Good morning, everyone. Today completes week #1 of our journey together. Great job! 2012 is already flying by. How will you make the most of this day that God has given to you?
Here is the Bible reading for today: Genesis 16:1-18:19; Matthew 6:1-24; Psalm 7:1-17; Proverbs 2:1-5
Without question, the section that stood out to me the most today was the story of Ishmael. Abraham chooses to walk by sight, rather than by faith. He grew tired of waiting on God and His timing, so he attempted to bring about the fulfillment of God’s promise through his own efforts–not a good idea. Abraham settled for less than God’s best and would pay a steep price. The angel said of Ishmael, Genesis 16:12 (NIV) “He will be a wild donkey of a man; his hand will be against everyone and everyone’s hand against him, and he will live in hostility toward all his brothers.” There were immediate consequences for Abraham’s actions–strife in his family. It can be argued that those consequences continue for us today as the Islamic prophet Mohammad claimed to be descendant of Ishmael.
In what area of your life are you tempted to walk by sight and not by faith, to run ahead of God and take matters into your own hands?
Like the Apostle Paul, I want more than anything to know Christ (Phil. 3:10). I do not want to simply know about Him. I want to know Him-- personally, intimately, and experientially. It is not enough for me to hear about Him. I want to see Him with my own eyes.
With My Own Eyes 
Susan
January 8, 2012 at 10:10 am
The story of Ishmael stood out to me too. I also felt for Hagar.
I’m a control freak so it is easy for me to take matters into my own hands. I am accustomed to planning out my weeks very carefully, to the point of not wanting to make adjustments for others – and I have been frustrated when things don’t go as planned. But the scripture reading has reminded me that my life belongs to Him and I am to serve others in order to set myself apart for His glory (that means having to relinquish control). I cannot work at being holy if I don’t let God have the controls. I need to seek insight and understanding from Him as if searching for silver or a hidden treasure (Proverbs 2:4).