The Study of Genesis: Post Five
***Note – We have completed the book of Job. Now, as we continue our journey through the Bible in chronological order, this is our fifth devotion in Genesis. Though we’re in Week 17 overall, we’ll be in Genesis for the next several weeks.
Devotional Format: I Do – We Do – You Do
Focus: Genesis 10 – 11
Tip: I highly recommend journaling your responses to the questions, prompts, and reflections. Writing them out can help you process more deeply and see how God is working in your life.
This week’s devotion includes:
- Chapter 12 – “Altars of Faith and a God Who Rescues”
- Chapter 13 – “Humility Leads to Blessing”
- What I Saw God Do in Hephzibah, Georgia
(Remember: This is a once-a-week devotional that can be broken up over several days.)
Bible Memory:
Did you memorize last week’s Bible verse?
Hiding God’s Word in our hearts is such a valuable practice. Since I’ve been memorizing Scripture, I’ve experienced so many moments where God brings a specific verse to mind just when I need it most. It’s amazing how He uses His Word to speak into our lives right where we are.
This Week’s Memory Verse — “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” – Matthew 6:33
I Do – Watch Me Study
Genesis Chapter 12
“Altars of Faith and a God Who Rescues”
(Read Genesis Chapter 12 First)
God told Abram to leave Haran and go “unto a land that I will shew thee” (Gen. 12:1). Abram didn’t know the destination yet, he simply had to obey in faith. God also made Abram powerful promises: God would make him a great nation, bless him, make his name great, and bless all the families of the earth through him.
Abram obeyed, and took Sarai, Lot, and his entire household community. They journeyed to Canaan, where God appeared to Abram and promised the land to his descendants. Abram’s response was to build an altar of faith and worship.
So far, in our journey through the Bible, we’ve learned about these three alters:
• Noah’s altar (Gen. 8:20): gratitude
• Abram’s first altar (Gen. 12:7): faith in God’s promise.
• Abram’s second altar (Gen. 12:8): dependence and public worship.
Abram’s altars remind us to pause and honor God with gratitude, faith, worship, and dependence in our own lives.
Later, when famine forced Abram to Egypt, he became afraid. He told Sarai to say she was his sister, fearing for his life. Pharaoh took Sarai into his house, but before she was defiled, God struck Pharaoh’s household with plagues. Pharaoh quickly sent Abram and Sarai away.
Here we get to see God’s protection. He stepped in at just the right time to rescue Sarai and preserve His covenant promise.
Let’s Reflect Together:
• Are we using our “altars” to thank God for His goodness, to trust His promises, to worship Him publicly, and to show our dependence on Him?
• Can you think of times when God intervened in your life “just in time,” protecting you from something harmful? You probably didn’t realize it in the moment but you do now.
Journaling Questions:
1. Where in my life do I need to take a step of faith, like Abram, even when I don’t see the whole path ahead?
2. What would it look like to build an “altar” of gratitude, faith, worship, or dependence today?
3. How has God rescued me from situations I could not escape on my own?
Key Takeaway:
God calls us to walk by faith, honor Him with our worship, and trust that He rescues us in His perfect timing.
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We Do – Let’s Study Together
Genesis Chapter 13
“Humility Leads to Blessing”
(Read Genesis Chapter 13 First)
Genesis 13 gives us such a clear picture of humility, faith, and the danger of choosing by sight instead of by God’s direction.
Abram and Lot had both been so richly blessed that the land couldn’t support them living side by side. We see that Abram told Lot if you decide you want the left side, then I’ll take the right, and if you decide you want the right, then I’ll take the left. (v.9) Instead of demanding the best land for himself, Abram displayed humility and brotherly love by letting Lot choose first.
This reminds me of a couple of verses of scripture…
Philippians 2:3–4:
“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.”
Romans 12:10
“Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another.”
He trusted that God would provide, no matter which portion of land he ended up with.
