Glorious promise

"No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you." Joshua 1.5

This same promise was also made to Abraham, Isaac, Israel and Moses. Now it was Joshua's time. In every age, the chosen of the Lord are assured of His constant presence. There is no jewel or treasure in the entire universe that can be more precious than this. His presence has been with all those who are with Him. But those who despise Him are lightly esteemed.

Fear in obedience

"And He said, 'Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.'" Genesis 22.12

Abraham's faith had already been tried several times. He passed the tests, but when the sacrifice of his son was required, he got to his limit. His unconditional obedience proved his FEAR to the Lord God. Today, for far less, many are not able to demonstrate the least bit of FEAR IN OBEDIENCE to God's Word.

Contrary to hope

"Who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, so shall your descendants be.” Romans 4.18

When physical conditions say no, when the circumstances say no, when the voices around you and everything else say no, it is not possible... the voice of the Almighty comes, which is even contrary to the remains of hope. That was the voice that made ​​Abraham believed against hope. This is the faith that justifies and saves.

Obedience and fear

 ^"And He said, 'Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.'" Genesis 22.12

The LORD God tested Abraham's obedience. His response showed his fear. In other words, obedience is undeniable proof of faith and fear of God.
Whoever believes in God fears and obeys His Word; but whoever does not believe does not fear Him and therefore disobeys His Word.

Obedience

"By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called..." Hebrews 11.8

The entire Bible is summed up in a single message: obedience. Abraham was the greatest example of this. His relationship and friendship with God were marked by his obedience. Faith is obedience.

The impossible happens

"I will open rivers in desolate heights, and fountains in the midst of the valleys; I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water." Isaiah 41.18

The God of Abraham is the God of the impossible. This is what distinguishes Him from the gods of wood, stone, metal or paper. Therefore, the difference in the quality of life of those who believe in the God of Abraham has to be clear, obvious and indisputable, if compared with the life of those who rely on other gods. It's not even a matter of faith, but of intelligence.

Prophecy

“'Present your case,' says the Lord, 'bring forth your strong reasons', says the King of Jacob." Isaiah 41.21

The God of Abraham invites His people to come before Him and present their requests. It means, the King opens Palace doors to receive those who believe they will be heard; believe that their cause will be judged and justice will be done.
On the 23rd of September, the D-Day - the day of Difference, we will all have an excellent opportunity to see the fulfillment of the following prophecy:

"Then you shall again discern between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve Him." Malachi 3.18

The Promise

"...that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith." Galatians 3.14

Abraham was the firstfruits of God to bless his descendants. He typified Jesus, the Firstborn of God, to bless the Jews who believe.
Jesus came to extend the Abrahamic blessing to the Gentiles who believe in Him. This blessing is not limited to material possessions, but above all, to receive His Spirit.

Children of Abraham?

"They answered and said to Him, 'Abraham is our father.' Jesus said to them, 'If you were Abraham’s children, you would do the works of Abraham.'" John 8.39

The children of Abraham do the works of Abraham. Those who make excuses to avoid Abraham's example of sacrificial obedience have nothing to do with him.
In other words, Jesus is saying that anyone who does not imitate Abraham is not his child in faith.

The cry of the believer

"Let the groaning of the prisoner come before You; according to the greatness of Your power, preserve those who are appointed to die." Psalm 79.11

This groaning is not by just anyone, but someone who believes in the promises of the God of Abraham, and yet is a captive. Times have changed but the moaning continues...
O Mighty One of Jacob, rise up from Your Throne and come to the rescue of those who who put their trust in You!

God and Abraham

"Look to Abraham your father, And to Sarah who bore you;For I called him alone, and blessed him and increased him.” Isaiah 51.2

Abraham symbolizes the Lord God, Isaac symbolizes Jesus and the spirit - or faith - that moved Abraham to sacrifice his dream was the Spirit of God. Nobody in their right mind would subject themselves to obey the Word of God unconditionally, without being moved by the Holy Spirit.

The highways

"Blessed is the man whose strength is in You, in whose heart are the highways..." Psalm 84.5

The strength and success of a man is in his partnership with the God of Abraham. His heart does not fear when he sees the problems. He is happy in everything he does.

The conditions to become an heir

 "Get out of your country, from your family and from your father’s house, to a land that I will show you." Genesis 12.1

Abraham had to leave his land, his family and the position of leadership inherited from his father.God required him to sacrifice. And those who want to be sons and heirs of Abraham must pass the scrutiny of sacrificing this world. The Lord God must come before than nationality, relatives and our father's house.

Look

"Look to Abraham your father, and to Sarah who bore you; for I called him alone, and blessed him and increased him.”         Isaiah 51.2

Look to Abraham means to follow his example of faith. He sacrificed his will to do the will of God. This is, his obedience demonstrated his faith.

ABRAHAM

"Get out of your country, From your family and from your father’s house, to a land that I will show you."            Genesis 12.1

The first words God said to Abraham before making him a blessing was "Get out....".
God could not execute His plan through Abraham while he maintained any kind of  relationship with his family's pagan costumes.  
The same happens today. How can someone be born of water and the Holy Spirit if they remain involved with the idolatrous customs of the society they live in?
Those who want to be a blessing must leave behind the curse of sin.

SHIELD AND REWARD

"Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward."      Genesis 15.1

The question that immediately comes to mind is: Was God only a shield and reward to Abraham?
Or does He continue being a shield and reward to all of his descendants, who follow his example and obey His Word?

THE DIFFERENCE

"Then you shall again discern between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve Him."        Malachi 3.18

Did you see the difference between Noah and his generation?
Between Abraham and his family?
Between Isaac and Ishmael?
Between Jacob and Esau?
Between Joseph and his brothers?
Between Moses and the rebellious children of Israel?
Between Joshua/Caleb and the other cowardly spies?
Between Rahab, the prostitute, and the people of Jericho?
Between Gideon and the other children of Israel?
Between David and Saul?
If you haven't been able to see the difference yet, read the books of the prophets and Acts of the Apostles. Certainly you will understand the true difference between those who serve the Living God and those who do not serve Him.

RIGHTEOUSNESS BY FAITH

"For what does the Scripture say? 'Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness'."       Romans 4.3

Abraham proved his faith to God by obeying His Word and because of that he was justified by God. 
In other words, Abraham was a sinner like anyone else, but his obedience made him worthy before God.
Therefore, those who are obedient to the Word of God are forgiven, those who are disobedient are condemned. 

DESCENDANTS OF FAITH

"Therefore know that only those who are of the faith are sons of Abraham."    Galatians 3:7

Through Abraham, God showed the world how to practice a faith that is living, objective and brings results. The faith of being obedient or obedience by faith. It is beyond words, it is an act. God doesn't require anything beyond what we are able to offer Him. Everything He asked, Abraham obeyed. This is why He considered him righteous.

LISTEN TO ME AND LOOK...

"Listen to Me, you who follow after righteousness, you who seek the Lord... Look to Abraham your father, and to Sarah who bore you; for I called him alone, and blessed him and increased him."   Isaiah 51:1-2

This message is for those who thirst Justice. That is, those who are more interested in the Lord, rather than His blessings. It is for these people that the Lord uses Abraham and Sarah as references of what He did and continues wanting to do in the life of those who truly love Him.