TODAY IN THE WORD

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: John 3:1-21
He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. - Titus 3:5
TODAY IN THE WORD
For many years, George Whitefield believed that his salvation depended on his own good works. Eventually, the Lord showed him that the only way to enter the kingdom of God was through new birth in Christ. Following his conversion, his preaching sparked revivals, and when he died in 1790, thousands had been convicted of their sin and had experienced new birth, both in England and the United States.

As we begin to look at the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer, we begin with a passage that deeply impacted Whitefield, especially verse 7. A Pharisee named Nicodemus sought out Jesus at night, probably because he was afraid to be seen with Him. Jesus began by shifting Nicodemus away from focusing on what a person does (v. 2) to the need for rebirth. The expression “born again” is a pun in the original Greek, meaning either “born a second time” or “born from above.”

Probably Jesus intended both meanings, but Nicodemus couldn't understand how anyone could possibly emerge a second time from the womb! Jesus then explained that He was speaking of spiritual birth. Being born of “water” and Spirit (v. 5) indicates the need for cleansing as well as rebirth—ideas we saw in Ezekiel 36 (see April 12). Jesus drew upon another Old Testament idea, namely the overlap between wind and Spirit (see April 2), and reminded Nicodemus that the Spirit acts as unpredictably as the wind.

As a teacher of the law, Nicodemus should have understood Jesus' words. What's more, Nicodemus was talking with the very Son of God, who had come from heaven . . . He certainly knew what He was talking about!

Jesus then went on to use another Old Testament passage to help Nicodemus understand. Numbers 21:4-9 records how Moses held up a bronze serpent to heal those who had been bitten by snakes in the desert. So too Jesus would be lifted up on the cross as the source of true healing, or eternal life.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
This story of Nicodemus reminds us that salvation isn't about the things we do or how much we know the Bible. Even with all his Scripture knowledge, Nicodemus was still outside the kingdom when he came to Jesus. Instead, the only way to enter the kingdom is to be born again. Even as believers, it's easy to slip back into thinking that our salvation is about what we do and what we know instead of Who has given us new birth.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 1 Corinthians 2:6-16
The word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword . . . it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. - Hebrews 4:12
TODAY IN THE WORD
In 1995, Neale Donald Walsch published Conversations with God, a book that contains Walsch's dialogue with a spiritual guide called “God.” Walsch asks “God,” “How do I know this [communication] is not my own imagination?” To which “God” replies, “What would be the difference? Do you not see that I could just as easily work through your imagination as anything else?”

Walsch claims that he has received revelations from God, and he certainly isn't the first to do so. Similar claims can confuse Christians as to how exactly God speaks. So let's consider two questions: how can we know that the Bible is God's Word? And, how does God speak to us today?

To answer the first question, look at 2 Peter 1:2-21. This passage shows that Old Testament prophets neither spoke on their own nor gave their own interpretations but were led by the Spirit. Our verses today from 2 Timothy state that all Scripture is inspired by the Spirit—it is “God-breathed.”

Concerning the second question, our passage from 1 Corinthians 2 begins by distinguishing between Christians (the mature) and non-Christians (those with the wisdom of this age). Then Paul notes that God's “secret wisdom” is only revealed to believers through the Spirit (v. 10). This “secret” wisdom, also called the “deep things of God,” is nothing less than God's plan of redemption, which was only dimly understood before it was fully revealed in Jesus Christ. If the world had understood this wisdom they wouldn't have crucified Christ.

