Fight For Your Family

The Tithe

5/23/2017

Genesis 14:20b-24 NLT, “Then Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of all the goods he had recovered. The king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give back my people who were captured. But you may keep for yourself all the goods you have recovered.” Abram replied to the king of Sodom, “I solemnly swear to the LORD, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, that I will not take so much as a single thread or sandal thong from what belongs to you. Otherwise you might say, ‘I am the one who made Abram rich.’ I will accept only what my young warriors have already eaten, and I request that you give a fair share of the goods to my allies—Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre.””

fighting for your family involves tithing

This is not the same Abram we encountered in Genesis 12 (Exploited). Back then, Abram asked Sarai to tell the Egyptians she was his sister so his life would be spared and he would be treated well because of her. Abram learned not to take advantage of others for riches.

In fact, this verse in 20b precedes with this statement from Melchizedek, “And blessed be God Most High, who has defeated your enemies for you (Covenant).” He is expressing to Abram that God fulfilled his covenant with him. Covenant was the only reason his enemies were defeated and his family was returned to him. In agreement and recognition of this report, Abram tithed from the goods he had recovered.

And that is the primary reason for the tithe. It is a public acknowledgement to everyone that God is the One Who defeats our enemies and returns our loved ones back to us.

Second, it keeps us from taking advantage of others. Bera, King of Sodom, evidently had respect for both Abram and Melchizedek. It also appears that he was in awe of the God who fought for Abram, otherwise, he wouldn’t have offered for Abram to keep all the spoils.

Third, it is a public statement that we do not become rich by our own hand or by taking advantage of others. True wealth and riches come from the God.

Proverbs 10:22 NLT, "The blessing of the LORD makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it."

Fourth, tithing teaches us to give to others what is due to them, especially when they were such a blessing in our time of need (give a fair share of the goods to my allies vs. 24).

The tithe is a covenant act as much as communion or praying for the sick with the laying on of hands and the anointing of oil. When we tithe, we are taking care of the family of God. When we take care of God’s family, it swings the door wide open for God to take care of our love ones.

This concludes our series Fight For Your Family. We hope it was a blessing to you.

We will return next Tuesday, May 30th, with a new series, 'How God Sees You'. Until then, you are in our prayers and enjoy your Memorial Day weekend!

Pray It:
Father, I acknowledge our covenant. You fight against my enemies and for my loved ones when I tithe. As I tithe, I will remember not to take advantage of others vulnerability, and I will give to others what is due to them. Wealth and riches do not come by my hand, or the hands of others, but only through You. You are the source of my life and I will praise You forever. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Say It:
Tithing is an act of covenant.
I acknowledge that God fights my enemies.
I acknowledge that God fights for my loved ones.
I will not take advantage of others.
True riches and wealth come from God.
I give to others what is due to them.

Do It:
I will make covenant with God by tithing and praise Him for taking care of all that concerns me (Malachi 3).

0 Comments

Covenant

5/22/2017

0 Comments

Genesis 14:17-20 NLT, “After Abram returned from his victory over Kedorlaomer and all his allies, the king of Sodom went out to meet him in the valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley). And Melchizedek, the king of Salem and a priest of God Most High, brought Abram some bread and wine. Melchizedek blessed Abram with this blessing: “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And blessed be God Most High, who has defeated your enemies for you.”

fighting for your family relies on covenant

How did Abram rescue Lot?

First, Abram formed alliances with several kings in case of war.

Second, he had men trained for combat that were at the ready.

Third, Abram used war strategies to overcome the enemy. This is also indicative of his prayer life and what happens when we pray.

This historic meeting that happened after the battle was held in the valley of Shaveh. The word Shaveh is defined as 'equal' (1) and this valley is also known as the King’s Valley, located in present day Jerusalem (2). What is happening here? Abram the Hebrew (Genesis 14:3) is elevated in status and publically recognized as an equal with the Bera, King of Sodom, King Mamre, King Eschol, King Aner, and King Melchizedek. Melchizedek not only formally acknowledges Abram as leader of the Hebrews (one who came from across the river) but also makes a covenant with him with bread and wine.

The bread and wine is very significant. The eating of the covenant meal was one of the last steps to completing the covenant ritual (3). When Melchizedek exchanged bread with Abram, his physical body and Abram’s body were then considered one person. When they exchanged wine, they were then considered blood brothers. What Melchizedek established was that when someone harmed Abram, they harmed him simultaneously because they were one flesh and from the same blood family. Together, they were undefeatable and anyone who was an enemy to either party were doomed to destruction.

How does this information apply to me? And how does this information help me rescue my family?

Ephesians 2:6 NLT, “For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus.”

When we received Jesus into our hearts, our position or status changed. Our spirit resurrected from the dead just as Jesus’ body resurrected from the dead. This transaction repositioned us from someone operating solely with faulty human intelligence and dependent upon our own limited human wits to a king who co-reigns as an equal in union with Jesus in the heavenly realm.

