Divine Street United Methodist Church
​400 West Divine Street
​Dunn, North Carolina  28334​ 
(910) 892-2339   office
(910) 892-2814   fax
​dsumc@nc.rr.com
  • HOME
    • Worship
    • Scholarship
    • Easter 2021 >
      • Good Friday - Option 1
      • Good Friday - Option 2 (simplified version)
      • Stations of the Cross for Children
      • Stations of the Cross - Option 1
      • Stations of the Cross - Option 2
      • Stations of the Cross - Option 3
      • Stations of the Cross - Option 4
      • Coloring Pages Easter
    • Lent 2021 >
      • Lent Blog
      • Lent Scripture
      • Lent Midday Praise and Prayer
      • Lent Schedule
      • Lent Study
      • Lent Worship >
        • Lent Orders of Worship
    • Children
    • Zoom Meetings
    • Quick Links on Methodism
    • Directions to Divine Street
  • WHO WE ARE
    • Contact
    • About Divine Street
    • Our Staff >
      • Pastor
      • Member Care
      • Music
      • Preschool
    • Divine Street and Beyond
    • Our Favorite Videos!
  • WHAT WE DO
    • Angel Tree
    • Small Groups >
      • BLG (senior adults and friends!)
      • Children's Ministries >
        • Lessons and Activities
      • Sunday Classes
      • Bible Study - John
      • United Methodist Women
      • Youth Ministries
    • News and Updates >
      • Bulletins
      • Calendar
    • Music
    • Outreach Ministries
    • Worship Services
  • PRESCHOOL
    • COVID-19 >
      • 2020 Protocol
      • Assumption of Risk Forms
      • Statement of Health Forms
      • Health Action Plan
    • Payments
    • Preschool Staff
    • Preschool Calendar (and closure policies)
    • 2020-2021 Parent-Teacher Handbook
    • Parent Signature & Photo Release
    • Accident Form
    • Incident Form
    • Bylaws (Board of Directors)
  • GIVE
    • Online Giving
    • Stewardship
    • Volunteer

Week One - Day THREE: Parting Company

7/11/2018

0 Comments

 
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
Picture
map from http://fontes.lstc.edu/~rklein/images/beemap.jpg
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Author:
    Pastor Beth

    Journey with me each weekday as I share my thoughts with you on Beth Moore's intriguing study!  Better yet, get your own copy and share your journaling thoughts with me! 

    Bible Study:
    The Patriarchs - Encountering the God
    of Abraham, Isaac,
    and Jacob
    Based on the study by  Beth Moore

    All

    Archives

    July 2018

    RSS Feed

Quick Links  ::  Contact
Copyright 2013 Divine Street United Methodist Church