GOD’S WORD FOR  MARCH 16

We are reading from a daily devotional  called “Running To Win” written by Erwin Lutzer  and the late, great D.L. Moody.   Erwin Lutzer is a light in our day as D.L. Moody was in his.  Besides his many ministries, and many books, Pastor Lutzer was Senior Pastor at Moody Church in Chicago for 36 years and now serves as Pastor Emeritus there.  He is  Chancelor and a former professor at Moody Bible Institute, where he taught Theology and Ministry, and now has numerous radio teachings.

THE DANGER OF LIVING IN SODOM

Genesis 14:12

“They also took Lot, the son of Abram’s brother, who was dwelling in Sodom, and his possessions and went their way.”

D.L. MOODY

For a while, Lot made money very fast in Sodom and became a very successful man.  If you had gone into Sodom a little while before destruction came, you would have found that Lot owned some of the best corner lots in town, and that Mrs. Lot moved in what they called the “bonton” society or upper ten;  and you would have found she was at the theatre two or three nights in the week.  If they had progressive euchre, she could play as well as anybody:  her daughters could dance as well as any other Sodomites. 

We find Lot sitting in the gates, he is getting on amazingly well.  He may have been one of the principal men of the city;  Judge Lot, or the Honorable Mr. Lot of Sodom.  They might have elected him Mayor of Sodom.  He was getting on amazingly well;  wonderfully prosperous.

But by and by there comes a war.  If you go into Sodom, you must take Sodom’s judgment when it comes;  and it is bound to come.  The battle turned against those five cities of the plain, and they took Lot and his wife and all they had.

ERWIN LUTZER

Remember how Lot chose the best pastureland?  Abraham gave him the option and he selfishly chose the best for himself.  He pitched his tent toward Sodom, eventually moving within its walls.  He and Mrs. Lot had a house, land, and their wealth was there.  Sodom was good to Lot;  he didn’t want to let go of it.  Yet, God rescued him.

How does Lot end?  He and his two daughters go to a cave after the destruction of Sodom.  The daughters get him drunk and have relations with him.  Each bears him a child born of incest.  The descendants of both children became thorns in the flesh for Abraham’s descendants.

 How costly is sin?  Remember Galatians 6:7:

“Do not be deceived:  God is not mocked.  Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return.”

PRAYER

Father, please turn my heart away from the world so that I may rest in You.

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John 18:36

Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.

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Matthew 13:22

Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.

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1 John 2:15

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

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1 John 5:4

For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.

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1 John 2:16

For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.

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Romans 12:2

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

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John 16:33

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.

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John 17:15

I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one.

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