Devotions

“ALL” HE HAD MADE

Genesis 1:31 God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day.

In Genesis, God is tell us how the earth was created, all the animals, fish, land and sea, night and day. On this sixth day he would also create man and woman. God saw all that he had made and it was good. It was good! Do you know you are good? Do you know that he made you to be good? To do good? To live good? But what does that mean?

The webster's dictionary defines good as: to be desired or approved of; having the qualities for a particular role, morally right; righteousness.

1. To be desired or approved of: our goodness comes from our Lord and Savior through our relationship with him; we are good because he is good. We are desired and approved because he is.

2. Having the qualities for a particular role: God made us good so that means your identity is in him, not your stuff, your achievements, your possessions or what others say about you. God created you for a particular role, to have a relationship that glorifies him and out of that a relationship, a relationship with others.

3. Morally right: Good is the opposite of bad. God created us to be good, to choose what is right based on his word. To live a life in truth, honesty with integrity. To make choice that bring glory to God and create fruit. To make choice that build others versus tear them down.

4. Righteousness: God is righteous God and being good in him is righteous. It’s not having your own way, being prideful or holding your “Christianity” over someone. But instead in love, directing others towards Christ, sharing the truth of who Jesus is, his life and what our lives should be as a result. The only way to God is through Jesus, the right way and the right life.

So God said he made it ALL and it was all good. How does this change things today? What is God telling you right now?
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2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV) For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 

I have been working on a new talk called STEP...where God is asking us to step out in faith, in trust, in provision, in his promises, in change, in love, and life.

So many times we are wanting to take that step, we are wanting more of the Lord but we are afraid. What if I make this step and I fail? What if I make this step and it's the wrong step? What if I take a step and my heart get's broken? What if__________..you fill in the blank. 

Life was never meant to be lived by sitting on the sidelines, watching others. It is mean to live life in abundance. It's mean to move. (John 10:10). Often, we sit where it's comfortable, easy, and the same. Where's its safe. Where we don't have to change. Where we can just exist. But seriously, is this what you really want? Boring!!! Plus, don't you know you miss out of all that God wants to show you and give you and use you through??? 

Even though when you take that step, when you move forward you aren't always sure of where you are going you can be confident of know who goes with you. If you are led by the Holy Spirit because you are a believer, a follower of Jesus Christ, you will not have to fear, you will not have to question, you will not have to be concerned...God has you..every step, because you have HIS POWER...He is directly you. He is guiding you. He is protecting you. He is providing for you. He is living through you. He is loving through you. 

So, make that STEP and trust Him...He's Got This and "You"
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IRON SHARPENS IRON
 
Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17

Teamwork has been around this the beginning of time. Where would we be without teamwork? Where would we be without people learning how to get along, using their talents, their gifts, and their ideas to make things better. Where would we be in technology, invention, industry, and life without teamwork? Well teamwork that works?

Well, not much would get done--it would simply be a mess. So why do some teams work and other do not. Successful teams work because of the people on the team wanting it to work. They know its not just about your ideas but also listening to the ideas of others. It's about sharing and supporting, encouraging and empowering others. So where does great teamwork model come from? Although the secular world would love to take the credit, they would be wrong for all teamwork comes from God. The first successful team was God and Adam, then Adam and Eve..all the way down to you and God. Your relationship with God is your example of how to be a team player elsewhere. 

A few years ago I developed a local singles ministry team called Connect 4. We came together with one idea of community, of connecting to God and each other. It's amazing of how much we have accomplished in such a short time. We are truly a successful team. We are truly iron sharpening iron. But God also remind me of some other teams I am on.

1. I am on a Christian team of fellow believers all over the world. I know I am not alone in this walk, this journey to reach the lost for Christ.
2. I am on a church team, working together to minister and reach others for Christ. What a joy to serve along side single and married, young and old, lost and saved. 
3. I am on a ministry team of The Singles Network/From His Hands where I have a board of advisors who help guide and direct me in this ministry. There is also the team of fellow leaders in ministry that use the resources of my sites to build their ministries.
4. I am on a prayer team of my ministry, praying for not only my needs but the needs of the ministry.
5. I am on a friendship team where my friends join me in my walk with the Lord--through thick and thin. They support me, encourage and listen to me. 
6. I am on a family team. A team though at times have struggled, we have always stuck beside each other.

