CALL TO WORSHIP

MY SOUL WAITS FOR
AND PRAISES
GOD ALONE

For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence,
    for my hope is from Him.
He only is my rock and my salvation,
    my fortress; I shall not be shaken.
On God rests my salvation and my glory;
    my mighty rock, my refuge is God.

Trust in Him at all times, O people;
    pour out your heart before Him;
    God is a refuge for us. Selah

Those of low estate are but a breath;
    those of high estate are a delusion;
in the balances they go up;
    they are together lighter than a breath.
Put no trust in extortion;
    set no vain hopes on robbery;
    if riches increase, set not your heart on them.

Once God has spoken;
    twice have I heard this:
that power belongs to God,
    and that to you, O Lord, belongs steadfast love.
For you will render to a man
    according to his work.

PSALM 62:5-12 

THE LUST OF LOT

And Lot lifted up his eyes and saw that the Jordan Valley was well watered everywhere like the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt, in the direction of Zoar. (This was before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.) So Lot chose for himself all the Jordan Valley, and Lot journeyed east.  GENESIS 13:10-11

Our everyday choices, both big and small, can lead us closer or further away from God. Lot saw what looked like an amazing opportunity and he seized it - yet it was going to be his downfall. 

Self Assessment for your growth: Ask yourself, “Do I usually choose things by my sight (what I desire, what looks good to me, what I think I need) or by taking it to God? Do I give God space to lead me by faith or do I quickly decide things for myself? Am I moving closer to or further from God - and how do I know? "

Helping others grow: Put yourself in Abram’s sandals - How would you advise a Christian brother or sister to choose more by trusting where God leads than being directed by what their lusts and desires say they need? How would you help them discern if their choice is leading them closer to the world or to God? 

THE TRUST OF ABRAM

Abram settled in the land of Canaan, while Lot settled among the cities of the valley and moved his tent as far as Sodom....So Abram moved his tent and came and settled by the oaks of Mamre, which are at Hebron, and there he built an altar to the LORD. GENESIS 13:12, 18

TBD

THE CHOICE OF THE LORD

The LORD said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him, “Lift up your eyes and look from the place where you are, northward and southward and eastward and westward, for all the land that you see I will give to you and to your offspring forever. I will make your offspring as the dust of the earth, so that if one can count the dust of the earth, your offspring also can be counted. GENESIS 13:14-16

While we can learn a lot from how Lot chose wrongly and Abram chose faithfully, the real message is how God chooses. Isn’t it amazing that God is the one sovereignly and graciously choosing Abram - even after Abram did not trust God in Egypt? How does it impact your faith in Jesus, walk with Jesus, and evangelism for Jesus to know that you did not choose Him but in His gracious love Jesus chose you and continues to stay faithful to you? See Jn. 15:16; Rom. 6:23; Eph. 1:4; 1 Peter. 2:9

​

Abram is given some amazing promises here regarding land and descendents. Jesus has also promised so much to those who belong to Him. Read some the following verses and ask yourself, “How am I responding to the wonderful promises of my Savior?”  Matthew 6:33; 11:28-30; 24:12-13; Mark 10:27; 11:24; John 14:1-4; 15:3-4; 16:33;     

FURTHER READING FROM THE SERMON  Jn. 15:16; Rom. 6:23; Eph. 1:4; 1 Peter. 2:9; Matthew 6:33; 11:28-30; 24:12-13; Mark 10:27; 11:24; John 14:1-4; 15:3-4; 16:33;    

MAKE SURE TO CHECK OUT

NEXT WEEK

WE CONTINUE IN OUR SERIES - FAITH FULLY

TAKE A NEXT STEP AT GRACE RIVER

How is the Lord leading you to take a next step in following, serving, and growing in Jesus Christ? Whether you're interested to know more about Jesus, grow in discipleship, or start serving in a ministry, we are here to help you along the way. You can sign up today or just get more information by clicking the buttons below.  

STAY CONNECTED ALL WEEK LONG  

COMMUNITY GROUPS

Stay connected with your Community Group by reaching out to your group leaders. Not yet in a group? You can join one right here to receive care, prayer, and join Bible studies. 

SHARE
PRAYERS

Let us know how we can pray for you today by using our secure and confidential form. Join us also in our
SCHEDULED DAILY PRAYERS

GROW WITH US

Stay connected through devotions, united prayer and ideas for caring for each other at this time.  

STAY
CONNECTED

JOIN OUR FACEBOOK GROUP

Another great way to stay connected, be encouraged and share with others in our Grace River family.
Join today! 

SUBSCRIBE TODAY

You could really help us minister to more people simply by subscribing to our YouTube channel. Ring the bell to make sure you get all of our latest videos.