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So Abram went, as the Lord had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Harran. We know from later in the story of Abraham and Sarah, that there is a ten year age difference between Abram and Sarai. That means then that Sarai here, is 65 years old. 11 As he was about to enter Egypt, he said to his wife Sarai, “I know what a beautiful woman you are. 12 When the Egyptians see you, they will say, ‘This is his wife.’ Then they will kill me but will let you live. 13 Say you are my sister, so that I will be treated well for your sake and my life will be spared because of you.” Now, I find this interesting, because in my society and time, it is hard to imagine, that if I had a 65 year old wife, that I would have to fear for my life, because a 65 year old woman was so beautiful, that others would seek to kill me to possess her. Really, I find it hard to believe that I would have to fear for my life, over the beauty of a woman, even if she were the most beautiful woman in the world. Seems to me that there are several observations to be made about different societies and their values. For my society, I am willing to admit, that we value the beauty of youthfulness, way out of proportion. Sure, I get that it is easy to see a twenty something year old model as aesthetically pleasing, but we have taken this standard to such an extreme, that we encourage women to hide their age, as it is is something to be ashamed of. Anti-wrinkle creme, makeup, hair coloring, face lifts, silicone enhancements, etc. entire fortunes are made, and lots of time and money spent on convincing women (successfully) they are of lessor value, because they have a few miles on the odometer, and show some signs of maturity. I am not a fan of appearance shaming, and that is not the Biblical standard for beauty. We all, know well enough, to what degree we have bought into the standards of the world personally, and I think it is worth considering as individuals. I will leave it at that, and move on to other things. Next, that these Egyptian would actually do as Abram feared, value Sarai so highly, that they would go to extreme measures to posses her. I suppose, it is at least better, that they would consider purchasing her from her "brother" instead of killing her husband to have her, but still, how weird is that? That they considered her to be more valuable than some sheep and cattle, male and female donkeys, male and female servants, and camels apparently, for at least in some way, Abram was able to make that sort of profit on his supposed sister. While people are more valuable that animals, the male and female servants, are people too. Evidently, it was Sarai's beauty that made her valuable, not the fact that she was human. So, the priorities of those Egyptians, were more messed up than the society of even my culture is, when it comes to the value of physical beauty. Then there is the aspect of treating people like property to be bought, sold, traded, and killed for. We (humans) are so messed up, no wonder we need a savior! Abram, is on this adventure, as an act of faith. He goes, because God said "Go!". That seems admirable, to just pull up stakes and go somewhere, not knowing where, based on faith. However, I cannot help but wonder about the faith of a man, who takes some risks to go on an adventure into the unknown, but then, thinks that God won't protect him enough as Sarai's husband that he conspires to lie and deceive strangers. Seems not only to be a bit shaky in his faith at that point, but perhaps even a bit cowardly, but I suppose he knew better than I, what the Egyptians might do, so I won't judge him too harshly there. Later in the book, we will see that Abraham, will be willing to sacrifice his "only" son, out of faith and obedience to God. I would say that is faith that has grown, and I think that that is also, a lesson for us. We are not always as faithful as we could of should be, but, God is able to grow us. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. As we go through these readings, let's be thankful, that God's word accomplishes what He designs it for, and one of those, is the building of faith.

Daily Reading 13 If you prefer, you can look up the following verses in your own Bible, of by whatever means and in whatever version you choose. Luke 11:29-54 Genesis 20 Psalm 13 Audio 7:33 Audio 2:39 Audio 1:03 The above addresses are linked to Bible Gateway. That is an easy way to read (or listen to) the Bible verses, and choose your version. Personally, I prefer written, that way I can go at my own pace, on think about it, before moving on. Nothing wrong with doing either or both. The Bible says faith comes by hearing. See the picture below to get an idea of what to expect if you follow the about links. Thank you Lord for making the your word so accessible for us in these times. Amen

