"Is anything too hard for the Lord?"
Genesis 18:14
Genesis 18:14
My spiritual Sunday School answer to this question is "Of course not." My heart agrees but my head has to be told to believe. "Wendy believed and it was counted to her as righteous."
My take-aways:
Something Old but in a new way:
Genesis 18:8
I never noticed that Abraham had yogurt. Hmm?
Genesis 18:14
Nothing is too hard for the Lord. "Help my unbelief O, Sovereign Lord."
Something New:
Genesis 20:12
Sarah really was Abraham sister.
Something to Do:
Genesis 18:29
Not to give up on praying for others, to "press further."
51 Comments:
Dear Wendy,
Thank you for the vlog on intercessory prayer. I too camped on Abraham's conversation with the LORD on the behalf of righteous people in Sodom and Gomorrah.
Something old that is new: I noticed Abraham called the LORD "Judge of all the Earth." This also made me pause. The whole chapter calls one of the three men "LORD" and the other two are angles. This is an instance of Jesus appearing on Earth prior to His birth. The Bible tells us Jesus is the Judge of all the earth (1 Peter 4:5,2 Timothy 4:8, James 4:12,Hebrews 10:30, Deut. 32:36, Psalm 135:14 and of course Revelation 19).
Something I didn't know: I also didn't know that Sarah was really Abraham's half sister. I was amazed that he did it AGAIN! after Egypt, after the promise of God, there they go again with this charade and almost blow it again. Sarah must have had something about her that shone through that these kings and pharaohs wanted her so much (even when she was 90)!
Life application: Nothing is too hard for God. The word used in Genesis 18:14 "hard" also means wonderful. Nothing is too "hard" or "wonderful" for the LORD. He knows our hearts and He wants to bless us RICHLY. He is faithful to keep His promises. I have to make sure we don't mess it up in my haste to "make the promise rue."
Have a blessed day!
Karen, Basel
Sorry, I had to come back. I just got an e-mail from both my father and my brother that my sister-in-law, diagnosed with Melanoma in 2006, is our of options. She is in the hospital now and will be released today to go home and spend her last days there in Hospice care. She is only 33 (today). Her name is Anne and my brother's name is Lee.
I don't even know what to say. Please pray for them.
Thanks,
Karen
good morning ladies of God!
loving the vlog wendy! even when i think i've really read deeply and taken notes and pondered, i am quickly back in the Word after your comments to pick up something i didn't see! thank you!
karen, praying for anne...and also hoping pat did well yesterday.
as i read about abraham's intercessory encounter with the Lord, he 'pressed his request further' to wear the Lord down to saying He wouldn't destroy the cities for the sake of 10 righteous people. well...we know that the cities were destroyed, so there weren't even 10 righteous folks in 2 cities!! sad... telling...
loving this 2nd trip around with you all! new levels of interesting stuff here!!
have a Blessed day, sisters!
amy jane
pa
Karen - I prayed for Anne and your brother that God would provide healing and time and Peace for them. I asked the Holy Spirit to give you scripture to stand firmly on and word of encouragement for Anne.
Take aways:
Something to do - When Abraham asked Sarah to bake some bread, she just did it. She did not say, well, I had planned to do this or that today, I will bake that bread when I get back. Instead, she honored her husbands request. I pray that I will willingly meet the wants and needs of my husband without hesitation!
Something new - Moabites and Ammonites are descendants of Lot and his daughters. When God told Abram to leave Haran, he told specifically to leave his relatives and his father. But, Abraham brought Lot with him and Lot has continued to cause Abraham grief. When the Lord says leave, sometimes we have to leave people and possesions and go where God is sending us.
Something odd: Each time Abraham has claimed Sarah as his sister and not his wife (little white lie?!?) he has been given livestock and servants and now land on which to live.
I am leaving tomorrow morning to go on a mission trip to San Andreas, Tuxtla, Mexico. Please pray for the success of our trip. We are going to pass out Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes and have celebrations with several groups of children. I am asking God for divine appointments with some children and hope to tell them about the Jesus that I love so much and to share with them how he has changed my life and he will change theirs too if they will accept him.
Sheryl
Blessed Believer in LA
I'm loving the vlog format this year. Takes me deeper.
Karen - I lost a friend to melanoma just a month ago. Such a nasty disease. I bowed my head and prayed for Anne and family right now. May God's peace comfort you all.
