Today’s Reading, Genesis 16-18
Focal Scripture: Genesis 18:1 “The Lord appeared to Abraham at the oaks of Mamre while he was sitting at the entrance of his tent during the heat of the day.”
Getting visitors in a time of need makes a dramatic difference in one’s personal life. Over the last couple of years I have had numerous surgeries. More than I care to admit and at times even think about in my life. Being a very private person I don’t share details or go into specifics with my health challenges. However, the ones who do know, do a phenomenal job of looking out for me and visiting me in my time of need. Every phone call, visit, text, and show of concern, helps alleviate the pain and the struggle that I have experienced. The right visitor at the right time changes everything.
In today’s reading Abraham gets three visitors. One of them is the Lord and the other two are angels. This pre incarnate visit from God is very significant and powerful. This visit was intentional, as Abraham was in need of encouragement and information. The encouragement came from spending time with these individuals. They shared a meal together and conversation. This time in one another’s presence helped build a strong bond. Abraham also received information that Sodom and Gomorrah were about to be destroyed. Abraham was prepared physically, emotionally, and spiritually for the next part of his journey.
I have never seen the Lord or an angel in person. However, I have been visited by the Lord in spirit and in his word. I am also in the Lord’s presence daily because of the Holy Spirit that resides inside of me right now. When you stop and think about it we are more blessed than Abraham because of the spirit. He comforts us, encourages us, convicts us, and empowers us to do great works.
Are you in need of a visit from the Lord today? If you are, I encourage you to slow down and spend time in prayer, reflection and Bible reading. These simple acts build our spiritual muscles. They also ignite the spirit inside of us because he longs to be in the presence of God.
I am not sure what your spiritual condition is right now, but what I can tell you is that the Lord wants to spend time with you in very real and powerful ways. He wants to visit with you and give you exactly what you need in his life, more of him. Remember, that every great man or woman of God spent intimate time with him daily. If we want to know deep truths we must deeply know the Lord. If our hearts need to encouragement we must spend time with the great encourager.
So are you planning a visit from the Lord today or are you planning to live life on your own?
Tomorrow, I plan on reading Genesis 19-21
