Daniel Moore: 10:38
From the moment Jacob and Esau were born, jacob lived up to his name by grabbing hold of Esau's heel, symbolizing his inclination towards deception and manipulation. This initial act of rivalry and cunning set the stage for the dynamic between the two brothers, with Jacob consistently striving to come out on top and secure his own interest at the expense of others. One of the most notable instances of Jacob's deceitful behavior is seen where Esau trades his birthright to Jacob in exchange for a bowl of lentil stew. In this narrative, jacob takes advantage of Esau's hunger and impulsivity to manipulate him into giving up his birthright, a significant inheritance and privilege that belonged to the firstborn son. This cunning and opportunistic act further exemplifies Jacob's mastery of deception and willingness to exploit others for personal gain. He wanted the birthright and he was going to any extreme to get it. He was looking out for number one. Jacob saw an opening and took it. Unbelievably, esau fell for it. You know that's got to go down in the history books as one of the dumbest trades ever, right down to the bum deal.
Daniel Moore: 11:53
Portugal got in the Treaty of Tordesillas and the St Louis Hawks' decision to send Bill Russell to the Celtics. This decision says a lot about Esau, by the way. But the incident also says a lot about Esau, by the way. But the incident also says a lot about Jacob. Deceiver was his name, me first was his mantra. Esau never forgot about Jacob's taking advantage of him in a moment of weakness. Esau's resentment towards Jacob stemmed from the moment when Jacob took advantage of him in a vulnerable moment, demonstrating Jacob's manipulative nature. Despite this betrayal, jacob remained fixated on obtaining blessings and advantages for himself at any cost.
Daniel Moore: 12:35
Jacob's behavior exemplifies the destructive nature of a hill-grasping mentality, a mindset driven by self-centeredness and the desire to be the best at all costs. This insatiable thirst for validation and success often leads to a never-ending cycle of seeking more and more, as nothing ever seems to be enough to fill the void of a distorted self-worth. The damage caused by this me-first mentality is astounding, particularly in relationships. Jacob's relentless quest for personal gain left a trail of broken and wounded relationships in his wake. His actions not only hurt Esau, but also created discord within his own family, demonstrating the far-reaching consequences of prioritizing self-interest above all else.
Daniel Moore: 13:28
You know, I'm sure we have all met men who try to build empires to hide their insecurity. They always have to dominate and control. Everything is a competition, a challenge or a threat. They can't love or nurture their family the way they should because they are always spending all their energy on the right to rule. You know there are parents out there that undermine their kids' futures because they can't get past the shortfalls they had in their own lives as kids and the insecurities they have brought into their adult life. Do you see how damaging this can be in relationships?
Daniel Moore: 14:04
The belief that happiness is derived from having more than others is a common misconception that often leads to destructive behavior. In our pursuit of success, in our relentless quest to be at the top of the mountain, we may inadvertently trample on the relationships that are most important to us. The drive for advancement and superiority can blind us to the value of those around us, causing irreparable damage to the connections that we hold close. Irreparable damage to the connections that we hold close. This behavior not only harms those we care about, but also leaves us feeling isolated and alone. The very relationships that we neglect in the name of progress are often the ones that provide us with genuine fulfillment and support. Yet in our relentless pursuit of success and recognition, we may find ourselves feeling empty and disconnected from those who truly matter in our lives. And you know, that's not living. In my opinion, that's just surviving, but at a terrible cost. In our desperate efforts to get ahead, we can lose sight of our own worth and significance. We forget that our value does not lie in material possessions or achievements, but in the essence of who we are as individuals. Each of us possesses inherent worth and should be treasured for our unique qualities and contributions to the world. We are important because God created us, because he loves us, because God chose us.
Daniel Moore: 15:35
After Jacob pretended to be Esau and stole the blessing, he had to leave and ended up living with his uncle Laban for 21 years. His uncle Laban was even more of a con than Jacob was. He was the king of cons. As an example, Laban, Jacob's uncle, deceived Jacob by manipulating him into working for him for many years in exchange for marrying his daughters Rachel and Leah. Jacob fell in love with Rachel and agreed to work for Laban for seven years to marry her. However, Laban tricked Jacob by marrying him to Leah instead of Rachel. Apparently, Jacob was too drunk that night to even notice. He woke up the next morning and was furious. For obvious reasons. Jacob was then required to work an additional seven years to marry Rachel. You know Jacob had met his match. Laban's deceitful actions not only exploited Jacob's love for Rachel, but also showcased his manipulative nature and willingness to use others for his own benefit. Despite Jacob's love and dedication, Laban's deception and dishonesty led to a complicated and tumultuous relationship between the two men. After 21 years of this, jacob found himself fleeing in fear once again. Have you ever noticed how complicated it gets when everyone is manipulating everyone else, when everyone looks at each other as a springboard to use other people to get whatever they want? It's complicated, it's confusing and it's exhausting.
