Rebekah's Dad and Brother Said "Yes"

By Mary Vee

Genesis 24:32-54
In our last story, Rebekah's brother, Laban, ran out to the city well and invited Eliezer, Abraham's servant, and the other servants to his home.

Laban led the camels to the stable, ducking each time they spat. He unloaded all the bundles, and set out plenty of straw and feed.

When he finished, Laban wiped his hands on his tunic and turned toward the house. "Follow me, my Father will be excited to hear your news."

Once inside, Laban walked over to the table. "My mother has prepared a meal." "You and your men may sit over here."

Eliezer cleared his throat. "Actually, I'd rather not eat until I've given my message."

Bethuel, Rebekah's father, nodded. "Don't worry, Laban. That's fine."

Eliezer bowed in respect. "I am Abraham's servant. The Lord has blessed my master with great wealth."

A servant yelled at a donkey in the front yard to get back to the stable. The donkey squawked and brayed. Eliezer leaned forward and spoke loudly about Abraham, his journey, and his prayer at the well.

He shook his head and put his hands on his face. "Do you know what happened? Before I finished speaking in my heart, there was Rebekah walking toward the well."

Laban rolled his eyes and mumbled, "She should have waited for him to stop speaking. But no, my sister always has to be first."

Eliezer sighed. "Now, tell me. What do you think?"

No one spoke.

Suddenly, Laban's stomach grumbled. I wish Father would make a decision. I'm starved. He leaned over and whispered, "Seems like a good idea."

"I don't know if this is good or bad, but I think the Lord is clearly speaking to us." Bethuel stroke his beard.

A moment later he nodded and stood. "You may take Rebekah to be your master's son's wife as the Lord has spoken."

Eliezer fell to the ground and worshiped the Lord. "Thank you, O God of my master, Abraham."

"Wait. I have gifts." He ran to one of his bags and jammed his arm deep inside. "Yes, here it is." Eliezer unpacked silver and gold jewelry and beautiful clothing. "These are for your daughter."

Before Bethuel called, Rebekah ran out to the living room. "You called, Father?"

He shook his head. "I would have called if you would have given me the chance. Very well, you may have your gifts."

Eliezer set his bag on the floor and handed her the jewelry and clothing.

She bowed graciously. "Thank you." Rebekah brushed the soft material against her cheek and laughed. "What beautiful gifts." She twirled around the living room, holding each new treasure close to her.

Laban rolled his eyes. "Girls."

Eliezer dug into his bag and unpacked precious gifts for Laban and their mother.

Tears came to her eyes. "Oh, Betheul. Look."

He nodded. "Very nice."

Laban sneaked behind his sister and tickled her. She spun around to face him. At that moment he saw a sparkle in her eyes. "I'm happy for you, Sis."

Can you count how many pieces of the story about Rebekah God clearly planned? Hmmm..don't forget Eliezer's prayer asking God to send the right girl to say the right thing, and then...click the comment button to say what else God did.

Pesky Brothers

By Mary Vee

Genesis24:29-32
Last time we talked about Eliezer giving Rebekah a gold ring and gold bracelets. She ran home to show her family the wonderful gifts.

Laban, Rebekah's brother, wiped his forehead. "What a hot day to split wood." He set the freshly cut log on the wood pile. As he reached for another chunk of wood, he noticed his sister running toward the house. He looked closer and saw her friends weren't with her. There must be something wrong. His ax fell from his hand, just missing his foot. "Rebekah!"

"Laban, Laban, look what I have!" Rebekah waved her wrist in front of his face.

"Wait just a minute. Who gave you these bracelets and the ring? Who's this person?" Laban rolled up his sleeves. "I'll teach this stranger to fool my sister. Where is he?"

Laban paced a few steps, turned and glared at his sister. "Why do you listen to strangers? He could be a thief."

He pushed her off the path. "Step aside. I'll take care of him."

Rebekah tried to slow her breathing. She shook her head and laughed. "You don't understand. No one was mean to me."

Laban stomped up the path. "Yeah, sure. Is he at the well?"

"Wait!" Rebekah pulled her skirt tight around her feet and ran after her brother. "You must listen." She took two more breaths. "Yes, there's a man at the well. He's the servant of Grandfather's brother."

Laban stopped. He studied her eyes to decide if she was telling the truth. "Abram's servant is out at the well?"

"Yes! But his servant called him Abraham. He must have changed his name."

"And you left him out there? Rebekah what were you thinking?" He shook his finger at her. "You can't leave servants who probably have important messages from family members out at the well. Do I have to do everything myself?"

He ran out to the well. There he found a finely dressed servant standing by ten magnificent camels. Nine servants stood humbly nearby. Ooooo, Rebekah is going to be in so much trouble when Dad and Mom find out she left these people at the well.

He swallowed and took a few steps near the servant. "I understand you met my sister."

The servant nodded.

"Please forgive us, for you are blessed of the Lord. Please, come to our home. Our house is prepared for you."

Laban turned to lead the way to the house. "Come, my parents will want to hear all your news about Abraham."

Eliezer commanded the servants and camels to follow. "Very good. I have important news to tell them."

Looks like Laban cared about his sister after all. He showed, in his brotherly way, that he didn't want her to get hurt. I have a brother like that. God brings many different people in our lives who care about us. Think about the people in your life. Yup, even the ones who are pesky. Can you find at least one time when someone showed they cared about you? Did you just giggle?

Can Rebekah Find Her Prince? Crossword Puzzle

By Mary Vee

FIND ANSWERS TO THIS WEEK'S PUZZLE IN GENESIS 24. Scroll Down to find last weeks answer


Across
1. Rebekah's home
5. Was Eliezer allowed to take Isaac on the trip?
6. Relationship between Rebekah's grandfather and Eliezer's master
7. What Eliezer touched to make his promise
9. Animals Eliezer took to Rebekah's family
11. Bethuel was Rachel's
13 What Rebekah carried
14. Abraham's son

Down
2. Number of camels Eliezer took
3. Eliezer's master
4. One of the gifts given to Rebekah
8. Eliezer's gifts were made of
9. people from which Eliezer should not find a wife for Abraham's son
10. direction Eliezer travelled
12. Rebekah poured water into

Rebekah Went to Fetch Water and Found Gold

By Mary Vee

Rebekah's two friends stood at the end of the path outside Rebekah's house. Their water jugs wabbled on their shoulders .

"Rebekah. Ready to go to the well?"

"Uh huh."

"She's dancing again, Hava."

"Dancing with a water jug, Deborah. That girl needs a husband."

"And we don't?"

"Of course we do."

Rebekah danced in between her friends and linked arms. "Come now, you know I'll settle for nothing less than a prince."

The three friends burst out laughing.

They joked and laughed all the way along the path leading out of the city.

Rebekah pulled her arms free from her friends and sprinted ahead a few steps. "Race you there."

The wind blew through her hair. She twirled around once than slowed to a walk. "The air smells good. I could stay out here all day."

As she neared the well, she noticed a traveler with several camels resting. "Hmmm, I wonder what brings him to our city. I wonder where he's been, where he's going, what he's seen. Oh, how I wish I could travel and see other places."

She went down to the well, filled her pitcher and came up. Suddenly she noticed the servant running to meet her. He must need help.

The traveler stopped a few steps from her. "Please, please, may I have a little drink of water from your pitcher?"

Rebekah looked at his his face. Poor man, he looks so thirsty. "Yes, of course, drink, my lord." She quickly let her pitcher down and gave him a drink.

He smiled and drank some more. "Thank you. This water is good. You're very kind."

Rebekah raised her pitcher to her shoulder. His camels must be as thirsty as he is, poor things. "I'd be happy to draw water for your camels, if you wish."

Rebekah didn't give him a chance to respond. She ran over to the trough and emptied her pitcher. Those poor creatures, they've drank the water I just poured, already. She ran back to the well to draw water again and again until the camels stopped dinking.

She wiped sweat off her face with her sleeve. Rebekah laughed when the camels plopped down to rest. "That's much better."

Rebekah sat down under the tree to rest. She watched the traveler reach into a satchel. He dug around for a minute then pulled out a ring and two bracelets. Oh, dear, this is a wealthy traveler. Who have I met this day?

The traveler gently walked near her. "This is a gift for you."

Rebekah could hardly breathe. "For me, my lord?"

The traveler smiled. "You have been so kind to me. Whose daughter are you? Tell me, please, is there room in your father's house for us to stay for the night?"

