Genesis 28:1-22
Between a Rock and a Hard Place
 
Isaac was determined that his son Jacob, the recipient of the covenant blessings, would not marry a Canaanite woman and sent him to find a wife from among Rebekah’s people. We, as believers, are also not to be unequally yoked. Pastor Dave noted that, too often, parents quietly accept their offspring’s choice of an unbeliever as a “significant other” or spouse because he or she is a “model citizen,” scoring an A+ in every other area. Pray that parents of teenagers and young adults would have the courage to clearly explain God’s will for marriage to their children, even when they can’t control their children’s choices.
 
On his journey to Paddan-aram, Jacob saw the Lord, standing at the top of a stairway to heaven and speaking to him, in a dream. “How awesome is this place!” exclaimed Jacob when he awoke, awesome because the Lord was there. Look around you, at your place – your home, your work place, your special quiet place – and realize that it too is an awesome place. Thank Him for His awesome presence with you.
 
Jacob was between a rock and a hard place, fleeing from a brother who wanted to kill him to an uncle who would exploit him for 14 years. But it was in that difficult situation that Yahweh chose to reveal Himself to Jacob. Who do you know who seems hedged in by troubles? A common temptation is to use prayer to tell God how to fix that person’s troubles, to lay your own action plan before Him and pray, “God, do this!” (If Jacob’s mother, Rebekah, was praying at all, I suspect this is how she was praying!) Instead, try simply asking the Lord to show Himself to that person, both to comfort and to prepare, whether he or she is a believer or not.
 
Calvary Family
 
This week, cover Fall FunFest with prayer. Lift up the leaders and other volunteers, all the activities, and the guests who will come. Pray that, above all, we will bring honor to God through this outreach event.
 
Lynda Pash experienced a stroke two weeks ago but received quick medical attention and is better. However, she suffers from a chronic neurological problem and asks for prayer to trust God in whatever the future holds for her.
 
We've been praying for Bob Wickersham in his battle with cancer for two years.  Bob died yesterday afternoon with his wife and family by his side.  Pray for Cathy and the rest of the family as they process Bob's passing from this earthly life to eternal life and as they grieve the hole that is left in their lives.
 
Mita Phillipps requests prayer for her mother, Vinu, who is undergoing hip replacement surgery on Thursday. Pray for successful surgery, good pain management, and a smooth recovery for Vinu. Ask God to help Mita stop worrying about her mom and to trust His loving care.
 
Renee Eady’s surgery was successful, and she is hoping to go home from the hospital soon. Thank You, Lord! Please continue to pray for her recovery and for her family.

In Christ,
Carol Gilbert
Calvary Community Church of Brea