Scripture is all about WHO God is. That, in turn, tells us who WE are.
This week we take a hike with a father and son. When hiking, just as in life, you are forced to overcome challenges and face decisions. Some are life and death, others are not so dramatic. This week deals with a scenario from the Old Testament that may seem extreme at face value. But let's dive in and see the beautiful prophecy and picture of all God has done for you. What might God have for you as you dive deep into His Word?
INVITATION: Join in this week as we remember and recall how God has never broken a promise, and He never will. Do you love and trust God above ALL other things? How might you live this week trusting and surrendered fully to Jesus Christ?
MONDAY: Genesis 22:1 & James 1:13: This verse from Genesis says God "tested" Abraham. Testing is different than tempting. Abraham had no idea what would be asked of him, but replied, "Here I am." Are you willing to have the faith and trust to say "here I am" to God today? What about every day? God desires to grow and mature us. Sometimes that involves testing and stretching us out of our comfort zone. Are you ready for such a test?
TUESDAY: James 1:4: Do you ever think to pray for wisdom? It is different than intelligence. We live in a culture that upholds and magnifies intelligence, but not always wisdom. What about you? Do you value wisdom? And what do you think about perseverance being linked with maturity? How might this truth help you in your next time of "perseverance" or "testing?"
WEDNESDAY: Genesis 22:2: Abraham was instructed to go to the region of Moriah and sacrifice his "only son." Interestingly, the region of Moriah is the same region as Golgotha....the very site where Jesus was crucified. This entire scene is a foreshadowing of the sacrifice of God's only son - Jesus Christ. Have you ever realized this before? Scripture is full of "coincidences" such as this. Have you ever undertaken to study and learn the layers and supernatural happenings that the Holy Scriptures contain? How important are the scriptures in your life, or do you consider them archaic and outdated?
THURSDAY: Phil. 3:12: God knows where your heart is and what you might love and place before himself. As you take some time in prayer, what is YOUR "Isaac" in life? What comes before God in your life and priorities?
FRIDAY: Genesis 22:3-5 & Hebrews 11:17-19: Abraham mentioned in the Genesis verses they would BOTH be back after worshiping on the mountain. He was "ready to sacrifice" (according to Hebrews). Abraham had no idea what was going to happen, but he fully trusted God, and trusted that both he and his son would be back. Abraham didn't know the end of the story, but he knew God had promised a nation to come form Isaac. God has never broken a promise. To Abraham. To you. To me. God will never break a promise. The Bible is full of suggested and invitations to "remember." As you spend time in prayer today, remember God's promises in your life. Reflect on the faithfulness of God. How might you pray from that time today? Are there any invitation from God for you in this time of remembering?
SATURDAY: Genesis 22:6-15 Isaac knew what worship looked like from watching his father. He knew there was a missing element. Abraham lived and showed his son a life surrendered to God. Matt. 6:33 tells us to "seek first God's kingdom." As you spend time allowing the Spirit of God to speak into your life, are there any invitations to reorder your life and priorities? One of the hardest and most valuable lessons we learn during our stormy, cloudy, spiritual nights is to trust what the instruments of God’s promises tell us over what our perceptions and emotions tell us. What instruments are you relying on these days?