TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
He took his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, all the possessions they had accumulated and the people they had acquired in Harran, and they set out for the land of Canaan, and they arrived there. Genesis 12:5
Read: Genesis 12:4-9
Listen: Genesis 12
TODAY’S MESSAGE
Abram is heading to Canaan with his entire family, everyone who worked for him and everything he owned, including his household gods. The Bible tells us that Abram and his family worshipped idols before the true God intersected his life (Joshua 24:2). Leaving Harran, Abram is beginning the process of leaving behind a counterfeit god as he pursues and trusts the authentic God of creation.
Idolatry is our stubborn dependence upon something which is not God and fills the rightful place of God. It is anything we turn to for ultimate safety, security and value. One way to identify an idol is to ask, “In what am I trusting that prevents me from moving?” It might be our sense of humor, wealth, beauty or intellect. It’s the one thing that’s standing in the way of us taking our next step.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Take a $1 bill and turn it over. On the back is the phrase “In God We Trust.” Using that as a template of sorts, write the phrase “In __________ I Trust” in your journal. Complete the phrase. If you’re truthful, and the answer is anything other than “God,” spend time in confession and repentance. Thank God for helping you identify this idol. Begin a conversation in your small group, or with a trusted friend, about how you can begin to leave this idol behind.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
