Lessons On Living

[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons On Living From Abraham
Scripture: Genesis 12:12-13

The Wrong Kind of Help


Genesis 12:12-13

"Therefore it will happen, when the Egyptians see you, that they will say, ‘This is his wife’; and they will kill me, but they will let you live. Please say you are my sister, that it may be well with me for your sake, and that I may live because of you."

The Wrong Kind of Help

A little boy asked his mother, "What is a lie?" "A lie," she replied, "is an abomination to the Lord—but a very present help in time of trouble."

Abraham apparently agreed. Faced with a famine in the land of Canaan, he moved his household down to Egypt. Out of fear for his life, he told the Egyptians that Sarah was his sister and persuaded her to go along with his lie. When Pharaoh heard of her beauty, and thinking her unmarried, he took her into his harem. Abraham was on the brink of saving his life but losing his wife. Fortunately God intervened and Pharaoh learned the truth in time. Abraham, however, was rebuked and forced to leave the land. In the end, his lie earned him nothing but contempt and disgrace.

Often we are tempted to lie our way out of a tight spot. Perhaps at work a "small lie" will help us avoid admitting we made a mistake. Or at home "bending the truth" may seemingly help us avoid a scene. But resorting to subterfuge always ends up causing us more heartache than help.

When tempted to lie, remember that what seems like a "very present help" will ultimately be "an abomination to the Lord." Lies always result in more hurt and hassle in the long run. That kind of help you can do without. Instead, tell the truth and trust God. He’ll take care of you.

A lie appears to offer help, but in reality only delivers harm.

_________________________

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons On Living From Abraham
Scripture: Genesis 13:1-2

Blessed Promises


Genesis 13:1-2

Then Abram went up from Egypt, he and his wife and all that he had, and Lot with him, to the South. Abram was very rich in livestock, in silver, and in gold.

Blessed Promises

William Penn, the founder of the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, was well liked by the Indians. Once they told him he could have as much of their land as he could encompass on foot in a single day. So early the next morning, he started out and walked until late that night. When he finally went to claim his land, the Indians were greatly surprised, for they didn’t think he would take them seriously. But they kept their promise and gave him a large tract of land. Today that area is Philadelphia.

God also made a promise to Abraham: "I will bless you" (Gen. 12:2-3). Even though Abraham made mistakes and sometimes failed to trust the Lord fully, God never went back on His promise. He blessed Abraham materially until he was "very rich in livestock, in silver, and in gold." More important, He blessed Abraham spiritually. God declared in Genesis 22:17-18, "In blessing I will bless you, and in multiplying I will multiply your descendants as the stars of the heaven and as the sand which is on the seashore; and your descendants shall possess the gate of their enemies. In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice." Through Abraham’s descendants came the Messiah, who brought the blessing of salvation to all nations.

God continues to bless today just as He has promised. Though we quickly forget them, God’s blessings are all around us. He allows some of us to be the stewards of His material blessings, but He gives all of us the opportunity to enjoy His spiritual blessings. His salvation, forgiveness and lovingkindness are promised blessings that God will never forget.

Rejoice today in your blessings. Rest confidently in the truth that what God has promised, He will never take away.

Enjoy the riches that are yours because you are His.

_________________________

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[airIam2worship]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons On Living From Abraham
Scripture: Genesis 12:12-13

The Wrong Kind of Help


Genesis 12:12-13

"Therefore it will happen, when the Egyptians see you, that they will say, ‘This is his wife’; and they will kill me, but they will let you live. Please say you are my sister, that it may be well with me for your sake, and that I may live because of you."

The Wrong Kind of Help

A little boy asked his mother, "What is a lie?" "A lie," she replied, "is an abomination to the Lord—but a very present help in time of trouble."

Abraham apparently agreed. Faced with a famine in the land of Canaan, he moved his household down to Egypt. Out of fear for his life, he told the Egyptians that Sarah was his sister and persuaded her to go along with his lie. When Pharaoh heard of her beauty, and thinking her unmarried, he took her into his harem. Abraham was on the brink of saving his life but losing his wife. Fortunately God intervened and Pharaoh learned the truth in time. Abraham, however, was rebuked and forced to leave the land. In the end, his lie earned him nothing but contempt and disgrace.

