July 26, 2026:

GOD’S WORD FOR TODAY:

“The king of Sodom said to Abram, ‘Give me the people and keep the goods for yourself.’ But Abram said to the king of Sodom, ‘With raised hand I have sworn an oath to the Lord, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, that I will accept nothing belonging to you, not even a thread or the strap of a sandal, so that you will never be able to say, ‘I made Abram rich.’” (Genesis 14.21-23)

TODAY’S REFLECTION ON GOD’S WORD:

Beholding to no one but God. Abram did what was right and good. He rescued Lot and all that were with him. Abram was given possession and responsibility for the land, and thus its inhabitants. For his faithfulness to execute his duty, the King of Salem paid tribute. In response Abram gave a tithe back to Melchizedek. He did not do so because he was the King of Salem but because he was the high priest. He was God’s representative and ambassador of peace. “Salem,” or shalom or for some salaam, means “peace.” This is what Abram wanted all along. He wanted a life that was a life of peace where prosperity was come upon naturally. It did not have to be manufactured as if it did not exist. God’s blessing and provision is promised to everyone. Those who walk by faith understand. More importantly they appreciate it for what it truly is and from whom it truly comes. Abram did that by tithing, one tenth, of what was gained by his efforts along with those who fought with him to do what was right. The execution of justice comes with a price as well as a reward. Both belong to God.

But for that which the King of Sodom offered was not a true offering. It was the spoils of war which that king offered and not a tribute, sacrifice nor honor. He told Abram that if all the people that had been liberated were returned to him, then Abram could have the rest. The King of Sodom knew that we would soon recover the financial loss by subjugating the people under his rule who had been returned. He also knew that those who feared they had lost their family and friends would rejoice and give thanks to the King of Sodom for the liberation of the captive. It was by his power of conditions that they were freed from both the enemy and Abram. He sought the glory and the benefit. He had no true affinity for Abram or giving thanks. He was thinking only of himself. Abram refused, of course, and took only “expenses” for doing what was right. He did not seek to profit from it. He act, along with those who accompanied him, was one of righteous justice and nothing more. He would not appear to be in the employ of the King of Sodom nor beholding to him for anything that was beyond what was right and just.

Abram made his “peace” with God. Abram abided by the faith he had in God and God in him. Abram needed nothing more and saw it as nothing less than the right thing to do because it honored God. That was his soul’s sincere desire. As it should be ours!

TODAY’S PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING:

Father, in these days we are finding the need to believe even more than ever before. We all have known trouble, some in greater ways than others, but You are offering us the assurance that we will not be consumed by it forever. Regardless of the “time” we are in and the “time” we have been given, we ask for Your Holy Spirit which Jesus asked You to share with us, to lead and guide and direct us in the paths we should go. Teach us what we still need to learn. Empower us to put that learning into action. Bless our actions not as a works righteousness but as righteous works of faith, hope and love in Jesus’ name. AMEN.