Genesis 15  Abram committed himself to the "Lord God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth".   His relationship with his God was growing as he continued to call on the name of the Lord.  In this chapter the Lord makes a covenant with Abram. 

In the first verse the Lord said to Abram, " Do not fear, Abram, I am a shield to you; your very great reward." (NIV).   God proclaims Himself to be a shield for Abram.. a protector; a defense;  He also proclaims to be Abram's reward - his payment, wages, fare, compensation.. These words assured Abram that God was on his side and he did not have to fear anything else.. neither war.. or poverty.  God had a great plan for Abram and his descendants.. 

There was only one problem... in Abram's eyes.. he had no son. The only one who would benefit from Abram's blessings would be his own servant. The Lord made a promise to Abram then.. " one who shall come forth from your own body.. shall be your heir." 

Verse 6 "Then he believed in the Lord; and He reckoned it to him as righteousness."  Abram "believed".. he confirmed and established his permanent relationship with the Lord God Most High.  He took God's right hand.. so to speak.. committing himself to Him.  The Lord "reckoned"  or "counted" Abram's faith .. He considered as something of value and esteemed it..  "as righteousness".... justification; salvation; right. Abram took God's right hand..and they shook on it! God valued this commitment and considered Abram just. 

To celebrate and confirm the covenant between God and Abram a sacred ceremony is conducted.  Abram follows God's instructions and brings a sacrifice of "a heifer, a goat, a ram, a dove, and a pigeon".  The first three are cut in two and arranged in rows.  The birds were not cut in half.  During the night the Lord comes to Abram and tells him what would happen to the following generations of his family.  Then "a smoking firepot and a blazing torch appeared and passed between the pieces."  This confirmed God's covenant with Abram. 

Father, You made a way for Abram.. You established a covenant relationship with him.. You pursued him and he called on You.  There is something so precious and comforting in the way You bring us each to faith.. to have this intimate, personal relationship with Yourself.. just like You did with Abraham.  You are so gracious and merciful.. to call us.. to choose us.. to move us into a sacred partnership with Yourself.. our Lord, the God Most High.  Thank You, Lord. For saving my soul.. for making me whole.. for giving to me such a great salvation!  Be glorified in all the earth, Lord God! Let the name of Jesus be proclaimed! Amen.