Only a person knows his or her own thoughts; so too, only the Spirit knows God's thoughts. But because believers have the Spirit (v. 12), they have the mind of Christ. Conversely, apart from the Spirit it's impossible to understand spiritual truths and words.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
All we need to know about God and His redemptive purposes for our lives is contained in the Bible. Because the Spirit was crucial in the formation of God's written word, He cannot guide us to think or do anything that contradicts the Bible. Thus God speaks to us through His Word, and the Spirit enables our own spirit to understand. No matter what others say or our experiences indicate, God will never lead us in a way that contradicts His Word.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Romans 8:1-17
How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! - 1 John 3:1
TODAY IN THE WORD
Chances are you've never given much thought to instant cocoa mix. But it's not hard to realize that a steaming cup of hot cocoa will never appear in your mug unless one very important ingredient is added to that dry powder . . . hot water! No matter how much you want that delicious hot chocolate, it would be ridiculous to even consider it without hot water.

As silly as this example might seem, many believers do something very similar in their Christian walk . . . they try to please God apart from the Holy Spirit. But Romans 8 shows that it's as impossible for us to be obedient children on our own strength as it is for dry powder to become hot cocoa all by itself.

Romans 1-7 outline humanity's failure to be righteous before God apart from faith in Jesus Christ. Because no one could meet the obligations of God's law, the law's effect was sin and death. But through Christ, God's righteous requirements have been met. Thus Christians have been set free from sin's demands and are no longer under condemnation (8:1).

To understand the radical difference between living according to the fallen nature and living by the Spirit (vv. 5-11), we might think of an airplane's navigational system. If the instruments are set for the North Pole, the plane certainly won't end up at the South Pole. Similarly, if a person's “navigational system” is set according to the sinful nature, that person will never end up pleasing God. Fortunately, as Christians, we have a new navigational system, so to speak. We're controlled and empowered by the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead.

The real evidence that Spirit dwells within us is His own testimony that we're God's children. We're no longer living lives characterized by fear and death. Instead, we've become legitimate children, and, consequently, heirs who share in Christ's sufferings as well as His glory.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Perhaps you feel as dry as instant cocoa powder. You long for obedience, but feel defeated. First focus on what's true for all believers—we have the Spirit (vv. 9-10). Second, focus on the Spirit through praise, prayer, and reading Scripture. A mind focused only on battling sin is still a mind set on the flesh. It's only through the Spirit that we can die to our sinful inclinations. As the Spirit convicts you of sin, ask forgiveness, thank God for His faithfulness, and rejoice in the goodness of the Lord!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Romans 8:18-30
Those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. - Romans 8:14
TODAY IN THE WORD
James Lindsey Smith's ordeal was “a thrilling narrative of escape.” Under cover of darkness, he and two other men sailed a small boat from Virginia to Maryland. There the men were separated, and Smith managed to avoid detection as he walked alone through Delaware to Pennsylvania. Along the way a woman fed him. In Philadelphia, a man secretly sheltered him and arranged to get him to New York. There he met others who helped him travel to Norwich, Connecticut, where he settled, married, and became a preacher.

The year was 1838 and Smith was a black slave. Like thousands of others, his journey on the “Underground Railroad” was conducted by nameless individuals who assisted and protected him. With their help, Smith eventually made it to freedom. In a similar way, believers are on a journey from bondage to glorious freedom (v. 21). Along the way, we're helped in our weakness by the Spirit, who intercedes for us and leads us according to God's will.

But before glory, there's much suffering. On the one hand, our present suffering doesn't compare to this future glory (v. 18). In fact, this glory will be so great that the entire creation groans eagerly for it! Because we have the Spirit, we too groan, because deep down we know that this present life isn't all there is. We long for our resurrection bodies, which will be free from corruption and decay.

