Genesis 13 - Abram worshiped the LORD again

R.A.M.P. (READ-APPLY-MEMORIZE-PRAY)This is what I READ: Abram was traveling from Egypt with his wife, and Lot (vs 1).Abram stopped between Bethel and Ai where he had made an altar and worshiped the LORD previously. Cross ref: Genesis 12:8-9. In that place, Abram worshiped the LORD again (vs 4). There was conflict between Abram and Lot’s herdsmen (vs 5-7).To resolve the conflict, they made a decision to separate - Abram gave Lot the first choice of land (vs 8-9)Lot chose the whole Jordan valley and moved toward Sodom, while Abram took the land of Canaan (vs 10-13).God reiterated His promise to Abram - land and descendants - and he built another altar to the LORD (vs 14-18). The context of this chapter is Abram leaving Egypt after a famine, and after being busted by Pharaoh for lying. Some of the hallmarks of Abram’s life were traveling, building altars, and worshiping the LORD. Interestingly we don’t see any record of altars or worship happening in Egypt. Between Bethel and Ai, Abram worshiped the LORD again - perhaps this was the same altar he had built before.\When Abram realized that conflict between he and Lot was an issue, he offered Lot the first choice of land. Lot chose the land to the east - it was a beautiful land! He moved his family near Sodom, a decision would prove to be disastrous for Lot and his family. Sodom was known for its great wickedness. After Lot had left, God spoke to Abram and reiterated His promises! Abram built another altar to the LORD. Look closely at what land God gives to Abram: “in every direction - north, south EAST, and west.” In the end, all the land would belong to Abram anyway!APPLY: Abram’s worship involved an altar. The presence of an altar would indicate that there was also a sacrifice. Worship is so much more than singing songs. One of the ways that we can worship God is through sacrifice & giving. Worship and sacrifice just seem to be the norm of his life. Lot on the other hand seemed to care about different things - when he had the choice of where to live, he picked one of the most vile places imaginable. We’ll see in Genesis 18-19 just how awful this place was, and the far-reaching legacy of Lot’s choices. The story of Abram and Lot is really a contrast between two different hearts. Which heart will I have? A heart of sacrifice and worship to God, or a heart that is moving myself and my family closer to sin? MEDITATE: The verse sheds a little light on Abram’s heart: “Abraham was confidently looking forward to a city with eternal foundations, a city designed and built by God.” - Hebrews 11:10PRAY: I’m praying for you today and the decisions you’re facing. I’m praying you’ll choose the eternal like Abram did! Today we’re reading Genesis 13 from the New Living Translation.Listen now - today is your "On Ramp!"Shawn.Ps -Check out our sponsor – Compassion International – and help release children from poverty in Jesus’ name!The On Ramp + World’s Biggest Small Group have teamed up to create the “John 21 Day Reset” study. Get started today for free!Get more fun & meaningful content like this at Hope Nation.If you need prayer, you can share online here, or call 281-652-5555 (Mon-Fri, 7a-9p Central).The On Ramp is a podcast production from Hope Media Group.