Rebekah looked back at her friends who were filling their pitchers then back at the traveler. "My father is Bethuel. His parents are Milcah and Nahor. We have both straw and feed enough for your camels and a room for you to rest."

The traveler bowed his head and worshipped the Lord. "Blessed be the Lord God of my master Abraham, who has led me to the house of my master's brethren."

Rebekah's mouth fell open. "You are the servant of Grandpa's brother, Abraham? Oh, wait 'til my family hears about this. Come on. I can't wait to tell my family."

Rebekah ran ahead as fast as she could without spilling water from her pitcher.

Sometimes when we do something nice for someone, we find out our good deed has helped more than we realized. Sometimes when we do a good deed we receive a reward we can touch. But everytime we do a good deed, God will give us a sparkly, joyful feeling inside that makes us smile, or jump, or dance. Do a kind deed and see!

Rebekah's Wish for a Prince

By Mary Vee

Genesis 24:15
Last time we left Eliezer with his master's camels and servants near a well. He found the city of Nahor as Abraham asked him to do. While he settled down to rest and began a prayer to God asking for help to find the right wife for Isaac, Rebekah finished her mending in her home at the nearby city.

Rebekah shook the skirt she mended and tipped her head. "Good, can't see the hole." She shoved the needle and thread back in the sewing box.

"Rebekah, help me with this goat stew," her mother called. "After we prepare the meat and vegetables, it can cook while you get the water."

Rebekah grabbed a knife and some vegetables and found a clean spot on the counter to work. "Mother, do you think I'll ever find the perfect husband?"

Her mother wiped her hands on her apron. "You could marry Lavi the spice merchant."

Rebekah laughed. "Sure, and bring him his cane every morning. Mother, he's too old."

"True, but you'd never go hungry marrying a wealthy man like him."

Rebekah sighed. "I know, but isn't there more to life than being wealthy?"

"You don't complain about your life here." Her mother sliced a few pieces of meat and dropped them in the pot. "Your father has given you much."

"He has given me a good life here." Rebekah gazed out the window at her father, Bethuel, and laughed. "He's chasing that silly brother of mine. Laban probably hid his favorite tool again."

Rebekah chopped the last piece of vegetable. "Sometimes I wonder, what would it be like to go on a long journey and see someplace new? Maybe my husband is in a far off country waiting for me. Maybe he's an heir to a great kingdom. What if he's part of a great plan that would bring peace to everyone?"

Rebekah twirled around and gave her mother a hug. "Do you think it's possible?"

Her mother dropped the last piece of meat into the pot and laughed. "You, my daughter, are so beautiful. How is it that you have such wild dreams?"

"Oh, I don't know. I really do love being near my family." Rebekah twirled over to the window and leaned on the edge. "It's just--I feel something in my heart. I want to go on an adventure out there, somewhere, to meet my special prince."

"Until that day should ever come, bring me the vegetables for the pot. And hurry, I see your friends coming up the road. You need to grab your water jug and get going to the well."

Rebekah chuckled and dropped the vegetables into the pot. She hummed a tune as she twirled over to the water jug. She scooped it up and danced with it out the door. "Good bye, Mother. I love you."

Sometimes God gives us wishes to help us want to do what is in His plan. One day I saw a movie about being a missionary in Mexico. Suddenly I wanted to go more than I wanted to do anything else. My father said, "No." I didn't have any money to pay for the trip. My friends prayed and prayed. They prayed every day. God supplied the money. My friends kept praying with me for God to change my dad's heart. One day my dad said I could go. When I was in Mexico I handed a paper with a Bible story written on it to a man in the city. He stopped, read the story, and said "Thank You." I never saw the man again. Sometimes I wonder if he ever heard anything else about God.

Has God given you a wish? Press the comment button and tell me.

Abraham Scramble Game

By Mary Vee

Directions: Unscramble each of the clue words. Copy the letters in the numbered cells to the cells at the bottom with the same number to see the secret message. SCROLL DOWN FOR ANSWER TO LAST WEEK'S OLD TESTAMENT MAZE



Answer key to Last Week's Old Testament Maze

God Likes to Trust us with Big Jobs

By Mary Vee

Genesis 24:10-15
Eliezer looked to the north. "I have a long journey. My master, Abraham, made me promise I would go to the city of Nahor to find a wife for his son, Isaac. He actually trusted me to do this great task!"

He looked at the ten camels and the servants traveling with him. "He trusted me with his best."

Eliezer stuffed the paper listing all his master's possessions in the pouch hung around his neck. "Better keep this safe. I'll need to show this as proof when I arrive in Nahor."

He traveled through mountains, streams, valleys, and deserts for many days. For four hundred miles he and the servants followed Abraham's instructions.

One evening, around supper time, Eliezer came to a well outside the city of Nahor.

"We're here! At last, we're here." He herded the camels by the well and made them kneel. "We will wait to drink," Eliezer commanded.

He knew women from the city went to the well to get water for their families in the evening. Eliezer didn't want to be in the way. He also knew people from the city took their water from the well before travelers could draw water. He stayed back to not be in the way.

Soon he saw a group of women in the distance. Eliezer felt nervous. "They're coming for water."

He took a deep breath. "How will I know which woman is the right one for Isaac?

He stroked his beard. "I know, I shall pray to my master's God."

He knelt near the camels. "O Lord God of my master Abraham, please give me success this day, and show kindness to my master Abraham. Here I stand by the well. The women from the city are coming to draw water. Let it be, that the young woman to whom I say, 'Please let me have a drink,' and she then says 'Drink, and I will also give your camels a drink'-let her be the one You have chosen for Your servant Isaac."

Eliezer looked up at the beautiful blue sky. "And, Lord, let me know by all of this that you have shown kindness to my master."

Before Eliezer finished speaking, Rebekah came to the well with a pitcher on her shoulder.

God loves us so much that He trusts us with big jobs, shows us the way to do the job, and helps us to be successful. Can you think of a time God gave you a big job to do? What happened?

Eliezer, Trusted Servant of Abraham

By Mary Vee

Genesis 24:1-9
Abraham groaned when the sun rose one morning. His arms ached. His legs ached. He rubbed his eyes and looked around his tent for his cane. Everything looked blurry.

Eliezer opened the tent flap and stepped inside. "I see you're awake already. I brought you some food and drink. Do you want to eat in here or out at the table?"

Abraham rubbed his back. "I'll eat out there. Maybe the fresh air and sunshine will soothe my bones."

"Very well. Here's your cane. Do you need help?"

"No, my friend." Abraham chuckled then coughed twice. "I may be older than 137 years, but I think I can find my way out of this tent."

Abraham yawned and pushed himself up with his cane. "Sure wish my Sarah was here. She'd laugh and call me 'old man'. She sure knew how to keep me moving."

He hobbled out the tent and over to the table.

Abraham leaned against the edge of the table and motioned for Eliezer to come closer. "Eliezer, Isaac is old enough to have a wife. He's almost 40 years old. I don't want him to take a wife from this land. The women here do not worship the true God."

Eliezer nodded. "I understand. But what then would you have me do?"

Abraham gazed up at the morning sunrise. Golden sun rays reached far to the east. "You have been my most trusted servant for years. Please, put your hand under my thigh and promise me in the name of the Lord, the God of heaven and the God of the earth that you will go to my country and to my family, and find a wife for my son Isaac."

"You want me to travel all the way to Mesopotamia? What if the woman I find will not come with me back here? I suppose I could get Isaac and take him back to Mesopotamia to find a wife."

Abraham shook his head. "Oh, no, no, don't do that. Isaac must not go back there. The Lord God of heaven clearly told me this is the land He wanted us to have. Isaac must stay here."

Abraham gazed into his servants eyes. "Don't worry. God will send His angel before you. You will find the right girl. And, if she isn't willing to come here and marry Isaac, then you will be free from this promise. You must not take Isaac back there."

Eliezer bowed in respect. He placed his hand under his master's thigh and promised to do everything Abraham asked.

Abraham clapped his hands together. "Good. Now I can eat my meal."

Abraham knew he could trust his servant Eliezer to do what he promised. We also know that we can trust God to do all that He promises. But here is the question. Will you be a trusted servant for God like Eliezer was for Abraham?

Old Testament Book Maze

By Mary Vee

DIRECTIONS FOR TODAY'S MAZE
Follow the maze. Choose the path that puts the Old Testament books in order. Only the first letter of each book is given. If a book has first and second in the name like I Samuel and II Samuel then there will be a letter for each book, one for first and one for second. The answer will be published next week.