On the other hand, however, God knows that our present suffering could overwhelm us, so He assures us of two things. First, we're not alone. The Spirit helps us in our weakness and translates our groaning into inexpressible words before the Father. Second, God assures us that He's working redemptively in every circumstance we encounter (v. 28). This doesn't mean that things will turn out how we expect, or that we'll have comfort and ease. Rather, it means that God uses every situation to make us more like Jesus Christ. What an amazing assurance, even in our darkest trials!
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
You know how encouraging it can be to learn that someone's been praying for you. Now consider the fact that the Spirit is praying for us! Hebrews 7:25 says that Jesus is always interceding for us. That's amazing, because we often think only that we pray to God rather than that God prays for us! What a great assurance as we face life's difficulties. For more assurances of how God acts for us, read through Romans 8:31-39.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Galatians 5:13-26
Not by might nor by power, but by my spirit. - Zechariah 4:6
TODAY IN THE WORD
Godly leaders have always known that true fruit is only possible through the Holy Spirit. Years after D. L. Moody began preaching, he became increasingly aware of his need for the Holy Spirit. His book, The Spirit-Filled Life, recounts this experience: “I was crying all the time that God would fill me with His Spirit. Well, one day . . . God revealed Himself to me, and I had such an experience of His love that I had to ask Him to stay His hand. I went to preaching again. The sermons were not different; I did not present any new truths, and yet hundreds were converted.”

Even though we receive the Spirit when we become Christians, evidence of the Spirit's indwelling takes time. Like fruit, it develops and matures throughout our lives. In his letter to the Galatian church, Paul confronted wrong behavior and reminded the Galatians that true Christian freedom results in love. He then encouraged these believers that those who live by the Spirit will produce fruit in keeping with the Spirit.

The first three indications of the Spirit—love, joy, and peace—are reflections of God's own character within us. True love is only understood in relation to God's sacrificial love through His Son Jesus Christ. In the same way, joy and peace indicate the wholeness that God intends for our lives. The second set—patience, kindness, and goodness—are revealed in our relationships with others. Although many people claim that humans are basically good, throughout history human experience has shown that being short-fused, rude, and mean comes pretty naturally. Only God's Spirit can reverse these tendencies.

Finally, the third set concerns our character. Faithfulness is seen in our loyalty, both to God and to our commitments. As gentleness is manifest in our lives, we become less defensive and insensitive to others. Self-control is evident when nothing apart from God has mastery over us, including money, food and drink, lust, anger, or anxiety. No wonder there's no law against such things (v. 23)!
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Today might be a good time to do a bit of self-reflection. Look back over verses 22 and 23 and consider whether these aspects of the Spirit are evident in your own life. Remember, the Christian walk isn't a matter of our own effort, so this list isn't intended to somehow make us try harder. Instead, consider this list as an invitation to pray more for the fullness of life that God intends for you. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you any ways that you might be hindering the expression of His fruit in your life.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Corinthians 12:1-31
In Christ we who are many form one body. - Romans 12:5
TODAY IN THE WORD
Even if you don't know much about classical music, you're probably familiar with Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. Portions of it have been used in television coverage of the Olympic Games, several movies, and in the millennial celebrations a few years ago. This dramatic symphony requires more instruments than any other of Beethoven's works. In addition, the score calls for four vocal solos and a full chorus. Together, all these individuals produce one of the world's most beloved pieces of music. But can you imagine what this beautiful symphony would sound like if all the parts were played by a trombone or a cello? It just wouldn't be the same.

The same is true for the body of Christ. If everyone had the same spiritual gift, the magnificent “symphony” that God intends to conduct through believers would never match His glorious plan. Apparently something like this was happening in the Corinthian church. Some members were stressing the importance of certain gifts over others, and the result was definitely off-key. So Paul had to address the question of spiritual gifts.

