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Nov 26 05 7:53 PM

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In Gensis chapter 15 verses 16-17 we have the account of God dealing with Abraham about the promise of God to make him the father of nations. About the covenant that God made with him, and about some of the struggles that Abraham had with the promise.

Abraham’s own body and the body of his wife stood in direct contradiction to that promise.

In chapter 15 verse 6 the Bible says he believed in the Lord, and He counted it to him for righteousness, but let’s look at chapter 16 verse 2.
And Sarai said unto Abram, behold the Lord hath restrained me from bearing: I pray thee go in unto my maid. It may be that I may obtain children by her, and Abram hearkened to the voice of Sarai.

We find Abram and Sarai having a little trouble with God’s promise. They are trying to figure out how to make it happen.

They decide to help God along.

How many of us have been there? We believe God’s promise, but can’t figure out how He is going to do it. So we begin to figure out how we can help Him along. Like Sarai, we begin to say, I know what God said, but maybe this is what He meant.

Can I tell you something? If God gave you a promise, Satan is going to make sure that you are offered a substitute. Something almost like it, but not lasting, not fulfilling.

Sarai believed God might move, but not through her.
A lot of people believe God can heal. They just don’t think He will heal them.

If our desires are to be fulfilled by God, then our pursuit of those desires must be kept in line with God’s precepts.

Do you understand? Faith without works is dead, but those works must be within the restraints of God’s Word on all levels.

Abram and Sarai’s plan brought forth Ishmael.

Now watch this....This answer was so close to the promise, that for 13 years Abram thought it was the promise.

Genesis 17:15-18 - In verse 18 Abram says, O that Ishmael might live before Thee.

He must have thought, I’ve already got him half raised. Sometimes it’s easier to keep the substitute.

Many churches, many Christians, many believers today have given up the promise for an Ishmael. They have created their own answer. They have said, I know what God said, but this may be what He meant.

Some have tried to create their own righteousness.

Ishmael was born after the flesh (Galatians 4:23), born of the bond woman.
Isaac was born of the free, the child of promise.

Ishmael was born by an act of the flesh, not an act of faith. The result of leaning on the arm of the flesh, and it brought trouble into Abram’s home almost immediately. (strife & division)

Chapter 16 verse 5 - Sarai blames Abram. My wrong be upon thee.

In verse 6 Abram says, She is your maid, you deal with it.

Ishmael was born of the flesh in the ordinary way. He had an ordinary birth, but the promise is going to come forth miraculously. The promise will be birthed in a way that everyone will have to say only God could do that.

We wonder why God has called some of us to ministry. Why He has called some to be prophets or evangelist or teachers...to operate in gifts that are so unlikely or so unprepared.

Listen, God chose a woman whose womb was dead to bring forth the promise so that all would know it was a work of God and not an ordinary work of the flesh.

God is overriding natural laws to bring Abram’s promise to life. God is no respector of persons. He can override natural laws to bring your promise to life, if you don’t settle for an Ishmael, a substitute. Many churches and ministers and Christians have been in trouble or failed because instead of waiting for the promise, instead of waiting for due season, they gave birth to an Ishmael. Like Abram they thought it was the promise. A lot of people in this day have settled for an Ishmael where salvation is concerned. They have taken the easy path. The live any way you want to path. The shake hands with the preacher path. The only believe path.

But God told Abram "My covenant will I establish with Isaac."

The son of promise. Isaac was a type of Jesus. Jesus was the son of promise, and only through Him is our covenant established, and only by us being obedient to the laws of that covenant. Jesus said to Nicodemus, "Ye must be born again". Ponder that a minute. Acts 2:38 tells us how to be born again. There are no short cuts. There is no back door to God. There is no other way. The only way to the promise is through the blood of Jesus.

Satan would like for you to give birth to an Ishmael where salvation is concerned, to trust something besides the promise: Traditions of man, church by laws, etc., certain dress codes. While these things may not be harmful, they won’t save you. God has given us a promise and a covenant. Our part is simple. Don’t miss your promise. Don’t settle for a substitute.

