“Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High.”        Genesis 14:18 NIV

Before the king of Sodom met Abram with his subtle offer, Abram had already met with another king, the mysterious Melchizedek. He steps suddenly out of the shadows, ministers to Abram, and just as suddenly disappears from the pages of Scripture, and we never hear another word about him until we come to the 110th Psalm, where David declares that the Messiah to come is made a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek. Then another thousand years roll by, and in the book of Hebrews we have another extended reference to this strange individual. Who was Melchizedek? The guesses range from Shem, the son of Noah, who, according to some chronologists, could have still been alive at this time, to an appearance of the pre-incarnate Christ in human form. All we are positively told of him is that he is the king of Salem, which afterwards became Jerusalem, and that he is the priest of the Most High God. His own name means “king of righteousness.” He appears suddenly in the Scriptural record without any mention of his father or mother, no birth date, and no subsequent account of his death. These omissions from the record are seized upon by the writer of Hebrews to indicate that since we have no record of his genealogy, this man is a type of the eternal priesthood of our Lord Jesus Christ who, in actuality, has no beginning nor ending of days, who forever lives to make intercession for all those who come unto the Lord by him. Thus, the Melchizedek priesthood is a ministry of help to those who face a time of trouble.

PRAYER THOUGHT

Lord, thank You for always praying for us, not just in troubled times.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Lord Jesus, we praise You who has no beginning nor ending of days, but forever lives to make intercession for us who come unto the Father. Helping us who are facing a time of trouble. AMEN

INTERNATIONAL BIBLE READING ASSOCIATION (IBRA)

Romans 7:14-25

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But Abram said to the king of Sodom, “With raised hand I have sworn an oath to the Lord, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, that I will accept nothing belonging to you.”                   Genesis 14:22,23 NIV

The timing of the temptation came when Abram might well have been off guard, enjoying the popularity of the hour. He had earned a few moments of relaxation after the strain of battle, and at this quiet moment in his life the subtle offer came. Satan has chosen that moment to attack. There is no doubt that the pressure on Abram to accept this gift is very great. I have found that many of us Christians, have been trapped by the fear of offending someone if we say, “No!” We are troubled about what they will think, and so often very little troubled about what God will think. We fail to realize if we cannot say “No” now, how can we ever say “No” after the offer has been accepted and we are indebted to some degree. The easiest time to say “No” is now! This is what the Apostle Paul means when he says, “I have the right to do anything—but I will not be mastered by anything.” (1 Corinthians 6:12b NIV). That is, the only one I wish to serve is Christ. The only power to which I will yield my life is His. Anything else that threatens to control me or limit me I reject! It may be lawful, it may even be in good standing all around, but if it makes any demand upon me that is not His demand, I do not want it! This is what Abram is so beautifully demonstrating in these verses. It is a bold and positive declaration. What a clear-cut victory! The subtle trap of the enemy has been uncovered.

PRAYER THOUGHT

Lord, may our “No” be “No” even when it seems to be right to say “Yes”.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Lord, open the eyes of our heart to see the timing of temptation, and let our “No” be “No” even when it seems to be right to say  ”Yes”. AMEN

INTERNATIONAL BIBLE READING ASSOCIATION (IBRA)

Romans 7:1-13

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The king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the people and keep the goods for yourself.”           Genesis 14:21 NIV

Here is the subtle temptation which suddenly came upon Abram. He was met by the king of Sodom, who had somehow escaped capture and was in the city when news came of the triumphant return of Abram with the spoils of war. On the surface, the king of Sodom’s offer seems a perfectly justifiable reward. Abram had fought his great battle, not, of course, on behalf of the King of Sodom, but for the sake of Lot and his family. Nevertheless, the effect of his victory was of great benefit to the whole of Sodom. For this reason. the king was there to meet him. The king simply asked for the return of the residents of the city; the goods and riches he gratefully offered to Abram. The wealth of Sodom was all to be Abram’s! Now notice the subtlety of this temptation. It appeared to be so right and proper! Abram could well have said. “This is certainly only what I deserve, and after all, it is the custom to do this. Everyone does it! There are no strings attached. I can take the wealth and go my way back to my tent and altar and never go near Sodom again.” Who of us, standing in Abram’s shoes, would not have thought like this? It is in the apparent freedom of the gift that the peril lay. To a man of Abram’s character, it is impossible to accept this kind of a gift without feeling an obligation to the giver. The gift was a threat to the independence of the man who took orders only from the Lord.