What an honor to serve on a team. Remember, the success of the team has to do with its players, their attitudes, support and willingness to help. How successful are your teams.
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SHE TOLD ME HER STORY

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matt 11:28

This past week I spoke in Orlando Florida at a singles conference. It was a blessed day to see so many singles, hear their stories and questions, and get a ton of hugs. Not only do I feel the Lord uses me but I also get refreshed and encouraged. 

So this past Saturday, along with the normal experience, God would do something different. Later in the day I would receive a donation towards my ministry. I wasn't surprised at getting a donation as I live on partial support. But what I was surprised was the amount. Way beyond expectations. I quickly emailed the donor back, making sure they wanted to give me what they gave me. Perhaps they clicked an extra digit and didn't know it. But to my surprise, she wrote back and said, yes, she meant it. She then started telling me her story. I have copy and pasted below, with her permission. 

Yes, I am sure. I am a single mother of 2 children who lost my home to Hurricane Irma. My children and I have been homeless since September 11, post Hurricane Irma hit on Orlando. We lost our home and have been hopping from house to house and 12 different hotels through FEMA. Just last week Wednesday, the FEMA adjustor met me at the house to evaluate the damages. By Friday money was direct deposited into my account and though it will not rebuild my home but it will help meet our needs. As I sat at the conference on Saturday I was moved by the point you made of the difference between being lonely and alone. I feel alone through this process now more than ever but like you said the difference is I have hope. Hope that the Lord will continue to provide, hope that He will not leave us alone, hope that He is surrounding me with men who are friends to help with my home, hope that the Lord will bring me a husband in due time but for now He is my husband and the Father to my children. 

Friday night before the conference I prayed before going to sleep and cried out to Lord and said Lord I’m tired, my children are weary from the instability we have and I’m tired mentally, physically and emotionally so if you want me to go to this conference tomorrow then you need to wake me up. The Lord woke me up at exactly 7:30 am (no alarm just the Lord) and I said ok Lord I will go. I started to get ready and I went to check my credit card account online because I was going to pay it off since I had received FEMA money and came to realize that I had fraudulent charges on my account and now had to call and report the charges and close down my credit card. I was discouraged because now I have to wait a week for a new card and then the Lord said did I not just deposit money in your account yesterday and why are you letting the enemy stall and discourage you so that you wind up late or don’t go to the conference? I got in my car and got to Live Out Loud on time. While I was sitting there the Lord spoke to me and you shared that you were the only single’s speaker left and how hard it had been to continue your ministry without support. That’s when the lord told me to pay my tithe on my FEMA money to your ministry. I am also praying that your ministry does not die and pray that you continue to speak to other singles the message of hope. I pray that this blesses your ministry as you blessed me on Saturday. 

Folks, what courage, what faith does this single mom have? It totally convicted me of my own walk with the Lord. Was I this faithful? Was I this strong in my walk with God? Was I willing to tithe 10% off of what God gives and gifts me? Was I willing to show others what it takes? Am I being a leader? A follower? 

This woman is precious to me. I can't even fully communicate how it has affected me--my own conviction as well as thankfulness to God for his provision for me. 

So what you fearful of today? What are you weary in? What are you struggling in? What are you not trusting God in? ​

I WANT MORE

—1 Peter 3:15-16--
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
 
I want more of God: I want more of Him in every part of my life. But how do I get this? Years ago, I heard a great sermon where the speaker said “God shows up every day, every minute in our lives, but due to our own busyness, our own stuff, distractions, etc., we miss it.” He went on to say that you do not have to find anyone to share your faith with. You do not have to knock on a single door, or stop a person on the street or yell on top of a box in the plaza (although for some, that is what God may have asked of them). He said, “just pray, Kris. Pray every day that God would show up and interrupt you. Pray every day that you would be sensitive enough to notice the people He brings into your day; the phone call where someone needs to talk, the person sitting beside you on the bus, the waitress who is having a tough morning, the gas station attendant who wishes they had a different job, the single mom who could use some prayer, and so forth.” Of course, this would mean that I might have to get up earlier, so that I would have time to be interrupted. Lol.
 