1) Old: It never had sunk in before just how patient the Lord was with Abraham as he "bartered" down the number of people. I compared it to my impatience and I am humbled.
2) New: Lot's wife looked back. What sin do I "look back on" even after God has led me away from it?
3) Nugget: The Lord keeps His word.
more snow coming in MN!
Morgen
Yesterday, God answered all of our prayers. El Shaddai’s mighty power flowed right out of me and gave me the desire (the desire was God’s power!) to watch over every need my mother had throughout the day. After all, He is also El Roi, and He can see everything! Thank you so much for your prayers. I felt them during the day-I was so full of God’s Spirit. He opened up a verse we read the FIRST day, and made it come alive as only He can do! I soaked up today’s reading while waiting for her to come out of surgery. {PTL, the surgery went really well, now they are keeping a close eye on her due to: regulating her med’s again, rest (she has not been able to sleep) and weakness (very frail!)}
There is so much I want to share re: the readings the past couple of days, but need to get off the computer now. All of you new ones, hang in there. You just keep asking for a nugget and you will get one. Believe. God’s Word is alive and active in each one of you!
Thank you again for your prayers-they meant more to me than you’ll ever know!
Karen, I wrote Anne & Lee's name down in my prayer journal which I will be taking with me today to the hospital. -I'll have to say, that's another transformation He's doing in me. A year ago, I'd never think of taking my Bible out of the house, (except for church and Bible Studies, of course!)and now it's the first thing on my mind. :) Wendy, it is so, so true, you can find a verse for any situation you are going through!
Love, hugs, prayers coming your way, Lori
PS Joy, you continue to bless us with the blog –from Wendy’s vlog! Thank you cutie pie! You are a gem! The icing on the cake. We can hear and watch Wendy and get a review (I always need a review!) from you!
PPS It’s mid-70’s and I still wore a jacket yesterday. Ha-ha.
forgot...Sheryl, God is good with Divine appointments! You are in my journal too. Lori
Good Morning Ladies,
We are having no school and looks like we will be out the rest of the week if the additional snow comes tonight. This allows me extra time for my morning time in the Word and I am really enjoying it.
Something familiar in a new way:
Sarah thought she was too old to have a baby yet king Abimelech lusted after her and wanted to make her his wife. I find that almost funny and realize that in her old age she was still very beautiful.
Something I didn't know: It was Jesus and 2 angels that came to visit Abraham. At first I thought it might have been the Trinity, but Karen really helped me out with that question.
A truth to apply to my life:
The angel told Lot to run to the mountain; yet Lot thought it would be better to run to the small village near by. Lot wasn't content there and went to the mountain. So many times,I try and help God determine what is best for me. I need to apply this truth and go with His plan in the first place.
Have a wonderful and blessed day!
Nancy
Wendy I'm really liking the Videos.
Karen - I have prayed for you and your family in this situation, that she will be restored and that all glory will go to God for the miracle. xo
Something New: Gen 18:12 So she laughed silently to herself and said, “How could a worn-out woman like me enjoy such pleasure, especially when my master—my husband—is also so old?” I hadn't noticed "My Master- My Husband before"
Something Different: Gen 19:8 Look, I have two virgin daughters. Let me bring them out to you, and you can do with them as you wish. But please, leave these men alone, for they are my guests and are under my protection.”
That sounds horrible to us in this time however it shows he reverence for the Lord. and the in vs 12 12 Meanwhile, the angels questioned Lot. “Do you have any other relatives here in the city?” they asked. “Get them out of this place—your sons-in-law, sons, daughters, or anyone else. Do you see sons-in-laws? Back in that day if you were engaged it was as if you were already married you were spoken for betrothed. I learned about this last year and so these verses appeared to me with different meaning.
What to apply: Gen 19:26 But Lot’s wife looked back as she was following behind him, and she turned into a pillar of salt.
When God rescues us from destruction, whatever that may me, don't look back, don't go back. I'm assuming that Lot's wife looking back was a implication she was reminiscent which I'm sure was not the heart attitude God wanted.
Have a great day
Lynn - OR
Karen... I am praying for your family!
Wendy, thanks for the vlog! I am also blown away at Abrahams request of the LORD. I love that he says that he knows he is only dust, and yet, he still petitions the LORD on Lots behalf.
