Today’s Reading: Genesis 22; Psalm 111; Philippians 4:10-20

WE DO NOT NEED TO PROTECT WHAT GOD GAVE US FROM THE GOD WHO GAVE IT TO US.

Abraham understood just how hard a task this is for parents. But Abraham would also have understood how it is the same God who blesses us with children in the first place who asks us to trust Him with what comes next — to do anything God would ask us to do with the blessings He has provided for us.

“Take your son, your only son – yes, Isaac, whom you love so much – and go to the land of Moriah. Go and sacrifice him as a burnt offering on one of the mountains, which I will show you.” The next morning Abraham got up early. He saddled his donkey and took two of his servants with him, along with his son, Isaac. Then he chopped wood for a fire for a burnt offering and set out for the place God had told him about. – Genesis 22:2-3

God promised Abraham that he would have countless descendants. Isaac was the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham, yet God asked Abraham to sacrifice Isaac. I would have reacted with confusion and a lot of emotion, but that is not how Abraham displayed his faith. He trusted God to provide and faithfully, without hesitation, walked up the mountain with his greatest possession — his son.

Abraham arrived at his destination, but there was still no provision. He built the altar and placed the wood on top, but there was still no lamb for the sacrifice. Abraham lifted up his son and tied him to the wood. I imagine he looked around to see if God had come through for him. Still no sheep within sight. Abraham picked up the knife to kill his son as a sacrifice. It was at that moment that he heard the voice of an angel calling him.

ABRAHAM WAS WILLING TO TAKE WHAT HE HAD BEEN GIVEN HIM AND GIVE IT BACK TO GOD.

“Don’t lay a hand on the boy!” the angel said. “Do not hurt him in any way, for now I know that you truly fear God. You have not withheld from me even your son, your only son.”

Then Abraham looked up and saw a ram caught by its horns in a thicket. So he took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering in place of his son. Abraham named the place Yahweh-Yireh (which means “the Lord will provide”). To this day, people still use that name as a proverb: “On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.” – Genesis 22:12-14

The Lord provided. These words hold such power over our current situations. To know with confidence that God keeps His promises, and to know that He provides for the fulfillment of those promises — this is the knowledge that keeps us going when it seems like life is moving too fast. This is what helps us cling to the Lord instead of embracing all the blessings He has bestowed on us.

And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:19

GOD SEES OUR SITUATION AND HEARS OUR CRIES. DO NOT BE AFRAID! THE LORD WILL PROVIDE!

Here I am, Lord. Show me this morning that what I am clinging to has never been mine to begin with. Help me to trust you with my marriage, my family, my job, my finances, my health, my friends and my future. Remind me of your provisions and give me the strength to trust you with what comes next. I thank you for the abundant blessings you so generously extend to me every day. I place EVERYTHING on the altar and I choose to listen to your voice. I choose to trust you whether I have plenty or little. You are Yahweh-Yireh, and I choose to surrender everything to you this morning. Amen.

I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. – Philippians 4:12-13

All he does is just and good, and all his commandments are trustworthy.
They are forever true, to be obeyed faithfully and with integrity.
He has paid a full ransom for his people.
He has guaranteed his covenant with them forever.
What a holy, awe-inspiring name he has!
Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom.
All who obey his commandments will grow in wisdom.
Praise him forever! — Psalm 111:7-10

Today’s Reading: Genesis 21:27-34; Psalm 84

So Abraham brought sheep and cattle and gave them to Abimelech, and the two men made a treaty. Abraham set apart seven ewe lambs from the flock, and Abimelech asked Abraham, “What is the meaning of these seven ewe lambs you have set apart by themselves?” – Genesis 21:27-29

WHY SEVEN LAMBS?

On that day, Abraham made a covenant with King Abimelech — a promise that he would show kindness and deal honestly with the people of Gerar. You see, the king had generously allowed Abraham and his large family to set up tents and live wherever they wanted to in his country, but now he was asking for reciprocity. Now he was securing a covenant relationship that would protect his family and country from this growing group of foreigners. Abimelech was making his hospitality official, recognizing that Abraham’s family could stay and live in peace, if they would indeed promise to live peacefully with the people of Gerar.

Abraham gave King Abimelech sheep and cattle to signify his commitment to this treaty. I guess you could say he was putting some “skin in the game” — he was making both a verbal commitment and a sacrificial transaction. That made sense to the king, but the additional seven ewe lambs did not. So the king inquired about the significance of this extra gift.

He replied, “Accept these seven lambs from my hand as a witness that I dug this well.”
So that place was called Beersheba, because the two men swore an oath there. – Genesis 21:30-31

To protect their relationship and take away the opportunity for future conflict, Abraham purchased the well he had dug by giving the king seven female lambs. These lambs would continue to reproduce and be a blessing to the king. The intentionality of Abraham’s gift gave clarity to the ownership of the well, which would hopefully prevent future conflict between the king’s servants and Abraham’s family. Abraham in essence got out in front of the potential problem in order to protect their relationship and stay true to his word.

After the treaty had been made at Beersheba, Abimelech and Phicol the commander of his forces returned to the land of the Philistines. Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba, and there he called on the name of the Lord, the Eternal God. And Abraham stayed in the land of the Philistines for a long time. – Genesis 21:32-34

WHY A TAMARISK TREE?

