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Sharing my thoughts on devotional readings

Journaling is a way to integrate truth and remember it. Every person views scripture from their own life context and experience, in addition to being illuminated by the Holy Spirit. We gain varied insights by listening to others. I would be happy to hear the thoughts and perspectives of readers of this blog.

Friday, November 16, 2007

The Lord Will Provide

NowI Know That You Fear God

Scripture
Genesis 22-24

Observation
The evidence that we indeed fear God is in our willingness to sacrifice everything to him. This is what the angel said to Abraham, "Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son; your only son."

We see an example of the integrity of Abraham's heart when he insisted on paying for the burial plot he purchased from Ephron the Hittite for his wife Sarah. This reminds me of David saying, "I will not offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God of that which costs me nothing" (2 Sam. 24:24).

Abraham sends his servant on a journey to acquire a wife from his brother's household for his son Isaac. This too is an act of faith and the Lord provides. His servant appears anxious about this responsibility and Abaraham assures him that God's angel will go before him and give him success. We see how the beautiful story plays out. I sometimes wonder how many jars of water it took for Rebecca to satisfy ten camels. There is a parallel here with Jesus when he asked the woman at the well to give him a drink.

Application
Intimacy with God requires complete obedience. This obedience is inspired by faith in God's word and his good intention toward us.

Prayer
Father, I desire this intimacy. Help me to make the necessary sacrifices. Help me to have complete confidence in your goodness in all the dealings of my life and to fearlessly take the steps of faith you require of me.

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