tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63961458016099889922024-03-13T20:48:56.891-07:00A Heart of HopeFor everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Romans 15:4A Heart of Hopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09012650366366359567noreply@blogger.comBlogger87125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6396145801609988992.post-78080156321213160812013-04-06T20:58:00.002-07:002013-04-06T21:37:42.345-07:00Thankfulness...So many thoughts run through my mind at the moment, yet one has remained constant... Do not dwell on what is to be, and BE THANKFUL!<br />
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It's so easy to run with the pace of the world and get wrapped up in the "What's next...stage" Where will I go to college, What will my major be, When will I graduate, Where will I work, Where will I live, When will I get married, When will we have kids... and the list goes on!</div>
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Yes, they are valid questions; Nevertheless, they cause us to shift focus long enough to take our eyes from truth (Jesus) and onto desperately depending on circumstances rather than the word of God.<br />
Why do we do this? Have we become so disillusioned with patience and waiting that we depend on an "Instant or I'm out" mentality?<br />
Although His timing seems postponed at times, delayed, or even null in void, we must hold true to Hebrews 6:19<br />
"<span style="background-color: #fffefd; color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;">We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fffefd; color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;">HE IS CONSTANT & HIS timing is PERFECT!</span></div>
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It's funny to me that although we grow older and wiser in so man ways the yearning for more never stops... Why is that? Why can't we be content with what has been given and trust God for what he will and longs to provide in HIS time? Why....Because we are still in the flesh, and although God is not glorified by my inward focus on my circumstances, my timing, mine, mine, mine... He IS glorified when I lift my hands in surrender as I realize I cannot do this, and desperately need Him to be the anchor through every sweet or stormy sea! How do we do this? How do we get passed our selfishness and need for answers to our self-related questions... The answer is one simple word, Thankfulness...</div>
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Thankful for what He has done, Thankful for what He is doing, and Thankful for what He will do! </div>
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Not out of obligation, but by grace</div>
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Not out of pity, but by love</div>
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Not out of results, but by hope....<br />
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Hope... throughout the uncertainty of the the result, timing, and even outcome.<br />
Hope that heals, restores, revives and renews.<br />
HOPE, because He who promised is FAITHFUL!!!</div>
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Some of my favorite scriptures all include the word HOPE (( Hince the title of this blog! )) :)</div>
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*Romans 15:13</div>
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"May the God of your HOPE so fill you with all joy in peace in believing that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound, and be overflowing with HOPE!"</div>
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*Romans 5:5</div>
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"And HOPE does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us."</div>
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*Colossians 1:27</div>
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"God wanted to make known among the Gentiles the glorious wealth of this mystery, which is Christ in </div>
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<span style="color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">you,the HOPE of glory."</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Thankful for so many blessing this Saturday evening!! </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">-Hannah</span></span></div>
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A Heart of Hopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09012650366366359567noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6396145801609988992.post-13235223927660640962013-03-02T21:38:00.003-08:002013-03-02T21:38:58.782-08:00His Present Presence in our lives...<br />
I have dropped the ball on blogging daily or even every couple of days, however I am planning on catching up soon!<br />
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On another note, I was at a friends house tonight for fellowship and she asked a question that really got me thinking. The questions was:</div>
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"If there was something you could tell younger girls about what it would be and why?"<br />
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Without hesitating it was this...<br />
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Finding love, or having love "find you," is not the end all, peak, or even starting point of life. Life begins when we find our rest and salvation in Christ alone, and ONLY that completes us!<br />
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As quickly as this thought came to mind though, I realized right after this... That if and when I am not fully guarded and holding my thoughts captive to the Lord, this is the VERY lie I find myself believing.<br />
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Allow me to elaborate...<br />
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Common questions asked are:<br />
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So are you dating anyone? Well why not? I have a cousin, friend, son, nephew, grandson, & the list goes on...<br />
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It's these questions, conversation starters, and even ( yes I know) "best intentions"that make you think...Well why am I single, something must be wrong with me!<br />
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It's when I ask myself this question that I should be ready with my response... I am single because God has given this to me for this season.<br />
No I don't believe it will last forever, no it's not always fun or comforting, but YES, this is where I am and I will embrace it.<br />
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Easy to write, and even say, but how easy is this to live?<br />
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As women of the WORLD: Impossible<br />
As women of the WORD: Not only possible, but with JOY!<br />
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In addition to this, as single women we have an opportunity now that we will not have forever.<br />
For example, how many of us have heard our parents say, "well when I was your age...." We immediately tune them out because yes they were our age at some point, but that day is not today.<br />
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It is the same way with our singleness. We have an opportunity now to invest, pour into, and lead lives that show that life is not about finding love, or even love finding us but that GOD shows, shares, and GIVES us life and a love greater than life itself!<br />
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I don't know about you but I'm ready to fully embrace this season and not slow down or even spend time wondering what will be when life is here now. Relationships, opportunities and random acts of kindness await us everyday, but we must embrace it now!<br />
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We will continue to yearn and dream of the "next" phase until we take faith and hope in what God is doing now!<br />
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Don't allow Satan to rob you of what the Lord is doing now, remember...<br />
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<span style="background-color: #fffefd; color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;">..."No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fffefd; color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;">1 Corinthians 2:9</span><br />
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<br />A Heart of Hopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09012650366366359567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6396145801609988992.post-19045669618123782002013-01-30T21:39:00.003-08:002013-01-30T21:47:43.376-08:00Ruth...<div style="text-align: center;">
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<br />RUTH<br /><span style="font-weight: normal;">We can all learn from this woman of poise and devotion!</span></h4>
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<br /><span style="font-weight: normal;">*Ruth was </span>dedicated<span style="font-weight: normal;"> and </span>devoted<span style="font-weight: normal;"> to things far more important than herself. In fact, she made it a priority to </span>care for the need of others<span style="font-weight: normal;"> (Naomi & Boaz) more than her own desires. (1:16-18)</span></h4>
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<span class="text Ruth-1-16" id="en-NIV-7144" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">16 </sup>But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-7144AH" title="See cross-reference AH">AH</a>)"></sup> or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-7144AI" title="See cross-reference AI">AI</a>)"></sup> and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-7144AJ" title="See cross-reference AJ">AJ</a>)"></sup> and your God my God.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-7144AK" title="See cross-reference AK">AK</a>)"></sup></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"></span><span class="text Ruth-1-17" id="en-NIV-7145" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">17 </sup>Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> deal with me, be it ever so severely,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-7145AL" title="See cross-reference AL">AL</a>)"></sup> if even death separates you and me.”<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-7145AM" title="See cross-reference AM">AM</a>)"></sup></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text Ruth-1-18" id="en-NIV-7146" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">18 </sup>When Naomi realized that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped urging her.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">*Ruth was a <b>pursuer of work</b>, and <b>fully embraced the field God had called her to work in</b>. (2:3)</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text Ruth-2-3" id="en-NIV-7153" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">3 </sup>So she went out, entered a field and began to glean behind the harvesters.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-7153H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></sup> As it turned out, she was working in a field belonging to Boaz, who was from the clan of Elimelek.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">*Ruth was a <b>servant</b> (2:18)</span><br />
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<sup class="versenum" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">18 </sup><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">She carried it back to town, and her mother-in-law saw how much she had gathered. Ruth also brought out and gave her what she had left over</span><sup class="crossreference" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-7168AI" title="See cross-reference AI">AI</a>)"></sup><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> after she had eaten enough.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Ruth was <b>hardworking</b> (</span>5-7, 17)</span><br />
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<span class="text Ruth-2-5" id="en-NIV-7155"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">5 </sup>Boaz asked the overseer of his harvesters, “Who does that young woman belong to?”</span></div>
<sup class="versenum" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; vertical-align: top;">6 </sup><span style="font-size: 16px;">The overseer replied, “She is the Moabite</span><sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-7156L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)"></sup><span style="font-size: 16px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 16px;">who came back from Moab with Naomi.</span>7 </sup><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">She said, ‘Please let me glean and gather among the sheaves</span><sup class="crossreference" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-7157M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)"></sup><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> behind the harvesters.’ She came into the field and has remained here from morning till now, except for a short rest</span><sup class="crossreference" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-7157N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)"></sup><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> in the shelter.”</span><br />
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<sup class="versenum" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">17 </sup><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">So Ruth gleaned in the field until evening. Then she threshed</span><sup class="crossreference" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-7167AG" title="See cross-reference AG">AG</a>)"></sup><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> the barley she had gathered, and it amounted to about an ephah.</span><sup class="footnote" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-7167a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ruth%202&version=NIV#fen-NIV-7167a" style="color: #b37162; text-decoration: initial; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote a">a</a></sup><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">*Ruth was<b> humble</b> and <b>grateful</b> (2:6, 13)</span><br />
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<span class="text Ruth-2-10" id="en-NIV-7160"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">10 </sup>At this, she bowed down with her face to the ground.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-7160O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)"></sup> She asked him, “Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you notice me<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-7160P" title="See cross-reference P">P</a>)"></sup>—a foreigner?<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-7160Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)"></sup>”</span></div>
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<span class="text Ruth-2-10"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">13 </sup>“May I continue to find favor in your eyes,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-7163Z" title="See cross-reference Z">Z</a>)"></sup> my lord,” she said. “You have put me at ease by speaking kindly to your servant—though I do not have the standing of one of your servants.”</span></div>
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<span class="text Ruth-2-10" style="font-size: large;">*Ruth was <b>confident</b> & <b>took refuge</b> in the <b>Lords strength</b>. (2:12)</span></div>
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<span class="text Ruth-2-10"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">12 </sup>May the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded <u>by the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-7162V" title="See cross-reference V">V</a>)"></sup> the God of Israel</u>,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-7162W" title="See cross-reference W">W</a>)"></sup> <u>under whose wings <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-7162X" title="See cross-reference X">X</a>)"></sup>you have come to take refuge.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-7162Y" title="See cross-reference Y">Y</a>)"></sup>”</u></span></div>
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<span class="text Ruth-2-10" style="font-size: large;">*Ruth was <b>obedient</b> (2:22-23, 5-6)</span></div>
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<span class="text Ruth-2-10"><span class="text Ruth-2-22" id="en-NIV-7172"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">22 </sup>Naomi said to Ruth her daughter-in-law, “It will be good for you, my daughter, to go with the women who work for him, because in someone else’s field you might be harmed.”</span><br />
<span class="text Ruth-2-23" id="en-NIV-7173"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">23 </sup>So Ruth stayed close to the women of Boaz to glean until the barley<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-7173AQ" title="See cross-reference AQ">AQ</a>)"></sup> and wheat harvests <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-7173AR" title="See cross-reference AR">AR</a>)"></sup>were finished. And she lived with her mother-in-law.</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Ruth-3-5" id="en-NIV-7178" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">5 </sup>“I will do whatever you say,”<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-7178I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)"></sup> Ruth answered.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text Ruth-3-6" id="en-NIV-7179" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">6 </sup>So she went down to the threshing floor<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-7179J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)"></sup>and did everything her mother-in-law told her to do.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">*Ruth was <b>patient </b>and <b>waited on Gods timing</b> (3:10, 18)</span><br />
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<span class="text Ruth-3-10" id="en-NIV-7183" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">“This kindness is greater than that which you showed earlier:<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-7183P" title="See cross-reference P">P</a>)"></sup> You have not run after the younger men, whether rich or poor.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><br />
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<sup class="versenum" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">18 </sup><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Then Naomi said, “Wait, my daughter, until you find out what happens. For the man will not rest until the matter is settled today.”</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Ruth <b>worshipped the Lord</b> and <b>shared His greatness with others!</b> (4:14,15)</span></span><br />
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<span class="text Ruth-4-14" id="en-NIV-7205" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">14 </sup>The women<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-7205AE" title="See cross-reference AE">AE</a>)"></sup> said to Naomi: “Praise be to the<span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-7205AF" title="See cross-reference AF">AF</a>)"></sup> who this day has not left you without a guardian-redeemer.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-7205AG" title="See cross-reference AG">AG</a>)"></sup> May he become famous throughout Israel!</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><br />
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<sup class="versenum" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">15 </sup><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age. For your daughter-in-law,</span><sup class="crossreference" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-7206AH" title="See cross-reference AH">AH</a>)"></sup><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> who loves you and who is better to you than seven sons,</span><sup class="crossreference" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-7206AI" title="See cross-reference AI">AI</a>)"></sup><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> has given him birth.”</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">* So many great things jump out from this short book, yet after reading it this past time I saw it in a new way. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">I am sure many of you can relate to being in different "fields of life", yet how often do we fully embrace the field we are in? I am so guilty of "working in my field that God has so evidently placed me in, yet I allow so many things to distract me and steal my attention. I love the advice Naomi gave to Ruth (2:22)</span><br />
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<sup class="versenum" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">22 </sup><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Naomi said to Ruth her daughter-in-law, “It will be good for you, my daughter, to go with the women who work for him, because in someone else’s field you might be harmed.”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She was talking about staying in the actual field, yet how often do we allow distractions to take us to other places, people, or even circumstances that harm us when we could have been protected if we had only listened and trusted in the provision of the Lord! </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Like Ruth, I want to be focused on the task at hand, like Esther I want to be prepared for "such a time as this," Like Isaiah I desire to say those three words and mean this with all that is in me... Here I am! No matter the circumstance, whether you desire something that has not come, have something you do not want, or even fight being content with where you are now, remember this...</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">God, who is PERFECT in power, love, and timing is working and interceding on your behalf at this very moment. Continue to trust him and let His plans prevail. Like Ruth let's SET OUT in our fields and trust God to do what only HE can do! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Seeking Refuge in Him, </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hannah</span><br />
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A Heart of Hopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09012650366366359567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6396145801609988992.post-91899295517848285932013-01-30T21:11:00.000-08:002013-01-30T21:11:07.380-08:00Genesis 27<div style="text-align: center;">
Genesis 27 (Isaac blesses Jacob)</div>
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v.1-4 Issac commands Esau (oldest) to go out in the fields and prepare a delicious meal so he (Isaac) can bless him.<br />
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v.5 Rebekah (who favors Jacob) overhears and has Jacob go out and do the same. <br />
v.6-17 Together, Rebekah and Jacob scheme a plan in order to deceive Issac.<br />
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v.18 Jacob goes to his father, Isaac to receive the blessing where he deceives his father multiple times.<br />
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v. 25 Isaac eats the meal brought by Jacob, but believes it is Esau.<br />
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v.26-29 Isaac blesses Jacob.<br />
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v.30-Esau comes back from the field with everything his father had requested to find his father has already given the blessing to his younger brother Jacob.<br />
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v. 34-38<br />
Esau pleaded and even wept before his father in hopes of receiving just one blessing.<br />
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v.41 Esau, after not receiving any blessings becomes enraged and plans to kill Jacob. (v.45)<br />
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v.42-45 Rebekah overhears and tells Jacob of Esau's plan and encouraged Jacob to flee from the land and sends him away.<br />
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*Both Isaac and Esau are disappointed, even agitated, yet God had already said years before...<br />
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"The older (Esau) will serve the younger (Jacob). -Genesis 25:23<br />
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Even after God had spoken this over the lives of both sons, Isaac favored Esau and wanted him to receive the blessing/inheritance. This makes Proverbs 19:21 come to life even more...<br />
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"Many are the plans in a man's heart but it is the Lords purpose that prevails."<br />
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*Though Rebekah and Jacob were also in sin, God used what they turned into a mess for his good.<br />
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Rejoicing that HE is in control and can turn any mess into a message for His glory!<br />
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-Hannah<br />
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<br />A Heart of Hopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09012650366366359567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6396145801609988992.post-60798748084895353642013-01-26T09:46:00.003-08:002013-01-26T10:09:13.257-08:00Genesis 26Genesis 26 (God's promise to Isaac)<br />
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V. 3-5 God acknowledges the promise he made to Abraham and because of Abraham's faithfulness, God extends his promise to Isaac.<br />
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*We see the importance of leading a Godly life, not only for our lives, but for the future generations to follow in and as a result, receive blessings.<br />
V.6-10<br />
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<span class="text Gen-26-6" id="en-NIV-699"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">6 </sup>So Isaac stayed in Gerar.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-699T" title="See cross-reference T">T</a>)"></sup></span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-26-7" id="en-NIV-700"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">7 </sup>When the men of that place asked him about his wife, he said, “She is my sister,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-700U" title="See cross-reference U">U</a>)"></sup>” because he was afraid to say, “She is my wife.” He thought, “The men of this place might kill me on account of Rebekah, because she is beautiful.”</span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-26-8" id="en-NIV-701"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">8 </sup>When Isaac had been there a long time, Abimelek king of the Philistines<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-701V" title="See cross-reference V">V</a>)"></sup> looked down from a window and saw Isaac caressing his wife Rebekah.</span> <span class="text Gen-26-9" id="en-NIV-702"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">9 </sup>So Abimelek summoned Isaac and said, “She is really your wife! Why did you say, ‘She is my sister’?<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-702W" title="See cross-reference W">W</a>)"></sup>”</span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-26-9">Isaac answered him, “Because I thought I might lose my life on account of her.”</span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-26-10" id="en-NIV-703"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">10 </sup>Then Abimelek said, “What is this you have done to us?<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-703X" title="See cross-reference X">X</a>)"></sup> One of the men might well have slept with your wife, and you would have brought guilt upon us.”</span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-26-10">*We also see the similarities between both Abraham & Isaac; yet once again God showed favor...</span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-26-10"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">11 </sup>So Abimelek gave orders to all the people: “Anyone who harms<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-704Y" title="See cross-reference Y">Y</a>)"></sup> this man or his wife shall surely be put to death.”</span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-26-10">v.12-16 Isaac's wealth and gains become so great the men of the city became envious, and made him leave.</span></div>
