I'm excited about beginning this study with you all! Of course, you "all" right now is just me, myself, and I! ;) Hope we get some more suckers, I mean, folks, to participate in this...
In this first day of the study, I read the opening pages, and Day 1. After just finishing some indepth study of Genesis for our teaching series last year about "The Big Picture," I am amazed already, in this first day about the perspective that Beth brings. (Not that I know her, but for this blog-study, we're going to be on a first-name basis! And Beth, if you happen to drop by, welcome, thanks, and please feel free to post!)
When God interrupted Abram's life and told him to "leave," there weren't any further details. And Abram did! I'd love to watch the DVD of this encounter and how God prepared Abram beforehand to be sensitive to His voice.
Beth's point about Abram's family probably being polytheistic is a strong one. The fact that Abram's dad, Terah may have been worshipping many gods during this time... Well, it shows us all that one person can break the chain of family unbelief. Me... I was blessed to grow up in a family with generations of believers before me. Abram didn't. He was the first. What would that be like?
The distance Abram travelled, with no clear directions, no "fire by night, cloud by day" to assure him of God's presence is so challenging to me. Just last night, (2/20) Caro and I were whining a little to each other about feeling unappreciated. Here's Abram travelling for hundreds of miles (without a can of Lysol for the camels) on faith alone in a God that spoke to Him.
Why do we need the affirmation of people so often? God has spoken to us as well! Is His voice not enough to keep us going? Ouch.
Nuff said! Chime in when you get here in the study.
And however brief, or long you desire to be... it's all good.
The acronym for UR was great! "Usual Routine". So many times we think we have to leave the physical place we are to follow God. When really He may be calling us to leave our 'usual routines'. That is probably harder than going to Africa!!
I feel like this was written just for me at this exact point in my life. It is incredible to see that even though Abram made so many mistakes and foolish decisions he still led a life of faith and obedience. It wasn't about Abram and what He could do, it was about God's grace calling him to a better place.
It also struck a deep chord with me that he obeyed and left his home even though he didn't know where he was going. How challenging that is in our lives of comfort and convenience. Mike and I have struggled with a calling on our lives. Sometimes I begin doubting and thinking maybe we were wrong. After all, we haven't a clue where to begin and have gotten really lazy about it. I loved how Beth said of Abram's destination, "The only way you're going to find it is to walk with Me." I need to be more consistent in my walk, then maybe I will be able to move forward with it.
I'm excited about beginning this study with you all! Of course, you "all" right now is just me, myself, and I! ;) Hope we get some more suckers, I mean, folks, to participate in this...
In this first day of the study, I read the opening pages, and Day 1. After just finishing some indepth study of Genesis for our teaching series last year about "The Big Picture," I am amazed already, in this first day about the perspective that Beth brings. (Not that I know her, but for this blog-study, we're going to be on a first-name basis! And Beth, if you happen to drop by, welcome, thanks, and please feel free to post!)
When God interrupted Abram's life and told him to "leave," there weren't any further details. And Abram did! I'd love to watch the DVD of this encounter and how God prepared Abram beforehand to be sensitive to His voice.
Beth's point about Abram's family probably being polytheistic is a strong one. The fact that Abram's dad, Terah may have been worshipping many gods during this time... Well, it shows us all that one person can break the chain of family unbelief. Me... I was blessed to grow up in a family with generations of believers before me. Abram didn't. He was the first. What would that be like?
The distance Abram travelled, with no clear directions, no "fire by night, cloud by day" to assure him of God's presence is so challenging to me. Just last night, (2/20) Caro and I were whining a little to each other about feeling unappreciated. Here's Abram travelling for hundreds of miles (without a can of Lysol for the camels) on faith alone in a God that spoke to Him.
Why do we need the affirmation of people so often? God has spoken to us as well! Is His voice not enough to keep us going? Ouch.
Nuff said! Chime in when you get here in the study.
And however brief, or long you desire to be... it's all good.
Posted by: Jeff | February 21, 2006 at 10:50 AM
The acronym for UR was great! "Usual Routine". So many times we think we have to leave the physical place we are to follow God. When really He may be calling us to leave our 'usual routines'. That is probably harder than going to Africa!!
Posted by: Carolyn Noble | March 07, 2006 at 10:00 AM
I feel like a complete idiot. Where can I find the answers to the introductory session?
Posted by: Amy Darcey | March 07, 2006 at 03:10 PM
I feel like this was written just for me at this exact point in my life. It is incredible to see that even though Abram made so many mistakes and foolish decisions he still led a life of faith and obedience. It wasn't about Abram and what He could do, it was about God's grace calling him to a better place.
It also struck a deep chord with me that he obeyed and left his home even though he didn't know where he was going. How challenging that is in our lives of comfort and convenience. Mike and I have struggled with a calling on our lives. Sometimes I begin doubting and thinking maybe we were wrong. After all, we haven't a clue where to begin and have gotten really lazy about it. I loved how Beth said of Abram's destination, "The only way you're going to find it is to walk with Me." I need to be more consistent in my walk, then maybe I will be able to move forward with it.
Posted by: Kristy Hales | March 08, 2006 at 10:10 PM