Genesis 12:1-4: "The Lord had said to Abram, Leave your country, your people and your fathers household and go to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you. So Abram left, as the Lord had told him . . . ."
As you woke up this morning, you didnt know what was going to happen during this day. The reality is you dont even know what is going to happen in the weeks or months ahead. You may have some idea based on the past, but what if God told you to drop everything and leave? That is what happened here to Abram. He and his families had been in an area for over 205 years, and yet God told them to pack up and move. On top of that He didnt give him any details how was he going to provide for his family, where was he going to get his money.
Meditate On This!
Lets get out of the realm of what happened hundreds of years ago and put it into your situation. How would you respond to God if He asked you to do the same? How your wife and family would respond may be even a better question. It is good at times to throw these questions before us to see how our "faith barometer" is doing. If you are in the midst of some transition and you are fearing the unknown, know that God has gone before you if you are one of His children. Be encouraged in the fact that He knows, even though you may not at this point.
Mark 10:45: "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
A preacher was visiting a couple who had two teenage boys. He said that when he entered the house he immediately sensed it was a warm and loving home. During the course of the visit, he noticed the carpet in the living room was very tattered and he worried about it. Before he left, the mother related a story that accounted for its condition. She said that one day several boys from the neighborhood were having a good time in the living room. She preferred they play elsewhere so she asked them to leave. "But where will we go", they asked. "How about your place?" she suggested nodding to one of them. "Not a chance," replied the boy. "We are not allowed to invite kids in." Then she said to another, "How about your house?" He, too, answered quickly, "Oh, Mom wouldnt let us mess up her living room!" The mother quickly sensed that her home was the only one where the boys felt free to come and have fun. From then on they were always welcome. "After I heard their story," said the preacher, "that tattered rug seemed almost beautiful. It was worn out, and yet helping make those boys feel good."
Meditate On This!
Hospitality is a gift from God. Many of us, as we think back on our lives, have places of comfort. Where are those for you? I still look forward to going back to my parents home and sitting on their couch. There is something about the security of that home.
This week, meditate on what part hospitality plays in your ministry. If you are aloof and your possessions are too good to be used, maybe you have a problem in this area. Maybe your life is so sterile that no one else would be allowed in. Ask God to show you today how He might want you to reach out to others.
Matthew 22:37: "Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all
your soul and with all your mind.'"
Those of you who were athletes understand the thrill of the game. The emotional, physical, and mental strength it took to start and finish a contest. There was a real thrill in competing, and even a greater joy in winning, wasn't there. How we long for those days--so we try to play softball, "horse", golf, etc., to keep those competitive juices running.
When you look back to your motivation, did you play for pride, or for love of the game? Much took place before you could take to the court, didn't it? In a very real sense, all your heart, soul, mind and effort needed to go into competing in that contest.
Meditate On This!
Jesus is not homework! It saddens my heart as I see Christians around the world thinking that to have a loving relationship with God, you just need to read the Word and gain knowledge. That would be the same as reading about basketball for three months, and then, without exercise, getting out on the court and playing your first game. A relationship with Jesus is much more than just knowing about Him. It is much more than just academic. God wants all of our emotions, strengths, soul and mind. If you are studying the Word of God . . . praise God . . . but that is not true spirituality. Confession of sin, witnessing and sacrifice are all parts of the make-up that say, "I am serving Christ with all my strength."
This week think about areas of your game that need to be stepped up a notch. This is not a guilt trip at all, guys . . . this is the reality for those who want to compete and work out, not work for, their salvation.
