Genesis 20—21: The Consequences of Unbelief

Warming Up to God

What have you struggled with recently? Tell Christ about it and let him take it from you as you come near to him in Scripture.

• My biggest struggle is desiring growth. For the first time in a while, I am actually truly comfortable. This mostly has to do with our current financial state, but it also has to do with the fact that I have a good job that I like. If I ask God to bring me closer to him, I am afraid of what he will do to me. Yes, you read right. What will God do to me if I allow him to really work in my life. Growth is generally painful in some way.
• Lately I have been asking for the desire to draw near. God, bring me to your truth, help me see value in your presence.

Discovering the Word

Describe Abraham's situation and how God deals with it (20:1-7).

• Abraham lies yet again about Sarah's relationship to him.
• God curses an unknowing man for taking another man's wife. (Do you see why I am afraid of God? This man has done nothing wrong on purpose, yet God puts a curse on him and all his family.)
• God tells Abimelech to give Sarah back and have Abraham pray for him. (Which is supposed to make it all better, but why did God have to do this in the first place? Why couldn't he just tell Abimelech to give her back...unless Abimelech would not have done so unless the consequence was fierce. People can be pretty hard headed.)
• Oh God! I understand why you seem to "make things difficult" for us, but that doesn't make it easy for me to desire closeness with you. You care for me and you will do what you will, and I'm scared!

What do the questions Abimelech asks the next day reveal about his attitude toward Abraham (20:8-10)?

• Abimelech is scared of Abraham. He is also indignant that Abraham would bring this curse upon Abimelech's family.

How does the patriarch try to explain his way out of this difficulty (20:11-13)?

• Abraham basically calls Abimelech a heathen. Since "there is no fear of God in this place," they would surely kill him for his wife.
• Also, Sarah kind of is his sister- half truth. This was a prearranged agreement between Abraham and Sarah.

The name Isaac means "he laughs." Describe Sarah's reaction and how she feels after waiting so long for this joyful event (21:1-7).

• All people will wonder and be joyful with her at the amazing thing that God has done for her.

What problem does Abraham face in 21:8-14, and how is it resolved?

• Anger and contempt grows in Sarah's heart toward Hagar and Ishmael. In this anger, Sarah asks Abraham to cast them out. Abraham did not want to do this, because Ishmael was his son too, but God told Abraham that He would take care of Ishmael.

How does God help and encourage Hagar in her hour of crisis (21:15-21)?

• God did provide for Hagar and Ishmael. In the dessert they ran out of food and water, so she left her son a way off and went to die on her own. But God provided water for her and Ishmael, and he grew to be a strong man
• But God first let them run out of water and food, He let them nearly die before he helped them, Why? Would Hagar not have learned to Trust God unless he let this misfortune befall her? Perhaps....perhaps.

Applying the Word

Think of a difficult situation in which fear or unbelief led you to a course of action that didn't honor God. What were the consequences and lessons you learned?

• I have always believed, but I have not always believed well. In college I struggled with impurity. I wanted to do right, but my body screamed wrong. The consequence was shame and frustration with myself. It was the first really hard situation that challenged my faith. I remember thinking, "how far is too far?" Thank goodness I married my husband, otherwise I would have memories of intimacy with a man other than my husband, that could have been very bad for me.

How can Sarah and Abraham's experience encourage us to be more patient and faithful in waiting for unanswered prayer?

• God's plan was infinitely better than Sarah and Abraham's plan. I don't know why God has us wait so long sometimes. It seems difficult (sometimes devastatingly so) to wait for God when I feel like I deserve to have the thing I want. Right now it's time. I have very little time to do the things that I want to do. With two little ones in the home, I am lucky if I get the dishes done, let alone play my guitar, or sew, or go dancing. In my situation, I know that time needs to pass and my children need to grow and this season needs to pass. But if I look forward to fiercely, I will miss what is happening now. Watching my children grow is a joy, and I really must remember that when I am frustrated by the fact that I don't get to do what I want to do.

Responding in Prayer

Thank your Father for the laughter he's brought into your heart.