Earlier in this chapter, we read of a grieving mother who laid down her son under a shrub to die. She trusted the shrub to provide the boy with a comfortable place to rest from the heat of the sun while he took his last breaths. God opened Hagar’s eyes to show her a nearby well of water. God provided sustenance at just the right moment, and He continued to be with Ishmael as he grew up (21:20). Today we consider Ismael’s father and the significance of a new planting — a new moment with beautiful significance.

The tamarisk tree is known for its ability to cool and provide shade for desert travelers. During the hottest part of the day, the tamarisk tree secretes salt. At night, the salt absorbs the moisture in the night air. As the day begins, that water evaporates in such a way that a cooling effect is created, similar to air conditioning. The tree produces beautiful pink or white flowers, and is known to live up to 100 years. With roots growing as deep as 30 feet below the surface, the tamarisk tree draws from the deep water tables to survive even in the heat of the desert. There is a sense of endurance and perseverance with this desert tree. [https://ww2.odu.edu/~lmusselm/plant/bible/tamarix.php]

When I question the significance of planting a tamarisk tree, I consider this moment in Abraham’s life when he was finally able to put in deep roots. God was providing a place for him to stay and live in peace with the Philistines. After years of nomadic life, this must have felt like a cool breeze on a hot summer day to Abraham.

It was also common to plant a tree in honor of a great man, so perhaps the significance of this tree was to honor the God who had provided Abraham with a son, land, water and now a season of peace. The credit would not go to the hospitality of the king or the shrewd business contract made by Abraham, but rather the glory would go to God. Instead of letting the significance of this moment pass, Abraham took time to worship God at Beersheba, and to plant a tree in remembrance of God’s beautiful provision.

How lovely is your dwelling place,
O Lord of Heaven’s Armies.
I long, yes, I faint with longing
to enter the courts of the Lord.
With my whole being, body and soul,
I will shout joyfully to the living God.
Even the sparrow finds a home,
and the swallow builds her nest and raises her young
at a place near your altar,
O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, my King and my God!
What joy for those who can live in your house,
always singing your praises. – Psalm 84:1-4

Let’s take a moment this morning to recognize the Lord’s provision in our own life. In what ways has he blessed us, and in what ways has he equipped us for success? Let’s recognize those moments in our life when resting in God’s presence is a lot like reclining in the shade of a tamarisk tree in the middle of our desert. Let’s raise our voices to the Lord as we pray the words of Psalm 84.

A single day in your courts is better than a thousand anywhere else!
I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God than live the good life in the homes of the wicked.
For the Lord God is our sun and our shield.
He gives us grace and glory.
The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right.
O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, what joy for those who trust in you. — Psalm 84:10-12

Today’s Reading: Genesis 21:22-26; Psalm 32; Matthew 18:15-20

At that time Abimelech and Phicol the commander of his forces said to Abraham, “God is with you in everything you do. Now swear to me here before God that you will not deal falsely with me or my children or my descendants. Show to me and the country where you now reside as a foreigner the same kindness I have shown to you.”
Abraham said, “I swear it.” – Genesis 21:22-24

Over the years, I have consistently jumped over this next passage of scripture but I think there is significance to be found in these verses. To start with some context, let’s look back at Genesis 20 to remind ourselves that King Abimelech initially opened his arms wide to accept Abraham and his family to the region of Gerar. But the king’s experience of Abraham was anything but positive, because Abraham was less than honest about who Sarah was.

OUR BEHAVIOR IMPACTS OUR REPUTATION WHICH INFLUENCES OUR WITNESS.

Because of Abraham’s deception, a curse of infertility was placed on the king and his household. In response to the curse, King Abimelech appealed to God based on his ignorance and the innocent intentions of his actions. The king heard from God, experiencing both mercy and clear guidance.

Then God said to him in the dream, “Yes, I know you did this with a clear conscience, and so I have kept you from sinning against me. That is why I did not let you touch her. Now return the man’s wife, for he is a prophet, and he will pray for you and you will live. But if you do not return her, you may be sure that you and all who belong to you will die.” – Genesis 20:6-7

The king returned Sarah to Abraham, along with a generous gift and the offer to live wherever he wanted in the land of Gerar. Fast forward to Genesis 21 and we find the same king approaching Abraham with the offer of a treaty. He had seen the evidence of God’s favor on Abraham — that God had been with Abraham in everything he did. He recognized God’s generosity and remembered His power. Then he asked Abraham not to deal falsely with him or his descendants.

Because of his previous deception, King Abimelech was having a hard time trusting Abraham. Abimelech’s experience of the prophet of God was that he could not be trusted, thus the need for a covenant agreement.

WHAT IS YOUR EXPERIENCE OF ME? HAVE I BEEN FOUND TO BE TRUSTWORTHY? DOES MY BEHAVIOR REFLECT THE INTEGRITY OF GOD?

What reason do I give other people not to trust me? How do those around me experience my character, and how does that reflect the character of God? Am I known for leaving information out or being less than honest with others? If so, how does their experience of me affect their experience of God?

Immediately, Abraham brought up an issue regarding a well he and his servants had dug. He complained that Abimelech’s servants had seized the well. The king’s response — Why am I just now hearing about this? How can I correct a situation if you have not taken the time to draw it to my attention until now?