My human mind cannot fathom the fact that even through this(Gen 18), even though God came to 'see', He already knew. He already knew that Abraham would ask, He already knew that Lot would be spared. Wow!
Something that strikes me everytime I think about it is Gen 18:12 where Sarah says her master--her husband... her master. We always think of slave and master, or at least I do... but here, Sarah is talking of her husband. I think other translations may say lord. That floors me because I know I don't show that much respect for my husband. Shame on my head fcr that.
I will only comment on one last thing because like you said Wendy, there was so much. When the angels stay with Lot and all the men come to take them out so they can defile them(Gen 19) Verse 7 really hit hard for me. Lot was willing to give the pure bodies of his daughters to those wicked men so that his guests could be saved. Wow! I am still meditating on that.
Karen praying for your sister-in-law and brother as they go through this difficult time. Praying that God will give them both comfort and peace. All the times I have read this passage I never noticed that Sarah was really Abraham's half-sister, guess I read it but it did not click. Also, reading this sounds like the times of today. Hard to believe that things that go on today happened in OT times.
Good Morning.
Karen and Sheryl..praying for your request. PTL for Lori's request from yesterday.
I took away a lot of what has already been said. So I won't repeat everything.
One tidbit I came away with for advice I would give to my children. Gen. 19:33...Alcohol leads to sin. There are a lot of different beliefs concerning alcohol in the christian world...however this is a perfect example of why not to drink. Imagine...Lot had no idea of what was going on because of the effects of the alcohol.
Wendy..love the vlog. I had many take aways today. However, I had not thought about the intercessory prayer.
Have a blessed day!
Rochelle
Good Morning!
Praying for your family Karen and for your mission trip Sheryl. Also praying - sorry forgot the name - but for the single mom in Texas (I could remember that part) who is loosing her job in a month and raising two teenagers.
Familiar but new:
The three men came to visit Abraham. At first, I thought it was the trinity as well. I will have to meditate more on this one when I have more time. It would make sense it was Jesus and two angels because Abraham definitely identified them as men!
Something new:
Lot and his daughters and that the two sons born to them became the ancestors of the two nations - Moabites and Amnonites.
Nugget:
That Gods wants us to come to Him through prayer. He wants fellowship with us and he listens to our requests. "The outcry of this place is so great it has reached the Lord, and he has sent us to destroy it." Genesis 19:13. Let us cry out to the Lord!
Blessings,
Meredith in OK
I am actually just getting started today with you on reading the Bible this year. I feel like God has been prompting me to make this commitment for a while now. I finally submitted to that small, still voice. I live overseas and do not currently have the Bible in hand, but found an online schedule to follow. I am going to try to order the Bible as funds allow. All the shops are closed today, as it's a holiday, but I plan on going out tomorrow morning to picking up a notebook to use. While I won't be able to find the exact one you recommend, I think I can come close. I've alos been thinking prayerfully today of 2 or 3 women friends who I can share my commitment with, so they can be praying for me to stay on track. Thank you for this ministry. I look forward to taking this journey.
Well, ladies, I'm a little later today, but the transcribe for Wendy's blog is up. I trust those of you who needed it have discovered that I'm doing it. (I believe any comments left so far are from gals who are using it as review.) I'm praying you will find my comment buried in here and know that it is being done.
Today's link is here: http://princessjoyful.blogspot.com/2010/01/wendys-video-summary-wednesday-january.html
Karen, praying for your family. How gracious that the Lord reminded us today that we don't have to know all the details, but we can still intercede on the behalf of others.
Wendy, just want to also add, that as I was listening and transcribing your video this morning, my pencil stopped when you said, "Don't destroy my nephew. Don't destroy my nephew and his family." The gals from last years journey know that my nephew is walking far from the Lord and making horrible choices. The life he is living is unbelievable. Sickening. But God. I pray along with Abraham this morning, "Don't destroy my nephew." Praying for His salvation and return home.
Love to you all,
Joy
I thank God for each and everyone of you taking part in this journey of reading through God's word together. I have gained so much more for reading your comments. Keep them coming! I love it that we are all part of the family of God and we pray for one another knowing that our God hears our prayers. Oh, I'm just smiling today because God's love is just poured out all over this blog :)
My nugget today: Genesis 20:6 tells us that "God kept" King Abimelech from sinning against Him. This really opened my eyes and made me grateful for the times God had kept me from sinning against Him. Although God gives us free will and wants us to use self-discipline and self-control to not sin against Him, it's obvious to me in this verse there are times when it's God keeping us from sinning. Maybe it's a reminder so we remain humble and not let pride creep in and have us think that we've got all the control over not sinning. God's in control. Have a blessed day everyone.
