Category Archives: Devotion

THE SLIPPERY SLOPE

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Lot went outside to meet them and shut the door behind him and said, “No, my friends. Don’t do this wicked thing. Look, I have two daughters who have never slept with a man. Let me bring them out to you, and you can do what you like with them.”           Genesis 19:6,7,8 NIV

 

Here is the tragic picture of the slippery slope of compromise! Lot went outside to meet the mob and called them friends. Lot knew these people. They were his day-to-day friends, acquaintances, neighbours, and business associates. He had lived among the worldly too long; he had no testimony before them. In their minds, he was like them, one of them: loving the world and the things of the world. They expected him to grant their wish. Lot’s compromised situation was leading to one sinful act after another. A horrible, unbelievable scene is revealed. Lot offered to give his daughters to the mob in exchange for the guests. How could he do this? Was he trying to save his own life, standing face to face with the mob, fearing their threats? Was he so threatened and so fearful that he was in a confused state of mind? Did he know that his guests were angels, and he was willing to sacrifice his two daughters to save them? Scripture does not say, but whatever the case, Lot was sliding down that slippery slope. He had attempted to influence his fellow citizens for good. He had sat at the city gate as one of the ruling officials of the city, judging and censoring many, but he had lived a compromising life. The mob accused Lot of living a hypocritical life, shouting that they would tolerate it no more, leading to a tarnished testimony.

 

PRAYER THOUGHT

Holy Spirit, strengthen our witness so that it will not be tarnished in any way.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Holy Spirit, strengthen our witness to the Lord Jesus Christ, so we will not give a tarnished testimony but one that is faithful and true. AMEN

 

INTERNATIONAL BIBLE READING ASSOCIATION (IBRA)

Isaiah 29:13-24

 

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COMPROMISE

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“My lords,” he said, “please turn aside to your servant’s house. You can wash your feet and spend the night and then go on your way early in the morning.” “No,” they answered, “we will spend the night in the square.”          Genesis 19:2 NIV

 

We have a picture of Lot’s compromise with the world. Remember, the Lord had stayed behind with Abraham. Only the two angels went to Sodom. Lot is found sitting in the gateway of Sodom. He was there for one of two reasons. Lot was either the mayor or a city official responsible for city government and for settling disputes between citizens. City officials, acting as judges, sat at the gate for that purpose (see Deuteronomy 21:19-21; 22:15; Ruth 4:1). Abraham had saved Sodom from foreign conquest as we saw in Genesis 14:1-24. Perhaps the citizens had honoured Lot, making him a city official because of what his uncle had done for them. Lot had compromised his values and was now living with the worldly. Perhaps he was at the gate, the public gathering place, either to conduct business or just pass the time away with the worldly. Yet he was “walking in the counsel of the ungodly, standing in the way of sinners, and sitting in the seat of the scornful” (Psalm1:1). There was some inner goodness within Lot. There was more to Lot’s invitation than just Eastern social tradition and kindness. There was an urgency, an anxiety in his invitation. He knew the city and the people, the moral degradation. He knew the threat and danger to the strangers. There was a spiritual awareness, an inner goodness, still seen even in Lot’s failure. The danger of compromise lies within all of us!

 

PRAYER THOUGHT

Lord, keep us alert to the dangers of compromising our stand for You.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Lord, it is easy for us to point out Lot’s weakness, and yet the danger of compromising our stand for You, stands within all of us. Keep us alert through Your Holy Spirit. AMEN

 

INTERNATIONAL BIBLE READING ASSOCIATION (IBRA)

Isaiah 28:1-6

 

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LOT

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“The two angels arrived at Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gateway of the city. When he saw them, he got up to meet them and bowed down with his face to the ground.”              Genesis 19:1 NIV

 

