Morning Moments

Genesis 26:1 (KJV)
1 And there was a famine in the land, beside the first famine that was in the days of Abraham. And Isaac went unto Abimelech king of the Philistines unto Gerar.

When you think about it, this experience of Isaac is so characteristic of so many of us in times of testing. We run to the world for help! Now don't misunderstand me, for there are times that we need its help. There is an interesting verse in Luke 16:9 (KJV) 9 And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations. It is like "doing unto one of these the least of my brethren."

We must always be careful not to take a text out of context, which is what is so often done with TV evangelists to obtain funds for ministry - not all, but some.

There is no question that God can do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, but there are times that He doesn't to serve a greater purpose. He does that in so very many ways.

In our text, God allow the famine to move Isaac. I often wonder what it will take to move some of us. We must always look to God and not the devil. You may pray yourself into a coma in an attempt to bind Satan, but he is after all, "the god of this world; the spirit that works in the children of disobedience." Jesus said to the Pharisees, "You are your father, the devil, and his works YOU WILL DO.

Isaac face a great test to gain a glimpse into how great God is. That is precisely what I have been through of late, and rejoice in it.

Well, Phillips, how do you know when it is a test of God or a temptation of Satan? I like the expression "keep it simple stupid." I am a simple man with a simple mind, so I understand things in simple ways. Satan always tempts IN THE MIDST of God's tests. Don't look for Satan behind every tree...SEE GOD and stay focused upon HIM, draw near to Him and He will draw near to you. RESIST the devil and he will FLEE from you. Copy that Houston? We must not complicate this! We are not instructed to rebuke the devil - God will do that. We are not told in ANY of the epistles to "bind" the devil. BUT we are told to "resist" him AFTER WE DRAW NEAR TO GOD! We are told NOT to give place to him; to flee youthful lusts; to say "NO" to ungodliness.

So, let's stop playing around with what teachers who don't know the Scriptures teach, keep with the Word, sanctify ourselves for God is sanctifying us, expect famines, but look for God's guidance through, out of, and away from them and let Him prepare a table for us IN THE WILDERNESS.

BLESSINGS!