“Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba, and there he called on the name of the Lord, the Eternal God.”          Genesis 21:33 NIV

Building good relationships means acknowledging the Lord and our need for His help in building relationships with people. After Abimelech and his military chief left, Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba. This was a small bush or tree that grows well in desert areas. Its leaves often provide shade to desert travellers. Abraham then worshipped the Lord, calling upon the name of the eternal, everlasting LORD. Abraham, was stressing how the Lord took care of him eternally. How the Lord had brought about a permanent, everlasting covenant for him with Abimelech. How much he needed the Lord’s help to keep this covenant and to live as he should for the remaining years of his life. We all need the help of our Lord in building good relationships with others. We need His help to build relationships that last and do not end. Relationships that endure and do not give up, that live in peace and not argument. We need His help in showing the love of Christ and not hatred, seeking to build up and not destroy. How do we secure the Lord’s help? By doing what Abraham did. Calling upon the name of the Lord, the eternal, everlasting Lord. Ask Him, through the power and ministry of His indwelling Holy Spirit to help us build and maintain good relationships. As Paul declared in 1 Thessalonians 3:12, “May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.”

PRAYER THOUGHT

Holy Spirit, through Your power touch our relationship with Your love.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Holy Spirit, as You spread the love of Jesus abroad in our hearts, let that same love touch all of our relationships. AMEN

INTERNATIONAL BIBLE READING ASSOCIATION (IBRA)

Matthew 20:17-34

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