Again I feel the nudge of the Spirit regarding others’ experience of the way I have handled conflict. How often have I allowed myself to get upset before even going to the other person to discuss a problem or issue? How often have I complained to others before giving them the opportunity to make things right or to clear up a misunderstanding on my part?

AN IMPORTANT PART OF OUR TESTIMONY OF GOD’S TRANSFORMING POWER IS EVIDENCED IN HOW WE HANDLE CONFLICT, AND IN HOW QUICKLY WE ASK FOR FORGIVENESS.

Father God, forgive me for the moments when I am less than honest or transparent with others. Mold me into the authentic child of God you are calling me to be. Remind me of the appropriate steps to take when I have a concern with someone else (Matthew 18:15-20). May your character be reflected in my actions, and may others experience you in a positive way because of their experience of me. Amen.

Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven,
whose sins are covered.
Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them
and in whose spirit is no deceit.
When I kept silent, my bones wasted away
through my groaning all day long.
For day and night your hand was heavy on me;
my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer.
Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity.
I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.”
And you forgave the guilt of my sin. – Psalm 32:1-5

Today’s Reading: Genesis 21:1-21, Psalm 147

The Lord kept his word and did for Sarah exactly what he had promised. She became pregnant, and she gave birth to a son for Abraham in his old age. This happened at just the time God had said it would. – Genesis 21:1-2

What a great reminder to start off our time in God’s word! God will do exactly as He promises at the exact time He said He would do it. He is faithful and He can be trusted. He is omnipotent and nothing is too difficult for Him. He is the God who does the impossible, providing for us over and over again.

And Sarah declared, “God has brought me laughter. All who hear about this will laugh with me. Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse a baby? Yet I have given Abraham a son in his old age!” – Genesis 21:6-7

God also provided for Hagar in today’s passage. As the boys grew older, Abraham threw a huge feast to celebrate Sarah’s son, Isaac. But Ishmael foolishly made fun of Isaac and, in response, Sarah demanded Hagar and her son be sent away.

This upset Abraham very much because Ishmael was his son. – Genesis 21:11

WE DO NOT NEED TO PROTECT WHAT GOD GAVE US FROM THE GOD WHO GAVE IT TO US.

This passage usually brings me to a place of pity and compassion for Hagar, but this morning I wonder just how difficult this must have been for Abraham. After all, he loved Ishmael. He knew God’s promise would be fulfilled through Isaac, but he probably envisioned Ishmael to be a part of his life as well. Abraham was caught in a feud between two family members, and he did what he knew to do — he took his concerns and his heartbreak to the Lord.

But God told Abraham, “Do not be upset over the boy and your servant. Do whatever Sarah tells you, for Isaac is the son through whom your descendants will be counted. But I will also make a nation of the descendants of Hagar’s son because he is your son, too.” – Genesis 21:12-13

Once again, we see Abraham responding in obedience to God, but we also see the heart of a father who wants to supply the needs of his son. Abraham got up early the next morning to prepare some food and water for Hagar and Ishmael. Then he did what Sarah had asked and what God had instructed him to do — he sent them away.

WE DO NOT NEED TO PROTECT WHAT GOD GAVE US FROM THE GOD WHO GAVE IT TO US.

Hagar wandered aimlessly in the wilderness, soon running out of the food and water Abraham had given them. She laid her son under the shade of a bush and then walked away, unable to watch him die.

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. — Psalm 147:3

Oh the love of a God who sees us when we are hurting, and comforts us when we grieve. It is often in the moments of our deepest pain or fear that God makes His presence known and opens our eyes to His provision. It is often when we have run out of our own resources and can no longer find a solution to our problem that the Lord comes through for us.

“Hagar, what’s wrong? Do not be afraid! God has heard the boy crying as he lies there. Go to him and comfort him, for I will make a great nation from his descendants.” Then God opened Hagar’s eyes, and she saw a well full of water. She quickly filled her container and gave the boy a drink. And God was with the boy as he grew up in the wilderness. – Genesis 21:17b-20a

Oh Lord, open my eyes to your provision! See me in the wilderness and make your presence known to me, and I will drink from the well you have mercifully placed in my path. I will be filled with the gift of your nourishment and sustenance, praising you for the bread of today and trusting you for tomorrow.

WE DO NOT NEED TO PROTECT WHAT GOD GAVE US FROM THE GOD WHO GAVE IT TO US.

God reminds me of this truth often when it comes to my family. In fact, today’s passage of scripture is a great reminder of how God fulfilled a promise to me 29 years ago and continues to faithfully provide and protect. In 1996, after three miscarriages and a hopeless diagnosis from a doctor, I received a promise from God that I would have a baby in about a year. Just as He promised, Elizabeth Kathryn was born 12 months later. My faith grew tremendously as I experienced firsthand the fulfillment of a specific promise from God.

It was by faith that even Sarah was able to have a child, though she was barren and was too old. She believed that God would keep his promise. – Hebrews 11:11

For God had promised, “I will return about this time next year, and Sarah will have a son.” – Romans 9:9

As part of the promise, God revealed that my child would have a heart for Him and she absolutely does. As He continues to prepare Libby for the calling He has placed on her life, I must let go and trust Him. I must remind myself that she is His and I do not need to protect her from His perfect plan for her life. So every time she finishes another long shift of delivering babies or performing surgery, I thank God for the opportunities He is giving her and for his faithful protection over her. I once again place her in God’s omnipotent hands.

