Cutting Away

Jesus’ teachings challenged the very sensibilities of His listeners. On one occasion, He tells them that if a part of their body offended them, they were to cut it off. Though symbolic in nature, the sentiment is evident; the Christian should be willing to get rid of anything that would hinder their walk with Christ. Abraham faced a similar challenge.

God established His promises and covenants with him; however, to show his agreement and submission to what God had promised,  he  had  to  circumcise  himself  and his household.

And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you. Gen 17:11  (KJV)

It can be difficult to get rid of things in our  lives that are dear and personal. Abraham had to experience physical pain in demonstration of his faithfulness to God. In addition, the males that were under his care would suffer the same pain. Likewise, when the Christian decides to cut away people, places, and things from his or her life, it may cause pain. Yet, the Christian must know that it will be worth it, in this life and in the life to come.

            Today, what people, places, and things are in your life that need to be cut away so that you can be fruitful in your walk with Christ? Are you willing to face the pains of self-denial and separation from others?

Just know that God will give grace, peace, and strength to those who will sacrifice themselves for Him. Make a decision today that you will cut away those things that will prevent you from progressing in Christ.

Prayer of the Week:
“Lord, I need your help to cut away things that will frustrate my walk with you. I thank you for the grace, peace, and strength to do it. Amen”

Changing Self-Perception

Many people do not have the proper perception of themselves. Because of this, many Christians do not know how to view themselves even as recipients of God’s salvation. They struggle with who they were, who they are, and who they will become. Our relationship with Christ brings us into a new life with a new identity. The Christian, thus, has to see himself as God sees him and receive his new identity in Christ.

 

Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee. And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee. Gen 17:5-6 (KJV)

Abraham received the promise of a son, but that was not enough from God’s viewpoint. His coming blessing required that Abraham no longer view himself in the same manner. God changes  his name from Abram (which means Exalted Father) to Abraham (Father of Many). God changed His name while he was only the father of one; that is Ishmael. Abraham’s name change signified what God had purposed him to be. However, his name signified his relationship and covenant with God.

The Christian today has to receive a spiritual name change. Though people may call you by the same name, it should not have the same impact. However, it will begin with you agreeing with God and with who you are in Him. On today, if you know that you do not see yourself, as God would have you, ask for grace and strength. He will help you develop the proper self-perception. You will not think too high of yourself or too low of yourself. Remember, if any man is in Christ, he is a new creation.

Prayer of the Week:

“I thank you that who I was before you does not characterize who I am now in you. I ask you to help me to see myself as you see me. I desire to have the proper self-perception. Amen.”

Humble Yourself

Do you know someone who is arrogant and proud? Have seen individuals who are servants of Christ who do not walk in humility? They are not humble before men and even God. Never use your personal relationship with Christ as an excuse to disobey and rebel when it suits you. God resists those who are proud, but those who are humble can expect to receive an infinite supply of His grace.

Though Abraham received the covenant promises of God, he continually humbled himself. After God commanded him to walk upright before Him, Abraham humbles himself and bows before the Lord.

And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying, As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations. Gen 17:3-4 (KJV)

How do you respond to God’s word whether by inspiration, revelation, or a sermon? When you hear or read it, do you humble yourself before God? Or, do you justify how you are rather than allow His words to be the governing factor in your life?

Abraham humbled himself and God, once again, established His covenant with him. His humility set him up for a blessing. When we humble ourselves before the Lord, we set the stage for God to do great things that He has purposed for us. On today, take time to examine your humility level before God. If it is low, adjust it and see how it will change your life.

Prayer of the Week:
“I thank you that you abide with those who are humble. On this day, I humble myself before you, acknowledging your awesome power, but gentle grace. I thank you for all you are to me. Amen”