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Wednesday, January 27, 2021

3 Quick and Easy Dinner Ideas for the Family

 

Quick and Easy Dinner Ideas for the Family
Quick and Easy Dinner Ideas for the Family

3 Quick and Easy Dinner Ideas for the Family


Most people will agree that nothing beats a home-cooked meal. Perhaps, it's why 98% of Americans prefer home cooking to any other meal. There's a reason people look forward to heading home to connect with family over a delicious plate of dinner, but depending on what you're cooking, dinner can take up a lot of time. What if you can sustain the momentum by cooking a storm in very little time? In this piece, you will read about some time-efficient and straightforward meals you can prepare for the family.

  1. Soy-glazed meatloaf


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This meal is meat-based, and with some vegetables of choice, you can serve a tasty plate for your family's enjoyment. With balsamic vinegar, parsley, onions, diced or shredded carrots, soy sauce and of course, the main ingredient, ground beef, you will serve dinner in no time. For families seeking healthier options, 85% -90% lean ground beef is a better alternative, as it cooks quicker and makes the meat maintain moisture without feeling or tasting overly greasy.

Many family recipes claim a secret to the most delicious and moist meatloaf, but on the whole, one cuts across it; the meatloaf glaze. Now that is the real secret to attaining a juicy and delicious meatloaf! Before stuffing the main meal (your meatloaf) into the oven to bake, glaze the outer portions with your soy-glaze, usually a mixture of brown sugar, ketchup, and umami soy sauce. Because soy sauce tends to be high in salt, be mindful about the quantity used.

On the other hand, for those with soy allergies, wheat-free Tamari works just fine. Furthermore, due to this dish's versatile nature, it can be combined with other simple accompaniments for an evening meal. Moreover, you can refrigerate leftovers for up to five days only. In the freezer, wrap unbaked meatloaf in food foil or a tight container for up to two months.

  1. Tamale pie

Casserole dishes take roots from French history, and one of the most popular ones is the tamale pie recipe. The main ingredient in the tamale pie is its well-seasoned ground beef. However, with cornbread, corn, cheese and other optional vegetables, your tamale pie will achieve its place as a regular family dinner meal. As a constant feature in home economics classes, this spicy meat-based pie is filling, nutritious and flavor-packed.

What makes it a loved meal is its versatility and long storage option in the freezer. To do this, prepare all the ingredients in advance, but do not bake. While uncovered, put it into the freezer for an hour. After that, wrap the mixture into a plastic food wrap and freeze. With this method, you can freeze your unbaked tamale pie for as long as six months.

  1. Spaghetti and meatballs


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This meatball dish is a regular feature on busy family dinner tables. Aside from its quick to cook method, this meal is nutritious and healthy for an evening meal. Once again, lean meat is a better option to improve your cooking time.

Did you know that there’s an interesting history behind this popular meal? When Italian immigrants living in the United States began to earn more money from their work, meat became a staple. At the time, spaghetti was one of the very few Italian ingredients available in the States. Therefore, these immigrants decided to put the two together and it became a permanent feature on dinner tables. Many years later, spaghetti and meatballs became a staple in many American homes. To make it even more nourishing, you have the option to add on tomatoes, beans, celery or artichokes. Other edible add-ons will be based on your preference or individual preferences of the family.

Dinner can be a bonding period for families worldwide. However, to get the most of this bonding time, you can go big on some of these simple dinner ideas to maximize moments spent together with family. You can also get creative by adding on other ingredients per your preferences. So, the next time you're making a meal, hopefully, these mentioned here will feature on your table.

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Sunday, January 24, 2021

Becoming a World Changer in a World in Need of Change (Step Up Series)

 

Becoming a World Changer in a World in Need of Change
Becoming a World Changer in a World in Need of Change

We are, as Christ followers, called to do great things.  If we don't step up and into God's calling, we are going to miss out on His blessings.  Christ raised us up and He wants us to step up to always walk with Him.

Therefore, as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him. - Colossians 2:6

The following are my Bible study notes based on my pastor's sermon titled "World Changer."  You are invited to watch, listen, and worship with us here.