Lot had every advantage imaginable to know the Lord and to live life to the fullest. He was taken in and reared by Abraham when Abraham first trusted God and began his journey of faith. But he apparently paid little attention to the testimony and witness of Abraham (Genesis 12:4-5). He was given the first choice of land by Abraham, but he chose selfishly and settled close to Sodom (Genesis 13:5-18). He was rescued from enslavement when captured by the invading army of kings from the East (Genesis 14:12-16). But instead of returning with Abraham, he chose to return to Sodom. He loved Sodom and the opportunities the city offered him both for business and personal pleasure. He coveted the city’s bright lights, the opportunity for wealth, possessions, pleasure, and position. Scripture gives a graphic picture of Lot’s love for Sodom, the declining stages he went through in moving closer to Sodom and its carnal and wicked way of life: Lot lifted his eyes and looked upon Sodom and the rich, fertile valley of the Jordan in which the city sat (Genesis 13:10-11). Lot then chose to move, pitching his tent toward Sodom (Genesis 13:12-13). Lot later moved into the city (Genesis 14:12). Lot finally is seen sitting at the gate of Sodom, which meant that he was most likely some city official (Genesis 19:1). Lot’s life is a graphic picture of backsliding, a dangerous threat to us all.

 

PRAYER THOUGHT

Lord, open our eyes to the dangers of becoming like Lot.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Lord, open our eyes to the dangers of becoming like Lot, and embarking on a journey that leads us away from a committed life to You, and being committed to the pleasures and treasures of this world. AMEN

 

INTERNATIONAL BIBLE READING ASSOCIATION (IBRA)

Isaiah 27:2-13

 

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OUR PRIVILEGES Part 3

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“Abraham will surely become a great and powerful nation, and all nations on earth will be blessed through him.”          Genesis 18:18 NIV

 

Abraham didn’t realize it yet, but his investment in the generations unborn are going to make the Lord’s promises to him a reality. As Abraham understood and walked in his privileges as a godly man, his future was far more glorious than his past. His investment continues to pay dividends today and will continue to do so forever! In fact, we enjoy the fruit of Abraham’s investment every day we live on this earth! The Lord is as good as His Word! When we see the investment of our lives as a privilege before the Lord and we exercise that privilege in faith, and we can rest easy knowing the Lord will honour His promises to us! When we share His Word, remember that He has promised to honour that Word. (Isaiah 55:11). When we sow the Gospel seed, know that He will water it and give the increase in His time. Let us not be afraid to live full tilt for Jesus, knowing that He will honour our sacrifice and that He will keep His promises to us, as He did with Abraham. Abraham was watched over by One Who is always there! What a privilege to exist in the presence of One Who will never leave us. What an honour to dwell with One Who knows us intimately yet loves us still and Who refuses to leave us! We serve the Lord Who is able to do everything He has promised and more! It is a privilege to serve our Lord Who is so powerful and so mighty. We serve our Lord Who not only proposes, but He also disposes!

 

PRAYER THOUGHT

Lord, what a privilege to serve You, the One Who keeps His Word.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Lord, what a great privilege to serve You, who kept Your promise to Abraham and You keep Your promises to each one who walk with You in faith and obedience. AMEN

 

INTERNATIONAL BIBLE READING ASSOCIATION (IBRA)

Isaiah 26:1-13

 

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OUR PRIVILEGES Part 2

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“Abraham will surely become a great and powerful nation, and all nations on earth will be blessed through him.”          Genesis 18:18 NIV

 

Abraham’s privileges extended beyond his relationship with the Lord. All the world would be blessed because of this man. What a privilege to be used by the Lord to touch those around us. What a privilege to be used to impact the lives of those yet unborn! Yet, that is how the Lord used Abraham and that is how He intends to use each of us to influence the lives around us! It is the grace of our Lord that allows us to be involved in the lives of others. Genesis 18:19 speaks of Abraham “directing,” (NIV) his children. We have the great privilege of directing others to follow the commands of the Word of God. We have the privilege of passing on Truth through our words! This speaks of our personal witness. As we pass through this world, we should leave behind a trail of heavenly counsel for others to follow. Let us be quick to share the message of the cross and the word of God with a lost world. We only pass this way once, let’s make sure we leave a mark for the Lord as we do! It isn’t just our words that are important, it is also our walk that matters greatly! We have been given the privilege of walking in integrity. People are watching, let’s be sure they see the right thing! One of the greatest privileges of life is that of being able to walk like Him. What we do and say will not die when we die! Our involvement with those around us will continue to bear fruit long after we have departed this world.

