BELIEVE

Today’s Reading: Genesis 14-15

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).

The view while descending to the lowest point on earth – The Dead Sea. On the far side of the Dead Sea is the Kingdom of Jordan with the mountains of Moab seen along the horizon. Abraham would’ve seen this view, minus the modern highway.

Key Verse: Genesis 15:6

And he believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.

The Apostle Paul picks up this story (Romans 4:2-3): “For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? ‘Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him for righteousness.'” If you have the time, read the entirety of Romans 4. Our works will never gain us a place in Heaven, nor will they guarantee the presence of God here and now. However, our actions are noticed by God and can result in God’s action towards us (e.g. Cornelius Acts 10:4b, “Your prayers and your alms (donations) have come up for a memorial before God”). James 2:20 says, “Faith without works is dead.” Works provide an outward and tangible confirmation of the inward motivating force behind them, belief and trust in God.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Father God, thank You for Your unconditional love and for Your righteousness given to me as a result of my faith in You. Like Abram (His name was not yet changed), I believe in You. Thank You for Your friend, Abram, who is a great example for me. I pray this in the Name of Jesus, Who is the greatest Example. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I’m so impressed by Abram’s attitude toward God and people. Yes, he believed God! He also showed this by works. I hate to admit this, but I think that Abram may have had something in common with an Afghan Warlord (a righteous one). Abram had a private Army. He was definitely not your average farmer. In today’s reading he risked his own life to rescue his nephew Lot and the other Sodomites. He tried (unsuccessfully) to turn the King of Sodom and the Sodomites he had rescued to God by introducing them to the priest of the most high God, Melchizedek. He paid his tithe. Abram’s attitude, overall, was impressive.

One of our 13 great-grandchildren, Autumn Neilson, is six years old now. I remember when she was two and she visited us. She sang over and over a song about attitude based on Philippians 2:5, written by her grandfather, Bruce Stacey, husband of my daughter Elaine: “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.” All but the newest of my great-grandchildren have memorized dozens of Bible verses because of these songs. Check out God Rocks Bibletoons Scripture songs online HERE. You can go to the Crossroads e-store to order a CD or DVD HERE.

Your friend and brother in Christ,

David