 
 
To recap our 2021 focus:

In 2021, I am going to step up by making Christ first, walking banded together, advancing as a force multiplier, and sacrificing as a world changer. 
 

Becoming a World Changer in a World in Need of Change


Christ First


I put Christ first by studying God's Word.
Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. - Romans 12:1-2

Banded Together


I band with others in authentic relationships, through valleys and victories, for the joy of doing life together.

So we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually parts of one another. - Romans 12:5

Force Multiplier


I make disciples to multiply gospel impact, launching them to disciple others.
However, since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to use them properly: if prophecy, in proportion to one’s faith. - Romans 12:6
A spiritual gift is whatever God wants to do in the world through His church.

World Changer


I will change the world by shining the light of Jesus to every person, culture, and cause.
Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mountain called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey away. 13 When they had entered the city, they went up to the upstairs room where they were staying, that is, Peter, John, James, and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James. 14 All these were continually devoting themselves with one mind to prayer, along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers. - Acts 1:12-14

The world has yet to see what God can do with a person who is fully consecrated to Him.  By God's help, I aim to be that one. - D.L. Moody

 

The Works of DL Moody
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Our world needs change.  As Christ followers, we are called to be world changers.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. 17 Never repay evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all people. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all people. 19 Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written: “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 But if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” - Romans 12:14-20
Imagine how we could change the world for the better if we all, as Christ followers, would step up and live out God's truth.  This means shining the light of Jesus to every person, culture, and cause.  We CAN change the world.  
 
God has placed you in the neighborhood where you live, in the job you are in, in the school you attend, and in the places where you go.  These are the places where you (and me) are to step up.
 
How do we bless people where we live, work, and play?  Consider the following acronym. 
 
B - Begin with prayer.
L - Love and listen.
E - Eat (Invite your neighbors and coworkers to dinner.)
S - Serve them.
S - Share the Gospel with them.
 
When we step up, God shows up! 

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Becoming a World Changer in a World in Need of Change
Becoming a World Changer in a World in Need of Change

Saturday, January 23, 2021

Smitty, A True American Hero by Jimmy Hope (Book Review)

 

Smitty A True American Hero by Jimmy Hope
Smitty, A True American Hero by Jimmy Hope
*The author of this novel did not provide me with a free copy of this book in exchange for a positive review, nor did he ask for a positive review. I bought the book myself and the following is my honest review.

 "The slamming of a fresh ammo clip into an M-1 carbine shattered the silence of the night."

Well, that got my attention. I was hooked from the first sentence of Jimmy Hope's novel Smitty, A True American Hero. 

Smitty, A True American Hero by Jimmy Hope (Book Review)

By the end of the second chapter of Smitty, A True American Hero, I had already developed a soft spot for Smitty.  Smitty was no stranger to hard work and hard times.  The era was that of World War II.  Times were tough for most, but Smitty's circumstances were particularly challenging.  He was a 19-year-old young man with a huge responsibility on his shoulders.  It was all he could do to keep his family fed, clothed, and sheltered, and the future was anything but hopeful.  Then, he was drafted into the Army during World War II.

As I traveled through the story, I developed a fondness for other characters:  Smitty's mother (Hannah), his sister (Maria), and his friend (Johnny).  I had developed a lack of fondness for a few characters as well.  As I was reading this book, I got lost in the story as if I were there, living out circumstances and challenges with the characters.  Characters became like family, friends, and in some cases, foes.  Author Jimmy Hope has a way of writing that keeps you wondering what will happen next.  One minute, I'm cruising happily through the story, and then BAM, a punch in the gut.  I'm either laughing or crying, but either way, I never saw it coming.  He can turn a story on a dime, making you rejoice one minute and grieve the next (or vice versa).

The story of Smitty's young life and transformation from boy to man during World War II will be loved most deeply by lovers of historical fiction, but it will also be appreciated by lovers of clean romance novels, lovers of faith-based novels, and those who love meaningful stories with enough comic relief to keep readers laughing, crying, empathizing, rejoicing, and grieving with the characters they love.