Oh Karen I am so sorry. I will pray right now for Anne and Lee.
Amen!
Sheryl
This was great insight. I never connected the leave your relatives with Abram taking Lot with him.
Thanks for pointing that out.
Amanda
Would you feel comfortable emailing me your address? I would like to give you a Bible.
God is smiling on your today sweet sister. You heard His voice and obeyed. Be blessed!
Praying for all requests. Lord Your will & Your way be done. Bring peace, grace & wisdom on all as they face the challenges of life.
1)heard in a new way; Genesis 18:23-32 Abraham challenging God 'if there is any righteous people would You destroy them too?'Jesus in Luke 11:8-10 speaks of being persistence in prayer.
2)did not know; Lot's daughter's children became enemies of Israel,(Moses is not allowed to destroy them because of the family connection, Deuteronomy 2:9) however through the oldest daughter son comes Ruth who is the great-grandmother of David.
3)nugget; Go in prayer about everything & anything. Be persistent.
Blessing & Peace Mary
Just jumping in the study. My Bible is on its way. Looking forward to reading it in a new way! Blessings! Lesia
Abraham's prayer was my nugget as well.
I have a question and I wonder if anyone has any thoughts on it. I have looked in commentaries and no one really addresses it. This is disturbed me many times when I have read this and I am thinking there must be a historical or cultural reasoning to it BUT why did Lot offer up his daughters to protect the angels? I cannot understand that one for the life of me?? Anyone have any thoughts on this?
Wow! Great stuff today! I love reading all your comments- it helps me dive deeper!
Karen- so sorry to hear the news on your sister-in-law. I will be in prayer for her and the whole family. Remember all of our days are already laid out. The best part is He already knows what is best! Try and take comfort in his arms.
Sheryl- can't wait to hear of your experience! Praying God to work in mighty ways!
Joy- Sorry to hear of your nephew. My heart aches for mine as well. I actually posted a little bit about it on my blog last night. Its weird that this came up in todays reading. He never ceases to amaze me. I will be praying for you and your family as well.
I was so confused when the Lord met Abraham with two men. My first thought was the Trinity also-but Karen's comment makes sense. I have marked this so I can go back and research some more.
Nugget: There is nothing too hard for our Lord. Learning to lean on Him more and me less.
Blessings sweet Sista's!
Julie
I lovelove love the way the Lord moves and I am so glad we are all in the current of his love together!
I am pressed for time today so will have to come back later to share my insights into my own heart after having done the reading today, but for now, I want to pray for everyone so far who has asked for prayer:
Lord Jesus you teach us through Abraham the father of us all that you know our hearts and you hear our prayers. We ask you this morning to be with our sisters and brothers in you who are in need of your healing touch, your comfort and your protection:
We pray for Anne and Lee and for their families. We pray for Joy's nephew, and for her family. They all need you so. We surrender them all to you today and boldly and confidently ask you to lift them up that they might feel the light and warmth of your loving and healing presence.
We thank you for Sheryl as she journeys to Mexico on behalf of Operation Shoebox. We pray for a safe journey for her and the other volunteers, and for the children whose lives those boxes will touch, for they are filled with and delivered with the message of your love.
And finally, we praise you for the great report from Lori about Pat. Thank you for answering our prayers. Please continue to be with Lori and Pat as the recovery continues. We pray Pat regains her strength and that Lori stays strong and wrapped up in prayer.
We pray all this in the powerful name of Christ Jesus, you Son, Our Lord and Savior, whose Spirit connects all of our hearts and lives.
Amen!
Liz
Alaska
...Amen to the beautiful prayer offered up by Liz. Lifting you all up in prayers , the spoken and unspoken requests, and trusting the Holy Spirit to carry my mumblings to His throne of Grace...
Genesis 21:2 ..."It all happened at the time God said it would..." God is in control!
Love
Marianne
Wendy,
Thank you for the vlog. What you said went straight to my heart.
