“The LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, ‘I am God Almighty…. I will make My covenant between Me and you, and I will multiply you exceedingly…. As for Me, behold, My covenant is with you, and you will be the father of a multitude of nations. No longer shall you be named Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations’” (Genesis 17:1-2, 4-5 NASB).
God made a covenant of friendship with Abraham, that confirmed he was a father, and not just a father, but the father of a multitude of nations. He used Abraham to increase humanity, to bless humanity, and to bring about the birth of His Son, Jesus, into the earth. God knew Abraham would be a good steward of the children He gave him. God said of Abraham, “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; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him” (Genesis 18:19).
This statement showed God’s implicit trust in Abraham. But Abraham’s part was to faithfully cooperate with the Lord. If Abraham didn’t do that, if he didn’t obey what God told him to do, God couldn’t fulfill His promise to make Abraham a father of many nations, and ultimately bring about His plan of Redemption and The BLESSING of the Lord through his bloodline. His cooperation was required.
Thankfully, Abraham did just that, and the story of God’s redemptive plan continued through generation after generation…
Study
Have a Relationship With God
“The scripture was fulfilled that says, ‘Abraham believed God’…and he was called God’s friend” (James 2:23, NIV).
Live the Word
How will you draw closer to God today? Will you take time each day to talk to your friend Jesus? Are you building relationship with God or just checking the box? Make a decision to start each day with this declaration and then follow it up with action: “I will draw near to God today…and He will draw near to me!” (James 4:8).
Say Out Loud
I listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit. When He knocks on the door of my heart, I answer. And I answer in faith. I believe God has good things for me, for He is a rewarder of those who do His will. I welcome God into my heart, into my mind, into my life. He makes His home with me. His love for me is overwhelming. And that love calls forth a response of obedience to the Word of God. I am a friend of God, and I celebrate my covenant relationship with Him today!
Scripture Study: Revelation 3:20; Hebrews 11:6; John 14:23
Apply
Busyness is tempting, especially at this time of year. There are many relationships to cultivate in your life, but keep your priorities in order. Be sure to focus first on your most important relationship, believing that if you will seek first the kingdom of God, all that you need will be added to you (Matthew 6:33).
Walking it out to victory:
- Put God first in all you do. As you seek to know and find Him, all other relationships will be put into perspective and begin to fall into place.
- Believe for and receive God’s absolute best in repairing and building your relationships.
- Believe that God is giving not just healthy, restored relationships, but all you have need of. That is a truly an abundantly prosperous life!
Click on the image below to download the PDF with the devotion and the craft activities related to Abraham.
