Day 18: Bible Family Issues

Luke 14: 1-24; Genesis 25; Psalm 18

Jesus  teaches us to be unselfish.  He shows that we should give ourselves less so that others may have better; that we should give to people who cannot return the favor.  Sin wants to take control and make me a selfish person, and it is hard to keep that from happening.  But may the Lord and hi Holy Spirit would guide our hearts so that in a moment of decision, we choose humility and selflessness and kindness over pride and legalism.

People give all sorts of excuses for not following Jesus:  they care too much about their possessions, their work, or relationships to follow or serve.  I pray that we would not use excuses to make our lives easier.  This life is going to be hard, and it will be more rewarding, more glorifying if we are serving and being challenged while we act out the love of Jesus.

The family dynamics of Rebekah and Isaac and Jacob and Esau are not good to begin with.  First, they were twins, which I assume was considered a problem in this culture.  Second, Rebekah and Isaac had favorites, causing quarrels and ill feelings.  Then Esau was impulsive, a complainer, and dramatic, while Jacob took advantage of that and was manipulative.  All of these things are sinful and resulted in continuing problems for this family.  It is important to recognize these things in ourselves and our own families so that we can have healthier relationships and be blessed by our family relationships, not burdened by them.

In this Psalm, David has experienced answers to prayers, rescue from enemies, supernatural strength, blessings beyond imagining, and support from a powerful God.  I hope and  pray that we would see God working in our own lives.  We don’t need to pray for more stuff because God is already here and already blessing us.  May God help us to see him at work in our lives.