Well, I decided to try it, and, oh my goodness; how my life changed. As I prayed each day, I started looking and expecting God to show up. I could sense from the Holy Spirit whom I was supposed to talk to and whom not. There are some times I am supposed to just be with the people I am with and not talk to a stranger. But, other times, when I am flying to another city and God puts someone beside me on the plane, or I have to talk to a customer service rep on the phone or I am in the doctor’s office and it’s taking forever, God is lining up these situations for us to share our faith. It happens EVERY DAY; we just miss it or we find something else to do. We read a book and ignore the person sitting next to us on the plane. We play on our phones or computers at the doctor’s office. Or instead of sharing of faith with the customer service rep, we just get angry and yell.
 
So, start today; test it out and see just how many times God lines up a time to talk to folks. Remember, He lined up the conversation. Just be obedient to start talking and see what God does. Share what YOU know of how Christ changed your life. Trust God for the rest. Remember, too, you may not be the one to lead them to the Lord, but you may simply be a part of the group of people God has put in their lives. You may also be the one God uses to lift their spirits, including yours. Because once you see God use you to change someone’s life, Wow! You will not only want to do it again, but tell others.
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SHOULD YOU MARRY....?

John 5...in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew, Bethesda, having five porches. 3 In these lay a great multitude of sick people, blind, lame, paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water. 4 For an angel went down at a certain time into the pool and stirred up the water; then whoever stepped in first, after the stirring of the water, was made well of whatever disease he had. 5 Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?”7 The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me.” 8 Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” 9 And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked. And that day was the Sabbath. 10 The Jews therefore said to him who was cured, “It is the Sabbath; it is not lawful for you to carry your bed.” 11 He answered them, “He who made me well said to me, ‘Take up your bed and walk.’” 12 Then they asked him, “Who is the Man who said to you, ‘Take up your bed and walk’?” 13 But the one who was healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, a multitude being in that place. 14 Afterward Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, “See, you have been made well. Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you.” 15 The man departed and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well.

Recently I receive an email from Crosswalk.com. A great online magazine that has a singles section with weekly articles and resources. In fact, I write for them and have my own byline, He Said, She Said's. Anyway, the article I got was titled, "Should You Marry Someone with a Personality Disorder?" by Dr. Roger Barrier.

As I read through the article I was amazed by just how many personality disorders there are and the detailed descriptions. I wasn't focusing so much on the marriage part knowing it would be difficult to marry someone with one of these disorders but more so realizing these are some of the people in our singles ministries. This is why singles ministry is so hard--some of these people never get healthy, never change, and cause issues wearing you out as a leader. Some of them need meds, counseling, shadowing, etc. Some of these people end up dominating your ministry to the point that the healthy ones leave and others never come. Unlike marriage ministry (which can have some folks with issues too), we deal with this daily. 

So, what to do? Jesus came for us all, even those with personality disorders? How do you keep things balanced in your ministry? How do you keep people from taking over, pushing others out, and maybe even dating--when they aren't healthy to do so?

Years ago, I had a couple of ladies in my ministry with bi-polar and Schizophrenia. Both were on medications, however one kept going off. As a result, she was sporadic in her attendance. When she would come, she would be crying or deeply depressed. I counseled her, sat with her, listened, hug, shadowed but simply was not making any difference. Then I contacted an old friend of mine with the Southern Baptist Convention who specialty was how to minister to people with various mental and physical disabilities in your church. I quickly contacted him and ask for help. I was relieved to know that it wasn't my place to be their doctor and that some issues do need to be handed over to trained professionals. That while Jesus can heal anyone at any time, in the meantime, it was OK to say I couldn't help or to refuse someone in our class---especially if they were causing division. 

Wow, how could I do that? How could I refuse someone to be in our ministry? How could I ask someone to leave? Well, it came down to prayer and resources. The only way I knew what to do, how to counsel, how to help was to pray and ask God what to do. Then, he either advised a resource to help or he told me to ask them to leave. Of course, this was after I had done all that I knew to do. This was after many conversations, grace, forgiveness and so forth. 

Now, I will say that some of these personality disorders could be by choice. I mean, all of us have something wrong with us. But if these issues affect others around us to the point we do not have healthy friendships, then not only are we going to have problems with friends, but also family and those we work and live around...and marriage will not be in the future. While I do believe some of the issues could be managed by meds and some counseling, you also have to want to change and get help. And there lies some of the problem. I find a lot of singles do not want to really get healthy. They think people should accept them and their behavior as is--and that is what's hard for me as a leader. 

