GENESIS 15:6. “And he believed in the Lord; and He counted it to him for righteousness.” GOD’S FRIEND. ABRAM DEPARTED FROM UR, 12:4. Hindrances may come from home, family, and natural attachments. When the Word of God calls us to leave any or all of these, it is not easy – but right because God knows best. Strings stretched long are still attached. Weights tied out of sight are still weights. To lay aside every weight and the sin that easily besets us is not an easy choice. I must do this for His sake.
ABRAM WENT UP OUT OF EGYPT, 13:1. Egypt has attractions and legitimate things to offer me - but it is still the world. It may be beneficial - but it is still the world. It may appeal to and attract my reason and intellect – but it is still the world. I must stay in Beulah-land.
ABRAM DWELLED IN THE LAND OF CANAAN, 13:12. All around are things that are wrong, but this is where He told me to go. People in this place are indifferent to what is righteous and holy, but this is where God wants me to be. The moral ways of the place are getting worse, but I must stay till He tells me to move. These rocky fields and rugged hills do not produce good crops, but here is where He has placed His name. I must work in these fields until He moves me.
ABRAM REMOVED HIS TENT AND DWELT IN MAMRE, 14:18. When it is time to move, may the tent pegs be easy to pull up. May the roots that remain be that of fruitful plants producing well. May my roots be in Him, not in the earth. May my hands not claim nor grasp what should be left behind. May my heart’s desire be where the altar is. May my sacrifices be true and from a free heart. I must dwell in the house of the Lord.
ABRAHAM ROSE UP EARLY IN THE MORNING, 22:3. The morning watch is a special time. Darkness seems to fade away without notice in the morning watch. Light is dawning and takes my attention in the morning watch. To stand before the Lord in the rising of the sun, is to see clearly what is ahead and to see the past for what it was. In the early morning, the chill of the soul leaves and warmth is received from the power of the Light. I must see the Light come each new day.
ABRAHAM BUILT AN ALTAR, 22:9. The offering of that which is most important to God, is a sacrifice that is acceptable. God does not expect what I cannot give. He may expect what I do not want to give. The nearest to my affections may have to be given that He may give it back in a more sanctified way. My best is not mine but His. My dearest is dearer to Him than to me. If He keeps it or gives it back, He has that right. I must let go of that which I love best.
“Father in heaven: I can better understand that the cost of friendship with God is high. Any friendship that is worth having is worth the cost. Help me to pick and choose with discretion. Friendship with Thee, is the highest privilege of all friendships. I have some, and for those friends, I give Thee thanks. Do I seem friendly towards You? Amen.”