WE DO NOT NEED TO PROTECT WHAT GOD GAVE US FROM THE GOD WHO GAVE IT TO US.

There is joy in watching God’s plan for our children roll out but it takes courage to daily place them in God’s hands. No matter how excited we are about what God has for our children, no matter how long we have planned for each next step, no matter how much we have prepared for this moment – there is nothing easy about letting go and trusting God with what comes next. As parents we must daily place these precious gifts from God back into the hands of the God who provides.

He counts the stars and calls them all by name. How great is our Lord! His power is absolute! His understanding is beyond comprehension…The Lord’s delight is in those who fear him, those who put their hope in his unfailing love. – Psalm 147:4-5,11

Today’s Reading: Genesis 20, Psalm 15 & 43

Who may worship you in your sanctuary, Lord?
Who may enter your presence on your holy hill?
Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right,
speaking the truth from sincere hearts.
Those who refuse to gossip or harm their neighbors
or speak evil of their friends.
Those who despise flagrant sinners,
and honor the faithful followers of the Lord,
and keep their promises even when it hurts.
Those who lend money without charging interest,
and who cannot be bribed to lie about the innocent.
Such people will stand firm forever. – Psalm 15:1-5

In this next chapter of Genesis, we find Abraham repeating a mistake he made in chapter 12 when he and Sarah entered Egypt. Instead of introducing Sarah as his wife, he introduced her as his sister — again. He did this out of fear for his own life. His lack of trust that God would protect them in this new home of Gerar caused him to put his beautiful wife in danger in order to spare himself… again.

Because of the reputation of King Abimelech and the people of Gerar, Abraham expected the worst when he arrived in their country as a foreigner. He assumed that the king would find Sarah so beautiful that he would be willing to kill Abraham in order to have her for himself. Abraham expected King Abimelech to sin against him, but his response in fact caused him to sin against the king. He deceived the king with a half-truth instead of choosing integrity in the midst of a risky situation.

WHEN WE EXPECT THE WORST FROM UNBELIEVERS, WE SIN AGAINST THEM BEFORE THEY SIN AGAINST US. PERHAPS THIS IS WHY THE WORLD SEES THE CHURCH AS UNLOVING AND JUDGMENTAL.

Who suffered when Abraham chose to be less than honest? First of all, Sarah did. The king found Sarah to be beautiful, just like Abraham predicted. Because he was led to believe she was available, the king brought Sarah to his palace. Imagine how Sarah felt as she was most likely placed in the king’s haram to prepare her for her first encounter with the king. She needed Abraham to be her protector and instead he was the one placing her in harm’s way.

Abraham’s sin of dishonesty also placed King Abimelech and his whole kingdom in a dangerous situation. He set them up to sin. Scripture says they were terrified when they realized that Sarah was a married woman; they were also plagued with infertility. The king’s response to Abraham says it all:

“What crime have I committed that deserves treatment like this, making me and my kingdom guilty of this great sin? No one should ever do what you have done. Whatever possessed you to do such a thing?” – Genesis 20:9b-10

How often do we expect the worst from others? In what ways are we setting others up to fail when we continually assume they will make bad decisions? How often have other people needed to point out our judgmental attitudes or the inconsistencies in our faith? Abraham could have been a powerful witness of what it looks like to be a follower of Jehovah, but was instead seen as selfish and cruel. Where was Abraham’s faith?

NOT ONLY WAS ABRAHAM EXPECTING THE WORST FROM UNBELIEVERS, HE WAS EXPECTING THE LEAST FROM HIS HOLY GOD. INSTEAD OF TRUSTING GOD, ABRAHAM MANIPULATED HIS CIRCUMSTANCES.

God had promised protection to Abraham and had clearly painted a picture of the blessings he planned to bestow on him — descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and the sand on the beach. Instead of trusting in the God who loves to give good gifts to His children, Abraham tried to orchestrate his circumstances in order to provide his own protection. Instead of asking God for wisdom and discernment, Abraham chose deception and manipulation.

Lord, teach us how to trust in you in all situations. Help us to be a light to those around us as we extend both grace and truth to them. May our actions be a powerful witness to what you are capable of instead of being an indicator of our greatest fears. May we place our faith solely in you today. Thank you for being a generous God who watches over us and forgives us. Give us eyes to see others as you see them today. Lord, strengthen our faith so that we choose hope in you over fear of the world. Amen.

Send out your light and your truth;
let them guide me.
Let them lead me to your holy mountain,
to the place where you live.
There I will go to the altar of God,
to God—the source of all my joy.
I will praise you with my harp,
O God, my God!
Why am I discouraged?
Why is my heart so sad?
I will put my hope in God!
I will praise him again—
my Savior and my God! – Psalm 43:3-5

Today’s Reading: Genesis 18:16 – 19:38, 2 Peter 2:17-22, Psalm 101

In the Bible, when someone had a decision to make, they would often “cast lots” to determine the will of God. They would do this by throwing sticks or stones with markings on them. In essence, they would use a game of chance similar to flipping a coin or rolling the dice to determine which direction they should go or what should happen next. This is referred to 77 times in the Bible. Thankfully we have the Holy Spirit now to direct us when we have a choice to make.

