SCRIPTURE: Genesis 19 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: It seems that when Lot chose the best land, he also put himself in a compromising place (13:8-13). Lot did not remain immune to their extreme wickedness. Sure, he welcomed and protected these strangers, but to offer his daughters to the men of the city??? That’s just horrible. We should not be…
Author: Norm
the God of second chances
SCRIPTURE: Genesis 18 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: God steps into the world, like He did in Genesis 3:8-9, not for His own benefit (as if He needed to visit Abraham to make His promise, or to see the sin of Sodom and Gomorrah to know what was going on), but for our own benefit. God comes to Abraham and Sarah…
the ouch of sin
SCRIPTURE: Genesis 17 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: Ouch!!! OK, so the part about God’s promise for an heir is great. The name change is cool, father of many nations! The reaffirmation of His promise to give the land of Canaan to his heirs, great! But the whole circumcision thing just gets to me. I started thinking about what this day…
the God who sees me
SCRIPTURE: Genesis 16 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: If I were a non-Christian reading this, I might wonder to myself how God could promote things like having slaves and having sexual relations with slaves. What would Christians say or do if someone in their congregation followed these practices? I might also be unimpressed with the type of people Abram and Sarai…
how far God goes for us!
SCRIPTURE: Genesis 15 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: God communicated visibly and audibly to Abram. Abram did not doubt that God had spoken, but the things that God said seemed contrary to his experience. How could he be the father of many, if he didn’t have a child? How could he acquire the land of Canaan, if the Canaanites (Amorites)…
b.u.s.y.
Periodically I think it is helpful to read this fascinating “story” (author unknown) about Satan’s strategy to keep us distracted and busy. His strategy is codenamed B.U.S.Y. — Being Under Satan’s Yoke. Satan called a worldwide convention. In his opening address to his evil angels, he said, “We can’t keep the Christians from going to…
a safe place to discuss Jesus?
Help wanted! Feedback needed! — We want to set up an opportunity where non-Christians can gather to engage the message of Jesus. My own experience is with Alpha, and that has been good! I am looking for advice from anyone – and preferably from non-Christians who may happen upon this site (it happens!). What are the…
blessed by helping others
SCRIPTURE: Genesis 14 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: This story reveals how God blesses Abram, and how God uses him to bless (help) others. Even though Lot selfishly takes the better land from Abram, Abram does not hold a grudge but goes to his nephew’s rescue when he gets into trouble. We see Abram refusing the plunder from the spoils…
a good news parable (by me)
Just over a year ago, I wrote this “good news parable” to try to communicate why the message of Jesus is good news to me, and to everyone. I posted it then, and thought I would post it again… The kingdom of heaven is like… A man who left his wife for a younger mistress….
blessed are the unselfish
SCRIPTURE: Genesis 13 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: In this story we see that the Lord blesses those who bless others. Abram graciously lets Lot pick first. And Lot selfishly picks the best part for himself. In the long run, it is Abram who prospers, while Lot – thinking that he has the best – ends up in the worst…