In the Heat

Growing up, I remember the hot days of living in South Florida. The heat sometimes would be unbearable. However, in the midst of all the heat, relief could be found at the nearest beach or swimming pool. Complaining about the heat would only make it worse, so the only solution was to make use of what was available to me. 

Likewise, as Christians, we sometimes do not make use of what is available to us. God has promised to be with us always. Yet, we forget to receive His love, grace, and comfort in times of “heat” in our lives. Continuing our examination of Abraham, we discover that at the hottest part of the day, God visits him.

And the LORD appeared unto him in the plains of Mamre: and he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day; And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground. Gen 18:1-2 (KJV)

Abraham saw the Lord and ran out to meet Him and invite them into his habitation. How do you respond to God in the “hot” times? Do you complain or do you invite Him into your situation? God made Himself available to Abraham. He makes Himself available to us, but do we allow Him to comfort us or help us? Today, you may be experiencing the “heat” of life. But respond like Abraham: worship God and invite Him into your situation. He will give you peace, grace, and comfort to endure.

Prayer of the Week: 

“I trust you on this day Lord. You will provide some cool refreshing in the midst of the heat of life. I thank you for it now. Amen.”

Letting Go

 

Friends, family, and acquaintances are important to our lives. We live in a world where we must interact and be interdependent upon others for love, support, and relationship. However, some individuals in our lives may prove to be useful only at certain times in our lives. It does not mean that there is a problem; however, God may want to bring others into our lives for continual growth and success in Him.

 Abraham had to learn the reality of this truth. Because God’s promise was upon Sarah and Isaac, he would eventually have to let go of Ishmael that God’s promises to him would be established. However, Abraham protested.

And Abraham said unto God, O that Ishmael might live before thee! Gen 17:18 (KJV)

Abraham loved Ishmael, but God’s covenant would be with Isaac. Abraham pleaded with God for Ishmael. On today, what people are in your life that you know that they will not be able to be with you always? Are you willing to let them go {not because you hate them or any problem exists} for the sake of continual growth and success in Christ?

They may be longtime friends and family members. It does not mean that there is no communication and fellowship, but their influence in your life has to be limited that God may bring to you all that He has for you. This may be a difficult task, but in the end, everyone will prosper. Later on, in this story, we discover that God blessed Ishmael, though he had to leave his father.

Prayer of the Week:

 “I know that I can trust you God, you know what is best for me and who is good for me. Help me to do what is necessary to please you. Amen.”