Back to Basics: Abraham returns to Bethel

Every few years, states require drivers to have their licenses renewed. Drivers have to take tests to establish that they still know the basic road signs and rules. It serves as a reminder to drivers.

Experienced drivers are not exempt. They, too, must review foundational information to maintain their driving privileges. After Abraham’s initial call and his ordeal in Egypt, he returned to the place where God spoke to him.

And he went on his journeys from the south even to Bethel, unto the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Hai; Unto the place of the altar, which he had made there at the first: and there Abram called on the name of the Lord. Gen 13:3-4 (KJV)

In   the   Christian   life,  times  come  where  we must return to the basics. Like drivers on the road, we must review and revisit foundational truths of the Bible and recognize if we are still following them.

Like Abraham, we need to consider our initial commitment to the Lord and see if we are true to it. Abraham went through some incredible situations; afterwards, he returned to the place where God spoke to him. This served to renew his faith and trust. Life  can  sometimes  take  you  off  course. Take time to renew and revive your faith and walk with God through introspection and prayer.

Prayer of the Week:

 I ask for a renewal on today. I remember how you have blessed me. I will recall to mind your word. Help me to stay on the right path. Amen.”

Distractions, Distractions, Distractions: Don’t Turn to the Left or Right

One enemy of the Christian life and experience is distraction. Since distractions come in numerous forms, it is easy to become entrapped by them. Even serving God can become a distraction when He is not the focus on your daily life. This is what happened to Martha.

But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things. Luke 10:40-41 (KJV)

Rather than spend time in Christ’s presence, she became distracted with trying to serve Him. Today’s inspiration is a brief reminder to warn you against distractions. We have to deal with life and all of its toils, but life should not deter you from having peace in Christ.

Distractions abound, tasks are many, concerns multiply, but in the middle of all of these, your cry should be, “Lord, help me to overcome these distractions, distractions, distractions!”

Prayer of the Week:
“Lord, I thank you for your mercy, goodness, kindness, and grace. On today, I commit myself to doing that which pleases you in my daily life. I am grateful for your help and strength to overcome external and internal challenges. Amen.”

Obeying the Situation

Weather conditions usually dictate our daily wardrobe choices. If it is hot, we usually wear clothes that are light and airy. When it is rainy, raincoats and umbrellas accessorize one’s outfit. If it is cold, jackets, sweaters, boots, etc. usually appear. The weather condition demands a response.

As Christians, we have to learn to respond to the different “weather” conditions of our Christian walk. Abraham lied to Pharaoh, caused Sarah to be taken, brought plagues upon Pharaoh, and now, Pharaoh wanted him out of Egypt.

And Pharaoh commanded his men concerning him: and they sent him away, and his wife, and all that he had. Gen 12:20 (KJV)

Abraham had to obey Pharaoh’s request to depart. Think about situations in your life that demand a response. You have to be willing to depart from relationships that are unfruitful; give up habits that are self-destructive; and pursue Christ when you recognize spiritual decline.

You have to obey the situations that confront you. Though situations arise where we do not know what to do, oftentimes, what we need to do is right before us if we pay attention.

Prayer of the Week:

 “I come before you on today Lord asking for grace to do what I know to do is right. Help me to have the proper response to the situations that are in my life. I thank you now. Amen.”

God will Fight for You

 

Growing up, my older brother would always fight for me. If anyone ever troubled me or threatened me, he would step in to defend me. He would do it without question. He did not ask about what happened or how did the situation arise. If he was there and saw trouble, he got involved.

Abraham was in Egypt and allowed Pharaoh to take his wife because of his fears. Since God’s promise was upon Abraham and Sarah, we see His intervention  in a situation caused by Abraham and Sarah’s bad decision.

And the Lord plagued Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of Sarai Abram's wife. Gen 12:17 (KJV)

Abraham was clearly wrong, but God intervened on his behalf. He protected Abraham from the consequences of his actions. He also protected Sarah from being violated by Pharaoh. Some are facing situations that they, in effect, have caused themselves.

Do not lose faith and hope that God will be there for you. Just know that He is gracious and longsuffering and gets joy in showing mercy. God will fight for you.

Prayer of the Week:

“I trust you on this day Lord that you will intervene on my behalf. I stand in faith on your love and grace. Thank you for all things. Amen.”