Abraham Lost His Best Friend

By Mary Vee

Genesis 23
Abraham's best friend on earth had to be Sarah, his wife. She lived with him longer than anyone else he knew. She laughed with him when they found out they would have a baby, she hiked with him through the promised land, she did whatever she could to make him happy.

Sarah was 127 years old when she died.

Abraham cried. He sat down beside her and thought of all the things they did together throughout the years. Tears poured down his cheeks.

His servant offered him food and drink, but he didn't want anything. He missed his Sarah.

Men who had lived in the land heard about Sarah's death. They came to visit Abraham. The men walked close to Abraham and waited for him to notice them.

Abraham lifted his head and looked at them. His eyes were red. Tears clung to his face. He sobbed.

One man said, "Abraham, you are a mighty prince among us. In all the years you have lived here, we have come to know and trust you. Please, accept our gift. Take any of our best pieces of land to bury Sarah."

All the other men nodded in agreement.

Abraham's servant helped him stand. His back hurt, his knees hurt, and he felt very tired. He took a sleeve and wiped his face. "Thank you for your kindness. Please let me have the cave of Machpelah which is at the end of Ephron's field. Tell me the full price. I will pay for the property."

Ephron stepped forward. "No, my lord, please, you must let me give you the field and the cave. Before all these witnesses I say I am giving you the land. You owe me nothing. Please accept my gift."

Abraham was a wealthy man. He had plenty of money to pay for the land. He realized Ephron wanted to give the land out of respect and honor. Ephron was not rich. To take the gift from him would be wrong. Also, Abraham didn't want any of the men from that land to say they were the ones who made Abraham rich. He knew God gave him all that he owned.

Ephron looked at Abraham's eyes. "You really want to pay for the land, don't you? Well, if you must know, the land is worth 400 shekels of silver."

Abraham took out his money. He weighed the silver until he had the right amount and gave it to Ephron. "Thank you for letting me buy the cave and the field."

Before all the witnesses, Ephron gave the paper to Abraham saying he owned the field and cave at Machpelah.

Abraham and his servants carried his best friend, and wife, Sarah, to the cave and buried her.

Even though he thought of her, and oftentimes heard her voice in his memory, he knew in his heart that she was with God and that he would see her again someday.

Sometimes we lose our friends, they move away, or they leave in other ways. It's OK to cry when they leave. The Bible tells us Jesus cried, do you remember when and why? But after we cry for a while, we need to keep doing the things God wants us to do. Don't forget your friends. Keep caring about them while you do the things God has for you to do.

God Will Provide For You

By Mary Vee

Genesis 22:8-19
God told Abraham to take Isaac up to a certain place on a mountain. I want to tell you this really cool fact I found before I continue the story. This very place that God told Abraham and Isaac to go was the same place the Temple was built many, many years later. This is the same Temple place Jesus went into as a boy and later as a man. I think it is amazing just how much the Bible is like many puzzle pieces that all come together to tell God's story....HIStory. Now, back to our story.

Abraham and Isaac found the place God told them to go. They gathered rocks and built an altar for their sacrifice to God. Abraham wiped the sweat off his forehead and took a drink of water.

The sky was clear and the air smelled of many flowers. Abraham listened. There wasn't any sound. No small animals scurrying around; no larger animals shifting in the bushes.

Isaac looked around. "There are no animals for the sacrifice."

Abraham nodded. "God has always provided for us."

Isaac tipped his head like he was thinking. Then he gave a little smile. "You're right, He has."

Abraham spoke with Isaac for a few more minutes.

God had told Abraham to sacrifice his son. Abraham knew that God would have a special reason for this command. He believed in God so much that he decided he would do anything God asked. No matter what.

Abraham gently bound Isaac and laid him on the altar. Abraham reached over and pulled out his knife to kill his son like God asked.

Suddenly the Angel of the Lord called to him from heaven. "Abraham, Abraham!"

Abraham's hand froze. He took a deep breath. "Here I am."

The Angel of the Lord said, "Don't do anything to Isaac. I now know that you honor me and respect me with all your heart since you have not withheld your son, your only son from Me.

Abraham suddenly saw a ram caught in thick bushes. He sighed then quickly untied Isaac.

"Come help me, Son" Abraham was so happy he laughed as he pulled Issac near him. "Let's get the ram God has provided."

He and Isaac took the ram and offered it as a sacrifice to God. They stood back and watched the sacrifice burn. Abraham turned to Isaac, "I will call this place, Yireh, The-Lord-Will-Provide, for God did provided, just like I knew He would."

Suddenly a voice came from heaven again, "Abraham, because you have done what I asked and have not withheld you son, your only son, I will bless you because you obeyed me."

So Abraham and Isaac hiked back to the place where they left the two men then they all hiked back home. Sometimes Abraham skipped. Sometimes Abraham giggled.

God had provided.

Has God provided for you in a special way? Click on the comment button to share.

Genesis 21-22 Word Puzzle

By Mary Vee




Abraham
Beersheba
Donkey
Friends
Isaac
Laugh
Moriah
Servants
Thirsty
Well
Wilderness
Wood

God Gives Tests

By Mary Vee

Abraham, Sarah, and Isaac lived rather well. They had lots of servants, lots of cattle and sheep, and plenty of wells. Who could ask for anything more? When everything is going well for us God wants to know if we still are really thinking about Him. Sometimes God gives us a test like our teachers do at school.

Abraham looked at the stars. "So many stars tonight."

The clear night sky showed thousands of stars. Suddenly Abraham heard a voice.

"Abraham," God said.

Abraham looked around to see where the voice came from. "Here I am."

"I want you to take Isaac up to the mountain which I will tell you and offer him to me as a sacrifice."

Abraham went back to his tent and thought about God's command all that night. Hours later colors from the sunrise peeked through the windows. Abraham sighed. "I can't sleep. May as well get up and get to work."

He put a saddle on his donkey and packed food and water. "I'll get the wood chopped and tied to the donkey then get the others."

When he finished he quietly went to Isaac's bed. "Wake up, Son. We're going up the mountain to offer a sacrifice to God."

Isaac stretched and yawned. "Can't I sleep a few more minutes?"

"No, Son. We have a long journey. Tell you what, you get ready while I wake the two men I've chosen to go with us. Five minutes, OK?"

"Yah, sure, Dad."

The group set out walking to the east. They hiked up mountain trails for two days. On the third day Abraham looked up the mountain trail and saw the place God told him to go.

Abraham stopped for a drink. He untied the wood from the donkey. "You two men stay with the donkey. I want to worship God alone with Isaac. When we're finished, we'll come back to you."

Abraham could hardly breathe. The walk up the mountain made his heart beat faster. Even though he was tired, Abraham decided he would obey God no matter what God asked him to do. But, this...this command was so very difficult.

Isaac looked at Abraham. "Are you well? Here, let me carry the wood."

"Yes, I'm fine. Thank you, I appreciate your help."

Abraham used the rope to tie the wood onto Isaac's back then he led the way up the trail.

As they walked Isaac said, "We have everything for the sacrifice, except the lamb."

In between deep breaths Abraham answered, "God will provide for Himself the right lamb for the sacrifice. Look, over there, we're almost to the place."

What will happen next? We'll finish this story in the next post, on Wednesday. Stories like this are hard to tell because someone might not understand that a great ending is coming. I think this story is going to tell us that God wants us to always remember to show Him we love Him whether we're having a good day or a bad day. What do you think?

Friends are Kind, Friends Forgive.

By Mary Vee

Abraham is still living near Gerar, a city on the southwest side of the Promised Land. Abimelech is still king. The people who live in the area are called Philistines. Sound familiar?

One day King Abimelech called Phichol, the commander of his army, for a meeting. "Do you remember the man, Abraham, who came to live in our city several years ago?"

"Why yes, my liege. He's prospered here in our land. I've kept an eye on him. His cattle and sheep have increased tremendously, as well as the number of his servants."

"Yes, I've seen the same progress and it concerns me. Clearly his God is with him. What if his servants fight with our people and a war is started. Will his God destroy our people?"

"What would you have me do, my liege?"

"Let's pay him a visit."

They rode out to Abraham's camp and met with him outside his tent. Abimelech looked around the camp. "I've seen proof that your God is with you. You've prospered in our land. Promise me, you'll not cause any harm to me, my officials, or my family. Also promise to treat me as kindly as I've treated you for as long as you live here."

Abraham ran his fingers through his beard. "I promise. You've been very kind to me and I'm grateful. And for this reason, I'd like to tell you about a problem. Not too long ago my servants dug a well. Some of your servants attacked my men and stole the well. They've kept guards around the area to prevent us from taking any water."