Daniel Moore: 17:15
In Matthew, chapter 19, verse 30, Jesus says but many who are first will be last and the last first. This statement by Jesus sheds a powerful light on how things work in the kingdom of God. Jesus is emphasizing that in the kingdom of God, the values and principles are often contrary to the world's standards. In the context of this verse, Jesus is addressing the disciples' concerns about who will be the greatest in the kingdom. He teaches them that humility, selflessness and service are essential qualities for those who seek greatness in the kingdom of God. Jesus emphasizes that those who exalt themselves and seek to be greatness in the kingdom of God. Jesus emphasizes that those who exalt themselves and seek to be first in the eyes of men may find themselves last in the kingdom of God. Conversely, those who humble themselves and prioritize serving others may be exalted and considered first in the eyes of God.
Daniel Moore: 18:12
We read this and we say now come on, jesus. That's not how the world works. Haven't you seen Talladega Nights? Didn't you hear what Ricky Bobby's dad said to him as he was peeling out? If you ain't first, you're last. Well, you know, and Jesus might respond to that decent movie, but wrong philosophy.
Daniel Moore: 18:36
This verse reminds us of the upside-down nature of the kingdom of God, where the values and priorities of the world are reversed. It serves as a reminder that true greatness is not measured by worldly success, power or status, but by one's heart's attitude and willingness to serve others. Jesus' teaching challenges us to rethink our perspectives on greatness and encourages us to prioritize humility, service and compassion in our lives. If everything is about you and your ego is so big that it takes all your time to protect it and polish it, and you need everyone around you to prop up your self-esteem, you are headed for misery.
Daniel Moore: 19:20
Heel-grabbing mentality characterized by self-centeredness and a constant focus on personal gain is indeed a detrimental mindset that can lead to misery and isolation. When individuals are consumed by their own desires and prioritize their own interests above everything else, they become trapped in a cycle of selfishness that prevents them from forming genuine connections with others. The relentless pursuit of personal advancement and success without consideration for the respect of others creates a sense of emptiness and disconnection. It can be isolating to constantly prioritize one's own convenience and needs, as it limits the ability to empathize with and support those around us. Relationships suffer when one is unable to see beyond their own self-interest, leading to a lack of genuine connection and understanding. Living in a self-centered illusion where the primary concern is quote-unquote, what's best for me can ultimately result in a sense of loneliness and unfulfillment. True happiness and fulfillment often come from cultivating meaningful relationships, practicing empathy and serving others.
Daniel Moore: 20:32
In Luke 9.25, jesus says what good is it for someone to gain the whole world and yet lose or forfeit their very own soul? This verse confirms the futility and ultimate emptiness of pursuing a me-first approach in life. Jesus is emphasizing that the relentless pursuit of wealth, power and personal gain at the expense of one's values and true self ultimately leads to loss and dissatisfaction. More than that, it really doesn't even work. The me-first mentality, driven by a desire for worldly success and recognition, may provide temporary satisfaction for material possessions. However, jesus warns that gaining the whole world in this manner comes at a cost the loss of one's true self identity and inner peace. The pursuit of self-centered ambition can lead to a sense of emptiness and a disconnect from one's values, relationships and spiritual well-being. We're going to take a break here for a moment. When we come back, we're going to continue this week's episode of Feeling Unqualified and we'll be back right after this.
chataboutjesus.com: 21:48
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Daniel Moore: 23:12
Welcome back to this week's episode of Connecting the Gap. I'm Daniel Moore, your host. Thank you for joining us this week. Hope you're enjoying this episode. We're in episode 10 of our 12-part series on Unqualified.
Daniel Moore: 23:24
This week's episode, the Player Gets Played. You know Axl Rose of Guns N' Roses. He may not be a saint, but he was definitely right about this. He may not be a saint, but he was definitely right about this. Just because you're winning don't mean you're the lucky ones.
