I Refuse To...

Hebrews 11-Part 16
By faith, Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.  Hebrews 11:24-26

Review:
Moses was:

• the third born child of Amram and Jochebed, of the Levite tribe,
• was spared from death when the Pharoah's daughter pulled him out of the water,
• adopted by that princessess,
• indoctrinated by his mother, a Hebrew, who taught Moses about God,
• highly educated, of noble rank, pure in character, saved by faith alone,
• watching his people, his family work hard as slaves, be mistreated, some killed.

LET IT GLOW
I can't even recall what Mom told me to do, since it's been over 50 years, but I didn't do it. The reason I know that I didn't do it, was I ran away from her, outside. I never knew Mom could run, but that day I found out she could. By the time I got to the tall pinetree, which I was going to climb, she cought me. I got a deserved spanking that day, and learned my leason-do what your mother tells you to do.
My refusal was different from Moses. Mine was out of rebellion, his was following God, refusing to be called the Pharoah's son. Let's take a step closer to the story.

There were significant decisions that separated Moses from his Egyptian peers and nobel family:

1. His decision to refuse to be called the son of the Pharoah's daughter wasn't made in haste by a man who dreamed of being great; he was already a great man in a great position. Neither was it made in ignorance or on the crest of emotion. He wrestled with the choice of living for the temporal, fleshly life or the spiritual life with eternal reprocussions.

Refused means "denied;" choosing means "to take oneself a position;" considering means "to think before hand."
Moses made the choice and thought ahead. he could have been the next Pharoah in Egypt, but he choose not to. Insstead, he choose to follow God. Do I make a choice to follow God before a specific situation  arises? Am I prepared to seize the opportunity to witness for Jesus before the opportunity arises?
      
       2. Moses chose to suffer affiction with his people instead of enjoy the pleasures of sin for a
           season. What happened in Exodus 2 was that Moses killed an Egyptian for smitting a Hebrew,
           then Moses hid him in ther sand. This act was seen by other Egyptians, so Moses was afraid to
           face Pharoah.
[Reference: Hebrews, Volume II, a Bible Study Guide by Charles Swindoll]

I'm a daughter of the King, King Jesus. My inheritance is an eternal one-heaven. As the King's child, I'm assured protection and provision. I'm educated by the Creator, using His Holy Word as my textbook. My Father and Teacher know every detail of everything and how they work. He also controls all happenings in His kingdom. As I submit to my King Jesus, I become a mighty warrior, since He's the Captiain of the Lord's army. He gives the orders.

Do I act like the King's daughter? Do I take advantage of knowing the King personally?

Am I alert to opportunities that come my way?
" God guides us and leads us by opportunities. He will equip us to do what the opportunity presents. Ask Jesus to give us opportunities to witness for Him. Some opportunities may be difficult, have hinderances, but don't quit. Let no excuse keep you from Jesus," said Charles Stanley.

Do I seize the opportunities to witness for my Jesus? Moses fled to the land of Midian, to escape the Pharoah. Do I flee from chances to stand up for Jesus?

LET IT GROW

Moses esteemed the reproach of Christ greaater riches than the treasures in Egypt. He knew his reward was greater in heaven than any treasures he could have in Egypt. Remember, the Egyptians were the richest society on earth at that time in history.

Am I willing to give up treasures on earth, things, money, prestege, power, in exchange for serving my Savior Jesus Christ to the fullest of His will?

LET IT GO
Let go of all the riches on earth to serve, worship, and live for my Savior, Jesus.

Refuse to walk in the world's steps, but walk in Jesus' footsteps.

A Special Baby

Hebrews 11-Part 15
By faith Moses, when he was born was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment. Hebrews 11:23

Olah from Puerto Rico! What a beautiful place which the Lord made. I see a deep blue Carribean ocean, palm trees, a rain forest, exquisit flowers; it's a breathtaking view from the 6th floor of our hotel. This is one business trip I don't mind sitting through meetings so I can enjoy the scenery. Tonight we take a boat ride to an island and have a festive dinner (dress and tie). I ate coconut rice, sweet potato biscuit, and spiced chicken. It's a gorgious sight so breathtaking for this country gal from Arkansas to take in.
Sorry I was late for the posting, but I'm sure you will understand.(I'm thankful that internet reaches around the world and so does the love of Jesus.)
LET IT GLOW

