Arise and Abide

Reading from Genesis 22:1-24 (NLT) ~Abraham’s Faith Tested~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. God sees a need for a testing of Abrahams faith. Praising and focusing of the giver of the blessings and not the blessings themselves. The need to check the hierarchy of your own heart. His one and only son. There is nothing that we can give to God to make us right with God because God has given us everything. Faithfulness and provision from God is something you can trust.

Reading from Genesis 21:1-34 (NLT) ~The Birth of Isaac, Hagar and Ishmael are Sent Away, Abraham’s Covenant with Abimelech~ Isaac’s name meaning laughter, Abraham and Sarah both laughed when God told them they would have a baby in their old age. God opened her eyes. God’s provision and blessing over Abraham giving him favor with Abimelech.

Reading from Genesis 20:1-18 (NLT) ~Abraham Deceives Abimelech~ We need God to be our King. Even the best king we have an example of (David) still took similar liberty with Uriah and Bathsheba. Would Abimelech have killed Abraham for Sarah and all his belongings? Most of the chapter points to God helping Abimelech not sin against God and Abraham. The now and not yet of the promise of God. There is more to come.  

Reading from Genesis 19:1-38 (NLT) ~Sodom and Gomorrah Destroyed, Lot and His Daughters~ Abraham Intercedes for Sodom~ God allowing time for people to repent of wickedness and turn to Him. God hears your cries for justice. Another picture of how people do what they think is best. Depravity unchecked spirals out of control.

Reading from Genesis 18:1-33 (NLT) ~A Son is Promised to Sarah, Abraham Intercedes for Sodom~ Scripture reading followed by discussion.  Having just given Abraham reassurance of the promise, The Lord comes back to speak the promise to Sarah too. The LORD knows our hearts and loves us, we do not need to try to cover ourselves. The Lords patience and love is displayed in Abrahams persistent intercession for Sodom.  

Reading from Genesis 17:1-27 (NLT) ~The Birth of Ishmael~ Scripture reading followed by discussion.  Abraham laughing to himself in disbelief, Zachariah lost his ability to speak. Abraham being left with a choice to continue to walk in faith or decide for himself. The reassurance and encouragement in God’s correction. Why confirm the covenant now? The private mark of the covenant, what is seen is how we live and treat others. Colossians 2:11, the spiritual circumcision.

Reading Psalms 32 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Not feeling forgiven until the punishment is over in life and the goodness of God’s mercy and love. The joy of having your record cleared. Experiencing life apart from the presence, draws us towards the LORD, longing for Him. God’s guidance is always available.

Reading from Genesis 16:1-16 (NLT) ~The Birth of Ishmael~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Trying to fulfill the LORD’s promises in our own strength. Hagar, Sarai, and Abram acting poorly, and blaming others. Human nature to try in our own strength and then blame others and not self-reflect when things don’t work out. Submitting to the LORD’s plan will go well for you. God choose Abram and Sarai, but saw Hagar’s hardships and gives her a similar promise of a multitude of descendants.

Reading from Genesis 15:1-21 (NLT) ~The LORD’s Covenant Promise to Abram~ Scripture reading followed by discussion.  Abram recognizes the importance of family and heirs. Children change our perspective and help us come to a greater understanding of God’s love for us. All the things in the world are not as important as family relationships. The grandness of God’s promise to Abram. The Kingdom of God is at hand. Asking for reassurance isn’t contrary to having faith, it is part of relationship.

Reading from Genesis 14:1-24 (NLT) ~Abram Rescues Lot, Melchizedek Blesses Abram~ Scripture reading followed by discussion.  Even as everything seems like it is going well, war breaks out, still God is faithful. The wickedness and spirit of rebellion creates space from God’s hand of provision, favor, and victory. Abram’s victory came from God. Kang of Salem (which means “peace”) and Priest of God most high gives God the Glory.