PROCLAIM x BIBLEin365 — DAY 07

Scripture Readings: Genesis 13, Genesis 14, Genesis 15, Matthew 6:1-24, Psalm 7:1-9
Date: January 11, 2026
Host: Erika Kirk with Pastoral Advisor James Kaddis

Overview of the Episode

Main Theme:
Today’s episode continues the journey through the Bible, focusing on Abraham’s story in Genesis, Jesus’ teachings on spiritual disciplines and priorities in Matthew, as well as a heartfelt plea for justice and refuge in Psalm 7. The readings center on the importance of faith, integrity, and wholehearted devotion to God, with practical instruction and timeless encouragement.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Genesis 13: The Separation of Abram and Lot

• Abram’s Wealth & Leadership (00:00)
  Abram and Lot return from Egypt, both wealthy with flocks and possessions. This abundance leads to tension between their herdsmen due to limited resources.
• Abram’s Peacemaking & Generosity
  Abram proposes a peaceful separation, letting Lot choose his portion of land first:

  “Let there be no strife between you and me... Is not the whole land before you? Separate yourself from me.” (00:41)

• Lot’s Choice & Its Implications
  Lot chooses the fertile Jordan Valley, notably near Sodom, infamous for its wickedness.

  “Lot lifted up his eyes and saw that the Jordan Valley was well watered everywhere, like the garden of the Lord... So Lot chose for himself all the Jordan Valley.” (01:01)

• God’s Covenant Reaffirmed
  After Lot’s departure, God reassures Abram of the land’s promise and countless descendants, emphasizing trust in the divine plan.

  “For all the land that you see I will give to you and to your offspring forever... If one can count the dust of the earth, your offspring also can be counted.” (01:43)

2. Genesis 14: Conflict, Rescue, and Blessing

• International Conflict & Lot’s Captivity (02:02)
  A coalition of kings wages war; Lot is captured amid the chaos.
• Abram’s Courageous Rescue
  Upon hearing of Lot’s capture, Abram mobilizes 318 trained men, successfully rescuing Lot and others.

  “When Abram heard that his kinsmen had been taken captive, he led forth his trained men... and went in pursuit as far as Dan.” (02:35)

• Melchizedek’s Blessing
  After the victory, Melchizedek, the enigmatic king-priest of Salem, blesses Abram:

  “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth; and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand.” (03:17) Abram gives Melchizedek a tenth of all, illustrating faith in God as provider.

• Refusing the World’s Rewards
  Abram declines rewards from the king of Sodom:

  “I would not take a thread or a sandal strap or anything that is yours, lest you should say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’” (03:38)
  He relies fully on God’s provision, not the riches or recognition of others.

3. Genesis 15: God’s Covenant with Abram

• God’s Assurance & Abram’s Struggle (04:00)
  God comforts Abram amidst his doubts about having an heir:

  “Fear not, Abram. I am your shield. Your reward shall be very great.” (04:01) Abram voices his concern about having no heir, and God assures him a son will come from his own body.

• Divine Promise of Descendants and Land
  God invites Abram to gaze skyward:

  “Look toward heaven and number the stars, if you are able to number them... So shall your offspring be.” (04:26)

• Abram’s Faith

  “And he believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness.” (04:29)
  This becomes a foundational verse about faith and righteousness.

• Covenant Ceremony
  God instructs Abram to prepare a sacrificial rite. A vision of a smoking fire pot and flaming torch passing between the pieces signifies God sealing His covenant (05:09).
• Forecast of Israel’s Sojourn
  Abram learns his descendants will experience slavery, yet God will deliver them with great possessions (05:17).
• Land Promised Defined
  The exact borders of the promised land and its current inhabitants are listed (05:39).

4. Matthew 6:1-24 — Jesus on Righteousness, Prayer, and Treasures

• Giving, Praying, and Fasting in Secret (05:48)
  • Don’t practice righteousness for show:

    “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them...” (05:48)

  • True giving is discrete:

    “Do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing...” (06:14)

  • Prayer should be private and sincere, not for public applause:

    “When you pray, go into your room and shut the door, and pray to your Father who is in secret...” (06:25)

• The Lord’s Prayer (06:39) Jesus provides a model prayer, emphasizing God’s holiness, provision, forgiveness, and deliverance from evil (the "Our Father").
• On Forgiveness (07:10)

  “If you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you...” (07:10)

• On Fasting (07:20) Fasting, too, should be between the individual and God, not a spectacle for others.
• True Treasures (07:41)
  • Don’t prioritize earthly riches:

    “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth... but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” (07:41)

  • Spiritual focus:

    “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (07:58)

• Serving God over Money (08:16)

  “No one can serve two masters... You cannot serve God and money.” (08:16)
  The heart’s loyalty must be singular and undivided.

5. Psalm 7:1-9 — A Plea for Refuge and Justice

• Seeking God’s Protection (08:28) The Psalmist seeks rescue from relentless enemies:

  “O Lord, my God, in you do I take refuge. Save me from all my pursuers, and deliver me...” (08:28)

• Affirming Innocence and God’s Justice The writer insists on personal integrity:

  “Judge me, O Lord, according to my righteousness and according to the integrity that is in me.” (08:56)

• Trust in God’s Righteous Judgment (09:06) The Psalm closes with a call for evil to end, confidence in God’s discernment, and faithfulness.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Generosity in Disputes:
  “If you take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if you take the right hand, then I will go to the left.” — Abram (00:50)
• On Divine Promise:
  “So shall your offspring be.” — God to Abram (04:27)
• On Righteousness by Faith:
  “And he believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness.” (04:29)
• On Sincere Worship:
  “Your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” — Jesus (Recurring, e.g. 06:19, 07:26)
• On Priorities:
  “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” — Jesus (07:58)
• On Devotion:
  “You cannot serve God and money.” — Jesus (08:16)
• On Seeking Refuge:
  “O Lord, my God, in you do I take refuge...” (08:28)

Key Timestamps

• 00:00 — Genesis 13: Abram and Lot Separate
• 02:02 — Genesis 14: Battle of the Kings and Abram Rescues Lot
• 03:17 — Melchizedek Blesses Abram
• 04:00 — Genesis 15: God’s Covenant with Abram
• 05:48 — Matthew 6: Jesus Teaches on Righteousness
• 06:39 — The Lord’s Prayer
• 07:41 — Treasures on Earth vs. Heaven
• 08:16 — Serving God vs. Money
• 08:28 — Psalm 7: A Cry for Deliverance and Justice

Conclusion

This episode traces faith-fueled decisions, divine promises, and Jesus’ practical instructions for a life marked by authenticity, humility, and steadfast focus on God. Through dramatic patriarchal narratives, the radical Sermon on the Mount, and heartfelt poetry, listeners are encouraged to anchor their trust in God alone.

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (07:58)