Reading for July 23-29
Reading this week: Abraham’s story of faith
Faith is sometimes best explained in a story. Paul uses Abraham’s story to illustrate the wonder of our faith and God’s faithfulness.
Monday: Genesis 11:27-12:9, Abram’s call
We start with story of Abram’s travel from Ur to Haran to “the land”. How does this story set the stage for both Abram’s future obedience and his faith struggles? How does God address the tension between Sarai’s barrenness and the promise “to your offspring”? How are you included in Abram’s call and God’s promises? How is God preparing you for faith challenges?
Tuesday: Genesis 12:10-30, Abram in Egypt
Abram’s first faith challenges are famine and fear. What famine and fear challenges have you faced, or maybe are facing right now? How did God deliver Abram and Sarai? How are you trusting God for his deliverance today?
Wednesday: Genesis 13-14, Abram and Lot
How does God bless Abram in this story? Why does Abram honor Melchizedek but not the king of Sodom? Who is your Lot, the person God is asking you to trust enough to bless? How has God shown himself faithful as you have risked for your Lot?
Thursday: Genesis 15, Covenant and Faith
Yes, Abram’s response of faith precedes the obedience of circumcision in Genesis 17. But even here faith does not totally eliminate doubt (see 15:8). How did God respond to Abram’s doubt? When has God graciously responded to your doubt? What promise did God confirm to you in his response?
Friday: Genesis 20:1-21:7, God again rescues Abraham
Once again, Abraham thinks God’s promises need some help. How does Abraham’s lie affect himself and his neighbors? What are the ways in which Sarah experiences God’s provision in this scene? When has God taken you from bad decision to gracious provision? How did you respond? Who did you tell?
Saturday: Genesis 22:1-19, The God who provides
The climax of Abraham’s story of faith is known in Hebrew as “The binding of Isaac”. What are the elements in this story of Abraham’s “obedience of faith”? In what ways have you experienced God’s provision both spiritually and physically? How has this provision strengthened your faith?