Now that we have learned about the purpose of change, I would like to examine the process of change. Process is defined as the course of action or proceeding, especially as a series of stages.
The first component in change is processing its overwhelming nature. When God calls us to his work, inevitably we have to make major adjustments in our lives in order to answer his call. It is the process of making these adjustments that can be overwhelming.
Quite often, I hear people say God will never give you more than you can handle. I know the saying sounds good, but practically I have found it to be false when it comes to answering the call of God. Don’t get me wrong, I know Jesus’ yoke is easy and his burden is light, and I have found that to be true as I have submitted to his will and labored in his work. However, the yoke and burden is something we can never carry by ourselves. That is why we have to come to Jesus to find our strength and our rest. Reflecting back on my life in times of significant change, God has always given me more than I can handle.
This season of change has been no different. Currently, I am adjusting to having a new baby, my third boy under the age of six. That is enough to keep me busy for awhile. On top of that, in August, I accepted the position of Vice President of Champions for Christ to oversee the college athletic ministry of Every Nation, and bring the national office and its staff to Tallahassee. Two months ago we started a church renovation project. And I spent last year going through a staff transition. In the midst of everything else going on, I am spending extra time helping my new staff members get acclimated to their roles and responsibilities. Also, I am doing a four week series on the topic of change. This requires about 10-15 hours of preparation of week.
You get my point? God has always given me more than I can handle. Why? When I find myself in these situations, it causes me to call out to God and seek him more diligently. I realize in these moments that I can not do it all in my strength. I must be supernaturally empowered by the Spirit of God.
Moses is a Biblical example of a man who felt the overwhelming nature of the call of God on his life. Let me prove it to you. In Acts 7:22 Luke says this about Moses, “Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in speech and action.” Now let’s look in Exodus how this educated powerful man in speech and action responded to the call of God.
God gets Moses attention through the angel of the Lord appearing to him through flames of fire within a bush. God reveals to Moses that he is his chosen instrument to deliver the Israelites out of their slavery and suffering in Egypt. Not only does God promise to be with Moses on his journey, but he gives him some miraculous signs of proof. Some of these signs include turning a staff into a snake, and making Moses’ hand leprous and then healing it.
So how does Moses respond after seeing the burning bush and God’s miraculous signs? Exodus 4:10 says, “Moses said to the Lord, “O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.” The Lord says to Moses, “Go, I will help you speak and teach you what to say.” In Exodus 4:13 Moses says, “O Lord, please send someone else to do it.” Remember, Moses was an educated man and powerful in speech and action. What changed? I believe Moses felt the overwhelming nature of the call of God.
I believe that the overwhelming aspect of God’s calling is for one major reason. It produces humility in our lives. Humility is a great indicator of submission to God. It is also a key component to having close relationship with God. James 4:6 says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
Moses learned humility as he embraced the process of change. He went from a man who trusted in his own strength, to a man who trusted in the power of God to work through him. Numbers 12:3 says, “Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth.” Because of his humility and faithfulness, God spoke to Moses face to face, clearly and not in riddles, and he had the special privilege of seeing the form of the Lord (Numbers 12:7-8).
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Friday, November 24, 2006
Thankfulness: Maintaining the Attitude of Gratitude
During rival week against the Florida Gators, you are guaranteed to hear many conversations in the gym concerning Saturday’s game. While working out on the shoulder press, I overheard a gentleman complaining about the current football staff at FSU. It's amazing to me how quickly people get negative as soon as we have a couple average seasons. "We need a new coach" or "Coach Bowden is too old" was the topic of the conversation.
I remember last year when people were saying the same thing about Penn State coach Joe Paterno. This year, Paterno coached Penn State to a 10-1 record and an invitation to play in the Orange Bowl. And guess who Penn State is playing? You guessed it--FSU. Only eight teams get to play in a BCS bowl game.
Not bad for coaches, who according to the arm chair quarterbacks, are too old. I just wish people would be thankful that we have a living legend coaching for the Seminoles. And do I need to remind all the complainers that he has more wins than any coach in college football history.
