Walking Upright

Salvation through Jesus Christ is a great and precious gift. Though it is free, there is a cost involved. As recipients of God’s grace, He requires those that come to Him to live in accordance to His standards. Some view this as legalism or a burden; however, the scriptures are clear that God’s expects His followers to walk upright.

Abraham received a great promise from God. He experienced God’s personal intervention in his life. However, God appeared to Abraham, challenging his lifestyle and conduct as a servant of God.

And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the Lord appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect. And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly. Gen 17:1-2  (KJV)

God appears to Abraham and charges him to walk before Him and be perfect; that is, mature. As Christians, we cannot forget that we have to do that which is right.

Though some challenge this by stating that God is merciful and loving; it is understood that His mercy and love is there to help us as we strive to overcome the lust of the eyes, the lusts of the flesh, and the pride of life. His righteous standards are given to us by His discretion and with His assistance. On today, examine aspects of your life. Be honest with God and with yourself. Make a new commitment to walking upright before Him. 

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.”

 

Temporary Fix

 

Down south, many of the older homes do not have central air. In these houses, some use electric fans, which swivel back and forth. In this situation, you feel refreshed only shortly before the heat sets in. If one had central air, the refreshing could be permanent and not temporary. Well, Hagar gave Abraham a son, but it was only a temporary fix, for he was not the child of promise.

 

And Hagar bare Abram a son: and Abram called his son's name, which Hagar bare, Ishmael. Gen 16:15 (KJV)

Though Abraham rejoiced over Ishmael, the day would come when he would have to let him go. This shows us that though waiting on God is difficult, do not forfeit His eternal and lasting blessing for a temporary fix.

Do not patch up your life with things that will have to be removed eventually. If they are not removed, they will frustrate what God wants to do. Remember, choose the promise of God over the temporary comfort of the present situation.

 Prayer of the Week:

“Lord, grant me grace to stand with contentment as I wait upon you. You will be faithful unto the end. Amen.”

Faith During the Wait

     Every promise comes with a wait. The length of the wait varies according to the circumstance and situation. However, it is during the wait that frustration and doubt can surface. Abraham had to wait for the fulfillment of the promise. During that time, he and Sarah made some decisions that had everlasting consequences.

And Sarai Abram's wife took Hagar her maid the Egyptian, after Abram had dwelt ten years in the land of Canaan, and gave her to her husband Abram to be his wife. Gen 16:3 (KJV)

The descendants of Abraham and Hagar proved to be hazardous to his descendants by Sarah. Nevertheless, the point here is that we have to continue to have faith, even when the wait is long. In doing so, we will not make decisions that may have lasting effects.

Waiting can sometimes be frustrating. Most people do not like to wait in long lines, wait a long time to receive their meals, or be in a place for too long. However, Christians have to learn to embrace the wait as a companion to the promises of God. If one is not willing to wait, one is not willing to receive the promise. On today, embrace the wait. Though it is difficult at times, the acceptance of the wait sets you up for the reception of the promise.

Prayer of the Week:

 Lord, give me grace, peace, and strength to wait until you bless me and deliver me. Amen.”

Experiencing Hardships

Well, what can I say? The unchanging truth is that Christians will experience hardships. Though a substantial part of ministry today emphasizes deliverance from troubles, you cannot experience deliverance except a situation that warrants it arises. After receiving the promise of descendants, God tells Abraham of the hardships that would come upon them.

And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years; And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance. Gen 15:13-14 (KJV

God said that it was going to happen and nothing would change it (signified by “of a surety”). Christians have to understand that trials, tests, hardships will come. The Christian life if full of problematic situations (as some may very well know); however, the promise of trials comes with the promise of God’s deliverance.

Abraham’s descendants were destined to go into bondage, but they were also destined to come out by God’s power. On today, though trials and tests are there, understand that they come with an expiration date. You can rejoice that though you may sow in tears presently, you will reap in joy by the power of God.

Prayer of the Week:

 “I thank you for the truth that my problems come with an expiration date. I thank you that I will see your goodness in the land of the living. Amen.”