Thursday, March 13, 2008

Reading Rebekah

Yep, I again read every comment posted - and I understand a few of you had trouble posting your comments. I am so sorry about these technological glitches. A few gals left comments on the Please Help post, offering to try to help anyone get subscribed or posted. Technology can be so frustrating, but it is also bringing this group together from the US, Brazil, the Netherlands, Nigeria, India, Malaysia and Australia, and that is amazing!

Thursday's reading is Genesis chapter 24 and also chapter 27.

If you prefer to read online, you can click here to read it .

I might pop in here later and say a few things, but the plan is to read Rebekah on Thursday (you can post that you've read it), and then we'll talk about her story on Friday.

Pray first, and leave an "I read it" comment once you're done.

222 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  2. I did it! Waiting to read from others.

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  3. I've finished the reading!

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  4. I read these passages. Very sobering.

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  5. I read it.

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  6. I did it - Sylvia

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  7. I read it! Dear Lord, what a reminder. I concur, Shawna, very sobering.

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  8. I have read the passages.

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  9. I read it! Thanks for posting the reading before my kid's got up (US - EST)

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  10. I did it!! Also did Eve and Sarah today as this is my first day here. Thank God I found you.

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  11. I did it! ~Tromila

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  12. i read it!

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  13. Read it! :)

    Have a great day!

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  14. did it, great story God Bless - dani

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  15. I have read it!
    Sandra

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  16. I"VE READ IT.

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  17. I did it! What a blessing to know that hundreds of women around the world are reading the same part of God's word at the same time. Surely He will accomplish great things because of this study.

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  18. I just finished reading the story of Rebekah and all I can say is WOW! She must have had incredible faith in God too. No wonder God chose her to be Isaac's wife.

    Laurieann from Canada

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  19. Got it done!

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  20. I've read it! Looking forward to the discussion.

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  21. I read it! God Bless to all:)

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  22. I have been enjoying reading the women of the bible and i enjoy reading others thank you Rachel this is very helpful i look forward to reading everyday.

    tjc

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  23. I have finished the reading.
    Margaret

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  24. Read It! On the next "Read It" day - could you maybe have the gals also post what state/country they're from - It'd be really neat to see the spectrum :)

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  25. I have read it. Anxiously awaiting discussing it tomorrow. Be Blessed today!!! Kim

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  26. I have finished the reading. I am so thankful for this bible study. God Bless all and to all a blessed day!

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  27. I have read it ....2nd reading at noon Jamaica time!

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  28. I read it. What happened to her? In the beginning she was beautiful and had an obedient spirit. Then she was deceitful and conniving.

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  29. Done with the reading.
    Thanks for the Challenge!

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  30. I read it!

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  31. I have a lot to think about today. I see that this is not "just the story about Jacob and Esau" from my Sunday school days.

    ♥Susan

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  32. Read it. I keep forgetting this posting part, but today I read it and remembered to post that I finished! :)

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  33. I did it =]

    After I had finished reading, I took the time to read each of the corresponding commentaries provided by Bible Gateway. They too were very insightful/helpful.

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  34. I've read it!

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  35. I read it and I loved it.

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  36. Read it and a lot to digest.

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  37. I've finished the passages. Have a great day!

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  38. I read it. Interesting, I have read this before but this time I had a slight attitude with Rebekah. Waiting to hear other comments

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  39. I just finished the reading. Can't wait to read everyones comments tomorrow.

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  40. I just read the scripture on Sarah and Rebekah. Sarah -I've read her story so many times, but this time I realized how like Sarah I am - impatient and wanting to make things happen - I pray for a stronger faith and patience!! Rebekah - as a ayoung girl she is so trusting of God, leaving her family for an unknown. As a mom, she also wanted control. This control thing (startng with Eve) seems to be a thorn in our sides and I pray that this study will help us to trust in our Lord to be in control!

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  41. I've read it too!

    Krystal from Texas

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  42. I read it. So thankful for this way of reading His Word together and this community of women interested in God's word. Thanks Rachel for your blog!
    I've been meaning to ask someone about marrying within the family as mentioned in Genesis 24. Isn't Rebekah's Dad the brother of Issac's Dad? Isn't that marrying within the family somewhat? I know that Isaac had slim pickings for a mate because they weren't Cannanites, I'm not sure why God didn't provide an Israelite for Isaac outside of his bloodline. Can someone shed some light in this area? Thanks. God bless everyone's day.

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  43. I read it.

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  44. Done. :)

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  45. I'm done. Can't wait to hear what everyone has to say!

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  46. I finished the reading. much food for thought, no matter how many times it's read.

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  47. I've done the reading.

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  48. What a beautiful way to start my day! I did it!

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  49. I've finished the reading for today!

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  50. I read it. My first thought is that no matter how well we start we need to finish well!! I'm looking forward to the discussion also.

