TO GOD BE THE GLORY
- Key Verse
"But Abram said to the king of Sodom, 'I have raised my hand to the LORD, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, and have taken an oath that I will accept nothing belonging to you, not even a thread or the thong of a sandal, so that you will never be able to say, ‘I made Abram rich.'" (Genesis 14:22-23)
READ THE CHAPTER
Central Truth
When Abram is tempted to take material wealth from the King of Sodom as a reward for victory, he chooses instead to be led by Melchizedek's blessing from God and give God glory for "delivering his enemies into his hands." (v. 20)
Reflections
In today's passage, two very different kings meet Abram (his name later changed to Abraham) as he returns from a victorious battle in which he rescued his nephew, Lot. One is the King of the wicked city of Sodom and he offers Abram a deal to keep the booty from the battle for himself. The other king is Melchizedek, king of Salem (later Jerusalem), a priest of the God Most High. He blesses Abram as he recognizes God as the Creator of heaven and earth and the One who delivered Abram's enemies into his hand.
Abram's faith in God caused him to look beyond the offer to receive wealth and possessions. In that case, the focus would have been on Abram or the King of Sodom. Abram knew God's plan and purpose for his life was the fulfillment of God's promise given to him in Genesis 12. He refused the offer and instead chose to have the focus be on God and have all the glory go to Him!
The first item on my list of things to do after retirement was to scrapbook the many pictures I had of my family. As I worked with those pictures, I began to realize just how faithful God had been as He brought us through the good times and the bad. I was led to learn how to "faithbook" – make my story His story by showing and telling how alive and active God has been in my life. He has used even my mistakes and failures and worked them all together for good (Romans 8:28 – my favorite verse) to achieve His purpose for my life.
As I've looked back and recognized His faithfulness – how He has always been there working behind the scenes and answering prayers in ways I never dreamed possible - it has strengthened my faith to completely trust Him with my future!
Now I encourage others to write down and share their God stories with their families and friends. When we give God the glory, He can use our stories to change lives! To God Be the Glory!
Discussion Questions
1. When you look back over your life, how do you see God at work?2. Have there been times in your life when you made poor choices and allowed other things to take precedence over God?
3. When you share your story/testimony with others, is the emphasis on what you have done, or what God has done through you?
4. In Psalm 78:4 we are told " . . . to tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, His power, and the wonders He has done." Does your family know how important God has been in your life? Have you considered writing down your "God stories" so future generations will know?
5. Have you accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior? Have you developed your testimony so that you can use it to lead others to Christ if God gives you the opportunity?
Venus Shahinfar
January 17, 2012 08:58 AM
Eileen, I am always wonder how God can change our mess to His masterpiece. I am sure your scarpbook reminds you some of it. The more would be clear in the heaven. Congadulation for your "faithbook".
Mark S.
January 17, 2012 09:10 AM
Elieen, Great concept of "faithbooking". And your point to reflect how God has been faithful throughout your life is a good reminder how God walks with us everyday if we let Him. I love Joshua and how he left monuments where God "showed" up. Your concept of "faithbooking" is easy way to do this. Thanks for sharing.
Bob A. King
January 17, 2012 09:32 AM
Thanks for your excellent devo this morning, Eileen. I have appreciated your ministry with FIA and your enthusiasm for the Lord. Your heart comes through your fine comments on Scripture this morning. Thank You. Which seven states have you lived in?
Wendy
January 17, 2012 10:33 AM
Thanks Eileen! Presently, I am wondering what God's plan is for my family. Your words, "strengthened my faith to completely trust Him with my future", brought me encouragement. Like you, I had strengthened faith when I looked back and saw God's hand guiding my life. That can easily be "forgotten". It brings renewed excitement "remembering" God has his plan in mind!
Jackie Victor
January 17, 2012 03:28 PM
To my fellow "Stuffer" friend, Thank you, Eileen for all of your words of encouragement. I too have found that God has used circumstances in my life that have been bad and He has turned them around and used them for good. Where would we be without our Lord. See you soon, God bless you, Jackie
Misty
January 17, 2012 03:37 PM
Thank you for sharing! This devotional encouraged me to look beyond my circumstances and to trust God with my future! He has been faithful even in the hard times. Thanks
Jan Birt
January 18, 2012 07:34 PM
Eileen, my friend, how encouraging it is to share your enthusiasm for the Lord and how He blesses our lives. I appreciate how Abram kept his eyes on God's promise, not man's. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and faith.