10 Years from now I will.......

This past week we talked about the decision Esau made to sell his birthright and how that affected not only his life, but countless generations to follow.  "Ten years from now" is the context we view our lives when we consider "What is our bowl of stew."  In other words, am I willing to trade God's plans, blessings, and future for my life for a temporal bowl of stew that is placed in front of me.  Although Esau didn't know exactly what his future held, certainly he would have been told about God's promises to Abraham.  Yet, he traded all that away for the immediate satisfaction of a bowl of stew.  Remember our discsussion about the promises of God and how they apply to us?  Will you turn from those in order to taste a temporary pleasure?

Our appetites apply to much more than food.  Power, respect, love, recognition, acceptance, things (women's shoes) are all areas which can become inflamed and cause us to turn away from God's promises for temporal satisfaction.  Let's encourage one another to keep God's overall context for our lives in focus as we stand firm against trials and temptations.

Austin reminded me just how much our food appetites can affect us; remember the Betty White video?  Ah.... the pleasure of a Snicker bar....!

Promises Promises

This Sunday we will focus our discussions on Abraham's call and the life he led serving God.  In thinking of Abraham, I'd ask you to consider what promises were made to him and what were his responses.  How did these responses change the course of his life?  What promises has God made to me and am I confident that he will fulfill them?  Are there any promises in scripture that I think God will not honor?  Look at the life of Abraham which starts in Genesis chapter 12; consider his faith and commitment to trusting in God.  Come prepared to discuss the wonderful change in our lives which results from God's promises to us.

P.S.  When we think of God's promises do we quickly refer to Jeremiah 29:11?  Is that an appropriate place to start?