deny yourself

Matthew 16

v24

Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any [man] will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

We should be willing to give up our own pleasure, and to suffer, to do what's right and follow Jesus.

beware of your speech

Matthew 15

v18

But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.

We should pay attention to making sure the things we say are right. Right speech is very important.

be ready to suffer for doing right

Matthew 14

v3a

For Herod had laid hold on John, and bound him, and put [him] in prison...

We should be willing to do what's right, despite what the consequences may be... be we should also be aware that we may have to suffer for it, and be ready.

treasure hidden in a field

Matthew 13

v44

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.

We should realize the value of the kingdom and give up all we have for it.

if in doubt, be quiet

Matthew 12

v36

But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.

If I'm thinking about saying something, and I'm not sure whether I should or not, I won't.

Genesis 13 - Key

v18

Then Abram removed [his] tent, and came and dwelt in the plain of Mamre, which [is] in Hebron, and built there an altar unto the LORD.

Abram committed his ways to the Lord by serving Him, sacrificing to Him, and calling on Him. He did that everywhere he went, every time he went anywhere. We should do the same.

Application

Proverbs 3:5,6

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

I'll pray to the Lord and I'll seek Him, every step of my way: all the time, wherever I go.

Genesis 13 - Outline

v1-4

Abram's travels after Egypt

v5-7

strife was inevitable if Abram and Lot stayed together just because of the way they both were

v8-11

Abram proposed the solution for them to separate, and he deferred the first choice to Lot

v12 & 13

the choice that looked good on the outside turned out to have big problems

v14-17

God once again renewed and expanded His promise to Abram

v18

Abram kept committing his ways to the Lord, every step of the way