Karen,
I lifted up your Anne and Lee in prayer. I know what it's like to lose someone to cancer. (((HUGS)))
Sheryl,
May God use you mightily on that mission trip!
Joy,
Praying for your nephew and thanks for your faithfulness.
Lori,
Praise the Lord that the surgery went well!
Kari,
I found a commentary re your question on Lot's offering of his virgin daughters:
http://www.visionforumministries.org/issues/family/living_in_sodom_a_case_study_p.aspx
1. Familiar but new was Gen 18:23 Abraham approached him and said, "Will you sweep away both the righteous and the wicked?" When I looked at the KJV the word for approached is "drew near." I like that visual of drawing near. It denotes closeness. One commentary said Abraham drew near "with an assurance of faith." I just love that. May my prayer life to be like that that I draw near, lean in, and rest in my Lord.
2. Did not know: Again along the verses above, Abraham started to petition for the righteous but when v. 28 comes along he became concerned for the entire city not just the righteous. May my prayer be for all those who are perishing, not just the ones who "deserve" it in my eyes.
3. Nugget: Gen 18:19 (when the Lord decided to tell Abraham His plan for Sodom) "I have singled him out so that he will direct his sons and their families to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just. Then I will do for Abraham all that I have promised." As a mom, I want nothing more than to direct my sons to walk in the way of the Lord. May the Lord find me faithful in doing so.
Have a blessed day, everyone!
Ooops, it appears the link to the Lot article is too long, so here's the tiny url version:
http://tinyurl.com/yzkeynd
(I've never used tinyurl before so I hope this works!)
Liz,
Amen to your very heartfelt prayer. Thank you.
This is going to be a little long, sorry. I am really excited about reading the Bible through this year and it helps and blesses me to read your posts.
I am using the www.oneyearbibleonline.com via email for this study. You can chose the chronological Bible. (It also has a printable reading plan which I did print out in case my internet or computer goes down) Then when you get it in your email and click on the link it take you to Bible Gateway where by going to preferences you can change it to the NLT, if it is not that version already. Hope that helps whoever was having trouble.
Wendy, I know this is not what you suggested, but I have a laptop computer, so I am keeping my notebook online in a word file. Although I do have handwritten journals, my handwriting is awful ie. sometimes can't read it. My plan is to print out the pages each week and put them in a 3 ring binder. I also type them in my word document notebook first, save, and then copy and paste whatever I want to leave as a post. I have typed posts before and had them disappear. Today I have created a space at the very beginning for prayer requests, and I will be praying over each and everyone.
Kari, you asked about Lot offering up his daughters. In some past Bible study I remember them saying it had to do with ancient hospitality. You had to do everything you could to protect your guests, no matter what.
I didn't post yesterday, but pondered on the covenant God made with Abraham. The way ancient secular world made a covenant was by passing through the blood between the animal's bloody carcasses, the two parties promised to uphold their agreement. And if they didn't, it would cost the failing party blood; the failing party would be cut in two just like the animals were. The fire pot (representing God) and flaming torch (representing Jesus, the light of the world) which passed through the bloody halves of the animals Abram sacrificed signified God functioning as both parties in the covenant. With God being both parties, it would cost His Son's blood (i.e., life) if Abram's descendants failed to keep the covenant. A good book to read to get more info on the Covenant is "Our Covenant God" by Kay Arthur.
Today I was pondering on Lot's wife turning to salt. It always seemed like such a harsh punishment just for looking back. I found something Clement of Alexandria wrote and really liked. It seems as thought it is saying that it was why/the reason she turned back to look-- "For God looks closely at the actual inner purpose, as when Lot's wife was the only one to turn of her own free will toward the wickedness of the world. He left her insensible, giving her the likeness of a pillar of salt and leaving her without the power of forward movement, a statue, yet not one without a useful message but one intended to season and salt the person capable of spiritual perception."
Praying for the request as I read them. We have a mighty God.
Something I did not know before is that the angels seized Lot's hands. Wonder how often the Lord has seized my hands to get me out of harms way.
Blessings
Gaylene
Just loving this study!
Familiar/New: Gen. 19:16
When Lot hesitated the angels grabbed their hands and led them out SAFELY...for the LORD was merciful!
