Year of the Bible: Part Two of Twelve Sample

Sarai becomes Sarah.

God changed Sarai's name to Sarah, and God promised to bless her. Her name meaning stays the same, but as we noted yesterday, a name change indicates a new destiny. Sarai is old and unable to bear children. God says, "Kings of People's will come from her with a new name, Sarah." He promises that she will have a child within a year, and many generations will follow from the child she bears.

God also promised that He would bless Ishmael, even though Ishmael would not ultimately be the chosen son. Verses 20 and 21 say, "As for Ishmael, I have heard you; behold, I have blessed him and will make him fruitful and multiply him greatly. He shall father twelve princes, and I will make him into a great nation. But I will establish my covenant with Isaac, whom Sarah shall bear to you at this time next year."

Abraham then circumcises every male in his household, fulfilling his side of the covenant with God.

Question: What adjective do you think God is using to describe you today? Beloved, wanted, strong, enjoyable, delightful, or other words?

Prayer Focus: Names are influential and powerful. What we say about others and speak over ourselves matters a lot! Stop for a moment and reflect on your habits of what you repeat about yourself or others. Are these things true and in line with God's thoughts? If not, give them back to God and ask him to teach you new ways of thinking and speaking.