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v. 16... Then Abimelek said to Isaac, “Move away from us;<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-709AH" title="See cross-reference AH">AH</a>)"></sup> you have become too powerful for us.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-709AI" title="See cross-reference AI">AI</a>)"></sup>”</div>
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Isaac left with his servants and settled there and the Lord appeared to him.</div>
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<span class="text Gen-26-24" id="en-NIV-717"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">24 </sup>That night the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> appeared to him and said, “I am the God of your father Abraham.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-717AS" title="See cross-reference AS">AS</a>)"></sup> Do not be afraid,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-717AT" title="See cross-reference AT">AT</a>)"></sup> for I am with you;<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-717AU" title="See cross-reference AU">AU</a>)"></sup> I will bless you and will increase the number of your descendants<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-717AV" title="See cross-reference AV">AV</a>)"></sup> for the sake of my servant Abraham.”<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-717AW" title="See cross-reference AW">AW</a>)"></sup></span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-26-24">*God affirms his faithfulness to Isaac because of his covenant with Abraham.</span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-26-24"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">25 </sup>Isaac built an altar<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-718AX" title="See cross-reference AX">AX</a>)"></sup> there and called on the name of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-718AY" title="See cross-reference AY">AY</a>)"></sup> There he pitched his tent, and there his servants dug a well.</span></div>
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*Though Isaac and his servants are doing well, the people of Gerar were not. Abimelech left the land and found Isaac to receive his blessing of peace so they too would be blessed. (v.26-31)</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*The favor of God is an incredible thing! People, Kings even sought out men of God (Isaac) to receive peace in means of experiencing the mercy of God.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After making peace with the people of Gerar, God rewards this treaty and shows favor as they find new wells of water. (v.33)</span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-26-34"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">34 </sup>When Esau was forty years old,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-727BK" title="See cross-reference BK">BK</a>)"></sup> he married Judith daughter of Beeri the Hittite, and also Basemath daughter of Elon the Hittite.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-727BL" title="See cross-reference BL">BL</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Gen-26-35" id="en-NIV-728"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">35 </sup>They were a source of <b>grief</b> to Isaac and Rebekah.</span></div>
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*Foreshadow of the trouble to come as a result of Esau's hardened heart towards God.</div>
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<br />A Heart of Hopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09012650366366359567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6396145801609988992.post-77502904599825149702013-01-25T18:44:00.005-08:002013-01-25T18:44:47.869-08:00Genesis 25Genesis 25 (Abraham's death & his descendants)<br />
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Abraham took another wife, and has several other children; nevertheless, Isaac remains the favored one.<br />
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v.8 Abraham dies at the age of 175 years old. (Buried with Sarah in a cave in the land of Canaan.<br />
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v.9 Isaac & Ishmael come together to bury their father.<br />
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v.12-18 (Reference to Ishmael's sons)<br />
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<span class="text Gen-25-19"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">19 </sup>This is the account<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-678AL" title="See cross-reference AL">AL</a>)"></sup> of the family line of Abraham’s son Isaac.</span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-25-19">Abraham became the father of Isaac,</span> <span class="text Gen-25-20" id="en-NIV-679"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">20 </sup>and Isaac was forty years old<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-679AM" title="See cross-reference AM">AM</a>)"></sup> when he married Rebekah<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-679AN" title="See cross-reference AN">AN</a>)"></sup> daughter of Bethuel<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-679AO" title="See cross-reference AO">AO</a>)"></sup> the Aramean from Paddan Aram<sup class="footnote" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-679c" title="See footnote c">c</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2025&version=NIV#fen-NIV-679c" style="color: #b37162; text-decoration: initial; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote c">c</a>]</sup><sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-679AP" title="See cross-reference AP">AP</a>)"></sup> and sister of Laban<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-679AQ" title="See cross-reference AQ">AQ</a>)"></sup> the Aramean.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-679AR" title="See cross-reference AR">AR</a>)"></sup></span></div>
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*Both Abraham & Sarah had to wait years before bearing a son as did Isaac & Rebekah.</div>
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<span class="text Gen-25-21" id="en-NIV-680"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">21 </sup>Isaac prayed to the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> on behalf of his wife, because she was childless.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-680AS" title="See cross-reference AS">AS</a>)"></sup> The <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord </span><b>answered his prayer</b>,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-680AT" title="See cross-reference AT">AT</a>)"></sup> and his wife Rebekah became pregnant.</span> <span class="text Gen-25-22" id="en-NIV-681"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">22 </sup>The babies jostled each other within her, and she said, “Why is this happening to me?” So she went to inquire of the<span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-681AU" title="See cross-reference AU">AU</a>)"></sup></span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-25-23" id="en-NIV-682"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">23 </sup>The <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> said to her,</span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-25-23" style="position: relative;">“Two nations<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-682AV" title="See cross-reference AV">AV</a>)"></sup> are in your womb,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Gen-25-23" style="position: relative;">and two peoples from within you will be separated;</span></span><br /><span class="text Gen-25-23" style="position: relative;">one people will be stronger than the other,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Gen-25-23" style="position: relative;">and <b><u>the older will serve the younger</u></b>.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-682AW" title="See cross-reference AW">AW</a>)"></sup>”</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-25-24" id="en-NIV-683"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">24 </sup>When the time came for her to give birth,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-683AX" title="See cross-reference AX">AX</a>)"></sup> there were twin boys in her womb.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-683AY" title="See cross-reference AY">AY</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Gen-25-25" id="en-NIV-684"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">25 </sup>The first to come out was red,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-684AZ" title="See cross-reference AZ">AZ</a>)"></sup> and his whole body was like a hairy garment;<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-684BA" title="See cross-reference BA">BA</a>)"></sup> so they named him Esau.<sup class="footnote" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-684d" title="See footnote d">d</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2025&version=NIV#fen-NIV-684d" style="color: #b37162; text-decoration: initial; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote d">d</a>]</sup><sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-684BB" title="See cross-reference BB">BB</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Gen-25-26" id="en-NIV-685"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">26 </sup>After this, his brother came out,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-685BC" title="See cross-reference BC">BC</a>)"></sup> with his hand grasping Esau’s heel;<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-685BD" title="See cross-reference BD">BD</a>)"></sup> so he was named Jacob.<sup class="footnote" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-685e" title="See footnote e">e</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2025&version=NIV#fen-NIV-685e" style="color: #b37162; text-decoration: initial; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote e">e</a>]</sup><sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-685BE" title="See cross-reference BE">BE</a>)"></sup> Isaac was sixty years old<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-685BF" title="See cross-reference BF">BF</a>)"></sup> when Rebekah gave birth to them.</span></div>
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*1st born- Esau (skillful hunter, man of the field).</div>
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*2nd born-Jacob (quiet man, dwelling in the tents)</div>
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<span class="text Gen-25-27" id="en-NIV-686"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">27 </sup>The boys grew up, and Esau became a skillful hunter,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-686BG" title="See cross-reference BG">BG</a>)"></sup> a man of the open country,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-686BH" title="See cross-reference BH">BH</a>)"></sup> while Jacob was content to stay at home among the tents.</span> <span class="text Gen-25-28" id="en-NIV-687"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">28 </sup><b>Isaac, who had a taste for wild game,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-687BI" title="See cross-reference BI">BI</a>)"></sup> loved Esau</b>, but <b>Rebekah loved Jacob</b>.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-687BJ" title="See cross-reference BJ">BJ</a>)"></sup></span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-25-29" id="en-NIV-688"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">29 </sup>Once when Jacob was cooking some stew,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-688BK" title="See cross-reference BK">BK</a>)"></sup> Esau came in from the open country,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-688BL" title="See cross-reference BL">BL</a>)"></sup>famished.</span> <span class="text Gen-25-30" id="en-NIV-689"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">30 </sup>He said to Jacob, “Quick, let me have some of that red stew!<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-689BM" title="See cross-reference BM">BM</a>)"></sup> I’m famished!” (That is why he was also called Edom.<sup class="footnote" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-689f" title="See footnote f">f</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2025&version=NIV#fen-NIV-689f" style="color: #b37162; text-decoration: initial; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote f">f</a>]</sup>)<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-689BN" title="See cross-reference BN">BN</a>)"></sup></span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-25-31" id="en-NIV-690"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">31 </sup>Jacob replied, “First sell me your birthright.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-690BO" title="See cross-reference BO">BO</a>)"></sup>”</span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-25-32" id="en-NIV-691"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">32 </sup>“Look, I am about to die,” Esau said. “What good is the birthright to me?”</span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-25-33" id="en-NIV-692"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">33 </sup>But Jacob said, “Swear<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-692BP" title="See cross-reference BP">BP</a>)"></sup> to me first.” So he swore an oath to him, selling his birthright<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-692BQ" title="See cross-reference BQ">BQ</a>)"></sup> to Jacob.</span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-25-34" id="en-NIV-693"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">34 </sup>Then Jacob gave Esau some bread and some lentil stew.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-693BR" title="See cross-reference BR">BR</a>)"></sup> He ate and drank, and then got up and left.</span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-25-34"><b>So Esau despised his birthright.</b></span></div>
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*Esau gives his birthright to his younger brother Jacob... ( v23 , "the older will serve the younger")<br />
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It is evident from scripture God knew Esau would serve Jacob, yet what could Esau have been used for had he realized the treasure he had inherited (our eternal life) rather than seeking what was appealing (worldliness) only for a moment...<br />
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<span style="background-color: #fffefd; text-align: justify;">"T</span><span style="background-color: #fffefd; color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;">he man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life."</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fffefd; color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;">John 12:25</span></div>
A Heart of Hopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09012650366366359567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6396145801609988992.post-42817839621457337512013-01-25T18:11:00.000-08:002013-01-25T18:11:18.242-08:00Genesis 23 & 24<div style="text-align: center;">
Genesis 23 (Sarah's death & Burial)</div>
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Sarah, beloved wife of Abraham dies at the age of 127.<br />
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Abraham weeps (v2) and seeks out to bring her a proper burial.<br />
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<span class="text Gen-23-2" id="en-NIV-574">She died at Kiriath Arba<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-574A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> (that is, Hebron)<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-574B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup> in the land of Canaan, and Abraham went to mourn for Sarah and to weep over her.</span></div>
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*Sarah is buried in a cave, land of Canaan.<br />
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Genesis 24 (Isaac & Rebekah)</div>
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*Abraham sets out to find a wife for Isaac.</div>
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This covenant of marriage which we saw between Abraham & Sarah, and now Isaac & Rebekah represents the covenant of marriage. This powerful covenant representing the bridegroom (Jesus) returning for his bride one day!( His church) </div>
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True faith always results in obedience. He does not NEED anything for the eternal son.</div>
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The bride is the fathers love gift to His son. </div>
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In Genesis 24 Isaacs servant referred to him as 'master'. HIs job was to bear witness to the greatness of his master.<br />
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*This is the same situation for Christ followers today! We must bear witness & testify to the greatness of our God!<br />
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The servant begins his journey and sets out to find a wife for his master. (Isaac)<br />
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v.12<br />
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<span class="text Gen-24-12" id="en-NIV-604"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">12 </sup>Then he prayed, “<span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, God of my master Abraham,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-604AG" title="See cross-reference AG">AG</a>)"></sup> make me successful<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-604AH" title="See cross-reference AH">AH</a>)"></sup> today, and show kindness<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-604AI" title="See cross-reference AI">AI</a>)"></sup> to my master Abraham.</span> <span class="text Gen-24-13" id="en-NIV-605"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">13 </sup>See, I am standing beside this spring, and the daughters of the townspeople are coming out to draw water.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-605AJ" title="See cross-reference AJ">AJ</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Gen-24-14" id="en-NIV-606"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">14 </sup>May it be that when I say to a young woman, ‘Please let down your jar that I may have a drink,’ and she says, ‘Drink,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-606AK" title="See cross-reference AK">AK</a>)"></sup>and I’ll water your camels too’<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-606AL" title="See cross-reference AL">AL</a>)"></sup>—let her be the one you have chosen for your servant Isaac. <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-606AM" title="See cross-reference AM">AM</a>)"></sup>By this I will know<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-606AN" title="See cross-reference AN">AN</a>)"></sup> that you have shown kindness to my master.”</span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-24-14"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">15 </sup><b>Before he had finished </b>praying,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-607AO" title="See cross-reference AO">AO</a>)"></sup> Rebekah<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-607AP" title="See cross-reference AP">AP</a>)"></sup> came out with her jar on her shoulder. She was the daughter of Bethuel<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-607AQ" title="See cross-reference AQ">AQ</a>)"></sup> son of Milkah,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-607AR" title="See cross-reference AR">AR</a>)"></sup> who was the wife of Abraham’s brother Nahor.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-607AS" title="See cross-reference AS">AS</a>)"></sup> <sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">16 </sup>The woman was very beautiful,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-608AT" title="See cross-reference AT">AT</a>)"></sup> a virgin;<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-608AU" title="See cross-reference AU">AU</a>)"></sup> no man had ever slept with her. She went down to the spring, filled her jar and came up again.</span></div>
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*Gods timing is perfect!</div>
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...We read on to find Rebekah waters all of his camels and opens her home where the servant dines and meets with her entire family. </div>
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Before eating the servant expresses his proposal and Rebekah is left with a choice...</div>
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<span class="text Gen-24-57" id="en-NIV-649"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">57 </sup>Then they said, “Let’s call the young woman and ask her about it.”<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-649DN" title="See cross-reference DN">DN</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Gen-24-58" id="en-NIV-650"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">58 </sup>So they called Rebekah and asked her, “Will you go with this man?”</span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-24-58">“I will go,”<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-650DO" title="See cross-reference DO">DO</a>)"></sup> she said.</span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-24-59" id="en-NIV-651"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">59 </sup>So they sent their sister Rebekah on her way,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-651DP" title="See cross-reference DP">DP</a>)"></sup> along with her nurse<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-651DQ" title="See cross-reference DQ">DQ</a>)"></sup> and Abraham’s servant and his men.</span> </div>
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*When Rebekah said yes she was under the providential care of God and was now a part of the plan that would bring salvation to the whole world. Had she stayed we would not have heard about her again.</div>
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Praying for a willingness to go, WHEREVER He may lead!</div>
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-Hannah</div>
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<br />A Heart of Hopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09012650366366359567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6396145801609988992.post-47471892486197348582013-01-25T17:50:00.001-08:002013-01-25T17:50:43.734-08:00Genesis 22Genesis 22 (The Sacrifice of Isaac)<br />
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<span class="text Gen-22-1">1 Some time later God <b>tested</b><sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-549A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!”</span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-22-1">“Here I am,”<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-549B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup> he replied.</span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-22-2" id="en-NIV-550"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">2 </sup>Then God said, “Take your son<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-550C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup>, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-550D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup> Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-550E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup> on a mountain I will show you.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-550F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup>”</span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-22-3" id="en-NIV-551"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">3 </sup>Early the next morning<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-551G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></sup> Abraham got up and loaded his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about.</span> <span class="text Gen-22-4" id="en-NIV-552"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">4 </sup>On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance.</span> <span class="text Gen-22-5" id="en-NIV-553"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">5 </sup>He said to his servants, “Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-553H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></sup>”</span><br />
<span class="text Gen-22-6" id="en-NIV-554"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">6 </sup>Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-554I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)"></sup> and he himself carried the fire and the knife.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-554J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)"></sup> As the two of them went on together,</span><br />
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<span class="text Gen-22-2">*Abraham is posed with a challenge, and accepts it as he KNOWS God faithful.</span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-22-2">1. Expect tests from God</span></div>
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Temptations- used by the devil to bring out the worst in us.</div>
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Trials-Holy Spirit to bring out the best in us.</div>
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2. Focus on promises, not explanations.</div>
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"Our faith is not really tested until God asks us to bear what seems unbearable, do what seems unreasonable, and expect what seems impossible."</div>
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3. Depend on Gods provision.</div>
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4. Seek to glorify Christ!</div>
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Trials:</div>
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1. Purify our faith (1 Peter. 1:6-9)</div>
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2.Perfect our character (James 1:1-4)</div>
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3.Protect us from sin (2 Cor. 12:7-10)</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Abraham's willingness/sacrifice to offer Isaac paints a beautiful picture of Gods sacrifice to us when sending his only son Jesus.</span></div>
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Notice in verse 7...</div>
