Here’s how the study works: Read the chapters mentioned in the heading during the week and share any words, thoughts, verses that stood out to you. Having a week for several chapters creates the opportunity to revisit them and make additional comments as you feel inclined as well as make comments on other people’s insights.
11:6 The LORD said, “If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them."
There is great power in unity. It could be used for good. We are one people in God. If we work together in unity then nothing is impossible to us, we can bring heaven to earth.
11:6 The LORD said, “If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them."
There is great power in unity. It could be used for good. We are one people in God. If we work together in unity then nothing is impossible to us, we can bring heaven to earth.
12:2-3 I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.
God's desire is to bless and to do us good. Even through the tough times he is working to remove the obstacles that keep us from his blessings.
12:2-3 I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.
God's desire is to bless and to do us good. Even through the tough times he is working to remove the obstacles that keep us from his blessings.
13:3-4 From the Negev he went from place to place until he came to Bethel, to the place between Bethel and Ai where his tent had been earlier and where he had first built an altar. There Abram called on the name of the LORD.
It seems that Abram had lost his direction/purpose so went back to the last place he felt close to God. It was there that he called on the name of the Lord. Sometimes when we are feeling dry or lost we need to remember the last time we felt close to God; remember the prayers he has answered; and remember to call upon again.
13:3-4 From the Negev he went from place to place until he came to Bethel, to the place between Bethel and Ai where his tent had been earlier and where he had first built an altar. There Abram called on the name of the LORD.
It seems that Abram had lost his direction/purpose so went back to the last place he felt close to God. It was there that he called on the name of the Lord. Sometimes when we are feeling dry or lost we need to remember the last time we felt close to God; remember the prayers he has answered; and remember to call upon again.
14:18 Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High, and he blessed Abram, saying, “Blessed be Abram by God Most High,Creator of heaven and earth. And praise be to God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand…14:22 22 But Abram said to the king of Sodom, “With raised hand I have sworn an oath to the LORD, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth."
Four times God is addressed as Most High, and twice as Creator of heaven and earth. It seems important that in this encounter with Melchizedek God is acknowledged in his rightful position. Abram had achieved an important victory but it was because God had delivered his enemies into his hand. Our God is Most High and the true Creator of heaven and earth. Our strengh, our victories, our successes come from Him.
14:18 Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High, and he blessed Abram, saying, “Blessed be Abram by God Most High,Creator of heaven and earth. And praise be to God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand…14:22 22 But Abram said to the king of Sodom, “With raised hand I have sworn an oath to the LORD, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth."
Four times God is addressed as Most High, and twice as Creator of heaven and earth. It seems important that in this encounter with Melchizedek God is acknowledged in his rightful position. Abram had achieved an important victory but it was because God had delivered his enemies into his hand. Our God is Most High and the true Creator of heaven and earth. Our strengh, our victories, our successes come from Him.
15:1-3 "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward." But Abram said, “Sovereign LORD, what can you give me since I remain childless … And Abram said, “You have given me no children; so a servant in my household will be my heir.”
God was still eager to bless Abram but it was taking so long that Abram was having some doubts. He didn't accuse Sarah of being barren but rather God of not giving him children. Yet he comes to a place of faith and it is recorded in v.6 that Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness.
Abram worked through his doubts and came to a place of faith and so must we. It is not wrong to have doubts as long as we are prepared to wrestle with them and remain open to what God wants to do.
15:1-3 "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward." But Abram said, “Sovereign LORD, what can you give me since I remain childless … And Abram said, “You have given me no children; so a servant in my household will be my heir.”
God was still eager to bless Abram but it was taking so long that Abram was having some doubts. He didn't accuse Sarah of being barren but rather God of not giving him children. Yet he comes to a place of faith and it is recorded in v.6 that Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness.
Abram worked through his doubts and came to a place of faith and so must we. It is not wrong to have doubts as long as we are prepared to wrestle with them and remain open to what God wants to do.