Abraham and Isaac

Cathy children's feature at www.EasTview.org
Hebrews 11.20 Isaac blessed his sons. What's a blessing? Good that comes from God. A friend. A child. A gift. Give blessings to others. Pieces of paper?
In Bible times people spoke blessings to others. May God give you rain and good soil. May you be served by other nations.
It took a long time for Jacob to recognize the Blessing. Bless you to be a Blessing today.

One88 is hosting Winnipeg Fringe Festival this week for 10 days.
Mark Enns is going to Shamattawa to preach this week.
VBS is 6 weeks away. Pray for the 24 small group leaders and helpers needed.

Del Enns pastor
Great Cloud
Hebrews 11:13-22
http://bible.com/116/heb.11.13-22.nlt All these people died still believing what God had promised them. They did not receive what was promised, but they saw it all from a distance and welcomed it. They agreed that they were foreigners and nomads here on earth. Obviously people who say such things are looking forward to a country they can call their own. But they were looking for a better place, a heavenly homeland. That is why God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. It was by faith that Isaac promised blessings for the future to his sons, Jacob and Esau. It was by faith that Joseph, when he was about to die, said confidently that the people of Israel would leave Egypt. He even commanded them to take his bones with them when they left.

In the Hall of Faith we find blessings passed on from generation to generation. Not wants and needs but blessings that God wants to give us. Relationships. Career. Hobbies. Stuff. What's important to you? Some guys hang out with their stuff. What were Abraham and Isaac looking for?
What blesses you? Air? Another morning?
God said to Abraham give away your blessing Isaac. God was to be his blessing.
Recognize the tree by its fruit. Be attached to Jesus and you'll bear good fruit.
Family trees are complicated. There are voids in the tree. Complex structure in the Hall of Faith. Unlikely People that fail but move by faith. Broken people.

It was by faith that Joseph, when he was about to die, said confidently that the people of Israel would leave Egypt. He even commanded them to take his bones with them when they left.

Genesis 50:24
They embalmed him. 25% of Genesis is about Joseph. Why did his bones qualify him to be in the Hall? Why do people hold on to stuff? Memories. Individualism is considered to be the highest-rated right.
Pleasing God is of greatest importance. Abraham did that. God promised him a great nation and freedom 400 years later. Do we wait 400 years for a return on the stock market? Abraham believed God. Joseph believed what his grandfather said.
Habakkuk 2.3 wait for the appointed time. The promise will come.
God will give peace while waiting. Not the kind the world gives. Wait. Don't give up. Fight for your marriage. God heals. Addictions.

Isaac would have asked for a lamb to take his place. Isaac's willingness to be sacrificed was the litmus test of blessing. Jesus was the real Lamb.
A million people were ready to exit but not leaving till we have the bones of Joseph.
You matter.

Shalom