Consistent with his name, Lot (Abraham’s nephew) had a series of decisions to make. Let’s review some of what we have already learned about Lot. God had blessed both Abraham and Lot with a large possession of sheep and goats, herds of cattle, and tents. Things were getting crowded and tempers were flaring among the herdsmen, so Abraham offered Lot his choice of land.

LEFT OR RIGHT

“The whole countryside is open to you. Take your choice of any section of the land you want, and we will separate. If you want the land to the left, then I’ll take the land on the right. If you prefer the land on the right, then I’ll go to the left.” – Genesis 13:9

When given a choice, Lot chose the Jordan Valley, an area that was fertile and therefore would make him very wealthy. This area had a reputation of constantly sinning against the Lord, yet Lot was drawn to what this area had to offer him, and he MADE A CHOICE to live among this sinful society.

OLD OR NEW

Soon after that, a war broke out between nine kings. The cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were plundered and Lot was taken hostage along with all of his household and many others. Abraham gathered together his men and rescued Lot from the mess he had gotten himself into. Rather than starting a new life in a new area, Lot CHOSE to return to life as he knew it in Sodom.

Now when the three visitors came to Abraham with the promise that Sarah would have a baby in about a year, the Lord also had a message for Abraham regarding the judgment of Sodom and Gomorrah. Both cities had become very flagrant in their sin and God was ready to destroy them.

LOVE SIN OR LOVE SINNERS

Abraham had concern for the residents of these cities and asked the Lord if He would spare the cities if He found 50 people who were righteous. God agreed. Abraham asked if He would spare the cities if He found 45 righteous people. God agreed. What about 40? Yes, 40. What about 30? Yes, 30. Abraham boldly asked God if He would spare the cities if he found 20 righteous people. For the sake of 20, God agreed He would spare the cities. Abraham asked the Lord for one more number – would he spare the cities for 10? God stated He would hold back his judgment if He found even as small of a number as 10 righteous people.

Notice the difference between uncle and nephew. Lot was drawn to the sinfulness of society while Abraham was concerned for the fate of the lost. Lot blended in with the sinful people while Abraham separated himself and prayed to the Lord for those condemned to judgment.

STAY OR LEAVE

Two angels came to Lot in Sodom. They warned him of the coming destruction of the city and told Lot to get out of the city. They gave Lot time to warn his daughters and their fiances, but they would not listen. The next morning, Lot was still there. The angels insisted Lot take his family and leave Sodom immediately. Lot hesitated and the angels had to drag Lot and his family to safety. Imagine being so attached to sin that God has to drag you away from it!

When they were safely out of the city, one of the angels ordered, “Run for your lives! And don’t look back or stop anywhere in the valley! Escape to the mountains, or you will be swept away!” – Genesis 19:17

When the angels told him to run to the mountains, Lot begged them to let him settle in a small village nearby. He was being warned to run from sin and wickedness, but Lot CHOSE to stay close to the sinful life he had come to know. Lot’s wife looked back on the city as it was being destroyed. The verb used here indicates she cast more than a curious glance; she gazed intensely for a prolonged period. She was too attached to sin to respond to God’s gracious mercy. She CHOSE to focus on what this sinful world had to offer her instead of the gift of life God was extending, and she was turned into a pillar of salt.

With an appeal to twisted sexual desires, they lure back into sin those who have barely escaped from a lifestyle of deception. They promise freedom, but they themselves are slaves of sin and corruption. For you are a slave to whatever controls you. And when people escape from the wickedness of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and then get tangled up and enslaved by sin again, they are worse off than before. It would be better if they had never known the way to righteousness than to know it and then reject the command they were given to live a holy life. They prove the truth of this proverb: “A dog returns to its vomit.” And another says, “A washed pig returns to the mud.” – 2 Peter 2:18b-22

God, we ask you to reveal the heart behind the choices we are making. Help us to be concerned for sinners rather than drawn to sin. We choose freedom in knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, rather than being a slave to the sin that seeks to control us. We answer your call to live a holy life and ask you to fill us with your righteousness. Lord, we are but dust and ashes, but this morning we boldly pray for you to see the righteous hearts of your people and spare our country of the judgment deserved. Give us the boldness to proclaim your plan of salvation to those who are lost in their sin, so that they can choose to flee from their sinful habits and run to you. We pray for all of this in your holy name, Amen.

I will lead a life of integrity
in my own home.
I will refuse to look at
anything vile and vulgar.
I hate all who deal crookedly;
I will have nothing to do with them.
I will reject perverse ideas
and stay away from every evil.
I will not tolerate people who slander their neighbors.
I will not endure conceit and pride.
I will search for faithful people
to be my companions. – Psalm 101:2b-6a

Today’s Reading: Genesis 17:9 – 18:15, Psalm 69, Romans 9:6-9

Although it is not always easy, there is joy in resting instead of resisting. Abraham loved his son, Ishmael, and he asked God to fulfill His promise through this son. God had something different, something better, for him but it was beyond Abraham’s comprehension. God promised to confirm His covenant in about a year, through a son born of Sarah who would be named Isaac.