Daniel Moore: 23:45
You know, I read a story of a pastor that had an experience that helped redefine the way that he saw true success. He was invited to be part of a ministry event featuring several well-known pastors. The guys were some of the most famous in churches today. Known pastors the guys were some of the most famous in churches today. At a dinner before the event, he found himself wondering why he was included, because he felt a little outclassed. He was the youngest one in the room by more than a decade. The conversation was lively and everyone seemed to be enjoying it. Then, suddenly, the discussion took a turn that he wasn't prepared for. When the host asked how would you describe your overall feelings about ministry at this point, the mood of the room grew a little gray as each preacher weighed in. He was shocked and a little saddened that the majority responded with some version of this conclusion and a little saddened that the majority responded with some version of this conclusion. Being in ministry is like being in a prison.
Daniel Moore: 24:47
It wasn't until a few days after the event that he realized the impact that the exchange had on him. You know, these are good men at the top of their field. They help people, they have purpose. They are making a tremendous difference. It's not that they are hypocrites. It just goes to show that all the success in the world, even when you're doing God's work, doesn't guarantee a satisfied soul. These men, whose spiritual maturity envy many, were silently miserable. His point wasn't that they are all manipulators and now God is punishing them for building their ministries on the wrong foundation. Nor was he saying that doing what God calls you to do will always feel like fun. That would be a pretty hard case to make in light of the life of Apostle Paul or Jesus himself.
Daniel Moore: 25:37
He only shared the story because that exchange brought him to an important determination. He decided if that's what it takes to build a big ministry, he didn't want it. He refused to give his life to helping others, live in freedom and secretly feel as if he was locked in solitary confinement. Jesus' words resonated in his heart and mind that night. What good is it If you get what you want but then don't know what you got? Then what is the point? There has to be a better way. Yet many of us never stop to consider our course. So we lose ourselves, the real us, the authentic us, the valuable us, because we are so desperate to claw our way to the top.
Daniel Moore: 26:23
In the verse from Luke 9 25, jesus poses a powerful question what good is it for someone to gain the whole world and yet forfeit their soul? This question challenges us to reflect on the true value and significance of the things we pursue in life, whether it be wealth, popularity, social media followers or any other forms of external validation. Jesus' question prompts us to consider the cost of sacrificing our true identity, our values and integrity in the pursuit of worldly success or recognition. Our values and integrity in the pursuit of worldly success or recognition. While these external achievements may bring temporary satisfaction or status, they pale in comparison to the richness of a life lived authentically, in alignment with our deepest beliefs and values.
Daniel Moore: 27:11
The verse reminds us that God did not design life to revolve around the relentless pursuit of material or superficial gains. This verse also emphasizes that we are not meant to carry the weight of our destinies on our own shoulders. By trusting in God and surrendering to His guidance and plan for our lives, we can find true fulfillment and purpose. God is infinitely wiser and more capable than we are, and when we align ourselves with His will, we can experience a sense of peace, meaning and fulfillment that surpasses any worldly achievements. That might be why some of us feel so burned out and stressed out all the time. Maybe we've been using people we are supposed to love. Maybe we've been trying to control our world, when we should relax a little and let God be God. Maybe our prison cells are locked from the inside. Maybe our prison cells are locked from the inside.
Daniel Moore: 28:18
You know, when Jacob first arrived at Laban's house, he had nothing. When he left, he was a very rich and wealthy man. He had flocks, servants, lots of family and many provisions. That didn't happen because he was so smart and clever. It happened because God decided to bless him. God's ultimate plan was to bless Jacob and fulfill the promises made to his ancestors, abraham and Isaac. Despite all the scheming and conniving between Jacob and Laban, it was ultimately God's blessing that allowed Jacob to prosper and become wealthy. This needs to be a reminder for us that our own efforts and strategies can only take us so far. Ultimately, it is God who has the final say and who can outmaneuver any human plans. It is important to trust in God's plan and timing, knowing that he ultimately has the best interest of his children in mind. Like Jacob, we have to trust in God's provision and blessings, knowing that he is ultimately in control and has the power to bring about good even in the midst of difficult circumstances. We must lean on his wisdom and guidance, knowing that his plans are far greater than our own.
Daniel Moore: 29:34
The me-first mentality is a mindset that prioritizes personal gain and success above all else, often at the expense of others. It promotes the idea that, in order to get ahead in life, one must be cunning, cutthroat and willing to do whatever it takes to come out on top. This mentality can lead individuals to engage in deceptive or manipulative behavior in their pursuit of happiness. Jacob initially embraced this me-first mentality, using deceit and manipulation to gain an advantage over others, including his own brother Esau, and his uncle Laban. However, he eventually learned that this approach was not sustainable in the long run. He experienced firsthand the consequences of his actions and realized that relying solely on his own cunning and cleverness would ultimately lead to his downfall. Similarly, those who embrace the me-first mentality may find temporary success or satisfaction, but they risk damaging relationships, reputation and, ultimately, their own well-being. They may become so entrenched in their ways that they struggle to relinquish control and trust in something greater than themselves.
