READ: GENESIS 13:1-18
TODAY'S FOCUS: Genesis 13:14-15
After Lot separated from him, the Lord said to Abram, “From the place where you are standing, look up and gaze to the north, south, east, and west, because all the land that you see I give you and your descendants forever.
(Common English Bible)
A computer reboot is sometimes the only thing that will fix the problem. Shut the thing down, wait a bit, and start back up again. My husband says my computer can’t keep up with my brain. He thinks I type too fast for the computer to process what I want. Silly Bill. We know that’s not possible. Still, sometimes my brain wants to continue when my computer seems to need a break. At that point, when everything freezes up, the only thing to do is reboot. Start over. Go back to when things were working.
In our continuing story, Abram leaves his home in Ur, travels up to Haram and then down to Bethel. Bethel is where he develops his relationship and fellowship with God and builds an altar for worship. Things seem to be clicking along at a good pace, but he doesn’t stay there. God, of course, continues consistently, but Abram is on the move. He journeys through the Negev desert and into Egypt where everything freezes up.
After being sent away by Pharaoh, the only thing left to do is reboot. Start over. Go back to when things were working. Leave Egypt and travel back through the Negev desert and back to Bethel. Bethel, where the altar was built. Bethel, where the fellowship with God was topnotch and worship was supreme.
As Abram rekindles his solidarity with God Almighty, he finds himself facing a new type of freeze. Traveling with Abram is his beloved nephew, Lot, who is just as prosperous as his uncle. The two find that the land cannot support their affluence, and Abram suggests a reboot. They must part ways in order to provide for all in their care.
This is the second time Abram has detached from all he loves, attached himself to God, and received God’s promise. First he leaves his city home, and God promises “I will” take care of everything. This time he divides his family, and God promises “I will” give you everything you see. (We will discover a third “I will” promise in a few more chapters.)
God’s promises to care and give don’t stop with Abram. Abram’s story is only the beginning! Life thrives when I return to the God who makes those caring and giving promises. I just have to remember to slow down and, when needed, reboot and return to when things were working.
Holy God, when I am overwhelmed and reach that frozen place, help me remember that things always work when I return to you. Amen.
More to think about:
Romans 12:1
2 Corinthians 6:17 and Matthew 28:19-20
John 17:14-16
TODAY'S FOCUS: Genesis 13:14-15
After Lot separated from him, the Lord said to Abram, “From the place where you are standing, look up and gaze to the north, south, east, and west, because all the land that you see I give you and your descendants forever.
(Common English Bible)
A computer reboot is sometimes the only thing that will fix the problem. Shut the thing down, wait a bit, and start back up again. My husband says my computer can’t keep up with my brain. He thinks I type too fast for the computer to process what I want. Silly Bill. We know that’s not possible. Still, sometimes my brain wants to continue when my computer seems to need a break. At that point, when everything freezes up, the only thing to do is reboot. Start over. Go back to when things were working.
In our continuing story, Abram leaves his home in Ur, travels up to Haram and then down to Bethel. Bethel is where he develops his relationship and fellowship with God and builds an altar for worship. Things seem to be clicking along at a good pace, but he doesn’t stay there. God, of course, continues consistently, but Abram is on the move. He journeys through the Negev desert and into Egypt where everything freezes up.
After being sent away by Pharaoh, the only thing left to do is reboot. Start over. Go back to when things were working. Leave Egypt and travel back through the Negev desert and back to Bethel. Bethel, where the altar was built. Bethel, where the fellowship with God was topnotch and worship was supreme.
As Abram rekindles his solidarity with God Almighty, he finds himself facing a new type of freeze. Traveling with Abram is his beloved nephew, Lot, who is just as prosperous as his uncle. The two find that the land cannot support their affluence, and Abram suggests a reboot. They must part ways in order to provide for all in their care.
This is the second time Abram has detached from all he loves, attached himself to God, and received God’s promise. First he leaves his city home, and God promises “I will” take care of everything. This time he divides his family, and God promises “I will” give you everything you see. (We will discover a third “I will” promise in a few more chapters.)
God’s promises to care and give don’t stop with Abram. Abram’s story is only the beginning! Life thrives when I return to the God who makes those caring and giving promises. I just have to remember to slow down and, when needed, reboot and return to when things were working.
Holy God, when I am overwhelmed and reach that frozen place, help me remember that things always work when I return to you. Amen.
More to think about:
Romans 12:1
2 Corinthians 6:17 and Matthew 28:19-20
John 17:14-16
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