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Jacob Bible Study – Genesis 30

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This week in our video, Karissa leads us through Genesis chapter 30. Examining Rachel’s discontentment and her deep desire to compete with her sister Leah, she draws our attention to Philippians 4:12-13, where Paul shares the secret to his contentment:

“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

Rachel’s attitude in this chapter is not uncommon. When our hearts are in the wrong place, it’s easy to fall into the trap of discontentment. Desperate for children and envious of Leah, Rachel’s focus on what she lacked overshadowed the blessings she already had. This rivalry and constant comparison led to a life filled with turmoil and frustration.

Karissa highlights the common mindset in which we tell ourselves, “When the circumstances change, that’s when I’ll be happy, that’s when I’ll experience peace, that’s when I’ll grow in my relationship with Christ, that’s when I’ll be obedient to Christ… When the circumstances change.”

She explains that by waiting for a change in our situation, we miss out on the joy and peace available to us in the present moment. A shift in our mindset can make a world of difference, and with the Holy Spirit’s help, we can adopt a new perspective. By choosing to see our current circumstances through the lens of gratitude, we can uncover the blessings that God has already placed in our lives. It’s in this practice of thankfulness and trust that we find true contentment.

Maybe you’re sitting there thinking how obvious this all sounds. It’s true, God’s way to peace and contentment isn’t complicated. We know what to do, but the challenge lies in practicing it. We need to remind ourselves daily to shift our focus from what we lack to the abundance we have in Christ.

There’s an old story about a businessman on vacation in a small coastal village. He noticed a local fisherman who brought in his catch early each day. Curious, the businessman asked why he didn’t stay out longer to catch more fish. The fisherman explained that he had enough to support his family’s needs. The businessman then suggested ways to expand his business, catch more fish, buy more boats, and eventually make millions.

Tying his boat to the dock, the fisherman asked the businessman what he would do with all that success. The businessman replied, “You could retire, move to a small village, and spend your days fishing and relaxing.”

The fisherman wisely replied, “Isn’t that what I’m doing now?”

This story is a warm reminder to recognize the blessings we already have. It’s easy to miss the beauty around us when we are fixated on what others have. By practicing gratitude in difficult circumstances, leaning on God’s faithfulness, and trusting His wisdom, we can overcome discontentment and appreciate the gifts God has given us.

This story is a warm reminder to recognize the blessings we already have. It’s easy to miss the beauty around us when we are fixated on what others have. By practicing gratitude, we can overcome discontentment and appreciate the gifts God has given us. So, how do we do that? By shifting our mindset to see our current circumstances through the lens of faith and gratitude.

Here are a few practical ways to shift our mindset:

• • Keep a gratitude journal: Write down three things you are thankful for each day.
  • Pray with thankfulness: Regularly thank God for the blessings in your life during your prayer time.
  • Express appreciation to others: Take the time to thank people in your life, acknowledging their positive impact.
  • Reflect on Scripture: Meditate on Bible verses that emphasize gratitude, such as 1 Thessalonians 5:18.
  • Practice contentment: Focus on what you have rather than what you lack, and trust in God’s provision.

This Week’s Challenge

Write down three things you are thankful for every day. Spend time in prayer, thanking God for His blessings, and as a part of this, express appreciation for at least one person each day.

This Week’s Bible Verse

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Week at a Glance

TUESDAY: GENESIS 30:1-22

Watch this week’s video at Time-Warp Wife or on Youtube (subscribe while you’re there)

Print off this week’s Bible verse at Time-Warp Wife.

Read 1 Samuel Chapter one in addition to the following section.

Go through the section in your study guide for Genesis 30:1-22, and answer the questions at the end of that section.

Check in on the community at: facebook.com/groups/biblestudies. If you are new to the group, now is a good time to introduce yourself. While you are there, maybe you could drop in a friendly message wishing others a blessed week, or share a prayer for the week ahead.

WEDNESDAY – Spotlight on Leah and Rachel

Grab a journal sheet and compare the characters of Leah and Rachel (you might need to look back at chapter 29 as well). Highlight their desires, struggles, and how they each sought validation. Consider the impact of their rivalry on their personal well-being and their family. Consider one thing you can learn from each of their stories.

Find three verses in the Bible that talk about our identity in Christ and God’s love for us. Share one of these verses in the Facebook group.

THURSDAY – Genesis 30:23-43

Go through the section in your study guide for Genesis 30:23-43, answer the questions at the end of that section.

Share your reflections in the Facebook group.
Respond to at least one other person’s post in the group to encourage others.

FRIDAY 

This week only had two sections but each section was long. Use the rest of the week to finish this chapter and catch up if you are behind..

Visit Time-Warp Wife to read Darlene’s closing thoughts on this chapter

Share your reflections in the Facebook group.

SATURDAY – Catch up

Use today and Monday to catch up.

SUNDAY – REST

MONDAY – Catch up

Use this day to catch up to the rest of the group.

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