Now, we see Melchizedek, King of Salem, Priest of the Almighty God, confirming covenant with Abram in front of all his peers. Melchizedek greeted Abram with a powerful blessing from God. He decreed that the reason Abram won his back his family and had such an amazing victory was because God defeated his enemies for him.

As children of God, we are in covenant with Him. As covenant children, we are part of His body (Romans 12:5; I Corinthians 6:15,19) and because we accepted the work of the blood of Jesus, we are part of the same blood family (Ephesians 2:13; Hebrews 13:12,20). When Satan or his cohorts harm us or our loved ones, God fights through us and He defeats our enemies for us.

Nothing guarantees position and power except for covenant. In this world, we can have position one day and it can be stripped away the next. God is always dependable. Our status with Him and the availability of His powerful intervention for us will always remain unchanged. We can depend on God for our lives and the lives of our loved ones.

Pray It:
Father, I feel like David when I say who am I and who is my family that we are so prominent on Your mind? We mean so very much to You. Father, Your love is more than I can understand. I dedicate myself and my family to You. Again and again I thank You for the Body and Blood of Jesus, Your Son, my Saviour and my Lord. I thank You for elevating me to co-reign with You. I thank You for fighting through me and for me and for everyone that is near and dear to me. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Say It:
I reign with Christ is heavenly places.
I use that authority to fight for my loved ones.
God fights my enemies through me and for me.
My God and His Christ are deserving of my love and praise forever.

Do It:
Make a list of your loved ones and pray with expectancy for their salvation and deliverance. He did it for Abram and He will do it for you.

References:

https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H7740&t=NLT
http://bibleatlas.org/king's_valley.htm
http://www.systemath.com/uploads/6/9/5/2/6952345/the-blood-covenant.pdf

0 Comments

saving lot

5/15/2017

0 Comments

Genesis 14:15-16 NLT, “There (City of Dan) he (Abram) divided his men and attacked during the night. Kedorlaomer’s army fled, but Abram chased them as far as Hobah, north of Damascus. Abram recovered all the goods that had been taken, and he brought back his nephew Lot with his possessions and all the women and other captives.” (parenthesis added)

fighting for your family involves effective prayer

Embedded in these two verses are not just war tactics, but prayer strategies. 1 Corinthians 15:46 ESV, “But it is not the spiritual that is first but the natural, and then the spiritual.” God shows us what can happen naturally or physically so we can grasp what happens spiritually. Let’s deconstruct these verses.

The City of Dan, a 'Judge'
Abram and his men arrived in the city of Dan, meaning 'the city of a judge'. When we pray, God our Judge declares us righteous. The enemy, who is Satan and his cohorts, are condemned.

Abram Divided His Men
Abram and his army had one purpose, but he divided his men into groups to weaken every side of the enemy’s camp. I think we can learn from this maneuver. When we pray, we come together in unity and with one purpose. It would serve us well to divide into groups targeting specific areas to weaken every side of the enemy's camp.

Abram Attacked During the Night
Kedorlaomer and his men had successfully pummeled miles of land without resistance (Genesis 14:5-7; Genesis 14:14). Filled with pride, they had let down their guard. Evidently, no one was assigned to keep watch over the men while they slept. This reveals to us something about our enemy. When the enemy is convinced they have won the battle, in their arrogance, they let down their guard. That is why it is so important for us to fight the hardest when everything appears to be lost.

Kedorlaomer’s Army Fled
K’s army was in a slumbering stupor and they didn’t know what hit them. Unprepared by this blind attack, they were blitzed by Abram’s men. Fearing for their lives they fled out of terror and confusion. When we praise God for the answers to our prayers, it is the equivalent of blitzing the enemy (Crucified). Psalm 118:5-7 NLT, "In my distress I prayed to the LORD, and the Lord answered me and set me free. The LORD is for me, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me? Yes, the LORD is for me; he will help me. I will look in triumph at those who hate me."

Hiding Place
Abram’s men chased K’s army all the way to Hobah which means 'hiding place' (1). The enemy thought they were running to a place of safety. This is a beautiful allegory of Jesus descending into the pits of hell, Satan’s hiding place, and recovering the keys of the kingdom back to the Church. When we use the authority of the keys of the kingdom, things that were hidden in darkness are brought to light.

Recovery
The distance from Dan (where Abram’s army divided into groups) to Hobah is 50 miles (1). The number 50 in Hebrew signifies Jubilee, the complete recovery of everything that was lost or stolen. Verse 16 tells us that Abram recovered ALL the goods of the country, Lot, all of Lot’s possessions and all of the women. In fact, the King James word for captives could be interpreted as 'a nation of people' (2). Abram brought Jubilee to Lot and an entire nation ravaged by war.

Let’s face it, how many times have you obeyed God and then something tragic happened? This is exactly what happened with Abram. He obeyed God by separating from Lot and then Lot was taken prisoner. Be aware of the enemy's tactic to trick you into doubting God and discouraging you from obeying Him. Be like Abram, THINK BIG! Fight to win. Jubilee is the goal of prayer. Expect total recovery for yourself, for all of God’s people, and for all of those who were taken captive along with your loved ones. An example of fighting for modern day captives can be found in The Cross and the Switchblade, a book about a young preacher who converted a notorious gang in New York City.