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<span class="text Gen-22-7" id="en-NIV-555"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, “Father?”</span><br />
<span class="text Gen-22-7">“Yes, my son?” Abraham replied.</span><br />
<span class="text Gen-22-7">“The fire and wood are here,” Isaac said, “but where is the lamb<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-555K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)"></sup> for the burnt offering?”</span><br />
<span class="text Gen-22-8" id="en-NIV-556"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">8 </sup>Abraham answered, “God himself will provide<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-556L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)"></sup> the lamb<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-556M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)"></sup> for the burnt offering, my son.” And the two of them went on together.</span><br />
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*Isaac asked about the animal for sacrifice and Abrahams response was God will provide a LAMB...<br />
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HOWEVER...<br />
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In verse 13<br />
<sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">13 </sup>Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram<sup class="footnote" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-561a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+22&version=NIV#fen-NIV-561a" style="color: #b37162; text-decoration: initial; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</sup> caught by its horns.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-561Z" title="See cross-reference Z">Z</a>)"></sup> He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son<br />
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God provided a ram instead of a Lamb.<br />
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*God gave Isaac to Abraham & Abraham gave Isaac back to God.<br />
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The Ultimate sacrifice: God sending his son, Jesus to sacrifice his life for us.<br />
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John 1:29...<br />
"The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the <b>Lamb</b> of God,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26074A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> who takes away the sin of the world!"<br />
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*The Lamb does come as THE ultimate sacrifice!<br />
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How beautiful is the word of God!!<br />
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Joyfully,<br />
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Hannah<br />
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A Heart of Hopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09012650366366359567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6396145801609988992.post-14697193399005037842013-01-21T20:10:00.000-08:002013-01-25T17:36:35.774-08:00Genesis 21<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Genesis 21 (The Birth of Isaac)</b></div>
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V. 5-7<br />
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<span class="text Gen-21-5" id="en-NIV-519">...Abraham was a hundred years old<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-519H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></sup> when his son Isaac was born to him.</span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-21-6" id="en-NIV-520"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">6 </sup>Sarah said, “God has brought me laughter,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-520I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)"></sup> and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me.”</span> <span class="text Gen-21-7" id="en-NIV-521"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">7 </sup>And she added, “Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? Yet I have borne him a son in his old age.”</span></div>
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The birth of Isaac meant:<br />
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1. The fulfillment of God's promise<br />
2.The rewarding of patience<br />
3. The revelation of God's power !!!<br />
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*Abraham represents FAITH<br />
*Sarah represents GRACE<br />
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**So, Isaac was born BY <b>GRACE</b>, THROUGH <b>FAITH</b>!<br />
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The ONLY way we can enter the family of God.<br />
John 3:16-18<br />
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Remember Ishmael represents born of the flesh (first birth)<br />
Isaac represents born of the Spirit (second birth)<br />
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<span class="text Gen-21-8" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;"> (21:8) </sup>The child grew and was weaned,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-522K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)"></sup> and on the day Isaac was weaned Abraham held a great feast.</span><br />
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<span class="text Gen-21-8" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">*New birth is not the end, but the beginning! We must be replaced by tools and selfish security by (unselfish service). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">John 12:23-26</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">V.8-21 (Hagar and Ishmael sent away)</span><br />
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<span class="text Gen-21-9" id="en-NIV-523" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">9 </sup>But Sarah saw that the son whom Hagar the Egyptian had borne to Abraham<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-523L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)"></sup> was mocking,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-523M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)"></sup></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text Gen-21-10" id="en-NIV-524" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">10 </sup>and she said to Abraham, “Get rid of that slave woman<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-524N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)"></sup> and her son, for that woman’s son will never share in the inheritance with my son Isaac.”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*The first time Sarai (prior to her name change) she sends for Hagar to bear her a son.</span><br />
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<span class="text Gen-16-2" id="en-NIV-384"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">(16:2) </sup>so she said to Abram, “The <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> has kept me from having children.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-384E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup> Go, sleep with my slave; perhaps I can build a family through her.”<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-384F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*The second time Sarah (after her name change) she sends Hagar away!</span><br />
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<span class="text Gen-21-11" id="en-NIV-525">(21:11-13)...The matter distressed Abraham greatly because it concerned his son.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-525P" title="See cross-reference P">P</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Gen-21-12" id="en-NIV-526"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">12 </sup>But God said to him, “Do not be so distressed about the boy and your slave woman. Listen to whatever Sarah tells you, because it is through Isaac that your offspring<sup class="footnote" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-526b" title="See footnote b">b</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=genesis%2021&version=NIV#fen-NIV-526b" style="color: #b37162; text-decoration: initial; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote b">b</a>]</sup> will be reckoned.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-526Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Gen-21-13" id="en-NIV-527"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">13 </sup>I will make the son of the slave into a nation<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-527R" title="See cross-reference R">R</a>)"></sup> also, because he is your offspring.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Though Hagar & Ishmael are sent away, Abraham is grieved at sending his son away. God reveals that He will provide for them</span><br />
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<span class="text Gen-21-11" id="en-NIV-525"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">(20:11-14) </sup>The matter distressed Abraham greatly because it concerned his son.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-525P" title="See cross-reference P">P</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Gen-21-12" id="en-NIV-526">But God said to him, “Do not be so distressed about the boy and your slave woman. Listen to whatever Sarah tells you, because it is through Isaac that your offspring<sup class="footnote" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-526b" title="See footnote b">b</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=genesis%2021&version=NIV#fen-NIV-526b" style="color: #b37162; text-decoration: initial; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote b">b</a>]</sup> will be reckoned.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-526Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Gen-21-13" id="en-NIV-527"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">13 </sup>I will make the son of the slave into a nation<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-527R" title="See cross-reference R">R</a>)"></sup> also, because he is your offspring.”</span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-21-14" id="en-NIV-528">Early the next morning Abraham took some food and a skin of water and gave them to Hagar.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-528S" title="See cross-reference S">S</a>)"></sup> He set them on her shoulders and then sent her off with the boy. She went on her way and wandered in the Desert of Beersheba.</span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-21-15" id="en-NIV-529"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">15 </sup>When the water in the skin was gone, she put the boy under one of the bushes.</span> <span class="text Gen-21-16" id="en-NIV-530"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">16 </sup>Then she went off and sat down about a bowshot away, for she thought, “I cannot watch the boy die.” And as she sat there, she<sup class="footnote" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-530c" title="See footnote c">c</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=genesis%2021&version=NIV#fen-NIV-530c" style="color: #b37162; text-decoration: initial; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote c">c</a>]</sup> began to sob.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-530U" title="See cross-reference U">U</a>)"></sup></span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-21-16">*Though Hagar had been at this point before, she chose to forget the promise God had declared over Ishmael's life years before; however, Ishmael did not...</span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-21-17" id="en-NIV-531"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">17 </sup>God heard the boy crying,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-531V" title="See cross-reference V">V</a>)"></sup> and the angel of God<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-531W" title="See cross-reference W">W</a>)"></sup> called to Hagar from heaven<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-531X" title="See cross-reference X">X</a>)"></sup> and said to her, “What is the matter, Hagar? Do not be afraid;<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-531Y" title="See cross-reference Y">Y</a>)"></sup> God has heard the boy crying as he lies there.</span> <span class="text Gen-21-18" id="en-NIV-532"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">18 </sup>Lift the boy up and take him by the hand, for I will make him into a great nation.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-532Z" title="See cross-reference Z">Z</a>)"></sup>”</span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-21-19" id="en-NIV-533"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">19 </sup>Then God opened her eyes<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-533AA" title="See cross-reference AA">AA</a>)"></sup> and she saw a <b>well of water</b>.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-533AB" title="See cross-reference AB">AB</a>)"></sup> So she went and filled the skin with water and gave the boy a drink.</span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-21-20" id="en-NIV-534"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">20 </sup>God was with the boy<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-534AC" title="See cross-reference AC">AC</a>)"></sup> as he grew up. He lived in the desert and became an archer.</span><span class="text Gen-21-21" id="en-NIV-535"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">21 </sup>While he was living in the Desert of Paran,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-535AD" title="See cross-reference AD">AD</a>)"></sup> his mother got a wife for him<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-535AE" title="See cross-reference AE">AE</a>)"></sup> from Egypt.</span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-21-21"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Hagar represents the lost. Wandering around lost, in need of water! We, as Christ followers must meet this need and share of THE living water, JESUS!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">John 7:37</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Revelation 22:17</span><br />
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<h3 style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1.05em;">
<span class="text Gen-21-22" id="en-NIV-536" style="font-weight: normal;">The Treaty at Beersheba (22-34)</span></h3>
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<span class="text Gen-21-22"><sup class="versenum" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">22 </sup><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal;">At that time Abimelek</span><span style="font-size: 0.65em;"><sup class="crossreference" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-536AF" title="See cross-reference AF">AF</a>)"></sup></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal;"> and Phicol the commander of his forces</span><span style="font-size: 0.65em;"><sup class="crossreference" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-536AG" title="See cross-reference AG">AG</a>)"></sup></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> said to Abraham, <b>“God is with you in everything you do"</b></span></span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-21-22"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*What an INCREDIBLE statement and truth for Abraham to know...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Best Part...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As Christians, WE HAVE THIS SAME TRUTH!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Because of Abrahams favor with God, Abimelech encouraged him to ask anything...</span><br />
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<span class="text Gen-21-25" id="en-NIV-539"><b>25 </b>Then Abraham complained to Abimelek about a well of water that Abimelek’s servants had seized.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-539AL" title="See cross-reference AL">AL</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Gen-21-26" id="en-NIV-540"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">26 </sup>But Abimelek said, “I don’t know who has done this. You did not tell me, and I heard about it only today.”</span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-21-27" id="en-NIV-541"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">27 </sup>So Abraham brought sheep and cattle and gave them to Abimelek, and the two men made a treaty.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-541AM" title="See cross-reference AM">AM</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Gen-21-28" id="en-NIV-542"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">28 </sup>Abraham set apart seven ewe lambs from the flock,</span> <span class="text Gen-21-29" id="en-NIV-543"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">29 </sup>and Abimelek asked Abraham, “What is the meaning of these seven ewe lambs you have set apart by themselves?”</span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-21-30" id="en-NIV-544"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">30 </sup>He replied, “Accept these seven lambs from my hand as a witness<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-544AN" title="See cross-reference AN">AN</a>)"></sup> that I dug this well.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-544AO" title="See cross-reference AO">AO</a>)"></sup>”</span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-21-31" id="en-NIV-545"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">31 </sup>So that place was called Beersheba,<sup class="footnote" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-545d" title="See footnote d">d</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=genesis%2021&version=NIV#fen-NIV-545d" style="color: #b37162; text-decoration: initial; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote d">d</a>]</sup><sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-545AP" title="See cross-reference AP">AP</a>)"></sup> because the two men swore an oath<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-545AQ" title="See cross-reference AQ">AQ</a>)"></sup> there.</span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-21-31"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*The two men made a covenant, representing the loyalty and trust found on that day. The two would no longer disagree over who dug the well but chose to come in agreement and pursue peace.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Throughout the book of Genesis we find Gods faithfulness and favor towards Abraham as he proves himself time and time again! I hope this is encouraging to you and spurs you on to learn, grow, and press into the beauty of Gods word!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Joyfully,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hannah</span><br />
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<br />A Heart of Hopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09012650366366359567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6396145801609988992.post-59977130779180882982013-01-21T18:40:00.000-08:002013-01-21T18:40:29.113-08:00Genesis 20Genesis 20 (Abraham & Abimelech)<br />
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Abraham & Sarah travel to Gerar.<br />
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Abraham instructs Sarah to act as his sister again.<br />
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<div class="chapter-2" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="text Gen-20-2" id="en-NIV-498">(20:2) and there Abraham said of his wife Sarah, “She is my sister.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-498H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></sup>” Then Abimelek<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-498I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)"></sup> king of Gerar sent for Sarah and took her.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-498J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)"></sup></span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-20-2"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-20-2">God came to Abimelech in a dream and warned him that Sarah was the wife of Abraham.</span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-20-2">(20:3-7)</span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-20-8" id="en-NIV-504" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">v. 8-10... Early the next morning Abimelek summoned all his officials, and when he told them all that had happened, they were very much afraid.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text Gen-20-9" id="en-NIV-505" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">9 </sup>Then Abimelek called Abraham in and said, “What have you done to us? How have I wronged you that you have brought such great guilt upon me and my kingdom? You have done things to me that should never be done.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-505X" title="See cross-reference X">X</a>)"></sup>”</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text Gen-20-10" id="en-NIV-506" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">10 </sup>And Abimelech asked Abraham, “What was your reason for doing this?”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Abraham has to openly deal with the lie he told.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Though Abraham was guilty and in sin, because he was a friend of God receives the favor of God and instead of becoming a prisoner of Abimelech, The king blesses Abraham and in return Abraham prays for Abimelech and God heals him/the women of the land. (20:16-18)</span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-20-16" id="en-NIV-512"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">16 </sup>To Sarah he said, “I am giving your brother a thousand shekels<sup class="footnote" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-512a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2020&version=NIV#fen-NIV-512a" style="color: #b37162; text-decoration: initial; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</sup> of silver. This is to cover the offense against you before all who are with you; you are completely vindicated.”</span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-20-17" id="en-NIV-513"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">17 </sup>Then Abraham prayed to God,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-513AG" title="See cross-reference AG">AG</a>)"></sup> and God healed Abimelek, his wife and his female slaves so they could have children again,</span> <span class="text Gen-20-18" id="en-NIV-514"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">18 </sup>for the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> had kept all the women in Abimelek’s household from conceiving because of Abraham’s wife Sarah.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-514AH" title="See cross-reference AH">AH</a>)"></sup></span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-20-18"><br /></span></div>
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**Abraham sinned against God when both he and Sarah lied about her being his sister. As a result we see several things lost that we too suffer when we sin.</div>
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The lie cost Abraham:</div>
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His character</div>
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His testimony</div>
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His ministry</div>
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The HOPE:</div>
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Like Abraham & Sarah, we too can be forgiven and restored!</div>
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*Abraham and Sarah made a new beginning and so can we! </div>
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SO thankful for the Lords mercy & grace, </div>
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Hannah</div>
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A Heart of Hopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09012650366366359567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6396145801609988992.post-28610517328265134732013-01-21T18:22:00.001-08:002013-01-21T18:22:16.691-08:00Genesis 19Genesis 19 (God rescues Lot)<br />
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V. 1-2</div>
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Lot asks the 2 angels to come spend the night at his house, but they want to spend the night in the town square. </div>
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v.3 </div>
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..."Lot pressed them strongly" so they entered his house.</div>
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v4. During the night the men of Sodom surround Lots house and demand to see the men.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">v. 6-8 Lot pleads for them to go away and even offers his daughters if they agree to leave the men alone. (This is disturbing as he is not representing the love of a father but only considering himself.)</span><br />
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v9. They (the men of Sodom) begin pushing their way in the house and the angels reach out, "strike the men with blindness", and bring Lot back inside to safety.</div>
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*Had Lot listened and allowed the angels to pass they (and he) would not be in danger, but because of his persistence/stubbornness with the angels they had to rescue Lot.<br />
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v.23-29 God destroys Sodom</div>
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v26. Lots wife looked back and became a pillar of salt.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*When we look back or even hesitate when God has called us forward we move ourselves outside the will of God. </span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-19-29">*Remember from Genesis 18 God could have spared the city had he found 10 believers, but since this was not possible, God mercifully rescued the believers they did find. </span></div>
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<sup class="versenum" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">16 </sup><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">When he hesitated, the men grasped his hand and the hands of his wife and of his two daughters</span><sup class="crossreference" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-474AB" title="See cross-reference AB">AB</a>)"></sup><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> and led them safely out of the city, <b>for the </b></span><span class="small-caps" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant: small-caps;"><b>Lord</b></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><b> was merciful</b> to them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">*God delivered Lot BECAUSE of Abraham (19:29)</span></div>