Daniel Moore: 30:56
Some people have been pretending, manipulating and defending for so long that they can't even come to the point where they imagine letting go and letting God have control. They have continually built their life around a philosophy that the spoils go to the strongest, the smartest, the most manipulative and the most likely to succeed. And you know, maybe you feel that way. I know I have at different times in my life. Maybe you wish that for once, you could let down your guard and just enjoy the day, without having to fight for everything you have and the stress of feeling like you have to be first place. Maybe you worry that if you let your guard down, you won't be able to be in control and you won't be in the position to watch out for yourself, and if you don't, then who will?
Daniel Moore: 31:46
Well, let's take a look at some of your third words. Do they look something like this I am strong, I am independent, I am alone, I am self-made, I am independent, I am alone, I am self-made. I mean, I don't mean to be critical, but these statements are simply not accurate. While they may seem true and I acknowledge the efforts and contributions to your success are you truly the sole reason for your achievements or is it by the grace of God? God's blessings are a reflection of His character, not our own. This is the core message of the I Am revelation to Moses.
Daniel Moore: 32:29
Adopting a manipulative mindset in life stems from not grasping the true source of our blessings. Our blessings come from God and are grounded in our authentic selves. Understanding this truth allows us to let down our guard and be vulnerable. Remember the scripture that we looked at in 2 Corinthians a few episodes ago when I am weak, then I am strong. You know, in the context of this, paul is pleading with God regarding a specific issue or affliction that he is facing. He is asking God for relief or deliverance from this situation, but God's response is not to grant his request. Instead, god tells Paul my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. That's 2 Corinthians 12 9.
Daniel Moore: 33:15
Paul had been given a thorn in the flesh, a metaphorical representation of a persistent and troubling affliction which he pleaded with God to remove. This thorn was causing Paul distress and weakness and he desired for it to be taken away. However, god's response to Paul's pleading was to affirm that his grace is enough for Paul even in his weakness. Through this response, god was teaching Paul an important lesson about reliance on him. He was showing Paul that in his weakness God's strength is made perfect. By enduring this trial and relying on God's grace and strength, paul would ultimately experience the power of God working through him. God's refusal to remove the thorn was not a rejection of Paul or a lack of care for his request. Instead, it was a means of teaching Paul a deeper spiritual truth about the sufficiency of God's grace and the transformative power of His strength. Paul's weakness became an opportunity for God to demonstrate His power and for Paul to experience the reality of God's grace in his life.
Daniel Moore: 34:27
You know, none of us controls our fate. We influence it greatly, but we don't control it. We don't control when and where we are born. We don't control the economy. We don't control when and where we are born. We don't control the economy. We don't control the weather. We don't even control the day we die. God does all those things and more.
Daniel Moore: 34:48
Psalm 121, 1-8, a well-known psalm of ascent, speaks of God's protection and care over His people. In these verses, the psalmist acknowledges that our help and security come from the Lord alone, emphasizing that God is the ultimate source of guidance and protection in our lives. Verse 2 says my help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. This declaration shows the psalmist's trust in God as the ultimate provider and sustainer of our life. The psalmist's trust in God as the ultimate provider and sustainer of our life. It reflects the acknowledgement that our fate and our lives are ultimately in God's hands, not in our own control. Throughout the psalm, the psalmist speaks of God as protector of his people, watching over them day and night. Verses 3-4 states this imagery conveys the message that God's sovereignty is constant and unwavering, with His watchful eye guarding us at all times. The psalm goes on to assure us of God's unfailing presence and protection, stating that he will keep us from harm and watch over our lives both now and forevermore. This reassurance emphasizes the idea that our fate and destiny are ultimately in God's hands. He has infinite control over our lives.
Daniel Moore: 36:15
Our sense of identity and value must be rooted in God in order for us to have true stability and perspective. Without acknowledging God's role in our lives, we may find ourselves fluctuating between extremes of pride and despair. We may go from feeling like superheroes to experiencing moments of defeat and hopelessness, as if we are constantly on an emotional rollercoaster. It is important to recognize that we are not so powerful that success is guaranteed, nor are we so flawed that success is out of reach. Our successes and achievements are ultimately a result of God's blessings and guidance. We cannot take all the credit for our accomplishments, as we are not wise or strong enough to achieve everything on our own. Similarly, our weaknesses and failures are not obstacles that are insurmountable for God. He has the ability to work through our shortcomings and bring hope, even in times of disappointment. When we allow God's presence and power to overshadow our own limitations, we can find reassurance and strength in the midst of challenges. God's sovereignty and grace surpass our own abilities and shortcomings. His presence in our lives trumps all, providing us with hope in moments of weaknesses and acknowledging His influence in our successes, with hope in moments of weaknesses. And acknowledging His influence in our successes by acknowledging God's role in our identity and value, we can find a sense of peace, purpose and humility in our journey through this life. Allowing God to shape our identities and our endeavors is the heart of being qualified, of measuring up, of being valuable, approved and significant.
