In His Anchorage

NO PLACE LIKE HOME

Now the Lord appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre, while he was sitting at the tent door in the heat of the day. Genesis 18:1 NASU

Children are very sensitive to people's reactions to them. They would love to stay with people who welcome them rather than people who endure them. Adults, over time, grow numb to this feeling. They wonder why children prefer certain people to others. It all boils down to the attitude of welcoming.

Abraham, in today's passage, responded rightly to God's presence. He was sitting outside his tent, under an oak tree, enjoying the cool breeze. Then he noticed three men standing close by. Abraham knew the men would need refreshment from their journey. So, he begged them to receive refreshment from him before they continue their journey.

This action was endearing. Believers need to understand this in our relationship with God. God manifests where He is welcomed. There are various levels of welcoming. Every believer in Christ has welcomed Christ into their lives. But it is one thing to take a person into your house; it is another to wait on them and sit with them.

Friendship requires attention. You cannot access God's friendship if you will not give him quantity and quality time. When you make God feel at home in your life and day, you open yourself to greater possibilities in Him. If it seems like others are enjoying friendship with Him while you don't, know this: God is not partial. When you welcome Him, you too will enjoy real friendship with Him. Welcome Him.

Pray: Father, help me to stop giving excuse in my relationship with You in Jesus' name.

In His Anchorage Devotional

GOD OVER SELF

"Therefore she said to Abraham, " Drive out this maid and her son, for the son of this maid shall not be an heir with my son Isaac." The matter distressed Abraham greatly because of his son." Genesis 21:10-11 NASU

In most societies, men have dignity and pride. To dishonour a man is to dishonour every man. In those cultures, men would prefer to be poor than disgraced or disrespected. This was the case in Abraham's days.

The text today revealed how our mother Sarah made a demand of Father Abraham. She wanted Hagar and her son to leave them. She does not want Ishmael to share the firstborn right with Isaac. She wanted her son, Isaac, to have it.

The request seemed rash and selfish; the tone of voice and its implications put Abraham in a tough spot. The Bible noted that it caused distress for Abraham. But he swallowed his pride and his sense of judgment and obeyed God. He sacrificed his ego and feelings because of His relationship with God.

No one who is bent on protecting their pride and opinions can be God's friend. God would demand things that bruise your pride. You will be constantly in a situation to choose between your ways and your relationship with God. Prepare your mind. Be ready to sacrifice anything for the sake of your relationship with God.

Pray: Father, help me to deny my self because of my relationship with You in Jesus' name.