I know a young woman who had a premature baby girl, weighing only 4 pounds. It was a long process, but with the help of the Lord and medical staff experienced in caring for this type of special needs baby, she lived. She was so tiny, that you could see through her hands and arms. What a sweet little bundle of joy she was. That was seven years ago and she is the cute little girl, doing everything a seven year old does. We marvel at this blessing the Lord has given to her mother. I think Moses' mother must have felt the same way. Let's take a peek into their home.
These wonderfully dedicated people (Moses' Parents) have a testimony that still lives and speaks to us today. They lived in a very cruel time, but their active faith literally changed history. Exodus 1:6 tells us that the Israelites were fruitful and multiplied greatly and became exceedingly numerous. They grew from 70 to approximately 2 million. Then a new king, who didn't know Joseph, came on the block, probably Tuthmosis I. (Jim Henry, pastor of FBC, Orlando, Florida)

E.T.Sullivan, quoted in The Marriage Affair, said:

When God wants a great work done in the world or a great wrong righted, he goes about it in a very unusual way. He doesn't stir up His earthquakes or send for thunderbolts. Instead, He has a helpless baby born, perhaps in a simple home and of obscure parents. And then God puts the idea into a mother or father's heart and they put it into the baby's mind. And then God waits. The greatest forces in the world are not the earthquakes and the thunderbolts. The greatest forces in the world are young children.
May I add, "Then these children, influenced by parents to serve and worship Jehovah God, grow up to do just that."

Parents and grandparents have the weight of responsibility on their shoulders, a task that is tremendous as they teach and direct a child.

In 2007, the Barna Research Group released the results of a recent survey in which they discovered that more likely than not, it is the mothers who are fortifying the family with faith, and not the fathers. It said, "Mothers inhabit many roles inside and outside the family. Within the household, they are often counted on to be the emotional compass, organizer, multitasking manager of the familly, and spiritual energizer. Women who are raising children are among the most faith-minded and spiritually active segments of the American population. Three-quarters of moms identify "family" to be their highest priority. The majority of mothers agree that faith is very important in their life. Fathers also tend to list family as their top priority in life, but less likely to equally attribute importance to faith."
The president of this group said,"Whether they are a parent or not, women in America have high levels of spiritual sensitivity and engagement." (Brad Whitt)

Exodus 6:20 tells us Moses' father was Amram and his mother was Jochebed. Exodus 2:1 tells us they were both of the family of Levi, which were priests in the Israelite family. I wonder if that was why God chose this family to nurture the future deliverer, He saw their faith. Just an idea. At any rate, Moses' parents were listed in the Hall of Faith or Hall of Fame.

Is my faith alert to God's will, when it requires something I don't want to do? Or when it requires seperatioon from family?

LET IT GROW

Moses' parents were not afraid of the king's edict, law, nor the conquences of disobeying it.

It was a genuine test. Pharoah was convinced that the Hebresws' strength in numbers lead would lead to the fall of Egypt. Thus, he initated a program of persecution. One edict followed another and finallly Pharoah decreed that the Hebrew sons be cast into the Nile and drowned at birth. But within the tribe of Levi was a family that believed they had to supercede these orders. By faith they placed their infant son, Moses, into hiding. Their belief that God had a special plan for Moses was rewarded by his escapte from death.He not only escaped, but a significant future was in store for him (Ex. 2:10-3:10). (Swindoll)

At the time of his birth, Pharoah had published an edict ordering every male child to be cast into the river; but instead of oveying this order, Moses was hid three months by his parents.. A act of his mother was done, no doubt, with knowledge, advice, and consent of his faither (Acts 7:20).
They believed that God would deliver the people of Israel and He would also deliver their son.They perceived something remarkable in him, which to them was a token that he would be the deliverer of God's people, therefore they hid him. (John Gill)

As it turned out, the Pharoah's daughter found the Hebrew baby and adopted him as her own son. How strong is my faith? Am I willing to follow God's plan even when it requires death? John the Baptist was, along with Mopses' parents.

Spurgeon said,"Moses became a man of noble rank, high education, and pure character, saved by faith alone."

Someone once said,"We don't know what God can do with a man who is totally surrendered to God."
Do I have contagious faith that others see in action and want to follow?

