S: "and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me." Genesis 22:18
O: This is a covenant to Abraham, but I like how it is qualified by obedience. God blessed him and his offspring because of obedience. I think it is the same with us. God gives us grace we've chosen to follow Him, but blessings come through obedience. And not easy "do not murder" obedience, but hard stuff, especially.
A: Keeping my heart pure and open is not easy most of the time, but when I make the hard choice and keep my mind focused on what I'm supposed to think about and do what I'm supposed to do, God will bless me, more than I could imagine. I need to remember that when I ask for God's blessing, I must also do my part in obedience. If I ask for blessings on my family, then I must also be faithful in serving my family. Perhaps I am the blessing to my family that I am asking for, if I only respond in obedience.
P: God, obedience is hard. Obedience to you in everything I do, when my heart is constantly torn by desires of the flesh, and desires to follow You. But please help me remember that obedience brings about blessings, usually just the fruit of my own self-control. But you will always bless me abundantly, beyond what I can imagine, if I follow in obedience to you. Amen.
Riley read Genesis 17, which was a tough read, no interesting stories, but she did a good job and I am proud of her for reading without complaining.
Tomorrow: Genesis 28:20 - 40:11!
6 months ago
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