Genesis 30:1-31:16
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Today's Genesis chapter 30 readings bring us the account of several of Jacob's sons and a daughter being born to Leah, Bilhah, Zilpah, and Rachel. We also read about Jacob gaining wealth and wanting to leave his father-in-law Laban’s house to go back home in Genesis chapter 30. In verse 37 we read: "Now Jacob took fresh shoots from poplar, almond, and plane trees and peeled off strips of the bark to make white streaks on them." It seems in this verse and the ones that follow that Jacob is getting a bit superstitious - and not really asking God for help. Later Jacob does admit that God did do the work of increasing his wealth, and that he didn't do it on his own with his superstitions, as we see in Chapter 31 verse 9 when Jacob is speaking to his wives Rachel & Leah: "In this way, God has made me wealthy at your father's expense." I think it's great to see that Jacob starts to realize more and more that God is in control. I wonder for us, today, do we sometimes act like Jacob with the sticks - and rely on superstition or our own power, when we should be relying solely on God? Are there maybe areas in our work life or personal life where we think we are running the show? Are we really? Or is God? Will we let our superstitions go, and embrace the reality that God is in control? And - who better is there to be in control, really? :) Actually - I'll share with you a quote someone shared with me once when I was really trying to micromanage a situation - and was worrying and fretting way too much about the situation. The quote is simply this: "Let go and Let God." Let us let go of what we are hanging on so tightly to if it is not of God - and let us instead let God run the show. Are there areas in your life where you need to "Let go and let God"? Below is a painting by Spanish painter Jusepe de Ribera from the year 1632 of "Jacob and Laban's Flock":

Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Genesis chapter 30 titled "The Battle of the Brides" is at this link and commentary on chapter 31 titled "Jacob gets Laban's Goat" is at this link.
Worship Video: Today's readings reminded me of Lincoln Brewster's song, "Everlasting God:"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gT0UodmNhKk
Do you know our Everlasting God? Click here to know Him forevermore!
Comments from You and Questions of the Day: Just curious if anyone has any Biblical fiction books that you might be willing to recommend? Sometimes I find Biblical fiction books can augment our imaginations and understanding of our readings in the Bible. Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!
God bless,
Mike
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