LET IT GO

Watch for God's plan to unfold in the life of a child as they grow up. Pray for their faith to not fail, but they follow God.

Don't be afraid to obey God's leading, even if it means death.

Offer my life as a sacrifice to the Lord Jesus.

Departing Soon

Hebrews 11-Part 13
By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.  Hebrews 11:22

Review:
Joseph:

• was the eleventh son of Jacob(Israel) and his father's favorite,
• his mother was Rachael,
• had the ability to interpret dreams, which he recognized was from God,
• dreamed that his parents and brothers would bow down to him, which came true,
• had jealous brothers that sold him into slavery,
• spent most of his life in Egypt, age 17-110,
• became a servant to Pharoah, put into prison because Pharoah's wife lied about Joseph,
• was later promoted to second in command over Egypt,
• interpreted Pharoah's dream, thus saving Egypt during a 7 year famine,
• fed his family during the famine and moved them into the land of Goshen in Egypt, which began the 400 years of slavery for the Hebrews,
• forgave his brothers of what they did when he was 17,
• had two sons, Manaseh and Ephraim,
• Joseph's sons inherited land in the Promised Land in his place,

LET IT GLOW


In a few days, my husband and I will be departing for Puerto Rico for a business trip. I know where the suitcases are, where the clothes are, where the tickets are, but nothing is packed and ready to go. Joseph was different. He was looking forward to the day his people and his bones would be carried back to his homeland. He was also looking forward to the resurrection of his body. Now that is faith. Shall we look into his life for it?
Isn't the faith of Joseph remarkable? After the way his family treated him, you'd think Joseph would have just abondoned his baith, but he didn't. Instead, it grew stronger. Even the ungodly influence of Egypt didn't weaken his trust in God. Joseph didn't use his family, job, or circumstances as an excuse for unbelief. Joseph knew what he believed-that God would one day deliver his people from Egypt and slavery (Gen.50:24-26).
(Reference: Be Confident by Warren Wiersbe)

Isn't it easier to talk faith than to walk faith? Don't we fight constantly to live by faith? At least, I do. By nature, we resist trusting God. We would rather walk by sight, since that's a lot more predictable. The problem is that walking by sight doesn't please God. Seriously, faith is to be an everyday companion, not a weekend guest (2Cor. 4:16-18; 5:7). The best place to cultivate, teach, and learn faith is in the home with the family. There were four homes in Scripture where faith was taught and learned. The lines of faith stayed strong. We can see the faith relationship spoken of in Hebrews 11, in the relationships between:

• father and son (Abraham to Isaac),
• grandfather to grandson (Abraham to Jacob),
• brother to brothers (Joseph to his brothers),
• parents to child (Moses' parents to Moses).

Faith in God was deeply entrenched in Joseph's heart, and he displayed it as he responded to his brothers, who mistreated him. Genesis 50:20 says But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.

Joseph not only reiterated the promise of God, that the Lord would take care of them and bring them from Egypt to the land promised Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, (Gen.50:24), but by faith he could also foresee the events of the future. He know that for the promise to be fulfilled, an exodus would eventually have to transpire.
(Reference: Swindoll's Bible Study Guide on Hebrews, Volume II)

After they spent all their money buying food from Egypt, the Hebrews became their slaves. It was only 400 years after Joseph's death that the Hebrews were freed from slavery in Egypt.

Am I practicing walking by faith instead of by sight? Do I live depending on Jesus for everything? I'm a work in progress.
What am I a slave to? What has me in bondage, holding me down so I am not free to serve Jesus?

LET IT GROW

What was the last thing Joseph commanded his sons to do for him? He wanted them to carry his bones into the Promise Land. He might have been an Egyptian without, having lived his entire adult life there, but Joseph was a Hebrew within. Joseph's faith held no compromise. Wasn't it the result of the faith that had been transmitted to him through his lineage, from one generation to the next? (Swindoll)

Joseph knew God's promises were true! When he died, Joseph was never buried. His coffin laid above ground for 400 years or so, until it was taken back to Canaan. (Guzik)

Instead of being buried with the kings of Egypt, Joseph chose to be buried with his fathers. It shows his belief of the resurrection of the dead and his enjoying the heavenly inheritance. (Gill)

Revelation 20 talks about the resurrection of the dead. Now that's something I don't want to miss seeing. What a sight it will be-graves opened and dead rising up! Whew! Come Lord Jesus!


