September 25, 2026

GOD’S WORD FOR TODAY:

“The matter distressed Abraham greatly because it concerned his son. God said to him, ‘Do not be so distressed about the boy and your servant, his mother. Listen to whatever Sarah tells you, she is right; it is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned. I will make the son of the slave into a nation also, because he is your offspring.’” (Genesis 21.11-13)

REFLECTION ON GOD’S WORD:

God promises. God hears. God makes a way. There are times in our lives when the truth of our daily life becomes painfully obvious and bears a consequence we would not have chosen. If only we could do things that would never have a consequence! What a foolish thought. If there were no consequences, reactions to our actions requiring recognition and often times some sacrifice, then there would be no actions. What is needed is an awareness of what consequences exist as we make decisions. Oh that we would and could know every consequence to our actions. If we did would we still do it? How many times have we already answered yes by giving in to the flesh instead of heeding the spirit? We are all guilty (I am not speaking of remorse) of doing what we should not do and not doing what we should. The Apostle Paul confessed that about himself in his letter to the Christ followers in Rome and throughout the empire (Romans 7.15-20). There has only been one perfect One who has lived upon this earth. Even He was never without consequences. His decision to honor His Heavenly Father and submit to His will for our sake led to the consequence of crucifixion. Yes, there were others who lived good lives and most certainly sinned less than the rest of us, but we all face the same consequence of sin born into the world. Even the most innocent of us, a fetus in the womb, seemingly without sin and perfect without having done anything more than to exist, will suffer the consequence of sin which is death. Sadly, there are those who believe they should face the consequence because of the sin of the parents and the sin of a people who deem the fetus as nothing more than a sickness. (But I digress.)

What is important are the consequences of obedience to God. These are the lessons Abraham is learning in the whole process of living according to God’s call in and over his life. God’s mercy and understanding is universal and all-encompassing. He is just and kind and fair. What He says He will do He will do; that includes making the most of situations we make and chose that are not of His will. Do not think for a moment, mighty ones of God, that God did not see all the options that rise up before you. Just because He sees them does not mean He would chose them for us. But, God can work all things together for our good, the good of others and for His glory. This is the craft of Almighty God! So, God blessed Ishmael with the blessing of nations. It would not include the rising up of a savior one day who would bring spiritual reconciliation between God and humanity. Do not be confused. Here is a lesson for each of us to learn and apply. Good things can be done by anyone. Good things, however, are only truly good if they include the knowledge which speaks of God’s plan for salvation. Jesus was more about feeding a people for a lifetime and not just a day. Look at the consequence of the Feeding of the 5000. There were twelve large baskets full of leftovers; one for each disciple. Each disciple claimed they did not have enough to feed the multitude much less collectively to do so. Yet, Jesus took one small basket to feed a family and multiplied it to minister to every there. Jesus set the example of not feeding for a day but for a lifetime. With the same faith, each disciple could do more, far more, than they believed capable. It wasn’t about feeding the body. It was all about enriching the soul called to spread the gospel and bring God’s word of salvation to the whole world. Where is our basket for many generations?

TODAYS’ PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING:

Father, in these days we are finding the need to believe even more than ever before. We all have known trouble, some in greater ways than others, but You are offering us the assurance that we will not be consumed by it forever. Regardless of the “time” we are in and the “time” we have been given, we ask for Your Holy Spirit which Jesus asked You to share with us, to lead and guide and direct us in the paths we should go. Teach us what we still need to learn. Empower us to put that learning into action. Bless our actions not as a works righteousness endeavor, but as righteous works of faith, hope and love in Jesus’ name. AMEN.