January 11
Discover Your Destiny...Like Abraham
“Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.” Genesis 14:20b
Chapter fourteen of Genesis records for us a significant event in the pilgrimage of Abraham. This godly man becomes a warrior as he joins in defeating four kings who have united against five kings of the valley. War would not have interested Abraham, except for the fact that Lot, his nephew, was captured and taken into captivity. Today’s text picks up with Abraham returning as a conquering hero. His high esteem, already in the eyes of others, has gone higher. He is now known throughout the land.
At this point in his prosperity, he is faced with a significant choice. In fact, his future destiny hangs in the balance of this choice. This choice is a spiritual battle, and it is a greater battle than the physical one he has just fought. Will he become worldly with all these possessions, or will he become rich in God’s eyes because he is a giver?
Life is all about making choices. In this Bible passage, Melchizedek (King of Salem and Priest of God Most High) is a picture of Jesus Christ. With that in mind, you can see that Abram made a wise choice by giving back to God a tenth of what God had given him. In all that God gives to you each day, do you give any back to Him? Your time, finances, your gifts and talents? Spiritual growth will result from worshipping the Lord through giving.
Prayer for today: Dear Lord, as the wonderful Provider of all our needs, help us to faithfully and cheerfully give to others. You have blessed us with gifts of time and skills and income. May our hearts be full of gratitude as we share Your love and blessings with all people everywhere. Amen.
Personal Prayer: “Lord, I want to please You! What do You want me to do to help make the dreams of our church come true?”