Two Sons – Two Promises – Two Nations
On January 5th you had the option of reading Genesis 16:1-16; 17:18-27 to learn about the birth of Abraham’s first son, Ishmael. If you have not read this, please begin by reading it today.
Abraham and Sarah did not see how God was going to be able to keep His promise about having many descendants when they were old and had no children. They took matters into their own hands to make God’s promise possible … CAUTION – this is never a good idea! They did not trust God.
If you have a little extra time today... read Genesis 20-22
Abraham had two sons who received two promises: Ishmael (Genesis 16:11-12; 21:18) and Isaac (Genesis 22:17-18). From these two sons, two nations descended as promised. Those of Arab descent trace their lineage to Abraham through Ishmael. Those of Jewish descent trace their lineage to Abraham through Isaac. Both nations claim the covenant that God made with Abraham. How does this effect our current situation in the world today?
At any given time we can be tested to see what is in our hearts (Deut 8:2). Abraham had a very big test. Did Abraham really trust God enough to sacrifice the son that was necessary for God to be able to keep his promise? This request from God made absolutely no sense at all – at least from the human perspective. But when you know the nature of God, it makes all the sense in the world. God wanted to know what was in his heart. In whom did Abraham put his trust? God or his miracle son? And God wanted Abraham to prove his answer with his actions. This time Abraham trusted God in a BIG way.
think about it:
Do you place other people or things before God? In whom do you put your trust? Do you prove your answer with your actions or do your actions suggest a different answer?
A sport, a relationship, a certain band or cd, your ipod, a tv show? what if God said "you spend more time with it than with me, i need you to give it completely up... would you do it?
Remember, what's the primary lie that satan is deceiving us with? God is wrong, He doesn't know what's best for you... only you do... forget God's way.
How does God guide us today? The Bible, parents, christian examples, prayer, circumstances? How? Is it easy or hard to accept that guidance and follow?
Check out some world news... conflict between Israeli's and Arabs... hhmmmmm...
Gaza, the summary:
The Israeli occupation forces completed their unilateral ‘disengagement’ of Israeli settlers and military personnel from the Gaza Strip on 12 September 2005. Despite the disengagement, Israel has maintained effective control over the territory. The existence of ‘effective control’ is the test under Article 42 of the 1907 Hague Convention IV respecting the Laws and Customs of War on Land regulating when an occupation ends. That is, if the occupying power maintains effective control over the occupied territory, the territory remains occupied. In Gaza , the nature of the occupation has changed but the occupation itself has not.
The Israeli actions in Gaza demonstrate a consistent Israeli policy to employ methods of war which cause unnecessary suffering to Palestinian civilians–-even in the ‘disengaged’ Gaza Strip.
http://magisteria.files.wordpress.com/2008/03/33isaac.jpg?w=255&h=200
Yes i agrre withe the lesson and that we do spend a lot of time on other things then God. Its easy to get caught up in school, sports, and friends that you forget about God. However its easy to be able to bring God into your regular day. You can go to FCA, pray before sporting events, and even keep your friends acountable.
ReplyDeletethat's a good point that there are many opportunities at most schools with other believers. the question is: are the people we're hanging out with living for God OR are they living for themselves?
ReplyDeleteat times, i've found myself surrounded by people who just want to get what's in it for them, and they were people i knew from church!!!
are the people we are around helping us rely on God, live for God, live with God's power and love in our life?
sometimes people get so busy just being with other people (which is one of my favorite things to do) that we squeeze out time talking, listening, worshiping God.
one of the things i had forgotten about is how abraham worshiped. when something happened, he built an altar and worshiped God. over and over you see it.
so, yes, surround yourself with things that will point you back to God... not to things instead of God. good point anonymous!
ricky
As any teen, I find it difficult to find time with God or in the word. We usually blame “time” … yes time is hard to get, but a solution that I like is spending time with church friends (or friends that bring you up in Christ) gets a little of both worlds. Now you can’t just say its time for me to spend time with Jesus, so I must call Nicole, Rebecca, Tesney, or Nathan (just to name a few). Yes keeping each other accountable is good, but it doesn’t replace your time with God... this lesson isn’t only about time with Him, rather faith, and living for him, DAILY.
ReplyDeleteIt is so easy to get away from God. However, often it's like swimming in the ocean- you don't really realize how far you're going until you're gone. Therefore we need to be vigilant all of the time.
ReplyDeleteI have been so encouraged by all of your comments. I am so blessed to be on this spiritual journey with such an awesome group of Christians who are striving to be more like Him each day. Thanks so much for sharing your hearts. It thrills my soul to read about where you are in your spiritual walk. Blessings! :)
ReplyDelete