Growing up in Northern California, I spent summers along the south fork of the American River in the tiny, blink-your-eyes-and-it’s-gone town of Coloma, the heart of the gold rush valley. Summers there were sticky. Tourists from every pocket of the world came for the whitewater and left baptized by sunshine, sunscreen, and coconut frozen yogurt from the shop down the street.
Along the river, you can spot towers of smooth stones called cairns balanced one or two feet high. Although these are now little more than artistic contributions from local river folk, in ancient times, cairns served as burial monuments or ceremonial landmarks. They marked something worth remembering.
Throughout Scripture, stones symbolize many different things. After Jacob’s dream, where God promised to watch over and provide for him, he was caught off guard and used the stone lying at his head to memorialize the moment: “Surely the LORD is in this place, and I did not know it” (Genesis 28:16). Suddenly, that place was known as Bethel, the house of God, because the Lord had made His presence known there (v.19).
I love that Jacob was surprised by encountering God. Don’t we always forget how close He is? Embedded in us is the classic tension between head and heart: we know God is with us, though sometimes it may not feel like He is. I can’t tell you often I’ve been surprised to find Him, just when I’d feared that His silence indicated His absence.
This stone was an important step in Jacob’s journey. Because of what the Lord revealed to him in a dream, he was able to carry forward the promise of returning to his “native land” with confidence (Genesis 31:13). But I admit, I’m a little confused by the plot twist.
Before Jacob made it home, he met and wrestled with God. Why was this the method for receiving God’s blessing? Why couldn’t Jacob have his homecoming without a disjointed hip? Despite the paradox of blessing brought from misfortune, Jacob was so moved by encountering God’s presence that he, once again, named the place to memorialize it.
Whether it’s owning a home or publishing a book or witnessing a reconciliation, my heart desires things that aren’t guaranteed. What God does promise is abundant life: new ways of thinking, of living, of being. We are no longer slaves to death. We don’t have to wait for God to inhabit a place now that His Spirit lives in us.
As we watch for the Lord together, let’s name the moment we see Him. Let’s raise a stone in remembrance. Let’s live from a place of blessing and abundance rather than scarcity because our birthrights are no longer dependent upon our earthly lineage. Instead, we hold the heavenly birthright Christ gives us, “an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading” (1Peter 1:4).
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88 thoughts on "Jacob"
Amen
My thoughts are with those whose “heart’s desires that aren’t guaranteed” is birthright citizenship. May God’s promises of heavenly birthright be more sure than earthly ones.
His silence is not indicative of His absence. Open my eyes to all the moments you’ve been active and working in my life. In the moments of struggle and hardship, help me remember with a heart of gratitude that will carry me through the darkest valleys. Thank you God for the gift of the Holy Spirit, dwelling within me all the time. Help me to always seek you first.
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Dreams are such a vivid and powerful way that many we read about in scripture encounter God.
Like Jacob, we have opportunity to recall and remember what the Lord has done and how He has been at work – to recount His faithfulness. A good practice of own stones of remembrance.
Thank you Lord that you are always at work and speaking into our lives; that your faithful hand is always at work, that your will, not mine will always come to be and your purposes will always be accomplished. I praise you Lord for the work of your hand in my life. Amen
I love how God kept on reminding Jacob of his promise and in Genesis 32:12 Jacob verbally claimed the promise. We, too, can audaciously claim His promises.
Love that word audaciously
Thank you Jesus for forgiving me!
Love today’s devotional! Yes, let’s name the moment we see Him!
Coloma ❤️
I love that Jacob named both places where he encountered God Bethel. The church where I raised my daughter was named New Bethel. A good name for a church.
I’m still fighting migraines, and missed a Mother’s Day tea with my daughter because of another one. I truly hate having migraines!
I’m so sorry, I have migraines too…awful! I had one on Mother’s day 6 years ago and remembering being in bed all day and my son and his GF came in just to say they were sorry and give me a card and brought me an iced coffee. (which surprisingly I like during a migraine!) Prayers they go!
