#11725

DAILY BIBLE READING: GENESIS 18-19 MATTHEW 6:1-8 ISAAC'S BIRTH PROMISED (cont.) ABRAHAM INTERCEDES FOR SODOM GOD RESCUES LOT The 2 angels came to Sodom in the evening and Lot was sitting in the gate. He rose to meet them and bowed himself with his face to the earth. Lot offered his house to spend the night and wash their feet but they refused. "No; we will spend the night in the town square" he pressed them slowly and they entered the house, he served them a feast and baked unleavened bread and they ate. The men of the city, young and old, surrounded the house, called to Lot and demanded to have sex with the visitors. Lot offered and begged them to take his daughters instead but they insisted. They were struck with blindness by the visitors and wore themselves out. The men gathered and instructed Lot to bring all his household out of the place as a warning before they destroy it. Lot obeyed but the sons-in-law were jesting. The morning dawned, and the visitors urged lot again, but they lingered. So they seized Lot, his wife and 2 daughters because of the LORD's mercy. "Escape for your life, Do not look back or stop anywhere in the valley. Escape to the hills, lest you be swept away" Lot begged to escape to the little city instead. The Lord granted it and promised not to overthrow thw city. "I can do nothing until you arrive there" The city was named Zoar. GOD DESTROYS SODOM The next day, Lot arrived in Zoar. The LORD rained sulfur and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah. He overthrew those cities, valley, inhabitants, and all that grew on the ground. Lot's wife, behind him, looked back, and she became a pillar of salt. Abraham looked and behold smoke from the land. God destroyed it and remembered Abraham and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow. LOT AND HIS DAUGHTERS Lot lived in the hills with his 2 daughters for he was afraid to live in Zoar, so they lived in a cave. They made their father drink wine and they lay with him unknowingly. the younger did the same. The son of the firstborn was Moab (father of Moabites). The younger bore a son, Ben-Ammi (father of Ammonites). GIVING TO THE NEEDY Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. Give to the needy and sound no trumpet, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing so that your giving may be in secret and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. THE LORD'S PRAYER Do not pray like the hypocrites to be seen, go into your room and shut the door, pray in secret. Do not heap up empty phrases, your Father knows what you need.

JOB 42:1-6 Job's friends insisted that his suffering was caused by sin. He relentlessly defended his innocence and sought his vindication from God. God asked Job a series of questions pertaining to His creation. God revealed his character. Job didn't need to fully understand God's ways, no man can. He only needed to humble himself, seek to know God deeply and trust Him wholeheartedly. His suffering taught him to run to God as the only sure place of refuge, safest place for comfort, sustenance, strength. He discovered that when life comes out short, God is enough.

Psalms 23:1,4 The Lord is my shepherd, i lack nothing. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

SEEING GOD IN CREATION JOB 42:5 My ears has heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. Kenny, after years of backsliding, stood before the congregation saying he had been restored. God touched his heart through the witness of God's general revelation seen in natural world, and he now embraced the wisdom found in the special revelation of Scripture. He was baptized with his father in tears of joy. Job also was shaken after losing so much. "I cry to you, O God, but you don't answer. I stand before you, but you don't even look." (Job 30:20) God spoke to Job out of the storm (38:1) Job's vision needed to be expanded as he considered God's amazing intricate creation. God's amazing love and power is trustworthy. When doubts threaten your faith in Christ, consider the magnificence of God's creation. He reveals Himself in it if we only have eyes to see. by Tom Felten

REFLECT AND PRAY How has God revealed Himself in creation? How are awe of God and faith in Him linked?

Creator God, thank You for helping me see You in creation. In Jesus' name, Amen.

LIGHT OF THE WORLD: A sign of God's power (burning bush, bright clouds, pillar of fire etc) Psalm 27:1- God is our light and salvation. Light stood for the glory of God which is found in the person of Jesus Christ. He shed the light of life and truth through His work and His words. Those who trust in Him have their eyes opened by Him and walk in the light. Light is beautiful, mysterious and practical. it shows us where to go and helps us see the truth of all around us. See the fullness of God in human form, for all to see His glory.

JOHN 8:12 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."