"I don't know who's done this thing. This is the first time I've been told!" Abimelech turned to Phichol. "Did you know about this?"

"No, my liege."

Abraham signaled to his servant to bring sheep and oxen. Abraham took the animals and gave them to Abimelech. He set seven of the ewe lambs in front. "King Abimelech accept this gift as a covenant of my friendship. These lambs are set aside as a special gift to show I've dug the well we spoke about."

Abimelech smiled. "I'm thankful for this great gift and believe your word. Let's remain friends in this land. I'll see the well is returned to you."

Abimelech and Phichol returned to the palace. The next day Phichol received word that Abraham planted a new Tamarisk tree at the place they met. The note said Abraham named the tree Beersheba, which means "called on the name of the Lord, the Everlasting God".

Sometimes friends forget to be kind, sometimes friends need to forgive. Can you think of a time you needed to forgive a friend? Can you think of a time a friend needed to forgive you? How did Abraham's friendship with Abimelech turn out?

Genesis Secret Code Puzzle

By Mary Vee

Scroll down past today's puzzle to see the answer to last week's puzzle.
Directions for today's puzzle: Follow the path leading around Israel to discover "who" did "what". Go to each location only once. Place the letters in the blank along the bottom of the puzzle to learn the secret message.



Here is the solution to last week's puzzle: Elam's Army

I'm So Thirsty and There is No Water

By Mary Vee

In our last post Abraham hugged and waved goodbye to Ishmael.
Hagar didn't know which direction to go. She started walking to the southeast into the wilderness. A few hours later she and Ishmael stopped for a break.

Ishmael rubbed the sweat from his forehead. "Mom, where are we going?"

"I'm not quite sure." She handed him the water. "Don't drink too much, this is all we have until we find more."

He took a few gulps and swiped his face. "That no good half-brother of mine is going to inherit everything."

Hagar sighed. She gazed at the huge wilderness before them. It was so quiet. She only heard the screech of a vulture. "We better keep moving. Maybe there's a village over the next ridge."

They walked and walked for hours. As the sun set Ishmael gathered wood and made a fire to keep warm. Jackals, hyenas, and wolves called out in the night. Hagar held the last of the bread close to her. She tried to sleep, but couldn't.

Ishmael shouted out in his sleep, "I wish you were never born, Isaac!" He swung his arms as if punching someone. Hagar pressed her hand gently on his shoulder to calm him.

The next morning they each took a small drink before continuing their journey. For two days they suffered in the heat and found no water.

Hagar noticed a shrub up ahead. "We'll rest from the heat over there."

When they arrived, Ishmael collapsed on the ground and tried to wet his lips. "I'm so thirsty."

Hagar turned and walked several feet away. She had nothing to give him. When she cried, no tears dripped from her eyes because she was thirsty too.

Hagar fell to the ground, hid her head in the sand, and shouted, "Why won't anyone help us?"

She took a breath. Suddenly Ishmael spoke, but not to her. "Oh, God of my father Abraham, I've sinned. I hurt baby Isaac, I know I shouldn't have. I have been cruel to him. This is all my fault. Forgive me. Please, forgive me."

Hagar raised her head and gazed at her son.

The angel of God suddenly spoke from heaven. "Hagar what's wrong? Don't be afraid. God has heard the voice of the lad where he is. Arise and take care of him, for I will make him a great nation."

Hagar rubbed her sleeve across her face and blinked. "Ishmael, oh Ishmael, look behind you--a short ways beyond that bush--can you see?" She gathered her skirt and the empty water skin then ran as fast as she could beyond the bush to a well filled with water.

God took care of Hagar and Ishmael throughout their time in the wilderness. Life wasn't easy, but God continued to care for them until Ishmael finally apologized for hurting Isaac. Do you know which story in the New Testament talks about Jesus giving special water? Click on the comment button to tell me.

Ishmael

By Mary Vee

Genesis 21:8-14
In our last story, Sarah saw Ishmael picking on baby Isaac. Ishmael was seventeen-years-old at this time and Isaac was three. Sarah told Abraham what she saw.

"Look, Husband, Ishmael can't be trusted. He could have hurt Isaac. He and his mother must go, they have to go now. I won't have him trying to take away Isaac's inheritance."

"Sarah, my lovely wife, be reasonable. Ishmael is my son."

Sarah went in the tent and refused to speak to Abraham the rest of the night.

While Abraham rested, God spoke to him. "Abraham, don't be sad about sending Ishmael and his mother away. You need to listen to Sarah. My promises to you will come to pass through Isaac. I know how much you love Ishmael. For this reason I will also make a nation from him because he is your son."

The next morning, Abraham awoke before the rooster crowed. He packed bread and water, visited Hagar and then went to Ishmael's tent.

"Ishmael, wake up."

"Yes?"

"I must speak with you." Abraham sat on a nearby chair. "I just came from your mother's tent. I told her the message I received from God last night, now I must tell you."

"OK. What is it?"

"Well, you understand how I feel about obeying God's commands." Abraham picked up a stick from the floor and twirled it around in his hand.

"Yes. You obey God because you love Him."

"Very true. God has asked me to send you and your mother away from here." Abraham took a deep breath. "God said he would make a nation from you because you are my son; but I must first send you and your mother away. You must go this morning. Hagar is packing right now."

Suddenly the tent door opened. Hagar pressed her head inside. "Come Ishmael. Time to go."

Abraham hugged Ishmael. "God be with you both."

At times, God asks us to to do difficult things. God asked Abraham to leave his home and travel to a new place. Abraham obeyed. This is another time God asked Abraham to do something difficult. Abraham obeyed. Perhaps God is asking you to do something difficult like being nice to someone who is mean, doing a chore you don't want to do, or something else. What can we do to help us want to obey?

King Elam's Puzzle

By Mary Vee

King Elam kidnapped Lot. When Uncle Abraham discovered what King Elam did, he took an army of his men and with God's leading and power, conquered King Elam. He saved Lot and the other prisoners from Sodom. Here is the battlefield. You are Abraham. Put each of King Elam's soldiers into his own box by drawing as few straight lines as possible. The lines are allowed to cross. This puzzle can be done with five lines. Do you want the answer? Click on comment and tell me. I won't spoil the game by telling you before you are ready. Have fun:)

Abraham and Ishmael

By Mary Vee

Genesis 21:8,9

Abraham had two sons now. Baby Isaac spent most of his time with his mama, Sarah. She fed him, kept him clean, held him when he cried, and laid him down for naps.

Abraham spent some time with baby Isaac, too. He noticed baby Isaac's first tooth. He yanked his finger away and cried "Ouch!" when Isaac bit him after other teeth came.

But, Abraham liked spending more of his time teaching Ishmael how to care for the sheep and cattle. Now that Ishmael was fourteen years old he understood pieces of the family business.

"Ishmael, take this message to the servants in the field, then bring back firewood."

"Yes, Father."

Abraham nodded. "You're doing a fine job."

When baby Isaac turned three, Abraham and Sarah gave him a special party. The servants came and maybe a few neighbors to celebrate Isaac's birthday.

During the party Ishmael watched for a second when Isaac stood alone.

After the meal, Isaac suddenly shouted, "Bird!" He ran to a tree. "Bird!"

Ishmael glanced around. No one was watching the little boy. He crept over to Isaac and gave him a shove. "Hey, flea. You may think you're important, but you're not. I'm the oldest. I'm the one who will get our father's business. When he dies, I'm going to--"

Abraham called from the other side of the tent. "Ishmael, get our best ram. I want to show him off."

"Yes, Father." Ishmael squinted his eyes at Isaac. "He may have saved you this time, but he's too old to see everything."

Ishmael shoved Isaac one last time then ran to the field, proud of his high position in the family.

Sarah smiled at a guest. "Excuse me, I'll be right back."

She walked over to the tree and hugged Isaac. "What do you see?"

Little Isaac sniffed and rubbed his eye. He pointed up in the tree. "Bird."

"Yes, there is a birdie up there." She held Isaac's hand and walked him back to the party.

That night, Sarah told Abraham what happened.

Have you ever had someone pick on you? We don't often realize that God is watching over us even when others are cruel. God promises to take care of you. Will you share a time when God helped you or someone you know, or someone from the Bible.

God Likes to Make You Laugh

By Mary Vee

At the end of the last story, Abraham apologized for lying to King Abimelech. He felt happy in his heart that God forgave Him.

