Don’t Rely on Yourself

Fear is a powerful emotion. It can make one irrational and illogical. What things cause you to fear? How do you respond to your fears? If you would be honest, fears usually make you throw out reason and you begin to rely on your senses rather than sensibilities.

Though God has promised His abiding presence to those who know Him, Christians still find themselves governed by fear rather than faith. Abraham allowed his fear to dominate him; in turn, he dropped faith and relied upon his ingenuity in the situation.

Say, I pray thee, thou art my sister: that it may be well with me for thy sake; and my soul shall live because of thee. Gen 12:13 (KJV)

God had promised Abraham that He would bless Him. However, Abraham feared he would be killed because of his beautiful wife. Consequently, he relied on deception rather than on God for protection while in Egypt. What situations are confronting you? Are you relying solely on yourself or on God who is faithful and gracious?

Abraham’s reliance on himself nearly cost him his wife. When you turn from faith to fear, you will not rely on God; you will rely on yourself, which is subject to failure. Why not stand on the One who cannot fail. 

Prayer of the Week:

 “I know that I can trust you God, but help me to overcome fear in my present circumstances. I thank you that you will never leave me or fail me. Amen.”

Surviving Famines

 

      In recent decades, global attention has been given to nations that suffer consistently with famine. Hunger induced through famine can make individuals do and say things they would never do under normal conditions. So, the question remains, how do you respond to famines in your life? -  Not famine in terms of food, but famines that come up in your personal life and in your life with God.

Have you experienced times when it seems that your prayers are not answered and God is not there? Or, times when it seems like you are in a spiritual drought? These famines occur in the Christian life. Abraham went into Egypt when a famine arose, which placed him in a compromising situation.

And there was a famine in the land: and Abram went down into Egypt to sojourn                  there;   for the famine was grievous  in  the land. Gen 12:10 (KJV)

While in Egypt, Abram and Sarah conspired to deceive Pharaoh. This resulted in placing Sarah in a compromising situation. During this time in your life, you may be experiencing famine and drought in your personal and spiritual life. Make sure you do not compromise your faith and integrity before God as Abraham did in Egypt. Understand that God knows all things and He will bless you and deliver you in due time. 

Prayer of the Week:

“Lord, help me during times of testing and famine in my life. Strengthen my faith and hope in you that I do not turn away from what is right. I thank you that you will do this. Amen.”

Altar of Acceptance

To commemorate important occasions, we take pictures, buy souvenirs, or even leave markings. This is done so that whenever any of these are seen, one can instantly remember  the event. How do you view your times with Christ?

Are there memorable events that have taken place that you want to always remember and cherish? After receiving the promise, Abraham built an altar to God in acceptance of His promise. In addition, it was to commemorate what had happened.

And the Lord appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto the Lord, who appeared unto him. Gen 12:7 (KJV)

As Christians, we no longer build altars, but we should mark special times and occasions with Christ in acceptance and appreciation for what He has done. We can do this by writing down the experience, marking special events on calendars, or even writing a psalm to God.

Abraham built an altar in response to the promise; remember to build an “altar” to the Lord for His blessings and promises in your life.

Prayer of the Week:

“Lord, I thank you for your blessings. On this day, I make special mention of your goodness and kindness. I am grateful for all things. Amen”

Time to Move

Most individuals do not like moving. If you cannot hire movers, moving can be stressful and strenuous. You have to pack up everything, move heavy objects, and load it into transportation; only to unpack it all and arrange it in your new home. Moving takes work; if you move to the right place, it will be worth it.

Abraham had to leave (move) from his homeland at God’s request. He had to leave family, friends, and finances to obey God. In the end, he received all that God had for him. Today, think of “moves” that you need to make in your personal life and in your spiritual walk.

        So Abram departed, as the Lord had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran. Gen 12:4 (KJV)

Whatever challenges face you, know that God will be with you and it will be worth it. Abraham was 75 years old when he had to adjust. This means that it is never too late. Get up and move to another place, there are some things that God has purposed for you in this life. It is time to move.

Prayer of the Week:
“God, give me strength to make the necessary move and adjustments in my life. I thank you that your plans for me are for good. Amen.”