This leads me to my second point concerning thankfulness. Thankfulness protects us from a negative attitude. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, "16Be joyful always; 17pray continually; 18give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." Notice that this passage of scripture says we are to be thankful in all circumstances, not for all circumstances. Seminole fans don't have to be thankful for losing a game. However, we can be thankful in the lost. We can be thankful no one got hurt, we can be thankful our guys played hard, we can be thankful that our coach has more wins than any other coach.
What are you talking about Pastor Ron? I'm glad you asked. I will explain it to you. As I said earlier, when we stop being thankful we become negative and critical. How can we demand a new coach when the one we have has won more games than anyone else? That is insanity. A thankful attitude will act as a protection against the dark forces of anger, criticism, unforgiveness, negativity, anxiety and fear.
Pastor Bill Bennot says, “Thankfulness creates a no stick surface in our souls, which prevents the negative fallout from corrupting our mind, will and emotions.” In this example, being unthankful for having the coach with the all-time most wins in college football produces in us a bad attitude. Would a new coach do better? Maybe he would or maybe he would not. But our current one has already done better than anyone in history. Hello!
John Henry Jowett, a British preacher of an earlier generation, said this about gratitude: "Gratitude is a vaccine, an antitoxin, and an antiseptic." What did he mean? He meant that gratitude, like a vaccine, can prevent the invasion of a disgruntled, discouraged spirit. Like an antitoxin, gratitude can prevent the affects of the poisons of cynicism, criticalness, and grumbling. Like an antiseptic, a spirit of gratitude can soothe and heal the most troubled spirit.”
Happy Thanksgiving and Go Noles!
I remember last year when people were saying the same thing about Penn State coach Joe Paterno. This year, Paterno coached Penn State to a 10-1 record and an invitation to play in the Orange Bowl. And guess who Penn State is playing? You guessed it--FSU. Only eight teams get to play in a BCS bowl game.
Not bad for coaches, who according to the arm chair quarterbacks, are too old. I just wish people would be thankful that we have a living legend coaching for the Seminoles. And do I need to remind all the complainers that he has more wins than any coach in college football history.
This leads me to my second point concerning thankfulness. Thankfulness protects us from a negative attitude. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, "16Be joyful always; 17pray continually; 18give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." Notice that this passage of scripture says we are to be thankful in all circumstances, not for all circumstances. Seminole fans don't have to be thankful for losing a game. However, we can be thankful in the lost. We can be thankful no one got hurt, we can be thankful our guys played hard, we can be thankful that our coach has more wins than any other coach.
What are you talking about Pastor Ron? I'm glad you asked. I will explain it to you. As I said earlier, when we stop being thankful we become negative and critical. How can we demand a new coach when the one we have has won more games than anyone else? That is insanity. A thankful attitude will act as a protection against the dark forces of anger, criticism, unforgiveness, negativity, anxiety and fear.
Pastor Bill Bennot says, “Thankfulness creates a no stick surface in our souls, which prevents the negative fallout from corrupting our mind, will and emotions.” In this example, being unthankful for having the coach with the all-time most wins in college football produces in us a bad attitude. Would a new coach do better? Maybe he would or maybe he would not. But our current one has already done better than anyone in history. Hello!
John Henry Jowett, a British preacher of an earlier generation, said this about gratitude: "Gratitude is a vaccine, an antitoxin, and an antiseptic." What did he mean? He meant that gratitude, like a vaccine, can prevent the invasion of a disgruntled, discouraged spirit. Like an antitoxin, gratitude can prevent the affects of the poisons of cynicism, criticalness, and grumbling. Like an antiseptic, a spirit of gratitude can soothe and heal the most troubled spirit.”
Happy Thanksgiving and Go Noles!
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
The Power of Words
Michael Richards, who played the actor Kramer on Seinfeld, went on a public tirade during one of his comedy routines by calling African-Americans in the crowd the “n” word and shouting many other obscenities.
“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never harm me.” Remember that catchy little phrase growing up as a young person. At first, this saying seemed to be so true. How could something you can’t see or physically touch hurt you?
You can inflict pain by throwing a stone at a person or beating them with a stick. This makes sense. Surely air with sound in the form of language can’t be harmful. Life has taught us this is not true.
