Father Abraham Had Many Sons

We call Abraham "father" not because he got God's attention by living like a saint, but because God made something out of Abraham when he was a nobody. Isn't that what we've always read in Scripture, God saying to Abraham, "I set you up as father of many peoples"?

Abraham was first named "father" of faith and then became a natural father as well because he dared to trust God to do what only God could do: raise the dead to life with a word and make something out of nothing.

When everything was hopeless, Abraham believed anyway, deciding to live not on the basis of what he saw he couldn't do but on what God said He could and would do.

God Himself said to him, "You're going to have a big family, Abraham!"

Kathie Walters

The Nations

Jesus carried the sins of the world upon His shoulders.
I know, beloved, that He can carry you.

As we were worshiping this morning at church, I could just picture Father's heart toward His Son, as He hung on the cross, never once cursing or condemning those who beat Him and ridiculed Him and called for His death, but loving them and forgiving.

I could imagine Father saying, "My Son, I will do anything for you."
And Jesus answering, "Give Me the nations!"

Jesus has done His part. Now it is up to man to receive His gift of pardon for sin, and new life.

The Word tells us that it is the goodness of God that leads men to repentance. God is pouring out His Spirit. His glory covers the earth as the waters cover the seas.

Father, thank You for the gift of Your only Son. Thank You for Your lovingkindness and tender mercy. Thank You for your patience. The Kingdom of Heaven is near. May we fall on our knees before You in grateful reverence. We join with Jesus in asking for the nations to know Him as Lord and King.

What to do?

"When someone asks us to pray for them, if possible, stop and pray on the spot. Recognize that we, the church, are the hands and feet of Christ. Be faithful in the small things. Refuse the fear of man and the fear of taking a risk. Protect your life from busyness. You are only anointed to do what God calls you to do."
Steve Sampson, Discerning and Defeating the Ahab Spirit

Overwhelming Peace

God, investigate my life; get all the facts firsthand.
I'm an open book to you;
even from a distance,
you know what I'm thinking.
You know when I leave and when I get back;
I'm never out of your sight.
You know everything I'm going to say
before I start the first sentence.
I look behind me and you're there,
then up ahead and you're there, too—
your reassuring presence, coming and going.
This is too much, too wonderful—
I can't take it all in!

Psalm 139:1-6 Message

Government

There is a lot of talk in the news about government shut-down, government protests, big government, and one world government. It is comforting to know that God revealed to the prophet Isaiah 2,800 years ago Who is in charge of government.

For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end,
Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom
To order it and establish it with judgment and justice
From that time forward, even forever.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.
Isaiah 9:6-7