• I do indeed have much to be joyful for. I love my children and my husband. And while I find some things difficult about the life I have been given, in many, many ways I count myself blessed. God is faithful. He has drawn me into a place where I feel I am supposed to be. Christian, Wife, Mother, Teacher, Business owner. A lot of hats, I know, but God will provide if that is what he wants for my life.

Genesis 18—19: God's Judgment on Society

Warming Up to God

What problems do you see in your community that weigh on your heart and mind?

• Oh my goodness, where do I start? So many sins. Homosexuality is accepted and even promoted. 
• The name of the Lord is scoffed at in most circles. Sometimes there almost seems to be some kind of taboo on it.
• Binge drinking and partying is considered normal.
• Homelessness is prevalent.

Discovering the Word

In 18:1-8 what elements of hospitality does Abraham show even to visiting strangers?

• He had their feet washed.
• He had fresh cakes made for them.
• He prepared a calf for them.
• He waited to see what else he could do for them.

Why does the Lord decide to tell Abraham about his decision to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah (18:16-19)?

• Abraham would become the "commander of his children" and keep them in check. Leading them in the way of righteousness and justice. God wanted to test Abraham in this way. What would be Abraham's response? There must be justice, but also righteousness in the decisions we make.

In the long conversation that follows (18:20-33), what do you learn about Abraham's attitude toward the wicked cities and toward the Lord?

• Abraham feels that in the wicked city, there must be at least some good/righteous people.
• He fears God greatly. He believes that God is bigger and mightier than he. He believes that God is righteous and just.

In chapter 19 we get a close look at the people in Sodom. How do their actions help us understand why they were under God's judgment?

• They are not only homosexuals, but they are also violent men. All of them, both young and old. There are no old wise leaders, all of the people were evil.

How is the Lord's mercy evident in his treatment of Lot and his family (19:10-22)?

• God saves Lot's life from the evil men's plans before they even leave the city.
• God waits for Lot as he tries to persuade his extended family to leave. Then he yanks Lot out of town (by the scruff of his neck, as it were...) with his wife and two daughters.
• God allows Lot to go to the small town instead of the hills. Lot was afraid to go live in the hills.

Describe how God's judgment works out in Sodom and in Lot's family (19:23-28).

• God rained fire and sulfur on Sodom and Gomorrah. This burn not only all the inhabitants of the city and the valley, but also all living things. Makes me wonder: what exactly were they growing there that God felt the need to completely destroy it? Drugs? Crazed beasts for sport (like pit bull fighting or something)?
• Lot's wife looked back, apparently longing for the life they had just lost or perhaps just not obeying God, so God made her a pillar of salt. I don't know why a pillar of salt.
• Also...the valley became the Dead Sea...didn't know that!

Applying the Word

In what areas could we intercede with God for our city, state or country because of its sins?

• I have been praying for God to raise up a godly leader...but it looks like we are going to get Clinton or Trump...I guess whenever one of them is in office I will be praying that God will work through them in spite of their agendas.
• I should perhaps also pray for hope for the poor/impoverished. 

What can we do to avert the judgment of God on ourselves and those around us?

• Pray. A lot. Ask for forgiveness. A lot.

Responding in Prayer

Pray for the city or town you live in, that you might be spared God's judgment.

• Well what I know is the school system. What I usually pray for is motivation in those kids. Motivation to just come to school for some: Frankie, Dillon, Cody. Motivation to do their best for others: Ray, Austin, Cody. 
• And I pray for their salvation, of course. Especially those who I see going down a path that will have immeasurable heart ache and pain: Austin, Shelby, Cody, Skyler, Frankie.

Genesis 16—17: When Faith Falters

Warming Up to God

You are like a jar of clay filled with the Spirit of Christ. Pour out to him your weariness, sin or discouragement, and let him pour into you his cool water of grace and peace.