IT REQUIRED FAITH FOR ABRAHAM TO ACCEPT GOD’S WILL IN GOD’S WAY IN GOD’S TIME.

Three men appeared to Abraham one day to once again confirm God’s promise of a son born to Sarah (possibly the Lord and two angels). Sarah was listening to this conversation from the tent and laughed silently to herself saying, “How could a worn-out woman like me enjoy such pleasure, especially when my master – my husband – is also so old?” (18:12)

The Lord knew Sarah’s doubts without the need for her to speak them out loud. He knew that pregnancy at her age was a preposterous thought for Sarah. So while Sarah focused on the impossibility of the words being spoken on the other side of the tent wall, God was focused on the amazing thing He was about to do in Sarah’s body as well as in her heart.

Then the Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh? Why did she say, ‘Can an old woman like me have a baby?’ Is anything too hard for the Lord? I will return about this time next year, and Sarah will have a son.” – Genesis 18:13-14

We may need a reminder this morning that what is impossible for us is possible with God. Perhaps January is a good month for us to rest in the declaration that nothing is too difficult for God. He is able to do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20-21).

WHAT WOULD LIFE LOOK LIKE IF WE SURRENDERED OUR IDEAS OF WHAT GOD CAN DO TO THE GOD WHO CAN DO ANYTHING?

O God, you know how foolish I am; my sins cannot be hidden from you. — Psalm 69:5

Sarah struggled in her faith but she did not stay in that struggle. In fact, it is possible that Sarah always looked back with regret at her initial response to God’s promise and to the mess she made when she tried to force God’s promise through her servant, Hagar. But she did not stay in the struggle to believe or the shame of her mess. Listen to what the writer of Hebrews says about this woman loved by God.

It was by faith that even Sarah was able to have a child, though she was barren and was too old. She believed that God would keep his promise. And so a whole nation came from this one man who was as good as dead – a nation with so many people that, like the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore, there is no way to count them. – Hebrews 11:11-12

One of my prayers since 2022 has been for God to reveal His mercy to me so that I would understand what true mercy is, and also so that I could recognize the presence of mercy in my life. And God has been faithful! There have been situations where I clearly saw the mercy of God at work in my life. And there have been moments when I recognized the need to extend mercy to someone else, just as God has so graciously extended His mercy to me. My response can be defined as merciful when I react in an unexpected way, or when I choose to treat someone with a love that is unmerited by their actions or attitude towards me.

PERHAPS GOD IS CALLING US TO A YEAR FULL OF MOMENTS OF MERCY.

This morning, I recognized a moment of mercy right here in Genesis 17 — that God would give Sarai a new name and pour out His blessings on her, even after she had tried to manipulate the fulfillment of His promise. From now on her name would be Sarah, and she would be called the mother of nations.

Answer my prayers, O Lord, for your unfailing love is wonderful.
Take care of me, for your mercy is so plentiful. — Psalm 69:16

The story of Sarah’s struggle to believe and God’s compassionate mercy continues to impact lives today. If God’s promise was to give Sarah a son when she was 20 years old, how much faith would have been required? If she was found to be with child soon after marriage, God would not have received the glory for the miracle of Isaac.

What a great reminder to start off my day! With a hot cup of coffee on this beautiful morning and a word from the Lord, I’m eager to face what is ahead. All of the HOW questions rattling around in my brain have the same answer — God’s will, God’s way, and in God’s time.

El-Shaddai, I place my day in your hands.
God Almighty, I place my life in your hands.
Sovereign Lord, I let go and let you decide what happens from here.
I long to experience your will, your way, in your time. Amen.

The humble will see their God at work and be glad.
Let all who seek God’s help be encouraged. – Psalm 69:32

Today’s Reading: Genesis 16:1 – 17:8, Psalm 139, Galatians 4:21-31

The Scriptures say that Abraham had two sons, one from his slave wife and one from his freeborn wife. The son of the slave wife was born in a human attempt to bring about the fulfillment of God’s promise. But the son of the freeborn wife was born out of God’s own fulfillment of his promise. – Galatians 4:22-23

At times our faith is handicapped by our fear. We believe in God’s promises but we panic and attempt to force God’s plan into action — God’s will, my way, in my time. Sarai tried to force God’s will in her own way in her own time. She did this by having Abram lay with her servant girl, Hagar.

WHEN WE ALLOW FEAR TO TAKE ROOT, THE NEXT EMOTION IS OFTEN ANGER.

My heart goes out to Hagar, a young Egyptian girl who for some reason had become a slave to foreigners instead of living out her own dreams of a husband and family. Now she was being forced to have sexual relations with her master. Hagar’s fear grew into anger when she realized she was pregnant with his child, while Sarai’s fear turned into jealousy when she realized Abram’s first child would not come from her womb. In reaction to these emotions, Sarai began to treat her servant harshly.

It would be easy at this point in God’s story to point a finger of blame on Sarai. How unfair it was for her to treat Hagar with cruelty when this was the consequence of her own messed up plan. But this is the point in the story when I need to stop and ask God to reveal the sin in my own heart. It’s time for me to humbly allow the Spirit to reveal the need for change in my life.

Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
Point out anything in me that offends you,
and lead me along the path of everlasting life. – Psalm 139:23-24

Hagar ran away, leaving the safety of the camp. She found herself sitting by a spring of water in the wilderness but she was not alone. “Hagar, Sarai’s servant, where have you come from, and where are you going?” (16:8). God SAW Hagar’s pain and met with her, but He sent her back to Sarai. It was not time for her to leave. God made it clear – my will, my way, my time.

AM I ALLOWING FEAR TO INFLUENCE MY DECISIONS AND MY EMOTIONS?

There have been too many times in my life when I, like Sarai, have made a human attempt to force God’s hand, and I made a mess of things. I panicked when God did not answer my prayers as I thought He needed to, and I decided to take matters into my own hands. This intervention was more than just a lack of patience, it was disobedience. I had to learn then, and I am reminded again this morning, that God always has a plan, God has a way, and God has His own timing. I can rest and relax in His Sovereignty!

“I am El-Shaddai – ‘God Almighty.’ Serve me faithfully and live a blameless life. I will make a covenant with you, by which I will guarantee to give you countless descendants.” – Genesis 17:1-2

God again confirmed His promise to Abram. He changed his name to Abraham, which means “father of many’’, and God changed Sarai’s name to Sarah, stating He would bless her richly and make her the mother of many nations. At age 99, what God was promising to Abraham seemed humanly impossible, but God is Sovereign, and for Him nothing is impossible.

YOU ARE THE GOD WHO SEES ME.

Just as Hagar sat by Beer-lahai-roi and spoke to the God who saw her, we bow before you this morning, Lord, recognizing that you are an active God who sees us. You recognize what we are going through and you make your presence known. Lord, we ask you for clarity in some situations and faith in all circumstances. Show us areas in our life where we are trying to force your hand. May the fruit of your Spirit living within us be patience to wait for your perfect will in your perfect way at your perfect time. May we recognize you today as El-Shaddai, God Almighty. Amen.

Oh Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me.
You know when I sit down or stand up.
You know my thoughts even when I am far away…
You know everything I do.
You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord.
You go before me and follow me.
You place your hand of blessing on my head.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand. – Psalm 139:1-6

Today’s Reading: Genesis 15, Psalm 65, Galatians 3:1-14

It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land that God would give him as his inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going. And even when he reached the land God promised him, he lived there by faith – for he was a foreigner, living in tents. And so did Isaac and Jacob, who inherited the same promise. Abraham was confidently looking forward to a city with eternal foundations, a city designed and built by God. – Hebrews 11:8-10

Abram’s life is a great example to us of what it means to daily obey and submit to God’s plan, following Him wherever He leads. Sometimes this means leaving home like Abram and sometimes it means a career change, going back to school, a new ministry position, or a leap into the unknown. Responding in obedience to God’s call requires a great amount of faith, which is exactly what Abram had.

But Abram also had to deal with some fear. He had to learn how to trust God to protect him and to fulfill His promises in His perfect time. Time passed between the promise and the fulfillment of the promise, and Abram had to make a choice to believe in God while patiently waiting on Him.

ABRAM HAD TO OVERCOME HIS FEAR IN ORDER TO GROW IN HIS FAITH.

Some time later, the Lord spoke to Abram in a vision and said to him, “Do not be afraid, Abram, for I will protect you, and your reward will be great.” But Abram replied, “O Sovereign Lord, what good are all your blessings when I don’t even have a son?” – Genesis 15:1-2a

God promised Abram that his descendants would be as numerous as the dust of the earth (13:16). But time had passed, and Abram was confused by the fact that he was still without a son of his own. He called God “Sovereign Lord” showing that he recognized God was in charge, but Abraham was struggling to see past his current circumstances (15:3). God reminded him – my will, my way, in my time. God confirmed his promise again to Abram, telling him his descendants would be as numerous as the stars in the sky (15:5).

ABRAM HAD TO SUBMIT TO THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD IN ORDER TO TRUST GOD FOR THE PROMISE.

And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith. – Genesis 15:6

God reminded Abram that the promise for his descendants included the promise for a territory or inheritance. Again, Abram had questions, but he recognized that God was in charge. And again, God confirmed his promise to Abram.

Then the Lord told him, “I am the Lord who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans to give you this land as your possession.”
But Abram replied, “O Sovereign Lord, how can I be sure that I will actually possess it?” – Genesis 15:7-8

There have been several moments over the last year when I have had to recognize that God was in charge. In moments when fear is pressing in and demanding my attention, I have to acknowledge God as Sovereign Lord and trust Him with the things that scare me the most. I have to find courage when my first tendency is to ask — how can I be sure? I have to trust Him with the care of my family, and I have to place the future in His capable hands.

In the same way, “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.” The real children of Abraham, then, are those who put their faith in God. – Galatians 3:6-7

LIKE ABRAM, I HAVE TO OVERCOME MY FEAR IN ORDER TO GROW IN MY FAITH. I HAVE TO RECOGNIZE THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD IN ORDER TO TRUST GOD FOR THE FULFILLMENT OF HIS PROMISES.

Having faith in God does not mean that we will be without questions, and it does not mean that we will never have moments of fear and uncertainty. But having faith in God does mean that we will take our questions to God and then trust Him for the answers, just like Abram did. We will hold on tight to what we do know and believe in God for the rest.