Abraham sat outside his tent and stoked the fire. A breeze blew the tall grasses in the fields. Even with his old eyes he could see the mountain where he use to live off in the distance. He took a sip of water and leaned back in his chair. "Ahhhh, life is good. God has blessed my family beyond what I could ever ask."

"Aaaa hem," Sarah cleared her throat. "Husband, I have unusual news for you."

"Yes?"

"I'm, going to have a baby."

Abraham blinked his eyes and shook his head. "You're what?"

Sarah giggled then laughed. Her eyes twinkled. "It's true! God said we would have a child, and look, I'm really going to have a baby."

Abraham jumped from his chair and grabbed her arms. He swung her around, dancing to the left and right. He laughed. "Imagine that, a ninety-year old mother and a one-hundred-year old father." He chuckled and swung her around a few more times then they both plopped down in their chairs by the fire.

"Up on that very mountain in the distance the Lord told us we would have a baby in one year from that time." Sarah wiped a tear of joy then giggled. "He kept His promise."

Abraham nodded. "I think we should name him Isaac."

"Isaac means laughter, what a good idea, Husband. I'm sure everyone who hears that we old people are having a baby will burst out laughing." Sarah propped her feet up on a rock.

Abraham chuckled as he leaned over to stir the fire. "Just wait until Lot hears about this....ha, ha, he, he, ho, ho." They both burst out laughing.

God always keeps His promises. Sometimes they surprise us. What promise can you think of that God kept? Click on the comment button

Genesis People, Places Crossword Puzzle I

By Mary Vee

Across
1. God asked him to go on a boat ride
4. floating house
5. city where Lot lived
6. other city destroyed by God
8. first person killed
10. Noah's oldest son
11. lived in King Abimelech's palace
15. God told him to go, didn't say where
17. Adam and Eve's first home
Down
2. first man
3. Hagar's son
7. Sarah's servant
9. Abraham's nephew
12. Noah's second son
13. Noah's youngest son
14. killed his brother
16. Abraham's mountaintop home

You can find the answers in stories already posted on this site. CLICK COMMENT AND TELL ME IF YOU DID IT....PUHLEEZE. :) <

Abraham Lied

By Mary Vee

Abraham decided he and Sarah needed to move. No one really knows why. Who wouldn't love a mountain top view? Maybe Abraham felt he didn't need to watch over his nephew Lot anymore. Maybe his servants couldn't find enough pasture for the animals.

He and Sarah moved southwest to a valley with great pastureland called Gerar. After arriving, they set up their tent and gave directions to their workers to arrange the camp. They found the marketplace and planted a garden.

King Abimelech happened to see the new people in town. "Hi! Welcome to Gerar. Tell me who you are."

Abraham felt nervous. He decided to lie. "My name is Abraham and this is Sarah, my sister, and these are our workers."

King Abimelech went back to his palace. After lunch he told his servant. "Sarah is a nice person. She should come live in the palace."

That night, God came to Abimelech in a special dream. "Sarah is Abraham's wife. You will be punished for bringing her to live in the palace."

King Abimelech said, "Wait a minute. I didn't know! He told me she was his sister."
God answered him in the dream, "I realize you didn't know. If you send her back to Abraham you won't be punished."

Early the next morning, King Abimelech sent for Abraham. "Abraham why did you lie to me? I greeted you. I let you stay on my land. Why did you lie?"

Abraham lowered his head, "Well, I thought for a moment and realized the people who live in this land don't love God. They probably will kill me because of my wife Sarah. So I said she is my sister." He took a deep breath. He wondered what the king would say.

King Abimelech sighed. "I guess I can see why you were afraid, but you shouldn't have lied. Here, to pay for any wrong I have done by taking Sarah to the palace to live I will give you sheep, cattle, and money. Please pray to your God to remove any punishment."

Abraham wiped away sweat from his forehead and nodded. "Thank you." He then looked up toward the sky and prayed, "Almighty God. I pray your mercy on King Abimelech. Please bless him and his household for Your sake."

When Abraham didn't know what to do, he chose to lie. His lie caused a big problem, a problem only God could fix. King Abimelech could have put Abraham in prison for lying, but he decided to forgive Abraham.

I have lied, it caused me problems, too. What should Abraham have said to King Abimelech when he met him? Click on the comment button to share your idea.

God Will Make a Way When There Seems to be No Way

By Mary Vee

Abraham woke up early. Living on top of a mountain let the sun poke its way into his tent before he liked getting up. He stretched and tasted the gunk in his mouth. Sarah snored once and rolled over.

"Guess I'll start the fire. But first, I need to find the water jug."

He gulped some water then stepped out of the tent and gazed at the sky. "Well, Lord, the sky is filled with reds, oranges, and other colors this morning, more than usual."

He took a deep breath of mountain air and smelled something weird. He took a second deep breath. "Hmmmm...smells like smoke."

Suddenly he remembered the Lord's Word when He visited the other day. "Sodom, Lot's family...did God really destroy the city?"

He hiked to a high boulder and climbed to a flat spot. Off to his right he saw black clouds swirling into the air.

Abraham lowered his head. "Not even ten people lived in Sodom who loved God. Didn't they remember only a short time ago when I went on a quest to save their people taken as prisoners by the king of Elam. They knew God helped me conquer the king and bring back those people safely. Couldn't they trust in God? Couldn't they stop their evil ways even to save their own lives?"

"Husband, where are you?"

"Over here Sarah. Look, God has destroyed the wicked city of Sodom."

She climbed up next to him. He pointed toward the smoke.

She pulled her sweater closed and shivered. "Do you think Lot and his family escaped?"

Abraham gazed in her eyes. He saw her concern. "Yes. I do. God needed to punish the wicked people of Sodom, but He also found a way to save our nephew."
Sarah smiled. "I'll make us some breakfast."

A song I learned in church has these words, "God will make a way, when there seems to be no way." Sometimes God's way seems weird or takes a long time in our opinion. I'm thankful that God made a way through blogs to share God's Word. How has God made a way to help you or someone you know or someone from the Bible? Press the comment button and share with me.

Creation Maze Fun

By Mary Vee

Lot's Discovery

By Mary Vee

We left our story on Tuesday with Lot's wife taking a peek back at Sodom, the city she loved.
The family arrived in Zoar and fell to the ground out of breath. They weren't use to exercise and Lot was getting old.
Relieved his family was safe, he found a spot with soft green grass. His family joined him. Before he knew it, he fell asleep.
Lot woke sometime later and saw his girls sleeping. He looked around and didn't see his wife.
"Girls, wake up. Where's your mother?"
The girls helped him search.
Maybe she walked to the stores. They searched in the city square, but couldn't find her.
As they ran from store to store, Lot saw kids stealing, a gang beating an old man, and other terrible sins that he didn't want to say. This city reminded him of Sodom.
After searching the last store inside the city, they ran outside the city wall. Lot's daughter pointed to a strange site. A statue, made of salt, faced the city of Sodom. It had a hand raised to block sun from it's eyes.
Lot walked closer and gasped. It was his wife!
"Oh my dear wife, why did you look back?" He cried and hugged his daughters.
Suddenly a loud bang came from inside the city.
Lot began to shake. He looked back at the city gate and saw three men with clubs in their hands.
"That's it. We're not staying here girls. This city is as bad as Sodom and Gomorrah. Who knows if God may decide to destroy it as well."
Lot and his two daughters left Zoar. They hiked up the closest mountain and found a big, quiet cave. It looked clean and had big flat boulders that could be used for beds and a table.
"This is where the angel told us to go. I should have listened the first time."
A tear dripped down his cheek.
The angels told Lot to go live in a cave in the mountains. What do you think it would be like to live in a cave? How would the story have been different if Lot went the cave instead of going to Zoar? Click on the comment button to tell us what you think.

Lot's Wife Preferred Salt

By Mary Vee

I hope you had as much fun finding the Genesis names as I had making the puzzle:)

Time to finish the story of Sodom and Gomorrah.
We left Lot and his family outside the city walls of Sodom. The angels told them to run away to the mountains as fast as they could and not look back.
Even though Sodom had big, big problems with sin, Lot really liked living there...a lot.

He and his wife looked at each other. A tear dripped down her cheek. "What about my friends, Lot? What about our house? What about the great stores, and all the great things in Sodom. Must we leave? Is it really that bad?

Lot rolled his lips inside his mouth. So many thoughts ran through his mind. Maybe he could witness to the people. Maybe he could try harder to help the people of Sodom to be good.

