Letting Go

 

Friends, family, and acquaintances are important to our lives. We live in a world where we must interact and be interdependent upon others for love, support, and relationship. However, some individuals in our lives may prove to be useful only at certain times in our lives. It does not mean that there is a problem; however, God may want to bring others into our lives for continual growth and success in Him.

 Abraham had to learn the reality of this truth. Because God’s promise was upon Sarah and Isaac, he would eventually have to let go of Ishmael that God’s promises to him would be established. However, Abraham protested.

And Abraham said unto God, O that Ishmael might live before thee! Gen 17:18 (KJV)

Abraham loved Ishmael, but God’s covenant would be with Isaac. Abraham pleaded with God for Ishmael. On today, what people are in your life that you know that they will not be able to be with you always? Are you willing to let them go {not because you hate them or any problem exists} for the sake of continual growth and success in Christ?

They may be longtime friends and family members. It does not mean that there is no communication and fellowship, but their influence in your life has to be limited that God may bring to you all that He has for you. This may be a difficult task, but in the end, everyone will prosper. Later on, in this story, we discover that God blessed Ishmael, though he had to leave his father.

Prayer of the Week:

 “I know that I can trust you God, you know what is best for me and who is good for me. Help me to do what is necessary to please you. Amen.”

Seeing Others as God’s Does

In life, we will encounter many people with varying personalities and dispositions. It is a fact that there will be disagreements, fallouts, and times of miscommunication. These things can cause an individual not to have the proper perspective of others in daily interactions. It can be difficult to see others, especially as God sees them, when we have seen unfavorable aspects of their personalities and lifestyles.

And God said unto Abraham, As for Sarai thy wife, thou shalt not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall her name be. Gen 17:15 (KJV)

Abraham receives a name change, but God goes further and changes the name of his wife. Abraham had to see his wife, no longer as a barren woman (Sarai), but as a fruitful woman from whom kings and nations would come (Sarah).

Once we come to Christ, our perception of men has to change. We have to see others as God does.  He is not willing that any should perish. The very worst of sinners are candidates for His grace and redemption. When we see others as God does, it will restrain us from allowing what we see and know about them to change our love for them. This holds especially true concerning other members of the Body of Christ.

Though some Christians may be like Sarai, being barren in their walks with Christ, we must see them as candidates for being Sarah, members who will eventually be of great service to the Church and Kingdom of God. This will keep us from unforgiveness, bitterness, and judgment.

Prayer of the Week:

“Lord, help me to get over what I know about others. Help me to get past what has offended me to see them as you do. I thank you for it. Amen.”

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Cutting Away

Jesus’ teachings challenged the very sensibilities of His listeners. On one occasion, He tells them that if a part of their body offended them, they were to cut it off. Though symbolic in nature, the sentiment is evident; the Christian should be willing to get rid of anything that would hinder their walk with Christ. Abraham faced a similar challenge.

God established His promises and covenants with him; however, to show his agreement and submission to what God had promised,  he  had  to  circumcise  himself  and his household.

And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you. Gen 17:11  (KJV)

It can be difficult to get rid of things in our  lives that are dear and personal. Abraham had to experience physical pain in demonstration of his faithfulness to God. In addition, the males that were under his care would suffer the same pain. Likewise, when the Christian decides to cut away people, places, and things from his or her life, it may cause pain. Yet, the Christian must know that it will be worth it, in this life and in the life to come.

            Today, what people, places, and things are in your life that need to be cut away so that you can be fruitful in your walk with Christ? Are you willing to face the pains of self-denial and separation from others?

Just know that God will give grace, peace, and strength to those who will sacrifice themselves for Him. Make a decision today that you will cut away those things that will prevent you from progressing in Christ.

Prayer of the Week:
“Lord, I need your help to cut away things that will frustrate my walk with you. I thank you for the grace, peace, and strength to do it. Amen”

Changing Self-Perception

Many people do not have the proper perception of themselves. Because of this, many Christians do not know how to view themselves even as recipients of God’s salvation. They struggle with who they were, who they are, and who they will become. Our relationship with Christ brings us into a new life with a new identity. The Christian, thus, has to see himself as God sees him and receive his new identity in Christ.

 

Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee. And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee. Gen 17:5-6 (KJV)

Abraham received the promise of a son, but that was not enough from God’s viewpoint. His coming blessing required that Abraham no longer view himself in the same manner. God changes  his name from Abram (which means Exalted Father) to Abraham (Father of Many). God changed His name while he was only the father of one; that is Ishmael. Abraham’s name change signified what God had purposed him to be. However, his name signified his relationship and covenant with God.

The Christian today has to receive a spiritual name change. Though people may call you by the same name, it should not have the same impact. However, it will begin with you agreeing with God and with who you are in Him. On today, if you know that you do not see yourself, as God would have you, ask for grace and strength. He will help you develop the proper self-perception. You will not think too high of yourself or too low of yourself. Remember, if any man is in Christ, he is a new creation.

Prayer of the Week:

“I thank you that who I was before you does not characterize who I am now in you. I ask you to help me to see myself as you see me. I desire to have the proper self-perception. Amen.”