Seeing Beyond My Own Vision - Acts 6:5

S. Acts 6:5 “He (God) gave him (Abraham) no inheritance here, not even enough ground to set his foot on. But God promised him that he and his descendants after him would possess the land, even though at that time, Abraham had no child.”

O. Abraham’s response is a remarkable degree of faith. He didn’t know where he was going, but he went.

He himself had no promise that he would enjoy the land, but his descendants would. So he obeyed.

He had no children at that time, yet he trusted God and followed the Lord to the land, to undergo circumcision and obey God in all that God asked of him.

Abraham’s “eyes of faith” could see beyond what was directly in front of him. He could see the legacy that God wanted him to leave. His faith response was for those who would follow after him. Yes, his family and for us his extended family today.

A. I desire to have this type of faith that cane see beyond what my physical eyes can see. Perhaps like an old chorus, “Open my eyes Lord, I want to see Jesus.” I desire to have such a faith walk in my life, to follow the Lord, not knowing all the details, but knowing I can leave a powerful witness of a life of faith for my friends and family now, and for those who live after I’m gone.

P. Thank you Father for your word today. Thank you for Abraham’s example of faith that sees beyond his and our own vision. Holy Spirit open my eyes of faith to see beyond what my physical eyes can see. Fill me and guide me to leave a legacy of faith for others. In Jesus’ name!

Proclaiming Jesus With Faith and Boldness - Acts 5:42 (NIV)

S. Acts 5:42 “Day after day, in the temple courts, and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.”

O. The apostles had been beaten and warned not to teach about Jesus. Yet despite the persecution, they continued to daily teach and proclaim that Jesus is the Messiah.

The persecution only intensified their witness. They had a boldness and strong faith. They knew their calling and would not be discouraged.

A. I will continue to each and proclaim Jesus. Though I do not seem to be persecuted (as they were), I do get discouraged at times for a culture that seems so “anti Christ.” Nonetheless, I resolve and remain determined to proclaim Christ through every avenue open to me: teaching, preaching, blogging, podcasts and words of encouragement to others.

P. Thank you Father for the word today. Holy Spirit fill me and guide me to continue to proclaim your word with faith and boldness. In Jesus’ name!

The Influence of Godly Families - SOAP Challenge Day 1 - Malachi 2:14-16

S. Malachi 2:14-16

14 You ask, “Why?” It is because the Lord is the witness between you and the wife of your youth. You have been unfaithful to her, though she is your partner, the wife of your marriage covenant.

15 Has not the one God made you? You belong to him in body and spirit. And what does the one God seek? Godly offspring.[a] So be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful to the wife of your youth.

16 “The man who hates and divorces his wife,” says the Lord, the God of Israel, “does violence to the one he should protect,”[b] says the Lord Almighty.

So be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful.

O. The people of Israel had been unfaithful in divorcing each other and taking foreign spouses. They were missing out on God’s blessings and experiencing hard times. God calls them to be faithful to one another and to do no harm to the family (the marriage). Strong, godly marriages benefit the family and ultimately benefit or influence the surrounding community and culture.

A. I will continue to pray and support my wife as well as my grown children. I will ask God for His favor that I might bring out the best in my family, and that we as a godly family might bring out the best in our community having a positive influence on the culture.

P. Thank you Father for this word today. I pray your blessings over my wife and grown children. I ask that you give me wisdom to bring out the best in them that we might honor you and that we might positively influence our community and the culture we live in. In Jesus’ name!