In my daily devotions I am going through the book of Genesis. I was impressed with Abraham's chief servant.
Here are some of the character traits I found in his life.
1) He was a trust worthy servant for the Bible says in Genesis 24:2 that he was in charge of all that Abraham had. This was no little thing because Abraham was wealthy and had much. Can others trust you with everything they have? Abraham found him trust worthy enough to go on an important mission for him which was to bring back a wife for Isaac. Also, believed him to be a man of his word. (Gen 24:9).
2) He believed in the God of Abraham and prayed to him for guidance in the matter of selecting a wife for Isaac. (Gen. 24:12) Do we asking the Lord's guidance in our daily life? He not only prayed, but was attentive to God's response to his prayer. (Gen 24:21) We do not only need to ask God's guidance, but we need to be sensitive and attentive to his answer or response. Sometimes we ask God something, but don't take the time to listen to what he has to say. How often do we talk to someone, but not really pay attention to what they are saying back? I know that I am often guilty of this. Sometime we do the same thing with God.
3) He was concerned about his master. (Gen. 24:12) Are you concerned about those you work for or who are over you? A believers we are not only to be faithful servants, but we should be genuinely concerned for the people we serve.
4) The servant thank the Lord for the answer to his prayer and worshiped God for his kindness and faithfulness. (Gen. 24:26) How much time do you spend in thanksgiving and worship of God for whom he is? We are often quick to ask, but neglect thanking God when he comes through for us.
5) The master would not let anything keep him from fulfilling his mission. (Gen. 24:54-56) He was focused and set on fulfilling his mission. He was in a hurry to complete his mission and didn't want anything to distract him from his duties. What mission or work that God has called you to? Don't let anything distract or hinder you from accomplishing God's purpose for you. I encourage you today to sharpen your focus.
What wonderful lessons we can learn from a man who didn't have the promise of being the father of a great nation. Yet, it didn't stop him from being a great man and a servant of God. As result he played an important role in the promise.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Walking in God's Promises
I am reading about the life of Abraham. God promised Abraham that he would make him a great nation and give him the land of Canaan (promises land). Yet, in order to obtain the promise he had to obey the word of God. He had to walk in the promise. He had to take practical steps to obtain the promise. The steps that the Lord ordained for him.
God commands him to leave his country, friends and family to go into the land of Canaan. (Gen. 12:1). Later on God showed him all the land that would be given to his offspring and God said, "Go, walk through the length and breadth of the land, for I am giving it to you." (Gen. 13:17) Abraham did as the Lord commanded and for the rest of his life, he walked the length and breadth of the land of Canaan. It was a walk of faith. Abraham began walking in the promise of God. In a practical way, he was laying hold of the promise of God. Abraham did not see the fulfillment of the promise in his life. It was made to him, but for his offspring. Yet, I believe firmly that the promise would not have been realized if it hadn't been for Abraham's faith and obedience. Before the people of Israel entered the promise land, it had already been won through Abraham's faith and obedience.
What promises has God given you? What are some practical ways you can walk in the promise? Most of God's promises are conditional, and dependent on our faith and obedience. We can't just sit back and expect God to drop His promises into our laps. Get the mind of the Lord and take the first step, then the second and third. It may look impossible, but all things are possible with God to those whom believe.
Abraham was out numbered in the land. He didn't have any great army. He was only a nomad in the land herding his sheep and live stock. This didn't stop Abraham in believing God and taking hold of the land in his spirit by faith.
God commands him to leave his country, friends and family to go into the land of Canaan. (Gen. 12:1). Later on God showed him all the land that would be given to his offspring and God said, "Go, walk through the length and breadth of the land, for I am giving it to you." (Gen. 13:17) Abraham did as the Lord commanded and for the rest of his life, he walked the length and breadth of the land of Canaan. It was a walk of faith. Abraham began walking in the promise of God. In a practical way, he was laying hold of the promise of God. Abraham did not see the fulfillment of the promise in his life. It was made to him, but for his offspring. Yet, I believe firmly that the promise would not have been realized if it hadn't been for Abraham's faith and obedience. Before the people of Israel entered the promise land, it had already been won through Abraham's faith and obedience.
What promises has God given you? What are some practical ways you can walk in the promise? Most of God's promises are conditional, and dependent on our faith and obedience. We can't just sit back and expect God to drop His promises into our laps. Get the mind of the Lord and take the first step, then the second and third. It may look impossible, but all things are possible with God to those whom believe.
Abraham was out numbered in the land. He didn't have any great army. He was only a nomad in the land herding his sheep and live stock. This didn't stop Abraham in believing God and taking hold of the land in his spirit by faith.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Stay the Course
I have been reading Matthew 26 & 27. There is much in these chapters that detail the arrest, and death of Jesus. The one thing that stuck out to me is the fact that Jesus stayed the course. Despite the sure pain and suffering that He would experience, he went willingly as a lamb to the slaughter. He had every opportunity to escape or deliver himself from the situation he was in. At his arrest he could of led a rebellion, and because of his great popularity among the people could have been very successful. Of course at any time he could of called on twelve legions of angels. Before the Sanhedrin, He could of kept silent, and would have been eventually set free. Before Pilot, He could of spoken, and defended himself and ultimately be set free. Then on the cross, people mocked Him and told him to rescue himself, and he could have done that very thing. Yet, nothing we keep Jesus from staying the course, neither opportunity, coercing, mocking, pride, power, or self'-defense.