Lot, on the other hand, chose based on what looked pleasing to the eye. He noticed the lush, well-watered plain of Jordan. But what appeared beautiful on the outside was actually full of spiritual corruption: Lot pitched his tent near Sodom, where the people were “wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly.” (v. 13). It’s so important to use discernment and seek wisdom from God before making decisions.
Abram, meanwhile, sought the Lord at the altar. He didn’t move until God confirmed His promises: the land would belong to Abram’s descendants forever, and his seed would be as numerous as the dust of the ground. Abram then arose, explored, and built yet another altar to the Lord in Hebron. His story shows us that humility and dependence on God brings blessing.
Life Application:
We live in a world that often tells us to “grab what looks best” and look out for ourselves first. But the Lord honors humility, trust, and obedience. When we stop to seek Him and “kneel at the altar” like Abram, He directs our steps far better than appearances ever could.
Lot chose with his eyes. Abram chose with his faith. Which will we do?
Journaling Questions:
1. Have I ever made a decision based only on what looked good in the moment? What was the result?
2. How can I practice humility and brotherly/sisterly love in my relationships this week?
3. Do I truly believe that God will provide for me, even if I don’t fight for “the best” spot?
Key Takeaway:
When we humble ourselves and seek God first, He blesses us far more than anything we could gain by choosing in our own wisdom.
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“What I Saw God Do in Hephzibah, Georgia”
Lastly, I want to tell you about this past weekend. I had the privilege of being part of a large Christian youth meeting right here in Georgia. It was such a blessing to see so many young people praising the Lord freely. Some of the boys, both new and experienced, preached. They were encouraged to be themselves and stay away from AI-written sermons!
That teaching moment was so needed. We live in a world that prizes convenience and imitation, and we forget how important it is to stay authentic before God. True ministry comes from time spent with Him to listen, obey, and allow His Spirit to speak through us personally.
Throughout the weekend, we prayed for one another, wept together, and rejoiced in the sheer grace of God. I know something that stuck out to me personally was remembering how far He’s brought me from and what our lives could have been. I left feeling so thankful for pastors and Bible Baptist preachers who still preach the truth of God’s Word without fear and who care enough to invest their time, money, and hearts into our youth.
My children were just as touched as I was. My 13-year-old daughter said her favorite part of the meeting was when we raised over $100,000 for a godly evangelist who has given so much of himself to others. The offering started simply to help fix his transmission since he travels all over the country preaching the gospel, but by the end, God had provided enough to buy him a brand new van! What a beautiful reminder that God is faithful to those who put kingdom work first.
My nine-year-old son’s favorite part was when youth and adults were so moved by the goodness of God that they were shouting, running, and giving Him all the praise He deserves. There’s something powerful about watching young people experience God’s presence so deeply that they can’t help but rejoice.
Our young people need this. America needs this.
We need more parents praying for their children, more parents serving God faithfully, and more churches standing firm in truth. The next generation is watching us.
Two things I wrote down in my Bible this past weekend that I want to be reminded of continually:
1. “I just want to serve.”
2. “Strengthen the brethren.” (from Luke 22:32)
That’s what I want my life to be about…serving the Lord with all my heart and encouraging others along the way.
“Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” — Colossians 3:2
Young people today are surrounded by distractions that pull their focus toward temporary things like popularity, success, appearance, and entertainment. But God calls us to live for what truly lasts. Jesus said,
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” — Matthew 6:33 (KJV)
The goal isn’t to take away joy. No, it’s to teach them (and remind ourselves) where real joy is found. When our hearts are set on God’s kingdom, everything else falls into its right place.
So I want to challenge you:
Put effort into our youth. Take your kids to church. Go with them to youth meetings and midweek prayer services. Keep them surrounded by godly influences. Because the truth is, we become who we spend the most time with.
Let’s raise up a generation who loves Jesus passionately, stands for truth boldly, and serves others humbly.
“And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works.” Hebrews 10:24 (KJV)
Reflection questions:
• How can you intentionally encourage the faith of the young people in your life this week?
• What “earthly things” might be distracting you from kingdom work?
The Georgia Nest 