Proverbs 18:21a says, “The tongue has the power of life and death.” Once again the Bible’s wisdom is proven superior to human wisdom. Although words will never hurt a person externally, they always have the power to impact our souls with the power of life or death.
If words will never harm a person, why did so many African-Americans get upset over Michael Richard’s behavior? If words will never harm a person, why did the place where Richards was performing ban him from ever returning? If words are harmless, why would many people leave a comedy routine after paying money to be entertained? If words have no power and are harmless, why did Richards apologize to a national crowd during the Letterman Show for his inappropriate behavior?
The repercussions of Richards’ behavior remind us that our words carry tremendous power to impact people’s lives.
During his apology Richards, baffled by his outburst, tried futilely to explain his behavior. Dazed and confused he said, “I’m not a racist…that’s what is so crazy about this…it’s said…it comes through me…it fires out of me.” In other words, he was trying to convince everyone watching that he is a “good guy” despite what his words and actions were displaying for all to observe. His confused state of mind is called deception. I pray for God to touch Kramer and reveal Himself to him.
The Bible gives a clear picture of people who have not received Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Romans 3:10, 23 says, “(10) There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. (23) for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” How many lies does it take to be a liar? You guessed it...one!
We all have sinned with our tongue by speaking words to people that are inappropriate and hurtful. James 3:2 says, “We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check.”
Our tongue should be used to praise God and say kind things to people. Instead, we so often use it as a weapon to inflict harm on people. James 3:9-12 says, “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. (10) Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. (11) Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? (12) My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.”
Just as two forms of water cannot flow from one spring, and a fig tree can not bear a different kind of fruit, a person cannot be evil and good at the same time. By not repenting of our sins and receiving the cleansing that Jesus offers us through His sacrifice on the cross, we remain evil and our words confirm this fact by reflecting the condition of our heart.
In Matthew 12:34 Jesus says, “How can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. (35) The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. (36) But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. (37) For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”
The reason we say evil things to people is because we have evil in our hearts. Have you received Jesus as your Lord and Savior and allowed him to change the evil condition of your heart? If not, it is obvious by the words you speak.
Like toothpaste that oozes out its flavor of fluoride as pressure is applied to the tube, the trials of life will uncover the good or evil that dwells within our hearts. Let’s learn from Kramer’s diatribe and allow God to remove in us that which does not belong.
“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never harm me.” Remember that catchy little phrase growing up as a young person. At first, this saying seemed to be so true. How could something you can’t see or physically touch hurt you?
You can inflict pain by throwing a stone at a person or beating them with a stick. This makes sense. Surely air with sound in the form of language can’t be harmful. Life has taught us this is not true.
Proverbs 18:21a says, “The tongue has the power of life and death.” Once again the Bible’s wisdom is proven superior to human wisdom. Although words will never hurt a person externally, they always have the power to impact our souls with the power of life or death.
If words will never harm a person, why did so many African-Americans get upset over Michael Richard’s behavior? If words will never harm a person, why did the place where Richards was performing ban him from ever returning? If words are harmless, why would many people leave a comedy routine after paying money to be entertained? If words have no power and are harmless, why did Richards apologize to a national crowd during the Letterman Show for his inappropriate behavior?
The repercussions of Richards’ behavior remind us that our words carry tremendous power to impact people’s lives.
During his apology Richards, baffled by his outburst, tried futilely to explain his behavior. Dazed and confused he said, “I’m not a racist…that’s what is so crazy about this…it’s said…it comes through me…it fires out of me.” In other words, he was trying to convince everyone watching that he is a “good guy” despite what his words and actions were displaying for all to observe. His confused state of mind is called deception. I pray for God to touch Kramer and reveal Himself to him.
The Bible gives a clear picture of people who have not received Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Romans 3:10, 23 says, “(10) There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. (23) for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” How many lies does it take to be a liar? You guessed it...one!
We all have sinned with our tongue by speaking words to people that are inappropriate and hurtful. James 3:2 says, “We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check.”
Our tongue should be used to praise God and say kind things to people. Instead, we so often use it as a weapon to inflict harm on people. James 3:9-12 says, “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. (10) Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. (11) Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? (12) My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.”
