A life of compromise (Gen 19:1-22)
Gen 19:1-22 I used to know a Christian couple who were pillars in my church. Newly married at the time, they were leading Bible studies and demonstrated a thoughtful Christian commitment. Over time, our lives moved in different directions and…
What difference do we make in this world? (Gen 18:16-33)
Gen 18:16-33 Memorial services often make me feel humbled. A dearly loved person is remembered by relatives and friends, events are fondly recalled, quirky habits draw an affectionate laugh from those who knew him or her. Achievements are recounted, a…
Can God work through us despite our limitations? (Gen 18:1-15)
Gen 18:1-15 On a summer placement as a student, I encountered a young man who was leading worship during our team sessions in the morning. Though a gifted musician and a godly person, he had the most incapacitating stammer, and…
What is the significance of circumcision? (Gen 17:9-27)
Gen 17:9-27 A friend once had a medical appointment where the doctor made a pass at her. In response, she flashed her engagement ring at him indicating that she belonged to someone else. While engagement rings and wedding bands are…
Is the covenant with Abraham conditional? (Gen 17:1-8)
Gen 17:1-8 When her late majesty, Queen Elisabeth II died, many reminisced about former meetings with her in person. Some were initially nervous after they had been instructed in all the protocols around such an event, the dos and don’ts,…
The God who hears and sees (Gen 16:7-16)
Gen 16:7-16 During my student years, I became friends with an emotionally needy fellow student. When we decided to flat together, the details dovetailed so nicely, it seemed like a heaven-sent opportunity. A long-term friend warned me not to go…
How to respond when God is silent (Gen 16:1-6)
Gen 16:1-6 Guidance and the part we are to play in God’s will as a result is a difficult question of the Christian life. When we glimpse something of God’s plans, are we meant to wait for the Lord to…
Living with delay waiting in hope (Gen 15:7-20)
Gen 15:7-20 The proverb about deferred hope making the heart sick (Prov 13:12) often comes to mind when I am waiting for God’s promises. As we experience delay, we wonder, has God failed us? We may hope to overcome difficulties…
- Bible reading notes, Gen 12-25 (Abraham), Genesis, Reckoning Abraham righteousness (Gen 15:6), Topical
What does reckoning righteousness to Abraham mean (Gen 15:6)?
Gen 15:6 It is often said in the context of studying the Bible that we should ask first what a passage meant in its own context before applying it to our lives. For Christians, however, it is almost impossible to…
Trust in the God who overcomes (Gen 15:1-6)
Gen 15:1-6 Whenever I read Abraham’s story, it never fails to amaze me how he responded to God under circumstances that looked bleak. It reminds me of numerous occasions in my life when the chances of having something hoped for…