PRAYER THOUGHT

Lord, may we see the subtlety of temptation in what seems right.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Lord, through the gift of discernment, may we see the subtlety of temptation in what seems to be right and accepted ways of this world. AMEN

INTERNATIONAL BIBLE READING ASSOCIATION (IBRA)

Romans 6:15-23

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“After Abram returned from defeating Kedorlaomer and the kings allied with him the king of Sodom came out to meet him in the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley).”             Genesis 14:17 NIV

Abram is now on his way back to Sodom with all the goods of the city and much of the population, including Lot and his family. It is a time of victory for Abram, and therefore a time of peculiar peril. In our spiritual life, the enemy loves best to strike when we are relaxed and off guard after some spiritual victory or period of great usefulness. His approach then is never open or frontal, but subtle and insidious, taking full advantage of our relaxed defences. Abram is suddenly confronted with a subtle temptation on his way back to Sodom. We shall observe the sensible attitude he displays concerning others who are involved in this incident. But our attention is directed to the place where the king of Sodom met Abram on his way back from the battlefield. It was a valley right outside the little village of Salem. In later Israelite history, Salem became transformed into Jerusalem, the capital of all Israel. The valley outside the city, even then known as the “King’s Valley,” was none other than the Valley of the Kidron, the little brook that ran down along the eastern side of Jerusalem, separating the mount of Olives from the city. It was into this valley that our Lord went with his disciples on the night he was betrayed, crossing over to go up the slopes of the Mount of Olives to Gethsemane’s Garden. In this strategic and historic spot, the king of Sodom met Abram!

PRAYER THOUGHT

Lord, open our eyes to the subtlety of the enemy after victory in our lives.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Lord, make us aware that there will be a valley moment in our lives, after we have experienced a victory, taking us from the mountain top to the valley. AMEN

INTERNATIONAL BIBLE READING ASSOCIATION (IBRA)

Romans 6:1-14

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“He recovered all the goods and brought back his relative Lot and his possessions, together with the women and the other people.”       Genesis 14:16 NIV

With courageous faith comes compassion and unselfishness. Abram rescued Lot, but this was not all. In compassion he rescued and brought back, all the men, the women, and the children. All the goods and possessions. Abram could have kept everything for himself, but unselfishly, he returned everything to the people. These were the inhabitants of Sodom! Yet Abram freed them and returned their goods. Why? Because Abram knew that the Lord has always had compassion and acted unselfishly toward humanity. Let us be reminded that the Lord had been compassionate toward Abram after his sin in Egypt, and He had fully forgiven and restored Abram. Abram was showing compassion and unselfishness toward the people of Sodom, demonstrating the very compassion and unselfishness of the Lord Himself. We have been called by Jesus to act with compassion and unselfishness. Why? The reason is clear. The Lord has made it possible for people, no matter what they have done, to be freed and fully restored through our Lord Jesus Christ in the power and ministry of the Holy Spirit. Let us be reminded of the words of Proverbs 24:11-12 (NIV), “Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter. If you say, “But we knew nothing about this,” does not He who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not He who guards your life know it? Will He not repay everyone according to what they have done?”