Smitty, A True American Hero is a novel that takes the reader through the challenges of an economic depression, the horrors of war, and the sadness of separation from loved ones during a time when there were no internet connections, video chats, or cell phone communications for families of deployed loved ones. The reader experiences the joy of new relationships and the pain of tragic loss. It's a heartfelt story of life, love, and triumph over tragedy.

There are life lessons to be learned throughout the novel.  Smitty trusted God with his life.  He remained faithful to Him in the midst of temptations.  When he was deep in despair, it was his faith in God's sovereignty that brought him out of the valley.  He rejoiced in God's blessings.

As I read this story, one particular line stood out to me that can be applied to our current lives whenever we are faced with fear.  I'll leave you with this quote so you can decide to which situation in your life it can be applied.

"Fear was a strong and ever present enemy, and he knew that fear never stops death.  It stops life."

Smitty, A True American Hero is a story you will not want to miss.  

Get your copy here

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The Redemption Series by Karen Kingsbury
The Redemption Series by Karen Kingsbury

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Smitty, A True American Hero
Smitty, A True American Hero by Jimmy Hope

Sunday, January 10, 2021

8 Ways to be Banded Together as Christ Followers (Step Up Series)

8 Ways to be Banded Together
8 Ways to Be Banded Together as Christ Followers

Today, we continue our Step Up series with my pastor's sermon titled "Banded Together."  

Therefore, as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude. - Colossians 2:6-7

You are invited to watch, listen, and worship with us here.

 The following are my Bible study notes based on my pastor's sermon titled "Banded Together."

Banded Together

God is building us up and establishing in the faith.  If Christ is first in my life, I will want to spend time with Him.

Two things you can't do alone:

1.  Be married

2.  Be a Christian

For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith. - Romans 12:3

Thinking you can do it all is arrogance.  We need each other.  We are a unified body of Chris,t but we are all different.

For just as we have many parts in one body and all the body’s parts do not have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually parts of one another. However, since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to use them properly: if prophecy, in proportion to one’s faith. - Romans 12:4-6

Desiring relationships with others is not neediness or weakness.   

What does it mean to be banded together?  Being banded together means we are together on the mountaintops and when we are down in the valleys. 

Scripture Artwork about Love (Banded Together as Christ Followers)
These scripture prints about Biblical love are available here.

8 Ways to Be Banded Together as Christ Followers

1.  Genuine Love

We will have a genuine love for one another.  This is a love without hypocrisy.  We must be accurate and authentic with each other.

2.  Discerning Love

This is not a mushy love.  This is not a soft love.  A discerning love is not afraid to call out sin.

3.  Devoted Love

A devoted love is not a love based on attraction.  A devoted love is an unconditional love.

4.  Honor one another.

Behave respectfully with one another.  Pursue what is best for others even when it is not the best for you.

Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility consider one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. - Philippians 2:3-4

5.  Serve together.

We have a shared mission and a shared vision.  We should be burdened that our friends, neighbors, and family members do not have a relationship with Jesus.  

6.  Perseverance

We might feel helpless, but we are never hopeless.  Be consistent in prayer.  

7.  Generosity and Hospitality

Look for opportunities to bless others.  Show hospitality without grumbling.

Be hospitable to one another without complaint. - 1 Peter 4:9

8.  Graciousness 

When someone else's "ship comes in," rejoice with them.  When the ship sinks, weep with them.  

Be humble.  

Walk in humility.  

Pride can keep us from being banded together.  We are all fellow strugglers.  

Stay humble.  

Don't be fearful.  

Step up.  

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Reasons to Get Involved in Small Group Bible Study
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8 Ways to be Banded Together as Christ Followers
Banded Together as Christ Followers

Wednesday, January 6, 2021

Keep The Kids Entertained On A Rainy Day At Home

It can be quite difficult to find things to do with your kids if they are stuck at home on a rainy afternoon or even for an entire day. However, there are lots of choices you can explore here. Many of these will allow you to keep your little one off the game's console, away from the computer, and ensure that they try activities that will stimulate their mind and provide nourishment for their soul. Let’s explore some of the best choices for your kids. 

