When God Says Surrender

Genesis 22:9-13

And they came to the place which God had told him of; and Abraham built an altar there, and laid the wood in order, and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar upon the wood. And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son. And the angel of the Lord called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I. And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me. And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son.

Life was great for Abraham. He finally had his son he'd longed and prayed for. He had God's promise of blessing his seed. He'd left home and journeyed to the new place God had for him. But one day God told Abraham to do something crazy and hard. It didn't make sense what he wanted. He wanted Abraham to sacrifice his only son as aburnt offering. That "burnt offering" was an indication of total surrender and complete devotion to God. In that time the Pagans would sacrifice their kids to their gods. God wanted to see if Abraham was as committed as they were. 

Abraham got up early and journeyed for 3 days to the exact spot God told him to go. When they got to Mount Moriah Abraham and Isaac climbed the mountain alone to worship and make a sacrifice. He gave Isaac the wood to hold..little did he know that wood would soon be holding him. Abraham was obedient but was also listening for God's voice. It says Abraham "lifted up his eyes" twice..the first time to see that certain place God had chosen and the second time to see that certain provision God had placed just for them! 

Can you imagine how thankful Isaac must have been because of that ram stuck in the thicket! I'm glad He provided and he continues to provide today! 

Sometimes our dedication to God will involve putting others on the altar. Those who make the journey to worship with you. Sometimes God says lay it down. Sometimes God says pick it up. Whatever he's saying we must be willing to obey. He sees. He will provide. He wants to be put first and the things that are in his way need to be dealt with. "When I lay my Isaac down with a broken heart, but my Father's proud..and on this altar here he lays just to find it wasn't him..God wanted me!" Surrender is one of the hardest things to do. I always have a hard time with letting go. When we surrender we lose control over whatever were letting go of. Idk about y'all but I'm a control freak! God allowed Abraham to keep his son and he also provided exactly what they needed..because Abraham trusted and obeyed! When we let go, and trust HE knows best He will provide just what we need, right when we need it. 

Even in the wilderness..God is good

Nehemiah 9:21

Yea, forty years didst thou sustain them in the wilderness, so that they lacked nothing; their clothes waxed not old, and their feet swelled not.

Deuteronomy 2:7

For the Lord thy God hath blessed thee in all the works of thy hand: he knoweth thy walking through this great wilderness: these forty years the Lord thy God hath been with thee; thou hast lacked nothing.

I was reading in Nehemiah last night and verse 21 stood out to me. I reread it a few times and the phrase "they lacked nothing" jumped out. The children of Israel missed God's best but he still blessed them! They were outside His divine will and had went against His perfect plan yet He still took care of them. Even while he was chastening them he was still good to them! 

That word Sustain means, to bear, uphold, or support. For 40 years he made them walk in the wilderness. Their unbelief hindered so much. They never grew, they never changed, they never advanced spiritually, and they never got to new levels in life. Everything stayed just as it was the day they told God no. 

I don't want my unbelief to cause me to stop growing, or becoming more like Jesus! But I'm learning God is good no matter how I treat Him. Let's get that through our heads. My actions don't change God's goodness..He's good to me no matter what! (I sure don't deserve it!😭) Even though God stayed faithful and was good to the children of Israel they missed out on some great things! They missed out on the victories, the miracles, the BEST God wanted so badly to give them. We have a choice to do life our way or God's way. The children of Israel missed out on the Best and died walking in the wilderness. There wasn't a day in those 40 years where God didn't meet all their needs. 

Think about how much they would've grown and how much more God would have blessed them if they'd just obeyed and believed His promises. I am amazed that He wants to continue to be good even when we aren't good to him. 

What stood out to me is that God was with them even in the wilderness..He could have left them but He stayed faithful. He remained faithful even though they wanted to do their own thing. They didn't want what God had for them but God kept on taking care of them. They were His children and He loved them no matter what they did or didn't do. It's the same for us today! He wants to give us the very best but if we fail and don't believe He Will still love us just the same. WHEN you and I fail we must remember He is still good! They lacked nothing but they missed God's best. Don't let unbelief hinder your walk with the Lord. Gods way is always higher than ours..it will seem impossible, and scary but God will be walking right beside you no matter what road you choose to take. Trust He knows best and will only give you His BEST❤️ 

But If Not..

Daniel 3:17-18
If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.

