In a desert, Abraham was more than optimistic, he was fully convinced that whatever God spoke to him would come to pass. Abe believed even though he could not fathom being the father of many nations. Abe definitely saw through an amazing FAITH colored lens.

In days of old Melchizedek is ‘king of righteousness,’and  the king of Salem and the priest of El Elyon ‘most high God’. Was Melchizedek all three, Father, Son, Holy Spirit?  Who brings out bread and wine and then blesses Abram (Abraham) by El Elyon. Expect to be blessed by the God that you seek. In the ancient book of Hebrews, Jesus is identified as “High Priest forever in the order of Melchizedek”. Ordered by God, the priest Melchizedek blesses the humanity of Abraham and all his descendants. Jesus is High Priest for all mankind. Abraham represents us, who Melchizedek blessed.

God predestined us to receive the GIFT of FAITH with a predisposition to BELIEVE. Our conscious inclinations are highly influenced by the traditions of men. Mark 7:13 “Thus you nullify the word of God by your tradition.”  The Holy Spirit enters us, and He raises the level of our faith filled positive expectancy.  Our joy, peace, and hope abounds because of our FAITH in GOD.  Paul penned
“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:4

Before there was a single written word on a Stone, a Scroll or a Bible, Abraham heard God speaking to him and he believed by faith, not by anything seen. This is amazing faith, God’s grace manisfested in a soul! “The promise comes by FAITH, so that it may be by GRACE and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who have the FAITH of ABRAHAM. He is the father of us all. As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.” He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not. Against all hope (or odds), Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” Read Romans 4 and just believe God.

A promise of descendents as numerous as the stars was impossible at age 100. Abe believed in the prophetic word from God. Sara just laughed, but 20 years later she bor a son named Isaac. (which means laughter). Names are significant. God changed Abram’s name to Abraham which means “father of a multitude”. Each time Abraham’s name was called out, it spoke the prophectic word of God. Our identity is not who we were when God called us. The Holy Spirit changes us on the inside, and we begin to praise God for His promises. “I am who God says I am. I see His promises come to pass in me as I speak His promises over my life.” This is not blab it and grab it. We simply state who we are in Christ and become it. 

“Some time later, God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!” Abe replied “Here I am,” then God said, “Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.” Gen 22:1 – We walk by faith.

We all have a measure of faith. We plant seeds, we water them, and trust God to cause them to grow and bloom. John 20:29 “…blessed are they that have NOT seen, and yet have BELIEVED.”  Consider the Centurion’s faith. Jesus was willing  to go to his house to heal the officer’s servant. With great faith, this Roman military man knew about AUTHORITY. “Just speak a word and it will be done.” He simply believed that whatever Jesus spoke, would become a reality. For those who BELIEVE but have NOT seen, through our FAITH in our unseen God, our trust is evidenced and noted by God. “Consider your ways!” Haggai 1:5 ❤️ GREAT FAITH does not demand immediate results.  In our waiting, God is working all things out in His Way, which always exceeds our greatest expectations.  Like the Centurion, we shall all return home in confidence that Our Father will supply above and beyond all that we asked for.

We are to decide, to choose, to declare what we believe. Wisdom leads us to see the Bible through faith colored glasses. Declare: I trust God at His Word. God poured out His love, He chose me to be His own, He sealed me with the Holy Spirit. With the faith of Abraham, I hope to bring God glory with my choices.  God’s promises are true. My prayers are powerful and effective. My faith releases God’s immense favor into my personal experience.

Mount Hermon, otherwise known as sacred mountain — is the highest mountain in ancient Israel, boasting majestic, snowcapped peaks rising just over 9,000 feet above the sea. Mt Hermon is thought to be the site of Jesus Christ’s amazing transfiguration. Matthew 17:1-3 “After six days Jesus took with Him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves.There He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.” Three people; Jesus, Moses and Elijah were seen by Peter, James and John. Mark 9:2 After 6 days, Jesus took Peter, James and John with Him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There He was transfigured before them.” Another remarkable appearance. Daniel 3:25 “Look! I see 4 men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.” Our God’s Word never fails to cause awe.

Caesarea Philippi is just 25 miles from the religious community of Galilee, Israel near the base of Mt Hermon. In old Testament times the area was a center of Baal worship. Jesus took His disciples to Ceasera Philippi to reveal His identity as the Messiah, the Son of God. When Jesus brought His disciples to the area, they must have been shocked. Each year in Ceasera Philippi, the people would engage in sex with goats, and prostitute themselves  to entice the return of their god, Pan. In a small village nearby is where Jesus’ said “On this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it” Matthew 16:18.  This is the very first use of the word church in the New Testament. Leading up to this statement, Jesus asked the disciples, “Who do people say I am?” Peter replied “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God” Matt 16:16 and Mark 8:27. That truth voiced became the very foundation for the church. It all started in Caesarea Philippi.

“Jesus climbed a hill and sat down with His disciples around Him.  It was nearly time for the Jewish Passover celebration. Jesus soon saw a huge crowd of people coming to look for him. Turning to Philip, He asked, “Where can we buy bread to feed all these people?”  A kid brought 5 loaves and 2 fish. “Tell everyone to sit down,” Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks to God, and distributed them to the people. And they all ate as much as they wanted. When the people saw Him do this miraculous sign, they exclaimed, “Surely, He is the Prophet we have been expecting!” John 6 – Expect His 2nd coming, like an unexpected rainbo across the sky. A Tour of Israel