He turned to the angels, "Wait! Maybe, maybe we could..." He turned to the east and thought of the city of Zoar. That's it! "Please, my lords, you have been so kind to us. My family can't flee to the mountains. We can't survive there. Look, over there at Zoar. It's close by. Oh, and it's small, isn't it? We could run there and be able to find a way to live there."

The angel sighed. "Very well, you can go live there. We will spare that town for your sake. But you must run there quickly."

The second Lot and his family reached Zoar, God sent fiery rain made of sulfur on the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. The cities and all the crops and other plants burned.

Lot's wife was sad. She thought about her house, her friends, her stores, her stuff, and all the things that meant so much to her in Sodom. She knew the angel told them to run away and to not look back, but what would one glance hurt? She'd only take a peek. She just wanted to know if maybe some of the town would be spared. She would go back and help the people clean up the mess. They could rebuild her house. She started to turn her head and.....

Do you know what happened to Lot's wife? Click on the comment button and tell me.
Also, think back or look back at the Bible stories on this blog. Do you remember what Abraham's wife, Sarah, did when God asked them to leave their comfy home in the big city of Haran? Help me figure this out.

Genesis Hidden Word Puzzle Fun

By Mary Vee

Don't Look Back

By Mary Vee

Lot, his family, and the two visitors had a rough night. No one could sleep with all the noise going on in the city of Sodom.

Just before the sun rose the two visitors, who were angels, walked to the widow. "Lot, you and your family need to leave. Don't take time to pack anything."

Lot brushed his beard and looked at his wife. He new she loved all the fancy stores. Sure the people did bad things, OK they did really bad things. But his wife really loved living in the same neighborhood with the famous people.

The angels peeked out the window and saw the sun starting to rise. "Now, Lot. Take your wife and your two daughters and get out of here. Hurry or you will be killed!"

Lot's heart beat faster. He looked at the angels who were pacing and then at his wife who nodded her head and said, "No, I won't leave."

The angels looked at each other. "We can't wait another second." They grabbed Lot, his wife, and two daughters and led them safely out of the city. As they passed the city wall the angels let go of them. "Now get out of here Lot. Run, all of you, as fast as you can. DON'T LOOK BACK. Don't stop. Keep running until you get to the mountains or you will die in the firestorm."

Did Lot take his family and run to the mountains? Click on the comment buton below and tell us what happened next. We'll finish the story next Tuesday.

Let God Take Care of You.

By Mary Vee

Two Angels left Abraham’s camp and walked to Sodom.

Lot saw them the instant they arrived. He jumped to his feet and greeted them by bowing his face to the ground.

“Please, my Lords, please come to my house. I’ve got some water to wash the dust from your feet. You can even spend the night and then continue your journey.”

The angels nodded. “No, thanks. We'll spend the night in town.”

Lot knew that bad men from the town would hurt them. “Please, you must come to my house. I’ll cook a nice supper.”

The angels agreed. The angels and Lot’s family ate a tasty meal together.

Just before bedtime, a gang of bad men surrounded Lot’s house. They yelled at Lot. “Come on Lot. Send those two men out here.”

Lot went outside to talk to the gang. “No. These men are under my protection. They are in my house.”

The gang of bad men became angry. They shoved Lot. “Get out of the way.”

The two angels reached out and pulled Lot back into his house. The gang of bad men didn’t see it happen! The angels made every man in the gang blind.

If Lot had explained the real problem and asked the angels to help him the night they arrived or even after his meal things might have turned out differently.

Sometimes when we get into trouble we think we can take care of the problem by ourselves. We try real hard, but the problem doesn’t get fixed. If we ask God to take care of the problem, He will. It may not be the way we expect. But God will take care of you.

Can you share a time that God took care of you, or someone from the Bible, or someone else?

God Listened to Abraham's Request to Help Lot

By Mary Vee

In the last story, we talked about a time when the Lord and two angels visited Abraham. They ate a meal together and talked. As the three visitors got up to leave, the Lord decided to tell Abraham about the problems in Sodom and Gomorrah. "The sin in these two cities is so very terrible."

Abraham knew what God meant. The people in the city would have to be punished.

Abraham also realized that the sins were bad enough that God would have to destroy the two cities.

The two angels turned away and walked toward Sodom. They wanted to see how bad things were.

Abraham watched them walk away. He immediately thought about his nephew Lot. Even though Lot was a rascal, Abraham loved him and cared very much about Lot and his family.

Abraham moved closer to the Lord. He looked over at the angels walking away then back to the Lord. "Will you punish the people in Sodom who love you along with the people who don't?"

Abraham squinted his eyes and looked in the direction of Sodom. "What if there are fifty people in the city who love you, will you really destroy the city and not spare it for those fifty people?"

The Lord answered, "If I can find fifty people who love me in Sodom, I will spare the whole city just for them."

Abraham wiped the sweat from his forehead and thought for a second then said, "I know I have been bold. I'm not worthy to ask you for this, but what if there were 45 people who loved you in Sodom. Will you destroy the whole city because there were 5 less people who love you?"

The Lord said "If I find forty-five people there who love me, I will not destroy it."

God knew Abraham was trying to save Lot and his family. He stood there patiently and listened to Abraham.

Abraham ask the Lord to save Sodom if there were forty people who loved Him, then thirty people, then twenty, and finally for ten people. Each time the Lord said, "For the sake of those people I will not destroy it."

Abraham knew that Lot and his wife only had two daughters. Maybe he'd hope there were at least six other people in the city who loved God. He wasn't sure.

What we do know, is God wants us to ask Him to help the people we love. Next Wednesday we will see how God helped Lot and his family.

God loves you! He wants to take care of you and the people you love.

Sometimes we don't see the ways God takes care of us. Can you share something that God did for someone else, someone from the Bible or maybe something God did for you? Click on the comment button below to share.

Is Anything Too Hard for God to Do?

By Mary Vee

Abraham sat in a chair, sweating. He took a sip of water and wiped his forehead. "Well, Sarah, it's a hot day."

Sarah laughed. "Dear husband, I think I figured that out by myself. Sitting here inside the tent with my mending hasn't kept the heat away."

They thanked God for the great tree by Mamre that gave them what little shade they could find. Their tent-like home fit perfectly underneath it.

Abraham looked out at the ridge. Something moved. His old eyes didn't always see things clearly anymore. There, he saw a movement again. It came closer. No, it wasn't one. There were three. Three men. His eyes focused on them. Oh, they look hot and thirsty.

Abraham ran to them and bowed low to the ground. "Please stop here at my tent. Let me give you something to drink and maybe something to eat. We can wash the dust from the road off your feet."

Abraham was that kind of man. He just loved helping people!

The visitors said, "Sure, it would be nice."

Abraham ran to his tent. Can you imagine a 90 year old man running to his tent?

Huffing and puffing he said to Sarah, "Hurry, make some bread, we have company."

She smiled and giggled with delight. "That's wonderful, I love when company comes to visit. I'll make the bread right away."

While she made the bread, Abraham ran to his herd and picked the best one he had to be cooked for a meal. Soon the food was ready. Abraham served his company in the shade while Sarah stayed in the tent finishing up a few things. She enjoyed listening to the conversation. She crept closer to the entrance to the tent to hear better.

One man said, "I will come back next year and at that time, Sarah, your wife will have a son."

Abraham realized only the Lord would know that. Ooo, that meant the Lord had come to visit him!

But maybe Sarah hadn't figured that out yet.

Sarah laughed to herself, "How can we have a son we we are both so old?"

The Lord said to Abraham, "Why did Sarah laugh? Is anything too hard for the Lord to do? I will return to you next year and Sarah will have a son."

Sarah took a few steps out of the tent. She bit her lip and lowered her head. "Sir, you must be mistaken, I didn't laugh"

The Lord looked at her. "Yes, you did laugh.

Sarah realized then who had spoken to her. A tear dripped out of her eye.

Sometimes we think God can't help our problems. Why bother asking Him for help? No one can help. We pout and stand off by ourselves.

Let's encourage each other today. Tell how God can help someone with their problem. You can use a Bible story, something God did for someone else, or share something God did for you. Click on the comment button below to share your idea.

You start, then I will share a time God helped me.

Waiting is Hard to Do

By Mary Vee

Abram believed God would give him his own son, and from that son a whole nation of people would eventually be born.

Sarai believed God as well.  They both believed and waited for ten years, then Sarai started to wonder.  "Maybe God didn't mean I would be the mother of this son."  A tear drip down her face. She continued thinking.  "After all, God didn't tell Abram I would be the mother. He only told Abram that he would be the father."

