Genesis 29:1-30
A Man Reaps What He Sows
 
I was impressed by the insights Pastor Dave shared from a detailed comparison of a servant’s journey to Paddan-aram seeking a wife for Isaac and Jacob’s journey to the same place also seeking a wife. Lord, remind us that Your word is worthy of close study. Forgive us for the times we run our eyes over a page of Scripture and say, “Done!” Fill us with a hunger to know You better by studying the Bible.
 
Beg the Lord to keep us from being “blessed but clueless,” to use Pastor Dave’s phrase. Jacob benefited from God’s providential guidance in finding Rachel and had very recently experienced a “God moment”; Jacob was blessed. Nevertheless, he apparently forgot all about God when he arrived in Laban’s territory; he was also clueless. Ask God to open our eyes, day by day and moment by moment, to see His fingerprints all over our lives.    
 
Jacob is the poster child for the principle of reaping what you sow. He was a deceiver, tricking his father into giving him the blessing Isaac intended for Esau. Now, Jacob is the victim of deception. Under cover of darkness, a veil, and wine, Laban gives Jacob his older daughter as a wife instead of Rachel. Think of times you have experienced God’s discipline and humbly thank Him for it, remembering that He disciplines those He loves.
 
Calvary Family
 
Do you know Ryan Rupard, an 11-year-old boy who uses a wheelchair because of cerebral palsy? I’ve gotten to know Ryan in Discovery Kids, and he is a sweetheart. He is a excellent conversationalist and asks good questions. Please pray for Ryan as he undergoes surgery on Thursday morning to insert a device that will improve delivery of one of his medications. Instead of the oral form taken at discrete intervals, the device will deliver the medication continuously and directly to his spine. Ryan is expected to be in CHOC two days. 

Mita Phillipps wrote to thank you for praying for her mother, Vinu. Mita is praising God for "uncomplicating" what was supposed to be a complicated hip replacement surgery. Please continue to pray for Vinu as she begins the long recovery process.
 
Lift up those who are considering baptism at our next baptism service on November 18. Pray that they will sincerely seek the Lord’s face and that they will participate in the baptism class next Sunday.
 
Pray for Tomasz Chylka as he prepares to speak to 400 public high school students on November 13 about the dangers of drugs and alcohol. His anti-drug message gains him access to the school, but the students also hear his personal testimony of being saved from addiction by Jesus Christ. Read the latest letter from Tomasz here.

In Christ,
Carol Gilbert
Calvary Community Church of Brea