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  51. Did it! Can't wait for tomorrow!!

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  52. I read it, and can't wait to read what you all wrote.

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  53. I have completed the reading

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  54. I read it

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  55. I read it. I agree with others, very sobering. Britt

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  56. Oh wow...this is a good one!

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  57. I did it. Can't wait Rachel to hear what you have to say. Thanks for your leadership in this study.

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  58. I read it! Surprised at rebekkah's actions.

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  59. I read it!

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  60. Finished the reading...looking forward to reading the comments.

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  61. Done! :)
    Looking forward to the discussion!

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  62. I've read it and can't wait for the comments and study together with everyone. I love this. Thank you so much.

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  63. I've read it. Can't wait for discussion.
    Debbie

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  64. I finished the reading today.

    Bonniem

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  65. I've finished the reading today.

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  66. I read it. The Lord blessed me with three boys. And, like Rebekah, I always wanted to fix things. It doesn't always work like you want either. I need to give it to the Lord, always. I can't wait to hear your comments.

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  67. I just posted but then read many of the comments and like myself we seem to all be speechless today. Really looking at what Rebekah did. That is a lot to digest. Going against her husband and plotting against her son...All the years I have taught pre-k and K in SS at church and taught that story, it never impacted me the way it did today. Thank you so much Rachel for this wonderful Bible study.
    BonnieM

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  68. I read it!

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  69. Hi Everyone,

    Finished the reading and the commentaries with it, what a lovely love story. Rebekah wanted to serve in her youth, to help others, I would love to be more like that. Often I do not want to do the things that need to be or to help if it is not when I want to do it. I pray often for a change in me from GOD so I can be that cheerful and faithful servant to our LORD and to my husband. Fighting anger when a loved one is ill makes it hard sometimes to be cheerful when he needs me to be, but I will not give up because I know that wanting to be better is a good thing and GOD will honor my efforts in this.

    Rachel thank you for starting the Bible study, I am sure GOD will bless you richly for it as HE is doing for those of us who study it together with you.

    GOD Bless you all
    In JESUS name.
    Elizabeth

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  70. I read it :) How wonderful when our plans are under God's care. Looking forward for the discussion.

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  71. Hi rachel,

    Thnx for this program....it really helps.
    You are also bringing this message to the Philippines:)

    Thanks a lot

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  72. I've finished. Now, I have some thinking to do.

    Emily from Ohio in the USA

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  73. Done. So many important topics to ponder upon. God is revealing himself to me more and more each day.

    What a contrast between chapter 24 and 27. In Ch. 24 a great example of obedience to God in seeking him FIRST, and then giving Him all the praise and glory. God showered his blessings upon those faithful to Him.

    Then in Ch 27, it's almost like they forgot about God. Maybe they became complacent? Rebekah didn't trust that God would keep his promise. The lies, deceit, and efforts to "help" God complicated the whole situation.

    Lord, I pray for all of us here that you would open our eyes and constantly remind of us your prescence; that we would not depend on our own strength, but on you alone. Remind us of your unwavering love, that you ALWAYS keep your promises, to WAIT upon and TRUST in you so we can be the women you created us to be and give you praise and glory. Amen.

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  74. I did it! Can't wait until tomorrow for discussion.

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  75. I read it!

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  76. I did it!! Can't wait to discuss this one.

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  77. I read it. Looking forward to your discussion and all of the input.

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  78. For some reason, I thought I had read the entire two scriptures, but realized that I had only read the first one before replying. I now see how Rebekah had changed from the young woman to the mother of two sons. I ask myself why she did what she did. What happened to her that she became so sneeky?

    Laurieann from Canada

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  79. Good Morning Ladies!!

    I read it! Look forward to reading and posting tomorrows comments!

    Blessings,
    Kathy

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  80. read it! Paula thank you for the prayer -Amen and Amen. I agree there is a lot to digest. I am looking forward to the discussion tomorrow. Enna's question about marrying in the family - I am looking forward to seeing that answered.

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  81. Done! Looking forward to the comments tomorrow! I'm learning so much.

    Thanks, Rachel. You are a blessing!

    Monica

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  82. i did it!

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  83. I did it! Whew, I was late coming in so I've read Eve,Sarah and Rebekkah today! :o)
    Rebekkah caused such lost communion between her and God, her sons, her husband, the boys..but vs.45 told Jacob she would send for him after Essau forgot what Jacob had done--no blame on herself.

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  84. I did it!
    Nicole

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  85. I did it!!

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  86. I read it! What an interesting story...look forward to tomorrow!

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  87. I did it :-) So glad to be part of this!

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  88. I finished the reading. Thank you, for your awesome prayer Paula. It really blessed me.

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  89. I read it ...so sad in many ways.