Often we are tempted to lie our way out of a tight spot. Perhaps at work a "small lie" will help us avoid admitting we made a mistake. Or at home "bending the truth" may seemingly help us avoid a scene. But resorting to subterfuge always ends up causing us more heartache than help.

When tempted to lie, remember that what seems like a "very present help" will ultimately be "an abomination to the Lord." Lies always result in more hurt and hassle in the long run. That kind of help you can do without. Instead, tell the truth and trust God. He’ll take care of you.

A lie appears to offer help, but in reality only delivers harm.

Brother, how true this is: there is no such thing as a small lie, or a little 'white lie', or a lie to protect someone else from grief or sorrow, lies are lies, and we all know who the father of lies is. The Bible says it; satan is the father of all lies.
God is truth and He cannot lie; lies are darkness God does not abide in darkness.
My definition of a lie is: occult, hidden, deception.
None of those sounds good to me. many people who lie think they can get away with it, or save themselves from trouble by lying, but in the end God is the revealer of all things. You'd be surprised how many lies have been exposed after a long time even years in some cases, but the truth ALWAYS prevails

[airIam2worship]

re previous post I meant to copy quote but somehow my message ended up in the quote as well. Guess I need a little more training on how to work this yabba thingy. I don't even know how to add my own graphics into my posts yet. so I'm heading over to the help topic and I need all the help I can get  

[nChrist]

re previous post I meant to copy quote but somehow my message ended up in the quote as well. Guess I need a little more training on how to work this yabba thingy. I don't even know how to add my own graphics into my posts yet. so I'm heading over to the help topic and I need all the help I can get  

Hello Sister airIam2worship,

If you need help after reading the help section, just make another post in the questions and answers area. Many here are pretty good with the forum commands, and many will be happy to help you.

Love In Christ,
Tom

Psalms 127:3-5 NASB  Behold, children are a gift of the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one's youth. How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them; They will not be ashamed When they speak with their enemies in the gate.

[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons On Living From Abraham
Scripture: Genesis 13:5-7

Someone is Watching


Genesis 13:5-7

Lot also, who went with Abram, had flocks and herds and tents. Now the land was not able to support them, that they might dwell together, for their possessions were so great. . . . And there was strife between the herdsmen of Abram’s livestock and the herdsmen of Lot’s livestock. The Canaanites and the Perizzites then dwelt in the land.

Someone Is Watching

Whether we know it or not, people are watching us. One day as a woman was crossing the street at London Station, an old man stopped her. He said, "Excuse me, Ma’am, but I want to thank you." She looked surprised and asked, "Thank me?" He replied, "Yes’m. I used to be a ticket collector, and whenever you went by you always gave me a cheerful smile and a good morning. I knew that smile must come from inside somewhere. Then one morning I saw a little Bible in your hand. So I bought one, too, and I found Jesus."

Abraham was also very conscious that he was being watched. Problems had developed between his nephew, Lot, and himself. They came to possess so many sheep and cattle between them that the land was not able to support them all. It reached the point where the herdsmen of Abraham and the herdsmen of Lot began to quarrel over the best grazing lands. All the while, the Canaanites and the Perizzites, who lived in the land as well, were watching. Abraham knew that he represented Yahweh, the Lord God of heaven, before these pagan families. As a result, he immediately sought a way to bring peace to the situation.

Neither your church family nor your personal family are immune from problems. But how you choose to deal with those problems can encourage or hinder others who are watching. Your actions can even influence their eternal destiny. Always choose the way of peace. Let the God of peace rule not only in your heart but in all your relationships.

A family at peace is the best witness to the Lord of Peace.

_________________________

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons On Living From Abraham
Scripture: Genesis 13:8-9

I've Got Rights


Genesis 13:8-9

So Abram said to Lot, "Please let there be no strife between you and me, and between my herdsmen and your herdsmen; for we are brethren. Is not the whole land before you? Please separate from me. If you take the left, then I will go to the right; or, if you go to the right, then I will go to the left."

I’ve Got Rights

Everyone seems concerned about their rights. Whatever the issue, someone is sure to claim that he or she has the right to engage in it. Someone else will maintain that if this person asserts his rights, it will violate their rights. It’s no wonder that one social commentator observed, "The search for the good has yielded to the search for rights."

