Journey Through the Bible in a Year
Reading God's Word and learning more about His plan for my life each day!
Tuesday, September 17, 2002
Introduction to Journey Through the Bible
A note about online study
My Prayer Today
Heavenly Father, Thank You for a new day to live in the power of Your Holy Spirit! As I go about this day fill me anew with Your Spirit that I may be all You desire for me today. Let me be a bold witness of the salvation that Jesus alone can provide. Use my thoughts, words and actions, to share the Good News with everyone You bring across my path today. Let me be intentional about walking with You today, and recognizing Your presence in all that takes place within me and around me today. Thank You for the opportunity to be one of Your children. May my life bring You glory and honor. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
My Journey Verses for Today
Genesis 13:1-18
1 So they left Egypt and traveled north into the Negev – Abram with his wife and Lot and all that they owned, 2 for Abram was very rich in livestock, silver, and gold. 3 Then they continued traveling by stages toward Bethel, to the place between Bethel and Ai where they had camped before. 4 This was the place where Abram had built the altar, and there he again worshiped the LORD. 5 Now Lot, who was traveling with Abram, was also very wealthy with sheep, cattle, and many tents. 6 But the land could not support both Abram and Lot with all their flocks and herds living so close together. There were too many animals for the available pastureland. 7 So an argument broke out between the herdsmen of Abram and Lot. At that time Canaanites and Perizzites were also living in the land. 8 Then Abram talked it over with Lot. "This arguing between our herdsmen has got to stop," he said. "After all, we are close relatives! 9 I'll tell you what we'll do. Take your choice of any section of the land you want, and we will separate. If you want that area over there, then I'll stay here. If you want to stay in this area, then I'll move on to another place." 10 Lot took a long look at the fertile plains of the Jordan Valley in the direction of Zoar. The whole area was well watered everywhere, like the garden of the LORD or the beautiful land of Egypt. (This was before the LORD had destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.) 11 Lot chose that land for himself – the Jordan Valley to the east of them. He went there with his flocks and servants and parted company with his uncle Abram. 12 So while Abram stayed in the land of Canaan, Lot moved his tents to a place near Sodom, among the cities of the plain. 13 The people of this area were unusually wicked and sinned greatly against the LORD. 14 After Lot was gone, the LORD said to Abram, "Look as far as you can see in every direction. 15 I am going to give all this land to you and your offspring as a permanent possession. 16 And I am going to give you so many descendants that, like dust, they cannot be counted! 17 Take a walk in every direction and explore the new possessions I am giving you." 18 Then Abram moved his camp to the oak grove owned by Mamre, which is at Hebron. There he built an altar to the LORD.
Reflecting on God's Word for My Journey
What is the most significant gift anyone has ever given you? What has been the result of your receiving that gift?
A Deeper Exploration of God's Word for My Journey
What was the conflict that developed between Abram and Lot and what was the resolution to it? (13:1-13)
What was the Lord’s response to Abram’s willingness to give the “best” of the land to Lot and to keep the worst part for himself? (13:14-18)
Understanding God's Will for My Journey
Why do you suppose that Abram gave lot the “best” part of the land when he was in a position to take it for himself?
How does God’s promise of ALL the land and countless descendants for Abram fit in with His previous promise to bless Abram that he would be a blessing?
Applying What God's Word Tells Me to My Journey
What situation are you going through in your life right now, where you can “give the best part” to another, in a practical application of the principle of blessed to be a blessing?
Lot chose the “easy” way. Is there any area in your life right now where you are choosing the easy way, and need to rely more on God’s grace to take the better way?
My Personal Journey Thought for the Day—“Choosing the Best?”
When Lot chose the green, fertile land near Sodom, he must have thought he had pulled one over on Uncle Abram. After all, they both owned vast herds of livestock, and green pastures meant even greater prosperity. But as we shall see as we continue reading Genesis, it was Abram who chose the best, for He relied on God to provide for his needs. In fact, no sooner had Abram allowed Lot to choose the “best” land than God appeared and promised that Abram would one day own ALL the land that he could see, and have countless descendants. So often we think that it is our decisions and choices that determines the quality of our future, and obviously there is a great deal of merit in that type of thinking—except when we start thinking that it is our thinking rather than God’s providence that is the basis for our ultimate situation in life. Abram knew that God had blessed him to be a blessing, so he was able to give Lot the “best” portion of the land, or at least to choose the portion that seemed the best to him, because he knew God had promised blessing as he lived as a blessing to others. In sharing the blessing with Lot, Abram confirmed his reliance on God as the source of his ultimate blessing instead of his own ingenuity, creativity or hard work. As we go about our lives, we ought always do our best to make wise, informed choices and decisions, but Abram shows us to trust God FIRST—then think and act!
To view other studies from our Journey Through the Bible, click here.