LET IT GO

Cut the strings holding me to this worldly living and are keeping me from living by faith.

Let go of the sins that keep me from serving Jesus.

Let Jesus live through me.

On My Knees

477. "On My Knees"                     March 14, 2012
Hebrews 11-Part 12
By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff.  Hebrews 11:21


LET IT GLOW

Review:

Jacob, whose name means catcher, supplanter, following after, deceiver:

•  was the second-born son of Isaac,a twin,  the grandson of Abraham.(Gen. 25:26)
•  was the son whom Abraham was about to kill, offering on an altar to God, when a ram replaced him.(Gen. 22)
•  bribbed his twin bother, Esau, into trading his birthright for a bowl of stew.(Gen. 25)
•  deceived his father into thinking he was Esau when Isaac passed out the family blessings.
•  fled for his life in fear of Esau killing him whenever Esau found out what Jacob had done.
•  reaped what he had sown-fauther inlaw switched girls so instead of marrying Rachel, he actually married her sister Leah.
• worked 14 years for Laban in order to marry Rachael.
• met Jesus in a dream of a ladder. (Gen. 28)
• had 12 sons, who became the "twelve tribes of Israel. (Gen. 30)
• wrestled with the Lord Jesus at Peniel, where his thigh was permanently placed out of joint. (Gen 32:24-32)
• had to admit his name was "deceiver," and had a name change by God to "Israel,"which means "ruling with God." (Gen. 32:28)
• met his Redeemer, Jesus Christ, as his Savior. (Gen. 48:16)

LET IT GLOW

Sometimes in my quiet time of worship, and  prayer, I would be on my knees. Notice I said "sometimes." Well, it took being on my knees, crawling under a fence, while wearing my Sunday clothes, that the Lord showed me He wanted me in that position daily. The reason I was crawling under a fence on Sunday, in my grey suit, hose and sandles, was that I locked myself out of the house and I was going to my son's house to get the key, so I could get my purse, which had the car key, so I could go to church. Yes, I did it again. (If you have followed my postings, I have done this before.)
Am I a slow learner? Thank You Jesus for Your patience.

Looking at our key verse, it was by faith that Jacob did something for which he is remembered. What was it? It was done by faith when he was almost blind and dying, he blessed both sons of Joseph. Now Joseph was his most favorite son of the twelve. Joseph was a chosen patriarch. His two sons were Manaseh, the first-born, and Ephraim, the second-born (Gen. 41:51-52). It was at this time that Joseph took his two sons to his dying father for their inherited blessings of God to the family. (Gen.48)
The unique thing that happened was while blessing them, Jacob switched hands and touched Ephraim's head with his right hand. What was so significant about this act? Ephraim, the second-born,  received the blessing from God, a double inheritance, not the first-born Manaseh. By the way, the same thing had happened to Jacob and his brother Esau.

John Gill said:

This was done in faith, under the direction and inspiration of the Spirit of God, as appears by his setting Ephraim before Manaseh and when he delivered the blessing he firmly believed it would be fulfilled, though they were then in a strange land.
Jacob sat upon his bed, weak, leaned upon the top of his staff, and worshipped God, and gave praise and glory to Him, that he had lived to see not only his Joseph, but his seed also (Gen. 48:2, 11, 20).

Jacob intentionally switched his hands in order to pass the blessings of Abraham and Isaac onto Ephraim. He couldn't distinguish them by sight, yet he could distinguish them by faith.

Liberty Bible Commentary says:

Even though these events of the Book of Genesis 27:1-28:5 seem to involve deceit rather than faith, Isaa's part was in faith in that he was accomplishing God's will. Likewise, Jacob's blessing of both sons of Joseph involved faith, for it also involved the carrying out of God's promise. Both times demonstrated the intimacy between faith and God's will and Word. Probably, Jacob's leaning upon his staff depicted Jacob's dedication and faith dramatically. Jacob's staff was a daily reminder of God's promises, and his life of faith was  best symbolized by his staff.

