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 »

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 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 »

God loves to use my dog, Sketch, as an object lesson to show me how things we do effect Him. Today is one such example. While I was in the middle of something, Sketch informed me he wanted to go out. » more »

Last April, God was speaking to me about abiding in Him and that as we do we cannot sin.  Recently, as I meditated on that God showed me a vision of me literally stepping into the body of Jesus. As He moved I moved in unison. Being one. Far exceeding the intimacy husbands and wives experience as the two become one flesh.

As the Lord was showing me, as I was inside Him – abiding in Him – I fully understood why I could not sin. » more »

In Numbers 15, God is reviewing the penalties for sin with Moses. First He addresses things done unintentionally. Then in verses 30-31, He addresses ones done intentionally. His wording here is interesting – He says things done “presumptuously“.

Presume means “to take upon oneself without authority.” And the Hebrew word for presumptuously in this verse is ruwn. One of the meanings is to exalt oneself. » more »

Today for the first day in what feels like forever I had a moment to just get quiet alone with God.  Something about being completely alone wrapped in silence (particularly in a hot bath!) that make Him feel so close.  Amazing how many different ways there are to experience His presence… each one different… but I digress.

So I was sitting pondering the amount of stretching Allen and I are experiencing right now… and it is in all areas of our life.  We are being tested and tried.  And honestly, it’s rather painful sometimes.  Sometimes it feels like we may snap.  As Allen and I spoke earlier this evening the picture that came to mind was that of a rack. It just feels like we are being pulled in every direction. » more »