Weekly inspiration for the Christian journey presented by Mister Roderick L. Evans
Separated for the Set-up
Handling Conflicts
Abraham faced conflict with Lot (his nephew); there servants were at odds. However, we discover that Abraham sought for peace; he did not perpetuate the problem.
And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we be brethren. Gen 13:8 (KJV)
Since Abraham was the elder in this situation, he could have handled the conflict in a totalitarian manner. However, he recognized that Lot was family and there was a peaceable solution.
As a Christian, how do you handle conflicts at home and those that happen at church? You must understand that conflicts will arise, especially in the church. Yet, remember that they are your brothers and sisters in Christ. You should seek for peace and not selfish vindication.
In the end, all things must be done to honor Christ who has saved you. Your encounters in the church should not contribute to the disunity or disharmony of the fellowship.
Prayer of the Week:
“Lord, grant me grace, when conflicts arise. Help me to honor you as I face conflicts. Let your will always be done. Amen.”
Back to Basics
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)
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.”