Do It God’s Way

 


To succeed is the goal of many. The quest for success and material abundance has sabotaged the spiritual life of many. The king of Sodom offered Abraham great wealth for his previous help. However, Abraham refused.

And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lift up mine hand unto the Lord, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth, That I will not take from a thread even to a shoe latchet, and that I will not take any thing that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich. Gen 14:22-23 (KJV)

Abraham chose to be successful God’s way. He knew that if he received from the king of Sodom, they would take credit for Abraham’s wealth.

As Christians, are we willing to do things God’s way, that Christ is honored? Many opportunities can come to us, but opportunities do not always come with God’s endorsement. This is where we must be humble and open to God’s direction.

            Doing things God’s way or according to His will may delay success and wealth, but it will never prevent it. On today, examine your life. Make sure your quest for personal success and prosperity is according to God’s will. In doing so, you will preserve your relationship with Him as you increase in this life.

Prayer of the Week:

“Lord, help me to trust you with success in my life. I know you have my best interest in mind. I submit my ways unto you that I may prosper. Amen”

Honoring God



Money is something that almost every civilization uses today as currency. Without it, one cannot acquire the things necessary to maintain a decent habitation. Because of this, the call to give money, even in the religious setting, becomes a challenge; especially, when we have labored hard to earn it. After Abraham fought the battle, freeing Lot and the people of Sodom, he was challenged with the responsibility to honor God for the victory.

 

And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all. Gen 14:20 (KJV)

Abraham understood that God had given him the victory. Though he would not be paid for what he had done, he still did receive for his men and their labor. From this, Abraham not only honored God through giving Him praise, but also gave tithes of his substance.

Christians have to remember to honor God with worship and with giving of their time, energy, effort, and substance (which includes finances). Remember, God gives us strength to acquire so that we can live and be a blessing to the Church. This is how He is honored.

On today, evaluate your willingness to give in honor of God. Make an effort to do better (if necessary). God gave us His best (in Christ) and we have the responsibility to return to Him the best out of our substance.

Prayer of the Week:

“I thank you for your daily provision and protection. I make a new commitment to honor you with all I have. I give you glory and praise today. Amen.”

 


Bearing Others’ Burdens

 


Do you know someone who brings trouble upon himself or herself? In the end, others have to come to their rescue and bail them out. Dealing with these individuals can be draining, even after you have warned them and they rejected good counsel. However, as Christians, we have to remain willing to help others even when they make unwise decisions. Abraham had to go and fight for Lot after he made the bad choice to live in Sodom.

And when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his trained servants, born in his own house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued them unto Dan. Gen 14:14 (KJV)

Lot was taken captive and Abraham had to gather a force to free him. There are individuals in our lives that may seem to go through the same things over  and  over  again. Yet,  God  has allowed it so that we can be demonstrators of His love and mercy.

Paul reminded the Galatians that they were  to do good unto all men. In addition, special consideration was to be given to those who are believers (Galatians 6:10). Do not hold back bearing others’ burdens, even if they are a burden to themselves. In doing so, we fulfill the law of Christ.

Prayer of the Week:

“I remember all that Christ did for me on today. I thank you he bore my transgressions and sins. On this day, I ask that you help me to bear others’ burdens in light of your goodness towards me. Amen”

Separated for the Set-up

Separation is a necessary part of life. Many fight against it, even to their own hurt. Some stay in destructive relationships for fear of being alone. Others will not separate because of the “comfort” of familiarity. However, as a Christian, the challenge to separate from people, places, and things (in order to progress) is there.

Abraham had to make the decision to separate from Lot. In Volume I, we discussed how Abraham and Lot entered into conflict. Rather than stay in a situation where this could reoccur, Abraham gave Lot his pick of the land for peaceful separation.

And the Lord said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward: For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever. Gen 13:14-15 (KJV)

After the separation, God appears to Abraham and gives him a blessing of promise. We discover that his separation was a set-up to receive from God. On today, what people, places, and things do you need to give up and separate yourself from? Abraham was willing to separate from Lot and he received a blessing. Who knows? Some things you may desire of God may be released if you separate from known negative influences. Make the necessary changes and separations; it will set you up for a blessing.
Prayer of the Week:

“Lord, I thank you that your thoughts for me are for good. Give me the strength to do what is necessary to receive all that you have for me. Thank you now for all things that will come for my benefit. Amen.”