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<sup class="versenum" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">29 </sup><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">So when God destroyed the cities of the plain,</span><sup class="crossreference" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-487AX" title="See cross-reference AX">AX</a>)"></sup><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> he <b>remembered</b></span><b><sup class="crossreference" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.65em; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-487AY" title="See cross-reference AY">AY</a>)"></sup></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><b> </b>Abraham, and he brought Lot out of the catastrophe</span><sup class="crossreference" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-487AZ" title="See cross-reference AZ">AZ</a>)"></sup><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> that overthrew the cities where Lot had lived.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">v.30-38</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lot and his two daughters live in a cave. The daughters give their father wine and sleep with him. (oldest first night, the younger the next).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Each daughter becomes pregnant and the following lineages begin.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>First born </u> <u>Youngest</u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Moab Ben-aimmi</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Moabites Ammonites</span></div>
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A Heart of Hopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09012650366366359567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6396145801609988992.post-89175422394308661282013-01-19T20:56:00.001-08:002013-01-19T21:27:53.412-08:00Genesis 18Genesis 18<br />
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Abraham is resting and lifts his eyes to see 3 men walking towards him. (Lord Jesus, & 2 of his angels) ---> (see verses 3, 13, & 16)<br />
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(18:1-2)<br />
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<span class="text Gen-18-1" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">The <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> appeared to Abraham<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-426A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> near the great trees of Mamre<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-426B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup> while he was sitting at the entrance to his tent<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-426C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup> in the heat of the day.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text Gen-18-2" id="en-NIV-427" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">2 </sup>Abraham looked up<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-427D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup> and saw three men <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-427E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup>standing nearby. When he saw them, he hurried from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground.</span><br />
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<span class="text Gen-18-2" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"></span><br />
<span class="text Gen-18-3" id="en-NIV-428">He said, “If I have found favor in your eyes,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-428G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></sup> my lord,<sup class="footnote" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-428a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+18&version=NIV#fen-NIV-428a" style="color: #b37162; text-decoration: initial; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</sup> do not pass your servant<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-428H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></sup> by.</span> <span class="text Gen-18-4" id="en-NIV-429"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">4 </sup>Let a little water be brought, and then you may all wash your feet<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-429I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)"></sup> and rest under this tree.</span> <span class="text Gen-18-5" id="en-NIV-430"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">5 </sup>Let me get you something to eat,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-430J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)"></sup> so you can be refreshed and then go on your way—now that you have come to your servant.”</span><br />
<span class="text Gen-18-5">“Very well,” they answered, “do as you say.”</span><br />
<span class="text Gen-18-6" id="en-NIV-431"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">6 </sup>So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah. “Quick,” he said, “get three seahs<sup class="footnote" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-431b" title="See footnote b">b</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+18&version=NIV#fen-NIV-431b" style="color: #b37162; text-decoration: initial; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote b">b</a>]</sup> of the finest flour and knead it and bake some bread.”<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-431K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)"></sup></span><br />
<span class="text Gen-18-7" id="en-NIV-432"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">7 </sup>Then he ran to the herd and selected a choice, tender calf<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-432L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)"></sup> and gave it to a servant, who hurried to prepare it.</span> <span class="text Gen-18-8" id="en-NIV-433"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">8 </sup>He then brought some curds<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-433M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)"></sup> and milk<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-433N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)"></sup> and the calf that had been prepared, and set these before them.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-433O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)"></sup> While they ate, he stood near them under a tree.</span><br />
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*He immediately shows <i>hospitality</i> and serves them<br />
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*Abraham understands and practices the importance of service & hospitality:<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">"Share with the Lord’s people who are in need.</span><sup class="crossreference" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28259A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> Practice hospitality."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">(Romans 12:13)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">"Offer hospitality</span><sup class="crossreference" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30456A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> to one another without grumbling."</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(1 Peter 4:9)</span><br />
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<span class="text Gen-18-9" id="en-NIV-434">“Where is your wife Sarah?”<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-434P" title="See cross-reference P">P</a>)"></sup> they asked him.</span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-18-9">“There, in the tent,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-434Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)"></sup>” he said.</span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-18-10" id="en-NIV-435"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">10 </sup>Then one of them said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-435R" title="See cross-reference R">R</a>)"></sup> and Sarah your wife will have a son.”<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-435S" title="See cross-reference S">S</a>)"></sup></span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-18-10">Now Sarah was listening at the entrance to the tent, which was behind him.</span> <span class="text Gen-18-11" id="en-NIV-436"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">11 </sup>Abraham and Sarah were already very old,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-436T" title="See cross-reference T">T</a>)"></sup> and Sarah was past the age of childbearing.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-436U" title="See cross-reference U">U</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Gen-18-12" id="en-NIV-437"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">12 </sup>So Sarah laughed<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-437V" title="See cross-reference V">V</a>)"></sup> to herself as she thought, “After I am worn out and my lord<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-437W" title="See cross-reference W">W</a>)"></sup> is old, will I now have this pleasure?”</span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-18-13" id="en-NIV-438"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">13 </sup>Then the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Will I really have a child, now that I am old?’<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-438X" title="See cross-reference X">X</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Gen-18-14" id="en-NIV-439"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">14 </sup>Is anything too hard for the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>?<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-439Y" title="See cross-reference Y">Y</a>)"></sup> I will return to you at the appointed time next year,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-439Z" title="See cross-reference Z">Z</a>)"></sup> and Sarah will have a son.”<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-439AA" title="See cross-reference AA">AA</a>)"></sup></span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-18-15" id="en-NIV-440"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">15 </sup>Sarah was afraid, so she lied and said, “I did not laugh.”</span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-18-15">But he said, “Yes, you did laugh.”</span></div>
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<b>Abraham pleads for Sodom</b></div>
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(18:16-33)</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Verses 22-33, Abraham </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">humbly</i><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> intercedes for Sodom.</span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-18-22" id="en-NIV-447"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">22 </sup>The men<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-447AO" title="See cross-reference AO">AO</a>)"></sup> turned away and went toward Sodom,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-447AP" title="See cross-reference AP">AP</a>)"></sup> but Abraham remained standing before the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>.<sup class="footnote" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-447d" title="See footnote d">d</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+18&version=NIV#fen-NIV-447d" style="color: #b37162; text-decoration: initial; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote d">d</a>]</sup><sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-447AQ" title="See cross-reference AQ">AQ</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Gen-18-23" id="en-NIV-448"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">23 </sup>Then Abraham approached him and said: “Will you sweep away the righteous with the wicked?<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-448AR" title="See cross-reference AR">AR</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Gen-18-24" id="en-NIV-449"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">24 </sup>What if there are fifty righteous people in the city? Will you really sweep it away and not spare<sup class="footnote" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-449e" title="See footnote e">e</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+18&version=NIV#fen-NIV-449e" style="color: #b37162; text-decoration: initial; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote e">e</a>]</sup> the place for the sake of the fifty righteous people in it?<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-449AS" title="See cross-reference AS">AS</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Gen-18-25" id="en-NIV-450"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">25 </sup>Far be it from you to do such a thing<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-450AT" title="See cross-reference AT">AT</a>)"></sup>—to kill the righteous with the wicked, treating the righteous<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-450AU" title="See cross-reference AU">AU</a>)"></sup> and the wicked alike.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-450AV" title="See cross-reference AV">AV</a>)"></sup> Far be it from you! Will not the Judge<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-450AW" title="See cross-reference AW">AW</a>)"></sup> of all the earth do right?”<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-450AX" title="See cross-reference AX">AX</a>)"></sup></span><br />
<span class="text Gen-18-26" id="en-NIV-451"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">26 </sup>The <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> said, “If I find fifty righteous people in the city of Sodom, I will spare the whole place for their sake.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-451AY" title="See cross-reference AY">AY</a>)"></sup>”</span><br />
<span class="text Gen-18-27" id="en-NIV-452"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">27 </sup>Then Abraham spoke up again: “Now that I have been so bold as to speak to the Lord, though I am nothing but dust and ashes,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-452AZ" title="See cross-reference AZ">AZ</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Gen-18-28" id="en-NIV-453"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">28 </sup>what if the number of the righteous is five less than fifty? Will you destroy the whole city for lack of five people?”</span><br />
<span class="text Gen-18-28">“If I find forty-five there,” he said, “I will not destroy it.”</span><br />
<span class="text Gen-18-29" id="en-NIV-454"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">29 </sup>Once again he spoke to him, “What if only forty are found there?”</span><br />
<span class="text Gen-18-29">He said, “For the sake of forty, I will not do it.”</span><br />
<span class="text Gen-18-30" id="en-NIV-455"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">30 </sup>Then he said, “May the Lord not be angry,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-455BA" title="See cross-reference BA">BA</a>)"></sup> but let me speak. What if only thirty can be found there?”</span><br />
<span class="text Gen-18-30">He answered, “I will not do it if I find thirty there.”</span><br />
<span class="text Gen-18-31" id="en-NIV-456"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">31 </sup>Abraham said, “Now that I have been so bold as to speak to the Lord, what if only twenty can be found there?”</span><br />
<span class="text Gen-18-31">He said, “For the sake of twenty, I will not destroy it.”</span><br />
<span class="text Gen-18-32" id="en-NIV-457"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">32 </sup>Then he said, “May the Lord not be angry, but let me speak just once more.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-457BB" title="See cross-reference BB">BB</a>)"></sup> What if only ten can be found there?”</span><br />
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<span class="text Gen-18-32">Abraham pleads for 50 people, The Lord answers YES</span><br />
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<span class="text Gen-18-32">45, YES</span><br />
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<span class="text Gen-18-32">40, YES</span><br />
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<span class="text Gen-18-32">30, YES</span><br />
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<span class="text Gen-18-32">20, YES</span><br />
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<span class="text Gen-18-32">10, YES</span><br />
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<span class="text Gen-18-32">He answered, “For the sake of ten,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-457BC" title="See cross-reference BC">BC</a>)"></sup> I will not destroy it.”</span><br />
<span class="text Gen-18-33" id="en-NIV-458"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">33 </sup>When the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> had finished speaking<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-458BD" title="See cross-reference BD">BD</a>)"></sup> with Abraham, he left,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-458BE" title="See cross-reference BE">BE</a>)"></sup> and Abraham returned home.</span><br />
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**Our Lords ministry today is a ministry of intercession so we are never more like our God than when we are interceding for others.<br />
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<span class="text Rom-8-31" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">31</sup>What, then, shall we say in response to these things?<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28148E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup> If God is for us,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28148F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup> who can be against us?<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28148G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></sup></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text Rom-8-32" id="en-NIV-28149" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">32 </sup>He who did not spare his own Son,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28149H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></sup> but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text Rom-8-33" id="en-NIV-28150" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">33 </sup>Who will bring any charge<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28150I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)"></sup> against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text Rom-8-34" id="en-NIV-28151" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">34 </sup>Who then is the one who condemns?<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28151J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)"></sup> No one. Christ Jesus who died<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28151K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)"></sup>—more than that, who was raised to life<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28151L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)"></sup>—is at the right hand of God<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28151M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)"></sup> and is also interceding for us.</span><br />
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<span class="text Rom-8-34" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span style="background-color: white;">(Romans 8:31-34)</span></span></div>
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<br />A Heart of Hopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09012650366366359567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6396145801609988992.post-63101683099232462112013-01-17T14:04:00.003-08:002013-01-17T14:14:47.105-08:00Genesis 17<div style="text-align: center;">
Genesis 17 (The covenant of Circumcision)</div>
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<b>Abram</b>-Exalted father<br />
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changes to<br />
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<b>Abraham</b>-Father of a multitude<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">(17:5) </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">No longer will you be called Abram</span><sup class="footnote" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-403b" title="See footnote b">b</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2017&version=NIV#fen-NIV-403b" style="color: #b37162; text-decoration: initial; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote b">b</a>]</sup><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">; your name will be Abraham,</span><sup class="footnote" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-403c" title="See footnote c">c</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2017&version=NIV#fen-NIV-403c" style="color: #b37162; text-decoration: initial; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote c">c</a>]</sup><sup class="crossreference" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-403J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)"></sup><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> for I have made you a father of many nations.</span><br />
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<span class="text Gen-17-6" id="en-NIV-404"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;"> 6</sup>I will make you very fruitful;<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-404L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)"></sup> I will make nations of you, and kings will come from you.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-404M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Gen-17-7" id="en-NIV-405"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">7 </sup>I will establish my covenant<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-405N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)"></sup> as an everlasting covenant<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-405O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)"></sup> between me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-405P" title="See cross-reference P">P</a>)"></sup> and the God of your descendants after you.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-405Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Gen-17-8" id="en-NIV-406"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">8 </sup>The whole land of Canaan,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-406R" title="See cross-reference R">R</a>)"></sup> where you now reside as a foreigner,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-406S" title="See cross-reference S">S</a>)"></sup> I will give as an everlasting possession to you and your descendants after you;<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-406T" title="See cross-reference T">T</a>)"></sup> and I will be their God.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-406U" title="See cross-reference U">U</a>)"></sup>”</span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-17-8"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-17-8">*God affirms his promise to Abraham and his descendants once again!</span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-17-8"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-17-8"><span class="text Gen-17-9" id="en-NIV-407" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">9 </sup>Then God said to Abraham, “As for you, you must keep my covenant,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-407V" title="See cross-reference V">V</a>)"></sup> you and your descendants after you for the generations to come.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-407W" title="See cross-reference W">W</a>)"></sup></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text Gen-17-10" id="en-NIV-408" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">10 </sup>This is my covenant with you and your descendants after you, the covenant you are to keep: Every male among you shall be circumcised.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-408X" title="See cross-reference X">X</a>)"></sup></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text Gen-17-11" id="en-NIV-409" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">11 </sup>You are to undergo circumcision,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-409Y" title="See cross-reference Y">Y</a>)"></sup> and it will be the sign of the covenant<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-409Z" title="See cross-reference Z">Z</a>)"></sup>between me and you.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text Gen-17-12" id="en-NIV-410" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">12 </sup>For the generations to come<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-410AA" title="See cross-reference AA">AA</a>)"></sup> every male among you who is eight days old must be circumcised,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-410AB" title="See cross-reference AB">AB</a>)"></sup> including those born in your household or bought with money from a foreigner—those who are not your offspring.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text Gen-17-13" id="en-NIV-411" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">13 </sup>Whether born in your household or bought with your money, they must be circumcised.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-411AC" title="See cross-reference AC">AC</a>)"></sup> My covenant in your flesh is to be an everlasting covenant.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-411AD" title="See cross-reference AD">AD</a>)"></sup></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text Gen-17-14" id="en-NIV-412" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">14 </sup>Any uncircumcised male, who has not been circumcised<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-412AE" title="See cross-reference AE">AE</a>)"></sup> in the flesh, will be cut off from his people;<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-412AF" title="See cross-reference AF">AF</a>)"></sup> he has broken my covenant.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-412AG" title="See cross-reference AG">AG</a>)"></sup>”</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-17-8"><span class="text Gen-17-14" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">*Not as fun to think about, but God uses circumcision to symbolize that the people were accepted by God because of His gracious covenant.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">We must remember it was not circumcision itself, or the very act of Baptism, Communion... But stands for something MUCH deeper, our relationship to God!</span></div>
