Day 158 - FOUNDATION STONES IN A YEAR

READING: Genesis 11: 1–4, Matthew 4: 4

There is so much to be learned from this season in Abram’s life that we  should be in no hurry to hasten on.  

It is no co-incidence that the story about the tower of Babel is right next  to the story of Abram. These stories are juxtaposed because they show  the two possible ways of building – by the strength and effort of man or  by the power of God. (Genesis 11: 3-4). Spend some time today reading  through and comparing these stories. Focus particularly on Genesis 11:4 

and Genesis 12: 2. Genesis 11: 4 tells us how mankind tried to build a  name for themselves through hard work and ingenuity. So what’s so wrong  about that? The motivation behind their efforts was fear. Genesis 12: 2, on  the other hand, shows us the promise of God and the motivation and effort  that springs from a life of faith in what God has promised. 

Where does the motivation for your life’s work come from; the false promises  that ingenuity, hard work and fear have offered? Or by the promises that  God has spoken to you. Many people incorrectly believe the phrase, “God  helps those who help themselves” is a quote from the Bible. 

PRAYER 

Father I repent of living a life motivated mostly by fear. I turn to  you and ask that the apathy that has come from not believing your  promises made to me and my family would be thrown off. I long to  hear and receive your promises afresh.