Keep The Kids Entertained On A Rainy Day At Home


Keep the Kids Entertained on a Rainy Day at Home
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Crosswords And Other Fun Puzzles

If you’re looking for one of the best options for keeping kids entertained, then you can find crosswords and puzzles online. We suggest that you explore sites such as https://www.pennydellpuzzles.com/crosswords/subscriptions/ for some great examples and potentially a subscription service. This means that you will always have fresh puzzles and crosswords to explore with your children. If you don’t want to look at online sources, then you can always consider buying a book of these puzzles to work through.

Family Board Games

Alternatively, you might want to think about exploring some fun family board games. There are plenty of board games to choose from that are completely kid friendly and suitable for a wide range of different ages. For instance, you might want to try a classic such as Mouse Trap. While the setup can be a chore, it will provide hours of fun. There are also new games to explore too. For instance, there are even board games for particular occasions such as Christmas Eve.

Reading With Everyone

Or, you could think about spending time reading together. This is great for young children if you want to improve their reading and literacy skills. You can choose a book that is suitable for all ages of kids and work through a few chapters each night.

Arts And Crafts

If you are feeling creative, you can try some arts and crafts with your children at home. You’ll just need to set up an area where you can enjoy crafts together. You can do this quite simply by putting old newspapers on a table. This will keep things clean regardless of whether you are working with paint, paper mache, or anything else that you can think of.

Helping Hand

Or finally, you might want to use your time at home with the kids to get them involved in charity work. Teaching your kids about charity work is important and it can ensure that they learn how to help others in the world. This is always going to be a positive step. There are a few ways that you can get kids involved in charity work at home. For example, you can show them how to put a care package together made of items that you no longer want or need. Sites such as https://www.theschoolrun.com/charitable-activities-for-kids have more ways you can get kids involved in charity.

We hope this helps you understand some of the best entertainment options when you are at home with the kids on a rainy afternoon. If you explore these possibilities, you’re sure to have a great time.

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Keep Kids Entertained on a Rainy Day at Home
Keep the kids entertained on a rainy day at home.

Discover Some Fantastic Ways To Take Care Of The Summer Learning Drought

Are you worried about the summer learning drought? Essentially, this is what happens through the summer season when kids aren’t in school and aren’t learning. They end up with their minds like a blank slate when they return in the fall. Now, this can be a benefit because it means that teachers find it easier to impart fresh ideas and concepts. However, it can also be great if kids stay on track through the summer and potentially other times when they are out of school. This includes another potential lockdown. So, let’s explore some of the ways that you can do this.

Ways To Take Care Of The Summer Learning Drought

Ways to Take Care of the Summer Learning Drought


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Look At Lesson Plans

You might want to think about exploring lesson plans that can be downloaded online. These are great as they will ensure that your kids can benefit from real plans that teachers use. You can even find the materials that teachers use and download worksheets for your child too. Sites such as https://studentreasures.com/teachers-lounge/lesson-plans/first-grade/ would be a smart place to start.

Encourage Them To Keep A Diary


Another great way to keep up levels of education and learning, particularly for younger children, is to encourage them to keep a diary. Keeping a diary is the perfect way to improve children’s writing skills in a way that is fun and that they can engage with. For instance, if you go on holiday, then they can write about different activities that they complete throughout the day.

Set Up A Couple Hours Each Day

Next, you might want to think about setting a couple of hours a day where your little ones can complete some educational activities. This could include actual worksheets or simple sums and little projects that you can set up yourself. This is perhaps the best way to cope with the summer drought because there is still some structure in place. Don’t forget that this type of activity isn’t that strange. Thousands of kids attend summer schools each year to ensure that their grades stay at the right level.

Ways to Take Care of the Summer Learning Drought

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Take Them To Educational Places


Finally, you might want to think about taking them to certain places where they can naturally gain knowledge that will benefit their education. A great example of this would be museums and there are lots of museums around the world that are absolutely perfect for kids. Or, you could take them somewhere like an art gallery. This could provide the inspiration they need to explore their own creative projects and stretch that particular mind muscle. This is something to keep in mind if you are going on holiday as there are always educational places nearby. You can learn more about museums for kids on https://theculturetrip.com/europe/united-kingdom/england/.

