Day 152 - FOUNDATION STONES IN A YEAR

Reading: Genesis 12: 1, Romans 4: 3 

Paul, in his letter to the Galatians, exhorts them, and us, to consider  Abraham; think about him; ponder his life and his choices. And, thanks to  the Biblical records, we are able to do so...many thousands of years after he  roamed the Ancient Near East.  

But why does Paul think it worthwhile to consider Abraham? This is what  we’ll discover as we follow his advice during the month of July.  Let’s begin by turning to Genesis 12, where we first read about Abraham.  You’ll notice two things; that he is a historical figure who really existed; and  that he came from a family background without a spiritual heritage. In other  words, he was not a man who had an “inside track” to knowing the one  true God. On the contrary; his heritage had taught him that there are many  gods, one for every aspect of life, and that life is a continual attempt to  satisfy these many capricious deities. 

The environment we grew up in affects our outlook on God. What did the  environment you grew up in teach you about who God is? Was that an  accurate or inaccurate picture?

Prayer  

I come to you in humility and reverence God and ask that you will  teach me about yourself and your ways through the life of Abraham.  I turn away from all my spiritual pride that says no one can teach me  about you, and ask that you will give me a teachable heart.