READ: GENESIS 12:1-9
TODAY'S FOCUS: Genesis 12:2-3
I will make of you a great nation and will bless you. I will make your name respected, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, those who curse you I will curse; all the families of the earth will be blessed because of you.”
(Common English Bible)
Sometimes the best-laid plans go astray. Just when we think we are on the right track, bam! I don’t know what made me think I could manage beginning a new Bible Study blog the week between my daughter’s wedding and Vacation Bible School. I suppose the day I planned that timeline, I was feeling a bit more energetic. When energy gave way to lethargy, I abandoned my plan for a week.
We all have those moments. With so many demands on our time, we understand feeling rushed and crushed. Family pulls in one direction, work in another. The expectation of perfection seeps into our breathing. We walk a thin tightrope balancing between enthusiasm and exhaustion. I think sometimes my tightrope may have too much slack in it because I feel way too wobbly to make it to the other side of the day.
Abram knew that wobbly sensation. His home in Ur was frantic with commerce and wealth, bursting with education and culture, and driven by a cornucopia of religious practices. Add to that an abundance of family members with all their frenzy, and you have the makings of a good fall off that high wire.
Into this turmoil, Abram heard God’s call. We like to think God calls those who are well-balanced, coordinated, and stable. In Abram’s case, he was middle-aged, childless, surrounded by his family who worshipped many gods, and living under his father’s heavy-handed rule. (Terah was a dreadful idol-worshipping priest.) By all accounts, Abram could be considered rushed and crushed – certainly not a prime choice for God’s plan.
Abram, however, encounters the One True God, and when they meet Abram receives the promises, the direction, and the energy and enthusiasm to follow. With God’s help, Abram is able to see beyond who he is and claim who he will be.
Our key to balance and energy is found in God’s powerful and nurturing voice: I will. God’s promises to Abram (and through him to us) are unlimited and motivating. “I will make of you a great nation and will bless you. I will make your name respected, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, those who curse you I will curse; all the families of the earth will be blessed because of you.”
Holy God, move me through this day as one who has received your promise. Help me hold my head upright knowing that you will bless me and will bless those who come into contact with me. When I encounter you and hear you say go, may I be energized and enthusiastic to leave. Amen.
More to think about:
Acts 7:2-3
Galatians 3:6-9
Hebrews 11:8
TODAY'S FOCUS: Genesis 12:2-3
I will make of you a great nation and will bless you. I will make your name respected, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, those who curse you I will curse; all the families of the earth will be blessed because of you.”
(Common English Bible)
Sometimes the best-laid plans go astray. Just when we think we are on the right track, bam! I don’t know what made me think I could manage beginning a new Bible Study blog the week between my daughter’s wedding and Vacation Bible School. I suppose the day I planned that timeline, I was feeling a bit more energetic. When energy gave way to lethargy, I abandoned my plan for a week.
We all have those moments. With so many demands on our time, we understand feeling rushed and crushed. Family pulls in one direction, work in another. The expectation of perfection seeps into our breathing. We walk a thin tightrope balancing between enthusiasm and exhaustion. I think sometimes my tightrope may have too much slack in it because I feel way too wobbly to make it to the other side of the day.
Abram knew that wobbly sensation. His home in Ur was frantic with commerce and wealth, bursting with education and culture, and driven by a cornucopia of religious practices. Add to that an abundance of family members with all their frenzy, and you have the makings of a good fall off that high wire.
Into this turmoil, Abram heard God’s call. We like to think God calls those who are well-balanced, coordinated, and stable. In Abram’s case, he was middle-aged, childless, surrounded by his family who worshipped many gods, and living under his father’s heavy-handed rule. (Terah was a dreadful idol-worshipping priest.) By all accounts, Abram could be considered rushed and crushed – certainly not a prime choice for God’s plan.
Abram, however, encounters the One True God, and when they meet Abram receives the promises, the direction, and the energy and enthusiasm to follow. With God’s help, Abram is able to see beyond who he is and claim who he will be.
Our key to balance and energy is found in God’s powerful and nurturing voice: I will. God’s promises to Abram (and through him to us) are unlimited and motivating. “I will make of you a great nation and will bless you. I will make your name respected, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, those who curse you I will curse; all the families of the earth will be blessed because of you.”
Holy God, move me through this day as one who has received your promise. Help me hold my head upright knowing that you will bless me and will bless those who come into contact with me. When I encounter you and hear you say go, may I be energized and enthusiastic to leave. Amen.
More to think about:
Acts 7:2-3
Galatians 3:6-9
Hebrews 11:8
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