My heart was shredded this weekend as my son’s caregiver (the longtime one who still comes in to take him out in the community, not the one he just moved in with) got really angry with me for not sending her money IMMEDIATELY at the end of the week when I wasn’t even back from the beach with my daughter. I had OFFERED to supplement her wages for a few days until we could get the new funding straightened out. She is paid by a Medicaid-funded agency, not me personally, so there is a bit of paperwork to sort out—some of which I literally took time out from lying out on the beach sunbathing with my daughter to sign the paperwork to authorize. She is angry with me because she spent her paycheck on something else and now she needs grocery money. I can sympathize with that, but it is completely unlike her to be angry and demanding of money that I literally offered her out of the goodness of my heart when the agency won’t even be paying her the money she was able to bill for until next payday. She refused to come to work for the next two days and is considering quitting, which is utterly illogical because she will have a very difficult time finding employment after losing two jobs due to health reasons. But my biggest concern is that losing her will make this transition even harder for David, who doesn’t know about it yet, I don’t think. Unless he has spoken to her. I told her not to speak to him about this matter, and her reply was an ominous, “Oh, he’ll know why I didn’t come back.” Which means I probably shouldn’t let her come back. And I am sooo tired of being stabbed in the back by people I have only ever tried to bless and do good for.
Oh, Margaret
So sorry. Praying for a peaceful resolution
Margaret, what a terrible situation for you! I’m praying for God’s intervention with the best outcomes for you and David. And for a softening in the heart of the caregiver
So sorry Margaret.
Oh…I’m sorry, Margaret. What a difficult and upsetting situation. :( Have prayed for resolution
Rhonda,
Thank you for sharing this! We have had some pretty profound discussions about this in Torah Study. Some of the rabbinical exegesis on this is so far out there. I almost feel like God let him win. I can always be wrong. Such a mystery passage. ❤️
It such an interesting passage! I know God speaks to us as we read, but I need studies and commentaries for so much understanding and the wisdom from all ya’ll!
It’s only been a week and everyday I write the same thing- God is at work in the life of ____,_____, ME in the relationship- He is there walking beside whomever I am reading about, he is their protection, provision, promise keeper, consoler (he sees them/me in my deepest distress). All the stories are different yet God is still the same!!! What a relief!!! Happy Monday She’s! Praying we all believe this truth deep to our hip bone!!!
Joining with you, so truthfully, Allison!!
“JUST WHEN”
Those two words in the devo jumped off the page and reminded me of this hymn:
Just when I need Him, Jesus is near,
Just when I falter, just when I fear;
Ready to help me, ready to cheer,
Just when I need Him most.
Refrain:
Just when I need Him most,
Just when I need Him most,
Jesus is near to comfort and cheer,
Just when I need Him most.
2. Just when I need Him, Jesus is true,
Never forsaking, all the way through;
Giving for burdens pleasures anew,
Just when I need Him most.
3. Just when I need Him, Jesus is strong,
Bearing my burdens all the day long;
For all my sorrow giving a song,
Just when I need Him most.
4. Just when I need Him, He is my all,
Answering when upon Him I call;
Tenderly watching lest I should fall,
Just when I need Him most.
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Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤
Needed this song today! Thank you!
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I don’t think I know this hymn! Have to look up!
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It’s an oldie but a goodie! ❤️
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This has been an awesome study and we have six weeks of more studies. A reminder of how flawed we are when we don’t have God leading our journey. We are so obsessed with gathering things, and miss out on the abundance of blessings in front us. Don’t miss the encounters with God. Always be prepared to say “Here I Am” when the Lord is talking with you.
Yes, Donna!
Speak to me, Lord Jesus!
Donna, ❤️
“Whether it’s ___________, or________ or______________, my heart desires things that aren’t guaranteed. What God does promise is abundant life: new ways of thinking, of living, of being. We are no longer slaves to death. We don’t have to wait for God to inhabit a place now that His Spirit lives in us.
Fill in the blanks. For we all want and desire things that we are praying God delivers. For the scripture says after all “Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart” Psalms 37:4 (KJV) But there are fleshly desires that don’t align with the heart of God. There are desires that wouldn’t be good for us, or perhaps stall or hurt our relationship with the Lord.
That’s why it’s a good practice in our prayers to align and grow our hearts and minds with the Lord…Your WILL BE Done..and I will keep having faith and trust. You know Lord, working all things for the good of those who LOVE you. Our hearts, in the wrestling, keep changing to align with his, becoming more like Jesus, as he prayed for the Father’s will be done. We are a clay pot, being molded by the Father. Yes, we may be broken in that time. (broken hip). Our desires may never come to pass, but one day it will all make perfect sense!
