January 7, 2006 - Genesis 18-19 and Matthew 6:1-18
I believe these two chapters in Genesis give us a contrast between Abraham and Lot, but even more importantly, they teach us some principles for coming into God's presence. I pray that God will speak to you in a very personal way today, as He did to me.
When we read Genesis 18 carefully, we realize that Abraham had a visit from Jesus and two angels. This did not happen often before Jesus' incarnation, but there are several instances in the Old Testament. How did Abraham react to this visit? I believe his reaction shows us how to act in God's presence. Abraham welcomed the Lord's presence. (v.3) He gave Him his best food and provisions. (v.6,7) Abraham walked as far as possible with the Lord to stay in His presence as long as possible. (v.16) He received a revelation of God's will while he was in the Lord's presence and listening to Him. (v.17-19) Abraham prayed to intercede for the righteous. He prayed on the basis of God's character. (v.25b) God answered his prayer, even though He still destroyed Sodom. Apply these principles to yourself. Do you welcome the Lord's presence? Do you give Him the best of what you have? Do you stay in His presence as long as possible? Do you have your prayers answered because you pray based on His revelation and according to His character? I believe this is how we should act in His presence each day.
Then, contrast Lot in Genesis 19. He tried to tell the angels what to do and hurry them off. (v.2) He condoned and even promoted sexual immorality with his daughters. (v.8) He had not made a difference in the lives of anyone in Sodom, not even his sons-in- law. (v.14) He was discontent with God's plan for him. (v.18-19) His daughters did not know God's character, so they acted sinfully, as did their father. (v.30-36) What a contrast. No wonder Lot's life was such a mess. No wonder so many people never really experience God's will or God's presence.
Matthew 6 shows us one of the keys. What is in your heart? Do you only make an outward show of religion, or is your heart set on the Lord, even in private? The Lord tells us here that God will reward the heart that does His will in private. This is because we give and pray and even fast, just for Jesus. We do it out of love for Him, and not for any other reason. Check your motives. Consider your heart. Why do you do what you do? God knows, so you better have the right motive, or there is no good that will come from what you do.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Genesis 20-22 and Matthew 6:19-34.
When we read Genesis 18 carefully, we realize that Abraham had a visit from Jesus and two angels. This did not happen often before Jesus' incarnation, but there are several instances in the Old Testament. How did Abraham react to this visit? I believe his reaction shows us how to act in God's presence. Abraham welcomed the Lord's presence. (v.3) He gave Him his best food and provisions. (v.6,7) Abraham walked as far as possible with the Lord to stay in His presence as long as possible. (v.16) He received a revelation of God's will while he was in the Lord's presence and listening to Him. (v.17-19) Abraham prayed to intercede for the righteous. He prayed on the basis of God's character. (v.25b) God answered his prayer, even though He still destroyed Sodom. Apply these principles to yourself. Do you welcome the Lord's presence? Do you give Him the best of what you have? Do you stay in His presence as long as possible? Do you have your prayers answered because you pray based on His revelation and according to His character? I believe this is how we should act in His presence each day.
Then, contrast Lot in Genesis 19. He tried to tell the angels what to do and hurry them off. (v.2) He condoned and even promoted sexual immorality with his daughters. (v.8) He had not made a difference in the lives of anyone in Sodom, not even his sons-in- law. (v.14) He was discontent with God's plan for him. (v.18-19) His daughters did not know God's character, so they acted sinfully, as did their father. (v.30-36) What a contrast. No wonder Lot's life was such a mess. No wonder so many people never really experience God's will or God's presence.
Matthew 6 shows us one of the keys. What is in your heart? Do you only make an outward show of religion, or is your heart set on the Lord, even in private? The Lord tells us here that God will reward the heart that does His will in private. This is because we give and pray and even fast, just for Jesus. We do it out of love for Him, and not for any other reason. Check your motives. Consider your heart. Why do you do what you do? God knows, so you better have the right motive, or there is no good that will come from what you do.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Genesis 20-22 and Matthew 6:19-34.