Jacob never forgot the faithfulness of his father: it was ingrained into his very being. As a result, he relayed it to the two generations that followed.  (Swindoll)



LET IT GROW

Worshipped, in this verse, means to pay homaage shown to men of superior rank; to fall upon the knees and touch the ground with the forehead as an expression of profound reverence.
Leaning on his staff, Jacob worshipped God.

How do I worship? Since reading the definition of worship I will be on my knees during my quiet time with the Lord. When I wear my grey suit I will remember. Yes, Lord.

LET IT GO

Stay on my knees.

Bless others.

See You Later

Due to a sudden death in our church family, I will post later. Please excuse me, but I'm needed elsewhere. Check back later today. Thanks. Please remember us in prayer. It was a handicapped boy named Brody.

In the Family

Hebrews 11-Part 11
By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.  Hebrews 11:20


LET IT GLOW

According to my family's geneology, my father's family were believers. In fact, there was even a Protestant preacher somewhere in the list. What a blessing it is to have ancestors who believed in Jesus as Savior. Now, my children are believers and their children are being taught about Jesus. I can say that it is in the family. So could Isaac.

Isaac was the" son of promise" born to Sarah at age 90 and Abraham at age 100. He was the one whom God required as a sacrifice by his father, but the Lord intervened with a ram so he wasn't killed. It is faith that pleases God (Heb. 11:6). That faith was passed down to Abraham's son, Isaac, whose name meant "laughter".

The faith relationship spoken of in this verse is father to son. Isaac was dependent on the faith that had been modeled for him by his father, Abraham, and continued and preserved it in his relationship with his own sons, Jacob and Esau. (Swindoll)

What about Isaac's life before he blessed his sons? Didn't he exhibit faith in God? When a famine,drought, comes, he obeyed God and stayed put. However fear leads him to lie, as did Abraham (chapter 20). Then, Isaac backs off from conflict over water rights, especially significant in times of drought. (Illustrated Bible Handbook)

Do I have strengths and weaknesses when it comes to faith? I admit there have been times in which I trusted God and times I acted on my own strength without faithfully obeying God.


LET IT GROW

How could it have been by faith that Isaac blessed his two sons when deceit was involved?  To find this answer, I want to back up to the events leading up to Isaac's blessings in Genesis 27:

• Blind Isaac thought he was near death at age 137, so he blessed his sons, then lived 43 more years.
• Wife Rebekah overheard Isaac talking to Esau, so she devised a plan to deceive Isaac in order for him to bless her favorite son Jacob the family blessing. (Easu was the first-born twin.)
• While Esau was out hunting deer so he could make dad's favorite dinner, Jacob snuck in the tent and immitated his brother using goat hair, skin, and meat, then received his blessing. (Esau had previously traded his birthright for stew Jacob had made.)

Getting back to my question-how could it have been "by faith" that Isaac blessed his sons when deceit was involved? How could it please God?
John Gill suggests, "Isaac might have done it in faith, believing that the person he blessed would be blessed, though he was mistaken in him, and which he confirmed when he did know him (Gen. 27:33.37). Jacob was blessed in 28:1-3."

Esau was blessed in Genesis 27:39-41.

Even though these events of Genesis 27:1-28:5, seem to involve deceit rather than faith, Isaac's part was in faith in that he was accomplishing God's will.  Liberty Bible Commentary

Ultimately, God's will was accomplished. Malachi 1:2-3 tells us that God loved Jacob and hated Esau.
That's the way it was. Sometimes we have to accept the Word as it is and let God be God, doing as He sees best.

Do I accept His ways as my ways?

LET IT GO

Don't deceive in order to get my way.

Accept the fact that God's will shall be done, one way or the other.

Do what's right.

Testing

Hebrews 11-Part 10
By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.  Hebrews 11:17-19

Review:
At what age was Abraham when certain events took place in his life?
-75 when he left Ur, homeland,
-86 when Ishmael was born,
-100 when Isaac was born,
-137 when Sarah died,
-160 when grandson Jacob was born.
-175 when Abraham died.

What promises had God made to  Abraham? What promises had he received so far?

• He would have a son of promise (from Sarah).
• His offspring would be as numerous as the stars and sand.
• He would inherit the land of Canaan.
• The Messiah Himself should be of his seed.