She walked out to an open area outside their tent and smiled at the clouds over the valley below.  Living on top of a mountain was nice.  God promised her husband, Abram, all the land in front of her eyes.  The land would one day belong to his descendants.  God didn't say she would be the mother.

She wiped the tear from her face and sighed.  I guess someone else should be the mother.

She talked with Abram and explained her thinking.  Abram agreed.

Abram took Sarai's servant, Hagar as a second wife.

Once Hagar became pregnant she disliked Sarai.  The two began fighting until one day Hagar ran away.

What a mess.  No one seemed happy.

Hagar hid in the desert near a spring.  God sent an angel to her.  He spoke softly and told her to go back to Sarai and continue being her servant.  He told her to be nice to Sarai and respect her.  He also said she would have a son who would have many descendants. 

After nine months, Hagar had a son. Abram named him Ishmael.

Thirteen years later God visited with Abram to tell him some very important news: 

Abram's name would be changed to Abraham, which means father of many nations.

Sarai's name would be changed to Sarah which means she would be blessed and given a son, and become the mother of nations.

WOW!  That's the news she has been waiting for.  God said it.  He really said it.  SHE would be the mother of the son God promised to Abram, oops his name is Abraham, now.

Sarah thought to herself, "If only I waited longer.  If only I waited for the time God had in mind, I wouldn't have had the problem with Hagar.  But how could I have known?  I was only trying to help."

I think that was the problem, don't you?  I try to help God do the things He wants me to do instead of waiting for Him to make things happen at the right time.  

Sometimes I try to...well, maybe you could share a time you realized things would have turned out differently if you had waited for God.  Or maybe share a time you did wait, and you saw God work.

One time, well, actually several times, I finished someone's sentence when they were talking to me.  I said the wrong things and they got angry with me.  Sometimes they walk away from me because they were mad.  I wished I had waited before I spoke.

Sometimes We Need to Hear God say,"It's OK"

By Mary Vee

One day after Abram returned to his home in Hebron and Lot returned to his home in Sodom, Abram began to wonder about God's promises. How would God make him a father of many people when he didn't have even one son? He was more than 75 years old!

He thought, maybe his head servant would be the one who would inherit all his things. That wouldn't be so bad, he thought, My servant is trustworthy and kind.

That night God spoke to Abram in a dream, "Do not be afraid."

God says that a lot of times in the Bible. He realizes we get afraid when we don't understand things. God still says these Words to us today.

In Abram's dream, God told him "This servant will not be your heir, but your very own son will be your heir."

Then God knew Abram needed to hear and see more to fully understand. God took Abram outside his tent and said, "Look up at the heavens and count the stars."

Abram didn't really count the stars, but he understood what God meant. Still God added a little humor by saying, "If you can count the stars, then you will know how many descendents you will have."

A smile burst on Abram's face. God really would make him a dad, even though he was old. God really would make him a father of many people.

He could wait now. He knew, he really knew that God would do as He promised.

Sometimes problems happen in our life. We try real hard to solve them by ourselves, like Abram did when he thought his servant would be his heir. God knows when we are concerned that things won't work out. This is the time He will send someone to comfort us, or let us hear a story from His Word to comfort us, or put a song in our head, or something to let us know that everything is going to be OK. God is in charge...and everything will be OK. We only need to wait for His timing.

What could you suggest to someone who is going through a problem and needs to hear a word of comfort?

God Helps Abram Win a Mighty Battle

By Mary Vee

On Wednesday we talked about the big bad King Elam and his three other king friends who fought the Kings of Sodom and Gomorrah and their three king friends. (Did you keep all those kings straight in your mind?)

The Kings of Sodom and Gomorrah and their friends screamed when they saw King Elams huge army and ran for the hills. Some of the soldiers fell in tar pits. While they were gone, King Elam and his king friends said, "Ha Ha" and stole everything they could from the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah including Abram's nephew, Lot and his family.

One of Lot's servants escaped and ran 36 miles up a mountain to where Abram was living. Huffing because he was out of breath, he told Abram about the battle and how wicked King Elam took Lot and his family as prisoners.

Abram took 318 trained fighting men who had been born in his household to track down and save Lot. They traveled more than 120 miles to a place north of Damascus to conquer King Elam. They won! Abram and his men rescued all the people from Sodom and Gomorrah, including Lot and his family. He brought them back to place near Jerusalem.

The King of Sodom and the King of Gomorrah came and thanked Abram. "Give me the people and keep the goods for yourself."

Abram said, "No thank you." He didn't want the King of Sodom to ever say "Abram was rich because of him."

The King of Salem, which is now called Jerusalem, watched. He was a priest of God Most High. He blessed Abram for his faithfulness saying: "Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And blessed by God Most High, who delvered your enemies into your hand."

Because of Abram's faithfulness to God, he and his men conquered a king that five other kings could not. Can you think of a reward someone received from God for being faithful?

Soldiers Killed In Sticky Tar Pits

By Mary Vee

Abram snuggled into his new home in Hebron. He enjoyed his mountaintop view and the open area for his flocks and herds to graze.

Lot moved around for awhile until he snuggled close to the city of Sodom. He didn't really like the wicked things the people did, but his wife and daughters had markets and people, and all the fun parts of a city close by to enjoy.

Sodom, Gomorrah, and three other kindoms had been conquered by the king of Elam. After twelve years of paying the king of Elam money, food, and animals they decided enough was enough. They formed one big army to fight back for their freedom.

The king of Elam laughed and formed an army with three other kings. "Just try and break free, ha ha."

The great battle took place on the south side of the Dead Sea where the land had many tar pits. The tar pits looked like lakes or puddles but actually have sticky asphalt that traps animals, insects, and anything else that falls into them. The animal sinks to the bottom of the pit and dies.

During the battle, the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah called a retreat. Their men ran for their lives, some fell into the tar pits.

The king of Elam wanted to teach them a lesson. He sent his army to Sodom and Gomorrah to steal all their food and goods, even their people to serve as slaves--including Lot and his family.

Check back on Saturday to find out what happened to Lot and his family.

Until then, think of a time when you found yourself in a sticky or difficult situation. Usually we are not sure what to do because everything happens so fast. We are sad, scared, or frustrated. The situation can be something like forgetting to study for a test, or we forgot to do a chore and our parent finds out. Some kids go through situations that are even more difficult. What help can you suggest for a kid going through a difficult or sticky situation?

Abraham and Lot

By Mary Vee

Abram's nephew, Lot, became wealthy, like Abrahm.  He had flocks, herds, servants, and herdsmen.  They finished hiking through the promise land.  

After a short visit to Egypt, they returned to a place in about the middle of the land and camped. They pitched their tents near the altar that Abram made for the Lord the first time they traveled through.

Abram woke the next morning, sat down with his breakfast and enjoyed the mountaintop view.  Off to the east he saw the Jordan River, green grass, fields, and vineyards.  It sure was beautiful.

A servant suddenly approached him and bowed.  "The herdsmen are fighting, again."

Abram sighed.  "This can't go on any longer.  Go get Lot."

Lot sauntered to the campfire and yawned.  "What's up, Uncle?"

"My precious nephew, this land cannot provide all we need.  Look over to your left and then to to your right.  Choose where you would like to live.  If you pick the left, I will go to the right.  If you pick the right, I will go to the left."

Lot gazed at the rich land in the Jordan River valley.  He smiled.  "I will take my herdsmen and flocks to the rich valley."

God blessed Abram's desire to bring peace to his growing family.  While Lot thought he made the best choice, he also made the greedy choice.  Abram proved to be not only an obedient servant of God, but a humble one who would do what was needed to bring peace in his family.

Sometimes family members fight.  That doesn't mean they don't love each other.  What can you do to help keep peace in your family.  Please don't say what really happened in your family, only tell what you could do to bring peace. 

The Ultimate Hiking Trip

By Mary Vee

Abram, Sarai, Lot, their servants, and...well, we don't know how many people left on this ultimate hiking trip altogether. What we do know is that Abram was 75 years old. Thats pretty old for a hike!

The starting point was a huge city called Haran located at the base of a mountain. They hiked southwest through green fields and over mountains for about 400 miles. Their stuff would have been loaded on the camels and donkeys, perhaps somethings were packed in a cart pulled by a donkey. I've gone hiking, but I've never traveled that far! Some say Abram and the group hiked for one year before reaching Shechem to rest for a time.

God continued to guide Abram through a promised land called Canaan, (named after Noah's grandson, Cainan). The group continued hiking south for about 36 miles crossing over mountains until they arrived at Bethel.

