Mister Roderick L. Evans's Blog

Separated for the Set-up

Separation is a necessary part of life. Many fight against it, even to their own hurt. Some stay in destructive relationships for fear of being alone. Others will not separate because of the “comfort” of familiarity. However, as a Christian, the challenge to separate from people, places, and things (in order to progress) is there.

Abraham had to make the decision to separate from Lot. In Volume I, we discussed how Abraham and Lot entered into conflict. Rather than stay in a situation where this could reoccur, Abraham gave Lot his pick of the land for peaceful separation.
And the Lord said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward: For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever. Gen 13:14-15 (KJV)
After the separation, God appears to Abraham and gives him a blessing of promise. We discover that his separation was a set-up to receive from God. On today, what people, places, and things do you need to give up and separate yourself from? Abraham was willing to separate from Lot and he received a blessing. Who knows? Some things you may desire of God may be released if you separate from known negative influences. Make the necessary changes and separations; it will set you up for a blessing. Prayer of the Week:
“Lord, I thank you that your thoughts for me are for good. Give me the strength to do what is necessary to receive all that you have for me. Thank you now for all things that will come for my benefit. Amen.” 

Handling Conflicts

Do you know someone who loves controversy and conflict? Regardless of the situation, there is a problem. They do not want peace, but conflict. As Christians we are instructed to live in peace with all men according to our best efforts. Yet, when we are offended and treated unjustly, do we still want peace or seek for personal vindication.

Abraham faced conflict with Lot (his nephew); there servants were at odds. However, we discover that Abraham sought for peace; he did not perpetuate the problem.

And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we be brethren. Gen 13:8 (KJV)

Since Abraham was the elder in this situation, he could have handled the conflict in a totalitarian manner. However, he recognized that Lot was family and there was a peaceable solution.

As a Christian, how do you handle conflicts at home and those that happen at church? You must understand that conflicts will arise, especially in the church. Yet, remember that they are your brothers and sisters in Christ. You should seek for peace and not selfish vindication.

In the end, all things must be done to honor Christ who has saved you. Your encounters in the church should not contribute to the disunity or disharmony of the fellowship.

Prayer of the Week:

“Lord, grant me grace, when conflicts arise. Help me to honor you as I face conflicts. Let your will always be done. Amen.”

Back to Basics: Abraham returns to Bethel

Every few years, states require drivers to have their licenses renewed. Drivers have to take tests to establish that they still know the basic road signs and rules. It serves as a reminder to drivers.
Experienced drivers are not exempt. They, too, must review foundational information to maintain their driving privileges. After Abraham’s initial call and his ordeal in Egypt, he returned to the place where God spoke to him.
And he went on his journeys from the south even to Bethel, unto the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Hai; Unto the place of the altar, which he had made there at the first: and there Abram called on the name of the Lord. Gen 13:3-4 (KJV)
In   the   Christian   life,  times  come  where  we must return to the basics. Like drivers on the road, we must review and revisit foundational truths of the Bible and recognize if we are still following them.
Like Abraham, we need to consider our initial commitment to the Lord and see if we are true to it. Abraham went through some incredible situations; afterwards, he returned to the place where God spoke to him. This served to renew his faith and trust. Life  can  sometimes  take  you  off  course. Take time to renew and revive your faith and walk with God through introspection and prayer.
Prayer of the Week:
 I ask for a renewal on today. I remember how you have blessed me. I will recall to mind your word. Help me to stay on the right path. Amen.”

Distractions, Distractions, Distractions: Don’t Turn to the Left or Right

Oneenemy of the Christian life and experience is distraction. Since distractionscome in numerous forms, it is easy to become entrapped by them. Even servingGod can become a distraction when He is not the focus on your daily life. Thisis what happened to Martha.

But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, andsaid, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bidher therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful andtroubled about many things. Luke 10:40-41 (KJV)

Rather than spend time in Christ’spresence, she became distracted with trying to serve Him. Today’s inspirationis a brief reminder to warn you against distractions. We have to deal with lifeand all of its toils, but life should not deter you from having peace inChrist.

Distractions abound, tasks are many,concerns multiply, but in the middle of all of these, your cry should be,“Lord, help me to overcome these distractions, distractions, distractions!”

Prayer of the Week:
“Lord, I thank you for your mercy,goodness, kindness, and grace. On today, I commit myself to doing that whichpleases you in my daily life. I am grateful for your help and strength toovercome external and internal challenges. Amen.”

Obeying the Situation

Weather conditions usually dictate our daily wardrobe choices. If it is hot, we usually wear clothes that are light and airy. When it is rainy, raincoats and umbrellas accessorize one’s outfit. If it is cold, jackets, sweaters, boots, etc. usually appear. The weather condition demands a response.

As Christians, we have to learn to respond to the different “weather” conditions of our Christian walk. Abraham lied to Pharaoh, caused Sarah to be taken, brought plagues upon Pharaoh, and now, Pharaoh wanted him out of Egypt.

And Pharaoh commanded his men concerning him: and they sent him away, and his wife, and all that he had. Gen 12:20 (KJV)

Abraham had to obey Pharaoh’s request to depart. Think about situations in your life that demand a response. You have to be willing to depart from relationships that are unfruitful; give up habits that are self-destructive; and pursue Christ when you recognize spiritual decline.