First Corinthians 12 emphasizes the diversity of gifts manifest by the Spirit in the body. To focus on one gift over others is as ridiculous as one part of the human body claiming superiority over other parts—the very point that Paul makes in the middle of this chapter. At the same time, however, there's much stress on unity in this passage. Notice that the same Spirit gives this great diversity of gifts. The same Lord provides the various contexts for ministry in which these gifts are expressed. The same God causes the different effects that result from the outworking of these gifts. Finally, notice that the Spirit gives these gifts for the benefit of the common good. In other words, God's purposes for the body of Christ are achieved when great diversity is functioning in complete unity. Then the world sees that truly we who are many are really one, regardless of our social or ethnic background (v. 13).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Just as every musician in an orchestra has an instrument to play, so too every believer in the body of Christ has a spiritual gift to use in accordance with God's will. If you've never considered your spiritual gifts, begin by looking at three passages that discuss this important topic: Romans 12:1-8; Ephesians 4:7-13; 1 Peter 4:10-11. Your pastor or Bible study leader can recommend helpful books or resources. Above all, thank God that His gift of the Holy Spirit includes gifting you to serve others.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Ephesians 4:1-13
Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. - Ephesians 4:32
TODAY IN THE WORD
Genocide . . . torture . . . massacre—these words come to minds when most people think about Rwanda. In the spring of 1994, over 800,000 Tutsi were killed by their Hutu neighbors. Anglican Bishop John Rucyahana is chairman of Prison Fellowship Rwanda and experienced Hutu brutalities first-hand. Despite his rage, he knew that hatred wasn't the answer and that “healing could not come from anywhere but God Himself.” He asked for God's power to forgive his enemies, and began sharing Christ with Hutus who were in prison for participating in the genocide.

Forgiveness . . . reconciliation . . . unity—these words describe the Spirit's work among Rwandan believers today. Through Prison Fellowship Rwanda's Umuvumu Tree Project, Bishop Rucyahana has seen murderers and rapists turn to Christ. He's also seen reconciliation between victims and offenders. “Mary,” a Tutsi who watched Hutus murder her family, had her new home built by Hutu who are now Christians. Only God's resurrection power working through His Spirit could bring about reconciliation and unity.

As we saw yesterday, the diversity of spiritual gifts within the body of Christ functioning in unity is a compelling witness to God's power. This same truth is in today's passage, where we see additionally that spiritual gifts are intended to build up the body and to help individuals reach spiritual maturity.

Notice also the emphasis on oneness in today's passage: one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of all. This oneness is the basis for the body's unity. But unity isn't the same as uniformity. Notice that the triune God is revealed in three persons—the Spirit, the Lord, and the Father—but is still One God. In a similar way, unity in the body certainly doesn't mean that everyone is the same. In fact, the Spirit's work in Rwanda shows that He can bring forth unity from the most diverse and devastated backgrounds.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
It's important to notice that Ephesians 4:3 urges to keep the unity of the Spirit. In other words, out job isn't to create unity from nothing, but rather to maintain the unity that only the Spirit makes possible. There are four essential qualities that keep unity and peace: humility, gentleness, patience, and forgiveness (Eph. 4:2). We can learn a lot from our Rwandan brothers and sisters in this regard. Do these qualities characterize your interaction with other believers?

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Ephesians 1:3-14; Colossians 1:9-23
Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. - 2 Corinthians 5:5
TODAY IN THE WORD
In both Britain and the United States, it's customary for a man to give an engagement ring when he asks a woman to marry him. This tradition probably dates back to the Greeks or perhaps even the Egyptians. The first diamond engagement ring was apparently given in Austria in 1477. Thus the engagement ring is an enduring token of a couple's commitment to marry each other and spend their lives together.

The Bible also talks about a “token” and a marriage. The Bridegroom is the Lord Jesus Christ, and we, His church, are the bride. As His bride, we have received something more glorious than a ring, because we've been given God's pledge, His Holy Spirit, as a token of His promise to be with us forever.

In both Ephesians and 2 Corinthians Paul describes the Holy Spirit as a deposit, who guarantees our eternal inheritance. Although the imagery is different, the same truth is expressed whether we think of the Holy Spirit as type of engagement ring or down payment. In both cases, God's indwelling Spirit assures us that we'll be in His presence for all eternity.

The opening part of Paul's letter to the Ephesian church underscores God's glorious work on our behalf through the work of Christ. These verses span God's work of election before the world's foundation to our present redemption and adoption as God's own children to the eternal inheritance that awaits us. This sweep from past to future assures us of God's complete control over the entire scope of our lives.