When it came time to separate from his nephew, Abraham certainly could have demanded his rights. As the patriarch in the family, Abraham had the right of first choice about where he wanted to go, but he graciously allowed his younger relative to choose instead. When Lot selfishly chose the lush, fertile valleys, Abraham could have legitimately protested that this flagrant unfairness was a violation of his rights. Instead, he simply packed up his belongings and moved to the more barren hill country. Obviously, Abraham was more interested in preserving his relationship with Lot than he was in exercising his rights.

God does not assure His children that we will always have our rights recognized. The apostle Paul urges us, "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself" (Phil. 2:3). In other words, let the rights of others be first in your mind, and God will take care of the rest.

If your "rights" have been trampled upon, turn them over to the Lord. A loving relationship with the important people in your life will ultimately be more satisfying than protecting your rights.

Be more concerned about doing right than having rights.

_________________________

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons On Living From Abraham
Scripture: Genesis 13:14-15

A Place Called Home


Genesis 13:14-15

And the Lord said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him: "Lift your eyes now and look from the place where you are—northward, southward, eastward, and westward; for all the land which you see I give to you and your descendants forever."

A Place Called Home

In late summer the migration of the monarch butterfly occurs. If you’re in the right place at the right time, you can see hundreds of them clinging to tree limbs and shrubbery as the flock journeys to a remote mountain site in central Mexico. Scientists have found 16 of these sites, ranging from one to ten acres each, within a 100-mile radius, where millions of butterflies from North America spend the winter. No one knows how butterflies find their way there. Each generation that migrates is new and has never been there before. Yet something programmed into their tiny bodies directs them to a place they have never seen, but is a home they instinctively know they must find.

The Jews have the same attitude toward their homeland of Israel, and it all began with Abraham. God gave him a plot of land—not just to this Jewish patriarch, but to his "descendants forever." Even though they are now spread throughout the world, Jews still long to return to this small oasis. For some, it’s just for a visit; for others, it’s to start life over again. But for Jews, wherever they may live, Israel is home.

That same instinct for home should burn in the hearts of Christians. For us, home is not a country on earth; it’s a destination called heaven. While Abraham and his descendants were promised a land, all who receive Jesus Christ as Savior are promised an eternal dwelling place (John 14:2).

Take comfort in the thought that you have a home in heaven. Each day brings you closer to home—not to visit but to live. God has reserved a dwelling place that will fulfill the deepest longing of your heart. Rejoice!

Heaven is more than a city; it’s a home.

_________________________

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[airIam2worship]

Amen to that Brother, but I also noticed how God multiplied Abraham and Lot so abundantly that there was not enough room for both of them and everything they owned that they had to spread out, that is exactly what I think God had in mind for all of Israel, God wandted to multiply Israel so much and He didn't want them to just have a tiny bit of land in this great big planet His intention was for them to have the entire earth, and that is His intention for us too. He wants us to have more than we can imagine. WOW, what an AWESOME GOD!!!

[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons On Living From Abraham
Scripture: Genesis 14:14

The Lord's Army


Genesis 14:14

Now when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his three hundred and eighteen trained servants who were born in his own house, and went in pursuit as far as Dan.

The Lord’s Army

We live in violent times. The American Bar Association claims that crimes involving guns, drugs and juveniles are putting an unprecedented crunch on the nation’s courts. Every 22 seconds someone in the United States is beaten, stabbed, shot, robbed, raped or killed. Nearly two million people every year become violent-crime victims.

Lot lived in violent times as well. Fortunately, he had an uncle with his own private army. When Abraham learned that the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah had been conquered and all their people taken captive, including his nephew, Lot, he armed his private militia. In a brilliant piece of military strategy, he overtook the enemy forces and surprised them at night. When morning arrived, the adversary was on the run and all were rescued, including Lot.

Most of us do not have relatives who can muster a private army. But Christians have something even better—we have the Lord. The psalmist says, "The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them" (Ps. 34:7). And again God’s Word reminds us, "For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways" (Ps. 91:11). Every believer dwells in the midst of God’s protective care as represented by His angels.

