Abram: Servant Leader- Problem Solver

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Genesis 13:8-9

So Abram said to Lot, "Let's not have any quarreling between you and me, or between your herdsmen and mine, for we are brothers.  Is not the whole land before you?  If you go to the left, I'll go to the right; if you go to the right, I'll go to the left."

The way Abram addressed this difficult situation is another example of his wisdom and greatness.  He didn't get mad at Lot that their herdsmen were quarreling and fighting each other for pastureland.  Instead he gave Lot the pick of the land, and he moved in the opposite direction that Lot chose.  There are several lessons Abram teaches us here in Genesis 13:

1. Value People Over Stuff

Abram valued and loved his nephew, Lot, more than his herds and his wealth.  He wasn't willing to jeopardize the relationship fighting for what's best for him and his herds.  Abram could have sent Lot away, telling him which direction he could go.  Abram was wealthier and more powerful.  But he didn't.  Instead he gave Lot first choice.  He could choose whichever land he wanted, and Abram would choose from what was left.

This isn't exactly what Stephen Covey would call win-win, but it is definitely a display of humble love.  When you value people more than stuff you're willing to sacrifice what's best for you, when necessary, because you value people more.  Abram is really displaying fatherly love here to Lot.  A good, godly, parent is always willing to sacrifice earthly stuff for the sake of their children.  The relationship is infinitely more valuable.   

2. Be a Creative Problem-Solver

The problem that arose between Abram and Lot's herdsmen was the result of a good thing: They were both becoming wealthier and more prosperous.  This problem is something that could have torn them apart and destroyed their relationship forever, but it didn't.  It didn't because Abram displayed great wisdom in solving the problem.

Notice that Abram doesn't get caught up in arguing with Lot and trying to bully him into submitting to his authority.  He doesn't waste time making a case for his own herdsmen.  Instead, he focuses on solving the problem.  How much energy do we waste in our lives by blaming others and justifying our own actions instead of just solving the problem?

Abram didn't care who was right and who was wrong.  He didn't care about any of the "reasons" the two groups weren't getting along.  He recognized that they both were becoming more prosperous and as their herds continued to grow the tension between the two groups would only increase.  Abram understood the root of the problem and he was willing to make the tough decision that was required to solve it.  He recognized that he and Lot had to separate.  So he discussed the situation with Lot and the problem was solved.  No blame.  No animosity.  Just peaceful and agreeable resolution to the problem.

3. Be a Humble Servant

Abram was a humble servant of the Lord.  He knew where all of his blessings had come from.  Because he knew the love of the Lord, he was compelled to love like the Lord.  He loved Lot as his own son.  His concern was doing what was best for him.  He knew he didn't have to fight for the best land or more animals because he knew God was taking care of him and would continue to bless him wherever he went, he had already been given that promise.

As a "man of God" Abram was most likely teaching his family, and Lot's, about God.  What a great display of integrity Abram displays here: his actions lining up with what he would have been teaching about God, and how they were to live according to God's will.  Abram was actually walking his talk here.  He didn't just pay lip service to how we should love each other because God loves us.  He was actually letting God's love be displayed through his humble and loving actions.  Wouldn't it be great if we could do the same thing everyday?

The good news is: we can.  We just have to have the same attitude and outlook that Abram did:

By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going... For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. (Hebrews 11:8,10)

Abram had his treasures stored up in heaven so he didn't need to fight for "things" here on earth.  That is how we develop the same attitude and outlook on life that Abram displayed in Genesis 13, and throughout his entire life.

God bless

Jason Fredrick

What's Your Purpose?

 Do you know what your life's purpose is?  Have you thought about it lately?

Going through life without your purpose/mission clearly defined is like taking a trip to a place you have never been to without a GPS or a map.  It's actually worse than that.  It's more like starting a journey without clearly defining where you are going.  You're just traveling every day trying to get...somewhere.  Who knows where, but you're definitely going somewhere.  The problem with not defining your destination is that anywhere is just as good as somewhere else.

Clearly defining your purpose is like the traveler who knows exactly where he is going.

In Genesis 12:2-3 God directly gives Abram his life's purpose:

"I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you;

I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.

I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse;

and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you." 

God's purpose for Abram's life is quite clear:

1. I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you.

Abram would become wealthy and prosperous, but it would be because of God not because of his own intelligence or skill.  Also, Abram would have children.

2. I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.

God would make Abram famous among the neighboring people.  But Abram wasn't to use this fame for his own glory.  He was to use his fame and influence to be a blessing to the people around him.  Abram's great name has lasted longer than just his fame among his neighbors.  His name will be great for all eternity.

3. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse.

God tells Abram that he is God's chosen one.  Anyone who helps Abram and treats him with respect will be blessed, anyone who does not will be cursed.  This is another promise from God that he would watch over and protect Abram.

4. all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.

This is the promise of the Savior.  This is God telling Abram that he has been chosen for Jesus to come from his family line.  In this way, we have all been blessed though Abram.

That was Abram's purpose.  What's yours?  You can read about how Abram lived out this purpose in Genesis 12-23.  He didn't always do it perfectly.  But the Bible tells us that "his faith was credited to him as righteousness."

The best advice I can give you to help you discover your purpose is this: Read God's Word everyday, and think through these 3 questions from Jim Collins (Good to Great):

1. What are you deeply passionate about?
2. What can you be the best in the world at (and, equally important, what you cannot be the best in the world at)?
3. What drives you economic engine?