In each place God spoke to Abram, reminding him of the promises He made. Abram showed God his faith by building an altar to the Lord and calling on His name.

Abram's tour of the promised land ended when he came to the Negev on the south side of Canaan. This hiking trip covered more than 450 miles. On every inch of land Abram and his family walked, God walked with them and showed them the way. No one suffered injuries, no one became sick to the point they couldn't travel. God took care of them.

Can you comment on a time when God took care of you or someone you know?

Robots, Puppets, or People?

By Mary Vee

God made our minds to do awesome things! There have been many times in history when people thought everything that could be invented had been invented. Yet microwaves, space shuttles, iPods, Blogs,and other things have come to be part of our lives.

God gives us these great ideas, but we get to choose whether we use the information or not. God also asks us to do things and lets us choose whether to obey Him or not.

God asked Abram to leave a very nice home in a big city and to go to a new land. God also gave Abram some promises.

He said: Abram, I will start a whole new nation of people with you. Many, many, children will call you Grandpa and great Grandpa, and great, great Grandpa and...

He said: Abram I will make you well known. You will be famous.

He said: Through you, Abram, all the people on earth will be blessed.

Did any of this come true? Well, the country of Israel and the Jewish people all started with Abram, (that's one that came true). Abram (we know him as Abraham, or Father Abraham) is known throughout the world, even today, (that's two that came true). Jesus, the Messiah's earthly parents were decendants of Abram. Because Jesus came and died for our sins, those who believe in Him are blessed (that's three that came true).

So, if God asks me to do something will He give me a promise? Sure! He already did! The Bible is full of promises God is giving to us, and more that God will be giving to us. John 3: 16 says, Whoever believes in Jesus will not perish but have everlasting life. Another promises given by God is: He will never leave us, or forsake us.

God loves us...He didn't make robots or puppets. He made people with minds that could choose to follow Him.

What promise can you think of that God has given us?

God Asks Abraham to Leave His Home

By Mary Vee

Once the people living in the area of Babylon realized they couldn't talk with each other because of the new languages, they moved away and made new homes and cities. Years later Terah moved his son Abram and what was left of his family north to the big city of Heran.

Before long Terah and his family were settled into a new home and making a good living. Abram and Sarai made friends, found their favorite market places to shop, and enjoyed listening to the sheep while watching the sunsets. Sadly, Terah died.

Then one day God spoke to Abram. "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you."

When Sarai heard the news she probably became nervous. Boxes to pack, food to prepare, animals to herd, servants to delegate, so much to do.

Some of their conversation might have been:

"And when does God want us to go?"

Abraham cleared his throat, "Ummmmm, now."

Sarai's jaw probably fell down to the floor. Then she sighed, smiled and probably said, "OK, Dear. Ah, do you have directions for where we're going?"

"Actually, no. But I know God will lead us. Oh, Sarai, we should take my nephew, Lot, with us, too...and don't forget to pack my favorite lamb's wool sweater."

Abram loved the Lord. He understood the importance of God's command to go to a new place, even though he didn't know the exact place or reason why.

Sometimes God asks us to change. Maybe we move to a new home, maybe one of our parents leaves, maybe an older sibling gets married or goes to college, many changes happen in our lives. If we are willing to obey, God will show us and teach us great things.

What could we say to a friend who is sad because things are changing in their life? What would you like someone to say to you?

Reaching for the Stars

By Mary Vee

350 years following the flood Noah died. There were many people on the earth. Quite a large group chose to live in the plain in Shinar which was later called Babylon. Everyone spoke the same language. Wouldn't it be nice to travel to Germany or Italy or some other country and speak the same language as the people who live there?
The people decided it would be a great idea to make a huge city with fancy buildings. Everyone agreed. Then someone suggested, "Let's make a tower that reaches to the heavens."
"Yes!" said another. " That's a great idea. Everyone will know us and we will be famous."
"Yes!" said someone else. "With such a wonderful city there will be plenty of room for our children and their children and no one will ever have to move anywhere else."
The people made bricks and used tar to build their buildings. All they thought about was their city and how wonderful it was looking. They worked long hours everyday to make the tower taller and taller. At the dinner table families told about their day making city buildings. Everyone was excited thinking about the city...and no one thought about God.
God knew they needed help. The people forgot to follow the ways Noah taught his sons.
One day, as the people met at the tower to pull more bricks high up to the top floor, God created many languages and gave them to the people. Micah and Thomas and Matthew, and thousands of others said words like: hand me another brick. Men standing near them shook their heads and said something like: what did you say? No one around understood!
Actually, God was the only one who understood all of the people. He is willing to listen to us and to help.
People today can speak the same language like English or German or something else to each other, and yet not be understood.
Sometimes kids feel others don't understand them. What do you suggest for a kid who feels someone doesn't understand their problem?

Noah's Family Smell Fresh Air

By Mary Vee

After 40 days of pelting rain, rockin' and rollin' in an ark, and stuffy, smelly air, Noah and his family were ready to get out of the ark. It continued to rain softer another 110 days. But even after the rain stopped, they had to wait for the rain to soak down into the ground and collect in places like oceans, seas, rivers, and lakes.
Shem, Ham, and Japheth probably said, "Are we there, yet?"
Noah probably answered, "Yes, but there isn't any land for us to step on, yet."
His son's probably answered, "Awwwwww."
Finally, after being in the ark 370 days, God told Noah and his family it was safe to come out. Think of the time it takes for your next birthday to come after the last one. That's about how long they were in the boat!
The family step out of the ark and gazed at the incredible view. Noah took a deep, long breath. Suddenly he noticed..."Phew! We need a bath!"
The animals ran, thumped, scurried, and flew out of the ark squawking, chirping, meowing, roaring, and neighing. They search for a clean, fresh place to stretch their bodies.
God cleaned the air. He also cleaned his people by starting over with only those who loved Him. Noah and his sons searched for materials to build an altar to the Lord. Then they held the first church service honoring God, our creator, after the flood.
When we get in the habit of doing wrong things, our spiritual lives have a bad smell. We need to talk with Jesus and tell Him we are sorry, and really mean it. We need to truly work to stop doing the wrong thing. Then we will feel clean again on the inside.
How do you think Shem, Ham, and Japheth felt when they stepped on the dry ground?

The Most Thrilling Roller Coaster Ride Invented

By Mary Vee

Noah and his family heard the tapping and splushing of rain against the outside of the ark. Thunder grumbled and roared..they'd never heard it before. Lightening suddenly flashed into the one window. Noah screamed and bonked his head on a shelf. The ark began to rise like an elevator. Noah and his son's wives held their woozy stomachs . Powerful waves jarred the ship up and down, left and right, back and forth giving Noah and his family the first and most thrilling roller coaster ride invented.
Almost everyone on board grabbed something to hold on to. Seth planted his feet firmly on the planks and spread his arms out like a surfer. Japheth climbed on top of the rail to the horse's stall, waved his hat, and shouted "Yee Haw!" Ham stacked bundles of hay from the bottom of the hull to the top floor, 5 stories high, to sail down the world's tallest slide, that is, until he was jarred off into the tiger cub pen.
Noah's wife spilled a tray of freshly squeezed lemonade while on her way to serve Noah. Noah sat back and laughed at the circus knowing everyone was safe.
Sometimes strange things happen to us. For those who believe in Jesus, we can sit back like Noah knowing we are safe.
Was there a time you didn't feel safe? What can you suggest for kids to do when strange things happen to them. How would you like someone to help you?

Time to Go - All Aboard

By Mary Vee

The time finally came for Noah, his wife and sons Shem, Ham, Japheth and their wives to go on their first cruise. Their ship (ark) was big enough to hold two of every kind of animal plus a few extra. Wowsers! God knew Noah's family would need plenty to keep them busy. Staying in the ship without going up on deck to see the sights could get boring.
They got on board and spent the first seven days deciding who would feed the elephants and who would brush the horses. The animals talked like animals do to the Noah and his family. It really helped drown out the noise of the teasing and mean things people outside the boat were saying. Shem laughed when the tiger tail tickled his nose. Ham held his breath when the bear gave him a hug. Japheth taught the mocking bird to say, "Hi Dad, What's for dinner?"
After seven days, the family met for the eveing meal. Noah told them that God would close the door the next day. "This is going to be an exciting trip. You boys need to make up some games we can play with the animals." Noah led his family in prayer, praising God for the new adventure.
Then God closed the door.
If you could play a game with an animal that couldn't live in your house, what would you play?