The resources God has given us to live a thriving life are His Word, Spirit, and People.
Read God’s Word:
Genesis 17-19
Act 2: God’s Covenant People
Scene 1: The People: God calls a covenant people
Background Information: Genesis 17-19
God would keep his covenant promises, but Abraham’s part in fully enjoying those promises was that he was to walk blamelessly before the Lord. It was a covenant of faith, but that faith was to be revealed in action. God changed Abram’s name to Abraham, “father of multitude,” and initiated the covenant sign of circumcision. Abraham was on his face before God when he laughed in spontaneous wonder at the promise of having a son at their advanced age. Sarah, on the other hand, received a rebuke when her laughing gave evidence to her lack of faith. There was the same outward response, but clearly different internal realities in the hearts of Abraham and Sarah. In the same way, Lot showed the character of his heart by choosing what he thought was the best land for himself. This selfish decision proved to be a disaster. The city where he lived had provided creature comforts, but it was also a dark and terrible example of creature turned against creator. Lot’s offer to give his daughters over to abuse to protect the strangers shows how twisted his thinking had become. This is evil disguised as good. The Lord Jesus refers to the historical reality of the destruction of the cities as an ongoing warning to stay ready for his return. Lot’s wife was destroyed as she longingly looked back at evil (Luke 17:28-33). Our longing must be only for the Lord Jesus, never for the old life he has rescued us from. This longing is expressed in giving our lives away, rather than by seeking to put ourselves first.
Pray:
Praise God for…
Thank God for…
Confess your sins to God
Ask God for fruit in evangelism. Pray for opportunities to build trust. Ask God for opportunities to have gospel conversations. Ask God for boldness to share.
Ask God for… (what else concerns you?)
Reflect:
Write down one passage of scripture that stood out to you today.
Write down why this passage stood out to you.
Engage Community:
Text or call someone now and tell them…
– What you are praying for.
– What stood out from God’s word today.