Obedience leads to fulfillment. Where are you in your faith journey when it comes to listening to God's call on your life and being obedient to it?
This week we look at Abram, who became Abraham. Name changes in the Bible have to do with recognizing God's calling and purpose in life. Abram meant exalted father. Keep in mind Abram was 99 with NO kids when God changed his name! Abraham means a father of a multitude. The name change goes from a personal purpose and role to a purpose and role in GOD'S promise.
INVITATION: Are you focused on personal purposes in your life or your role within God's purposes and plans? Do you even consider God as you make important - or even daily - decisions in your life? Do you believe God cares and longs to tend to you personally? He is not just "out there" for everyone else. He knows YOUR name and has a plan and a purpose.
MONDAY: Genesis 12:1-3: Abram is called to leave all he knows and loves and to trust God. This isn't just a call to something like taking a meal to someone who is sick. This is a big deal and a big calling. We are going to see how Abraham has some slips....just like you and I have slips in our life. Is there a call in your life that perhaps you've slipped away from? It happens. We don't even mean for it to happen. Life just has a way of distracting us. Of course, it could also be the evil one trying to distract us. Spend some time today with the Lord about a calling in your life that you may have let slip away or somehow slide into the background.
TUESDAY: Genesis 17:1-6: As mentioned in the introduction, God changes names to indicate a shift in purpose from a personal one to one that fulfills God's promise. What do you live your life for: personal gains or God's purposes and plans?
WEDNESDAY: I Cor. 7:20: God's invitation is always about HIS MISSION. God has a mission and a purpose for you and for me. We are not here simply to make a bigger paycheck and buy a bigger house. Sometimes we get stuck in a box about what our "mission" might look like. It might be nursing, or teaching, or parenting. The scripture for today mentions staying where you are when God called you until you are called somewhere else. Spend some time today in the presence of the Lord. Ask Him if you are still in the place where He called you.
THURSDAY: Luke 4:18-19: The missions and purposes in the Old Testament all point to the fulfillment in Jesus. What would you like to discuss with Jesus today regarding your mission and purpose? He is ready to listen and to help. Can you trust that obedience leads to fulfillment?
FRIDAY: Genesis 12:10-19: God's invitation always involves imperfect people. Abram compromised under stress. It's easy to sit back and think he was silly in this situation, but you and I are also guilty of compromising the calling of God in our life. However, Abram and Sarai refused to let their compromise define them. They did not let fear take over their lives. What about you? Is fear controlling your life? Could it be preventing you from moving forward in God's plan and purpose and calling?
SATURDAY: Romans 7:15-20: God's invitation to mission always requires obedience. Is there an invitation in your life where God might be asking you to leave something behind? Perhaps to go somewhere or to do something? How would you like to respond to God about that today and moving forward?