It’s kinda funny that we can look at others’lives over a long period and see how all things have panned out for good or worse and see it so clearly. We can also look back over our own lives and see God there working on our behalf. Journaling is a good practice for this reason, it can be our “stones” of remembrance. Giving Praise in the times God has revealed His works and ways. Then (hopefully) others will read your journey with the Lord, and it will be a testimony of your reliance, transformation, valleys and mountains, good and bad, Praises and worship to the Lord.
Let’s live from a place of blessing and abundance rather than scarcity because our birthrights are no longer dependent upon our earthly lineage. Instead, we hold the heavenly birthright Christ gives us, “an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading” (1Peter 1:4).”
Yes, and Amen and Amen!!
Hoping all our mother’s felt blessed and “seen,” and appreciated. (But, if not, no matter-God sees!) We can all be a motherly figure to someone who needs just that! Pray God uses you in that perfect way.
And if you miss your mother that has passed like I do, may you feel peace and comfort and love from above.
“Let’s live from a place of blessing and abundance rather than scarcity because our birthrights are no longer dependent upon our earthly lineage. Instead, we hold the heavenly birthright Christ gives us, ‘an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading” (1Peter 1:4).’” ❤
Adding my Amen!! We just finished 1st Peter in SS and are now in 2nd Peter. So much to soak up in those short writings!
God is Good
All the time
All the time
God is Good.
Thank you for prayers said for my husband’s shoulder surgery. Because of God’s provision, it couldn’t have gone better. Pain is at a minimum and recovery is going wonderfully. I am thankful that He hears our prayers even before we pray.
Abraham met G-d on the mountain, Issac met G-d in the field,and Jacob met G-d at Bethel in a dream.
Where we meet G-d resonated with me as a question. He is always there. These meetings with G-d before the Tabernacle and the Holy Temple are so special to me. The Tabernacle and the Holy Temple had so much ritual, so many restrictions, and then once a year the high priest went behind the veil. There was so much protocol and ritual.
I love it when G-d just shows up where we are!
One of the She’s mentioned this is not about Jacob but about G-d. This study is helping me retrain my focus. So many times we focus on the people in the drama. The flesh and the blood. The writer, the director, and producer of life really should the main focus of my life.Shavua Tov! ( Have a good week!)
Jacobs wrestling is also believed to be real and physical by many scholars. The broken hip a real lasting handicap afterwards. Here are the notes I read in a commentary-
There wrestled a man with him—This mysterious person is called an angel (Ho 12:4) and God (Ge 32:28, 30; Ho 12:5); and the opinion that is most supported is that he was “the angel of the covenant,” who, in a visible form, appeared to animate the mind and sympathize with the distress of his pious servant. It has been a subject of much discussion whether the incident described was an actual conflict or a visionary scene. Many think that as the narrative makes no mention in express terms either of sleep, or dream, or vision, it was a real transaction; while others, considering the bodily exhaustion of Jacob, his great mental anxiety, the kind of aid he supplicated, as well as the analogy of former manifestation.
There are so many commentaries on the “wrestling with God!”
Regardless, like you said, it’s about God! Showing up where we are! Halelu-JAH!
Rhonda,
Thank you for sharing this! We have had some pretty profound discussions about this in Torah Study. Some of the rabbinical exegesis on this is so far out there. I almost feel like God let him win. I can always be wrong. Such a mystery passage. ❤️
“I love it when G-d just shows up where we are!”
Yay, Tanya!
Divine improvisation! Glory unbound!
Tanya, “I love it when God just shows up where we are.” Thank you for that truth in love it too. I know God is always with me, but sometimes, He shows that in a special way, and that so exciting!
Yes, Amen! I wish I had stones for all those times!
After reading the devotional, the part that stood out the most to me was when Bailey wrote that our hearts desire things that aren’t guaranteed! It’s so easy to get caught up in buying all the new, trendy things but true happiness doesn’t come from items. It comes from the Lord!! Thank you God for the abundant life that You have blessed us with. Help us to keep our eyes focused on You and not on the things of this world that seek to distract us! Amen
Oh yes, amen to that. I was focused on our deeper desires that are not guaranteed- but yes, desires in the superficial things is such a good point! Oh how my life was defined and treasured by those! I had an overflowing closet, endlessly staying “up” with the trends to look the part and with my house filled with “perfection and style.” But abundance is found in the Lord! Amen!
Yes, Susan!
Our Savior…not stuff.
