Garden Ministry

Encouraging workers in the field of the Lord.

Faith or Foolishness (Part 4) “Put away your Strife!”

Friends are soon lost; but God is a friend from

whose love neither the height of prosperity nor

the depth of adversity shall separate us.

By Matthew Henry's


This is the 220th letter:


Text for the day: Genesis 13:8 (New King James Version)




“Please let there be no strife between you and me, and between my herdsmen and your herdsmen; for we are brethren.


Our Devotional

  
  

Have you ever had entitlement to something, but for the peace of the family you gave it up? This is the background of today’s devotional as we look at Abram, the family man. In Genesis 13 Verses 5-9, we have an unhappy falling out between two family members. Abram and Lot, who had up until this point been inseparable companions, will now be forced to part in order to keep the peace. The reason for their quarrel was their riches, but little did Lot realize that his riches were not because of himself, but God’s promise to Abram. In other words, Lot was blessed because he was living under the roof of his uncle.


You may be saying to yourself, “There are many people around the world who are living good, what about them? What about them? The Bible tells us if a man is blessed in life, it is because of God. But if a man does not serve God and is made rich, it is their blessings are because of someone else. “It is good being in good company, and going with those with whom God is blessing.” (Zechariah 8:23)


How sad for Christians not to see that God has purposed that through His people, who is His church. Blessings and the light of truth is to flow to all within their broader. Those that are partners with God's people in their obedience and sufferings shall be sharers with them in their joys and comforts, (Isaiah. 66:10).


Abram and Lot where both very rich and needed to separate, because the land was not able to bear them that they might dwell comfortably and peaceably together. So Abram said to Lot, “Please let there be no strife between you and me and between my herdsmen and your herdsmen; for we are brethren.” (Genesis 13:8)


Abram showed that he was a real man with a cool spirit, and that he had the command of his passion, and knew how to turn away wrath with a soft answer. (Proverbs 15:1-2)



"Let there be no strife between me and thee," said Abraham, "for we be brethren;" not only by natural relationship, but as worshipers of the true God. The children of God are one family, and the same spirit of love and conciliation should govern them. "Be kindly affectionate one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another" (Romans 12:10), is the teaching of our Savior. The cultivation of a uniform courtesy, a willingness to do to others as we would wish them to do to us, would annihilate half the ills of life. It is the spirit of self-aggrandizement, which is from Satan that is killing the spirit of love in the church and family; but the heart in which the love of Christ is cherished, will possess that charity which seeketh not her own. Such will heed the divine injunction, "Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others." Philippians 2:4.



If you are a child of God, you are called to keep the peace and must never render railing for railing. Abram had a condescending spirit; he was willing to beseech even his inferior to be at peace, and made the first moved to reconciliation. This noble, unselfish spirit of Abram we all need. How many circumstances hazard though they be, would be stopped if we followed Abrams example. How many churches have been divided, making the cause of God a byword and a reproach among those who know Him not would be unity if we followed Abrams example. We should always approve ourselves a peaceable people; whatever others are for, we must be for peace. Abrams plea for peace was very cogent. "Let there be no strife between those seeking God, but peace. You may not all be in the same church or on the same pew, but we are called to be one and not lords over anyone, because Jesus is our Lord and peace. (Philippians 3:20-20/ Luke 22:25-26/ 1 Corinthian 11:16)

Finally remember, Life, loving kindness, health, food, shelter, clothing, water, affection, companionship, and countless other blessings God had given everyone, living under Abrams roof, and they where renewed every day. Each gift was a blessing, a manifestation of the steadfast love of Him who is the giver of every good and perfect gift.” (Lamentation 3:22-23/ James 1:17)


Every comfort in this world has its cross attending it. Business is a comfort; but it has an inconvenience in it, that it offers benefits’ as we could wish for. But it could set a family at variance one with another. Riches can also often an occasion of strife and contention among relations and neighbors also. This is one of those foolish and hurtful lusts which those that will be rich fall into. (1 Tim. 6:9-12)


Riches not only afford matters for contention, and are the things most commonly striven about, but they also stir up a spirit of contention, by making people proud and covetous…. As you go through your day keep your mind open, because “Poverty and travail, wants and wanderings, could not separate or bring anything between Abram and Lot; but riches did. Friends are soon lost; but God is a friend from whose love neither the height of prosperity nor the depth of adversity shall separate us.


If you would like to put forth a comment to our series, send it to
TucciGardenMinistry@gmail.com, all comments will be viewed then posted.
If you don’t wish your comment to be posted just let us know.


This letter was written by Elder Kevin Santucci

Join us next time for another ray of sunshine from Garden Ministry when we shall look at, Faith or Foolishness (Part 5)



Song of the day

Click:


Ø Today is a day to love and not war.

If possible, share with us your response.


Our Prayer for today:

Lord, allow your love to be seen in me today, Amen.



Prayer Request

Community / International Prayer


New York:

Ø Can you keep my children in prayer for a hedge of protection around them and for them to turn their lives over to Jesus so their names can be written in the Lamb's Book of Life, and for my health?
Blessings,
Diane


Atlanta Georgia:

Ø Would you pray that Medical problem(s) of Adeena will be healed?


Around the world:


The world:

Ø Let us pray that all wars will stop today



"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, who are the called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28


Remember that the true meaning of ASAP: "Always Say a Prayer"


A person, who loves the Bible, will also love to pray, and a person who loves to pray will delight themselves in the Bible.


Share your prayer needs with our

network of intercessors. Send your

request to: 'TucciGardenMinistry@gmail.com'


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We are into our 92nd week since starting Garden Ministry; why not send Garden Ministry your Testimony, remarks, or prayer request to http://gardenministry.blogspot.com/ .

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Welcome to Garden Ministry,

Where the soil of the mind is broken up, fertilized, and made ready for the toiling of the Holy Spirit. Garden Ministrys' purpose is to encourage the workers in the field of the Lord, and to keep them looking up to Jesus.
Note; Garden Ministrys' devotionals is produced from Sunday to Saturday.

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Like a plant, let us look up and push on. Let us find some way of which we can unite our communities, and help them find Jesus, and prepare ourselves for further service in the Lord. Don’t Give Up. Look Up!

Truly I am encouraged how little can become much when you place it in the Master’s hand. To all our faithful readers, on behalf of the Garden Ministry team we wish you Gods riches Blessings.

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Remember, you’re the only Jesus some will ever see.