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Be silent. Be still. Alone, empty before your God. Say nothing, ask nothing.

Today we are doing our final look into Genesis 22:1-19. If you haven’t read the passage yet, or it has been a bit since you did, I recommend reading through these quick 19 verses one more time. The best part of this story by far, is how it foreshadows the greatest sacrifice ever made – Christ’s death on the cross!

Life can be very difficult at times and none of us would choose the difficulties. It’s during these times we question the “why”.

Does God show his power in big miracles or tiny moments? Is his majesty displayed in the Grand Canyon or the pile of ants on the sidewalk? How about the public speaker declaring a message from God versus a prayer offered in silence?

On Tuesday we talked about Abram and Sarai, and we’re going to pay them one more visit today. Do you know how long it was from the time God made a convent with Abram that he would be the father of many nations (Genesis 15:5 says that Abram’s offspring will be as numerous as the stars in the sky), until the time when Abram and Sarai’s first son was born?

Lamentations 3:22-23 says, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.”

How many prophets did Elijah face on Mount Carmel?

When Jesus was asked in Matthew 22 what the most important command was, He didn’t hesitate to recite Deuteronomy 6:5: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength."

Content provided by Jenna Finkenhoefer. When I was in my early 20’s, and just a few years into one of my first leadership roles, I had the pleasure of working with a mentor who would always say to my team and I “Wherever you are, BE THERE.”

Your sin has been dealt with. Your Father has removed it from you "as far as the east is from the west" (Ps. 103:12). Your sins have been washed away (1 Cor. 6:11). When God looks at you he does not see your sin. He has not one condemning thought toward you (Rom. 8:1). But that's not all. You have a new heart.

How many kings in total ruled the northern tribe of Israel?

In my earlier years I struggled with feeling a weight of responsibility for not only my own faith, but also that of my family and my friends. In many ways I tried to control and push my thoughts and agenda their way to "encourage" them to be how I thought they should be according to my narrow view of God.