 

PRAYER THOUGHT

Lord may our walk and talk be filled with integrity as we live like You.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

What a privilege, Lord, to pass onto others what we have learnt from You. Let our walk and talk be with integrity and congruency as we share You with others. AMEN

 

INTERNATIONAL BIBLE READING ASSOCIATION (IBRA)

Isaiah 25:1-12

 

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OUR PRIVILEGES Part 1

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Then the Lord said, “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do?”       Genesis 18:17 NIV

 

The Lord is about to bring His wrath to bear upon the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. Before He does this, He takes the time to speak to Abraham about His plans. In this passage, we are permitted to see a glimpse of the special relationship that existed between Abraham and the Lord. From this glimpse at their relationship, we are also permitted to see a snapshot of the relationship that is possible for every godly person living today. Few of us grasp the intimate relationship that we possess with our Heavenly Father! Abraham looked upon the Lord with awe and reverence, and rightly so! Verse 17 indicates that God looked upon Abraham as a friend. How does He see us? Probably with a desire for far more intimacy than we ourselves desire! Be reminded that, if you are saved, you are a child of God. His Spirit dwells within your heart. We are on intensely intimate terms with our Lord. He knows us, and His knowledge of us should cause us to gravitate toward honesty with Him. Is it not time we became transparent in our walk with the Lord? Regardless of what we try, we can never hide anything from the Lord! The Lord opened a dialogue with Abraham, giving Abraham the opportunity to become an intercessor for the people of Sodom and Gomorrah. We have the privilege of being an intercessor for our family, friends and neighbours. The fact that we have unhindered, unfettered access into the presence of the Lord is a blessing without compare.

 

PRAYER THOUGHT

Lord, what a blessing we have to come to Your Throne of grace in prayer.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Lord, thank you for the privilege and blessing to be able to come to Your Throne of grace with confidence and assurance of faith, and pray for others. AMEN

 

INTERNATIONAL BIBLE READING ASSOCIATION (IBRA)

James 3:13-18

 

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THE INTERCESSORS HAT Part 2

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“The men turned away and went toward Sodom, but Abraham remained standing before the Lord.”        Genesis 18:22 NIV

 

Abraham stood before the Lord and when the angels departed, he drew near to the Lord. We, too, can approach Him and draw as near to our heavenly Father. Listen to His invitation to us, “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16). Abraham’s prayer to the Lord arises out of several burdens he carries because of the revelation he has just received. First, he is concerned about the Lord’s reputation. If the Lord simply destroys the people of Sodom out of hand, Abraham is concerned that people will get the wrong impression of Him and of His love for sinners. Secondly, he is thinking about Lot and his family, who live in Sodom. He wants to see them spared, at the very least. He begins to talk to the Lord about the situation and gets the Lord to agree to spare the city if just 10 righteous people can be found there. In Lot’s family, there was Lot, his wife, two unmarried daughters and at least two married daughters and their husbands. This was a total of at least eight people in that family. Although Abraham did not know it at the time, his prayer was answered! God did spare the righteous when He destroyed the wicked. Sometimes, our prayers seem to be very ineffective and weak, but only in eternity will we know the full impact of our personal ministry of prayer in the lives of others. Therefore, do not be discouraged, just pray and trust the Lord to bring it to pass!

 

PRAYER THOUGHT

Lord, we will persevere in prayer and continue to trust You.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Lord, thank You for the power of prayer. Holy Spirit, come and encourage us not to give up praying, and trusting our Lord to bring an answer to our prayers, even if it takes a long time. AMEN

 

INTERNATIONAL BIBLE READING ASSOCIATION (IBRA)

1 Corinthians 1:18-25

 

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THE INTERCESSORS HAT Part 1

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Then the Lord said, “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do?”         Genesis 18:17 NIV

 

