God desires that we choose integrity rather than deception. Proverbs 12: 22 The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in those who tell the truth.[1] Abraham had been on a faith journey since God called him out of Ur. Leaving what he knew had to be difficult and dangerous. From the beginning of the call, …
Struggling to trust God is an experience you may have encountered. Throughout the Bible, God provides examples of individuals who grappled with trusting Him, including Abraham. This does not diminish their struggles but illustrates how much we depend on God’s strength to trust Him. In many ways, life is a test, and when we fail, it …
Struggling with fear that clouds judgment is not uncommon. Although God intended the emotion of fear to protect us, it can also become exaggerated. When this happens, it leads us to make poor decisions, as characterized by Abraham. In the quiet hours of the early morning, Abimelech, King of Gerar, awoke from a dream that …
We see how God gives revelation through dreams. Genesis 20: 3 But that night God came to Abimelech in a dream and told him, “You are a dead man, for that woman you have taken is already married!” 4 But Abimelech had not slept with her yet, so he said, “Lord, will you destroy an innocent nation? …
Relapsing into sin is something we all experience if we’re honest. When this occurs, we feel a sense of shame and discouragement, accompanied by the overwhelming feeling of “not again.” It’s painful for believers who want to walk in righteousness but are hindered by familiar temptations. In Genesis 20, we see Abraham, the patriarch of faith, …
Abraham wholeheartedly believed that God answers prayers, a truth he had experienced throughout his life. God does not always respond in the way we expect or with the outcomes we fully desire, but according to His perfect will and grace. I remember praying for an eight-month-old infant suffering from a liver disease. As I laid …
Hanging on when God says to let go often represents a significant part of our spiritual journey. Before returning to school to become a pastor, I spent twelve years in a completely different profession. To follow the direction the Lord was leading me, my wife and I had to let go of our jobs and …
Have you ever considered taking time to pray about heeding God’s warning so that when it comes, you will obey the Lord? Warnings, like temptations, often arrive when we least expect them, and our ability to follow can have serious ramifications. In life, frequent signs are warning us of danger, such as “High Water: Turn Around” …
Lot’s story tells of God’s intervention despite our foolishness. Lot’s desire for worldly pleasures had led him to live in Sodom. He was aware of God and may have denounced evil, but he seemed to enjoy the lifestyle there. He foolishly allowed bad company to corrupt him and his family. This resulted in corrupted values. …
Biblical values transform our thinking. Romans 12: 2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. [1] Our thinking influences our values, actions, …