When you find yourself beginning to be afraid, remind yourself that God’s army is with you. God’s angels stand guard over you. No enemy can ever truly harm you. The mighty army of the Lord has your safety as its responsibility. Don’t be afraid. Remember Psalm 56:3: "Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You."

Our safety rests not in the ability of man but in the army of God.

_________________________

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons On Living From Abraham
Scripture: Genesis 14:22-23

Making It God's Way


Genesis 14:22-23

But Abram said to the king of Sodom, "I have lifted my hand to the Lord, God Most High, the Possessor of heaven and earth, that I will take nothing, from a thread to a sandal strap, and that I will not take anything that is yours, lest you should say, "I have made Abram rich."

Making It God's Way

People often want to get rich quickly. In 1989 John Bennett established the Foundation for New Era Philanthropy. Under the guise of a non-profit foundation, he offered donors the opportunity to double their money within six to nine months. In 1994 he allowed nonprofit organizations to participate. This too-good-to-be-true offer brought waves of money from various institutions as well as philanthropists to support what turned out to be a pyramid scheme. In September 1997, Bennett was sentenced to prison for defrauding charities and others of $354 million.

Abraham also had the opportunity to gain more wealth quickly. Bera, king of Sodom, offered Abraham all the "loot" of the city in exchange for the people. But Abraham considered the source and declined. The opportunity to become even more wealthy was not worth the price of being indebted to the king of Sodom. His city was so wicked that it would shortly be destroyed by brimstone and fire. Abraham preferred to let God provide for his needs; he didn't need Sodom's money.

The desire to get rich can bring many pains and heartaches. The apostle Paul wrote to Timothy, "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows" (1 Tim. 6:10). The appetite for more and more can lead you into associations with people who can cause you irreparable spiritual harm.

If you find yourself in any relationship, business or personal, that is damaging your spiritual life, drop it immediately. It may mean taking a financial loss, but when you make your relationship with the Lord your most important priority, He will take care of all your other needs (Matt. 6:33).

God's wealth can't be found in Satan's treasury.

_________________________

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons On Living From Abraham
Scripture: Genesis 15:1  

Fear Not


Genesis 15:1

After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward."

Fear Not

Fear is everywhere. Even people who appear brave, if they're honest, will admit to moments of immense fear.

During World War II, a military governor met with Gen. George Patton in Sicily. When he highly praised Patton for his courage and bravery, the general replied, "Sir, I am not a brave man—the truth is, I am a craven coward. I have never been within the sound of gunshot or in sight of battle in my whole life that I wasn't so scared that I had sweat in the palms of my hands." Patton’s honesty is refreshing, but God offers the best solution for our fears.

Abraham was just as human as you and I. Even though he had 318 trained soldiers in his personal army and had just won a major victory over four mighty kings (Gen. 14:13-17), he still experienced times of apprehension and dread. That’s why God said, "Do not be afraid." God then told Abraham why he need not be afraid: "I am your shield [to protect you from evil], your exceedingly great reward [to meet all your needs]."

Our fears fall into two broad categories. We fear that something will harm us or that we will suffer need in some way. God promises that He is sufficient for both of these concerns. The psalmist speaks of God’s protection from evil when he says, "A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not come near you" (Ps. 91:7). And in another psalm we are assured of God’s provision: "The young lions lack and suffer hunger; but those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing" (34:10).

What troubles you today? Put aside your fears and trust God. The God of Abraham is sufficient both to protect you and to provide for all your needs.

Where God stands, fear falls.

_________________________

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons On Living From Abraham
Scripture: Genesis 15:2-4

I Wonder


Genesis 15:2-4

But Abram said, "Lord God, what will You give me, seeing I go childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?" Then Abram said, "Look, You have given me no offspring; indeed one born in my house is my heir!" And behold, the word of the Lord came to him, saying, "This one shall not be your heir, but one who will come from your own body shall be your heir."

I Wonder

Henry Drummond, a 19th-century Scottish evangelist, observed, "Christ never failed to distinguish between doubt and unbelief. Doubt is can’t believe; unbelief is won’t believe. Doubt is honesty; unbelief is obstinacy. Doubt is looking for light; unbelief is being content with darkness."

