[NIV] 12 The two men said to Lot, "Do you have anyoneelse here sons-in-law, sons or daughters, or anyone elsein the city who belongs to you? Get them out of here, 13 because we are going to destroy this place. The outcryto the LORD against its people is so great that he has sentus to destroy it." - P38
14 So Lot went out and spoke to his sons-in-law, whowere pledged to marry his daughters. He said, "Hurryand get out of this place, because the LORD is about todestroy the city!" But his sons-in-law thought he wasjoking. - P38
17 As soon as they had brought them out, one of themsaid, "Flee for your lives! Don‘t look back, and don‘tstop anywhere in the plain! Flee to the mountains oryou will beswept away!" 18 But Lot said to them, "No, my lords, please! - P39
21 He said to him, "Very well, I willrequestgrant thistoo; I will not overthrow the town you speak of. 22 Butflee there quickly, because I cannot do anything untilyou reach it." (That is why the town was called Zoar.) - P39
God displays an amazing degree of concern and care for Lot by warning him of the impending judgment and offering to save his entire household and extended family. - P40
But even in the face of sure destruction, Lot is hesitant to leave the region in which he had chosen to settle. - P40
He refuses to flee to the mountains as commanded and implores the angels to allow him to seek safety in a small, nearby town. - P40
Although Lot is a righteous man, his request makes clear that his personal comfort and security are a high priority in his life, preventing him from completely surrendering to God‘s plans. - P40
While God may certainly give us the grace to pursue our personal desires, there will be times when we may need to realign our priorities and be willing to make big sacrifices if we want to take hold of the best things He has planned for us. - P40
Dear Jesus, You are good and Your words are always trustworthy and true. - P41
Give us courage when we are afraid to do what You command, that we may obey You in all things. In Your name, amen. - P41
China is known to have an oppressively thorough surveillance system that monitors allreligious activities. - P40
The government only allows state-sanctioned Protestant churches to operate and many churches are being closed down. Children and teenagers under eighteenare not allowed to attend church at all. - P40
Most of the Talysh make their living as farmers and some work as skilled craftsmen. They are, virtually all Muslim and most have not had an opportunity to hear the gospel as Christianresources in their language are scarce. - P40
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