God would say to us today, know the mind of Christ for your life, and stay the course that Christ has set before you, no matter what may come your way. We must be careful not to allow pride, self-centeredness, temptation, the influence of others, or any trial keep us from being faithful to what God has called us to.
God would say to us today, know the mind of Christ for your life, and stay the course that Christ has set before you, no matter what may come your way. We must be careful not to allow pride, self-centeredness, temptation, the influence of others, or any trial keep us from being faithful to what God has called us to.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Not A Waste
I recently read the story of the woman who anointed Jesus with perfume. (Matthew 26:6-13) I have read and taught on this story many a time, but it is amazing how God shows you something different that you never noticed before. The phrase that stuck out to me is, "Why this waste?". the disciples saw this action as a waste of money. Money that could have been given to the poor.
Then the Lord spoke to my heart, nothing is wasted on me. We have all done things for the Lord. Often this requires our time, energy and finances. Often it may go unnoticed by others, or even unappreciated by others. Sometimes we do things for the Lord, and we wonder if it is really worth it. It is easy to be discouraged as we serve the Lord. It is especially difficult when we pour our lives out as a drink offering to the Lord, and seemingly there is little reward.
The word of the Lord for you today is that your time, energy and effort, no matter how small, given in the Lord's name (this is worship) is not ignored. It has not gone to waste. God sees our heart and our every act of worship. It is a beautiful thing to him. (Matthew 26:10)
Then the Lord spoke to my heart, nothing is wasted on me. We have all done things for the Lord. Often this requires our time, energy and finances. Often it may go unnoticed by others, or even unappreciated by others. Sometimes we do things for the Lord, and we wonder if it is really worth it. It is easy to be discouraged as we serve the Lord. It is especially difficult when we pour our lives out as a drink offering to the Lord, and seemingly there is little reward.
The word of the Lord for you today is that your time, energy and effort, no matter how small, given in the Lord's name (this is worship) is not ignored. It has not gone to waste. God sees our heart and our every act of worship. It is a beautiful thing to him. (Matthew 26:10)
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Keys to Prosperity
Now I am not a name it claim it kind of guy. I don't agree with much of the prosperity doctrine, but I believe that there is an under lying theme through out the Bible that God provides for His children and loves to give them good gifts. There are many examples of this in the Old Testament and principles taught in the new testament on this.
I would like to give you a number of these key principles.
Psalms 24:1 say that, "the earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world and all who live in it"
The first key is that we need to recognize that God is Lord and make Him Lord of our life. When we do this we will put our confidence in Him. The result will be that we will have peace in our hearts and mind, no longer worrying about our finances. The other result will be that God will honor our faith and provide for us. Also, when we do this, we will no longer try to resolve our financial problems in our own strength. The result, we will no longer tire ourselves in making money. The other result, we will be led by the Holy Spirit in our financial decisions. Also, we will put God above all else and walk up right before Him which will encourage God to provide for our every need.
The second key to prospering as a believer is giving. God promises those who give their tithes and offering will be blessed in a tangible way. (Malachi 3:6-12) Also, God promises to bless those who give to the poor. (Proverbs 22:9) The Bible teaches that the measure we give will determine the measure we receive. (Luke 6:38) Yet, it is not sufficient to give, but we must give with a proper attitude, if not, will not be blessed. (2 Corinthians 9:7; Matthew 6:1)
Another key to prosperity is a spiritual life. Prayer plays an important part in receiving from the Lord. (Matthew 7:8) Accompanied with this prayer there must be faith. Without genuine faith, we shouldn't expect anything from the Lord. (James 1:6-7) James talks about how the prayer of a righteous man accomplishes much. (James 5;16) Also, Psalms 1 talks about the blessings that accompany a righteous man.
There are other practical things that we must apply to our lives to prosper which I don't have time to elaborate on here: faithfulness, creativity, excellence, and strategy.
I would like to give you a number of these key principles.
Psalms 24:1 say that, "the earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world and all who live in it"
The first key is that we need to recognize that God is Lord and make Him Lord of our life. When we do this we will put our confidence in Him. The result will be that we will have peace in our hearts and mind, no longer worrying about our finances. The other result will be that God will honor our faith and provide for us. Also, when we do this, we will no longer try to resolve our financial problems in our own strength. The result, we will no longer tire ourselves in making money. The other result, we will be led by the Holy Spirit in our financial decisions. Also, we will put God above all else and walk up right before Him which will encourage God to provide for our every need.