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Please understand I am not denying the power of baptism and communion, but want to stress that these things do not serve as the <i>MEANS</i> of our salvation, but the<i> MARK</i> of our separation from sin and salvation from God!</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">We must totally devoted to Him in love & obedience!!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><b>(17:15-18)</b></span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-17-15" id="en-NIV-413">God also said to Abraham, “As for Sarai<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-413AH" title="See cross-reference AH">AH</a>)"></sup> your wife, you are no longer to call her Sarai; her name will be Sarah.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-413AI" title="See cross-reference AI">AI</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Gen-17-16" id="en-NIV-414"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">16 </sup>I will bless her and will surely give you a son by her.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-414AJ" title="See cross-reference AJ">AJ</a>)"></sup> I will bless her so that she will be the mother of nations;<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-414AK" title="See cross-reference AK">AK</a>)"></sup> kings of peoples will come from her.”</span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-17-17" id="en-NIV-415"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">17 </sup>Abraham fell facedown;<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-415AL" title="See cross-reference AL">AL</a>)"></sup> he laughed<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-415AM" title="See cross-reference AM">AM</a>)"></sup> and said to himself, “Will a son be born to a man a hundred years old?<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-415AN" title="See cross-reference AN">AN</a>)"></sup> Will Sarah bear a child at the age of ninety?”<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-415AO" title="See cross-reference AO">AO</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Gen-17-18" id="en-NIV-416"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">18 </sup>And Abraham said to God, “If only Ishmael<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-416AP" title="See cross-reference AP">AP</a>)"></sup> might live under your blessing!”</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">*Sarai (we are not sure exactly what this meant, but is believed to have meant "to mock", or "to be contentious").</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">changes to</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Sarah (Princess) -Mother of Kings</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Both Abraham & Sarah trusted God and desired to accomplish His purposes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We can learn so much from each!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Abraham- Models the need to walk by faith, trust in God and BELIEVE He will accomplish and fulfill ALL He says He will!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sarah-Serves as a great example for Christian wives, as well as single women to admonish as she trusts in the Lord and His perfect timing and serves as a mother to the Jewish people.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Like Abraham,the Christian husband should treat his wife like a princess because that is what she is in the Lord!! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Also, Christian wives should serve, submit, and be led by their husbands like Sarah was to Abraham. Though she did not hear all of the promises God made to Abraham she too believed IN FAITH, they would come to pass!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Genesis 17 continued...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3 different kinds of laughter associated with Isaacs birth.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. (Laughter of JOY) Abraham-When he heard his wife would give birth to the promised son. (Gen. 17:17)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. (Laughter of UNBELIEF) Sarah- When she heard the news. (Genesis 18:9-15)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. (Laughter of JOY) Sarah- When Isaac was born.(Genesis 21:6-7)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Isaac- 'He laughs'</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Motherhood should be HIGHLY esteemed and the birth of a baby welcomed with Joy!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(This rings VERY close to home, as my sister is due to deliver my sweet niece ANY DAY!!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We see Gods heart for Parents/Children through the following verses...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Psalm 113:9</span></div>
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<div class="poetry top-05" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
He settles the childless<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-15823A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> woman in her home</div>
<span class="indent-1"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-113-9" style="position: relative;">as a happy mother of children.</span></span></div>
<span class="indent-1">
</span></div>
<div class="poetry top-05" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
<div class="line" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="text Ps-113-9" style="position: relative;">Praise the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>.</span></div>
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<div class="line" style="text-align: center;">
Psalm 127:3-5</div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Children are a heritage from the </span><span class="small-caps" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">,</span></div>
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-127-3" style="position: relative;">offspring a reward<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-16125A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> from him.</span></span></div>
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
</span><span class="text Ps-127-4" id="en-NIV-16126" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;">4 </sup></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="text Ps-127-4" id="en-NIV-16126" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; position: relative;">Like arrows<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-16126B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup> in the hands of a warrior</span></div>
<span class="text Ps-127-4" id="en-NIV-16126" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; position: relative;">
</span><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-127-4" style="position: relative;">are children born in one’s youth.</span></div>
</span><span class="text Ps-127-5" id="en-NIV-16127" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;">5 </sup><div style="text-align: center;">
Blessed is the man</div>
</span><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-127-5" style="position: relative;">whose quiver is full of them.</span></div>
</span><span class="text Ps-127-5" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; position: relative;"><div style="text-align: center;">
They will not be put to shame</div>
</span><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-127-5" style="position: relative;">when they contend with their opponents<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-16127D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup> in court.</span></div>
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Matthew 19:14</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">Jesus said, </span><span class="woj" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23777A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> to such as these.”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Psalm 139:13-18</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="poetry top-05" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative; text-align: start;">
<div class="line">
<span class="text Ps-139-13" id="en-NIV-16253" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;">13 </sup></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For you created my inmost being;</div>
<span class="indent-1"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-13" style="position: relative;">you knit me together<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-16253B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup> in my mother’s womb.</span></span></div>
<span class="indent-1">
</span><span class="text Ps-139-14" id="en-NIV-16254" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;">14 </sup></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="text Ps-139-14" id="en-NIV-16254" style="position: relative;">I praise you<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-16254D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup> because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;</span></div>
<span class="text Ps-139-14" id="en-NIV-16254" style="position: relative;">
</span><span class="indent-1"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-14" style="position: relative;">your works are wonderful,</span></div>
</span><span class="indent-1"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-14" style="position: relative;">I know that full well.</span></div>
</span><span class="text Ps-139-15" id="en-NIV-16255" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;">15 </sup><div style="text-align: center;">
My frame was not hidden from you</div>
</span><span class="indent-1"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-15" style="position: relative;">when I was made<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-16255F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup> in the secret place,</span></div>
</span><span class="indent-1"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-15" style="position: relative;">when I was woven together<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-16255G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></sup> in the depths of the earth.</span></div>
</span><span class="text Ps-139-16" id="en-NIV-16256" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;">16 </sup><div style="text-align: center;">
Your eyes saw my unformed body;</div>
</span><span class="indent-1"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-16" style="position: relative;">all the days ordained<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-16256I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)"></sup> for me were written in your book</span></div>
</span><span class="indent-1"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-16" style="position: relative;">before one of them came to be.</span></div>
</span><span class="text Ps-139-17" id="en-NIV-16257" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;">17 </sup><div style="text-align: center;">
How precious to me are your thoughts,<sup class="footnote" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-16257a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm%20139:13-18&version=NIV#fen-NIV-16257a" style="color: #b37162; text-decoration: initial; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</sup><sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-16257J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)"></sup> God!</div>
</span><span class="indent-1"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-17" style="position: relative;">How vast is the sum of them!</span></div>
</span><span class="text Ps-139-18" id="en-NIV-16258" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;">18 </sup><div style="text-align: center;">
Were I to count them,</div>
</span><span class="indent-1"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-18" style="position: relative;">they would outnumber the grains of sand<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-16258M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)"></sup>—</span></div>
</span><span class="indent-1"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-18" style="position: relative;">when I awake,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-16258N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)"></sup> I am still with you.</span></div>
</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="text Gen-17-8"><span class="text Gen-17-14" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span class="text Gen-17-8"><span class="text Gen-17-14" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Gen-17-19" id="en-NIV-417"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">19 </sup>Then God said, “Yes, but your wife Sarah will bear you a son,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-417AR" title="See cross-reference AR">AR</a>)"></sup> and you will call him Isaac.<sup class="footnote" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-417d" title="See footnote d">d</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2017&version=NIV#fen-NIV-417d" style="color: #b37162; text-decoration: initial; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote d">d</a>]</sup><sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-417AS" title="See cross-reference AS">AS</a>)"></sup> I will establish my covenant with him<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-417AT" title="See cross-reference AT">AT</a>)"></sup> as an everlasting covenant<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-417AU" title="See cross-reference AU">AU</a>)"></sup> for his descendants after him.</span> <span class="text Gen-17-20" id="en-NIV-418"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">20 </sup>And as for Ishmael, I have heard you: I will surely bless him; I will make him fruitful and will greatly increase his numbers.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-418AV" title="See cross-reference AV">AV</a>)"></sup> He will be the father of twelve rulers,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-418AW" title="See cross-reference AW">AW</a>)"></sup> and I will make him into a great nation.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-418AX" title="See cross-reference AX">AX</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Gen-17-21" id="en-NIV-419"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">21 </sup>But my covenant<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-419AY" title="See cross-reference AY">AY</a>)"></sup> I will establish with Isaac, whom Sarah will bear to you<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-419AZ" title="See cross-reference AZ">AZ</a>)"></sup> by this time next year.”<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-419BA" title="See cross-reference BA">BA</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Gen-17-22" id="en-NIV-420"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">22 </sup>When he had finished speaking with Abraham, God went up from him.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-420BB" title="See cross-reference BB">BB</a>)"></sup></span></span></span></div>
<span class="text Gen-17-8"><span class="text Gen-17-14" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
</span></span>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span class="text Gen-17-8"><span class="text Gen-17-14" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Gen-17-23" id="en-NIV-421"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">23 </sup>On that very day Abraham took his son Ishmael and all those born in his household<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-421BC" title="See cross-reference BC">BC</a>)"></sup> or bought with his money, every male in his household, and circumcised them, as God told him.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-421BD" title="See cross-reference BD">BD</a>)"></sup></span><span class="text Gen-17-24" id="en-NIV-422"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">24 </sup>Abraham was ninety-nine years old<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-422BE" title="See cross-reference BE">BE</a>)"></sup> when he was circumcised,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-422BF" title="See cross-reference BF">BF</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Gen-17-25" id="en-NIV-423"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">25 </sup>and his son Ishmael<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-423BG" title="See cross-reference BG">BG</a>)"></sup> was thirteen;</span> <span class="text Gen-17-26" id="en-NIV-424"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">26 </sup>Abraham and his son Ishmael were both circumcised on that very day.</span> <span class="text Gen-17-27" id="en-NIV-425"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">27 </sup>And every male in Abraham’s household<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-425BH" title="See cross-reference BH">BH</a>)"></sup>, including those born in his household or bought from a foreigner, was circumcised with him.</span></span></span></div>
<span class="text Gen-17-8"><span class="text Gen-17-14" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span class="text Gen-17-27"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-17-27">**Ishmael & Isaac were the first two babies named prior to being born. (How important names are)</span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-17-8"><span class="text Gen-17-14" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">*Ishmael (God hears)</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-17-8"><span class="text Gen-17-14" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Represents our first birth. Living a life after the flesh </span></span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-17-8"><span class="text Gen-17-14" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Focuses on the past</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-17-8"><span class="text Gen-17-14" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-17-8"><span class="text Gen-17-14" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">*Isaac (He laughs)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Represents our second birth. A life lived through the Spirit. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Focuses on the future.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Looking at both lives represents our constant battle between flesh and Spirit, which we will continue to battle until Christ Jesus returns.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Galatians 4:28-31</span></div>
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<span class="text Gal-4-28" id="en-NIV-29160"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">28 </sup>Now you, brothers and sisters, like Isaac, are children of promise.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29160A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Gal-4-29" id="en-NIV-29161"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">29 </sup>At that time the son born according to the flesh<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29161B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup> persecuted the son born by the power of the Spirit.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29161C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup> It is the same now.</span> <span class="text Gal-4-30" id="en-NIV-29162"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">30 </sup>But what does Scripture say? “Get rid of the slave woman and her son, for the slave woman’s son will never share in the inheritance with the free woman’s son.”<sup class="footnote" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-29162a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+4%3A28-31&version=NIV#fen-NIV-29162a" style="color: #b37162; text-decoration: initial; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</sup><sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29162D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup></span><span class="text Gal-4-31" id="en-NIV-29163"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">31 </sup>Therefore, brothers and sisters, we are not children of the slave woman,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29163E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup> but of the free woman.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29163F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Beautiful truth which foreshadows the freedom to come through Christ!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Can I get an amen!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Joyfully, </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hannah </span><br />
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A Heart of Hopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09012650366366359567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6396145801609988992.post-53558469051886449552013-01-17T12:13:00.003-08:002013-01-17T12:25:20.346-08:00Genesis 16Genesis 16 (Sarai & Hagar)<br />
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Sarai grows impatient and has Hagar sleep with Abram to have a child. (Ishmael)<br />
*We must remember "Gods delays are NOT Gods denials!"<br />
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They took a detour and suffered the consequences.<br />
It is dangerous to depend on our own wisdom. Even if God has revealed something we must WAIT on Him to bring it into fulfillment.<br />
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**Whatever is truly done by faith, is done for the Glory of God, not praise of man.<br />
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One of my favorite quotes right now is the following...<br />
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"Faith that guards fear is faith in the WORD OF GOD, not Feelings!"<br />
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<u>Evidence of biblical faith:</u><br />
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1. You are willing to wait.<br />
2. You are concerned only for the glory of God!<br />
3.You are obeying Gods word<br />
4.You have Gods joy and peace within.<br />
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<div class="chapter-2" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="text Gen-16-2" id="en-NIV-384">(16:1-2) </span><span class="text Gen-16-1">Now Sarai,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-383A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> Abram’s wife, had borne him no children.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-383B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup> But she had an Egyptian slave <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-383C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup>named Hagar;<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-383D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Gen-16-2" id="en-NIV-384"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">2 </sup>so she said to Abram, “The <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> has kept me from having children.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-384E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup> Go, sleep with my slave; perhaps I can build a family through her.”</span></div>
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Sarai wavered, second guessed God, she knew Abram would "have descendants that outnumbered the stars" but allowed doubt to creep that she would not be the mother and needed to take matters into her own hands....That is when the trouble came...<br />
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<span class="text Gen-16-5" id="en-NIV-387">Then Sarai said to Abram, “You are responsible for the wrong I am suffering. I put my slave in your arms, and now that she knows she is pregnant, she despises me. May the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> judge between you and me.”<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-387K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)"></sup></span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-16-6" id="en-NIV-388"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">6 </sup>“Your slave is in your hands,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-388L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)"></sup>” Abram said. “Do with her whatever you think best.” Then Sarai mistreated<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-388M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)"></sup> Hagar; so she fled from her.</span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-16-7" id="en-NIV-389"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">7 </sup>The angel of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span><sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-389N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)"></sup> found Hagar near a spring<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-389O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)"></sup> in the desert; it was the spring that is beside the road to Shur.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-389P" title="See cross-reference P">P</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Gen-16-8" id="en-NIV-390"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">8 </sup>And he said, “Hagar,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-390Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)"></sup> slave of Sarai, where have you come from, and where are you going?”<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-390R" title="See cross-reference R">R</a>)"></sup></span><br />
<span class="text Gen-16-8">“I’m running away from my mistress Sarai,” she answered.</span><br />
<span class="text Gen-16-9" id="en-NIV-391"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">9 </sup>Then the angel of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> told her, “Go back to your mistress and submit to her.”</span> <span class="text Gen-16-10" id="en-NIV-392"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">10 </sup>The angel added, “I will increase your descendants so much that they will be too numerous to count.”<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-392S" title="See cross-reference S">S</a>)"></sup></span><br />
<span class="text Gen-16-11" id="en-NIV-393"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">11 </sup>The angel of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span><sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-393T" title="See cross-reference T">T</a>)"></sup> also said to her:</span><br />
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<span class="text Gen-16-11" style="position: relative;">“You are now pregnant</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Gen-16-11" style="position: relative;">and you will give birth to a son.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-393U" title="See cross-reference U">U</a>)"></sup></span></span><br />
<span class="text Gen-16-11" style="position: relative;">You shall name him<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-393V" title="See cross-reference V">V</a>)"></sup> Ishmael,<sup class="footnote" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-393a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+16&version=NIV#fen-NIV-393a" style="color: #b37162; text-decoration: initial; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</sup><sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-393W" title="See cross-reference W">W</a>)"></sup></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Gen-16-11" style="position: relative;">for the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> has heard of your misery.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-393X" title="See cross-reference X">X</a>)"></sup></span></span><br />
<span class="text Gen-16-12" id="en-NIV-394" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">12 </sup>He will be a wild donkey<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-394Y" title="See cross-reference Y">Y</a>)"></sup> of a man;</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Gen-16-12" style="position: relative;">his hand will be against everyone</span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Gen-16-12" style="position: relative;">and everyone’s hand against him,</span></span><br />
