“Then Abram went up from Egypt, he and his wife and all that he had, and Lot with him, to the South. 2 Abram was very rich in livestock, in silver, and in gold. 3 And he went on his journey from the South as far as Bethel, to the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Ai, 4 to the place of the altar which he had made there at first. And there Abram called on the name of the Lord. 5 Lot also, who went with Abram, had flocks and herds and tents. 6 Now the land was not able to support them, that they might dwell together, for their possessions were so great that they could not dwell together. 7 And there was strife between the herdsmen of Abram’s livestock and the herdsmen of Lot’s livestock. The Canaanites and the Perizzites then dwelt in the land. 8 So Abram said to Lot, “Please let there be no strife between you and me, and between my herdsmen and your herdsmen; for we are brethren. 9 Is not the whole land before you? Please separate from me. If you take the left, then I will go to the right; or, if you go to the right, then I will go to the left.”” Genesis 13:1-10 NKJV
Father God,
Yes they were doing really well and prospering in the land You God promised them. But success caused strife between the two families. Even in the best families there can be a little strife! But You have led them to a spacious place and there is enough room to expand, they did not need to fall out. How as churches we need to understand this and pray with and for each other.
Abraham has learned that You, God are worthy of his trust. You called him to move (Genesis 12:1-3). You kept him safe in famine in Egypt (Genesis 12:10). You protected his wife even though he lied about her to Pharaoh ( Genesis 12:17-20). You led him back to the place between Bethel and Ai when the famine was over to a good land (Genesis 13:1-4). So how does He cope with the strife? In peace. He talks with his nephew Lot. He looks at what there is in dispute and is generous. He gives Lot the first choice. He does not try to influence him because he knows he can trust You, God and Your promises.
Which ever Lot chooses, Abram knows he will be blessed. It is Lot who has not yet learned to choose Your way God. Help us to know that we can be generous and let others be blessed. We will not miss out. We can be generous because Your generosity Lord is endless and boundless towards us for good.
In Jesus name we give thanks, Amen.
Worship Friday 9th January 2026
I love You, Lord
For Your mercy never fails me
All my days, I’ve been held in Your hands
From the moment that I wake up
Until I lay my head
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God
All my life You have been faithful
And all my life You have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God
I love Your voice
You have led me through the fire
In the darkest night
You are close like no other
I’ve known You as a Father
I’ve known You as a Friend
And I have lived in the goodness of God (yeah)
Chorus
Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me
Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me
My life laid down, I’m surrendered now
I give You everything
Your goodness is running after,
It’s running after me (oh)
Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me
Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me
My life laid down, I’m surrendered now
I give You everything
Your goodness is running after
It keeps running after me
Chorus: Twice
Lyrics: Jason David Ingram, Brian Johnson, Edmond Martin Cash, Benjamin David Fielding, Jenn Johnson.