So, while I don't have all the answers and I know grace is needed more than ever. I also know Jesus asked the man by the water--do you want to get well? Even if we know our issues keep us from having a marriage, we can at least work on general relationships. Perhaps that is what we can do as leaders of singles--just help them to live--each day to its fullest. 

Lifeway Published: No Regular Joe

2016 Leaders and Singles Retreat, Black Mountain, NC

Recently Lifeway contacted me to republish an article for their June Issue of HomeLife magazine, honoring "Fathers of all kinds."  I had written about my step-dad who loved me and treated me like his own child…just like Joseph treated Jesus. What was bitter sweet about the article is that I wrote it when my dad was still alive. What a treasure to read it again, thanking God for such a wonderful earthy father as well as my Spiritual one. Click here to read complete article.

​"ALL” THE WORK
 
Genesis 2:3 Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on that day, He rested from all the work of creating that He had done.
 
In Genesis, after God had created everything including man and woman, He would choose to rest. Why would God need to rest? He’s God! 
 
Webster’s Dictionary defines “rest” as: to cease work or movement in order to relax, refresh oneself, or recover strength.
 
1. God rested to show us that we need time set apart to rest, to renew and refresh. Resting is needed in order to be ready for what God wants us to do in this life. Unlike God, our bodies have limits. If we don’t stop, slow down, rest, sleep, etc. then what we can accomplish in this world is limited.  
 
2. God rested to show us the need to spend specific time with Him, away from the various distractions of life. Yes, we should spend time with God each day, praying without ceasing, in fellowship with Him but in this verse God is reminding us that He made this day--this seventh day--holy. Holy, unlike the other six days, holy, in that it’s special and set apart for divine fellowship with the Creator. Set apart so that we are reminded of how much He wants to spend time with us—a whole day!
 
When we spend time with God, we get His direction, we grow stronger in our walk and relationship with Him, we get to reflect on all that He has done and is doing, we get to tell Him our fears, concerns and needs. We also get to hear what He wants from us.  We get His peace to keep doing what we are doing. 
 
3. God blessed the seventh day. God blesses it to show how much He values this down time, this day of focus, this day where we will be nourished and grow fruit. 
 
What distractions, what work are you needing to take a break from so that you can rest, truly rest?   
 
How does this change things for you today? What is God telling you right now?

“ALL” THE PEOPLE
 
Genesis 6:12-13 God saw how corrupt the earth had become, for all the people on earth had corrupted their ways. So God said to Noah, “I am going to put an end to all people, for the earth is filled with violence because of them. I am surely going to destroy both them and the earth.”
 
In Genesis, God saw how horribly things had gone wrong among the people. The story behind these verses is the story of Cain and Abel and how Cain killed his brother. This sin of jealousy, of murder, of betrayal to his parents, Adam and Eve, would just be the start of the curse that would be passed down through several generations. 
 
God would give Adam and Eve another son, Seth, and out of Seth’s lineage would come Noah, a righteous man who served the Lord. God would tell Noah that He was going to put an end to ALL people and not only the people but also to the earth due to the violence of that time!  
 
1. How could God create an earth--a people--that would be so corrupt? Well, because He gave man and woman free will. God will not force us to be good. He will not force us to spend time with Him, to have fellowship with or believe in Him. Would you want to force someone to be your friend, to date you, to marry you? This illustration shows that without fellowship with the Lord-- on our own--we can quickly become wicked!  
 
2. God would destroy not only the people but also the earth. Wow, why did the planet need to also suffer? What was God doing by destroying it? Perhaps a new start, a freshness, a renewal? Perhaps a death in one way brings life in another—Christ. Yes, our own death of the flesh, our old ways and renewal in Christ is what had to be done.  For Noah, it just wasn’t death of the body but it was death of the old nature, the old way of life, the old way of doing things. God started over. He does this with us too.
 
3. Even though God was disgusted with man and what he had done, He still had compassion on those who were following Him. He saved Noah and his family. Noah trusted God enough to build the massive ark--the ark that not only saved his family but also two of every kind of creature!     
 
Is there sin in your life that is keeping you from God? From a relationship with Him? Is there sin that is taking you down the path of Cain? Turn from your sin right now, ask God for forgiveness, to be filled with His Spirit and to move forward. You never know what He might be asking you to build!  
 