<span class="text Gen-16-12" style="position: relative;">and he will live in hostility</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Gen-16-12" style="position: relative;">toward<sup class="footnote" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-394b" title="See footnote b">b</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+16&version=NIV#fen-NIV-394b" style="color: #b37162; text-decoration: initial; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote b">b</a>]</sup> all his brothers.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-394Z" title="See cross-reference Z">Z</a>)"></sup>”</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-16-13" id="en-NIV-395"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">13 </sup>She gave this name to the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> who spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-395AA" title="See cross-reference AA">AA</a>)"></sup>” for she said, “I have now seen<sup class="footnote" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-395c" title="See footnote c">c</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+16&version=NIV#fen-NIV-395c" style="color: #b37162; text-decoration: initial; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote c">c</a>]</sup> the One who sees me.”<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-395AB" title="See cross-reference AB">AB</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Gen-16-14" id="en-NIV-396"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">14 </sup>That is why the well<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-396AC" title="See cross-reference AC">AC</a>)"></sup> was called Beer Lahai Roi<sup class="footnote" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-396d" title="See footnote d">d</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+16&version=NIV#fen-NIV-396d" style="color: #b37162; text-decoration: initial; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote d">d</a>]</sup>;<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-396AD" title="See cross-reference AD">AD</a>)"></sup> it is still there, between Kadesh<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-396AE" title="See cross-reference AE">AE</a>)"></sup> and Bered.</span></div>
<span class="text Gen-16-15" id="en-NIV-397"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">15 </sup>So Hagar<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-397AF" title="See cross-reference AF">AF</a>)"></sup> bore Abram a son,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-397AG" title="See cross-reference AG">AG</a>)"></sup> and Abram gave the name Ishmael<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-397AH" title="See cross-reference AH">AH</a>)"></sup> to the son she had borne.</span> <span class="text Gen-16-16" id="en-NIV-398"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">16 </sup>Abram was eighty-six years old<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-398AI" title="See cross-reference AI">AI</a>)"></sup> when Hagar bore him Ishmael, meaning '</span><span style="background-color: transparent;">God hears'.</span><br />
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<span class="text Gen-16-6"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;">**After Hagar fled she was met by the Angel of the Lord (Jesus) at</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;"></span><span style="background-color: transparent;">"Beer-lahai-roi" meaning, <u>The well of the one who lives and sees me</u>."</span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-16-6"><b>*</b>He is a personal God, concerned about abused people & unborn babies!</span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-16-6"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-16-6"><b>**When God cannot rule, He overrules, and He ALWAYS accomplishes His purposes!</b></span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-16-6"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<br />A Heart of Hopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09012650366366359567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6396145801609988992.post-55406999901504798592013-01-17T08:36:00.000-08:002013-01-17T08:38:10.263-08:00Genesis 15Genesis 15 (Gods covenant with Abram)<br />
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*The Dark Night of the Soul<br />
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<b>(15:1-2) </b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">After this, the word of the</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="small-caps" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">came to Abram</span><sup class="crossreference" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-362A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">in a vision:</span><br />
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<span class="text Gen-15-1" style="position: relative;">“Do not be afraid,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-362C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup> Abram.</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Gen-15-1" style="position: relative;">I am your shield,<sup class="footnote" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-362a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2015&version=NIV#fen-NIV-362a" style="color: #b37162; text-decoration: initial; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</sup><sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-362D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup></span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Gen-15-1" style="position: relative;">your very great reward.<sup class="footnote" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-362b" title="See footnote b">b</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2015&version=NIV#fen-NIV-362b" style="color: #b37162; text-decoration: initial; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote b">b</a>]</sup><sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-362E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup>”</span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Gen-15-1" style="position: relative;"><span class="text Gen-15-2" id="en-NIV-363"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">2 </sup>But Abram said, “Sovereign <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-363F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup> what can you give me since I remain childless<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-363G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></sup> and the one who will inherit<sup class="footnote" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-363c" title="See footnote c">c</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2015&version=NIV#fen-NIV-363c" style="color: #b37162; text-decoration: initial; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote c">c</a>]</sup> my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-363H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></sup>”</span> <span class="text Gen-15-3" id="en-NIV-364"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">3 </sup>And Abram said, “You have given me no children; so a servant<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-364I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)"></sup> in my household<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-364J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)"></sup> will be my heir.”</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Gen-15-1" style="position: relative;">I like the ESV translation as well ...</span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Gen-15-1" style="position: relative;">After these things the word of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> came to Abram in a vision: <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-362A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup>“Fear not, Abram, I am <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-362B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup>your shield; your reward shall be very great.”</span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Gen-15-1" style="position: relative;"><span class="indent-1"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">2 </sup>But Abram said, “O Lord <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">God</span>, what will you give me, for I continue<sup class="footnote" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="[<a href="#fen-ESV-363a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2015&version=ESV#fen-ESV-363a" style="color: #b37162; text-decoration: initial; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</sup> childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?”<sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">3 </sup>And Abram said, “Behold, you have given me no offspring, and <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-364C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup>a member of my household will be my heir.” </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Gen-15-1" style="position: relative;"><span class="indent-1"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Gen-15-1" style="position: relative;">*First time 'the word of the Lord came' is mentioned in the bible! Also, Abram continues to ask questions even though God has promised MULTIPLE times that his reward will be great... </span></span></div>
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Notice how God responds to him in verse 4...</div>
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<span class="text Gen-15-4" id="en-NIV-365"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>Then the word of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> came to him: “This man will not be your heir, but a son who is your own flesh and blood will be your heir.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-365K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)"></sup>”</span> <span class="text Gen-15-5" id="en-NIV-366"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">5 </sup><b>He took him outside and said, “Look up at the sky and count the stars<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-366L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)"></sup>—if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring<sup class="footnote" style="font-size: 0.65em; vertical-align: top;" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-366d" title="See footnote d">d</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2015&version=NIV#fen-NIV-366d" style="color: #b37162; text-decoration: initial; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote d">d</a>]</sup> be.”</b></span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-15-5"><b>*</b>God took him outside and turned his gaze from earthly things (what was in front/around him) and turned his gaze up towards the heavens and makes a promise to him.</span></div>
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Reading further, look at verse 6..</div>
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<sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">6 </sup>Abram <b>believed the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></b>, and he credited it to him as <b>righteousness</b>.</div>
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*What a beautiful truth! 'credited it to him as righteousness' meaning Abram was able to receive the righteousness (free from guilt/shame) as he believed in Gods power to do and fulfill what was promised!</div>
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<sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">7 </sup>He also said to him, “I am the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, who brought you out<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-368O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)"></sup> of Ur of the Chaldeans<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-368P" title="See cross-reference P">P</a>)"></sup> to give you this land to take possession.</div>
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BUT...Much like we do, Abram STILL need affirmation...</div>
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<span class="text Gen-15-8" id="en-NIV-369"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">8 </sup>But Abram said, “Sovereign <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-369R" title="See cross-reference R">R</a>)"></sup> how can I know<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-369S" title="See cross-reference S">S</a>)"></sup> that I will gain possession of it?”</span><br />
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<span class="text Gen-15-9" id="en-NIV-370"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">9 </sup>So the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> said to him, “Bring me a heifer,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-370U" title="See cross-reference U">U</a>)"></sup> a goat and a ram, each three years old,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-370V" title="See cross-reference V">V</a>)"></sup> along with a dove and a young pigeon.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-370W" title="See cross-reference W">W</a>)"></sup>”</span><br />
<span class="text Gen-15-9"><br /></span>
<span class="text Gen-15-9">*God is patient with us and LONGS to be gracious to us... (Is. 30:18)</span><br />
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<span class="text Gen-15-9"><span class="text Isa-30-18" id="en-NIV-18236" style="position: relative;">Yet the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> longs<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18236A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> to be gracious to you;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-30-18" style="position: relative;">therefore he will rise up to show you compassion.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18236B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup></span></span><br /><span class="text Isa-30-18" style="position: relative;">For the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> is a God of justice.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18236C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-30-18" style="position: relative;">Blessed are all who wait for him!</span></span></span><br />
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Back to Genesis 15:10...<br />
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<span class="text Gen-15-10" id="en-NIV-371"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">10 </sup>Abram brought all these to him, cut them in two and arranged the halves opposite each other;<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-371X" title="See cross-reference X">X</a>)"></sup> the birds, however, <b>he did not cut in half</b>.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-371Y" title="See cross-reference Y">Y</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Gen-15-11" id="en-NIV-372"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">11 </sup>Then birds of prey came down on the carcasses,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-372Z" title="See cross-reference Z">Z</a>)"></sup> but Abram drove them away.</span></div>
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*Abram obeys and prepares to bring a sacrifice as the Lord commanded...</div>
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<span class="text Gen-15-12" id="en-NIV-373"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">12 </sup>As the sun was setting, Abram fell into a deep sleep,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-373AA" title="See cross-reference AA">AA</a>)"></sup> and a thick and dreadful darkness came over him.</span> </div>
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<span class="text Gen-15-13" id="en-NIV-374"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">13 </sup><b>Then</b> the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> said to him, “Know for certain that for four hundred years<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-374AB" title="See cross-reference AB">AB</a>)"></sup>your descendants will be strangers in a country not their own and that they will be enslaved<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-374AC" title="See cross-reference AC">AC</a>)"></sup>and mistreated there.</span> <span class="text Gen-15-14" id="en-NIV-375"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">14 </sup>But I will punish the nation they serve as slaves, and afterward they will come out<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-375AD" title="See cross-reference AD">AD</a>)"></sup> with great possessions.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-375AE" title="See cross-reference AE">AE</a>)"></sup></span> </div>
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<span class="text Gen-15-15" id="en-NIV-376"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">15 </sup>You, however, will go to your ancestors<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-376AF" title="See cross-reference AF">AF</a>)"></sup> in peace and be buried at a good old age.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-376AG" title="See cross-reference AG">AG</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Gen-15-16" id="en-NIV-377"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">16 </sup>In the fourth generation<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-377AH" title="See cross-reference AH">AH</a>)"></sup> your descendants will come back here,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-377AI" title="See cross-reference AI">AI</a>)"></sup> for the sin of the Amorites<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-377AJ" title="See cross-reference AJ">AJ</a>)"></sup> has not yet reached its full measure.”</span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-15-16">*The Lord not only reveals his plan for Abram and his descendants but tells him specific things that are to come...</span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-15-17" id="en-NIV-378"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">17 </sup>When the sun had set and darkness had fallen, <b><u>a smoking firepot with a blazing torch <sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-378AK" title="See cross-reference AK">AK</a>)"></sup>appeared and passed between the pieces.</u></b><sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-378AL" title="See cross-reference AL">AL</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Gen-15-18" id="en-NIV-379"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">18 </sup>On that day the <b><span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> made a covenant with Abram<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-379AM" title="See cross-reference AM">AM</a>)"></sup> </b>and said, “To your descendants I give this land,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-379AN" title="See cross-reference AN">AN</a>)"></sup> from the Wadi<sup class="footnote" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-379e" title="See footnote e">e</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2015&version=NIV#fen-NIV-379e" style="color: #b37162; text-decoration: initial; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote e">e</a>]</sup> of Egypt<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-379AO" title="See cross-reference AO">AO</a>)"></sup> to the great river, the Euphrates<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-379AP" title="See cross-reference AP">AP</a>)"></sup>—</span> <span class="text Gen-15-19" id="en-NIV-380"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">19 </sup>the land of the Kenites,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-380AQ" title="See cross-reference AQ">AQ</a>)"></sup> Kenizzites, Kadmonites,</span> <span class="text Gen-15-20" id="en-NIV-381"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">20 </sup>Hittites,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-381AR" title="See cross-reference AR">AR</a>)"></sup>Perizzites,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-381AS" title="See cross-reference AS">AS</a>)"></sup> Rephaites,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-381AT" title="See cross-reference AT">AT</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Gen-15-21" id="en-NIV-382"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">21 </sup>Amorites, Canaanites, Girgashites and Jebusites.”</span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-15-21"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*When making a sacrifice the people would cut the animal into two halves and then walk through the middle symbolizing, "if i break this covenant so do to me what was done to this animal." HOWEVER, notice that AS Abram is in a deep sleep, </span></span><br />
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<span class="text Gen-15-21">A smoking fire pot with a blazing torch (God) appeared and passed BETWEEN the pieces. </span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-15-21"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*God passed through the sacrifice, symbolizing His love and devotion to Abram as well as US! Through walking through the sacrifice He sealed His own covenant proving it is nothing we can do, but ONLY by the power of God alone!</span></span><br />
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WOW, WOW, WOW!<br />
In awe of our beautiful Lord,<br />
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Hannah</div>
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A Heart of Hopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09012650366366359567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6396145801609988992.post-59867493925079521582013-01-17T07:54:00.003-08:002013-01-17T07:54:42.950-08:00Genesis 14Genesis 14 (Abram rescues Lot)<br />
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<span class="text Gen-14-11" id="en-NIV-348">The four kings seized all the goods<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-348AC" title="See cross-reference AC">AC</a>)"></sup> of Sodom and Gomorrah and all their food; then they went away.</span> <span class="text Gen-14-12" id="en-NIV-349"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">12 </sup>They also carried off Abram’s nephew Lot<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-349AD" title="See cross-reference AD">AD</a>)"></sup> and his possessions, since he was living in Sodom.</span></div>
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*The people, including Lot are taken captive along with all of their possessions.</div>
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<span class="text Gen-14-13" id="en-NIV-350" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">13 A man who had escaped came and reported this to Abram the Hebrew.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-350AE" title="See cross-reference AE">AE</a>)"></sup> Now Abram was living near the great trees of Mamre<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-350AF" title="See cross-reference AF">AF</a>)"></sup> the Amorite, a brother<sup class="footnote" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-350b" title="See footnote b">b</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+14&version=NIV#fen-NIV-350b" style="color: #b37162; text-decoration: initial; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote b">b</a>]</sup> of Eshkol<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-350AG" title="See cross-reference AG">AG</a>)"></sup> and Aner, all of whom were allied with Abram.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">*A man escaped and reported to Abram that Lot had been taken captive.</span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-14-14" id="en-NIV-351" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>When Abram heard that his relative<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-351AH" title="See cross-reference AH">AH</a>)"></sup> had been taken captive, he called out the 318 trained<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-351AI" title="See cross-reference AI">AI</a>)"></sup> men born in his household<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-351AJ" title="See cross-reference AJ">AJ</a>)"></sup> and went in pursuit as far as Dan.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-351AK" title="See cross-reference AK">AK</a>)"></sup></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text Gen-14-15" id="en-NIV-352" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">15 </sup>During the night Abram divided his men<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-352AL" title="See cross-reference AL">AL</a>)"></sup> to attack them and he routed them, pursuing them as far as Hobah, north of Damascus.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-352AM" title="See cross-reference AM">AM</a>)"></sup></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text Gen-14-16" id="en-NIV-353" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">16 </sup>He recovered<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-353AN" title="See cross-reference AN">AN</a>)"></sup> all the goods<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-353AO" title="See cross-reference AO">AO</a>)"></sup> and brought back his relative Lot and his possessions, together with the women and the other people.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Abram, along with his 318 men (v.14) pursue and defeat the enemy. The Kings, Lot and the rest of the people return home with all of their possessions.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After returning home, King Melchizedek (King of Salem) is grateful and blesses Abram. (v.19-20)</span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-14-19" id="en-NIV-356"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">19 </sup>and he blessed Abram,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-356AX" title="See cross-reference AX">AX</a>)"></sup> saying,</span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-14-19" style="position: relative;">“Blessed be Abram by God Most High,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-356AY" title="See cross-reference AY">AY</a>)"></sup></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Gen-14-19" style="position: relative;">Creator of heaven and earth.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-356AZ" title="See cross-reference AZ">AZ</a>)"></sup></span></span><br /><span class="text Gen-14-20" id="en-NIV-357" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">20 </sup>And praise be to God Most High,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-357BA" title="See cross-reference BA">BA</a>)"></sup></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Gen-14-20" style="position: relative;">who delivered your enemies into your hand.”</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-14-20"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then Abram gave him (King Melchizedek) a tenth (tithe) of everything </span></span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-14-20"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">21 </sup>The king of Sodom<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-358BC" title="See cross-reference BC">BC</a>)"></sup> said to Abram, “Give me the people and keep the goods<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-358BD" title="See cross-reference BD">BD</a>)"></sup> for yourself.”</span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-14-22" id="en-NIV-359"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">22 </sup>But Abram said to the king of Sodom,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-359BE" title="See cross-reference BE">BE</a>)"></sup> “With raised hand<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-359BF" title="See cross-reference BF">BF</a>)"></sup> I have sworn an oath to the<span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, God Most High,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-359BG" title="See cross-reference BG">BG</a>)"></sup> Creator of heaven and earth,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-359BH" title="See cross-reference BH">BH</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Gen-14-23" id="en-NIV-360"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">23 </sup>that I will accept nothing belonging to you,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-360BI" title="See cross-reference BI">BI</a>)"></sup> not even a thread or the strap of a sandal, so that you will never be able to say, ‘I made Abram rich.’</span> <span class="text Gen-14-24" id="en-NIV-361"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">24 </sup>I will accept nothing but what my men have eaten and the share that belongs to the men who went with me—to Aner, Eshkol and Mamre.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-361BJ" title="See cross-reference BJ">BJ</a>)"></sup> Let them have their share.”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Abram chooses not </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">to accept any possessions</span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> from the King; This represents his desire to pursue a life of Godliness rather than worldliness.</span></span></div>
