“And, behold, the word of the Lord came unto him, saying, This shall not be thine heir; but he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir. And he brought him forth abroad, and said, look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be. And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness.” – Genesis 15:4-6
Comment: The above example of Abraham the father of the Faithful, brings to the fore that to receive His promises, all true children of God have to do the following:
- You have to receive a word of invitation, call or instruction from God. – John 6:44, 45; Isaiah 54:13
- Be sure you heard and understood the word or instructions of God, the truth preached or taught. – Matthew 13:23
- Be sure you have absolute faith or belief in the truth taught. – John 3:16,36; Matt.21:22; Mark 11:24
- Then exhibit your faith by obedience to the truth or by works of righteousness. – Isaiah 1:18-20; Matt.6:33; etc
- Be patient or be ready to wait on the Lord.- Psalm 27:14; James 5:7
- Always be joyful or happy.- Phil.4:4; 1 Thess.5:16
- No murmuring and complaining.- Genesis 22:1-18; Phil.2:12-14.
Finally, avoid all sinful acts, then with patience, workout your Salvation in faith looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith. – Hebrews 12:1-3.
Prayer: Father, our God in heaven, we can of ourselves do nothing, so we earnestly ask of Thee Father to help us do things that will make it possible to receive Thy promised blessings in accordance with Your will through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.