New:Gen. 19:3 I noticed the mentioning of the "bread without yeast" here (it's underlined in my Bible) and looked back to when Abraham prepared bread for the guests, with no mention either way. It could be simply the rush of preparing food quickly for guests or is this here to reference Passover and the Days of Unleavened Bread. It's also called Bread of Affliction. I find this interesting.
My Nugget: Gen. 19:26 Just the other day God spoke to me through His spirit about this. Some major changes have occured in our family financially in the last two years (as many families). I was cleaning a throw rug and thinking of the purchase of that rug and how beautiful it was in the house we lived in at the time. I was looking back and wishing things were like before and this very verse came to me. I said Yes Lord you are right. You hold my future and it is good. I should NEVER look back but look forward to what I know God holds. That my future is God's to direct and I am to walk in it not looking back with regret, but forward in anticipation of the goodness He has in store for me. This life is not about earthly possessions that hold us down. I look at Gen. 12 where the LORD said "leave" to Abram, so Abram left, as the LORD had told him. No looking back, only forward...and Abram did not know his destination. FAITH
Have a wonderful day in the Lord, ladies.
Our God is so amazing! I am so thankful that he led me to this group. I am overwhelmed that he knows my heart and supplies just the right nuggets without my asking. Just this morning, I was talking with a niece about intercessory prayer and how I did not understand the leading but I knew that we were to continue in intercessory prayer for others. Then I came in to my reading time and what jumped out at me...intercessory prayer. It came with alot of nuggets to help me to understand.
I know that you all think, how can she know so little, but please bear with me.
I too am praying for each of your prayer requests.
Something familiar:
Genesis 19:16 says that when Lot (who believed) still hesitated that the angels seized his hand and pulled him to safety. How often do we as believers still hesitate? But the Lord is merciful and will pull us or carry us through.
Thank you for the blogs and Wendy for your vlog. It helps me to believe that I can understand the word and hear from the Lord.
Something familiar but new: As Abraham petitions for Lot's safety, the Lord is patient and loving with him.
Something new: The Lord did not go with the angels to Sodom and Gomorrah.
Application: To pray more fervently on the behalf of others.
sara
Test -
Old with new insight: How hospitable Abraham was-he ran out to invite strangers in to eat and rest!
New: After speaking with them, Abraham recognizes who they were b/c he asks the Lord to spare the righteous from God's judgement. Having just read about the flood and God's promise not to utterly destroy all of life on earth again. The total destruction of life and vegetation of Sodom and Gomorrah as well as surrounding villages surprized me. It shows me God's judgement of evil on the earth did not cease with the covenant signified by the rainbow.
Also new to me: God spoke to Abimelech, who Abraham thought was a godless man living in a godless country.
Life application: As evidenced by Abimelech, I shouldn't think that God only speaks to believers. He can make His will known to "whosoever".
The vlog and blog are incredibly helpful to me. I sent a request to my (true) friends on facebook asking for at least one to be my accountability partner but didn't get any takers. I'm finding that if I commit to posting a comment here, it helps me be accountable. And I'm actually studying the Word!
Some of those commenting thought the men may have been part of the Trinity, but I think Gen. 19:1 clears that up using the word "angels"..."That evening the two angels...". The text does not seem to be introducing something new here but referring to the men mentioned previously.
New to me:
-Angels eat!
-I don't understand why God would punish Abimelech when he was deceived by Abraham and innocent of guilt. And then Abraham continues to get richer even though he lies and deceives.
Nugget:
Gen. 19:16 "When Lot HESITATED, the angels SEIZED HIS HAND and the hands of his wife and two daughters and RUSHED THEM TO SAFETY outside the city, FOR THE LORD WAS MERCIFUL." (Emphasis mine)
Wow! The Lord is merciful! Sometimes He will "push" us for our own good.
Janis, Indiana
Liz,
Thank you for that wonderful prayer. I alweays feel that my prayers aren't good enough, so I borrowed yours. I hope you don't mind.
Hi Ladies,
I am not sure if anyone has mentioned this, as I have not had a chance to read through all the posts yet, but something struck me as I re-read todays reading. I noticed Lot's comment to the angels when he begged not to go to the mountains, saying "Disaster would catch up to me there" (Gen 19:19)- I wonder if this is foreshadowing what happens with his daughters?- But ultimately, he ends up going to the mountains where the angels wanted him to go in the first place "because he was afraid of the people" in Zoar (Gen 19:30)- I just thought this was interesting...