The second key to prospering as a believer is giving. God promises those who give their tithes and offering will be blessed in a tangible way. (Malachi 3:6-12) Also, God promises to bless those who give to the poor. (Proverbs 22:9) The Bible teaches that the measure we give will determine the measure we receive. (Luke 6:38) Yet, it is not sufficient to give, but we must give with a proper attitude, if not, will not be blessed. (2 Corinthians 9:7; Matthew 6:1)
Another key to prosperity is a spiritual life. Prayer plays an important part in receiving from the Lord. (Matthew 7:8) Accompanied with this prayer there must be faith. Without genuine faith, we shouldn't expect anything from the Lord. (James 1:6-7) James talks about how the prayer of a righteous man accomplishes much. (James 5;16) Also, Psalms 1 talks about the blessings that accompany a righteous man.
There are other practical things that we must apply to our lives to prosper which I don't have time to elaborate on here: faithfulness, creativity, excellence, and strategy.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Saying I Will is Not Enough
As I was reading yesterday, I came across a wonderful parable in Matthew 21:28-32. Jesus gave the following parable to the religious leaders of his day.
"What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’ “‘I will not,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went.“Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but he did not go “Which of the two did what his father wanted?”“The first,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him."
How often have we said to the Lord, I will, and then we don't do what we have said. It is usually during a moving church service that we say to God I surrender all. It is in the quiet place we often make promises to God that we don't keep. We are often like the son in this parable and are quick to say, yes, but don't follow through.
God is not looking for the willing, but those who will do what he has asked them. What is God asking you to do? What are the scriptures asking us to do? Today is the day to stop saying I will do, but to actually do it. Let us not be like the religious leaders of Jesus' day.
"What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’ “‘I will not,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went.“Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but he did not go “Which of the two did what his father wanted?”“The first,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him."
How often have we said to the Lord, I will, and then we don't do what we have said. It is usually during a moving church service that we say to God I surrender all. It is in the quiet place we often make promises to God that we don't keep. We are often like the son in this parable and are quick to say, yes, but don't follow through.
God is not looking for the willing, but those who will do what he has asked them. What is God asking you to do? What are the scriptures asking us to do? Today is the day to stop saying I will do, but to actually do it. Let us not be like the religious leaders of Jesus' day.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
The Lord's Prayer
As I read once again this well known prayer in Matthew 6:9-13, I thought I would share a few of my thoughts on it.
Our Father in heaven - Wow! What a way to start off the prayer. We have a spiritual father who is the King of kings and the Lord of lord's. Heaven refers to where is at and His exalted position. Talk about having connections in high places. What's most amazing is the we are His children.
Hallowed be your name - Holy is the name of the Lord. Do we treat His name as holy? Does our attitudes and actions reflect His holy name? The child is a reflection on the Father. When a person looks at a child and watches his attitudes and actions, he will form an opinion of the Father.
Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. - This is not a prayer for future events. This is a prayer for present day action. God wants to bring heaven to earth. He wants what is on earth to line up with what is in heaven. Of course the complete fulfillment of this will not happen until the Father puts everything under the Son in the last days. Yet, the prayer is not, come Lord Jesus, but Lord Jesus be revealed in us in the here and now.
Give us today our daily bread. - Do you depend on God for your daily bread or are you seeking your daily bread in your strength or relying on others for your daily bread? God wants our focus to be on Him for our every need. He wants us to rely on Him only.
Forgive us our debts, as we have also forgiven our debtors. - Christ paid our debt of sin. Are you willing to do the same for another? God gave us grace - unmerited favor. There may be someone in your life who is not worthy of forgiveness, but we need to forgive them anyway. There may be someone who owes us big time, not just financially. God would say, don't try to collect. Let me be your reward.
An lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one? The Bible says that the devil is like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour. We can only be delivered from his mighty jaws with the help of God. I know for my own life God has delivered me many a time. It is not always from Satan, more often it is from my self.
Our Father in heaven - Wow! What a way to start off the prayer. We have a spiritual father who is the King of kings and the Lord of lord's. Heaven refers to where is at and His exalted position. Talk about having connections in high places. What's most amazing is the we are His children.
Hallowed be your name - Holy is the name of the Lord. Do we treat His name as holy? Does our attitudes and actions reflect His holy name? The child is a reflection on the Father. When a person looks at a child and watches his attitudes and actions, he will form an opinion of the Father.
Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. - This is not a prayer for future events. This is a prayer for present day action. God wants to bring heaven to earth. He wants what is on earth to line up with what is in heaven. Of course the complete fulfillment of this will not happen until the Father puts everything under the Son in the last days. Yet, the prayer is not, come Lord Jesus, but Lord Jesus be revealed in us in the here and now.
Give us today our daily bread. - Do you depend on God for your daily bread or are you seeking your daily bread in your strength or relying on others for your daily bread? God wants our focus to be on Him for our every need. He wants us to rely on Him only.
Forgive us our debts, as we have also forgiven our debtors. - Christ paid our debt of sin. Are you willing to do the same for another? God gave us grace - unmerited favor. There may be someone in your life who is not worthy of forgiveness, but we need to forgive them anyway. There may be someone who owes us big time, not just financially. God would say, don't try to collect. Let me be your reward.
An lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one? The Bible says that the devil is like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour. We can only be delivered from his mighty jaws with the help of God. I know for my own life God has delivered me many a time. It is not always from Satan, more often it is from my self.
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