And they have built out of thee the wastes of old, The foundations of many generations thou raisest up, And one calleth thee, 'Repairer of the breach, Restorer of paths to rest in. Isaiah 58:12 (YLT) Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways. Job 22:28 (KJV) Follow me on Twitter @thaprophetic


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Hizfavr64

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Nov 27 05 10:26 PM

Oh Glory!!!!

Satan would like for you to give birth to an Ishmael where salvation is concerned, to trust something besides the promise: Traditions of man, church by laws, etc., certain dress codes. While these things may not be harmful, they won’t save you. God has given us a promise and a covenant. Our part is simple. Don’t miss your promise. Don’t settle for a substitute.

Bring fourth the promises Lord no substitues highten my discernment as draw closer to you ...

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ForumerDeletedUser

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Nov 28 05 10:49 PM

Can I tell you something? If God gave you a promise, Satan is going to make sure that you are offered a substitute. Something almost like it, but not lasting, not fulfilling.


How many of create the substitute our self then try to dress it up...I often found my self trying to help God out in the PROMISES...I had to understand all I my part of the contract was to seek His face and He would do the increase...

It is still hard for me to learn..I hear the promise and try to run and make it happen..

I repent LORD!!!!!


God is overriding natural laws to bring Abram’s promise to life. God is no respector of persons. He can override natural laws to bring your promise to life, if you don’t settle for an Ishmael, a substitute. Many churches and ministers and Christians have been in trouble or failed because instead of waiting for the promise, instead of waiting for due season, they gave birth to an Ishmael. Like Abram they thought it was the promise. A lot of people in this day have settled for an Ishmael where salvation is concerned. They have taken the easy path. The live any way you want to path. The shake hands with the preacher path. The only believe path.

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ForumerDeletedUser

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#3 [url]

Nov 29 05 7:00 PM

Oh how badly i needed to hear this message! Thank you! Sometimes we grow so weary. Like you say, we've heard God and He's even given us a small glimpse of what He has set aside for us but we get tired of waiting. We grow impatient and in some cases we get like the Israelites did..instead of pressing forward to the promise, we entertain the thoughts of going back, giving in or giving up. I've actually gotten REALLY guilty of this lately but glory to God for sending this message forth right on time..

I'm not going to settle for the substitute Lord. I will not allow the enemy to confuse me. As long as it takes, I submit myself totally to your will and your time. Thank you Lord for this message on this day!

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ForumerDeletedUser

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#4 [url]

Nov 29 05 7:00 PM

Oh how badly i needed to hear this message! Thank you! Sometimes we grow so weary. Like you say, we've heard God and He's even given us a small glimpse of what He has set aside for us but we get tired of waiting. We grow impatient and in some cases we get like the Israelites did..instead of pressing forward to the promise, we entertain the thoughts of going back, giving in or giving up. I've actually gotten REALLY guilty of this lately but glory to God for sending this message forth right on time..

I'm not going to settle for the substitute Lord. I will not allow the enemy to confuse me. As long as it takes, I submit myself totally to your will and your time. Thank you Lord for this message on this day!

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ForumerDeletedUser

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#5 [url]

Nov 29 05 7:45 PM

Powerful Word. Much needed it has change my thiniking on something that I saw I did.

I am going to have to throw my Ishemael out, to hold on to my Issac.

Thank You because I know God was telling me this but I was stubborn and I thank God for you Sweetie.

You helped me through this Wird.

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ForumerDeletedUser

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Nov 30 05 8:23 PM

Abram and Sarai’s plan brought forth Ishmael.


That is it our plans our ways. Yes we can miss God. Yes we can miss our break through because we get in the way.

