January 5, 2010

Today's reading: Genesis 13, 14, 15; Psalm 5, 35, 65, 95, 125; Proverbs 5

Genesis 13:11, "Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan; and Lot journeyed east: and they separated themselves the one from the other."

In our passage today we see two men making choices. Abram (Abraham) and Lot were experiencing growth problems. They decided to part company on good terms. Abram gave Lot the first choice. Lot chose the best looking land with the most fertile ground that was good for growing grass to feed his herds. There was also water for his animals. Lot was thinking of the "nasty now and now".

On the other hand Abram took what was left and in verse 18 we see Abram's first actions. Genesis 13:18, "Then Abram removed his tent, and came and dwelt in the plain of Mamre, which is in Hebron, and built there an altar unto the LORD." Abram set up an altar to the Lord and sacrificed in thanksgiving. His decision had been made for him as far as which land he would inhabit. Lot chose the good and fertile land in the area of Sodom and Gomorrah. We know where these choices led him. He wound up in sin and degradation. Not to mention the loss of his spiritual influence as we see later in his life. How sad.

Abram took what was given to him and dedicated it to God and he prospered like no man could imagine. Why? He made godly choices and he trusted the Lord. The Bible tells us that "he believed God". It was because of this belief in God that caused him to make right choices and later be called "righteous". I would love for someone to look at my life and call me righteous. I am afraid of the opposite. It is my goal to be righteous or in a right relationship with Jesus Christ.

Have you ever established a relationship with Jesus Christ? All you have to do is realize that you are a sinner. Romans 3:23, For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." The word sin means to miss the mark and we have all done this. Romans 6:23, "for the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." The problem is that you and I cannot pay for our own sins. It took a perfect, sinless Person to do that. That Person is Jesus. If we believe that Jesus died, was buried and arose the third day then we can be saved. Romans 10:9, "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead thou shalt be saved."

It is so simple. Calling on the Lord is praying and that is just simply talking to Him. If you repeat this prayer and mean it with all of your heart then He will save you. Repeat after me, "Lord Jesus, I am a sinner and I need a Saviour. Right now I turn from my sin and accept you as my Lord and Saviour believing that you died and rose again from the grave. Thank You for saving me. Amen."

If you said that prayer and meant it then you have been born again. If you would like help in your Christian life please e-mail me at: david.dale@juno.com and I would love to help you start your Christian life.

Christian, what choices do you need to make?