As I was reading in Genesis 17 this evening, one line in verse 26 stood out to me:

That very same day Abraham was circumcised, and his son Ishmael

Let me back up and give a little context.  In the end of ch 15, the Father made the covenant with Abram (who in ch 17 becomes Abraham). The beginning of ch 16, Sarai (later to become Sarah) is talking her hubby Abram into trying to MAKE a prophetic word happen, which could be a blog in itself, but if you’re a wife – you should be aware of the implications of this story.  Then at the end of ch 16, Hagar is struggling against Sarai’s leadership. Now fast forward 13 years and in ch 17 the Father reiterates His covenant, this time clearly specifying that it will occur through Sarah’s womb (she just got her new name). » more »

Recently, I’ve been spending a good deal of time contemplating authority and submission to authority. Partly because my pastor has been doing a teaching that’s touched on it a number of times (last week’s message was awesome – it’s available online if you’re interested). But as I was reading Genesis 16, something caught my eye about submission. This is the story of Sarai (later Sarah) sending her servant (Hagar) into her husband (Abram/Abraham) to bear him a child on her behalf. Hagar gets a little uppity after she becomes pregnant and Sarai complains to Abram. » more »

In the US, we all feel VERY entitled to our thoughts and opinions, and we too often make ourselves free to share them – whether they be good or bad. And though the constitution may support our rights to do so, let’s pause and consider if God does.

Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. (1 Corinthians 10:9) » more »

I’ve been pondering the implications of 1 Kings 13 for several days now. There are portions of it I struggle with, which leave me with many questions, but there are some messages that are so clear I’d be remiss not to acknowledge them. So, with that disclaimer, I’ll give you an overview of the story. » more »

There have been questions kicking around in my head for several months and I’ve finally decided to blog some of these thoughts.  This is still something I’m chewing on so feel free to share scripture and we can banter together if you like

Allen started this whole line of questioning when he brought 1 John 3:4 to me:

Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. (KJV) » more »

Hosea 2:6 is a favorite verse of mine because it demonstrates a principle of how God works: He will hinder our way to keep us from going the wrong way.

Therefore I will hedge up her way with thorns, and I will build a wall against her, so that she cannot find her paths. » more »

I admit, I’m not a big fan of change. But I’ve learned over the years to trust the Lord when He brings it knowing that His plans for me are good. And well… He has some change afoot for me (and my hubby) now.
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I chuckled a bit when I felt the nudge to blog on Isaiah 31 because it, like my last post, is on not trusting in man. I was like, “Yes Lord, I see the theme!”

Here is Isaiah 31:1, 3a (empasis mine)

Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help and rely on horses, who trust in chariots because they are many and in horsemen because they are very strong, but do not look to the Holy One of Israel or consult the LORD!

The Egyptians are man, and not God, and their horses are flesh, and not spirit. » more »

God’s had me reading John 15:1-17 pretty much everyday for a couple months now. It’s interesting to see how He’ll highlight different words and passages each day. Today He highlighted verse 14:

You are my friends if you do what I command you. » more »

It’s always fun to find a great “other half” to a highly-quoted scripture. Frequently the other half unlocks some new revelation of the well-known portion. For me, today’s scripture is an example of that. It comes from Romans 12:2

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. » more »