Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-

 

Celebration of the Divine Plan of Salvation
Bible Reading:   Genesis 22:10-18
Key Verse: “So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide. And to this day, it is said, “On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.” - Genesis 22:14

DEVOTION

Genesis 22 is a story which teaches us the importance of trusting God and being faithful to Him during uncertain times. Here we see Abraham having to almost sacrifice his only son Issac. But looking at the bigger picture, this story teaches us the importance of trusting God’s promises, even if they seem impossible, and surrendering to God, even when difficult. 
The three points conveyed in this chapter are: trusting God’s promises, recognizing God’s sovereignty, and embracing faith.
One, trusting God’s promises. When Abraham was asked to sacrifice Isaac, he still believed and trusted in God’s promise (Isaac would be the father of a great nation). Even when we cannot understand His plan, we must trust God’s promise for our life. His promises never fail and always bring unexpected blessings. 
Two, recognizing God’s sovereignty. Genesis 22 highlights the importance of God’s sovereignty and His ability to provide in unexpected ways. We see that Isaac was not sacrificed, instead God had provided a ram. At all times, God will provide in ways we cannot imagine or fathom. 
Three, embracing faith. When facing hardships, let us continue to look at Abraham as a role model. He trusted God wholeheartedly and faithfully. Even when our life seems to be out of control, the one thing we can control is having faith and knowing that God will always provide & meet our needs. 
Ultimately, Genesis 22 teaches us that God tests us so that our faith could be strengthened. When life challenges us, it is an opportunity for us to lean into our faith and trust in God. When we trust in God, miracles happen, and beautiful blessings come our way.  Just as Abraham trusted in God to provide, let us remember that our Lord will always provide. 

PRAYER

Lord, during life’s storms, give us the strength to hold firmly onto our faith and trust in You. Help us to remember that the challenges we face in life are meant to make us stronger. Father God, we know that these lessons only bring us blessings. Give us the strength to continue to grow in You daily. Amen. 

Thought for the day
                                                        
“Let your life reflect the faith you have in God. Fear nothing and pray about everything. Be strong, trust God’s word, and trust the process.” – Germany Kent 

Christine Thomas
St. John’s Mar Thoma Church, New York

Popular posts from this blog

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
  Constant, patient and welcoming love of God   St. Luke 15: 11-32  V.21: And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ The parable of the ‘Prodigal son’ is one of the most frequently quoted parables that Jesus told His disciples. The parable contains the rich mine of human virtues and emotions. This parable is lived and re-lived in progressing civilizations from time immemorial and continuing. It brings out in vivid detail the pathetic depth of human sinfulness and the glorious heights of God’s forgiveness.      As a story of human nature, fathers are generally merciful to their children in any circumstance. They are very protective and are eager to provide for and secure the lives of their offspring. Jesus is telling this parable to underscore the superlative love of God to His children. The nature of such love is reiterated by Jesus in Matthew 7:11. Humankind wh...
Read more

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
Revelation for Liberation Acts 27:18-26 Sherine Thomas Long Island MTC, NY 20  When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest raged, all hope of our being saved was at last abandoned. “After winter comes the summer.  After night comes the dawn.  And after every storm, there comes clear open skies” so said a Scottish clergyman from the 1600s. It’s been said, that hope can sometimes be the most dangerous weapon.  However, it’s sometimes the hardest weapon to carry when you’re living with the loss of a loved one, something that almost feels like a terrible nightmare that’ll never go away.  It’s a weapon difficult to carry when day in and day out no one seems to hear or see those tears that are shed or silent cries that are made during a heartfelt prayer. It’s a weapon difficult to carry as you see your loved one lying on that hospital bed.  It’s a weapon difficult to carry as you search and seek out answers to tel...
Read more

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
PRIESTHOOD: THE ANOINTED MINISTRY Exodus 40:12-16 Bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting... wash them with water. Then dress Aaron in the sacred garments, anoint him and consecrate him so he may serve me as priest (Exodus 40: 12-13). Priesthood among the people of God was a divine command and initiation. God wanted some people to be separated for the special ministry among his people. God appointed Aaron and his descendants to take up this kind of ministry among the people of God. Priests are always separated and appointed as channels that connect God with his people. All throughout the history of Israel, priests played an important role in connecting people with God and to lead and guide them in the statutes of God. But there are incidents in the Bible where the priests failed in their duties and that led the people to go away from God. So the priests have a special and significant ministry to perform in this world among his people. Two important things...
Read more