We hope this helps you understand some of the best ways to combat the summer learning drought and why this can be such a significant issue for you as a parent. Teachers often reflect on how after summer, kids come back behind because they haven’t been keeping up with learning through the break. With these ideas, you can ensure that your child is right on track. 

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Summer Learning Drought

Sunday, January 3, 2021

4 Steps to Putting Christ First (Step Up Series)

4 Steps to Putting Christ First
4 Steps to Putting Christ First
We are beginning a new series for the new year at church.  This new series is called "Step Up."  If you are a Christ follower, do you think God is calling us to step up as believers?  If you believe God is calling you to step up, you can.  You can concentrate on moving forward.  God can do big things in small steps.  The following are my Bible study notes based on my pastor's sermon titled Christ First.  You are invited to watch, listen, and worship with us here.

Christ First

Brothers and sisters, I do not regard myself as having taken hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 3:13-14
Sometimes we need to step away from something.  We might need to step away from a bad habit or a bad relationship.  Maybe you need to step away from bitterness. Do you feel stuck?  Then take a step into God's Word. 
For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work among you will complete it by the day of Christ Jesus. - Philippians 1:6
Philippians 1:6 Artwork
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But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided to you. - Matthew 6:33

"Our first step is to put Christ first in our lives.  The only thing Christ cannot do is to be second." - Tony Evans
Present your everything to God.
Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. - Romans 12:1-2
1.  In Romans 12:1, I request is made.  
 
God is asking us, through Paul, to present our bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is our Spiritual service of worship.  If we don't hear God's Words, why would He hear our words?  The Holy Spirit speaks to God's people.  
 
2.  A reason is given.

Why should we do this?  God is merciful.  We deserve separation, judgement, and Hell, but God is merciful.  Therefore, we present our bodies to Spiritual service willingly.  We don't like sacrifice.  We are an entitled people, but we must know and remember that God's love is not pampering.  God's love is perfecting.  God wants all of you.  He wants your strengths and your weaknesses.  He wants everything.  God wants you all the time.  He wants your good days and your bad days.

Be holy and be wholly His.
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? - 1 Corinthians 6:19
3.  God is clear on His requirement.
  
Worship is not just a song or an event.  Worship is a lifestyle.  How do you know your worship is pure?  You know your worship is pure when what you do on Sunday shows up through the week.
 
4.  A result is seen.
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. - Romans 12:2
Don't be conformed to the world.  Here, God is talking about an anti-God culture and it's everywhere.  We will get sucked into it if we aren't careful. 
Don't let the world around you squeeze you into its mold. - J.B. Philips
The world is after one thing and that one thing is to damn our souls.  Why give our everything to a world that will not last?

Give everything to God.  A renewal of the mind must be daily.  

Get into the Word this year. The Word transforms us.  When we renew our mind, the power and glory of Jesus shines through.  

Don't be afraid of God's will.  Be afraid of stepping out of God's will.  

Stay in step with God.
 
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4 Steps to Putting Christ First

Saturday, January 2, 2021

Abram and Lot, Genesis 13-14, Coloring Through the Bible

Coloring Through the Bible, Abram and Lot, Genesis 13-14
Coloring Through the Bible, Genesis 13-14, Abram and Lot

Abram and Lot:  Genesis 13-14

After Pharaoh sent Abram and Sarai away with all their possessions, Abram, Sarai, and Lot went back to the area between Bethel and Ai.  This is the place where Abram had first built an alter to the Lord.  As was true to Abram's custom, he called on the name of the Lord. 

In Genesis 13:1-4, Abram returns to  Bethel where he had previously built an alter.  If you have ever strayed from God, you can return to fellowship with Him. Isn't that comforting? 

