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Key Bible Verse: If we have hope in Christ only for this life, we are the most miserable people in the world (Genesis 12:7). Bonus Reading: Gen. 12:1-8

Colonial explorers planted the flag of their sovereigns on foreign shores and staked their claims to vast territories. During the California gold rush, miners rushed to stake claims to land that they believed held their fortune. In World War II, U. S. Marines on Iwo Jima raised their standard over hard-won territory.

Millennia earlier, the Lord instructed Abram to leave his home in Ur and head toward a destination to be shown him en route. When Abram eventually arrived at Shech-em, the Lord confirmed that it was the place of His choice.

Not one of the promises that God gave Abram could be tangibly substantiated. Becoming the "father of a great nation" seemed highly unlikely, being blessed, becoming famous, and becoming a "blessing to others" were far removed from anything he was then experiencing. And the Canaanites were in possession of the land.

Abraham had no flag, and there was no office to which he could rush to stake a claim, but he left his mark at the place. Because the Lord had ceded the land to his heirs, Abram built an altar, bearing silent witness to his faith and obedience.

—Stuart Briscoe in The One Year Book of Devotions for Men

My Response: What silent witnesses have I erected to what I hold dear?

Thought to Apply: The future is as bright as the promises of God. —Adoniram Judson (missionary to Burma)

Adapted from The One Year Book of Devotions for Men (Tyndale, 2000) by permission.

Prayer for the Week

Dear God, I thank You that what is unseen is eternal. Give me the eyes of faith to see reality.

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