PRAYER THOUGHT

Lord, fill our courageous faith with Your compassion and mercy.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Lord, as we reach out to the enslaved with courageous faith, fill us through Your Holy Spirit with Your compassion and mercy. AMEN

INTERNATIONAL BIBLE READING ASSOCIATION (IBRA)

Romans 5:12-21

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“During the night Abram divided his men to attack them and he routed them, pursuing them as far as Hobah, north of Damascus.”        Genesis 14:15 NIV

Abram was wise in seeking to rescue Lot. He wisely chose only loyal and trained persons to help him. He took only those who were born in his own household and were trained to fight. They numbered only 318 men. Abram wisely planned his strategy. He divided his men into several groups and instructed them to attack from several vantage points. This would make the enemy think a large force was swarming down upon them. He launched a surprise attack at night. The enemy was caught completely off guard. They were unable to tell who was attacking them, and for safety’s sake they had to flee assuming that a large army was attacking them. Abram participated himself. He did not stay behind while others sought to rescue Lot. Abram himself led the rescue attempt. He pursued the enemy, went after total victory. He did not stop the pursuit until the enemy was completely defeated and scattered, and all the enslaved were freed. All our attempts to rescue people from sin and Satan must be planned, wisely planned! We must choose fellow believers to help us. We must plan our strategy through prayer, under the leadership of the Holy Spirit. It is not enough for others to go; we must go ourselves, each one of us. We must pursue through the power of prayer and the Holy Spirit’s leading to see that those who are enslaved are set free. Remembering that the battle belongs to the Lord.

PRAYER THOUGHT

Holy Spirit, in Your wisdom show us how to set the captives free.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Lord, as we see those who are enslaved, show us how, through the power of prayer and Your Holy Spirit’s leading, to see them set free. Remembering that the battle belongs to You. AMEN

INTERNATIONAL BIBLE READING ASSOCIATION (IBRA)

Romans 5:1-11

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“When Abram heard that his relative had been taken captive, he called out the 318 trained men born in his household and went in pursuit as far as Dan.”           Genesis 14:14 NIV

Courageous faith leads to caring. Abram was moved by the fact that Lot, had been taken captive and enslaved. Physically, Lot was like a son to Abram, for Abram had reared him since childhood; but spiritually, Lot was a spiritual brother to Abram. When a brother or sister is enslaved by some enemy, we are called to rise to help free them, no matter how great the opposition. This was exactly what Abram did. Abram could have found many reasons why he should not help Lot. Lot had done a terrible wrong against Abram. He had acted with greed and selfishly usurped Abram’s rights to the best land. Lot had taken the best land for himself. Abram could have allowed harsh feelings to develop against Lot for having wronged him. Lot was worldly, attracted by the bright lights, pleasures, and possessions offered by the ungodly of the cities. Abram could have responded by saying that Lot was getting what he deserved, that God’s judgment was falling upon Lot because of his worldliness. Lot had been captured by a strong enemy. But Abram refused to fall back upon these excuses. He did not even consider them. When he heard that Lot was taken captive, he immediately acted. He arose and went to rescue Lot from his enslavement. Scripture is clear. No matter what the enslavement is, we are to be courageous. We are to do all we can, in the power of the Holy Spirit to free those who have been enslaved.

PRAYER THOUGHT

Thank You Lord for empowering us to set the captives free.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Thank You Lord, for empowering us with Your Holy Spirit, giving us courageous faith, to set the captives free. AMEN

INTERNATIONAL BIBLE READING ASSOCIATION (IBRA)

Romans 4:13-25

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“Now Abram was living near the great trees of Mamre the Amorite, a brother of Eshkol and Aner, all of whom were allied with Abram.”          Genesis 14:13 NIV

If we desire courageous faith, wise preparation is what is needed. The Lord made rare promises to Abram and Abram believed Him, even against all odds. Abram knew the odds, and he had anticipated the dangers that lay ahead of him as he laid hold of the promises of the Lord concerning the promised land. No one lays claim to a land that is occupied by others without facing opposition. Struggle after struggle was to confront Abram. But Abram had prepared ahead of time. He had joined hands with others, made a covenant-a treaty-for mutual protection. The treaty was with the Amorite, Mamre, and his two brothers, Eshcol and Aner. The valley where Abram and Mamre were living was named after Mamre. It was here that Abram built an altar, marking it as a place of communion with God. What a lesson for us! As we journey through life laying hold of the promises of God, we are confronted with struggle after struggle. Our only hope is to join hands with other believers for mutual protection. But we must prepare ahead, developing Christian fellowship and ministry. Then when the struggles come, we will know others who can stand with us, know them well enough that we can call upon them. This takes preparation, preparation ahead of time. Preparation through worship and preparation through fellowship. May we not forget the words of Hebrews 10:25 “not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.”