I was thinking about these verses last night. As the Word tells us over and over God doesn't always do what we think and he doesn't always do things when we think he should. The 3 Hebrew boys were standing before King Nebuchadnezzar because they'd stood instead of bowed. Once again they had a choice to make..Bow or burn. They knew their God COULD deliver but they didn't know if He WOULD. No matter the problem, circumstance, request, or need OUR God is Big enough! And these boys knew that! That phrase "he will deliver" comes from the Hebrew verb "yesheyziv" meaning deliverance was a possibility but not a certainty. Their faith was in God no matter if he let them burn, or if he delivered them. My study Bible says, "Their faith in God did not rest on the belief that He would perform a miracle, but that their sovereign God could be trusted". They had the courage to keep standing and to say "But if not.."

That phrase "But if not" made me think about prayers versus unanswered prayers. God says he will answer..but he doesn't tell us when. Sometimes his answer is "no", "not now" but sometimes he says, "yes." The hardest answer is when it seems like he says nothing at all. Just like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had to choose to believe God knew best we have to make the same choice no matter how hard it might be. They chose to get thrown in the fire knowing if God didn't do something they would burn.

I asked God to do something by a specific date over a year and a half ago..well that date came but my prayer didn't get answered. On May 11th I wrote in my journal "But if not Lord I will still serve you and I'll keep waiting. You know best." So here I am on the other side of my request..he didn't answer the way I wanted but I will keep going! I will keep waiting! I will keep serving! I will not bow down and give up..I will not please the devil. Just as these 3 brave boys did I choose to believe my sovereign God can be trusted..no matter what His answer is. As this year ends and a new one will soon begin I just want to say "But if not" Lord. What about you?

Merry Christmas: The Greatest Gift

Isaiah 9:6
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Luke 11:13
If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

All gifts are either given, received or rejected. Different gifts are given to different people..we're all different-different likes/ dislikes/ wants/needs. I've been given gifts before that looked so pretty and perfectly wrapped..I just knew it was going to be great. But after unwrapping it I was disappointed. It wasn't what I thought it would be. Over 2000 years ago the best gift was given. He wasn't wrapped in gold wrapping paper but in swaddling clothes. A King left glory to come to this sin filled world. The night I received this gift I was not disappointed.

God GAVE His only son. All gifts are free to take but they cost something for the person giving them. This gift cost a very high price. This was not one of those gifts that had no thought put in it..God didn't just throw it all together at the last minute. Before time began God had Calvary on His mind. Before time began He knew YOU and I would one day need a gift like no other...the gift of SALVATION, the gift of FORGIVENESS, the gift of amazing LOVE that was willing to sacrifice it all. This gift gives light in the darkness, peace in the storm, strength in the weakest days and oh so much more! "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus there's just something about that name. Master, Savior, Jesus like the fragrance after the rain." Today we celebrate Jesus' birthday. "Unto us a child is born, unto us a son of given.." This gift is the gift that keeps on giving. 33.5 years later Jesus was nailed to the cross..not because he had to but because he wanted to. Christmas isn't about the gifts but the gift, it's not about the Christmas tree but the tree he hung on at Calvary, it's not about the colorful lights but the light of the world. Don't reject this perfect gift. Those who reject Christ will die alone and spend eternity in Hell burning, screaming, crying forever. Salvation is a free gift. It's the best gift. God always knows how to give the BEST gifts.  Merry Christmas my friends! ❤️❤️❤️

When God is Silent

Luke 1:6-7

And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.

Luke 1:13

But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.

Luke chapter one explains the events that took place right before Jesus was to come to earth. At this time it had been 400 years since God had spoken to his people. Imagine 400 years of total silence from God. Somehow Zacharias and Elisabeth stayed "blameless" and "righteous" and walked in the Word God had given all those years before he had gone quiet. Zacharias had the amazing, once in a lifetime opportunity to burn incense on the altar in the temple. This happened 2x a year..the priests cast lots to see who would  be chosen. In verse 13 it says the angel came and told Zacharias his prayer had been heard. 

Even though God was silent this couple kept praying and kept trusting God. Sometimes we think God owes us because we "serve" him and we stay "faithful". He doesn't. The real question is will we stay faithful even when God is silent? Even when it seems like God is doing nothing? Will we keep praying even if it seems our prayers are going unheard and unanswered? 

God heard everytime they prayed for a son. He saw every tear they cried as they continually begged God to give them their hearts desire. Year after year they persevered yet God didn't answer. In Bible times it was a shame not to have any children. I'm sure they were looked down upon at times throughout their lives. I know they prayed for many years because it says they were now "well stricken in years." 

I have something I've prayed for for so long and I've wondered if he will ever answer. I've had many times of doubt. Just the other day I had given up BUT the Word of the Lord came and he gave me the strength to keep going. 