Our greatest assurance of our future glory, however, is our marking, or sealing, with the Holy Spirit (Eph. 1:13). In Paul's day as well as our own, cattle were often marked, or branded, with their owner's seal to protect against theft. In a similar way, Paul says that believers have been “sealed” as God's special possession with His own seal, His Holy Spirit.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Engagement rings, down payments, and cattle brands are all helpful pictures of commitment, guarantee, and protection, but none of them can truly capture the depth of God's commitment to us through His indwelling Holy Spirit. Later in Ephesians, we read that we've been sealed until the day of redemption, or Christ's return (Eph. 4:30). What assurance this gives us when we face trials or doubts. We are God's possession, with His own Spirit to vouch for it.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Revelation 1:4-6
You are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. - 1 Peter 4:14
TODAY IN THE WORD
Throughout Scripture, God uses symbols to show aspects of Himself that we couldn't understand otherwise. As we conclude our study, let's review key symbols used for the Spirit.

First, the wind pictures the Spirit's involvement with creation (Gen. 1) and spiritual rebirth—recall Jesus' dialogue with Nicodemus (John 3). Like the wind, we can feel the Spirit's presence even though we can't see Him. The overlap in Hebrew and Greek between wind and breath recalls the Spirit's creative power as He infused life into Adam (Gen. 2) and Mary's virgin womb (Luke 2).

Another image of the Spirit is fire, portraying His power. John the Baptist prophesied that Jesus would baptize with the Spirit and fire (Matt. 3), which was seen as the Spirit descended upon the body of Christ at Pentecost (Acts 2). But the Spirit is also likened to life-giving water. Recall how Ezekiel 36 promises God's future restoration in terms of both cleansing (water) and Spirit, as does Jesus' discussion of new birth in John 3. Additionally, John's Gospel associates the streams of living water that flowed from Jesus with the Spirit (John 7:37-39).

The Spirit is described as a dove at Jesus' baptism (Matt. 3; John 1). The dove has long been a symbol of purity, humility, and gentleness, so it aptly portrays the Spirit. This also fits the picture of the Spirit “brooding” over the deeps in creation (Gen. 1).

Oil was used to anoint individuals, and symbolizes the Spirit. Thus God's Servant was not to be anointed with oil, but with the Holy Spirit (Isa. 61). This promise was fulfilled in Jesus' incarnation (Luke 4).

We also saw how the Spirit is like a seal that guarantees our future eternal inheritance (Eph. 1). Finally Revelation 1 describes the seven spirits, also translated “sevenfold Spirit,” that are before God's throne. Because seven is symbol of perfection and holiness, this refers to the perfection and completeness of the Holy Spirit.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Consider the chorus to Keith Green's song, “There is a Redeemer”: “Thank You, O my Father, for giving us your Son, and leaving your Spirit ”˜til the work on earth is done.”

As you reflect on the rich symbols for the Spirit, consider also His great ministry to, in, and for us. He confirms that we're God's children, prays for us, and gifts us for ministry. Conclude your devotional time today by praising the Father for sending His Son and His Holy Spirit.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Genesis 11:27-12:9
So Abram left, as the Lord had told him. - Genesis 12:4
TODAY IN THE WORD
In September 2005, 5,000 U.S. and Iraqi troops attempted to evacuate civilians from Tall Afar, Iraq, to protect them from a raid against insurgents. Many people refused to leave through the designated checkpoints out of fear and distrust. One man said, “I would rather die . . . in my home with my family than walk south.”

Leaving home for an unknown destination would be difficult for anyone, regardless of the potential reward or the imminent danger. About 4,000 years ago—and only a few hundred miles away from Tall Afar—a man named Abram faced the choice of whether to go or stay. God called him out of his home in Ur and away from the idolatry of his homeland (Josh. 24:2). God was very clear about what He would do for Abram. But still He was asking Abram to make a major sacrifice and providing very few details.

