Read Genesis 22:1-13.

Unwavering, Obedient Faith

"And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah;

and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of" (v. 2).

How did a man from an idolatrous, sinful society become the father of our faith? What enabled him to hear and obey when he was called out of Ur of the Chaldees (Genesis 12:1-3)? What inspired Abraham to trust God when directed to sacrifice his son?

While scripture provides little insight into Abraham's relationship with God prior to this call, we find some clues about what enabled him to walk in unwavering obedience. First, Abraham likely learned of God from his forefathers. Abraham was a descendant of Noah through Shem, who was old enough to have known Methuselah and who actually outlived Abraham. From Shem, Abraham may have learned of the one true God. Hearing stories of God’s faithfulness before and after the Flood, he would have learned to trust God (James 2:23).

Second, Abraham had enough of a relationship with God to recognize His voice. When God called him to leave his home for an unknown destination, Abraham went, trusting in God’s promises. Third, Abraham eventually developed such a close friendship with God that, when God asked him to sacrifice his son, Abraham had no doubt who was asking. Because of God’s faithfulness to Abraham over decades, he trusted God--even when it didn't seem to make sense.

May God help us to walk so closely with God that we know Him fully and trust Him completely! (Lyle Witt)

“But we never can prove the delights of his love

Until all on the altar we lay;

For the favor he shows,

For the joy he bestows,

Are for them who will trust and obey.”

--- John Sammis

God, help us to trust and obey You!

Thursday, September 17

Read 1 Thessalonians 5:12-22. 

Instruction in Practical Holiness      

“See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men” (v.15).

   As a little girl, Mrs. William Booth, who became a leader of the Salvation Army, was running along the road with a hoop and stick when she saw a prisoner dragged away by a constable to the lockup. The mob was hooting at the unfortunate culprit, and his utter loneliness touched her heart. It seemed to her that he did not have a friend in the world. Quickly, she sprang to his side and marched down the street, determined that he should know there was one soul that felt for him, whether he suffered for his own fault or that of another.

“Quench not the Spirit” but follow His gentle promptings. Call that one that needs a friendly reminder that you care. Pick up the meal tab for a police officer or soldier. Practical holiness will be evident in your daily walk with God. Love is not what you say, love is what you do.

Welcoming the Comforter is described using various terminology: Sanctification, the Infilling, the experience of holiness, being filled with the Holy Spirit or Holy Ghost, and the Second Blessing. Throw the door of your heart wide open. Welcome, Holy Spirit, we need You. (BKT)

Holy Spirit, like a dove, Who descended from above;

Make our hearts henceforth to be,

Temples ever worthy Thee.

--- Clarence T. Steele

Thursday, August 27
Read Isaiah 40:12–17.
Lord Over All
“All nations before him are as nothing; and they are counted to him less than nothing, and vanity”  (v. 17).

Across the millennia, powerful nations have appeared on the world scene. Their individual displays of
wealth, power, and control extended across the many peoples on the globe. The culture of the ruling classes was
supreme over the inferior races confined within the boundaries of these kings and monarchs. People served as
slaves, bowing to the authority of the overlords: i.e., Israel under Pharaoh’s hand.
We learn from history that kingdoms rise and fall. It is a known fact that, in days gone by, Babylon, Persia, Rome,
and even China had their time of glory among the nations of the world. And that is history.
These kingdoms reigned, and their leaders ruled, oblivious to the reality that the very wisdom by which they
held their positions was a gift from the Almighty Creator God. “By me kings reign, and princes decree justice”
(Prov. 8:15).
Today, we see unfolding before our eyes the prophetic words of Jesus: “Nation shall rise against nation, and
kingdom against kingdom” (Luke 21:10). Leaders are challenging leaders with words, works, and weapons.
These, too, shall come to pass. God’s people are part of the kingdom that shall last forever. He truly is Lord over all! (WLR)

God’s kingdom is forever, and ever! Hallelujah! Amen!!

Read Acts 2:41-47.

Growth in Fellowship
“And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and
fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers” (v. 42).

Some years ago, I was sitting on the platform of a church in LaPaz, Bolivia, where I was to preach. During the service, a woman stood to testify. As she did so, there were tears streaming down her face as she spoke with passion. I suddenly felt a wonderful kindred spirit with her. I asked my missionary friend what she was saying. He told me that she said she knew she was saved but was earnestly seeking the blessing of entire sanctification. Later, as I reflected on the “oneness” I had felt, I realized there was little I had in common with her. She was of a different nationality, culture, and language. We lived in different worlds. The only thing we had in common was the one thing that mattered more than all else: the bond of the Holy Spirit, which made me inwardly exclaim, “She is truly my precious sister in Christ!”
The Greek word for this “oneness in Christ” is “koinonia” which is translated “fellowship.” It is a beautiful word that implies communion and communication in the unique relationship that exists between true believers. However, such relationships need to be and should be carefully nurtured by transparency, kindness, and love. (Michael Williams)
“How good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”
(Psalm 133:1)