June 28, 2016
For Abraham and his household receiving circumcision was an act of obedience that (1) showed you were trusting in God’s promises, (2) declared you were identifying as His people and (3) said you were choosing to live set-apart for God’s purposes to bless the world.
June 28, 2016
This story should give us pause. It should make us think twice about doing an end run on God’s will. It should make us think twice about the disappointments and delays we face in life. God had a good reason for delaying the child of promise through Abram. And God just may have a good reason for delaying some of His purposes in your life.
June 18, 2016
Today we live with a lot of uncertainty. Our economy is fickle. Our future as a great nation is not guaranteed. Even our Christian faith regularly comes under attack. These things can make us fearful. But God says to us over and over again in Scripture: Do not fear, I am your shield and your very great reward. His presence calms our fears. His peace shields our hearts. His love for us is perfect. And His perfect love drives out all fear. With Him we are safe, no matter what the future holds.
June 18, 2016
Abram gave all credit for His victory to God, signified by his giving a tithe of the spoils to Melchizedek. He didn’t take anything for himself. He never said, “What’s in it for me?” No, he would rather take nothing so as to protect God’s good name.
June 5, 2016
By giving Lot his choice of territory and accepting the outcome, Abram had a humble perspective on his prosperity. He knew that all he had acquired had come from the Lord. Abram was content in his faith and it freed him to be generous.
May 28, 2016
Fear is the enemy of faith. And when we let fear control us rather than trust, it can lead us to do some pretty questionable things.
April 13, 2016
This is how Abram is to be a blessing to the nations. Salvation will come through the Jews. Abram was blessed to be a blessing. He is the original sent one of God. And his story is our story. For just as Abram was blessed to be a blessing so are we!
April 13, 2016
Not once did Cain admit doing anything wrong. Not once did he confess. Not once did he honor God and do the right thing. He only thought of himself – and that’s what sin does. It hardens your heart against God. And yet, look at the beauty of God’s love in his interaction with Cain. God gave him chance after chance to confess and repent. God showed incredible patience and kindness, and even though Cain had murdered Abel, God gave Cain mercy, not judgment.
April 12, 2016
We live today with the consequences of the Fall. But God’s story is not over. This is what God would have us see today: That God reversed the consequences of our sin with Jesus! When Adam and Eve sinned paradise was lost, but with the sacrifice of Jesus God’s presence can be found. That’s the hope that remains for a world without peace, where life is hard and paradise is lost.
April 12, 2016
Because Eve didn’t have a clear understanding of God’s Word, the serpent knew he could deceive her. So he contradicts God’s Word so as to cast doubt about God’s character: “You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” Genesis 3:5 He twists God’s word to make God appear harsh and restrictive. Sound familiar? He sows seeds of mistrust. “Maybe God is not as good as He appears to be.” “Maybe He’s holding back something good from you.” And really, that’s still how the devil works today. He wants you to think that God doesn’t have your best interests at heart. He wants you to doubt God’s goodness.