Just as two forms of water cannot flow from one spring, and a fig tree can not bear a different kind of fruit, a person cannot be evil and good at the same time. By not repenting of our sins and receiving the cleansing that Jesus offers us through His sacrifice on the cross, we remain evil and our words confirm this fact by reflecting the condition of our heart.
In Matthew 12:34 Jesus says, “How can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. (35) The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. (36) But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. (37) For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”
The reason we say evil things to people is because we have evil in our hearts. Have you received Jesus as your Lord and Savior and allowed him to change the evil condition of your heart? If not, it is obvious by the words you speak.
Like toothpaste that oozes out its flavor of fluoride as pressure is applied to the tube, the trials of life will uncover the good or evil that dwells within our hearts. Let’s learn from Kramer’s diatribe and allow God to remove in us that which does not belong.
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Embracing Your Season of Change: The Purpose of Change (Part 4)
The fourth and final reason we go through seasons of change is because God wants the ministry of Christ to increase in our lives. Jesus said in John 15:8, “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”
The fruit I believe Jesus is talking about in this scripture is not only the fruit of the Spirit, but also the fruit of being a witness for God. There are two reasons God wants us to bear much fruit. First, it brings glory to our Father in heaven. Nothing demonstrates the reality of God’s love and power like a person who has been converted to Him.
Second, fruit is evidence that someone is a disciple of Jesus. People filled with God’s Spirit model a different behavior than people who are not. God’s Spirit manifests love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in those who follow Him (Galatians 5:22-23). Also, the Spirit of God empowers people to witness for him (Acts 1:8). A proof that God is empowering someone is the fact that people are coming to know Jesus through their witness.
Since God desires that we bear much fruit, we are either being cut off or pruned to bear even more fruit. Jesus said in John 15:1-2, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. (2) He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.”
On a vine, a useless branch is cut off by the vine dresser so the other branches can bear more fruit. I have observed this phenomenon in church life also. Quite often, it is seasons of change that spark this pruning process in a local church. In times of change, people who have not been fruitful usually end up leaving, while those who have been fruitful get promoted to new levels of leadership. Bearing good fruit is always a qualifier for promotion in God’s work.
It is important to note the difference between pruning and splitting in a local church. Prune means cutting away that which is dead and not being fruitful. Split means to remove by breaking, separating, or dividing, especially through discord, strife or quarreling.
Pruning is a work done by God that helps the church become healthier for effective work and growth. Splitting is a work done by people and it always causes the church to be less effective and shrink in size. We must not confuse the work of the Spirit with the work of the flesh, and we should never use Biblical terminology to justify our dissension.
The fruit I believe Jesus is talking about in this scripture is not only the fruit of the Spirit, but also the fruit of being a witness for God. There are two reasons God wants us to bear much fruit. First, it brings glory to our Father in heaven. Nothing demonstrates the reality of God’s love and power like a person who has been converted to Him.
Second, fruit is evidence that someone is a disciple of Jesus. People filled with God’s Spirit model a different behavior than people who are not. God’s Spirit manifests love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in those who follow Him (Galatians 5:22-23). Also, the Spirit of God empowers people to witness for him (Acts 1:8). A proof that God is empowering someone is the fact that people are coming to know Jesus through their witness.
Since God desires that we bear much fruit, we are either being cut off or pruned to bear even more fruit. Jesus said in John 15:1-2, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. (2) He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.”
On a vine, a useless branch is cut off by the vine dresser so the other branches can bear more fruit. I have observed this phenomenon in church life also. Quite often, it is seasons of change that spark this pruning process in a local church. In times of change, people who have not been fruitful usually end up leaving, while those who have been fruitful get promoted to new levels of leadership. Bearing good fruit is always a qualifier for promotion in God’s work.
It is important to note the difference between pruning and splitting in a local church. Prune means cutting away that which is dead and not being fruitful. Split means to remove by breaking, separating, or dividing, especially through discord, strife or quarreling.
Pruning is a work done by God that helps the church become healthier for effective work and growth. Splitting is a work done by people and it always causes the church to be less effective and shrink in size. We must not confuse the work of the Spirit with the work of the flesh, and we should never use Biblical terminology to justify our dissension.
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Lessons from Leadership Letdown
The Rev. Ted Haggard agreed Saturday to resign as leader of the megachurch he started in his basement more than 20 years ago after its independent investigative board said he was guilty of "sexually immoral conduct."