If you want more help I would suggest getting Orrin Woodward's book Resolved, the first resolution is Purpose.

Whatever you do, don't just ignore this.  Take some time and give it some serious thought.  Like Abram, God created you for a reason.  Your life has a purpose.  Take the time to figure out what it is and then live intentionally everyday.

God bless

Jason Fredrick

God is Just...And Merciful

 Genesis 6:5-6

The LORD saw how great man's wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time. The LORD was grieved that he had made man on the earth, and his heart was filled with pain.

This was the condition of the world in Noah's day.  Approximately 1500 years after sin entered the world, the entire world was wicked and depraved.  Just 1500 years.  That's not that long. Just 1500 years and out of millions of people in the world only 8 were still faithful to God. God had given them 120 years to repent and turn back to him, but when the time was up only those original 8 people walked on to the ark.  Despite Noah's best efforts, after 120 years of preaching and the construction of that massive boat in the dessert, no one repented and turned back to God.  How would you like those results after 120 years of ministry?

The reality is that our world today is not much different. Sin and wickedness are celebrated. Rebelling against God is cool.  We are surrounded by wickedness, both in our communities and in the media we purposely stream into our homes. Sins that are celebrated in American society are: Sexual sins (pornography, homosexuality, marital infidelity), Slandering and disrespecting authority, Violence (rioting, looting, and murder), Corruption within the government agencies, Divorce (murdering families), Abortions (murdering children), Human trafficking, etc.  Describe any kind of wickedness and evil, and it is celebrated in America, even if only in certain circles. The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them.  For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.- Romans 1:18-20

In Noah's day, God judged the world with water and saved his elect in the ark.  In the last days, God will judge the world with fire and will save his elect through his Son, Jesus Christ, our Ark of Salvation. God's great power is displayed in his mercy. Even though we are all born enemies of him, he has forgiven every sin through the blood of Jesus.  Jesus took the punishment for every sin, even for those who hate him and die in their rejection of him. God is just, but he is also merciful.  He loves everyone and doesn't want anyone to perish.

First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, "Where is this 'coming' he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation." But they deliberately forget that long ago by God's Word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water. By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.

But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.

Since everything will destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and new earth, the home of righteousness.

So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless, and at peace with him. Bear in mind that our Lord's patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him.- 2 Peter 3:3-15

God bless

Jason Fredrick

The World Loves the Darkness and Rejects the Light

 Then the LORD said to Cain, "Why are you angry?  Why is your face downcast?  If you do what is right, will you not be accepted?  But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it." (Genesis 4:6-7)

Cain had some problems.  He was the oldest and his younger brother was making him look bad.  Abel's offering was pleasing to God.  Cain's offering was not.  In reality, Abel was not the one making Cain look bad.  Cain was making Cain look bad.  In fact, Cain was bad because he was offering sacrifices to God out of duty, not love.  Hebrews 11:4 tells us that it was Abel's faith that made his sacrifice better; it had nothing to do with what was being sacrificed.  Abel's faithfulness exposed Cain's lack of faith to himself.  

Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother.  And why did he murder him?  Because his own actions were evil and his brother's were righteous. (1 John 3:12)

This is the same reason why the world hates Christians.  Because Christians have been made righteous through faith in Christ.  The righteousness of Christians exposes the world's evil rejection of Jesus.  Our light exposes others' darkness to themselves; and like Cain they can't stand it.  It makes them angry.  This is why Jesus told his disciples that the world would hate them.  This is why the world hates you for openly, and freely, confessing your faith in Jesus. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.  In him was life, and that life was the light of men.  The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it. (John 1:3-4)

Don't get angry when people insult you or belittle you because of your faith in Jesus.  Instead, have pity on them.  They are on their way to hell!  Love them enough to keep telling them about everything Jesus has done for them.  Some will listen and be saved.  Keep publicly proclaiming Jesus until the day you die.  Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer.  I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days.  Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life. (Revelation 2:10)

God bless

Jason Fredrick

Why is Life so Tough?

 "Did God really say...?"

This one little question is the reason life is so tough today.  God created a perfect world for Adam and Eve to live in.  He had created that perfect world for each of us to live in as well.  This question from Satan to Eve undid all of it.

When Eve listened to this question and the lies of Satan, she stopped trusting in God's Word.  She saw her opportunity to be equal to God and to have some really nice stuff (Genesis 3:6).  These temptations were too much for her and she abandoned God's Word and plunged head-long into sin.  And today we still pay the price for her selfishness.  Eve and Adam's sin ruined God's perfect creation.  "For Adam was formed first, then Eve.  And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner." (1 Timothy 2:13-14)

Thankfully, God also gave us the remedy to sin on that same day.  In Genesis 3:15, God promises to send a Savior who would defeat Satan and sin.  That promised was fulfilled when Jesus came into the world: he lived a perfect life, he willingly died on the cross, and he rose from the dead on the third day to defeat sin, death, and the devil.  That is why even though we are all sinners we have the hope of eternal life in heaven.  Jesus has redeemed us!

So even though this life has its challenges and pain, we know it is only temporary.  "Therefore we do not lose heart.  Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.  For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.  So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen.  For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)

God bless

Jason Fredrick