All the comments today are thought provoking. :-)
My Pondering thought: Gen 18:1
The Lord appeared again to Abraham near the oak grove belonging to Mamre. One day Abraham was sitting at the entrance to his tent during the hottest part of the day.
This wasn't the first time the Lord had visited Abraham. Abraham had a relationship with the Lord and it is evident he was waiting for his visit.
"The hottest part of day" Even though I'm sure the shade might have been inviting to Abraham, he stayed at the entrance of the tent so he could see the Lord coming.
How many times do I retreat to the shade or that which is more comfortable, when I should have my mind focused on the coming of the Lord, instead of my current circumstance.
I have prayed for each of your requests, May the God of Peace grant you strength to endure and be steadfast in your faith without wavering, God is faithful to his promises.
Blessings!
Debbie - North Carolina
Hey, Wendy,
Last night our Bible Study group decided to hop on your wagon and read along for this year. We're going to continue to meet weekly and talk about our answers to your questions. I'm so excited to have face-to-face people to talk with this about - not that I don't enjoy your blog, too, but everyone's posting such exciting things that I want someone ELSE to talk about it with! :-)
I'm adding these prayer requests to mine.
So, my three ...
1. Old/new: Abraham really did keep "pushing it" with God when he asked God to save the righteous in S & G, but he did it both humbly and boldly. Both parts really jumped out at me this time. Abraham had promises from God, but not the same Hope that we have. If he could approach the throne so boldly, why don't we? (So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
Hebrews 4:15-16 )
2. Abraham reminds me of the Israelites. He's not learning from his mistakes (much like me)! Why would he pretend that Sarah is ONLY his sister and not also his wife, when that backfired so miserably the last time?? Seems kind of silly to me. Also, why would the king reward him? The king was at least honest about his intentions. If he had committed a sin, it would not have been his own fault but because of Abraham's misleading. Doesn't it say something in Romans about the sinfulness of leading others astray?
3. God always keeps His promises, even when we lie, mislead, get lost, or don't fulfill our end of the bargain. Isn't there comfort in knowing that no matter how badly we mess up, it's not too much for Him??
See you tomorrow!
Amy
One thing I took away from today's reading was how giving our Lord is. In Gen 18:17 it reveals how the Lord questioned whether or not he should share his plans with Abraham about why He was there. Ultimately, He did share with Abraham what He was there to do, thereby providing Abraham with an opportunity to intercede on behalf of Lot, and God listened to him- Gen 19:29.
I am really enjoying this study! Everyone brings such great insights to the table- I am new to all of this, so it is really teaching me a lot! Thank you!
Elizabeth
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I guess we all have wondered about the hospitality shown by first Abraham, then Lot to the Lord and the 2 angels. I have a book called "A Way Through the Wilderness" by Jamie Buckingham, that next to my Bible, I treasure, for the Biblical knowledge in it. It is now out of print. If you can get hold of one on Craig's list or Ebay, good for you. He says "there is a code of hospitality in the desert that originated with Abraham.... Abraham is the first of the Bedouins. You always offered a stranger something to drink, and the extra luxury of water to wash their feet." "Hospitality meant 3 things to the Bedouins...food, drink, and accommodation for the night... Welcoming strangers was the core of the desert culture and is preformed even if it means sharing the last piece of bread. Every passerby is invited to stay and relax. So strong is the code of hospitality that rejection of it is received as an insult....The tent of the Bedouin is looked upon as a place of refuge. The host, once he has accepted a guest, feels obligated to PROTECT him at all costs...even at his own peril."
All of this to try to explain why Lot was willing to offer his daughters to keep the "men" (angels)in his house safe, though I can't for the life of me understand how he could offer the lives of his 2 virgin daughters. I don't think females were of much value then, either.
Keep the comments coming, we are all learning a bit by bit. What one doesn't see, someone else might.
Jan TN where it was 4* this morning.
Jan
You get the cold award. Brrr!
Lehrerin
That is cool about your Bible Study group. There is no better book to study.
Something I noticed today different was about Sarah. She heard what the Lord said. Notice she "heard"... and then she laughed. The angel of the Lord wanted to know why she laughed thinking "Is there anything too hard for God?"