You have to obey the situations that confront you. Though situations arise where we do not know what to do, oftentimes, what we need to do is right before us if we pay attention.

Prayer of the Week:

 “I come before you on today Lord asking for grace to do what I know to do is right. Help me to have the proper response to the situations that are in my life. I thank you now. Amen.”

God will Fight for You

 

Growing up, my older brother would always fight for me. If anyone ever troubled me or threatened me, he would step in to defend me. He would do it without question. He did not ask about what happened or how did the situation arise. If he was there and saw trouble, he got involved.

Abraham was in Egypt and allowed Pharaoh to take his wife because of his fears. Since God’s promise was upon Abraham and Sarah, we see His intervention  in a situation caused by Abraham and Sarah’s bad decision.

And the Lord plagued Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of Sarai Abram's wife. Gen 12:17 (KJV)

Abraham was clearly wrong, but God intervened on his behalf. He protected Abraham from the consequences of his actions. He also protected Sarah from being violated by Pharaoh. Some are facing situations that they, in effect, have caused themselves.

Do not lose faith and hope that God will be there for you. Just know that He is gracious and longsuffering and gets joy in showing mercy. God will fight for you.

Prayer of the Week:

“I trust you on this day Lord that you will intervene on my behalf. I stand in faith on your love and grace. Thank you for all things. Amen.” 

Don’t Go Back Into Egypt: Don’t Return into Bondage

Whenreading the Old Testament account of the nation of Israel in the wilderness,one discovers that they continually cried that they wanted to return to Egypt.After God showed them His power, mercy, and love when he delivered them fromthe hand of the Egyptians, they still would not trust Him completely to fulfillHis promise to them.

And to whom swarehe that they should notenter into his rest, but to them that believed not? So we see that they couldnot enter in because of unbelief. Heb 3:18-19  (KJV)

Sometimes in reading this story, wemay find it odd that they would be like that in spite of all the miracles Godshowed them while they were in Egypt. But how many of us have wavered in ourcommitment to Christ, desiring to go back to old sins, habits, and people thatwe originally cried out to God to deliver us from.

On today, I want to encourageChristians everywhere to not go back to “Egypt.” Whatever is Egypt in yourlife, do not return to it. God is faithful. He will still help you, heal you,forgive you, and be with you. Continue to walk with Him in spite of oppositionand even in spite of yourself, knowing He knows all things and will aid you inthe time of trouble. Do not go back into Egypt.

Prayerof the Week:

“Lord, grant me grace to standwith contentment as I wait upon you. You will be faithful unto the end. Amen.”

The Great “I AM”: He is the Self-Existent One

 

    Thechildren of Israel were in trouble. The Egyptians had put them undersubjection. What began as a blessing, now had become bondage. Their entranceinto Egypt saved Jacob and his family, but now they were under hard taskmasters who did not want the nation to grow and prosper. But God, who isfaithful, heard the cries of His people and revealed Himself to Moses.

AndGod said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto thechildren of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you. Ex 3:14 (KJV)

God called Himself the “I AM.” Thisdenoted that whatever the children of Israel could need, He would be that tothem. On today, every Christian should be confident that the same God whorevealed Himself to Moses, revealed Himself in Christ.

If we have received Christ, we havean audience and connection to the “I Am” who is great. Be confident knowingthat you are not alone because the Great “I AM” is there.

Prayerof the Week:

 Lord, I thank you for your great love revealedin Christ. I appreciate the gift of salvation. Amen.”

I Change My Mind!: Changing Your Mindset

 

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

Decisions,Decisions, Decisions… life is full of them. Everyday decisions have to made,for the good or bad. Thus, we know that one decision can change the course ofan individual’s life. Since this is a fact, it is important for the Christianto make the right decisions, especially those that will have a direct impact ontheir walk with Christ.

Choose you this daywhom ye will serve… Josh 24:15 (KJV)

Some reading this are contemplatingsome things that will have a negative influence in their Christian walk. Someare considering leaving your church, leaving your family, and leaving ministry.Some are trying to decide whether to serve Christ any longer or no. But on today, some need to changetheir mind.

Quitting is not an option. God hasnot failed you. He will heal you and give you peace, even in this life. Somehave already made up their minds concerning some things, but it is time for youto change your mind. Go on and walk with the Lord, He is faithful. Say it withme, “I Change My Mind!”

Prayer of the Week:

 “Ithank you that you will help me fulfill choices I make for You. You will ensurethat they always produce results. Help me to remember this truth. Amen.”

Walk On Water: Victory in Unstable Times

The story of Peterwalking on water is extraordinary. Through Christ, he was able to defy the lawsof nature. Water became to him as dry land until he focused on hissurroundings. However, his walking on water should inspire faith in those of uswho are facing impossible situations.

The earth is the LORD'S,and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. For he hathfounded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods. Psalms 24:1-2(KJV)

Psalm  24 says that  God founded the earth upon waters and floods.This means that He shows us His greatness in circumstances that are rocky,shaky, and unstable.

Whatever situation you are facing. Whatever impossiblecircumstance that is before you. Through faith in Christ, we can “walk on thewater” of our situations. The Lord still helped Peter when he doubted, and Hewill help you if you get worried. It is time for you to trust Christ and “walkon water” in the situations of life.

Prayer of the Week:

“I know God that you areholy. It is because of your holiness that I can trust your will for my life. Ithank you that you will always remain the same. Amen.”