Lot, Abram's nephew, had been traveling with Abram.  Both men had acquired a large amount of possessions, so great that the land would not support them.  On top of that, Abram's herders and Lot's herders were arguing with each other.

Abram valued his family relationship with Lot.  He didn't want quarreling so he told Lot to take the land either to the right or to the left.  Abram would take his family and possessions in the opposite direction.  Lot chose to go east to the whole plain of the Jordan because it was well watered.  Abram chose to live in the land of Canaan.  Lot's land was near Sodom where the people were wicked and sinned greatly against God.

After Lot left Abram, God told him:

"Look around from where you are, to the north and south, to the east and west.  All the land you see, I will give to you and your offspring forever.  I will make your offspring like the dust of the earth, so that if anyone could count the dust, then your offspring could be counted.  Go, walk through the length and breadth of the land, for I am giving it to you." - Genesis 13:14-17
Abram chose to go to Hebron.  Then guess what he did?

Abram built an alter to the Lord.

The beginning of the 14th chapter of Genesis describes warring between 9 kings in the region where Lot lived, near the lands of Sodom and Gomorrah.  Four kings eventually seized all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah, including Abram's nephew, Lot, and all of Lot's possessions.

A man escaped and reported the situation to Abram.  Abram gathered 318 trained men to go after Lot.  Abram succeeded.  He brought Lot and Lot's possessions as well as the women and other people.

Melchizedek, king of Salem, went to Lot.  Melchizedek was a priest of God and he blessed Abram saying:
Blessed be Abram by God Most High,
Creator of Heaven and earth.
And praise be to God Most High,
Who delivered your enemies into your hand. - Genesis 14:19-20

Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of everything.

The king of Sodom wanted Abram to give him the people back, but told Abram that he could keep the goods for himself. 

However, Abram told the king of Sodom that he had taken an oath to the Lord that he would take nothing belonging to the king of Sodom so that the king of Sodom could not claim to have made Abram wealthy.  Abram only asked for the food his men had eaten and the share that belonged to the men who had gone with Abram.

______________________________________________________________________

I recently learned that there is a belief that Lot was not Abram's nephew but his brother instead.  Roger Patterson at Answers in Genesis explains here that Lot was both Abram's nephew and his brother.  Lot was Abram's nephew biologically, but Lot was considered Abram's brother because he was a member of the family of Terah.

______________________________________________________________________

Charles Stanley teaches two a life lessons based on Genesis 13:8 and Genesisi 14:20  He reminds us that:

Abram counted a good relationship with his nephew as more important than his own material prosperity. He didn’t have to worry about his possessions because he had seen that no one can ever outgive God. (Charles Stanley Life Principles Daily Bible)

The mysterious priest Melchizedek reminded Abram that God had given him the victory. Even though it was Abram’s men that did the fighting, God was the one who was in control, and He is the author of all blessings. (Charles Stanley Life Principles Daily Bible)

John MacArthur tells us concerning Genesis 13:8:

Abram’s whole reaction in resolving the strife between the two households and their personnel portrayed a different Abram than seen in Egypt; one whose attitude was not self-centered. Waving his right to seniority, he gave the choice to his nephew, Lot. (The NKJV MacArthur Study Bible, 2nd Edition)

Regarding Genesis 13:9, MacArthur says:

Abram gladly called on Lot to select for himself what he desired for his household and flocks. After Lot’s choice had been exercised, then Abram would accept what was left for him. Perhaps this did much to restore, in the eyes of the servants, Abram’s integrity and reputation. (The NKJV MacArthur Study Bible, 2nd Edition)

If you are teaching children the story of Abram and Lot, you can download and/or print coloring pages from DLTK here

You can use free images of Abram and Lot from Free Bible Images here.

If you are joining me using your Beautiful Word Coloring Bible, here's a look at my pages.  I'd love to see yours! 

Abram and Lot, Beautiful Word Coloring Bible
Abram and Lot, The Beautiful Word Coloring Bible

If you don't have a Beautiful Work Coloring Bible, get yours here.

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Genesis 13-14, Abram and Lot, Coloring Through the Bible
Coloring Through the Bible, Abram and Lot