• Weariness? I am always tired. I am doing well to get up before 6 (the goal is 5:30 but it usually ends up being 4:45...today it ws 5:50...), but I am so tired that I wonder how much I am able to actually learn here.
• Then there is the fact that I don't really feel like I am making a difference here. I go day to day, thinking of the things that I want. Yes, I pray for people. But I still don't serve as much as I think I should. It is hard for me with my little ones to balance time for service. I just need to learn more ways to do so with my kids instead of without them.
• I am also discouraged because I still fear what God is going to "do to me" to make me suffer for having such a good life. What is he going to take from me in order to draw me closer to him? It makes me fearful of him, but not in a good way. I am fearful to really seek him because if I do, he will take things away from me. I know it sounds strange, even as I type it. But I feel like this thought is holding me back somehow- keeping me from a deeper relationship with Christ.
• Help me seek you no matter the cost. I am fearful, fill me with an unfathomable peace that I may not hold back, but dive in and be content.

Discovering the Word

Sarai and Abram's action seems strange to us, but it was an acceptable custom in ancient Near Eastern culture. Yet how might their action indicate a lack of faith?

• God promised to provide. But he always uses his own timing. Waiting for God can bring out the worst of thoughts. Despair, anger, unworthy fears. Faith takes patience. Lots of patience. Their action indicated a lack of faith because God promised to provide, but they didn't really believe that he would provide.

Hagar flees to the wilderness of Shur on the northeast frontier of Egypt, her native land. What promises and encouragement does the angel give to her (16:7-12)?

• Her offspring will be mulitplied through her child.
• She shall have a son, but he will be a wild man.

What does Hagar learn about the Lord through this traumatic experience (16:13-14)?

• She learned that God sees all.

In 17:1-8 "God Almighty" appears to Abram and, ironically, changes his name from Abram ("exalted father") to Abraham ("father of many"). What covenant promises does the Lord reiterate in these verses?

• God will multiply Abram greatly.
• He then changes Abram's name to Abraham and tells him that he will be the father of many nations. (not just the Jews? Is he speaking of times to come?)
• Kings shall come from Abraham.
• The land of Canaan will belong to Abraham's offspring forever.

In 17:18 Abraham expressed his concern about Ishmael. How does God respond to Abraham's request (17:19-22)?

• God promises to make a great nation from Ishmael.

How did Abraham fulfill his responsibility in the covenant (17:23-27)?

• He circumcised all the men.

Applying the Word

How can impatience with God's timetable and way of working lead us to unbelief and even disobedience?

• If the things that God promises do not happen on our timetable, we begin to feel like we deserve better. Waiting for God is excruciating. Then after these prideful thoughts take hold, we begin to think that we could do it better if we just did it ourselves. When we do act on our own, that is where the disobedience comes in.

Have you ever gone through a difficult time in which you gained new insight into God's concern for you? Explain.

• Mostly, God seems lofty and unreachable. I have difficulty realizing that God has concern for me. I know he is here, and I submit and try to follow him, but as of this day, he seems too far away.
• The only time that may have been was when I was first teaching and everything was so stupid difficult. He gave me peace in my difficult situation.

Responding in Prayer

Ask God to teach you to be obedient in the face of ambiguous or difficult circumstances.

• Teach me to be obedient in difficult situations. Like right now as I try to keep my eyes open and finish this QT well. Or when my children are not being the little angels I think they could be. Or when I am in a situation where I could share your good news and choose not to.

Genesis 14—15: Tests of Faith

Warming Up to God

What do you think really makes your faith grow? Write down any specific events in your life that God has used to increase your faith.

• Trials and suffering. And this is what I truly fear. I don't so much like to suffer. I fear growth and increased faith in God because of it.
• I remember how hard it was when I first started teaching. I prayed a lot more, but it was stupid hard. Did I rely on God more. Yes. I prayed more and even sung some praise songs now and again. Granted my prayers were mostly about me, but still.
• I like comfortable, so faith is usually secondary. I know that this is not necessarily the way that God wants it to be, but I don't know when I can get past this. I fear what God will do to me (or allow to happen to me) to help me get past this. Cynical, I know, but this is how I feel.

Discovering the Word

What political and military situation is described in 14:1-4, and how is it similar to today?

• There is always war of some kind. There is hunger for power among leaders. Kings have so much power that many times they don't know when to stop.