How does this change things for you today? What is God telling you right now?
 

“ALL” THE BABBLE
​
Genesis 11:1-8 Now the whole world had one language and a common speech. 2 As people moved eastward, they found a plain in Shinar and settled there. They said to each other, “Come, let’s make bricks and bake them thoroughly.” They used brick instead of stone, and tar for mortar. Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves; otherwise we will be scattered over the face of the whole earth.” But the Lord came down to see the city and the tower the people were building.The Lord said, “If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them.  Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other.” So the Lord scattered them from there over all the earth, and they stopped building the city. That is why it was called Babel—because there the Lord confused the language of the whole world. From there the Lord scattered them over the face of the whole earth.
 
Now the whole world was speaking one language. They were growing together as a team and of course that would be a good thing--however, this community began to wander from their relationship with God. They began to work together to build something for themselves, to glorify their effort versus God. So often we do the same! 
 
1. Isn’t a team a good thing? Isn’t it good that we all speak the same language? It would really help in reaching people for Jesus. It would really help when trying to market, communicate, connect with others. Yes, it would be, however, in this case it worked against the ultimate goal of coming together for the Lord. Coming together to bring glory to Him. Often, we see groups formed around us. Sometimes using social media, sometimes in our schools, community and of course, church. While some of these groups appear harmless, i.e., Flower Growers of America, others like the KKK can be detrimental not only to people, but to the kingdom of God. This is an example of coming together for community but with the wrong focus!
 
2. God saw what was happening, that they wanted to build a monument to signify themselves, their effort, and their power. We do this today--we see names on everything from monuments and statues, buildings and roads to fancy grave markers, speeches, and causes. While it appears great to name something after someone who did something awesome in history such as freeing slaves, curing a disease, or helping hide people during the Holocaust, we must never forget who allowed this to happen, our Lord and Savior! These people forgot and as a result, they wanted to build something that focused on what they did, without God’s help.
 
3. The tower is called the “Tower of Babel” which is funny because today, this is where we get the word “babble” from which means to ramble on in conversation that has little meaning. Their tower represented man’s attempts at meaning but instead it became meaningless. How often today do we get caught up in gossip, in talk that is of no value, or conversation that isn’t salty—seasoned with God’s word and purpose?! What kinds of babble are you involved in?
 
4. God saw what they were doing and out of protection for them—although I am sure they didn't see it that way—He confused their language so they would: 1) stop building the tower and 2) split from their big group; forming smaller groups resulting in less power. Less power that was focused on themselves. He would then scatter them all over the earth. Sometimes we do need to break groups apart, especially when we see where things are heading. Sometimes we even need to pull friends and family apart to allow time for them to refocus their relationships on God versus themselves. Does this mean every group that God pulls apart can never work or see each other again? No! It just means God has a purpose on this earth and when we start to make it about ourselves, then He will intervene and get us back on track (for those who follow Him). He does this because He loves us!
 
So where are you in your relationship to God? What about the groups you belong to? Relationships? Are you Christ centered? Does your speech, your talk edify God? Are you working to build His kingdom or your Tower of Babel? 
 
How does this change things for you today? What is God telling you right now?

“ALL” WILL BE BLESSED
 
Genesis 12:1-3
The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”
 
I love Abraham. A man who took such a risk to leave all that he knew, trusting God to step out, travel to a new place, new environment, new everything. I can only imagine his fears, his concerns, and even his doubts. Just like each of us, change is hard, especially when it requires fully trusting in the Lord.  

1. The Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s house to the land I will show you.” God gave Abraham a direct order. No "stop, look and listen"—just go. He told him to leave his country, his home and all that was familiar. What if God asked you to leave your home… to travel across the country, or maybe across the ocean?? A place where the terrain might be different. A place that could be very cold with lots of snow or very hot and humid. A place that might have tall mountains or dry desert land. Would you want to go? Would you be willing to trust God not knowing where He might take you? Knowing that He has something planned for you there? To leave what is comfortable and easy? Trusting God for something better? 
 
2. God also told Abraham to leave all his people (family, friends, those he worked with, etc.). While there is a point in time we do need to leave our family—especially if we are grown---this was not that kind of situation. Abraham was asked to leave all those people he had relationships with and go where God told him to go. Believe me,  there was no email, facetime and texting to stay in touch with them. How very hard this had to be. Could you do this today? If God said to leave and not look back— not even to correspond with family and friends, could you do this? For some of us, the mission field is just that—limited family correspondence. However, the blessings far outweigh the sacrifices. 

