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May 13, 2024

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Keep the Way of the Lord

"For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD to do justice and judgment." Genesis 18:19

The commitment of Abraham's life to God and his subsequent life of faith were outgrowths of walking with God. After God called him to leave his country and to go where He would lead him, "faith" characterized his whole life. God had so impacted his heart that no attraction of this world had any consideration in Abraham's journey. God said, "I know him." I think God reviewed the whole of Abraham's life and character and came to some of the following conclusions:

I know his PRINCIPLE. He regards all that he possesses--his wisdom, his power, his influence, and his family--as gifts for the good of others and for the glory of My name. He recognizes Me as the source of his strength, who will govern his life under My divine sovereignty.

I know his INCLINATION. He has a zeal for my honor. He longs to be a channel of blessing and to exalt and magnify My name. He has a love for others and desires to benefit them in every way possible to the uttermost of his ability. He derives great satisfaction from being a blessing to them.

I know his PRACTICE. He is faithful in uniting his family to read the Word and pray, applying the truth and principles of my commandments to their lives. He seeks to lead them in worship and in serving Me, teaching them reverence, responsibility, and respect.

I know his INNER HEART. He enters into all things as one who feels his responsibility and has but one desire, to gain approval from Me. He seeks to walk before men in a godly manner so as to glorify Me. He desires to be influenced by Me before he seeks to influence others.

I know his FAITH. When I call upon him, he will respond without question, debate, or hesitancy. He will follow with his eyes fixed on Me, even though he knows not where I might lead him. He will put his unreserved trust in Me. I will be the focus of his walk and life the priority of his life.

God saw these and many more characteristics in His servant Abraham. Wouldn't it be wonderful if God "knew us in such a measure of devotedness and commitment?" Abraham was not satisfied with simply giving good advice to his children; he commanded them. He maintained authority over his family and exercised that authority and responsibility before God. His godly authority demanded respect, his discipline established character, and his godly character was a role model to his family and everyone he came in contact with. Abraham's life was lived outside the confinement of himself. He was controlled by One, even God Himself, who was from "without," who led him, empowered him, revealed Himself to him, and walked with him. Abraham was known as "a friend of God." Look closely at Abraham's life and see his sterling qualities. How dramatically these qualities were manifested when he told Lot to choose whatever land he desired, although this was rightfully his choice. He left his choice in the hands of God, and afterward God said, "All the land thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed forever." Oh, that we might so surrender our hearts and lives to His sovereign control and Lordship.

© 2007 by Ed Powell. Used by permission.


This page was reprinted by permission from: http://litmin.org/dare.php?date=2024-05-13&print=1


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