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A Heart of Hopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09012650366366359567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6396145801609988992.post-89584128975006942982013-01-16T09:17:00.001-08:002013-01-16T09:17:29.821-08:00Genesis 13<div style="text-align: center;">
Genesis 13 (Abram & Lot Separate)</div>
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Abram, Sarai, & Lot (his nephew) continue to travel to Egypt. Though Pharaoh sending them with ALL they had seemed like a blessing they soon find their possessions are too great to remain together. </div>
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<b>(13:5-18)</b></div>
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Abram allows Lot to choose and they part ways. </div>
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<span class="text Gen-13-8" id="en-NIV-327"> Abram said to Lot,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-327Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)"></sup> “Let’s not have any quarreling between you and me,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-327R" title="See cross-reference R">R</a>)"></sup> or between your herders and mine, for we are close relatives.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-327S" title="See cross-reference S">S</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Gen-13-9" id="en-NIV-328"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">9 </sup>Is not the whole land before you? Let’s part company. If you go to the left, I’ll go to the right; if you go to the right, I’ll go to the left.”<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-328T" title="See cross-reference T">T</a>)"></sup></span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-13-10" id="en-NIV-329"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">10 </sup>Lot looked around and saw that the whole plain<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-329U" title="See cross-reference U">U</a>)"></sup> of the Jordan toward Zoar<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-329V" title="See cross-reference V">V</a>)"></sup> was well watered, like the garden of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-329W" title="See cross-reference W">W</a>)"></sup> like the land of Egypt.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-329X" title="See cross-reference X">X</a>)"></sup> (This was before the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>destroyed Sodom<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-329Y" title="See cross-reference Y">Y</a>)"></sup> and Gomorrah.)<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-329Z" title="See cross-reference Z">Z</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Gen-13-11" id="en-NIV-330"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">11 </sup>So Lot chose for himself the whole plain of the Jordan and set out toward the east. The two men parted company:</span> <span class="text Gen-13-12" id="en-NIV-331"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">12 </sup>Abram lived in the land of Canaan,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-331AA" title="See cross-reference AA">AA</a>)"></sup> while Lot<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-331AB" title="See cross-reference AB">AB</a>)"></sup> lived among the cities of the plain<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-331AC" title="See cross-reference AC">AC</a>)"></sup> and pitched his tents near Sodom.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-331AD" title="See cross-reference AD">AD</a>)"></sup></span><span class="text Gen-13-13" id="en-NIV-332"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">13 </sup>Now the people of Sodom<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-332AE" title="See cross-reference AE">AE</a>)"></sup> were wicked and were sinning greatly against the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>.</span></div>
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After Lot leaves for Sodom, The Lord promises all the land to Abram and descendants too great to count! </div>
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<span class="text Gen-13-14" id="en-NIV-333"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">14 </sup>The <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> said to Abram after Lot had parted from him, “Look around from where you are, to the north and south, to the east and west.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-333AG" title="See cross-reference AG">AG</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Gen-13-15" id="en-NIV-334"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">15 </sup>All the land that you see I will give to you and your offspring<sup class="footnote" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-334a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2013&version=NIV#fen-NIV-334a" style="color: #b37162; text-decoration: initial; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</sup> forever.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-334AH" title="See cross-reference AH">AH</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Gen-13-16" id="en-NIV-335"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">16 </sup>I will make your offspring like the dust of the earth, so that if anyone could count the dust, then your offspring could be counted.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-335AI" title="See cross-reference AI">AI</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Gen-13-17" id="en-NIV-336"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">17 </sup>Go, walk through the length and breadth of the land,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-336AJ" title="See cross-reference AJ">AJ</a>)"></sup> for I am giving it to you.”<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-336AK" title="See cross-reference AK">AK</a>)"></sup></span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-13-17">Abram, in amazement of the lord pitches his tent and builds an altar to WORSHIP the Lord! </span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-13-18" id="en-NIV-337"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">18 </sup>So Abram went to live near the great trees of Mamre<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-337AL" title="See cross-reference AL">AL</a>)"></sup> at Hebron,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-337AM" title="See cross-reference AM">AM</a>)"></sup> where he pitched his tents. There he built an altar to the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>.</span></div>
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A Heart of Hopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09012650366366359567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6396145801609988992.post-26067592319869557132013-01-16T09:11:00.001-08:002013-01-16T09:11:32.187-08:00Genesis 12<div style="text-align: center;">
Genesis 12 (The call of Abram)</div>
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The Lord grants a calling on Abrams life.<br />
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<span class="text Gen-12-1">The <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-300A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> to the land<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-300B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup> I will show you.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-300C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup></span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-12-2" id="en-NIV-301" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">2 </sup>“I will make you into a great nation,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-301D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Gen-12-2" style="position: relative;">and I will bless you;<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-301E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup></span></span><br /><span class="text Gen-12-2" style="position: relative;">I will make your name great,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Gen-12-2" style="position: relative;">and you will be a blessing.<sup class="footnote" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-301a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2012&version=NIV#fen-NIV-301a" style="color: #b37162; text-decoration: initial; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</sup><sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-301F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup></span></span><br /><span class="text Gen-12-3" id="en-NIV-302" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">3 </sup>I will bless those who bless you,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Gen-12-3" style="position: relative;">and whoever curses you I will curse;<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-302G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></sup></span></span><br /><span class="text Gen-12-3" style="position: relative;">and all peoples on earth</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Gen-12-3" style="position: relative;">will be blessed through you.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-302H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></sup>”</span></span></div>
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Abram and Sarai go to Egypt where Abram tells Sarai to pretend to be his sister rather than his wife. Pharaoh then takes her in and plagues come!<br />
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Pharaoh calls for Abram to tell the truth and Pharaoh sends him away with ALL that Abram had.<br />
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<span class="text Gen-12-11" id="en-NIV-310"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">11 </sup>As he was about to enter Egypt, he said to his wife Sarai,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-310AF" title="See cross-reference AF">AF</a>)"></sup> “I know what a beautiful woman<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-310AG" title="See cross-reference AG">AG</a>)"></sup> you are.</span> <span class="text Gen-12-12" id="en-NIV-311"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">12 </sup>When the Egyptians see you, they will say, ‘This is his wife.’ Then they will kill me but will let you live.</span> <span class="text Gen-12-13" id="en-NIV-312"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">13 </sup>Say you are my sister,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-312AH" title="See cross-reference AH">AH</a>)"></sup> so that I will be treated well for your sake and my life will be spared because of you.”</span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-12-14" id="en-NIV-313"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">14 </sup>When Abram came to Egypt, the Egyptians saw that Sarai was a very beautiful woman.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-313AI" title="See cross-reference AI">AI</a>)"></sup></span><span class="text Gen-12-15" id="en-NIV-314"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">15 </sup>And when Pharaoh’s officials saw her, they praised her to Pharaoh, and she was taken into his palace.</span> <span class="text Gen-12-16" id="en-NIV-315"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">16 </sup>He treated Abram well for her sake, and Abram acquired sheep and cattle, male and female donkeys, male and female servants, and camels.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-315AJ" title="See cross-reference AJ">AJ</a>)"></sup></span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-12-17" id="en-NIV-316"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">17 </sup>But the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> inflicted<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-316AK" title="See cross-reference AK">AK</a>)"></sup> serious diseases on Pharaoh and his household<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-316AL" title="See cross-reference AL">AL</a>)"></sup> because of Abram’s wife Sarai.</span> <span class="text Gen-12-18" id="en-NIV-317"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">18 </sup>So Pharaoh summoned Abram. “What have you done to me?”<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-317AM" title="See cross-reference AM">AM</a>)"></sup> he said. “Why didn’t you tell me she was your wife?<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-317AN" title="See cross-reference AN">AN</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Gen-12-19" id="en-NIV-318"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">19 </sup>Why did you say, ‘She is my sister,’<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-318AO" title="See cross-reference AO">AO</a>)"></sup> so that I took her to be my wife? Now then, here is your wife. Take her and go!”</span> <span class="text Gen-12-20" id="en-NIV-319"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">20 </sup><b>Then Pharaoh gave orders about Abram to his men, and they sent him on his way, with his wife and everything he had.</b></span></div>
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*Abram and Sarai go <b>by faith</b> as they travel to Egypt. </div>
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Though they lie and lose "sight" they are met by Gods grace and find....</div>
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No test is impossible and no failure is permanent!</div>
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According to scholars we (As Christ followers) are in the school of faith. In this school (like Abram and Sarai) we will face 3 special tests:</div>
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1. Circumstances (12:10)</div>
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Now there was a famine in the land,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-309AD" title="See cross-reference AD">AD</a>)"></sup> and Abram went down to Egypt to live there for a while because the famine was severe.</div>
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2. People (12:11 & 13:5)</div>
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<span class="text Gen-12-11" id="en-NIV-310">As he was about to enter Egypt, he said to his wife Sarai,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-310AF" title="See cross-reference AF">AF</a>)"></sup> “I know what a beautiful woman<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-310AG" title="See cross-reference AG">AG</a>)"></sup> you are.</span> </div>
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Now Lot,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-324K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)"></sup> who was moving about with Abram, also had flocks and herds and tents.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. Things/Possessions (13:5-18)</span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-13-6" id="en-NIV-325">But the land could not support them while they (Abram, Sarai & Lot) stayed together, for their possessions were so great that they were not able to stay together.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-325L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Gen-13-7" id="en-NIV-326"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">7 </sup>And quarreling<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-326M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)"></sup> arose between Abram’s herders and Lot’s. The Canaanites<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-326N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)"></sup> and Perizzites<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-326O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)"></sup> were also living in the land<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-326P" title="See cross-reference P">P</a>)"></sup> at that time.</span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-13-8" id="en-NIV-327">So Abram said to Lot,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-327Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)"></sup> “Let’s not have any quarreling between you and me,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-327R" title="See cross-reference R">R</a>)"></sup> or between your herders and mine, for we are close relatives.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-327S" title="See cross-reference S">S</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Gen-13-9" id="en-NIV-328"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">9 </sup>Is not the whole land before you? Let’s part company. If you go to the left, I’ll go to the right; if you go to the right, I’ll go to the left.”<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-328T" title="See cross-reference T">T</a>)"></sup></span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-13-10" id="en-NIV-329"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">10 </sup>Lot looked around and saw that the whole plain<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-329U" title="See cross-reference U">U</a>)"></sup> of the Jordan toward Zoar<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-329V" title="See cross-reference V">V</a>)"></sup> was well watered, like the garden of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-329W" title="See cross-reference W">W</a>)"></sup> like the land of Egypt.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-329X" title="See cross-reference X">X</a>)"></sup> (This was before the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>destroyed Sodom<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-329Y" title="See cross-reference Y">Y</a>)"></sup> and Gomorrah.)<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-329Z" title="See cross-reference Z">Z</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Gen-13-11" id="en-NIV-330"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">11 </sup>So Lot chose for himself the whole plain of the Jordan and set out toward the east. The two men parted company:</span> <span class="text Gen-13-12" id="en-NIV-331"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">12 </sup>Abram lived in the land of Canaan,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-331AA" title="See cross-reference AA">AA</a>)"></sup> while Lot<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-331AB" title="See cross-reference AB">AB</a>)"></sup> lived among the cities of the plain<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-331AC" title="See cross-reference AC">AC</a>)"></sup> and pitched his tents near Sodom.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-331AD" title="See cross-reference AD">AD</a>)"></sup></span><span class="text Gen-13-13" id="en-NIV-332"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">13 </sup>Now the people of Sodom<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-332AE" title="See cross-reference AE">AE</a>)"></sup> were wicked and were sinning greatly against the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-332AF" title="See cross-reference AF">AF</a>)"></sup></span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-13-14" id="en-NIV-333"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">14 </sup>The <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> said to Abram after Lot had parted from him, “Look around from where you are, to the north and south, to the east and west.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-333AG" title="See cross-reference AG">AG</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Gen-13-15" id="en-NIV-334"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">15 </sup>All the land that you see I will give to you and your offspring<sup class="footnote" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-334a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2013&version=NIV#fen-NIV-334a" style="color: #b37162; text-decoration: initial; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</sup> forever.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-334AH" title="See cross-reference AH">AH</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Gen-13-16" id="en-NIV-335"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">16 </sup>I will make your offspring like the dust of the earth, so that if anyone could count the dust, then your offspring could be counted.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-335AI" title="See cross-reference AI">AI</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Gen-13-17" id="en-NIV-336"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">17 </sup>Go, walk through the length and breadth of the land,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-336AJ" title="See cross-reference AJ">AJ</a>)"></sup> for I am giving it to you.”<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-336AK" title="See cross-reference AK">AK</a>)"></sup></span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-13-18" id="en-NIV-337"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">18 </sup>So Abram went to live near the great trees of Mamre<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-337AL" title="See cross-reference AL">AL</a>)"></sup> at Hebron,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-337AM" title="See cross-reference AM">AM</a>)"></sup> where he pitched his tents. There he built an altar to the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>.</span></div>
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A Heart of Hopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09012650366366359567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6396145801609988992.post-53580118535172851972013-01-16T08:58:00.001-08:002013-01-16T08:58:16.838-08:00Genesis 10-11<div style="text-align: center;">
Genesis 10 (The Table of Nations)</div>
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Genealogies of Noah</div>
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Noah</div>
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Ham</div>
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Cush</div>
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Nimrod (1st on Earth to be a Mighty man, built Babel and Ninevah)</div>
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<span class="text Gen-10-5" id="en-NIV-240"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 16px;">(10:5)</span> "</sup>From these the maritime peoples spread out into their territories by their clans within their nations, each with its own language."<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-240A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup></span></div>
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*Explains how the Earth was populated after the flood. </div>
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Genesis 11 (The Tower of Babel)</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><b> (11:1)</b></span><span class="text Gen-11-1" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="chapternum" style="bottom: -0.1em; font-size: 1.25em; font-weight: bold; left: 0px; line-height: 0.8em; position: relative;"> </span>Now the whole world had <b>one</b> language<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-268A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> and a <b>common speech</b>.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><b>(11:3-4)</b>T</span><span class="text Gen-11-3" id="en-NIV-270" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">hey said to each other, “Come, let’s make bricks<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-270C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup> and bake them thoroughly.” They used brick instead of stone,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-270D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup> and tar<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-270E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup> for mortar.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text Gen-11-4" id="en-NIV-271" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">4 </sup>Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-271F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup> so that we may make a name<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-271G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></sup> for ourselves; otherwise we will be scattered<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-271H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></sup> over the face of the whole earth.”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">**The people were unified in ALL ways and be</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">gan depending on themselves more than God.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>(11:5-7) </b></span><span class="text Gen-11-5" id="en-NIV-272" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">5 </sup>But the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> came down<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-272J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)"></sup> to see the city and the tower the people were building.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text Gen-11-6" id="en-NIV-273" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">6 </sup>The <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord </span>said, “If as one people speaking the same language<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-273K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)"></sup> they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text Gen-11-7" id="en-NIV-274" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">7 </sup>Come, let us<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-274L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)"></sup> go down<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-274M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)"></sup> and <b>confuse their language</b> so they will not understand each other.”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Babel-Gates of the Gods. (What the people were trying to attain)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>(11:8-9) </b></span><span class="text Gen-11-8" id="en-NIV-275" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">So the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> scattered them from there over all the earth,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-275O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)"></sup> and they stopped building the city.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text Gen-11-9" id="en-NIV-276" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">9 </sup>That is why it was called Babel<sup class="footnote" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-276c" title="See footnote c">c</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2011&version=NIV#fen-NIV-276c" style="color: #b37162; text-decoration: initial; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote c">c</a>]</sup><sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-276P" title="See cross-reference P">P</a>)"></sup>—because there the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> confused the language<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-276Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)"></sup> of the whole world.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-276R" title="See cross-reference R">R</a>)"></sup> From there the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> scattered<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-276S" title="See cross-reference S">S</a>)"></sup> them over the face of the whole earth.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Babel-Because there the Lord confused the language of ALL the earth.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">** "There are MANY plans in a man's heart; nevertheless, the Lords counsel that will stand." Proverbs 19:21</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">**God could have destroyed the people of the city of Babel; however He spares their lives and scatters them over ALL the earth. (v9)</span><br />