WOW! What got me was that she clearly heard what was said and still laughed. It wasn't second hand info. or a maybe. It was clear and she laughed. Oh my how many times have I been like Sarah. Oh, I heard God clearly, but said "oh not me" or "I can't do that" And I can almost hear God thinking well Lesia why not?? I think you can. Is there anything to hard for me? God really opened my eyes about this. We have to CLEARLY LISTEN TO GOD, HEAR IT AND BELIEVE IT. He believes in Himself and He believes in what He has planned for us.
Sweet blessings to all!
Lesia
Wow!! some great comments...I am having a hard time keeping up with the posts, I am lucky if I have time to skim through them but just in these 6 days I have learned so much. Ok, hopefully I can have a more substantial post tomorrow.
Night,
~Anna
MA
Thank you Sister Pope, for this wonderful opportunity to join you and your ministry,(my first time)in reading through the bible in a year. "I'm loving it"
I would also like to ask, if all of you would please call my son
name out in prayer.
(Terrell Herbert)
Thank you all in advance.
May God continue to bless all of you some more!
CJ
Philadelphia
Wow, I feel like I am playing catch up after reading everyones comments:
1. Abraham brought his best-flour, tender calf, yogurt, milk: how often do I bring my best to the table for God?
2. My husband asked this; why was Lot waiting at the gate of the city? Was he expecting company, or did he know that the Lord was coming? My new thing was Lot didn't want to leave his home, even though he had been warned several times. How many times do I and we ignore the warnings from God which are evident?
3. I must be ready to give the Lord my best whenever he asks and/or when he appears.
My sons are enjoying the bible study-every night they follow along with their own Bibles.
Thank you all for your comments, and insight. I so appreciate it!
Karen, I am praying for your family during this difficult time-no words are good enough from me, but the Lord will answer your petitions.
The others who have requested prayers (I'm sorry, I don't recall the names), I ask God to answer your requests as He sees fit.
Janis, I would be happy to be your FB friend for accountability purposes-email me if you would like to be my 'friend'.
Finally, I ask for prayers for me-I am diabetic and my health hasn't been the best over the past couple weeks (christmas and all), but please pray for me.
Blessings to you all!
Wow, I feel like I am playing catch up after reading everyones comments:
1. Abraham brought his best-flour, tender calf, yogurt, milk: how often do I bring my best to the table for God?
2. My husband asked this; why was Lot waiting at the gate of the city? Was he expecting company, or did he know that the Lord was coming? My new thing was Lot didn't want to leave his home, even though he had been warned several times. How many times do I and we ignore the warnings from God which are evident?
3. I must be ready to give the Lord my best whenever he asks and/or when he appears.
My sons are enjoying the bible study-every night they follow along with their own Bibles.
Thank you all for your comments, and insight. I so appreciate it!
Karen, I am praying for your family during this difficult time-no words are good enough from me, but the Lord will answer your petitions.
The others who have requested prayers (I'm sorry, I don't recall the names), I ask God to answer your requests as He sees fit.
Janis, I would be happy to be your FB friend for accountability purposes-email me if you would like to be my 'friend'.
Finally, I ask for prayers for me-I am diabetic and my health hasn't been the best over the past couple weeks (christmas and all), but please pray for me.
Blessings to you all!
sorry im a day late in noting my info but i wanted to do it anyway...
1. NEW WAY = Gen 18:12-13 just the way Abraham laugher didnt notice tht Sarah laughed also..nothing is impossible for God even at her age she was able to have a child...
2. SOMETHING NEW = Gen 19:1-5 the two angels came to Lot and how the men from Sodom wanted to have sex with the..never knew the angels were men...wow...Gen 19:24 the Lord rained down fire and burning sulfur from the sky...Gen 19:32 how Lots daughters got him drunk to have sex...in todays reading i was like WOW WOW WOW thru the whole thing...but GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME...
3. APPLY TO LIFE = these readings have shown me that i need to shape up and follow God and put my trust in him inorder to be SAVED and PROTECTED from evil...
That was my something new too: Sarah really was Abraham's sister! I did not know that! :o)
I've been keeping up with the study, but did not come to the site for a few days cause I've been busy.
It made me think too about when Ab. talked the Lord down to 10 righteous souls...and the Lord could not even find that many in the city worth saving. It's very sad to think about those ppl living wicked, not heading to God's warning, and burning in Hell. And sad to say, the world will continue in that same manner until Christ's return.
What I'm mostly focusing on this week, is faith in God.
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