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Heart of the Matter: Leaving the Land of Forgetfulness (1 Sam. 7) Chris Altrock – June 18, 2017

This entry is part [part not set] of 4 in the series The Heart of the Matter

 

There are a small number of people in the world diagnosed with hyperthymesia.[1] Essentially, these are people who remember everything–everything. Alexandre Wolfe is one of them. In an interview for NPR, Alexandre described how she can recall every detail of a mundane activity like driving to Target for groceries more than ten years ago. She can recall what she wore and ate every day for the past decade. She remembers if the fan in the bedroom was running on this date last year.

This hyper memory could be helpful. Imagine never forgetting another birthday or anniversary or special occasion. Imagine never forgetting another important fact while you are at work or school. Imagine studying for a test and remembering everything you studied. Imagine being able to win every trivia game.Heart of the Matter: Leaving the Land of Forgetfulness (1 Sam. 7) Chris Altrock – June 18, 2017

Body and Soul, Heaven and Earth (Gen. 14)

This entry is part [part not set] of 32 in the series Genesis Devo

 

17 After Abram returned from defeating Kedorlaomer and the kings allied with him, the king of Sodom came out to meet him in the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley). 18 Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High, 19 and he blessed Abram, saying, “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. 20 And praise be to God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.” (Gen. 14:17-20 ESV)

Melchizedek is a unique figure. Of the many kings mentioned in Genesis fourteen, he is the one king who is also a priest. He is the king of Salem. He is also the priest of God Most High.

Body and Soul, Heaven and Earth (Gen. 14)

Stars, Dust and Sand: Signs of God’s Strength for Us (Gen. 13)

This entry is part [part not set] of 32 in the series Genesis Devo

 

I will make your offspring like the dust of the earth, so that if anyone could count the dust, then your offspring could be counted. (Gen. 13:16 NIV)

He took him outside and said, “Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” (Gen. 15:5 NIV)

I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. (Gen. 22:17 NIV)

God uses three similes to describe his ability to do the impossible: stars, dust and sand. Abraham is seventy-five when he is first called by God in Genesis twelve. He is one hundred when he finally fathers Isaac in Genesis twenty-one.  When he dies at one hundred seventy-five in Genesis twenty-five, his descendants hardly fill a family tree. Yet God promises that what’s going to happen will be as numerous as stars, dust and sand. And the promise comes true. God fulfills the impossible. Every time Abraham sees stars, dust or sand, he is reminded of the way in which God is going to work the impossible in and through him.

Stars, Dust and Sand: Signs of God’s Strength for Us (Gen. 13)

Bless You

This entry is part [part not set] of 32 in the series Genesis Devo

 

1 The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. 2 “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” (Gen. 12:1-3 NIV)

Bless.

Five times this is the word used to describe what God desires to do for humanity.

Five times this is the word used to describe what God’s people are to do for humanity.

“I will bless you.”

“You will be a blessing.”

“I will bless those who bless you.”

“All peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”

Bless. Bless. Bless. Bless. Bless.Bless You