January 8, 2006 - Genesis 20-22 and Matthew 6:19-34
Today's passage is another study in contrasts. We will learn a lot in life, if we learn to look for the differences and the contrasts around us. I don't think we do this as much today, because of the relativism that has taken over our thinking. We must think in absolutes, because God created right and wrong. He is Truth. Therefore, we should look for absolute truth and contrast it with falsehood.
Genesis 20 teaches us that Abraham did not tell the truth, again. People have trouble telling the truth. This was the second time Abraham had told the same lie about Sarah. He still had a hard time trusting unbelievers and trusting God to protect him, so he tried to work it out himself. It never works for us to lie. Our lies will always come out. However, in chapter 21 we see that God tells the truth. God is truth. He always does what He says He will do, and He always does it at the time He says He will do it. Do you see the contrast between Abraham and God? This is why we need to become more like Christ. When we do, we will tell the truth, because He is the Truth. The truth is always better than a lie. Don't let anyone who believes in relativism tell you otherwise.
Then, we see another contrast in chapter 22. Abraham is able to trust God with the life of his son, Isaac. He was not able to trust God with his life in chapter 20. Therefore, we see growth in Abraham's faith. God saw it too, so He tested Abraham. Abraham passed the test of faith, so God blessed him even more. Abraham was saved by placing his trust in God, so God forgave his sins. However, he still needed to progress in his faith and obedience to God. That was working out his salvation in every day life. That is true for all of us. Many of us do not have the blessings God wants to give us because we can't pass the tests of faith He puts in our lives. I hope you realize how important this is to living a joyful, satisfying life.
Finally, in Matthew 6 we see the contrast between a heart set on money and a heart set on material possessions and money. God can't bless a heart set on money. In fact, a heart set on money will see the whole world in a different way. (v.22,23) It is like living in darkness, because that person never sees what is the most important thing, which is obeying God, and letting Him take care of us. He will always take better care of us than we would take of ourselves, if we will just let Him. Focus on God and His kingdom, and He will take care of all of the material needs of life. I have seen this for over 30 years now. God is so good!
Tomorrow, I intend to read Genesis 23-24 and Matthew 7.
Genesis 20 teaches us that Abraham did not tell the truth, again. People have trouble telling the truth. This was the second time Abraham had told the same lie about Sarah. He still had a hard time trusting unbelievers and trusting God to protect him, so he tried to work it out himself. It never works for us to lie. Our lies will always come out. However, in chapter 21 we see that God tells the truth. God is truth. He always does what He says He will do, and He always does it at the time He says He will do it. Do you see the contrast between Abraham and God? This is why we need to become more like Christ. When we do, we will tell the truth, because He is the Truth. The truth is always better than a lie. Don't let anyone who believes in relativism tell you otherwise.
Then, we see another contrast in chapter 22. Abraham is able to trust God with the life of his son, Isaac. He was not able to trust God with his life in chapter 20. Therefore, we see growth in Abraham's faith. God saw it too, so He tested Abraham. Abraham passed the test of faith, so God blessed him even more. Abraham was saved by placing his trust in God, so God forgave his sins. However, he still needed to progress in his faith and obedience to God. That was working out his salvation in every day life. That is true for all of us. Many of us do not have the blessings God wants to give us because we can't pass the tests of faith He puts in our lives. I hope you realize how important this is to living a joyful, satisfying life.
Finally, in Matthew 6 we see the contrast between a heart set on money and a heart set on material possessions and money. God can't bless a heart set on money. In fact, a heart set on money will see the whole world in a different way. (v.22,23) It is like living in darkness, because that person never sees what is the most important thing, which is obeying God, and letting Him take care of us. He will always take better care of us than we would take of ourselves, if we will just let Him. Focus on God and His kingdom, and He will take care of all of the material needs of life. I have seen this for over 30 years now. God is so good!
Tomorrow, I intend to read Genesis 23-24 and Matthew 7.