This is a precious point in Abraham’s relationship with the Lord. Because of who he is, how he has conducted himself and the future he is to enjoy, the Lord is determined to share His heart with Abraham. Imagine being in a position of closeness to the Lord that motivated Him to share His heart with you. No doubt this is among the many passages that prompted the Jews to refer to Abraham as “the friend of God.”, James 2:23; Isaiah 41:8. What is so wonderful is the Lord wants to have that same kind of relationship with each one of us! When we are in a position of closeness to Him, He will share His heart and His will with us. Let us never feel that this kind of relationship is only for the super saints! Be reminded of James 4:8, “Come near to God and he will come near to you.” As we seek to get closer to Him, He responds by moving closer to us. The message that the Lord had shared with Abraham was a difficult message to hear. It had been revealed to him that his relatives, Lot and his family, were in danger of death and destruction. To many, Sodom must have been viewed as a showplace and a success story. They probably bragged about how it had been rebuilt after the great war of Genesis 14. Abraham knew different. He knew the city was slated for destruction. Our world thinks awfully highly of itself. It too is slated for destruction! May we learn to pray like Abraham did. Interceding for others!

 

PRAYER THOUGHT

Lord, may we be like Abraham, interceding in prayer for others.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Lord, You shared Your heart with Abraham, and he interceded for others, as You reveal Your heart to us, through Your Holy Spirit lead us in praying for others. AMEN

 

INTERNATIONAL BIBLE READING ASSOCIATION (IBRA)

Job 28:20-28

 

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THE SAINTLY HAT

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Then the Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Will I really have a child, now that I am old?’ Is anything too hard for the Lord? I will return to you at the appointed time next year, and Sarah will have a son.”     Genesis 18:13,14 NIV

 

The Lord always rewards the faithful service that is rendered to Him. In Abraham’s case, He does this by reassuring Abraham regarding the birth of Isaac. These verses tell us of the great affection, knowledge and care God possessed for this man Abraham. He knew what calibre of man Abraham was. He knew that Abraham would stand the test and be all that God wanted him to be. He is clearly pictured as God’s saint in these verses. The Lord had given this promise repeatedly to Abraham. The last time in, Genesis 17:17, Abraham had laughed for joy when he heard again the glorious promise of hope from the Lord. This time, the promise is repeated for the benefit of Sarah. All she had heard was second hand promises from Abraham, this time she hears the promise directly from the mouth of the Lord. Her reaction is vastly different from that of her husband. He laughed for joy, she laughs from doubt! She is confronted and rebuked. This episode is a reminder that our Lord knows everything there is to know about us. He knows our motives, our secret sins and all things that we do. Nothing is hidden from His eyes, Hebrews 4:13, “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” May this be an encouragement above all else!

 

PRAYER THOUGHT

Lord, in Christ You see us as saints, just as You saw Abraham.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Lord, You saw Abraham as saintly, not because he was perfect, but that He had a heart for You, and saw to walk in obedience and faith to Your call. You see us in the same way through Jesus Christ. Thank You! AMEN

 

INTERNATIONAL BIBLE READING ASSOCIATION (IBRA)

2 Chronicles 1:7-12

 

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THE SERVANT HAT Part 2

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“Let me get you something to eat, so you can be refreshed and then go on your way—now that you have come to your servant.”        Genesis 18:5 NIV

 

Not only was Abraham swift in his service to the Lord, but he was also sacrificial in his service to the Lord. He went to his flock and personally selected, killed and prepared a calf for their meal. We haven’t really become a servant until our service costs us personally. Being willing to sacrifice for our Master is a sign that we are possessed of a servant’s heart. Whether the service is time, tithe or talents, it is willingly rendered at the request of the Master and for His glory. The greatest sacrifice we can offer, of course, is ourselves! That is a sacrifice that no one else can give to Him! When He has us, He has everything we have anyway! While his visitors were eating their meal, Abraham stood quietly by to serve them in any way they might need. He simply stood beside them, adopting the pose of a servant, listening for the voice of his Lord! Imagine the response of Abraham’s servants as they watched him assume the role of a servant to the Lord. What a powerful testimony it was to them! By the way, others are watching! Let us make sure our service and testimony are all they should be! Servants of the Lord are those individuals who make themselves ever available to the Lord and His work. They are His and they have no will of their own, but they are lost in His will for their lives! That is a servant’s heart!

 

PRAYER THOUGHT

Lord may our service to You give a testimony to others.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Lord, whatever our service is to you, may it always be a testimony to others that are hearts, lives, our all belongs to You, for Your glory and honour. AMEN

 

INTERNATIONAL BIBLE READING ASSOCIATION (IBRA)

Proverbs 8

 

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