#99B Ante Up Dude!

The Book of Genesis Day 99 Ge 12:1 Now the LORD had said to Abram: "Get out of your country, From your family And from your father's house, To a land that I will show you. I love to play poker! I’m not very good at it, but I love to play the game. You can’t play poker though unless you ante up. You have to put some chips in the pot before you get the rest of your cards. Well, God is about to play some holy poker with Abram, but Abram is going to have to ante up before the game begins in earnest. In the matter of exercising faith, the first step is to be sure you are hearing from God. Read His Word, and as you read, ask yourself, “Is there something here I can obey? Is there something God is instructing me to do? He instructed Abram by telling him to get out of his idol chasing country and away from his idol worshiping family. That was the ante! Abram had to say to God, “Count me in!” So Abram anted up and left not even knowing where he was going, not yet knowing what cards he would be dealt. I am reminded of the Apostle Paul on his way to Damascus. He meets Jesus , surrenders to Him as Lord, and Jesus tells him to ante up and go to Damascus, and then he will get further instructions (the hand will be dealt) Do you get this? This is God-pleasing faith! God keeps it simple. We need not worry about elaborate planning and our own scheming. God first of all wants to know if you are in the game! Ante up dude! When Abram packs up and leaves Ur, he is telling God, “Count me in!” Paul says the same thing when he heads for Damascus! Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Abram and Paul go, hoping and believing God for further instructions. It’s stepping out in obedience and trusting in God’s Word, confident that He will be faithful on His part. Peter wasn’t given a Coast Guard manual on “How to Walk On Water.” Jesus said “Come!” and over the side of the boat he went, and he walked on water!. God calls each one of us to exercise the measure of faith He has given us. What is He telling you to do in His Word? Are you going to ante up and follow His simple commands, or are you going to fold even before the ante is called for? Ante up pilgrim! Let God know you are in the game, and then be waiting for the cards that He deals out and play them in accordance with His Word! Pray: Father, in the matter of faith, help me to keep it simple and uncomplicated. Let me learn to follow Your simple commands always measuring them in accordance with Your Word.