Gems of Knowledge

Today’s One Year Bible Verses: Genesis 13:5-15:21, Matthew 5:27-48, Psalm 6:1-10, Proverbs 1:29-33

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God Seals The Covenant

“And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith.” – (Genesis 15:6)

Genesis 15 reveals one of the most profound pictures of God’s covenant love. Abram believes God, and that faith alone is counted as righteousness (v.6). Not striving or doing – believing. But God doesn’t stop there. He invites Abram into a covenant process meant to show him who truly carries the weight of the promise.

In Abram’s day, covenant-making followed a known tradition: animals were sacrificed and laid out (Genesis 15:9–10), and both parties would walk between the pieces, symbolically declaring, “May this happen to me if I break this covenant.” Abram prepares the sacrifice in obedience, but something unexpected happens. Vultures descend, attempting to steal what God has set apart (v.11). Abram drives them away, guarding the promise God has spoken. Even before the covenant is sealed, the enemy tries to interfere—but Abram understands God’s heart and intent. He knew why God had instructed Him and he refuses to let the enemy succeed.

Then, as the sun sets, Abram falls into a deep sleep, and a terrifying darkness comes over him (v.12). This is not judgment—it is revelation. Abram is removed from the moment of covenant fulfillment. He does not walk through the pieces. God does. A smoking firepot and flaming torch—symbols of God’s holy presence—pass between the sacrifices (v.17). God alone takes responsibility for the covenant.

This is the heart of the gospel hidden in Genesis. Abram believes, obeys, and guards the promise—but God carries the cost. Abram does not earn the covenant. He rests while God seals it. The darkness Abram experiences foreshadows the cost God Himself will bear. Rather than Abram facing this darkness from sin for eternity, God covenants to protect and deliver—ultimately fulfilling this covenant at the cross, where Jesus endured the darkness so the covenant could stand forever (cf. Matthew 27:45).

God’s promises are not upheld by our strength, consistency, or perfection. They are upheld by His faithfulness. Our role is not to strive, but to believe, obey, guard what He has spoken, and trust Him to do what only He can do (Genesis 15:6; 15:17).

Just like Abram, we are counted righteous by faith—and God does the rest. 💎

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Action (5 Minutes with God)

Take 5 minutes with God today and ask Him:

• “Lord, what do You want me personally to know about this today?”
  • Journal what He whispers by His Holy Spirit.
• Then ask, “What do You want me to do?”
  • Journal what He whispers – then do it!

Choose to trust God today with what feels heavy or unclear, and release the outcome back into His hands.  Let Him speak into your life.

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Prayer

Lord, I believe You. I choose to trust You even when I don’t understand the process or the cost. Help me guard what You have spoken to me, and teach me to rest while You work. Thank You for carrying the covenant I could never carry myself. I surrender fully to Your faithfulness. Amen.

To read more 5 Minutes with God devotionals click here.