Let’s pray Psalm 65:1-8 together in our own words:

Mighty praise belongs to you, O God!
You are the God who keeps His promises,
for you faithfully answer our prayers.
All of us must come to you.
Though we are overwhelmed by the weight of our sins,
you are gracious to forgive them all.
What joy is available for all you choose to bring near,
for those who live in your holy courts.
What a celebration awaits us inside your holy Temple!
You faithfully answer our prayers with awesome deeds,
O God our Savior. (65:5a)
You are the hope of all of us on earth.
By your power, you formed the mountains;
you are armed with your mighty strength.
You quieted the roar of the raging oceans with its pounding waves
and you silenced the shouting of the nations.
From one end of the earth to the other, we stand in awe of your wonders.
From the emerging of the sunrise to the where it sets in the sky,
you inspire shouts of joy!

Today’s Reading: Genesis 12:10 – 14:24, Psalm 27

God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. He is a shield to all who look to him for protection. – Psalm 18:30

We start today where we ended yesterday — with the reminder that we can trust God. His way is perfect and His promises are true. Unfortunately, Abram had a big lesson to learn on what it means to truly trust God for protection; He needed to learn how to wait patiently for the Lord.

WAIT PATIENTLY FOR THE LORD.

There was a severe famine, forcing Abram to go to Egypt to find food. Now Sarai was very beautiful and Abram feared the Egyptians would kill him in order to keep her. Instead of relying on God to fulfill His promise, Abram took matters into his own hands and deceived the Egyptians by telling them Sarai was his sister. Of course, this was true (20:12), but he failed to mention she was also his wife. God had promised to protect Abram, but Abram felt the need to protect himself through deception.

Sarai’s beauty was undeniable and she was taken to Pharoah to be his wife. Terrible plagues came upon Pharoah and his household because of Sarai’s presence. Pharoah gave her back to Abram and commanded him to leave Egypt — the place they had fled to in order to survive the famine. God could have used Egypt to provide for their needs, but Abram failed to trust in the Lord for protection so they were back on the road.

WAIT PATIENTLY FOR THE LORD.

The Lord is my light and my salvation — so why should I be afraid?
The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? – Psalm 27:1-2

Abram left Egypt and traveled to the region between Bethel and Ai. They traveled in stages, pitching their tents to rest between trips. Eventually they found themselves right where they had been before, and they took time to worship God at the altar Abram had previously built. What a great reminder to Abram and his family of where God had brought them from and where He promised to lead them.

Their group was quite large and tempers were flaring among their herdsmen, so Abram offered to split the land with Lot. Now all the land to the east of them in the Jordan Valley was fertile and well watered, obviously the best choice of land. Yet Abram gave Lot the first choice of which land he wanted. Perhaps Abram had learned something from his journey through Egypt. He knew that it was not the land itself that would provide, but that God would bless him regardless of which piece of land he received. After Lot chose the better half, the Lord confirmed his promise to Abram a third time:

“Look as far as you can see in EVERY direction — north and south, east and west. I am giving all this land, as far as you can see, to you and your descendants as a permanent possession. And I will give you so many descendants that, like the dust of the earth, they cannot be counted! Go and walk through the land in every direction, for I am giving it to you.” – Genesis 13:14-17

No more wandering; they were home. God was giving them this land as a permanent possession. And once again, God renewed His covenant with Abram. God was generously giving him both land and descendants. Now the land was still filled with Canaanites and Perizzites, and Sarai was still barren, so it took faith for Abram to accept God’s promise with confidence — to wait patiently on the Lord.

WAIT PATIENTLY FOR THE LORD.

There was a year-long battle between the kings in the surrounding nations, with four kings joining together to fight against five other kings. In the midst of the chaos, Lot and his family were captured in the battle, and their possessions were confiscated. Knowing that his God would protect him, Abram gathered together 318 of his trained men and left the safety of his land in pursuit of the foreign armies who were headed back home with their captives.

When evil people come to devour me, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall.
Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will not be afraid.
Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident.
The one thing I ask of the Lord — the thing I seek most — is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord’s perfections and meditating in his Temple.
For he will conceal me there when troubles come; he will hide me in his sanctuary.
He will place me out of reach on a high rock.
Then I will hold my head high above my enemies who surround me.
At his sanctuary I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy, singing and praising the Lord with music. — Psalm 27:2-6

WAIT PATIENTLY FOR THE LORD.

Not only did Abram rescue Lot, he rescued many others in the conflict. The king of Sodom was so grateful that he wanted to give all the goods captured to Abram as a gift. Just as Abram now knew that God was the source of his protection, he also knew God was the source of his blessings. He politely refused the gifts and kept his eyes on God, his Protector and Provider.

Hear me as I pray, O Lord. Be merciful and answer me!
My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.”
And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.” – Psalm 27:7-8

Father God, we are spending time in your presence this morning to thank you for being our source of provision and protection. We ask that you show us if there are areas of our lives in which we are taking things into our own hands, trusting in our own abilities instead of relying on you. May we learn how to wait patiently for you, allowing you to provide for us in your way and in your perfect timing. Amen.

Then Abraham waited patiently, and he received what God had promised. – Hebrews 6:15

Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord. – Psalm 27:14

I waited patiently for the Lord to help me,
and he turned to me and heard my cry. – Psalm 40:1