The Lord comes to us even when we don’t expect or recognize it. As our story begins, we are told it is the Lord, but I don’t think Abraham understood this immediately. Abraham knew there was something different about these three visitors, but as the visit progressed, he realized that it was a visit from …
When God has a future, don’t hang onto the past. God told Abraham that even though he and Sarah were old, they would have a child. Abraham laughed at the thought and then asked about Ishmael. Genesis 17:18 So, Abraham said to God, “May Ishmael live under your special blessing!” [1] Understandably, Abraham was concerned about …
Abram is stepping into God’s promises with a new name, Abraham. God Himself changes his name. Genesis 17:5 What’s more, I am changing your name. It will no longer be Abram. Instead, you will be called Abraham, for you will be the father of many nations.[1] Abram means “exalted father” and probably refers to his father, …
We see Abram can trust God when the path is unclear. God made a promise of land to Abram through a covenant. Genesis 15: 18 So the Lord made a covenant with Abram that day and said, “I have given this land to your descendants, all the way from the border of Egypt to the great …
God’s unwavering faithfulness to His children is a profound treasure of His love. This steadfast faithfulness is shown in God’s covenant with Abram. Genesis 15:17 After the sun went down and darkness fell, Abram saw a smoking firepot and a flaming torch pass between the halves of the carcasses. 18 So the Lord made a covenant with …
Many think that once they come to faith in Jesus, they are on easy street. However, God’s promises have trials and triumphs. Perhaps Abram thought all of God’s promises would come true in his lifetime. Before God finished the ceremony for His covenant agreement, He gave Abram a prophecy. Genesis 15: 13 Then the Lord said …
Receiving God’s promises entails engaging in God’s plans. Abram had been on a journey of faith in God since he left Ur years before. Genesis 12: 1The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. 2 I will make …
When we take faithful steps into the unknown, our confidence is in the faithful hand of God that guides us, not our destination. When Abram allowed Lot to pick what land he wanted for his flocks and herds, he trusted the Lord would work everything out. Moved by the rich plains of the Jordan Valley, …
Trusting in God’s promises leads to a life of blessings and fulfillment. This is far beyond our vision, just as He promised to Abram. As our story unfolds, Abram gives Lot the choice of land. Lot takes the more prosperous land for his herds and flocks. Most of us may have been disappointed if we …
Jeremiah wrote that the people will find God in the search. But they could only do this when they believed that God is good. Jeremiah 29: 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. …