These verses encouraged my heart..even in silence God never changes. Even in silence He is true to His word. Even in silence He is doing only what is best! He says he will hear and answer when his child calls..that's me! So I must keep walking in his word until the silence is broken. I hate waiting and I know Elisabeth and Zacharias didn't like it either..but God answered and performed a miracle for them. He gave them the son they waited so long for. This son was Jesus' cousin, the one God sent to guide the people "into the way of peace (vs79)." Peace was coming. The Prince of Peace was soon to be on His way! They had asked for a son but God gave them a special son who walked with God and was used mightily. Sometimes he makes us wait to give us something better than we asked for. 

The Shepherds on Christmas Night

Luke 2:8-11

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

I noticed one word a few weeks ago when reading this chapter..the word NIGHT. These shepherds were faithful in the field God placed them in even in the night, even when everyone else was asleep in bed. They cared about the things God had put them over. They were ready to protect and fight for their field and their flock even though it was dark out. 

•Shepherds abiding: 

These were simple people who cared for the sheep. That word Abiding means: dwelling, remaining, continuing, enduring, awaiting. 

•In the field: They were {abiding} right where they were suppose to be. Any other field they would've missed the Angels, the glory and the good news! 

•Keeping watch over THEIR flock: 

Keeping: means guarding, or protecting.

Watch: to look with attentiveness or steadiness; To keep guard.  

These weren't just any sheep, these were sheep that would be used for the temple sacrifices. I learned Sunday morning that if a sheep had just 3 hairs out of place he was not longer considered "without spot". These shepherd had to keep very close attention on each sheep!  God has given us all some things to keep watch over. The enemy loves to come in the dark. It's only human to get tired while working in the field especially when it's dark! In the darkness the sheep had to be watched and protected even more closely from the enemy. 

•By night: I've never worked 3rd shift but I know it would be tough! 1st shift is hard enough for me lol. These shepherds weren't envious of those who were getting rest. They weren't jealous of those who had it easy. I'm sure there were times they wish they had what those resting had. Nonetheless they persevered and endured in the night. Paul and Silas sang in the (mid)night hour while in shackles..God did a miracle for them and through them because of their faith. He freed them and saved the jailer and his family. God is doing things even in the night!

•There was a reward..Only these shepherds got to hear the great news and only these shepherds had the amazing privilege to meet sweet baby Jesus before anyone else! What if they had slacked up and fallen asleep or gave up and went home? 

Sometimes the place God puts us in might seem dark, the night long, and unrewarding but keep abiding in the field! I sure don't want to miss what God will show me in the night! 

On this "Night of all nights" as preacher Frankie called it Sunday morning the Angels showed up in the field with great news! They came only to them to tell them Jesus, our Savior had been born. Where once was darkness now the brightness shone all around. 

Glory fell, joy surrounded them and the shepherds were forever changed this beautiful night. It started like all the rest but ended unforgettable. Keep abiding in the field, God sees right where you are. He sees your faithfulness when no one else is watching. Keep serving in the night!

Joseph's Journey: Prospered but Enticed

Genesis 39:1-3

And Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him of the hands of the Ishmeelites, which had brought him down thither. And the Lord was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. And his master saw that the Lord was with him, and that the Lord made all that he did to prosper in his hand.

Genesis 39:7-8,10,12

And it came to pass after these things, that his master's wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me. But he refused... And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her. And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out.

Part3: Joseph was pushed down and emptied, purchased and enslaved and now he prospered but was enticed. 

-prosper- to grow or increase, to thrive to make gain, successful, favorable. Joseph was "Well favored" (vs6)

-enticed-persuade, allure, seduce. 

What stood out to me is that Joesph GREW even after all the hard things he'd faced. He didn't grow bitter but better...prosperous. He didn't sit around feeling sorry for hisself..he was successful even as a slave in a foreign land. In the midst of all his trials Joseph thrived! He kept that "Here am I" attitude. God was using him as he kept yielding and trusting. The devil will always come around when we are growing closer to God...he will tempt and entice. He always finds a way. Potiphar's wife was the Devils tool in attempting to bring Joseph down. But it didn't work! Day after day she enticed and tried to persuade him to lie with her but Joseph was determined to please God with his heart and life! He had a Purposed heart! Joseph had already made a resolve to stay true to God..no matter if he was in the pit or at Potiphar's house. That resolve gave him the courage and strength to run and flee when she enticed him. Joseph stood by God and God stood by him..he prospered, he grew, he didn't give up and he didn't give in to the  flesh when opportunity arose. 