We know what happened to Abram, the first of the Patriarchs and the subject of our study over the next several days. God's call to Abram (12:1-3) came before his 600-mile move to Haran (cf. Acts 7:2), and it's unclear if God repeated it in Haran. Chapter 11 records Abram's genealogy and the account of his father, Terah, so the call in Ur could have been placed here in the text simply to shift the focus of the narrative to Abram.

Abram and Sarai had no children (11:30) though they were in a genealogical line rich with large, well-established families in the region. Abram left with no idea where God might lead him or how he would become a great nation. If we trace Abram's journey from Ur to Shechem, where God finally gave Abram confirmation that he had arrived in God's desired location, we see that he traveled about 1,000 miles, roughly the distance from Chicago to Boston. Abram's obedience to God endured throughout the journey as he paid tribute to God multiple times (vv. 7, . One phrase typifies the new life of faith that Abram adopted: “pitched his tent” (v. . Abram left a life of wealth in a prosperous region for life in a tent in a faraway land.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Abram's decision to obey God cost him his very way of life—which might be the possession we hold onto most dearly. The best of us may give God our time, our effort, and our money, but rarely are we willing to relinquish our comfort.

To show the faith of our fathers, we should be ready to surrender our lives. Ask God to weaken your attachment to your lifestyle and free you to enjoy the blessing of His will.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Genesis 12:10-20
Why didn’t you tell me she was your wife? - Genesis 12:18
TODAY IN THE WORD
Skydiving is a surprisingly accessible pastime in America. There are more than 400 drop zones open to the public, and interested divers can prepare for a freefall jump with just one day of training. Falling at speeds in excess of 100 mph is relatively easy; finding the nerve to jump is another matter.

Abram had already done the hard part by obeying God's call to leave his homeland—the courage required to do so should never be underestimated. But at this point, going was the only thing God demanded (12:1-3). God placed no other conditions on him. He didn't have to prove himself righteous, wise, or skillful . . . he just had to go. Abram must have been thankful for that mercy, especially after the events of today's passage.

When famine drove Abram toward Egypt, he couldn't have known if he was leaving God's appointed land—he wasn't given boundaries until chapter 15. Going to Egypt didn't show a lack of faith, but lying about Sarai did. Abram feared that he would be killed (v. 12), so he covered up his marriage. He would later say that Sarai was his half-sister (20:12), although his genealogy in Chapter 11 makes no reference to such a relationship. Regardless of those details, God's promise should have assured Abram that his life was not in danger. Interestingly, God didn't penalize him for his lie or his fear. Abram had obeyed what God required of him, and God stayed true to His word.

Abram was blessed with livestock and servants. Pharaoh was cursed with plagues. This blessing was not the result of Abram's good works but because of his faith. Abram still had plenty of room for spiritual growth. Faith alone was God's expectation, and Abram was without peer in that department.

As Romans 4:13 states, “It was not through law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith.” Abram's sin could not stop God's plan of redemption—his sin, like ours, was the reason redemption was needed in the first place.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
A brief glance cannot sufficiently cover the topic of justification by faith, and it's an important concept to meditate on as we move forward in this study. Every day we'll see examples of imperfect faith from imperfect people—in the Bible and in ourselves. Read through Romans 4 and reflect on what Abraham's faith means to us, especially in light of his imperfection. Remember that your faith produces righteousness and not the other way around.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Genesis 13:1-18
All the land that you see I will give to you and your offspring forever. - Genesis 13:15
TODAY IN THE WORD
Flea markets play host to bargain hunters searching through a treasure trove of goods. Some people overpay, and other deals are fair, but in some cases, like the customer who paid $4 for a painting that hid an original printing of the Declaration of Independence, the trade is a one-sided victory. In today's reading, Lot sought the best deal, but Abram was the clear winner.

