Morning Moments

As we continue to look at Abram's Altar of Growth, we move from Fighting and Famine to FEAR. NOW HEAR THIS! God does not record these things for us to find fault, but for us to find faith. When a brother or sister fails or falls, we must remain an instrument in the hands of our Father for Help and Hope. Don't get haughty, but humble! "Let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall."

Read Genesis 20 - How could one who had seen so clearly the providence, provision, and protection of God be so faithless as to lie about his wife being his sister? The same way you and I do in other ways when we FEAR. Fear is a crippler of faith, and that is why God tells us that "perfect love casts out fear." How many times does the Lord tell us to fear not? Is this for no purpose? Is warning after warning not sufficient for us?

Some of us live in fear of terrorists. Others live in fear of the loss of their investments. There are those who live in fear of the death of a loved one. Still others fear that somehow God has forgotten them, or that they are no longer being used of God. RUBISH. We need to get that stuff out of our minds. In the words of J. Sidlow Baxter, "What we give, God takes; what He takes He cleanses, what He cleanses He fills; what He fills He uses. End of story! Jesus said, "Fear not him that can kill the body, but fear Him who can destroy both soul and body in hell." The word fear means more that mere respect. The word conveys the idea of "falling backwards in awe". When we "fall back in awe", underneath are the EVERLASTING ARMS! Glory to God!

Abram feared for his life because he had rather sacrifice his wife than his life. Seems a bit strange doesn't it? You would think that a man's wife would be safer than his sister, but such was not the case in Abram's eyes. He felt that Abibelech might take his life, then take his wife. In the same way we sometimes sacrifice our character for fear of criticism. It is better to be honest and hurt than it is to be dishonest and healthy, happy, or honored by the world.

PRAYER: Father, my desire is to be a man of integrity. Teach me that faith is more important than saving face. Teach me that you did not place me here for the world (or even the Church) to approve of me, but for YOU to approve. Teach me to respectfully say NO to whatever is not consistent with Your will, Your Word, and Your way for me.