Joseph's Journey: Purchased and Enslaved

Genesis 37:27-28

Come, and let us sell him to the Ishmeelites, and let not our hand be upon him; for he is our brother and our flesh. And his brethren were content. Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt.

Genesis 39:1

And Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him of the hands of the Ishmeelites, which had brought him down thither.

Just when Joseph thought things couldn't get any worse they did. He gets out of the pit only to be purchased and enslaved. Joseph had been brought down into the pit and now he was "brought down to Egypt". In vs27 it says his brothers were content to sell Joseph. That word content gives the meaning of to be pleased, satisfied. They were pleased to sell their little brother. I'm sure while Joseph say at the bottom of the pit he could hear his brothers discussing what they would do to him.  They wanted to get rid of him and they definitely did. 

He had just been pushed down and emptied in the pit and now he was being purchased and enslaved. He was sold for 20 pieces of silver..the standard price of a male slave.. He was sent to Egypt (aka a type of bondage) He then was sold again to Potiphar. How many of us would've given up on God once sold as a slave?? Joseph didn't quit on God!

-once sold as a slave he was no longer in control of his own life. God was still working on humbling him. Joseph was no great saint of God...but with amazing strength and faith in God he just kept trusting with each step. Instead of sitting alone in the dry pit he was now serving alone in a foreign land. He didn't know the language. He didn't know the people. He didn't know what was going to happen to him. He didn't know how he would get back home or even if he'd ever make it back home, but he didn't give up. Maybe someone you love has sold you out or maybe you're in a place you don't want to be in, wherever you are keep going. Don't stop now. You don't know what God has planned for you down the road! When life gets you down keep looking up! 

Joseph's Journey: Pushed Down and Emptied

Genesis 37:23-24

And it came to pass, when Joseph was come unto his brethren, that they stript Joseph out of his coat, his coat of many colours that was on him; And they took him, and cast him into a pit: and the pit was empty, there was no water in it.

I've been studying the life of Joseph. He's an amazing example for us to learn from and strive to be like. God will always humble before he exalts! Joseph is a great example of this. What caused him to get thrown in the pit later caused him to rule over Egypt. Joseph did right everyday yet he still faced some huge trials! Joseph's story is one of forgiveness after being forsaken, prosperity in the midst of problems, and purpose even though nothing made sense for many years. Joseph's story is a beautiful one despite the ugliness. 

In these 2 verses Joseph was pushed down and emptied:

-Joseph's journey to exaltation began at age 17. God had given him a special gift. The love of his father and his dreams caused his brothers to hate him. His dad called him to go see his brothers watching the sheep...his response was "Here am I". I want to have that "here am I" attitude Joseph had. Little did he know by obeying his father it would get him thrown in a pit and his whole life would be changed drastically! Can you imagine being 17 again? Can you imagine your own brothers turning on you and throwing you down in a pit? They were so jealous it grew into bitterness and hatred...they wanted him out of their lives! His brothers didn't care how this would hurt Joseph. They were selfish and only thought of themselves. Their wicked hearts caused a lot of hardships for Joseph. 

They had planned to kill him but Reuben stopped them, instead they threw him in a pit. A pit is a dark, empty place. Joseph was alone and empty...he'd been stripped of his coat...his coat was his most prized possession. His coat reminded him of his father's great love. God allowed Joseph to be emptied. Being emptied is a hard thing for me..we want and want and want even more but Joseph had to go through a time of emptiness. Many years later he became full.

It was dry in the pit! Sometimes those who are suppose to love us the most are the exact ones who will despise and throw us down...this can make things really hard and dry and lonely! 

When this unexpected event happened to Joseph he didn't throw a pity party and give up...he decided while sitting alone in that dark, dry place that he was going to trust the master. People throw each other in pits everyday.. The sad thing is Christians are the worst at this. I know so many jealous "Christians" who will turn on someone in a heart beat just to make themselves look better or come out on top. How sad! May I never be the one throwing others into the pit. As hard as it is to say I'd rather be thrown in the pit then put someone else there. When this happened he could have forgotten about God but he didn't. He had a choice and so do we! This young 17 year old stood firm on his faith. Think about it...he didn't have a Bible, he didn't have a youth group praying for him, he didn't have anything but God. I bet he quickly realized God is all He needed. He got still and waited for God to get him out. 

When we are knocked down all we can do is look up! Look up and remember God sees you and even though you may feel all alone He is right there with you. He has purpose for the pit!! Trust Him! Are you willing to have a "here am I" attitude no matter what it might cost you? Thank the Lord this is not the end of Joseph's story.