God’s promises to Abraham brought trials too.

When called to take his family to an unknown land, Abraham had no time to prepare or dwell on all that might happen on the long journey ahead.

An enduring friendship was at the heart of his relationship with God.  He shared everything in his heart – all his hopes, fears and doubts.

Time and again, God assures Abraham that He would keep his promises.  And in every place where God came to him, Abraham built an altar of remembrance.

When great fear of an enemy threatens, God said “Do not be afraid, I am your shield.” 

God’s promises do not come without setting the table with his commands.  He tells Abraham that “I am God – walk before Me and be blameless.”  Then Abraham falls to the ground covering his face.

God makes it known that in order for his promises to be fulfilled, Abraham must faithfully follow his instructions without fault.

Today, the capacity for looking “inward” at the imperfections most assuredly exist within every person has no place in the human heart.  Self-awareness of how we think others perceive us and how they really do are poles apart.

Love of our neighbor now comes after they have been judged.

Not by God – but by humanity’s measure of right and wrong.

What is good for me is not good for you.

Do as I say – not as I do.

Learn how to tip toe through the tulips …and it never ends

We fit God into the mantra in whatever way supports the cause we perceive is just.

Victor Klemperer, a university professor living during the Nazi regime kept careful daily documentation of what happened to the German common language.  Over time, the meaning of everyday words and phrases experienced a complete metamorphosis.  Citizens (teachers, doctors, and clergy members) began shaping words to mean something other than what was generally understood.

For instance, the word fanatical became a term used to describe “enthusiastically loyal.” Children reading the material took in the new language and the poisoned undertones by slow drip. And it worked – the divide between people grew all the more.  Neighbors began spying on their neighbors.  Children learned how to become cruel to other children.  Eventually, Klemperer was denied access to libraries, lost his job and forced to work somewhere that fit the cause.

The meaning of 29 words we so love have now been stricken from language .

The words mother, father, son and daughter don’t have the approval of the House of Representatives.

Canceled.

Words are forever – both the beautiful and divisive.  To be judged only by the highest court in heaven.

Wherever they are used – social media or spoken in thoughts, God remembers our words.

The intentions of implied words or specifically stated – God remembers them all.

If a man like Abraham – an obedient and faithful servant of God – falls to his knees at God’s call to be blameless, what hope does humanity have?

Hope is only in Christ.