I want to “name the moments where I see God.” Pay attention. Slow down. And if He chooses to wrestle with me, so be it! Lord, forgive me for my wasted moments. Help me see You more. And give me the clarity and pause to look for You more. In Your Name, Amen
Amen Tara!
Amen & Amen, Tara B!
Sloooowwwwiiiinnnngggg Down!!
SWEET Lynne from Alabama, Rachel,CeeGee,Sharon Jersey Girl, Adrienne, Teresa, Tina, and Brandi. I responded to your Friday comments. Thank you sweet sisters.
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Amen! Emmanuel, God with us. Thank Hou Father. Holy Spirit guide and comfort me. Order my steps. In Jesus name. Amen
What an amazing reminder…of Whose we are, what He has done for us. Hallelujah. We don’t have to strive for His blessing or favor, it’s already ours because of Jesus!
Prayer (Inspired by Jacob’s Journey)
God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob,
You met Jacob when he was waiting, wandering, and unsure of what was next.
Meet me here too. In this season of waiting, I confess I don’t have all the answers,
but I choose to trust that You are still at work behind the scenes.
Like you promised Jacob, be with me, keep me and lead me.
Help me not rush ahead or retreat in fear, be stay present in this moment.
Believing that You are preparing both the path and my heart.
May this waiting not be wasted – transform me as you transformed Jacob.
Give me eyes to see You, even here.
Amen
Amen
Amen
Amen
Kimberly Ann, your prayer made me think of a song I’ve been listening to lately. It’s a beautiful song with words of truth. Here are the lyrics.
Flowers by
Samantha Ebert
Well, blue skies and hillsides feel so far away
And I wrote in my notebook that I’ve seen better days
Than the ones as of late
I can’t bear the weight
The rain won’t stop pouring out my windowpane
And I haven’t left my bedroom in 76 days
I wish something would change
‘Cause I’m losing faith
So I brought it up in a desperate prayer
Lord, why are you keeping me here?
Then He said to me, “Child, I’m planting seeds
I’m a good God and I have a good plan
So trust that I’m holding a watering can
And someday you’ll see that flowers grow in the valley”
So whatever the reason, I’m barely getting by
I’ll trust it’s a season knowing that you’re by my side
Every step of the way
And I’ll be okay
‘Cause I brought it up in a desperate prayer
Lord, why are you keeping me here?
Then He said to me, “Child, I’m planting seeds
I’m a good God and I have a good plan”
So trust that I’m holding a watering can
And someday you’ll see that flowers grow in the valley
When I’m on the mountain and looking down below
I’ll see a valley of flowers that needed time to grow
And I’ll thank you for the rain
The hurt and days of pain
And I’ll bring it up in a grateful prayer
Thank you, Jesus, for keeping me there
You know just what I need, and you’ve planted seeds
‘Cause you’re a good God with a real good plan
And you hold my world in a watering can
So I can have peace ’cause flowers grow in the valley
Thank you, Penny, I just listened to the song flowers by Samantha Ebert and send it to a friend who is really hurting these days. Thank you so much. It was just perfect. May God bless you and keep you today
I LOVE the song “Flowers!” It such a important reminder that God sees us in our wilderness and waiting seasons. We just see the rain without realizing it is watering the seeds and will created beautiful blossoms! Growing takes time. We need to be more faithful and trusting in the wait! It is a beautiful season.
Oh Penny, I needed to read these words of encouragement today as I continue in this very long season of waiting. My son continues to struggle with alcoholism and without God. But God is impressing on my heart the I cannot and never will be able to fix my son. Only He can. So I will be faithful in the wait and appreciate words of encouragement as I do. So thank you. ❤️
Oh Rebecca, I am so sorry. As a mom that is so challenging and a hard struggle. Let me encourage you that I was able to contact a boyfriend of one of our jail ladies to “check on him.” I was so surprised and amazed when he wrote back and told me that he found the Lord while in jail!! He was addicted, living that lifestyle of drugs and alcohol. But he said he grew up in church…and his MOTHER kept pouring out prayer and encouragement to him through the years! He credited that to his now Rebirth, got Baptized in jail, and leads Bible groups there!! So keep praying Rebecca…God IS working. Your prodigal will come home! It is your desire and God’s desire for all to know him and call upon him in Jesus’ name!! My nephew goes to court today..and he may end up in jail for his offense, I am praying God does what is needed to make his pride leave and turn to Him! But it may take a while! I was a stubborn sinner too…loving the world of alcohol and “fun.” Which was not. My mom was a praying mom, kept laying on that I wasn’t living as a child of God (she wouldn’t say it so plainly, but I knew!) It took a LONG time for me to finally be broken enough to lay it all down!! It was a beautiful moment where I truly felt God. I also started reading my Bible after my mom passed in 2014 b/c I desired the wisdom she possessed and knew it was from her discipline of staying in the word and loving the word, and making it a priority! Sorry so long, but hopefully this is an encouragement to all of us praying for our wayward children! Keep saying the word to them, it does not come back void!! Thank you Lord!!!
