Genesis
18:1-8 Here we see the culture of Abraham's Bedouin lifestyle, which still exists in this area today. The hospitality of a Bedouin is legendary. Here we are introduced to three men, identified as the Lord & two angels.
9-15 Unlike when Abraham laughed, the Lord rebukes Sarah firmly, perhaps because she was in persistent unbelief. Notice a statement which is used many times where unbelief is concerned "Is anything impossible for the Lord?" It easy for us to be lead into unbelief. We overcome unbelief by realising that nothing is impossible for Him.
16-33. Here we begin to understand the relationship that Abraham had with God. Firstly God reveals His plans & then Abraham is able to 'negotiate' with God. He was working in partnership with God. God overwhelming character is love & mercy. This shows how when we walk closely with God we can work in partnership with Him. It is then when prayers can be most effective.
Jesus said of His disciples, "No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends." (John 15:15)
19:4,5. What depravity must have been in these men's hearts & minds, but actually isn't there a lot of our culture today exactly like it?
8. Lot's hospitality appears to go much further than expected as he offers his virgin daughters instead. I think there is probably a mixture of fear & pride here as he seeks to protect his visitors.
10,11. Here we see a demonstration of the power of angels. Believe it or not angels are with us today on assignment from God to undertake His instructions.
12-22 Here we have the warning given by the angels that Lot & his family are in grave danger & that they must escape the coming wrath. But we also see some typical reactions to God's warnings. Often we receive similar messages to get out of situations - not usually by angels (not that we can see anyway) but the prompting of the Holy Spirit.
14. Lot's son-in-laws laugh & think it is a joke. Some treat their Christian life carelessly - thinking that whatever they do it doesn't matter
16. Lot linger's - sometimes we like to put things off until later, sometimes our reasoning might be good, but if God tells us to go or act we should get on with it (otherwise wouldn't He say 'wait'?)
18-20. Doing it on our terms, sometimes we say 'OK God I'll do it but these are my conditions'.
Psalm
It sometimes is very easy to get extremely downcast & feel the Christian life is a slog but the answer is to get yourself up off the floor. He lifts us up when we reach out to Him. Prayer not only brings healing to our bodies but strength to our souls.
Proverbs
God is the one who calls out to those who need Him, but that is all He can do. He doesn't force His way into people's lives. So inevitably, without His help people will find terror, calamity, trouble & stress. Life is so much easier when we respond to God's call!
Matt.
v25-34. Like me you might be naturally prone to be a worrier. Apparently a large proportion of our country are worriers. In the current financial climate this will no doubt increase. There is even a worriers website (don't look it up!)
But here Jesus outlines one of the key principles of His kingdom. There is no need to worry, this is a command not to worry. Instead we are to completely trust God to meet our needs. This is faith - believing God will come through on His promises.
God wants us to be free from worry so that we can concentrate on seeking His kingdom as our no1 priority. Don't understand the kingdom? Seek it.. with all your heart. It is the same righteousness credited to Abram
Ch 7.
1-5. Jesus does not forbid healthy criticism, rebuke or condemnation of wrong doing. In fact, all of those things are scriptural to enable spiritual growth of the entire body of the church. It is the attitude of heart which looks for faults in others, which exist in ourselves but we do not admit that we too have those short comings. Then Jesus introduces some principles of His kingdom
7-12 Persistence. We are encouraged to ask God for more in this case Jesus refers to the Holy Spirit. We are told to eagerly desire the gifts of the Holy Spirit - we have to ask for them!
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