“With raised hand I have sworn an oath to the Lord, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, that I will accept nothing belonging to you, not even a thread or the strap of a sandal, so that you will never be able to say, ‘I made Abram rich.’ I will accept nothing but what my men have eaten and the share that belongs to the men who went with me—to Aner, Eshkol and Mamre. Let them have their share.”

Genesis 12-14

“With raised hand I have sworn an oath to the Lord, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, that I will accept nothing belonging to you, not even a thread or the strap of a sandal, so that you will never be able to say, ‘I made Abram rich.’ I will accept nothing but what my men have eaten and the share that belongs to the men who went with me—to Aner, Eshkol and Mamre. Let them have their share.” Genesis 14:22-24

Day 5 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) focuses on God's call of Abram.

Abram is called by God to a land that He will show him (Genesis 12:1-4) and Abram goes with his wife Sarai, and his nephew Lot.  Soon after his arrival famine struck the land (Genesis 12:10) and Abram moves on towards Egypt.  It is here where Abram hopes to prevent Pharaoh from killing him and seizing Sarai (due to her beauty) - he deceives Pharaoh and refers to Sarai as his sister (Genesis 12:12-13).  The plot falls apart and they are all expelled from Egypt (Genesis 12:20).

Abram and Lot soon separate with Lot settling in Sodom while Abram settles in Hebron. Sodom is sacked during a war of the kings and Lot is taken captive (Genesis 14:12). Abram bravely rescues Lot (Genesis 14:14-16) and is met by Melchizedek king of Salem who blesses Abram and offers Abram to keep the tenth of everything Abram offers Melchizedek (see Biblical references to Melchizedek here).  

Abram's great faith is known, and while he might perhaps be best known by other events in his life (most notably by his willingness to sacrifice his own son Issac - see Genesis 22) I think it is important to pause and highlight Abram's response to Melchizedek's offer to Abram to keep the goods Abram tithes to Melchizedek (Genesis 14:12). I agree with the assessment offered here by David McLemore:

"Abram, for his part, gave instead of took. True faith has that effect. When given the two choices of giving God the glory or take the spoils of war, the man of faith glorifies God. “I have lifted my hand to the Lord, God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth, that I would not take a thread or a sandal strap or anything that is yours, lest you should say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’” Abram knew where his riches truly came from".

This is one of the great ironies of the Bible for great men of faith.  We often see great recognition of those (such as Abraham) who seek not glory for themselves but glory for God - once again - this is why exist.  

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what a great God You are - You are indeed the source of all that I am and all that I possess.  Thank You Jesus for blessing me well beyond what I deserve.  I sin...daily, including my neglect of You over earthly matters.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me turn from my sin towards You and love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

“Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves; otherwise we will be scattered over the face of the whole earth.”

Genesis 10-11

“Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves; otherwise we will be scattered over the face of the whole earth.” Genesis 11:4

Day 4 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) focuses on the ancestral lineage of Noah's sons, and in particular from Shem to Abram; it also includes the story of the Tower of Babel.

As I did in yesterday's post, it is important to emphasize that we exist to glorify God.  While many in today's culture delight in diversity, without saying this is good or bad, it is of note to think about how commonness of language (see Genesis 11:1) might ease cooperation and unity in early people groups (although not necessarily guarantee it).  Unity is then used as a source to build the Tower of Babel as indicated in Genesis 11:3 where it is said "They said to each other"....This unity is then used as a basis to reject God's sovereignty as the people sought to make a name for themselves vs God.

We all seek significance and recognition - yet our significance is found in God.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God and You alone reign over all and You are worthy of worship.  You are King of kings and Lord of lords.  You have also adopted me into Your family - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love.  I sin daily...seek glory for myself.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

When this became known to the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus, they were all seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor.

Acts 19

When this became known to the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus, they were all seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor. v17

As Paul continues his mission in Ephesus, he baptized believers in the name of Jesus (vs John), placed hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit (v1-4).  Perhaps envious of how God was using Paul (v11-12), some sought glory for themselves but this backfired (v13-17).  This is a powerful example of how we must seek God's glory first, and respect His name vs using it for worldly gain. John Piper also instructs us how fear and respect for God should be used as a preservative for our faith - that we not run away from God as His power may be used for our destruction. 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is always with me...watching over me and protecting me - thank You Jesus!  I am undeserving of Your love and protection. I sin...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and help me love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

But the word of God continued to spread and flourish.

Acts 12

But the word of God continued to spread and flourish. v24

In Acts 11-12 we see God working through Peter to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles and throughout the lands the Gentiles populate including Antioch where believers are first referred to as Christians (Acts 11:26).  Peter is arrested by Herod but angels help him escape.  

In Acts 12:23, Herod is struck down because "[he] did not give praise to God". 

This is yet another reminder that nothing can stop God's plans and we should fear God as John Piper puts it to preserve our heart for God and to prevent ourselves from running from Him in arrogance, self-sufficiency and through hard-heartedness.  

Herod sought glory for himself and we all often do this - such arrogance is dangerous.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who has taught me to be more humble - thank You Jesus.  Thank You for all that You do for me to teach, mold, protect, sustain, bless, etc. I am undeserving of such blessings and love.  I worry and I am discouraging with my speech.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them.

Matthew 6

Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. v1

Although my focus of recent has been on heart condition, our external behavior DOES matter.  This morning the focus is on external behavior that serves to bring glory to ourselves which is NOT what God wants.  Verse 1 is further applied in v2-4, 5-6, 16-18.  We exist to bring to glory to God not the other way around.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome and amazing God who loves me even though I am broken and sinful.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love as I daily miss the mark.  Please forgive me Jesus of my harsh words of others and help me turn from such sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Please help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.