Back to Basics

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.”

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.”

 

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.”