In Spite of Me

Did I do that? Have you ever said that yourself? As Christians, sometimes we can make the same mistakes over again. Even after prayer and hearing sermons, we can still choose to conduct ourselves in a manner that is inconsistent with the faith of Jesus Christ.

Because of this, some feel that God will leave them and will not help them when they are in trouble because of their mistakes. However, the story of Abraham shows us that God may not always allow us to reap the consequences of bad decisions.

But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night, and said to him, Behold, thou art but a dead man, for the woman which thou hast taken; for she is a man's wife. Gen 20:3 (KJV)

Abraham lied to Abimelech, not revealing that Sarah was his wife. Just like with Pharaoh, Sarah was taken. However, we discover that God showed up to protect Sarah and Abraham, though they were in the wrong. What a demonstration of God’s graciousness!

On today, what mistakes have you made? Have you resolved to live with the consequences while not asking for God’s intervention? There are times when we will have to live with the consequences of bad decisions, but we find that God may show us mercy as He did Abraham. He did it in spite of their error. Just know that God will remain faithful to you, in spite of you. He will be faithful to me, in spite of me. Trust in His love and graciousness to bring you from the failures of the past and into successes of the future.

Prayer of the Week: 

“Lord, grant me grace to receive forgiveness and invite you into my present situation. You will be faithful unto the end. Amen.”

God is Just

Ever wonder why God allows certain things? Have you ever struggled with some of the biblical accounts of God’s judgment and justice? Some think that the righteous judgment of God is unfair and arbitrary. However, as Christians, we must trust in the goodness and justice of God. Abraham had to face his conceptions of God’s justice when God revealed His plans to judge Sodom and Gomorrah.

And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked? Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right? Gen 18:23, 25b (KJV)

After hearing of God’s plans, Abraham asks God, in essence, are you right in doing this? He knew that Lot and his family were in those cities. However, we know that God was just in His decision by further reading of this story. Now, let us look at ourselves. God does allow things in our lives to happen that seem unfair. 

We can look at the numerous ills of the world and think how these things could be if He is good and just. On today, trust that God cannot operate in unrighteousness. 

Trust that His ways are just. He will do what is best for us even if it does not always feel good to us. You may not understand all things, but trust in the goodness of the  One that has offered such a great salvation in Christ.

Prayer of the Week:

 Lord, give me grace, peace, and strength to accept the unfavorable events of this life. I will trust in your character. Amen.”

Desiring His Presence

Well, what can I say? God fills heaven and earth, but sometimes it can feel as if He is nowhere to be found. However, we must trust that God is with us and never lose our desire for Him and His presence. In Day 7, we find that Abraham seized the opportunity to invite God to his habitation. However, Abraham desired more than a visit, he wanted God to spend time with him and abide in his tent.

And said, My Lord, if now I have found favour in thy sight, pass not away, I pray thee, from thy servant: Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree. Gen 18:3-4 (KJV)

Jesus made it clear that those who wanted more of God had to ask. Through His teachings, we are instructed to come to Him in prayer. Moreover, we are instructed to ask for more of His presence if we so desire. On today, then, the question arises: “What is your level of desire for God?” It is not enough to desire His blessings in our lives, we must desire His presence. His presence is what will transform and keep us.

It is easy to look at others and think that God loves them more because of their evident spirituality and maturity in Him. However, we must know that God is not hiding from us, but we must desire Him. If you want more, ask for more. Have faith. Just know that those who hunger and thirst after righteousness shall be filled.

Prayer of the Week:

 “I thank you for your willingness to abide with me. I trust You, that you will give me what I ask for, especially for more of your presence. Amen.”

 

In the Heat

Growing up, I remember the hot days of living in South Florida. The heat sometimes would be unbearable. However, in the midst of all the heat, relief could be found at the nearest beach or swimming pool. Complaining about the heat would only make it worse, so the only solution was to make use of what was available to me. 

Likewise, as Christians, we sometimes do not make use of what is available to us. God has promised to be with us always. Yet, we forget to receive His love, grace, and comfort in times of “heat” in our lives. Continuing our examination of Abraham, we discover that at the hottest part of the day, God visits him.

And the LORD appeared unto him in the plains of Mamre: and he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day; And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground. Gen 18:1-2 (KJV)

Abraham saw the Lord and ran out to meet Him and invite them into his habitation. How do you respond to God in the “hot” times? Do you complain or do you invite Him into your situation? God made Himself available to Abraham. He makes Himself available to us, but do we allow Him to comfort us or help us? Today, you may be experiencing the “heat” of life. But respond like Abraham: worship God and invite Him into your situation. He will give you peace, grace, and comfort to endure.

Prayer of the Week: 

“I trust you on this day Lord. You will provide some cool refreshing in the midst of the heat of life. I thank you for it now. Amen.”