When God promised to bless him (Gen. 15:1), Abraham responded, "How are you going to do it?" This was not a lack of faith, because Abraham believed God was going to keep His promise; he simply didn’t understand how God would do it. Since "blessings" were always believed to come through children (Ps. 127:3-5), and Abraham had none (nor from a human perspective did it look like he would have any), he inquired as to how God was going to do it. God honored that question and told him, "One who will come from your own body shall be your heir." Abraham was satisfied. The case was closed.

It’s not wrong to ask questions about God’s plan; it’s only wrong to question the rightness of God’s plan. There’s a subtle but important difference here. It’s only natural for people to want to know, "God, how do You plan to pull this off?" In essence Abraham said, "I’m to be the father of a great nation, and yet I have no children. I know You can do it, Lord. But I’d sure like to know how."

If you’re wondering how God will work His will and His way in your life, it’s perfectly legitimate to ask. But always ask in faith. Feel free to question how God is going to work out His plan, but never question His ability to work out that plan. The first is inquiring faith; the second is irreverent unbelief.

Doubt asks how; unbelief asks why.

_________________________

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons On Living From Abraham
Scripture: Genesis 15:13-14

We Win


Genesis 15:13-14

Then He said to Abram: "Know certainly that your descendants will be strangers in a land that is not theirs, and will serve them, and they will afflict them four hundred years. And also the nation whom they serve I will judge; afterward they shall come out with great possessions."

We Win

Life can be tough; it can also be scary. Maybe you wonder where you’ll ever find the courage to face a fearful future. That’s the question someone asked Billy Graham; he responded, "I’ve read the last chapter of Revelation, and we win."

As God revealed to Abraham the fate of his descendants, it sounded less than exciting. For 400 years they would be the slaves of another nation. Have you ever wondered what kept them going when they were oppressed and mistreated by the Egyptians? Maybe it was God’s promise, "I will judge; afterward they shall come out with great possessions." In other words, in the end, "you win."

Yes, along the way there would be hardships and affliction, but when Israel got to the bottom line, those who afflicted them would be judged and they would be rewarded. This was not a "maybe," but something God promised that Abraham could "know certainly."

Your life, too, is bound to have its share of heartache and sadness. No one can pass through their years on earth without some mistreatment and unfairness. You may even echo the cry of the prophet Habakkuk: "O Lord, how long shall I cry, and You will not hear? Even cry out to You, ‘Violence!’ And You will not save" (Hab. 1:2). In the midst of the pain, however, you must always cling to the unchangeable truth that in the end we win.

When you experience bone-crunching difficulties, meditate on verses such as 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 and Revelation 7:14-17 and 21:4. Take comfort in the truth that, despite what you may be going through right now, in the end, you win.

The present is bearable when we’re confident that the future is glorious.

_________________________

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons On Living From Abraham
Scripture: Genesis 15:15-16

The Patience of God


Genesis 15:15-16

Now as for you, you shall go to your fathers in peace; you shall be buried at a good old age. But in the fourth generation [your descendants] shall return here, for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete.

The Patience of God

For the most part, people are very impatient. The moment the stoplight turns green, the driver behind us invariably honks his horn. You can just see the frustration and impatience in the faces of those caught in a long line at the grocery store checkout stand. Fortunately, God demonstrates a great deal more restraint than we do.

When God revealed to Abraham some things yet to come, He advised him that his descendants would not return to the land for four generations because "the iniquity of the Amorites" was not yet complete. Even though these people were pagans, God continued to demonstrate patience toward them. With Abraham dwelling in their midst (Gen. 13:7), there was always the possibility that individuals, if not the nation as a whole, might turn to the God of Abraham. While man might have brought swift judgment, God graciously gave these people over 400 more years to turn from their idolatry and embrace the living God.

The apostle Peter spoke of this same graciousness. He reminded his readers, "The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance" (2 Pet. 3:9).

Satan loves to convince us that God’s patience with us has come to an end. He tries to persuade us that we have sinned just one time too often and God has washed His hands of us. But we must reject this lie. While we must not abuse God’s patience, He still stands ready to forgive and receive us back when we repent. Be confident that you can never deplete the patience of God, if your heart is pure and your repentance sincere.

The perverseness of man cannot exhaust the patience of God.

_________________________

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