Abram and Lot's problem was one that most people would like to have—they had too many possessions. Abram shows a proper attitude toward his possessions in two ways. First, he praises God. The phrase “called on the name of the Lord” in verse 4 is usually used in connection with building an altar and making sacrifices of worship (cf. 12:. It's very likely that he sacrificed a portion of his livestock to acknowledge the true source of his wealth.

The other gesture Abram made was to surrender the one thing he didn't have in abundance: land. Cohabiting with Lot and his entourage was causing conflict, and instead of aggravating the situation, Abram yielded to Lot. He treated Lot like an equal, and gave him the choice of any land he desired. Pay special attention to Abram's attitude of surrender, because it is rare in the history of the Patriarchs.

Lot took a good, long look at the available land, and he chose what he thought would be the best. As we'll soon read, Lot made a poor choice, selecting a land rich in fertile soil but contaminated by sin (v. 13).

Now it was Abram's turn to survey the land. After Lot left, God told Abram to look at all that he could see in every direction just as Lot did. God told him he could have it all. Verse 7 made it clear that the land had other inhabitants, but God disclosed with greater detail the nature of Abram's inheritance. His descendants were to receive all of the land, and they would be too numerous to count. Considering Abram's descendants at the time added up to a grand total of zero, this was an amazing prediction. But Abram obeyed, and he continued to worship God (v. 18).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
God provides. Abram left his home; God increased his wealth. He relinquished the choice of land; God gave him all the land he could see. He had no children; God made from him multiple nations that thrive even today. So why do we grab all we can reach, seize control of every choice, and long for what we don't have?

Give freely to God. Let others take what they want. God will provide.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Genesis 14
Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. - Genesis 14:19
TODAY IN THE WORD
In cinema, a zoom lens can change the audience's understanding of a situation. By zooming in very closely on a person's face, a viewer can see every twitch or eye movement, creating a personal aspect to the picture. Zooming out creates distance, but with it comes the added perspective of knowing what's going on around the subject.

We've been following Abram closely to this point. Today, we zoom out to see the bigger picture of the world he was in. We might have the impression that Abram was living in seclusion in the land of Canaan, but Chapter 14 reminds us that in key ways Abram was not alone.

First, wars were going on around him; a war between nine kings (v. 9) could not have gone unnoticed by Abram, and it didn't. Before long, he, too, was involved.

His involvement stemmed from another aspect in which Abram wasn't alone. Even though he was separated from Lot, Abram had not at all forgotten him. When he learned of Lot's capture by foreign kings, Abram came to the rescue. Amazingly, Abram had already amassed a battalion of 318 men—truly God had blessed him!

After the battle had ended, we learn yet again that Abram wasn't alone—the existence of Melchizedek proves that Abram wasn't alone in his faith. Scripture highly esteems Melchizedek, using his dual priesthood and kingship to foreshadow the reign of Jesus Christ (Ps. 110:4; Heb. 7:1-10). That's important to understand if we are to have a proper perspective of the Patriarchs. While we can trace our faith back to him, faith didn't originate with Abram. It also shows that God didn't select Abram out of necessity—unlike Noah, he wasn't the only person at the time who believed in God.

Abram's refusal to accept the spoils of war from the king of Sodom shows his proper understanding of the promise of God. He knew that his inheritance would come from Him, and he didn't want to be in debt to such a wicked king.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Abram wasn't alone, and neither are we. Like he was, we're surrounded by strangers who don't share our faith. Each of us has friends and family members who need our help. And we have fellow believers who can help us. Are you prepared to put your faith in action as Abram did—to lend help to those in need, to show thanks to those who help, and to resist temptation from the wicked? Call on God for help.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Genesis 15
Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness. - Genesis 15:6
TODAY IN THE WORD
Comedian Steven Wright once said, “A clear conscience is usually the sign of bad memory.” As we study the life and faith of Abram and the Patriarchs, we'll be reminded regularly that they were far from sinless. But thanks to justification by faith, their sins, and ours, could be forgotten and forgiven.