Since Abram lived in tents away from the cities, his people were not involved in this military campaign. When he learns of Lot's capture, what strategy does Abram devise (14:13-16)?

• A rescue mission with his ready trained men. He defeats them by night and brings back all their possessions.

Who is Melchizedek, and what does he do (14:18-20)?

• He is a king and a priest. He blessed Abram and praised God.

What is Abram's main problem in chapter 15, and how does he propose to solve it (15:2-3)?

• Abram has no children, no heir. He thinks he will have to give all his possessions to a man in his household.

How would God's message to Abram at this point renew his confidence (15:1, 4, 5)?

• God reminded Abram that he would protect him and that his reward would be great.
• God also reiterated that he would have a son, which was the only thing that Abram craved, and that his offspring would eventually be too great to count.

Genesis 15:6 is the first time we read that Abram believes the Lord. Explain in your own words what it means that his faith is credited to him as righteousness.

• God is righteous (right and just). So, if Abram believes the Lord, then some of that rubs off on him.

Applying the Word

What evidence do you find of Abram's growing confidence in God?

• Even though Abram is not getting exactly what he wants, he keeps coming to God. And God renews his promise each time he does.

If you have ever had to wait a long time for God to fulfill a promise, what did you learn in the process about yourself, the Lord and his way of working with you?

• I suppose I waited a long time for contentment and peace in my current work situation. I prayed and cried out, and kept showing up to work.
• I learned that my struggles were not too great for God, even if they seemed insurmountable for me. The situation got a little better as time went on, and then got a lot better when circumstances changed and I was no longer teaching yearbook...God ordained? I think so!

Responding in Prayer

Thank Jesus for his death, which enables our belief to be credited as righteousness in God's eyes.

• Thank you for your death and resurrection. My beliefs are worth nothing without your act of sacrificial love. Help me remember that when I think to complain or burst out in frustration.

Genesis 12—13: Following God into the Unknown

Warming Up

Free your hands of books or pencils and fold them across your lap. Close your eyes and think of the characteristics of God. Let God draw near to you in these quiet moments.

 

 

Discovering the Word

What command and promise does the Lord give to Abram (12:1-3)?

• He will bless him with many children
• All nations will be blessed through him.

What additional promise and encouragement does God give to Abram as he arrives in Canaan (12:6-9)?

• He will give his children the land of Canaan.

How does Abram's scheming about himself and Sarai evidence a lack of faith (12:10-16)?

• He did not trust God to [rotect him in the hostile Egyptian land. He made his own plans to save his neck instead of coming to God for help. This would not necessarily be bad, but Abram's plans included lying and scheming, It is not bad to make plans, but God should always be a part of them, if not the whole of them, I must remember that.

Describe the problem which arises between Abram and Lot (13:1-7).

• Both men became too rich to live in the same place. There began to be bickering between Abram and Lot's herdsmen.

Abram, as the older man, has the right to choose the best land. How does his action here demonstrate a greater confidence in God's promise to take care of him (13:8-13)?

• He allows Lot to make the first choice for home and land. This is being kind and generous to his nephew. Abram knew that God was going to give him/his children the land of Canaan. So he trusted God by doing something that seemed backward. He gave Lot the first choice in land because he trusted God's promise.

What renewed and expanded promises does the Lord give to Abram (13:14-17)?

• He will give Abram all the land that he can see and his offspring will be so great that it will completely cover the face of the earth.

Applying the Word

Describe a time when you took matters into your own hands instead of trusting in God's faithfulness.

• Oh, I don't know...every day? I hardly ever ask God for guidance before I take action. I know I need to pray more. I really can't think of anything specific, maybe that's bad...does that mean that something is going to blow up in my face soon?

 

How can Abram's experiences in chapters 12 and 13 encourage you to entrust your needs more fully to God? 

• God makes promises to us through his word. Many, many promises. Promises to provide for us, to give us hope, to love us, to give us peace. I have confidence that if I truly believed them all, I would be a more content human being. Abram gave up comfort and family to follow God, and God provided for him. He really believed in God's promises. Oh, Chelsea, trust God, he sees all and knows all, trust God.