It was by faith that Abraham went out from Ur, his homeland, following God, not knowing where he was going. (Hebrews 11:8)
It was by faith that Abraham sojourned in the land of promise, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob.
(Hebrews 11:9)
That brings us up to date in the life of Abraham. Shall we see what's happening now?

LET IT GLOW

So far, Abraham had received a son, just as God had pormised; Isaac was born by Sarah just as he was foretold in Genesis 17.
As the faithful servants are listed in the Roll Call of Faith, before their name, the scripture begins "By faith...".

Abraham and Sarah received their son of promise by faith, believing God was able and would fulfill His promise to them.

Do I believe  that God is able to keep His promises to me? Is my faith strong enough to wait on those promises to come to pass? Abraham and Sarah waited 25 years for Isaac to be born. It was all according to God's timetable.


LET IT GROW

Jerry Vines said, "Faith is trusting what God says and acting upon it regardless of circumstances or consequences."

Hebrews 11:6 tells us that without faith it is impossible to please God.

"Whatever God requires is justice and good. He is the Lord of life. So He has the right to dispose and take away life, when and by what means, instruments He thinks fit," said John Gill.

Abraham's faith was tested again (Genesis 22:1). King James uses the word tempt.
Tempt, nacah (naw-saw') in Hebrew, means to test, prove, try. (Strong's Concordance)

The verb tense for offered up indicates that as far as Abraham was concerned the sacrifice was complete. In his will and in his purpose, he really did sacrivice his son.  (David Guzik)

Accounting is a term from arithmetic expressing "a decisive and carefully reasoned act." It means Abraham calculated God's promise worthy of confidence. Isaac was as good as dead. It was from the dead that he received him back, in a manner that prefigured the resurrection of Jesus. (Guthrie)

Accounting in Thayer's Lexicon means to consider, take account, weigh, meditate on; tried means to try, make trial of test: of God.

Charles Swindoll, in his study guide on Hebrews, enlightens us about testing:

Life is marked by tests. Some are major, most are minor; some linger, most leave about as quickly as they arrive. In this process of growth toward maturity, trouble plays an essential role: it puts faith on the line. Occassionally, we encounter a time of testing that is so difficult that it fits into a category all of its own: an ultimate test. That's what Abraham was forced to face one day when God broke the silence and told him...
The word in 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 reveal four levels of stress. the levels of testing or stress asre indicated by the following terms:

1. Afflicted. This is the slightest level of testing. It is mild or moderate. The Greek word Paul uses is the one from which we get our word "pressure." This type of stress comes from people, deadlines, interruptions, and delays. It is easily forgotten but it attacks us on a daily basis.
2. Perplexed. This indicates a level of testing which is more intense than the former and less often experienced. The term means "without a way" and conveys the idea of not knowing where to go or to whom one can turn. This kind of testing would include not knowing how to handle unfair treatment from unfair people.
3. Persecuted. This is an extreme level of testing. It can be either emotional or physical. This form of irritation or stress does not pass quickly.
4. Struck Down. This is ultimate testing, maximum stress. It can include the loss of someone or something near and dear to you: a spouse to divorce; a mate, child, friend to death; something you considered valuable; a dream. For Abraham, it was the potentioal loss of his "only begotten son" (verse 17).

God had brought to Abraham an ultimate test: offer Isaac as a sacrifice. He believed that God existed and was the rewarder of those who sought HIm. He trusted God. Abraham's faith was immediate and was characterized by confidence.

"Testing reveals your heart," said Blackaby.

The picture of Isaac here is a type of Christ. Let's compare how the two were alike:

• miracle birth,
• circumsized on 8th day,
• sons of Abraham,
• only begotten son,
• heirs,
• carried the wood on which they were offered,
• offered on a Mount,
• offered by their faither, by whom neither of them were spared,
• by the command of God,
• were alone,
• neither had bones broken,
• delivered on 3rd day, one delivered from death, other really from death,
• returned to father's house.

God was testing Abraham's love for God.  He wanted to see if Abraham loved God more than his only begotten son, son of promise.
Abraham believed in the resurrection, that God had the power to raise Isaac.
Has God asked you to give up anything lately? Is there something you would not sacrifice to God because you love Him most?

LET IT GO

Let go of whatever God wants.

Love God with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Trust God to keep His promises.