Tune and Prepare!

by todaydevotional.com Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy. Hebrews 12:14 For many years ReFrame's Russian-language ministry has been producing a talk show called The Dificult Questions . In this live radio broadcast we answer listeners' questions about the Bible and Christianity. But sometimes we hear from people who have a complaint rather than an inquiry. One caller recently shared that her family left the church because the congregation had many bitter divisions and Ooooo fights. The woman said that these conflicts weakened her faith. In our Bible reading for today the author of Hebrews urges readers to "make every effort to live in peace with everyone and Oto be holy." This is not an optional short-term activity but a necessity that requires our lifelong commitment. People who are at peace with God are responsible to pursue peace in their relationships with others. You see, when we seek peace with others, we so...

by todaydevotional.com Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba, and there he called on the name of the LORD, the Eternal God. Genesis 21:33 Abimelek, a local ruler, wanted to make a treaty with Abraham because, as he said, “God is with you in everything you do.” Abimelek played it safe and became an ally of Abraham rather than an enemy. At first glance, this may seem a minor incident in Abraham’s life, but at Beersheba we see that Abraham calls on the LORD as El Olam, “the Everlasting God” or “Eternal God.” The Hebrew word olam means “for a long time, always, forever.” El Olam thus reveals God as “the Everlasting God,” without beginning or end. Why would Abraham use the name El Olam here? Note that before encountering Abimelek, Sarah had given birth to Isaac, the son God had promised. Abraham saw that God was faithful to his promises from many years earlier. As a reminder that “the Everlasting God” keeps his promises, Abraham planted a tamarisk tree, a...