NKJV, Genesis 14:17-20 – “And the king of Sodom went out to meet him after his return from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer, and of the kings that were with him, at the valley of Shaveh, which is the king’s dale. And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God. And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth: And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.”
CEV, Genesis 14:17-20 – “Abram returned after he had defeated King Chedorlaomer and the other kings. Then the king of Sodom went to meet Abram in Shaveh Valley, which is also known as King’s Valley. King Melchizedek of Salem was a priest of God Most High. He brought out some bread and wine and said to Abram: “I bless you in the name of God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. All praise belongs to God Most High for helping you defeat your enemies.” Then Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of everything.”
In life there are two categories of ‘helpers’ who will come our way as far as our prosperity is concerned. First, there are those who will yield themselves as instruments through which God will Bless us. Then there are also those who would want to pride in the fact that they have made us who we are in life. God wants us to learn to walk with the first category of persons and desist from the latter category.
Your vision will determine the sort of people you hung out with, the books you read, etc. You’ll surround yourself with the right people/friends. Because people who are not going anywhere want to ‘take’ other people with them, ie; to nowhere. Don’t let God-given opportunities miss you by. Be a person of action: don’t be friends of vague, silly people.
Are your friends making you better or pulling you down? Get along with Godly friends. Look carefully how you live. Who are your friends, what kind of people are hanging out with; are you friends with people who make you better or drag you down, do you hang around with people who tempt you to sin? Choose Godly friends who will edify you & make you a better person. When you are around them you will be nicer, kinder, more polite, & have better manners. You can change a lot in your life by just getting around some better people.
Sever unproductive friendships. So many people are hampering their walk with God because of wrong friends. Walking away from wrong friends can be a seed (Gal; 6, 9), don’t go about picking your own friends. Ask God for Divine Connection. If you change your mind you will change your life. Things that can shape your mind set eg, your friends (people who you hang out with), TV, talk shows, images, what are you listening, because as a man thinketh so is he’.
Gen 12: 1-2 – Leaving behind things of the past, & old acquaintances, family, friends etc. is a price you pay for progress. Also do not hung around people who murmur, gossip, etc;
Pro; 22, 24-25. Know that if when they’re with you they gossip about others to you, then similarly too when they’re with those other people they’ll gossip about you too.
When Abraham conquered the nations and restored his nephew, Lot, his possessions, and the people of Sodom, two different kings came to meet him in the valley of kings: Melchizedek the King of Salem, and then also the king of Sodom. Abraham rejected the proposal of the King of Sodom, but appreciated the offer of the king of Salem.
Both of them approached Abraham with a gesture that would make him rich. Melchizedek came purposely to declare Divine blessings upon Abraham, but the king of Sodom proposed that Abraham takes their redeemed possessions and give back the people he freed. Abraham explained later that he would not give the king of Sodom the chance to boast that he has made Abraham rich.
In our quest for prosperity in life, many people will come our way with offers meant to prosper us. However, we need to keep asking ourselves the kind of motive with which such offers are made. Some of the motives are deceptive, dangerous, and demonic.
May God grant us discerning hearts to know those who genuinely desire to see us prosper to the glory of God, Amen.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, please grant me the needed Grace to discern those You have sent to me as Divine helpers from those who are self-cantered, seeking every opportunity to manipulate me for selfish gains. Guide me oh God, in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Question = who are we affecting, and how are we affecting them – what you do is very important; people are always watching you – neighbours, friends, work colleagues, family, etc
Question for Meditation
How can I know the motive with which a supposed helper wants to help me?