Also, Haggard resigned as president of the influential National Association of Evangelicals, an umbrella group representing more than 45,000 churches with 30 million members.
It is never pleasant to discover a leader is living a life of hypocrisy, especially when it is a pastor. As a fellow clergyman, it breaks my heart to find out one of my brothers in Christ has stumbled. I hurt for Ted, his family, his church and all who have followed his leadership as a minister. I pray for all involved in this incident.
This is not the first time a spiritual leader has “fallen from grace” and I am sure it will not be the last. Unfortunately, I have experienced similar disappointments in leaders I have trusted in over the years. Instead of causing me to question my faith, these moments have actually strengthened my trust in God.
There are four lessons I am reminded of when leaders let me down.
First, I am reminded that nothing can be hidden from God. Hebrews 4:13 says, “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” God will expose and humiliate everyone who lives in hypocrisy, especially those who preach and teach his word. If there is anything thing we can trust in, it is God’s ability to divulge that which is false.
Second, I am reminded that not everyone is a hypocrite. When leaders fall it is not an excuse to deny Jesus and his teachings. He is the world’s greatest example of a man who lived a life free from pretense and deceit. Hebrews 5:15 says, “For we do not have a high priest (Jesus) who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet without sin.” Because Jesus lived a sinless life, we all are without excuse when it comes to following him as Lord.
Also, men like Joshua and Apostle Paul were true to their faith. Israel, under Joshua’s leadership served the Lord throughout his tenure (Joshua 24:31), and Apostle Paul expected a great award in heaven because he had faithfully served his Lord. In 2 Timothy 4:7, his final letter before death, he says, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
Third, I am reminded that I am susceptible to sin. Therefore, it is my responsibility to feed my soul and make sure I am not getting complacent in my spiritual life. Because we have the potential to fall, Peter exhorts believers in Christ to daily add divine qualities to their faith. 2 Peter 1:10-11 says, “Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, (11) and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
Finally, I am reminded of the fact that what we build with our gifts will be destroyed by our lack of character. God expects us to steward well the gifts and abilities he has given us. All gifts are from God and therefore should be used for his honor (James 1:17). Building our character is the greatest way to steward our gifts, and make sure we honor God with what he has entrusted to us.
In the instant messaging culture of America, we have grown accustomed to wanting things to happen quickly. Character is built over a lifetime. Faithfulness to God takes your whole life to prove and only a moment to lose. Jesus waited thirty years to prepare for three years of productive ministry. If Jesus waited that long, how long should we wait?
Remember: Give more time to preparation (character) than production (gifting).
Also, Haggard resigned as president of the influential National Association of Evangelicals, an umbrella group representing more than 45,000 churches with 30 million members.
It is never pleasant to discover a leader is living a life of hypocrisy, especially when it is a pastor. As a fellow clergyman, it breaks my heart to find out one of my brothers in Christ has stumbled. I hurt for Ted, his family, his church and all who have followed his leadership as a minister. I pray for all involved in this incident.
This is not the first time a spiritual leader has “fallen from grace” and I am sure it will not be the last. Unfortunately, I have experienced similar disappointments in leaders I have trusted in over the years. Instead of causing me to question my faith, these moments have actually strengthened my trust in God.
There are four lessons I am reminded of when leaders let me down.
First, I am reminded that nothing can be hidden from God. Hebrews 4:13 says, “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” God will expose and humiliate everyone who lives in hypocrisy, especially those who preach and teach his word. If there is anything thing we can trust in, it is God’s ability to divulge that which is false.
Second, I am reminded that not everyone is a hypocrite. When leaders fall it is not an excuse to deny Jesus and his teachings. He is the world’s greatest example of a man who lived a life free from pretense and deceit. Hebrews 5:15 says, “For we do not have a high priest (Jesus) who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet without sin.” Because Jesus lived a sinless life, we all are without excuse when it comes to following him as Lord.