Romans 4:17 -- ....."God who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did." Sometimes we feel pain from sickness. How can we go around saying the Christ has redeemed us from this sickness? How can we say that by His stripes we are healed? God's way is to call those things that are not as though they are. And because we are made in God's image, we can also call those things that are not as though they are! When God wanted to make Abraham a father of many nations, what did He do? HE CHANGED THE WAY ABRAHAM TALKED. At that time, Abraham did not even have a single child from his wife, Sarah, because she was barren. So how could he become a father of many nations? God changed the way he talked, How? By changing his name from Abram to Abraham, which means "father of many nations." Every time he said his name he called forth what God saw him already blessed with. When Jesus saw the man with a withered hand, He didn't say, "My goodness! It is so withered!" He said, "Stretch out your hand! (Matthew 12:13). He CALLED FORTH what he wanted. He looked at the paralytic and said, "Rise, take up your bed and go home!" (Matthew 9:6). He didn't see it the way it was in the natural. He saw the way God meant it to be and He called it forth. AFFIRMATION: I change the way I talk -- I see the way God meant it to be, and start calling forth my miracle. Often, the battle is not with the devil, but with our own CARNAL NATURE. Our flesh really longs to rise up and fix things, stating our opinion. We must remember--the greater the faith, the fewer the words. If there are some battles or power-struggles going on in your sphere of influence, keep in mind, it's best to always bow lower. After all, God became a baby to conquer the world. For it's, "Not by might, nor by power, but by My spirit, says the Lord." - Zechariah 4:6 As You Allow Him to Change You, He will Change Your Circumstances: The season of depression, confusion, lack, and sinful cycles is over. Don't look back -- Don't bring up the past -- It is under the Blood of Christ. Just as your sins have been forgiven forgive others. Let go of the bitterness and the regrets. Crucify your ego. Release the anger. He will work everything for good. Get ready to move into new realms of His glory. Every time you encounter His glory He is changing you. He is changing your thoughts. He is changing your perspective. He is increasing the power of His Spirit in you. He is anointing you to bring breakthrough to others. Receive the fresh prophetic flow of His presence. Be refreshed. Receive an excitement for that which is coming. The future is full of adventure. Expect Him to do mighty things for nothing is impossible for those who believe! "The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope to which He has called you, and what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints." - Ephesians 1:18 ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY http://afministry.ning.com

By: Marshall Ramsey II, Worthy News U.S. Correspondent UR, Iraq (WorthyNews) -- A pair of figurines nearly 4,000 years old were discovered by Sir Leonard Wooley in 1929 that are linked to the biblical patriarch Abraham. Called "Ram In A Thicket," the 16.5 inch figurine (which some say looks more like a goat) is made from gold, silver, copper, lapis lazuli, red limestone, and bits of shell. (The figurines as they can be seen today.) The full story can be see here: http://biblefactoids.blogspot.com/2014/11/artifacts-made-by-abraham-found-in-iraq.html

Ancient Building found at Tell Khaiber near Ur, Iraq By: Marshall Ramsey II, Worthy News U.S. Correspondent UR, Iraq (Worthy News) - A rather unusual find was uncovered today, April 5, 2013 in Iraq. Professor Stuart Campbell of Manchester (UK) University's Archaeology Department found the remains of a "sprawling complex" near the ancient city of Ur along the Euphrates river in southern Iraq. Ur is the birthplace of the Jewish patriarch Abraham.(1) The site of the dig, Tell Khaiber, means "mound of Eber." What is interesting about this building is that it belonged to Eber, the father of all Hebrews. Eber, or Heber, is the 4x-great grandfather of Abraham, the father of Isaac and grandfather of Jacob, who changed his name to Israel. Eber is also the great grandson of Shem, the son of Noah, from whom we get the name Sumeria, which means "land of Shem's light." The genealogical and historical information in the Bible has long been disputed, with some even questioning whether or not it was all fake. It is a known fact that the Assyrians (named after Asshur, a descendant of Shem) put the letters 'Gh' and 'Kh' in front of names that sounded like they began with vowels. Thus, Eber became Gheber or Kheber, or, as it is in this case, Khaiber. For more information, please go to: http://conspiracyprophecyguy.blogspot.com/2013/04/ancient-building-found-at-tell-khaiber.html