In the small hours of the morning, Abram wonders. Things haven’t worked out like he imagined thus far. Perhaps you know this feeling too? While the answer is not simple, God’s promise is profound. Step back and look at the grand sweep of things, and trust that God’s promise remains true.
Worship this week with Holy Communion:
Saturday at 5:00 p.m. in the chapel
Sunday – 8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship
9:30 a.m. Sunday School
10:30 a.m. Contemporary Worship
Devotions for this week:
God’s Promise to Abraham September 17-18, 2016
SHARE: What was a high point/low point of your day?
READ: Read the following daily readings to deepen your understanding of Sunday’s text:
Sunday: Abraham’s Descendants, Genesis 15:1-6
Monday: Abraham’s Sacrifice, Genesis 22:1-19
Tuesday: Isaac and Rebekah, Genesis 24:1-67
Wednesday: Jacob Steals Esau’s Blessing, Genesis 27:1-29
Thursday: Jacob Marries Leah, then Rachel, Genesis 29:9-30
Friday: Jacob Wrestles an Angel, Genesis 32:22-32
Saturday: The Rape of Dinah, Genesis 34:1-31
How do the people in these stories try to take matters into their own hands?
TALK: Consider some of these ideas:
- After years of no discernible fulfillment to God’s promise of descendants, Abram is losing heart. What will it take to restore his faith?
- Where do you see people in your community trying to take matters into their own hands? Where do you see God acting on their behalf?
- What has God promised you? How might you live and behave this week knowing that those promises are upheld?
- Go outside at night. Watch the stars. Imagine that those stars represent the people God promised to bless through Abram. Which ones shine brightest? Why?
PRAY: O God, our faith can be shaky and temperamental. Show us your steadfastness and restore our hope in you. In Jesus’ holy name, Amen.
BLESS: May God bless you as abundantly as God created stars. Amen.