Also, men like Joshua and Apostle Paul were true to their faith. Israel, under Joshua’s leadership served the Lord throughout his tenure (Joshua 24:31), and Apostle Paul expected a great award in heaven because he had faithfully served his Lord. In 2 Timothy 4:7, his final letter before death, he says, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
Third, I am reminded that I am susceptible to sin. Therefore, it is my responsibility to feed my soul and make sure I am not getting complacent in my spiritual life. Because we have the potential to fall, Peter exhorts believers in Christ to daily add divine qualities to their faith. 2 Peter 1:10-11 says, “Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, (11) and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
Finally, I am reminded of the fact that what we build with our gifts will be destroyed by our lack of character. God expects us to steward well the gifts and abilities he has given us. All gifts are from God and therefore should be used for his honor (James 1:17). Building our character is the greatest way to steward our gifts, and make sure we honor God with what he has entrusted to us.
In the instant messaging culture of America, we have grown accustomed to wanting things to happen quickly. Character is built over a lifetime. Faithfulness to God takes your whole life to prove and only a moment to lose. Jesus waited thirty years to prepare for three years of productive ministry. If Jesus waited that long, how long should we wait?
Remember: Give more time to preparation (character) than production (gifting).
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Embracing Your Season of Change: The Purpose of Change (Part 3)
The third reason we go through seasons of change is because God wants to bring us into his blessing and inheritance. Abram is our greatest example of this in scripture.
The Lord would command a move to initiate change in Abram’s life. Genesis 12:1-3 says, “The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you. (2) “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. (3) I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”
For Abram to receive his blessing, he had to be willing to leave everything that had been familiar to him. Not only would he have to leave his natural family and his closest relationships, but he would also have to leave his country. Abraham’s faith, his ability to be sure of what he hoped for and certain of what he did not yet see, allowed him to make such a move.
In Hebrews 11: we get incredible insight into what Abraham was thinking as he left all that was familiar and comfortable to him. It says, “(8) By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went , even though he did not know where he was going. (9) By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. (10) For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.”
God changed Abram to bring him into a relationship with him, establish a people he could bring his blessing to and through, and give Abram a great inheritance of land and people. One of the prayers Apostle Paul prayed for the church at Ephesus is that the eyes of their heart would be enlightened so they would know the riches of the glorious inheritance in the saints (Ephesians 1:18). God’s ultimate blessing and inheritance for our lives is the relationships we develop in him.
What is amazing about this story is that Abram, which means father is exalted, was childless and well past the age of childbearing at the time God visited him. God told him that if he would obey him, not only would he give him a son, but he would give Abram descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore (Hebrews 11:12).
As proof of his promise to Abram, God gave him two external signs of the covenant he made with him. One sign was circumcision, and the other was a name change. God changed Abram’s name to Abraham, which means “father of many nations.” Abraham embraced his season of change and became the patriarch of God’s purpose, and the father of our faith.
The Lord would command a move to initiate change in Abram’s life. Genesis 12:1-3 says, “The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you. (2) “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. (3) I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”
For Abram to receive his blessing, he had to be willing to leave everything that had been familiar to him. Not only would he have to leave his natural family and his closest relationships, but he would also have to leave his country. Abraham’s faith, his ability to be sure of what he hoped for and certain of what he did not yet see, allowed him to make such a move.
In Hebrews 11: we get incredible insight into what Abraham was thinking as he left all that was familiar and comfortable to him. It says, “(8) By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went , even though he did not know where he was going. (9) By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. (10) For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.”
God changed Abram to bring him into a relationship with him, establish a people he could bring his blessing to and through, and give Abram a great inheritance of land and people. One of the prayers Apostle Paul prayed for the church at Ephesus is that the eyes of their heart would be enlightened so they would know the riches of the glorious inheritance in the saints (Ephesians 1:18). God’s ultimate blessing and inheritance for our lives is the relationships we develop in him.
What is amazing about this story is that Abram, which means father is exalted, was childless and well past the age of childbearing at the time God visited him. God told him that if he would obey him, not only would he give him a son, but he would give Abram descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore (Hebrews 11:12).
As proof of his promise to Abram, God gave him two external signs of the covenant he made with him. One sign was circumcision, and the other was a name change. God changed Abram’s name to Abraham, which means “father of many nations.” Abraham embraced his season of change and became the patriarch of God’s purpose, and the father of our faith.
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