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Love this, fills my heart! Thank you for sharing!
Beautiful Kimberly Ann! TY!
Yes, Kimberly Ann!
Never, not once, did God abandon Jacob, the deceiver, the wrestler, the fearful, the conniver…
God remained true to His character, knowing full well the character of the one He renamed Israel.
As I read Jacob’s story, I couldn’t help but notice all the deception and lies. I thought “This is who God used to become Israel, the Father of His people?” And then I remembered, it’s not really about Jacob. It’s about God and His infinite love, grace, and mercy. It’s about His desire to be close to His people and his ability to make beauty from ashes. Our great God can use the most broken people to accomplish His purposes. He never gave up on Jacob, and He never gives up on you and me. I am so thankful!
Praying everyone has a blessed start to their week! This weekend was full of celebrations. We celebrated my sister’s PhD graduation, Mother’s Day, and my mom’s birthday. Happy Mother’s Day to all our SRT mothers and mother figures!
❤ Great reminder as we study, Taylor! – “And then I remembered, it’s not really about Jacob. It’s about God and His infinite love, grace, and mercy. It’s about His desire to be close to His people and his ability to make beauty from ashes. Our great God can use the most broken people to accomplish His purposes. He never gave up on Jacob, and He never gives up on you and me.” ❤ It’s not about me and my plans. It’s about Gkd working out His plan in me or in spite of me.
Celebrations & Congratulations!
Have another wonderful-filled week, Taylor!
Jacob’s many encounters with God leave me thinking, what have I missed when I’ve been focused on things that don’t matter??
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Songs coming to mind through the readings –
Surely the presence of the Lord (is in this place)
We are Standing on Holy Ground
Open the Eyes of My Heart
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CEE GEE – ‘observe’ – thank you ❤️
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On my heart this morning, praying for friend who chooses to be estranged from in-laws
Great song suggestions this morning! I love all those songs! ❤️
oldies and still goodies :)
I identify with your question. I LOVE all those sings, too! ❤
Surely the Presence of the Lord is in this place was the song that I woke up with this morning! What a God Wink to me! I was in need of more of Him this morning!. I will be praying for reconciliation for this individual.
Looking for God today.
“As we watch for the Lord together, let’s name the moment we see Him. Let’s raise a stone in remembrance. Let’s live from a place of blessing and abundance.”
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Indeed, let’s watch and remember.
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I saw God yesterday in church when a group of us moved past the casual “How are you” to pray for a man who is struggling with his health and doctors who do not seem to be treating him. He has lost hope in getting better. He went away know God sees him and is with him, because we took the time to show God’s love. Would you join me in lifting Mr. KEITH up in prayer for wisdom and guidance to a doctor who will help and for his lungs and heart to be restored? I do not anticipate being able to get an update…but God knows.
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MELANI FRYER – praying your husband’s recovery is coming along well.
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MARTHA HIX – praying you have peace today. Praying all goes smoothly with the Mohs sugery tomorrow.
The casual ‘how are you’ … may we move past that more often.
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Praying for Mr. Keith, guidance to the best physician, and wisdom for the dr & med team for treatment
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Praying for your young mama for her urgent needs
Agree in that first statement! ❤
Praying for Mr Keith
Praying for Mr. Keith that he can get a proper diagnosis and treatment. May he be encouraged. I’m sure he was blessed by your prayers yesterday. ❤️
Continued prayers for your little mama!
Honored to pray for Mr Keith!
Praying for Mr. Keith. I pray God would bring doctors that listen to him and can help him.
Praying for Mr. Keith! What a blessing for you to be able witness this moment where God used each of you to lift up and encourage this man.
How beautiful, Kelly! Joining in prayers for Mr. Keith. ❤
Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness and prayers, Kelly (NEO). ❤️
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Thank you, Lord.
Lord help us