Abram was the son of Terah. Abram lived near his father’s family in Haran. When Abram was 75 years old, God told him to move to a new place. Genesis 12:1-2 tells us what God said to Abram. “The Lord said to Abram, ‘Leave your country and your people. Leave your father’s family and go to the country that I will show you. I will build a great nation from you. I will bless you and make your name famous. People will use your name to bless other people.’”
Abram obeyed God. He left Haran. Abram took his wife, Sarai, his nephew, Lot, and all his possessions and moved to Canaan. When Abram and his family reached Canaan, God told Abram that He would give that land to his descendants. Abram built an altar there and worshiped God.
Later, Abram moved again. He moved to the mountains between the cities of Bethel and Ai. There Abram built another altar and worshiped God. Each time God told Abram to move, he obeyed and did what God wanted him to do.
Sometimes God may tell us to do something that we don’t want to do. We need to obey God — just like Abram obeyed God. When we obey God, He will be with us and bless us.
Obeying God
May 10
Donna Howard
God's Word
Eileen Wood
There are many problems in the world today. Parents are worried about their children. They want their children to love and obey God. But there are so many things in the world to distract them from following Jesus. Children need to know and obey God’s Word. They need to learn Bible verses and remember them. Then, when they are tempted to follow the world, these verses will encourage them and help them stay close to God. Paul wrote about God’s Word in 2 Timothy 3:16-17. “All Scripture is given by God. And all Scripture is useful for teaching and for showing people what is wrong in their lives. It is useful for correcting faults and teaching the right way to live. Using the Scriptures, those who serve God will be prepared and will have everything they need to do every good work.” The best thing you can do for children is to help them explore and learn from God’s Word. Share the Bible with your children at bedtime. Tell your grandchildren how the Bible has helped you in life. Teach a children’s Bible study or Sunday School class. Find a way to help the younger generation become strong and effective Christians!
Live Wisely
Donna Howard
The writer of Psalm 90 talks about time and the shortness of our life on earth. Psalm 90:10 gives a summary of life. “We live about 70 years or, if we are strong, 80 years. But most of them are filled with hard work and pain. Then, suddenly, the years are gone, and we fly away.” Some people are able to enjoy their families and serve God for many years. But often they look back over their lives and wonder if they have used their time wisely for God. In the New Testament, Paul warned Christians to not be foolish with their lives. Instead, he encouraged them to obey God and live wisely. If we live wisely, we need to do what God wants us to do. What does God want us to do? He wants us to spend time with our family and friends — loving them, sharing with them and encouraging them. God also wants us to work hard at our jobs and to reach out to the people we work with. But most of all, God wants us to spend time with Him — loving Him, praising Him, praying to Him, reading His Word and obeying Him. If we do those things, we will be living wisely. Think about your life today. Are you spending time with God? Are you living wisely for Him?
Thunder
Jo Krueger
Thunder is an amazing thing. We can experience thunder by feeling its vibrations or hearing its rumble. For many years thunder has been a symbol of great power and authority. God told Moses that He wanted to meet with the people of Israel. Moses helped the people prepare themselves for this special meeting with God for two days. Then on the third day, God came down to Mount Sinai. Exodus 19:16 describes this event. “On the morning of the third day, a thick cloud came down onto the mountain. There was thunder and lightning and a very loud sound from the trumpet. All the people in the camp were frightened.” Wow! The mountain was covered with smoke, the trumpet sound became louder and louder and God’s voice was like thunder. That must have been an awesome display of God’s power. God’s power was so great that He told Moses to warn the people to not come too close to the mountain. If they came too close, they would die. God is very loving and kind. But He is also great and powerful. We can read about God’s power all throughout the Bible. And we can see God’s power today through creation. Take time today to look around you. Think about God’s power and thank Him for everything He has made.