Responding in Prayer

Thank God for his faithfulness in keeping promises, and ask him to increase your faith while you wait to see your requests come to fruition.

• Thank you for your faithfulness. You do keep promises. Perhaps not when I think you should or how I think you should, but you do keep your promises. Increase my faith while I wait. My life is full of waiting. Waiting in line, waiting for kids to grow up, waiting for time to pass. Help me seek Joy and comfort in you arms. Not in the arms of the pleasures of this world. Help me see you as "more comfortable". Increase my faith, help me desire it!

Genesis 9:18-11:32: Family Problems

Warming Up to God

Does the evil in this world sometimes weigh heavily on you? Tell Jesus your frustrations and let him renew your hope in his sovereignty.

• I look out into our society and see such debauchery, blatant disrespect and public displays of sinful lifestyles.  I wonder just how long we can last before it all catches up with us. Sodom and Gomorrah seems not too far away in so many aspects. 
• And then there's the evil in my own heart. I just don't do the things I know I should, so many times.
• Lord, renew my hope in your sovereignty

Discovering the Word

Describe what happens in the brief story of Noah and his three sons (9:20-23).

• Noah goes back to work, be builds a vinyard
• He succumbsto sin and becomes drunk and exposed.
• Ham sees his father and tells his brothers. Not sure if that meant that he was making fun of his father or if he was planning much worse, but we gather that this was sinful behavior.
• Japheth and Shem walk backwards and cover Noah, so as not to see the nakedness.

What curse does Noah pronounce on Canaan (Ham's son) and his descendants (9:24-27)?

• Canaan's sons shall be slaves, Slaves to the sons of Shem and Japheth.
• Japheth and Shem will live in harmony, but Canaan shall be their servants. 

What interesting facts does chapter 10 reveal about the spread of humanity after the flood? (Note especially 10:5, 8-15)

• The people spread in their own land, not that of the world.
• The people followed Nimrod, the mighty man.
• They built great cities.

 What action do the people of Babel take, and what is their motive (11:1-9)?

• They were building a mighty tower out of brick and mortar.
• They wanted to make a name for themselves, to be famous.
• They wanted to all stay in one place .

It is amusing that the Lord must come down (11:5) to see this tower that will reach to the heavens. What is his reaction (11:5-9)?

• I never thought about the fact that the tower was no where close to God. He had to come down to see it...
• He confuses the language so that there are many language, thus, dispersing them throughout the world.

Genesis 11:10-32 traces the line from Shem to Abraham. Why do you think the author is beginning to shift from all the families of the earth to one family?

• Because Abraham is the man that he chose to make his covenant with. Abraham will be the beginning of the Jews. Abraham was righteous, God always focuses on the righteous.

 

Applying the Word

In what specific ways do families today suffer from a disrespect for parents and animosity among the children?

• If one disrespects their parents, they will disrespect others as well. People don't like to work with you if you are disrespectful.
• Fights among children are common, but once they become adults, those fights can be life altering. Grudges are much harder to break when you are not living under the same roof without mom or dad are continually reminding you of what you need to do.

How have you recently hurt someone through failure to communicate, and what steps toward healing can you take?

• I think this is an interesting question, since the whole story is about how God mad it so that they couldn't communicate...but that doesn't mean it's a bad question.
• Anyway, I fail to communicate with my husband on a daily basis it seems like. I don't know what steps to take. I am better than I used to be, I understand that Brian shouldn't necessarily "know how I'm feeling" and that I will have to tell him if I want to be understood. That has been a huge step for me. I guess I just need to be sensitive to when I do still expect him to "know how I'm feeling" and be sure to apologize and make it right.

Responding in Prayer

Ask the Father to show you one specific way you can be a minister of the gospel of Christ to your family or community.

The first word that came to my mind when I asked this question was prayer. Pray more...since I didn't even pray before this quiet time. Prayer does not come easy for me. It usually feels so useless and one sided. Lord, show me that prayer is not one sided. Bring me closer to you through your word, daily circumstances, and prayer.