6 Minute Read + Scripture readings
Today’s Bible Reading:
Today’s Bible Verse(s):
“So it was, when God destroyed the cities of the plain, he remembered Abraham and brought Lot out of the middle of the upheaval when he demolished the cities where Lot had lived.”
Genesis 19:29 (CSB)
Reflections on Today’s Bible Verse(s):
You don’t really have to teach egocentrism. It comes naturally. We tend to think of ourselves much more than we think of others. That’s why Jesus had to remind us of the second greatest commandment:
Mark 12:31 (CSB): “The second is, Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other command greater than these.”
So, we really need to think of others more. In fact, we need to care for them as we would care for ourselves.
However, that being said, we see something very interesting in Today’s Bible Verse. We are told that God rescued Lot from the destruction that He poured upon the cities of the plains. But it wasn’t ultimately for Lot’s sake that he was rescued. It was for Abraham’s sake.
Genesis 19:29 (CSB): “So it was, when God destroyed the cities of the plain, he remembered Abraham and brought Lot out of the middle of the upheaval when he demolished the cities where Lot had lived.”
God blessed Lot because of Abraham!
Friend, did you know that God may bless those around you … because of you? As we look at the example of Abraham, we realize that he was a man of faith who was living for the Lord. God had called him to leave his home and head west – and he did. So, Abraham was a man of faith who was serious about following the Lord.
Principle: If you are serious about following Jesus, God may bless those around you because of you!
But, this is where egocentrism could get a foothold in our life. We may acknowledge this biblical principle and allow it to become a source of pride in our hearts. We might come to think that everything good that happens around us is because of … us.
We must be so careful to pursue humility with every step we take on the road of holiness.
Far too many people think that following Jesus and pursuing holiness is a “private thing.” Nothing could be farther from the truth. If we fail to take our faith in Him seriously, our kids may not receive blessings that God desired to give to them. Our spouse may not receive God’s blessings when God had intended to bless them. Our other family members and friends may also fail to receive a blessing from the Lord if we aren’t chasing after Jesus.
So, pursue holiness! Live a life of faith in God! Spend much time in His Word and obey what you read! Confess sin quickly, deeply, and completely! Have fun chasing after Jesus! After all, you’re a Jesus-follower, aren’t you?
Who knows … maybe the blessings that your loved ones and friends receive might be because God is blessing them because of you.
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Lord Jesus, I realize that I sometimes battle with egocentrism. I sometimes think too much of myself and not as much of You and others. Please forgive me and help me to care enough about those around me to pursue holiness. I desperately want you to bless others because of your love for me. Amen.
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“Taking a Trip to Israel:
Pictures, Videos, Reflections and Tips from a Trip to the Holy Land”
A trip to Israel can bring the stories of the Bible to life! It is unfortunate that most people will never be able to afford such a trip or fit it into their busy schedules.
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Making your way through the pages of this book will help you to ultimately get more out of your time in the greatest Book of all, God’s Word.
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Matt’s Musings 