Father God, I come before your throne of grace the only way I know how; with my head bowed, and my heart humbled to say thank you. I thank you for life this morning. I thank you for protecting my household while we slumbered. I thank you for health and strength this morning, Father. And I thank you for Jesus. I pray this morning that these blessings not only be with me, but be with all of your children who loves you. I pray that it not only be with them in their homes, but even when they pass through their door thresholds. I pray a blessing on their coming and going. I pray that a hedge of protection be with them throughout the day. I pray that you soften the hearts of anyone who wish to do your children harm, whether it be by slander or action. I pray a blessing of comfort, Father, on those who are in despair. Oh God, just have your way in our lives this morning and throughout the day, Father. And Father, we pray that you forgive us of any sin we performed. We give you all honor and glory, and we pray this in the precious name of your Son Jesus, Amen
When there is consistency, there is no confusion. I do not like politics and rarely, and I mean rarely do I talk about it. However there is something in politics that stood out to me back when, and it helps in the direction of my message today. There was a time where there was plenty of negative rhetoric going back and forth between the Democrats and the Republicans about “I have no idea”; nonetheless it was present at the time. Then a time came where both parties had to come to an agreement, which I believe was in regards to the Stimulus Package. Apparently, there were certain constituents of the Republicans that were expressing their disappointment that their leaders were meeting with the Democrats to get this bill signed. I remember President Obama stating how important it is to tone down the rhetoric, because your supporters will expect you to maintain that demeanor even when it is not favorable. To change the rhetoric to the contrary causes them to lose trust in you, and not take you serious when it matters the most…….Election time. They will not take them serious. Hmmm.
When I ponder on that statement (They will not take them serious), I think about Sodom and Gomorrah. Everybody always refer to the wickedness of the cities, and the inhospitality, and of course the homosexuality, but as always I go a bit deeper. I have yet to hear anybody talk about Lot. For example, WHAT WAS HE DOING THERE? The bible speaks about believers being unequally yoked with non believers (2 Cor 6:14). It speaks about all the different wicked deeds that people commit and believers are not to be a participant (Eph 5:1-7). It speaks about what people are going to become, again with their wicked thoughts, speech, and deeds, and we are instructed to turn from them (2 Tim 3:1-5). So why was Lot in this place with his family? Flesh that’s why! Please read here to get an idea. When the blessings of the Lord came upon Abraham and his nephew Lot, it got to the point where their possessions was too great to dwell together in one location. The male servants of each were fighting amongst each other. Abraham had a solution. He said "Please let there be no strife between you and me, and between my herdsmen and your herdsmen; for we are brethren. Is not the whole land before you? Please separate from me. If you take the left, then I will go to the right; or, if you go to the right, then I will go to the left." (Gen 13:8-9) Abraham did not care in which direction he goes. He knew that wherever he (Abraham) goes, God is going to bless him just the same. BUT LOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The bible states “And Lot lifted his eyes and saw all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere (before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah) like the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt as you go toward Zoar. Then Lot chose for himself all the plain of Jordan, and Lot journeyed east. And they separated from each other.” (Ge 13:10-11) Family, the grass is not always greener on the other side.
So why is inconsistency dangerous? Well according to this Lot showed righteousness when he saw two strangers come to the city. He showed righteousness, when the men of the city wanted to get to know (rape them) the new strangers in Lot’s care, by trying to persuade them to leave. He even showed some partial righteousness by offering up his daughters instead. However the inconsistency is when the two men reveal themselves as angels of the Lord to destroy the city. He was told to take his family and flee. The bible states “So Lot went out and spoke to his sons-in-law, who had married his daughters, and said, "Get up, get out of this place; for the LORD will destroy this city!" But to his sons-in-law he seemed to be joking.” (Ge 19:14) WHY?!!!!!!!!!!!!! Lot, why are your sons-in-law not taking you serious? What kind of behavior have you displayed for them to question what leaves your mouth? Here let me help you. God told Abraham He was going to destroy the city. God is omniscient! Do you think God was not aware of Lot being there? He was going to destroy it just the same. The bible states “When the morning dawned, the angels urged Lot to hurry, saying, "Arise, take your wife and your two daughters who are here, lest you be consumed in the punishment of the city." And while he lingered, the men took hold of his hand, his wife's hand, and the hands of his two daughters, the LORD being merciful to him, and they brought him out and set him outside the city.” (Ge 19:15-16) LOT DID WHAT?!!!! What are you lingering for Lot? Didn’t God say he wants to destroy the city because of its wickedness? Did you not urge the angels not to stay in the square at night? What happens at night Lot? So why did you linger to leave such a wicked place to where the angels had to grab you to leave? Family, that is why inconsistency is dangerous. If it was not for Abraham pleading with the Lord, Lot would have perished. If it was not for those two angels to take hold of his hand, Lot would have perished. It is because of Lot’s on again off again righteousness, why his sons-in-law were confused on his stance.
Truth be told, some of you are a bunch of Lots yourself. One season you want to be righteous and in another season, you want to bust hell wide open. Then when you see a loved one who have fallen by the way side you can’t bring them back because of the fluctuations of your righteousness. They won’t take you serious. Then you hide behind “a prophet is without honor in his/her home” (in my goofy voice). Yeah whatever! Family, this is not a bashing message, but it does need to get your attention. Those of us who are believers, we are considered walking bibles. There are people watching us, and we have to represent that which is good. There are people who may not say a peep to you, but you have moved them closer and closer to the Lord by way of your speech and actions. This type of characteristics must remain consistent. It cannot be up and down like the stock market. It must be certain as death and taxes (don’t hold that against me). Not only for our sake, but for those who are watching and are curious about our faith. Amen? Amen!
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