Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Wednesday January 7, 2009 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Genesis.

Today's Message: Godly Influence. We will always face times in our lives when we can be easily influenced, whether it be a good or bad influence. We must make the choice to not only be around those who are a godly influence we must also be a godly influence to others.

Today's Bible Reading: Genesis Chapters 19-21
You can read them online by clicking the link above or you can copy and paste this link into your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2019-21&version=9

Lot, Abraham's nephew who still sojourned in Sodom, soon had a prominent position there since he sat in the gate of Sodom where business and legal matters were conducted. "And there came two angels to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot seeing them rose up to meet them; and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground; And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant's house, and tarry all night, and wash your feet, and ye shall rise up early, and go on your ways. And they said, Nay; but we will abide in the street all night." (Genesis 19:1-2). Lot associated with the people of Sodom even though he was troubled by their wicked ways. Sodom was known for homosexuality, which is a sin in the eyes of God. Many people who choose this form of lifestyle are lead to believe that God hates people who are homosexual, but that is not the truth at all. He may not approve of what they do, but He loves everyone, regardless of the choices they make and all who come to Him are saved.

Twenty five years prior, by faith, Abraham left his homeland and journeyed to the new land of promise. However, when faced with a famine he left the land that God had told him to dwell in and sojourned in Egypt, fearful of his life he introduced Sarah as his sister. Years later, Abraham put himself and Sarah in the same posisition as they soujourned in Philistine. "And Abraham journeyed from thence toward the south country, and dwelled between Kadesh and Shur, and sojourned in Gerar. And Abraham said of Sarah his wife, She is my sister: and Abimelech king of Gerar sent, and took Sarah. But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night, and said to him, Behold, thou art but a dead man, for the woman which thou hast taken; for she is a man's wife." (Genesis 20:1-3).

It is difficult to understand why Abram would tell a half-truth in order to protect himself after God had already told him that He would always be there with him. Furthermore, it could have led Abimelech into sin. God apparently allowed these events to occur to reveal how easily our decisions are influenced by selfish motives.

Throughout the Scriptures, God tenderly and patiently leads us from sin and self-seeking and shows us that true happiness is the result of honor in all circumstances. Abraham remained committed to God even though there were times he had difficulty believing God's promises under circumstances. We too deal with the same emotions and fears when faced with our circumstances, but just as God was with Abraham and took care of him, even though he sinned at times, he is with us also.

Isaac, the miracle child of promise, entered the family life of Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar the bondwoman. "And the LORD visited Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did unto Sarah as he had spoken. For Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him. And Abraham called the name of his son that was born unto him, whom Sarah bare to him, Isaac.........And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, which she had born unto Abraham, mocking. Wherefore she said unto Abraham, Cast out this bondwoman and her son: for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, even with Isaac." (Genesis 21:1-3,9-10). Hagar's son Ishmael soon revealed his true character through his contempt for Isaac.

These two sons Ishmael and Isaac illustrate the dual nature of our lives. We are first born of the flesh (human parents), which is symbolized by Ishmael. However, the moment we realize that we are sinners and truly repent then we become born of the spirit (Holy Spirit), which is symbolized by Issac, the child of faith. We become the possessor of the nature of God and a new life filled with Christ begins.
Many of the decisions we make influence the rest of our lives. We should be careful to make decisions based on the authority of the Word of God. We are children of God who have nothing to fear because God is with us and will protect us. Seek God and He will influence you to be the best that you can be.

Christ is Revealed: By Isaac, the promised son of God's Covenant. "And God said unto Abraham, Let it not be grievous in thy sight because of the lad, and because of thy bondwoman; in all that Sarah hath said unto thee, hearken unto her voice; for in Isaac shall thy seed be called." (Genesis 21:12). Life in Christ sets us free from bondage of the Law because God made a new Covenant through Christ's blood.

Today's Psalm: 40:10
"I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation."

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
We pray that You will empower us to live responsible lives so that we can be living examples of what it means to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age. Help us to resist temptations that weaken our resolve to live holy lives by memorizing and quoting Scripture that speaks to that sinful behavior, even while we’re being tempted. We desire to bring joy to Your heart as we live responsibly and cast off that which hinders our spiritual growth. We want to seek first Your Kingdom and Your righteousness so that we will be kingdom servants pursuing righteous living. In Jesus' name........Amen.

Enjoy the rest of your day and be blessed in all that you do.

God bless you,
Christina

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