shortlady
Member
- Joined
- Aug 3, 2005
- Messages
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Regardless How Old You Are God Can Change You
Did you know that Abraham was called Abram until he was ninety-nine? This guy was pushing the century mark when God changed his name from "exalted father" to "father of many nations." Kinda funny almost, considering his only child came from a bad decision to sleep with his wife's servant! Now he is too old for kids, and his wife, at ninety, is way past the child bearing phase of her life. In the midst of this, God shows up and changes his name. There's a lot more to the story, and you can read it in Genesis 17. It may even work best to start out in chapter 12, where Abram's story picks up. Remember as you read that this is the guy who is the father of the nation Israel and the superstar of God's Hall of Faith, found in Hebrews 11.
Notice his humanity. He was weak at times, doubtful, deceitful, and just downright stupid. Boy can I relate! The good news is, God used him to be the father of His chosen people and the chief ancestor of the Messiah, Jesus Christ... Does that encourage you or what? Are ya feeling old? Get ready for a name change and a new assignment from God. Have you taken matters into your own hands and really messed things up? God's not so concerned with what you've done, but rather what you're now willing to do in and through Him. Do you find it hard to believe in the promises of God? Even when we are faithless, He remains faithful, because that is who He is.
One last thought. It's not what ol' Abe did that made him righteous, but rather WHOM he believed. "Abraham believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness." (Romans 4:3) Don't let that fool ya, though. When you read Genesis 17, you'll see that Abraham took very specific and direct action to validate his faith in God and His promises. Read the Book, believe the Author, and obey His Voice. God be with you all...
Did you know that Abraham was called Abram until he was ninety-nine? This guy was pushing the century mark when God changed his name from "exalted father" to "father of many nations." Kinda funny almost, considering his only child came from a bad decision to sleep with his wife's servant! Now he is too old for kids, and his wife, at ninety, is way past the child bearing phase of her life. In the midst of this, God shows up and changes his name. There's a lot more to the story, and you can read it in Genesis 17. It may even work best to start out in chapter 12, where Abram's story picks up. Remember as you read that this is the guy who is the father of the nation Israel and the superstar of God's Hall of Faith, found in Hebrews 11.
Notice his humanity. He was weak at times, doubtful, deceitful, and just downright stupid. Boy can I relate! The good news is, God used him to be the father of His chosen people and the chief ancestor of the Messiah, Jesus Christ... Does that encourage you or what? Are ya feeling old? Get ready for a name change and a new assignment from God. Have you taken matters into your own hands and really messed things up? God's not so concerned with what you've done, but rather what you're now willing to do in and through Him. Do you find it hard to believe in the promises of God? Even when we are faithless, He remains faithful, because that is who He is.
One last thought. It's not what ol' Abe did that made him righteous, but rather WHOM he believed. "Abraham believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness." (Romans 4:3) Don't let that fool ya, though. When you read Genesis 17, you'll see that Abraham took very specific and direct action to validate his faith in God and His promises. Read the Book, believe the Author, and obey His Voice. God be with you all...
