Bible Pathway - Jan. 5, 2010
Highlights In Today's Reading:
Don't miss the life-changing message in today's reading. Lot chooses to be greedy (13:10-12). See the blessings increase as Abram allows Lot to take advantage of him rather than fight for his rights. Abram's act of faith reaffirmed (13:14-17); Abram and Lot separate; Abram moves to Hebron; Abram rescues Lot; Melchizedek blesses Abram; the Covenant of God with Abram.
Verses for Today:
And they took Lot, Abram's brother's son, who dwelt in Sodom, and his goods, and departed. And there came one that had escaped, and told Abram (Gen. 14:12-13).When the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were attacked and defeated, Lot was taken prisoner in the first war mentioned in the Scriptures. When Abram heard that his brother (Lot) was taken captive, he armed his trained servants . . . and pursued them. . . . And He brought back all the goods, and also brought again his brother Lot, and his goods, and the women also, and the people (14:14-16).
Abram's actions proved that he held no bitterness toward Lot for having chosen all of the best land — nor was he concerned about his own safety. He was willing to risk his life to keep Lot from being a slave.
God often gives us an opportunity to fulfill a need in another person's life — perhaps someone we don't feel deserves our help. But, as Abram did, we are to help that person. Jesus said: I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven (Matt. 5:44-45). In Christian love, a Christian should welcome every opportunity to help others.
In contrast, we may be forced to endure suffering under the control of a situation where we may be as powerless as the baby Moses in a homemade ark floating in the Nile River. It could be that death has left us without a parent or spouse. Some may feel defeated following a divorce. Others may have received a dignosis of terminal illness from a doctor. Throughout life, all of us will face unforeseen and unavoidable sorrow
God . . . will not suffer (permit) you to be temptated above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape (I Cor. 10:13). Through trials and sufferings, the Lord develops our faith.
Thought for Today:
Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the Law of the Lord (Ps. 119:1).
Christ Portrayed:
By the high priest, Melchizedek, who brought forth bread and wine (Gen. 14:18-20; Heb. 4:15-16; 5:5-10; 7:1-4). Today Christ is our High Priest who is interceding in prayer for us and He alone is deserving of our gifts and service to Him. Jesus took bread . . . and . . . the cup, and . . . gave it (Matt. 26:26-27).
Word Studies:
13:6 bear =support; 14:5 smote =subdued; 14:18 Salem =Jerusalem; 14:20 tithes =gifts of the first 10% of all material or financial increase; 14:22 I have lift up mine hand unto the LORD =Abraham made an oath (promise) to God; 15:3 seed =descendants; 15:4 thine own bowels =your own body; 15:5 tell =count; 15:13 stranger =temporary resident; 15:14 great substance =wealth; 15:15 go to thy fathers =die; 15:16 iniquity =sin; full =complete.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Donna Bell • Bible Pathway Media Producer: Rick Hash • Government Officials: Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (NY) and Gov. Edward Rendell (PA) • Country: Singapore (4 million) in Southeast Asia • Major languages: Chinese and Malay • Religious freedom • 54% Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Chinese Traditional Religion; 15% Muslim; 9% Protestant; 4% Catholic; 3% Hindu; .5% Sikh; .2% Baha'i; 14.3% None/Other • Prayer Suggestion: Know that the Lord is loving and merciful to His children (Jer. 31:9).
Optional Reading: Matthew 5
Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 23:3
