Genesis 13. When it came time for Abram and Lot to separate, Abram could have been very selfish and even greedy and told his nephew that he was going to take a certain land. Abram was older and we could say he had the right to pick what land he wanted first. But instead he let his nephew Lot choose what land he wanted then Abram would trust God to take care of him with whatever land he got after that.
It seems that the tendency is to want to get the best. It's like when I go go cart riding and check out all the cars first and see which one is the fastest. Then that's the one I'm going to try and get. It seems we always want something better. I want to strive to be better and have better but at the same time learn to be content with what God gives me. And trust God when I don't have that which I wish I had.
The unselfish way that Abraham let his nephew, Lot choose first reminded me of the summer camp theme this year, HOBO – Helping Others Before Ourselves. That may be easier said than done sometimes, but we can always trust God to take care of us in our lives just like we see how He took care of Abraham and He promised so much for him.
J Jackson writes all the parodies for the songs that he usually sings with his band, ApologetiX. His daughter Janna started singing some parodies now too as the voice of female artists. I think that God has really blessed them both with such a great talent and I hope that you are blessed by their music just as I have been.
Here’s Lotsa Versions.
https://youtu.be/u92GbUH-SCA
Sounds like a lesson I’m always trying to teach my boys! We always want to be right and have our own way, but a lot of times it leads to fighting and arguing. Sometimes we have to be willing to let things go for the sake of peace and harmony. The other thing I like about the last couple of chapters is that no matter where he is going, or whether or not things are certain, Abram is remembering to honor God.
Christian life is basically a series of new beginnings. We stumble and fall but the Lord’s grace is sufficient; His mercy matchless. When we fall, be like Abram – learn from the experience – He went to Egypt as a saved man but left as a wiser, spiritual man. He gives us a wonderful example of how to settle family disputes or even those within the body of Christ. Take the initiative to resolve conflicts; let others have 1st choice even if it means not getting what we want; put family peace above personal desires. Christians today fight and bicker while the world watches and wonders and Satan is at work all around us. Jesus understood how destructive arguments among our brothers and sisters could be. He prayed for us before being betrayed and arrested when He asked God that His followers be one. (John 17:21)
I appreciate everyone’s insight on this chapter!
A part that sticks out to me is “their possessions were so great they were not able to stay together”. In my life I struggle greatly to let go of possessions. I am probably considered a mild hoarder. It is so very difficult for me to let go of things, some they I don’t even need. Although the main message of this reading isn’t to get rid of possessions, I find it so interesting that due to the amount of their possessions they had to separate. I hope to take that to heart and work on my own life.
Sometimes I keep the best of things when in reality I don’t need or use them and they would benefit others in a way greater than they benefit me.