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  90. I did it! That's deep... it's amazing how the beautiful graceful young lady in Genesis 24 has turned into a bitter and deceitful mother who deceives her husband. Can't wait until tomorrow!

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  91. I read it!!!
    ~ Christi

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  93. Read it! I've read this story several times but I'm left wondering...why did Rebekah favor Jacob over Esau and want Jacob to receive the blessing???

    Can't wait to read the discussions tomorrow and hopefully this question will be answered.
    Paula in Indiana, US

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  94. read it!

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  95. I read it and am looking forward to the discussion.

    Melissa in Louisiana

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  96. I read it!! As with Eve and Sarah, Rebekah had to have things her way! She wanted her favourite son to receive the blessing and was willing to do ANYTHING to get her way! She thought of everything (clothes, hair etc)! I wonder how different things would have been if Esau had received the blessing instead????
    God bless all of you sisters as you continue to study & rightly divide the word of God. Only by having a spiritual diet based on the word and prayer can we overcome satan. Keep up the good work! I love you all!

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  97. Finished!

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  98. I read it!

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  99. I read it!

    JT

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  100. Amazing- she did everything to get her way - deceiving her husband and losing a son over it. But through it all, she was faithful to God and God was faithful to Issac. I don't really understand the whole theory of sinning and then being blessed. My eyes have not seen nor my ears heard the glory of God. He is merciful!

    Virginia

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  101. I read it! ~Kelly from MI

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  102. Did it!!! Thanks again Rachel!

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  103. i read the two chapters. lots to comment on. i look forward to reading your thoughts, rachel!

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  104. I read it and the 2 chapters in between them. It gives the story of how the twins were born to Rebekah and how the Lord told her that the oldest would serve the youngest. I've never figured out if God decided that was to be the case or that He knew ahead of time what Rebekah would do in helping Jacob steal the blessing. I think Rebekah helped Jacob steal the blessing because she remembered what God told her about her sons. I do know it says in another place in the Bible that God disliked Esau for selling his birthright to Jacob for a bowl of porridge. The two personalites of the boys really helped to determine their fate. Esau was a rowdy hunter and Jacob really cared for spiritual things like birthrights and blessings.
    Rebekah also didn't like Esau's wives from the surrounding Hittites so there was another reason to get the blessing for Jacob so he would take over from his father and not Esau and his wives.
    I believe the law against marrying in your family didn't come into play until Moses received the laws.
    Issac also lied like his father about Rebekah being his sister. God's people are all sinners but are under his blessing because of their faith in him. Christ's death covered the sins of all believers, from the very beginning to now. : )
    joining in from Ontario Canada

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  105. wow, i have had some trouble signing in also!
    i read it!
    i wonder how rebekah found rest and peace in what she did and now how is she respected (or not) as a mother!

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  106. Finished reading and detecting a pattern... :)

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  107. I read it! I just love the story of Issac and Rebekah. I can't wait to hear your lesson tomorrow. I just wish I could click on with my windows phone media. Oh well!
    Donna

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  108. I read it!

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  109. I read it! Thanks for doing this study for us!

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  110. I read the passages.
    Sue from Hawaii

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  111. I'm done with the reading.

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  112. I'm done with the reading.

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  113. I read it! :)

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  114. I read it...Sorry Ladies I couldn't wait until tomorrow to post or else I will loose my first thoughts about this story.

    I don't understand how Rebekah who so obeyed the calling for her life would then turn around and demise such a scheme to take the blessing that so belong to Esau. Why the deception and the lie, causing two brothers to hate each other. As a parent I talk to my children of the importance of siblinghood (if there is such a word). How they are to help, love and care for one another. It blesses my heart to see my daughters hug and kiss each other goodbye in the mornings when they go off to their different schools. I know that God has favor on all three of my children yet the blessings are diffent. So, why the deception...

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  115. I finished....alot to meditate on.
    Look forward to the discussion tomorrow.

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  116. I am probably one if not the oldest (76) of the ladies that have joined the Bible Study. I desire to finish strong in my earthly walk of faith. And there are always new thoughts to glean from others.

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  117. I read the passages and enjoyed them very much.
    Sarah from Bolivia

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  118. I have done my reading!!
    Trinidad, West Indies

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  119. i did it

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  120. I finished the reading and I'm looking forward to discussing it tomorrow.

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  121. I read it and look forward to more tomorrow.

    Your Sister In Christ!

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  122. I did it and have so much to think about. How can a young woman be so trusting in the Lord for her husband and when she becomes a mother not trust her same God that both her sons would be blessed that she would decieve her husband, show favoritism towards one son and show signs of being Prejudice to the other. Am i getting this right? Lord forgive me for showing signs of Rebekah. Can't wait till tomorrow.

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  123. I read it...this family tragedy always makes me sad. Prayfully tomorrows discusion will help me understand this better.

