Expressing Your Commitment to God
From the start of Abraham’s journey with God and throughout the rest of his life, Abraham built altars as he moved through the land God promised to him. He offered sacrifices on those altars and prayed to God (Genesis 12:8 and 13:4). These altars of worship and prayer, set up in the midst of a pagan world, served as a public witness to Abraham’s commitment to the one true God.
Today prayer can still testify to others about our faith in God**.** Building an altar and praying were to Abraham what “giving a blessing” over our food in a busy restaurant might represent for us today. By this one act you make a statement: “I owe my food—and my life—to the providence and provision of God. I am one of His people. And I am acknowledging my dependence on Him, even down to the very food I eat.”
Your impact on the lives of others — your family, strangers in a restaurant, the people at your church, your workmates — is cultivated with each public decision you make. It’s the little things — such as reading your Bible, praying in public, going to church, and standing up for your faith at work — that add influence to your life. Obey God in these decisions and see where it leads you. The key to a powerful Christian life is obedience to our Lord’s leading — one decision or choice at a time.
Our commitment to God is strengthened when we surrender to Him each day. Every morning, in a heartfelt prayer either written or silent, start fresh with God by giving Him all that you are, all that you have... now... forever... and daily. Lay everything on God’s altar in an act of surrender.
RESPOND:Lord, help me to show my commitment to You in every decision that I make. Amen.
RENEWING RESOURCES:
In Knowing God Through Prayer, Jim George shares the keys to meaningful communion with God. We could all benefit from some guidance on how to pray with more fervor and faithfulness. And there are no better prayer mentors than the men and women of the Bible. They talked with God and touched His heart. Get to know them through this great resource!
REFLECT:Have you publicly shown your devotion to God today?
REMEMBER:Obey God in all decisions and see where it leads you. The key to a powerful Christian life is obedience to our Lord’s leading — one decision or choice at a time.
