Thursday, November 24, 2016

Abraham's Lesson on the Mountain

Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.”  And the two of them went on together.  Genesis 22:8

The Scripture says that God tested Abraham.  The Lord asked him to sacrifice his one and only son atop Mount Moriah.  Abraham knew Isaac was the son promised to him by God.  He believed God could raise the dead.  No doubt the climb filled Abraham’s heart with trepidation.  There must have been a battle that ensued within Abraham’s soul, but he trusted the Lord.  This is evident because of his obedience.  He tied up his son upon the alter on top of wood to burn.  Abraham raised his knife. 

Then God spoke: “Do not lay a hand on the boy…Now I know that you fear God, because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore.”

Abraham trusted God with the thing that was most precious to him – his son Isaac.  He and his wife Sarah had acted on God’s promise to have a child in their old age.  After a number of years, Sarah gave birth to Isaac.  He was their great joy.

But God required of Abraham that he would be willing to sacrifice the most important thing in his life.  God wanted Abraham to put Him first in his heart of hearts.  Abraham obeyed.  It really wasn’t the Lord’s will for Isaac to die.  The Lord provided a ram for the sacrifice.  While Abraham and Isaac climbed up one side of the mountain, God’s provision, the ram, climbed up the other side.

There comes a time in the believer’s life when God desires to test us.  He wants us to be willing to place our dreams, our blessings, our achievements on the alter.  If we choose to surrender in obedience on the mountain, we will walk in greater blessing.  God is a jealous God.  He must be first in our hearts, but God is also good.  He saves the greatest blessings to those who obey Him.
 
Is there anything that comes between you and God?  Would you be willing to surrender all to Him?
If so, come and pray with me:

Dear Father God,

Thank you for all Your blessings in my life.  Search my heart and let me see if there is anything that comes between You and me.  Lord, I surrender all to You.  I give you everything, and I believe you will bless me like you blessed faithful Abraham.  In Jesus name I pray, amen.
     





                                                                                                                                            


Thursday, November 17, 2016

Season's Change

Hi Everyone,

Here is a link to a piece that was published in the E-zine for Word Weaver's International.  I hope you like it.  I welcome your comments...

https://wordweaversinternational.wordpress.com/2016/11/13/seasons-change/

Saturday, November 12, 2016

The Farmer Sows the Seed (Mark 4:1-20)



The faithful Farmer sows the seed
He spreads it far and wide
Some land in barren places
Where the birds nibble
Some in rocky spots with little depth
Some amidst thorns
And some on fertile ground

The seed is God’s word
The types of ground reflect our hearts
The attitude of our hearts
Determines the seed’s outcome

For those who receive the seed in barren places,
satan steals the word

Some have hearts that are rocky and devoid of depth,
Though they receive the word with joy,
They do not prevail against trouble and persecution
These plants do not mature

For those entangled in worldly living,
The seed is choked by thorns
Of greed and the desire of other things

But the humble soul that understands and obeys the word
Is the only one who bears abundant fruit

Lord search our hearts
Give us an understanding mind,
A humble soul,
And an obedient life that trembles at Your word

Once we receive Your word,
Give us the grace to become a faithful farmer
To also sow the seed both far and wide