Actually, God promises so much to Abram in this passage—offspring as innumerable as the stars (v. 5), extensive land (v. 18), and victory over the inhabitants (vv. 19-21)—that it's easy to forget the remainder of the prophecy—four centuries of enslavement and oppression were guaranteed to Abram's descendants (v. 13).

But the most notable thing given to Abram was the one thing that could not be taken away or enslaved: the credit of righteousness from God (v. 6). This is the first time that the word righteousness appears in the Bible, and it's interesting that it precedes any laws or commandments given to Abram. Abram believed, and in God's economy, that was a worthy exchange for righteousness. Notice that righteousness wasn't something Abram did—it was given to him.

God also reaffirms to Abram that his promised descendants would be from his body, not just his house. The affirmation comes after Abram expressed some doubt as to how the promise would be fulfilled. God's word alone was enough to convince him. But when it came to possessing the land, Abram wanted some additional sign that he would be able to acquire it (v. . So God confirmed it with a covenant that detailed the boundaries of the Promised Land and the people God promised to give over to Abram.

Some interpret “river of Egypt” to mean the Nile, but it more likely refers to a wadi or riverbed called the River of Egypt, nearly a hundred miles east of the Nile River delta. Eventually, Israel's southern border did reach the River of Egypt, but it has yet to approach the Euphrates River.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The land that God promised to give Abram has yet to be fully claimed by his descendants and is still at the heart of much contention both between the peoples of that land and among the scholars who study it. But the righteousness that God credited for Abram's faith is indisputable and freely available to all. Christ's suffering on the cross paid our debt of sin in full, and His righteousness is ours to claim. You can believe in Him and accept His gift of righteousness.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Genesis 16:1-6
Go, sleep with my maidservant; perhaps I can build a family through her. - Genesis 16:2
TODAY IN THE WORD
Boxer James “Quick” Tillis had big plans when he arrived in Chicago looking for his career to take off. After stepping off of a bus downtown, he placed his suitcases down on the sidewalk and looked up at the Sears Tower. Surveying the majesty of the skyline, Tillis proudly proclaimed to himself, “I am going to conquer Chicago!” When he looked down, his suitcases were gone.

Self-serving plans can wind up hurting us. The main theme that we have examined so far has been Abram's surrender of all he had, so that God could provide him with something better. Today, that focus shifts. Sarai calls Abram's attention to what God had withheld from them—a child—and she works out a plan of her own to meet her desire for a family. The results didn't go as planned.

To understand this story, we can look at the situation from a number of angles. God promised to give Abram descendants through his body, but he had not yet specified Sarai as the intended mother. And from a cultural point of view, the practice of using a servant as a surrogate mother was probably commonly accepted. Was this Abram and Sarai's heartfelt attempt at faithfully following God's will? Not at all.

Neither Abram nor Sarai mention God's promise for descendants in this passage. The only motivation cited in these verses is that Sarai wanted to “build a family” (v. 2). Abram's silent agreement with the plan conspicuously raises our attention. His actions bear an eerie similarity to Adam's participation with Eve in eating the forbidden fruit (Gen. 3:6). The text does not suggest that Abram and Sarai were attempting to “help God out” in fulfilling His promise. Sarai's plan was an act of self-service, an attempt to provide for herself what God had not given. Sarai's actions after Hagar conceived prove her spirit of selfishness. She wasn't even satisfied when her goal was accomplished. Instead, she drove Hagar away and didn't, as she had originally said that she intended to do, consider Ishmael to be her own son (21:9-10).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
This passage is often used to argue that we should not use our ways to try to accomplish God's will. But from what we see in the text, Sarai was hardly trying to accomplish God's will at all—her own ego and status were what she cared about. The real lesson here is this warning: never use God's will as an excuse to defend our own selfish desires. Instead, let us make Psalm 119:35 our prayer, “Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight.”