The Implications of a Choice

 

Read Genesis Chapter 13 

The Bible indicates that being wealthy is no sin, but wealth seriously increases a believer's responsibility. God's people should therefore view wealth with a sense of stewardship rather than ownership. (1 Tim 6 9-11). 

We see an example of this in Genesis chapter 13. We need to keep in mind that wealth, at that time, was counted by cattle, silver and gold, of which Abraham and Lot had plenty. So much in fact that the "land could not support them", basis which Abraham suggested a split. 

This is where we now see how our choices play out and implications of those choices. 

Abraham had the first right to choose but he gave that choice to Lot. He entrusted His future to God, walking by faith. 

This act by itself is an ideal for us to follow, living our life in such a way that others see the love we share for one another. 

Lot "lifted up his eyes" to see carefully and identify the best land for himself, without a thought for Abraham. 

Lot chose selfishly and his selfish choice would prove disastrous because in the long-term Sodom, which was situated in the same area, would draw Lot into its fold and its ways. 

However, Abraham left that choice to God and he was blessed. 

What an ideal lesson for us today. How do we choose? How do we decide? Is wealth and our interest the main consideration? Will our choice not include the well-being of others? 

When we allow God to guide us in the choices we make, making our desire, will and human logic subservient to His, those choices and decisions are blessed. When we let our own minds and desire rule those choices, we are bound to end up in dangerous situations, as did Lot. 

As Far as I Can See

Someone recently shared this - 

"I recently had the opportunity to visit a friend, one evening, who lives on the 28th floor of an apartment building. Standing on the balcony I could see the city with a completely new perspective. I was amazed at the expanse of the city, the beauty of the lights and the business of life as cars drive around. I never realized the vast network of roads my city had, nor the greenery nor the number of buildings and looking at the city lights, i wondered at the amount of electricity we consumed in keeping the city alive. Looking at the skyline changed my perspective of the government who provided us all these facilities, the ingenuity of people and of the city itself". 

"And then I thought how limited my vision and understanding were when I was on the ground level. 

It struck me then why it is better to trust in God. He can see much further than I ever can, has a perfect understanding of the world because He created it and can give perfect directions because He can see and understand everything. Like the city God never sleeps. Unlike the city, He sees everything". 

"Standing on that balcony that evening I realized the truth of Proverbs 3 verse 5- 

(Proverbs 3:5) Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding."

Because our understanding of things, on the ground floor of this universe, is limited by our vision. Because of this, we not only need to surrender desires but also relinquish control of our decision making to the one who can see all. 

As far as we can see is only the next home. The rest is our imagination, we erroneously call "vision". 

Saturday Vespers

                                                                                         

Prayer plays a vital role in our relationship with God. When we engage in heartfelt prayer, we open the doors for divine intervention in our lives, our families and our land. Prayer is not merely reciting words but a posture of seeking and communicating with the Almighty. Through prayers we express our deepest desires, concerns and gratitude to God.

As believers we have the incredible opportunity to bring about transformation through our prayers. Today we all bring our concerns and thanks to God as we pray. 

Eddzzz says - Please pray my loved one’s medication comes in to today. Please pray he will focus on rebuilding his health.

A Pastors family in India requests prayer for his wife who needs healing and relief from stage 4 cancer

A family in India expresses gratitude and praise to God for miracles and blessings they have received in the last two weeks for their children living in a different country

Emily says - I would like to request prayer for my friend, her family and their Christian family bakery business. Thank you

Kevin says a prayer of thanks for relief from stress

Paladin says -

Please pray for me 1. I need a financial miracle in the worst kind of way...2. That the government won't take my bank account away from me (I am in the nursing home)...3. That God would straighten out all of the mess that is in my life right now...4. For good results from a DNA test...5. That God would provide me with money to eat with each and every month...6. That God would give me some encouragement-I feel defeated all of the time, and I feel as if something bad is going to happen to me...7. That God would calm me down and settle my nerves over all of this...8. Something has got to give with all of this.

We ask for prayer and pray for healing and relief for a senior citizen in India who is suffers from hip pain and is currently going for physio. 

Beth Lauren says - Lord thank you for our blessings. I pray for guidance. You know our struggles and fears. Please lead us forward to a less stressful situation and surroundings. Save our Son. I pray for our health. Forgive our many sins and mistakes. Please bless our Son, my husband, and myself. Amen

Make Me a Blessing

                                           

Out in the highways and byways of life,
Many are weary and sad;
Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife,
Making the sorrowing glad.

Make me a blessing, Make me a blessing.
Out of my life may Jesus shine;
Make me a blessing, O Savior, I pray.
Make me a blessing to someone today.

Have you ever heard this hymn? It was introduced in Sunday schools in 1924 and music added a decade later. These simple words are often used to challenge believers to make their lives useful to God.

Today, let's try and understand this simple yet powerful hymn and how we can implement it in our lives.

blessing can be defined as conferring prosperity, approval, or happiness. But what does it mean for a person to be a blessing? Perhaps this means that through our actions we help bring happiness and peace to those around us.

It's not about money. Even someone who is marginalised or poor or needy can become a blessing to someone else. When we take care of them, we also recieve emotional and physical blessings.

In some traditions, the blessings of those who are marginalized, or suffering are seen as particularly potent.

The simple thought is to share a part of our lives with someone who may need it. Someone who may be lonely, or sad or broken hearted. 

A touch, a smile, a sharing of ideas and thoughts can mean a lot to someone today. Be a Blessing!