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  124. Read it, going to read it a 2nd time.
    Thank You so much! This study is wonderful

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  125. I did it! (I forgot to post that I had completed the reading before i left for dinner!)

    Can't wait for tomorrow's discussion.

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  126. I too have been like Sarah and doubted. I think we all have. But God's grace is sufficient even in my time of unbelief. There is always that hope (faith) that those prayers will be answered.

    I am blessed to have found this website. I look forward to learning more of there mighty women of God.

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  127. I read it, just jumped in today. Do you think having to wait 20 years to have a baby would make a woman feel that she needed to be in control? Did she think she needed to "help" God out a little. Can't wait to see the discussion tomorrow.

    Martha...in Idaho at 7:20 p.m.

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  128. I just finished the reading on Rebekah

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  129. Have completed each daily reading...................Clare

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  130. I did it! Can't wait till tomorrow. :)

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  131. I read the scriptures! I'm really enjoying this Bible Study! Thank You!

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  132. I did it...finished the reading after coming home from work. So great to hear different comments, views from all over the world!

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  133. I did it

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  134. I am enjoying this study and discussions very much!

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  136. i read it! can't wait to hear the comments!

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  137. I did it!.... So excited to watch God open up more of His word during this study. The annointing on this study is challenging me and I love it.... thank you.... Carol

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  138. I read it. Can anyone tell me how to subscribe to Rachel's Blog because I keep clicking on the icon and getting an error message. She said some of you may be able to advise. Thanks.
    Did anyone read the commentary from Bible Gateway, talks about appropriate characteristics of a suitable wife for Isaac? Qualities such as simple; industrious; humble; cheerful; serviceable and hospitable. I'd never make a good wife because I barely rate 2 out 6 of those qualities. Good thing Isaac's not still looking in 2008.

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  139. I am really enjoying about these women with all of you girls. It is certainly great to know there are so many people who are up on all this to help us learn and see a new perspective on some of this.

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  140. I read it! Also read Sarah today!
    Love this.

    Me from Puerto Rico

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  141. I read it - and I agree with anonymous - I detect a pattern here :-) Can't wait to see everyone's comments!

    Lia

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  142. I have completed the reading

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  143. read the passage and even some extra!

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  144. I read it, again I have always loved these stories.
    God Bless, Josie

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  145. Thank you Rachel for this blog and Bible study. It is such a blessing, and has motivated me to dig deep into God's word, and spend more time with him. I am so excited to read along with these other women. Can't wait for your post in the morning. God Bless you

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  146. i have been reading from the first day... haven't been able to post until now... i was hoping that rebekah was our next famous lady.

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  147. did it

    stacey

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  148. I read it. Beautiful women, many similarities.

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  149. I've finished the reading! Looking forward to the discussion tomorrow. Grammie Suz from Illinois

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  150. I finished! looking forward to tomorrow's thoughts.

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  151. I DI IT!!! A LITTLE LATE, BUT I DID IT....THE DISCUSSION SHOULD BEE AWESOME TOMMOROW

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  152. I just started and am done with all 3. I am so glad that you let us know in proverbs 31 that you are doing this. Thank you!!
    Blessings to all!

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  153. Sorry, I had problems all day trying to get to this blog. So I'm just finishing my reading now..................

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  154. I did it

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  155. I have read the story of rebekah and I wrote some in sights of what I had precieved, though I never read the scriptures in between. It is amazing the things we do for love. I feel of Rebekah as I feel of myself and others I have talked to that if we would just seek God's will and be patient for His answer we would be better off, but we tend to do things our way as though God needs our help and we mess up everytime, and we are right back to where we should have started from in the first place asking Gods help.

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  156. I did it...a day late. Technical difficulties yesterday. Praise God I was able to get the information today!!

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  157. read it
    Sarah P

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  158. read it! finally catching up!:) yeah!! I LOVE THIS!!

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  159. I can't help but being upset with Rebekah. It started out being such a promising wonderful love story, and turned into a web of hatred,lies and deceit. Although I don't blame her for being so upset with Esau who seemed to be godless, and had Caananite (unbelieving)women. I wonder what I would have done in this situation.
    Connie from Canada

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  160. Rebekah - what as interesting story. The parallels to Sarah's story are sobering. Fist Rebekah pretends to be Isaac's sister to avoid problems with other men. Rebekah was barren just like Sarah. Rebekah took matters into to her own hands to ensure God's plan. How like me. I am struggling right now with a problem that I am so tempted to try to solve through my own devices. This story is reminding me to just give it to God and let it stay with Him. We women have been the same since Eve and never seem to learn. How blessed we are that our loving God never loses patience with us. We have earned destruction but receive redemption. Praise the Lord.

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  161. I read it -Tiffany

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