Daniel Moore: 38:05
In the showdown between Jacob and the angel, we see a pivotable moment in Jacob's story where he confronts his own identity, both the good and the bad. Jacob wrestles with the angel throughout the night, refusing to let go until he receives a blessing. This physical struggle symbolizes Jacob's internal struggle with his own past actions, deceitful nature and desire for God's favor. Jacob had spent much of his life trying to manipulate situations and people to his advantage, using deceit and cunning to get ahead. However, in this moment of wrestling with the angel, jacob is forced to confront his true self, acknowledging his flaws, weaknesses and sinful nature. He comes to a point of surrender and vulnerability, realizing that he cannot rely on his own strength or cleverness to receive God's blessing. The angel ultimately blesses Jacob, but only after Jacob owns up to his true identity, acknowledging his imperfections and shortcomings.
Daniel Moore: 39:06
This pivotal moment in Jacob's life demonstrates that we do not have to be perfect or deserving in order for God to bless us. God's blessings are not earned through our own efforts or righteousness. Bless us. God's blessings are not earned through our own efforts or righteousness. Rather, they are given out of God's unconditional love and grace. Jacob's story reminds us that God sees us for who we truly are, with all of our faults and failings, and yet still chooses to bless and care for us. We do not need to strive for perfection or manipulate circumstances to earn God's favor. Instead, we are called to be honest and authentic before God, recognizing our need for His grace and mercy. God blesses us not because of our own merit, but because of His unfailing love for us.
Daniel Moore: 39:53
What is fascinating here about Jacob's encounter with the angel is how, all of his life, jacob had been the hill grabber. Jacob had always been the one who chased others and grasped at them, but now God was grabbing hold of Jacob. The whole key to this story really is that you can spend your whole life grasping, clawing and grabbing, but what you really need is for God to grab hold of you, for grace to grab hold of you. Jacob had spent his life grasping at heels, using his tenacity for scheming and deceit, but now it was God who held onto him, and Jacob had finally learned to hold onto God, the only one who could truly bless him. In hindsight, jacob realized he should have surrendered to God's guidance much earlier. It was ironic how the same trait that had led him astray could now be channeled in the right direction, thanks to God's intervention.
Daniel Moore: 40:54
You know, god has a way of using our perceived weaknesses for our benefit. He can take our flaws and redeem them for His purpose. Perhaps it is time to release certain burdens and instead cling to God. Let go of the need for others' approval, release the weights of your past, discard any facades you may be upholding and abandon deceitful tactics. It is in holding on to God that true blessings and transformations can be found. And while you're at it, let go of one more thing. It's the one of the most insidious traps of all, as you are about to see.
Daniel Moore: 41:35
In the next episode it's called comparison. Well, that's going to do it for this week's episode of Connecting the Gap with part 10 of our 12-part series on Unqualified. I'm Daniel Moore. Thank you so much for listening this week. You know the show really wouldn't be possible without you. And if you're a fan of the show, once again, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts Also, please subscribe and share, and do that on your favorite platform. The links to all of our platforms are in the show notes below. Well, that's all for this week, and as we go, we want to remind you that God's Word never fails us. God's Word has stood the test of time and through Jesus' death on the cross, he has connected the gap.
Aria: 42:19
You've been listening to Connecting the Gap Podcast. In this world, there are many disconnects that cause chaos in our lives. This podcast is birthed from the desire to share hope and restoration of the power of the gospel by being transparent and open in our biblical walk with God. Each week, we take a few moments as we navigate God's Word and peer into other people's testimonies and encourage each other to connect the gap. We upload a new audio podcast every Thursday and a video version of it on YouTube and Rumble. We are also on the Christian podcasting app Edify. You can subscribe to our podcast on many of the available podcasting platforms, including Apple Podcast, spotify, amazon Music, iheart Radio, tunein Radio and more. We are also available on your Alexa-enabled devices. If you would like to contact our ministry for any reason, visit our contact page and send us a message. We hope you are blessed by this ministry. This is a production of Connecting the Gap Ministries.
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