PRAYER THOUGHT

Thank You Lord, in worship and fellowship, comes courageous faith.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Lord, thank You for giving us courageous faith as we spend time in worshipping You and in fellowship with fellow believers. AMEN

INTERNATIONAL BIBLE READING ASSOCIATION (IBRA)

John 10:1-21

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“A man who had escaped came and reported this to Abram the Hebrew.”          Genesis 14:13 NIV

Some person escaped the invading army. He was probably from Sodom, for he knew Lot, and he knew that Abram and Lot were relatives. As quickly as he could after his escape, he made his way to Abram and told him about Lot. The escaped fugitive could have easily made his way to some other sheik out in the country area, and he probably knew some other sheik who also had relatives taken as prisoners of war. But he did not seek them; he sought Abram. Why? Most likely there were two reasons. The fugitive knew that Abram offered the greatest hope for his own personal safety and help for going after the murderous invaders, saving the captives and restoring their stolen goods.

The point is this: Abram was sought in the moment of crisis. Abram was known to be a man of faith and courage, and that was exactly what was now needed: great faith and great courage. A crisis often stirs people to seek persons of courage and faith. Most people seek help during a crisis, and they especially want the help of those who possess courage and faith, people who have a courageous faith. As believers we are called to be strong in faith and courage. Alert to the crises that arise in the lives of others. Alert to the opportunity to help. Ready to help, encourage, and lead the person to trust the delivering power of Jesus Christ.

PRAYER THOUGHT

Holy Spirit, give us the ears to listen for the call to courageous faith.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Lord, You have called us to be strong in faith and courage, through the power of Your Word and Holy Spirit. Help us to be alert to the crises that arise in the lives of others. Ready to help, encourage, and lead the person to trust the delivering power of Jesus Christ. AMEN

INTERNATIONAL BIBLE READING ASSOCIATION (IBRA)

Luke 18:1-8

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“All these latter kings joined forces in the Valley of Siddim (that is, the Dead Sea Valley). For twelve years they had been subject to Kedorlaomer, but in the thirteenth year they rebelled.”       Genesis 14:3,4 NIV

There are earlier references and pictures of ancient men fighting in battle long before Abram’s day, but this war is the first written description of an actual battle between opposing kings and nations. Chedorlaomer is the chief of the invading kings. Historically, he is identified as the Elamite dictator, from the land east of Persia, which is now known as West Pakistan. He came with his satellite kings against the confederacy of five kings from the cities of the plain. His coming represents one side of the world in which we live. A power to harass and enslave, and to remove all freedom. The other is Sodom, a picture of the world in its lust for sensual pleasures. These forces are often found opposed in history. They arise out of the fallen nature of humanity. One is a desire for material gain, economic advancement, luxury, ease, and sensual pleasure. The other is sheer naked tyranny, threatening the very physical existence of others. This is exactly what confronted the cities of the plain, and Lot especially as he now dwelt in Sodom. Lot is enmeshed in the blind commercialism of Sodom. Now he is threatened by a circumstance that would deprive him of his basic freedom. However, the purpose of this account is not to record the facts of a particular war for history. The purpose is to show the courage of Abram and his faith, as he responded to this situation.

PRAYER THOUGHT

Lord, give us courageous faith as we face the battles of life.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Lord, as we face the battles of life, thank You that You have not given us a spirit of fear, but the power of Your Holy Spirit, Your love in our hearts and a sound mind. AMEN

INTERNATIONAL BIBLE READING ASSOCIATION (IBRA)

Luke 12:35-48

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