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<br />A Heart of Hopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09012650366366359567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6396145801609988992.post-16709796553500366552013-01-16T08:45:00.002-08:002013-01-16T08:45:14.893-08:00Genesis 9Genesis 9 (Gods covenant with Noah)<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">"Then God blessed Noah and his sons, saying to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the earth." (9:1)</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><b>"</b></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">As for you, be fruitful and increase in number; multiply on the earth and increase upon it.” (9:7)</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">God commands yet again, Be fruitful and multiply proving life is precious and his desire for new life. (Physically & Spiritually)</span><br />
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<span class="text Gen-9-8" id="en-NIV-214" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">8 </sup>Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him:</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text Gen-9-9" id="en-NIV-215" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">9 </sup>“I now establish my covenant with you<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-215L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)"></sup>and with your descendants after you</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text Gen-9-10" id="en-NIV-216" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">10 </sup>and with every living creature that was with you—the birds, the livestock and all the wild animals, all those that came out of the ark with you—every living creature on earth.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text Gen-9-11" id="en-NIV-217" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">11 </sup>I establish my covenant<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-217M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)"></sup> with you:<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-217N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)"></sup> Never again will <b>all life</b> <b>be destroyed by the</b> <b>waters of a flood</b>; never again will there be a flood to destroy the earth.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-217O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)"></sup>”</span><br />
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<span class="text Gen-9-12" id="en-NIV-218"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">12 </sup>And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-218P" title="See cross-reference P">P</a>)"></sup> I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, <b>a covenant for all generations to come</b>:<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-218Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Gen-9-13" id="en-NIV-219"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">13 </sup>I have set my <b><u>rainbow<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-219R" title="See cross-reference R">R</a>)"></sup> in the clouds</u></b>, and <b><u>it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth</u></b>.</span><span class="text Gen-9-14" id="en-NIV-220"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">14 </sup><b><u>Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-220S" title="See cross-reference S">S</a>)"></sup> appears in the clouds,</u></b></span><b><u> </u></b><span class="text Gen-9-15" id="en-NIV-221"><b><u><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; vertical-align: top;">15 </sup>I will remember my covenant<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-221T" title="See cross-reference T">T</a>)"></sup> between me and you and all living creatures of every kind.</u></b> <b>Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life</b>.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-221U" title="See cross-reference U">U</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Gen-9-16" id="en-NIV-222"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">16 </sup>Whenever the rainbow<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-222V" title="See cross-reference V">V</a>)"></sup> appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-222W" title="See cross-reference W">W</a>)"></sup> between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth.”</span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-9-17" id="en-NIV-223"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">17 </sup>So God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-223X" title="See cross-reference X">X</a>)"></sup> I have established between me and all life on the earth.”</span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-9-17">**Rainbow- "many colored" grace of God. His faithfulness and grace.</span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-9-17">God hasn't promised we won't experience storms, but He has promised that the storms won't destroy us! </span></div>
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Note the word remember again...Not that he forgets but it is used to remind us of the fulfillment of His promise to ALL of us!!</div>
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V. 20-27</div>
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Noah drank wine and lay uncovered in the tent. Noahs son, Ham (rather than covering his father and keeping it to himself) told his brothers ( Sham & Japheth) who backed in and covered their father without looking at him. (9:23)</div>
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*<span style="background-color: #fffefd; color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;">Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. (1 Peter 4:8)</span></div>
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When Noah awakes and finds himself covered he curses Canaan (Son of Ham) and blesses "the God od Shem, and enlarge Japheth" (v.26-27). </div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span>A Heart of Hopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09012650366366359567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6396145801609988992.post-76338994976749511862013-01-16T08:31:00.000-08:002013-01-16T08:31:37.746-08:00Genesis 8Genesis 8 (The Flood is over)<br />
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*Noah sens a raven and a dove and after many attempts of sending them out/back again is able to confirm dry land is near!<br />
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8:1 <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">But God <b>remembered</b></span><sup class="crossreference" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-185A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Noah and all the wild animals and the livestock that were with him in the ark, and he sent a wind over the earth,</span><sup class="crossreference" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-185B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">and the waters receded.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">God did not forget Noah and all of the people/livestock with him! God knows ALL; therefore, this is written to stress that God paid attention to, fulfilled a promise and acted on behalf of his people!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Then Noah built an altar to the </span><span class="small-caps" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span><sup class="crossreference" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-204A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> and, taking some of all the clean animals and clean</span><sup class="crossreference" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-204B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">birds, he sacrificed burnt offerings</span><sup class="crossreference" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-204C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> on it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After a year (and some odd days) Noah and his family came off the ark and Noah worshipped the Lord!</span><br />
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<span class="text Gen-8-21" id="en-NIV-205"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">21 </sup>The <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> smelled the pleasing aroma<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-205A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> and said in his heart: “Never again will I curse the ground<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-205B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup> because of humans, even though<sup class="footnote" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-205a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%208:21-22&version=NIV#fen-NIV-205a" style="color: #b37162; text-decoration: initial; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</sup> every inclination of the human heart is evil from childhood.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-205C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup> And never again will I destroy<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-205D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup> all living creatures,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-205E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup> as I have done.</span><br />
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<span class="text Gen-8-22" id="en-NIV-206" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">22 </sup>“As long as the earth endures,</span><br /><span class="text Gen-8-22" style="position: relative;">seedtime and harvest,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-206F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup></span><br /><span class="text Gen-8-22" style="position: relative;">cold and heat,</span><br /><span class="text Gen-8-22" style="position: relative;">summer and winter,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-206G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></sup></span><br /><span class="text Gen-8-22" style="position: relative;">day and night</span><br /><span class="text Gen-8-22" style="position: relative;">will never cease.”</span></div>
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<span class="text Gen-8-22" style="position: relative;">God reaffirms natural order and foreshadows to his promise of no more floods to destroy ALL flesh.</span></div>
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A Heart of Hopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09012650366366359567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6396145801609988992.post-37105888511720579282013-01-12T20:43:00.001-08:002013-01-12T20:43:48.136-08:00Genesis 5-7Genesis 5 (Adams descendants to Noah)<br />
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Out of both Cain and Seth's lineage brought change! See the lineages below:<br />
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Adam & Eve<br />
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Cain Seth</div>
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Enoch Enosh</div>
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Irad Kenan</div>
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Mehujael Mahalalel</div>
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Methushael Jared</div>
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Lamech Enoch</div>
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Jabal Methuselah</div>
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Tubalcain Lamech</div>
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Noamah (sister) NOAH</div>
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Jubal Shem</div>
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Ham</div>
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Japheth</div>
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*Notice the closeness in names and even same names (Lamech & Enoch)</div>
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A few things to note about some of the sethite men:</div>
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Enoch, along with Elijah are the only 2 men in the bible that God took to heaven alive!</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Enoch walked faithfully with God;</span><sup class="crossreference" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-130A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> then he was no more, because God took him away.</span></div>
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(5:24)</div>
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Methuselah was the oldest man to live</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Altogether, Methuselah lived a total of 969 years, and then he died.</span> (5:27)</div>
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Noah (meaning rescue) was named to bring comfort/relief to the family (5:29)</div>
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*Foreshadow to the flood which Noah and his family would be spared from! </div>
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Genesis 6 (Building up to the flood)</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Then the </span><span class="small-caps" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> said, “My Spirit</span><sup class="crossreference" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-141A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> will not contend with</span><sup class="footnote" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-141a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=genesis%206:3&version=NIV#fen-NIV-141a" style="color: #b37162; text-decoration: initial; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</sup><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> humans forever,</span><sup class="crossreference" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-141B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> for they are mortal</span><sup class="footnote" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-141b" title="See footnote b">b</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=genesis%206:3&version=NIV#fen-NIV-141b" style="color: #b37162; text-decoration: initial; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote b">b</a>]</sup><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">;</span><sup class="crossreference" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-141C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> their days will be a hundred and twenty years.” (6:3)</span></div>
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*Foreshadow to the flood.</div>
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<span class="text Gen-6-5" id="en-NIV-143" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">The <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-143L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)"></sup> and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-143M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)"></sup></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text Gen-6-6" id="en-NIV-144" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">6 </sup>The<span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> regretted<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-144N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)"></sup> that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text Gen-6-7" id="en-NIV-145" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">7 </sup>So the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> said, “I will wipe from the face of the earth<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-145O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)"></sup> the human race I have created—and with them the animals, the birds and the creatures that move along the ground—for I regret that I have made them.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-145P" title="See cross-reference P">P</a>)"></sup>”</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text Gen-6-8" id="en-NIV-146" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">8 </sup>But Noah<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-146Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)"></sup> found favor in the eyes of the<span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>. (6:6-8)</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Genesis 1:25</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-indent: -32px;">God made the wild animals</span><sup class="crossreference" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; text-indent: -32px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-25D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-indent: -32px;"> according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds.</span><sup class="crossreference" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; text-indent: -32px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-25E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-indent: -32px;"> And God saw that it was <b>good</b>.</span></div>
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Parallels to </div>
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Genesis 6:12</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">God saw how <b>corrupt</b></span><sup class="crossreference" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-150A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> the earth had become, for all the people on earth had corrupted their ways.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Charis SIL, charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Since Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord (6:8)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Charis SIL, charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God gives Noah a specific plan for preparing for the flood to come.</span></div>
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Although Noah prepared he waited on GOD!</div>
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** This shows us the importance of waiting on God! Even if we KNOW we have heard from God and our doing His work we must wait for his anointing and trust in his perfect timing; regardless of our desire to know what is next! HIS faithfulness and timing prove themselves to exceed even our "best" time and time again...</div>
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<span class="text Gen-6-18" id="en-NIV-156">But I will establish my covenant with you,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-156A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> and you will enter the ark<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-156B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup>—you and your sons and your wife and your sons’ wives with you. (6:18)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Charis SIL, charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*First time the word covenant is mentioned in the Old Testament. </span><br />
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<br />A Heart of Hopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09012650366366359567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6396145801609988992.post-20734669649664723532013-01-12T20:14:00.002-08:002013-01-12T20:14:45.926-08:00Genesis 3-4Genesis 3 (The Fall )<br />
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v16 God give a command to Adam & Eve.<br />
"for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die."<br />
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When Eve tells the serpent she says...<br />
"...Neither shall you touch it, lest you die."<br />
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We are in a dangerous spot when we add to, or do not take the word of God JUST as it is written.<br />
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Serpent says to Eve:<br />
"You will not surely die."<br />
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Satan always opposes the word or God and cannot be trusted!<br />
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*After Adam & Eve ate of the fruit God asks (v9) "Where are you?"<br />
He is God and is all knowing; therefore He did not ask because he was lacking in knowledge. He asked because he was giving Adam the opportunity to be honest and confess his sin.<br />
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Genesis 4 (Cain and Abel)<br />
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Cain- Acquired (Life comes from God)<br />
Abel-Worker of livestock (Life is Brief)<br />
Cain kills Abel<br />
God then asks 4 questions to Cain<br />
*2 prior to Abels death<br />
*2 after Cain kills Abel<br />
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God still blesses Cain by protecting him from death by leaving a mark on him so all would spare his life. (4:15)<br />
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After Cain remains unrepentant, Cain leaves the presence of God. (4:16)<br />
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Cain then marries and the lineage of the "Cainites" begins.<br />
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Eve becomes pregnant again (Seth) and the lineage of "Sethites" begins.<br />
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Lineage of Seth is as follows:<br />
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Seth<br />
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Enoch<br />
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Kenah<br />
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Mahalalel<br />
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Jared<br />
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Enoch<br />
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Methuselah<br />
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Lamech<br />
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NOAH!<br />
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<br />A Heart of Hopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09012650366366359567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6396145801609988992.post-89571935426719893762013-01-10T10:00:00.001-08:002013-01-10T10:04:20.054-08:00Join me in my journey...<div>
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I will be sharing thoughts, encouragements, and tid bits that jump out to me as I read through the bible over the next year! Today marked the beginning of Genesis and wanted to share some notes...<br />
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Please don't just read these and be done, let these help launch you into reading on your own as you explore and fall more in love with our CREATOR!</div>
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Genesis 1&2</div>
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God:</div>
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1. Creates (1:1-2)</div>
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2. Forms (1:3-13)</div>
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3. Fills (1:14-27)</div>
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We are created:</div>
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By God (2:7, 21-23)</div>
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In HIS image! (1:27)</div>
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God creates <b>Adam</b> to work and keep the land (Adam-Formed from the ground)</div>
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God takes Adams rib (side) to create Eve</div>
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<b>Eve </b>a helper for Adam. (Eve-Mother of the living)</div>
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Names her woman - (made from man)</div>
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In regard to Eve, she was made FROM him and FOR her, and he NEEDED her!</div>
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*She was not created from his head to rule over, nor his feet to be ruled over but from his rib.</div>
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To be equal with him, under his arm to be protected, and near his heart to be beloved!</div>
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..."Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh." (2:24) </div>
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-The beauty and power of the Marriage Covenant.</div>
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I hope this spurs you on and encourages you to dig deep into His word!<br />
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He is SO faithful!</div>
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-Hannah</div>
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A Heart of Hopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09012650366366359567noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6396145801609988992.post-67624150130186736632012-07-11T22:33:00.000-07:002012-07-11T22:33:05.202-07:00Let the weddings begin!! :)<br />
If any season is to be declared "Wedding Season" I would say this is it! I have the privilege of standing by 5 of my closest friends this summer as I have been/will be a part of their special day!! It is such a joy to see your friends be pursued by amazing men who love and cherish them as they then prepare to enter into a marriage covenant with Christ and the church!<br />
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Here are some pics ...<br />
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Ilona & Nick</div>
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Karli & Jacob</div>
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Mary & Andrew</div>
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<br /></div>A Heart of Hopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09012650366366359567noreply@blogger.com0