3. "I will show you," says God. God does not just take you someplace without giving you a  type of peace about what He is doing. The issue is we want to know all the details and then trust God. Just the fact that God is directing you should be enough to trust Him. Trust is the first step in God “showing you.”
 
4. "I will make you a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great and you will be a blessing." Can you imagine how Abraham was feeling now--“Okay, so You are asking me to leave all that I know and to trust You? Now You are telling me what is going to happen?!” God wants to use you, just like Abraham, to do great things. Things that bring glory to God. By being obedient in where you are now, God wants to bless all of us. For some, He will show favor by their fame or finance, for others, by their compassion and patience. But all is for HIS kingdom to bring HIM glory. Are you ready for God to use you in mighty ways?

5. "I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you, I will curse.” God is our provision and our protector. As you continue to follow Him, listening, obeying, acting, He will bless you beyond measure, as well as protect you. He will take care of your enemies. Provide judgment and resolution, HE will do this--not you!

6. "And ALL the peoples on earth will be blessed through you." Hmmm, how is God going to do that? I mean, we are just simple people living a simple life? Abraham does this first by just saying to God, “yes, I will follow you (whatever this might be)." The more we say “yes” to His direction, His calling, His work, the more people are impacted and blessed as well. As we teach, disciple and empower others, the more they learn and the process is multiplied, but it must all  start with us saying “yes” to God!

So where are you in your relationship to God? Are you truly trusting Him for everything in your life, including a new direction? New place to live, work or place of ministry? Maybe a new relationship or leaving some old ones behind. Pray right now that God shows you what needs to change to truly trust Him in ALL ways.

"ALL" The Nations 

Genesis 22:15-18 The angel of the Lord called to Abraham from heaven a second time and said, “I swear by myself, declares the Lord, that 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. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.”
 
We continue to learn more about Abraham, including a very important test of his trust in the Lord: Abraham would be asked to sacrifice his only son- the love of his life- in an act of  obedience and surrender to the Lord.  
 
1. Abraham was obedient. The angel of the Lord appeared a second time to Abraham, with a message from God, a message declaring Abraham’s obedience to God. I don’t know about you but I am not sure I could have done what he did, but let’s make it even simpler as a point for consideration: what if God asked you to refrain from using your phone for anything other than making calls? What if He asked you to stop using social media or watching TV/videos? What if He asked you to stop spending time here or there or money on this or that? Anything that is more important than God becomes our god.
 
2. God would bless Abraham with millions of descendants. This seemed impossible considering he had only this one son. Often, we do the same to the Lord-He wants to bless us beyond measure, but we must first be willing to lay our lives, our stuff, our checkbook, our time, and our loved ones down before Him. What does “beyond measure” mean to you and me? Who knows what one good deed of sowing financially or investing time in a ministry could do? Who knows what a kind word could do or opening up your home to someone who has no home or better yet, letting go of past hurt and anger??!!  Anything that keeps us from being obedient blocks God from blessing us beyond measure! 
 
3. God would give Abraham the possessions of his enemies. God has the power to give us anything, new or used. He can give you things that have been taken away due to a broken marriage, a broken family, and/or loss of a job, home, etc. He can restore all those things that were taken plus give you more. But again, these blessings come with obedience. 
 
4. Others will be blessed through Abraham’s actions. I love that when we are truly trusting the Lord, it impacts others. First, it affects those in our lives, from friends and family to neighbors and workmates. As they see us change, they will be changed. Then, because they have relationships with others, this transformation expands, and more people will continue to be changed! This is how the Great Commission got started. As we accept Christ’s gift of Salvation and begin to grow in Him, others see this and desire this for themselves. We are then given opportunities to witness by what we do and what we say. This results in others getting saved and repercussions continue like ripples in a pond. Through Abraham’s example, even those reading this scripture are learning what it takes for God to pour out His blessings!
 
So, what thing or person or relationship is God asking you to lay at His feet...to truly sacrifice...to show that you love Him more? In what ways does God want to bless you? Pray right now that God shows you what you need to submit to Him so that you can be a part of His blessing to ALL the nations!