Pray It:
Father, thank You for revealing the tactics of the enemy. I must be ready at all times, in all seasons to fight for my loved ones. I will be intelligent in prayer and target areas to weaken the army of the enemy. I have learned to fight the hardest when everything seems lost, because with You, Lord, there is always a victory. I will praise You at all times and as I praise You, I recover what was lost. Thank You for providing me with everything I need to go into battle and rescue my love ones and everyone else who are involved with the goal of Jubilee. Jesus is my Jubilee and in His Name I pray. Amen.

Say It:
I approach prayer with intelligence and purpose and expect answers.
I fight the hardest in prayer when everything seems lost.
I will praise God always.
My goal in prayer is Jubilee for my family and everyone else who's involved.
Jesus is my Jubilee.

Do It:
Keep a bookmark on this section of scripture, and keep this lesson handy so it will be easily accessible when you need to use it.

References:

0 Comments

Build Bridges

5/9/2017

0 Comments

Genesis 14:11-13 NLT, “The victorious invaders then plundered Sodom and Gomorrah and headed for home, taking with them all the spoils of war and the food supplies. They also captured Lot—Abram’s nephew who lived in Sodom—and carried off everything he owned. But one of Lot’s men escaped and reported everything to Abram the Hebrew, who was living near the oak grove belonging to Mamre the Amorite. Mamre and his relatives, Eshcol and Aner, were Abram’s allies.”

To fight for your family you need allies

In our last series, (Can I Change?), we watched Abram restart his life by returning to the last place he was in God's will. He changed from being selfish and creating problems to becoming a problem solver and a peacemaker. The series ended with Abram separating peacefully from Lot like he was supposed to, freeing God to bless him.

But what happened to Lot?

He found himself in the worst sort of trouble as a prisoner of war. Only Abram could save Lot from a fate worse than death. When one of Lot’s men escaped he confidently ran straight to Abram for help.

Abram was a (peacemaker) and he knew how to network. He had become allies with Mamre, and his relatives Eshcol and Aner. That meant that if Abram was at war, his allies would fight on his side and vice versa. Mamre and his relatives must have been impressed with Abram’s wealth and manpower for them to join him and want his backing.

Another thing to consider is that there is no record of Abram changing his allegiance to the idols these men worshipped or adapting their practices. And yet, the men respected Abram enough to be allied with him. More so, as they got to know Abram, they respected the God that blessed and preserved him and wanted to be on his good side.

I have met Christians that have as little to do with other people as possible. They interact only with their own little circle and do not connect with others. As people, we all have shared interests or common goals to pursue. I am not saying to be unequally yoked, but, I am saying that it is good to be part of the PTA, neighborhood watch, the community center, carpool, voting, etc… be a blessing, offer your services, fulfill your duty as citizens. Connect with others, build bridges into their lives.

I also believe a time is coming when unbelievers will take notice of the way our God blesses and preserves us. They will desire to get in on some of that sweet action which in turn opens the door for us to lead them to Jesus so they can know Him personally.

When Jesus walked this earth, he connected with the undesirables such as the prostitutes and tax collectors. He welcomed them into His sphere of influence. He didn’t sin with them, but shared hospitality and company demonstrating that they were people of value and worth in His eyes. Consider this, Jesus was not buried by family or His closest friends. Nicodemus, a tax collector, supplied the spices for burial and Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the Pharisaical Counsel, respectfully approached Pilate for Jesus’ body and provided His grave (John 19:39-40). So, you see, Jesus blessed others by showing them the love of the Father. In turn, they blessed Him and helped Him to complete His destiny. So, if Jesus needed others to help complete His destiny, we certainly do as well.

How does this apply to us today? When our family members are in trouble, give them the help they need. Work with the doctors, pastors, counselors, teachers, rehab centers, etc... Ally with them and create a strong support system for your loved ones. We are always stronger together. A support system not only helps our loved ones, it helps those affected by them.

1 Corinthians 12:26 ESV, "If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together."

Pray It:
Father, we are a living testimony of Your love. And if we do not show Your love to others, believers and unbelievers alike, then others will never know Your goodness. Help me to be civically minded and supportive of others. I love You and I thank You for sending others to reach out to me when I did not know You. Thank You for sending Jesus to demonstrate Your love to us. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Say It:
I connect with other people and build bridges.
I demonstrate God’s love towards others.
I offer my services to others.

Do It:
Meditate on Hebrews 12:14, "work at living in peace with everyone and living a holy life in front of them. It’s a daily thing and it’s a process."

0 Comments

The Tithe

fighting for your family involves tithing

Covenant

fighting for your family relies on covenant

saving lot

fighting for your family involves effective prayer

Build Bridges

To fight for your family you need allies

Cee Maria

Archives

Categories