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#7 [url]

Dec 1 05 9:56 AM

AMEN to the word of GOD!! As chidren, men, and women of GOD, we don't have to settle for a substitute because we have a holy and rich inheritance from the only true and living GOD. I pray that all of you and I will continue to believe in GOD's truth and refuse the enemy's lie!

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Hizfavr64

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#8 [url]

Dec 1 05 2:18 PM

Amen NobodybutJesus

I pray that all of you and I will continue to believe in GOD's truth and refuse the enemy's lie!

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Sent 2 Serve

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Dec 13 05 12:32 PM

The Ishmael Syndrome

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The Ishmael Syndrome
By Brandon Bracey

Genesis 16: 11 " And the Angel of the Lord said to her: " Behold you are with child, And you shall bear a son, You shall call his name Ishmael, Because the Lord has heard your affliction."


Often I have gone through life and found myself a victim of circumstances that I could not control. It seems as if we all have things that happen in our lives where we actually are the victims for real. I know that in my life I would never have chosen to come from a broken home and live in a shelter. Then I was also raised most of my life by my Grandparents. All of this took place and I was just a young boy who was trying to enjoy life. However, I had to suffer the consequences of some choices that were made around me. I did not invite these choices, but I was a part of them. I did not ask for the life I had early in my life, but I got it. But the amazing thing is that all the while God had his hand on my life and if it had not been for the Lord on my side.........Oh I feel like preaching right now!!!

If you look at the story of Ishmael, like many people in the world today he was an innocent victim of scheming and suffered the consequences. Sarah and Abraham had doubted God's promise to provide for them a child in their old age. So they decided to see if they could help God out by using Egyptian servant Hagar as a substitute wife for Abraham. Uh Oh, this smells like trouble already! Eventually God fulfilled his promise to Abraham and Sarah and they had a son. However afterwards Hagar and her son named Ishmael were cruelly drove into the desert by Sarah. Ishmael did not ask for any of this, but he suffered the consequences.

There are many of us like Ishmeal who have come from broken homes where we have had to survive with a single parent. As I mentioned earlier, I know because my parents separated at any early age and it's not easy. Many of us today suffer from the Ishmael Syndrome in which it seems like we were just born to have symptoms that consist of suffering, pain, and heartache. It's almost feels like we have an incurable disease. But I have stopped by with some wonderful news today!

Even though Ishmael went through what he did, God still blessed him! In Genesis 21, Ishmael was dying of thirst in the desert and God "heard the voice of the boy". God promised that Ishmael's descendants would become a great nation. Ishmael had twelve sons and "the Ishmaelites were neighbors of Israel for centuries. Today Arabs still traditionally trace their lineage to Ishmael.

I know it may seem like you are dying in the desert. You may be depressed, broken, and dry about your situation. But just like Ishmael, God will meet you in your thirsty point! God will deliver you in your point of desperation! Just when you thought that you were going to break, God will show up on the scene! I can not speak for anyone else but when I am going through a situation sometimes God will show up in the midnight hour just so I can not take the glory for what's he done! I do not know who I am preaching to online today, but I believe someone needed to hear this!

Just because you have been on welfare,lived in the ghetto, and are from a broken home does not mean that God can not use you! There is no such thing as a perfect family and God can take what many perceive as trash and turn it into treasure! Ishmael's descendants became a great nation and you can be blessed and be a blessing right where you are! The desert does not have to be your final destination! Never give up on your dreams, hopes, and aspirations! Never let your environment, culture, cldonkey, or race determine your destiny! Make up your mind to be the best you can be for the glory of God and then watch God break the Ishmael Syndrome off of your life and skyrocket you from glory to glory! Amen!

Scripture Reference: Genesis 16, 21

Heavenly Father, I am determined not to let anything separate me from your love. I know I was born with a purpose and I want you to get the full glory out of my life. Father you are bigger than my circumstances so I put it all in your hands and trust you to see me through. I love you Father and I give you all the glory, honor, and praise in Jesus name Amen.

If you would like to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior please pray with me:
Lord Jesus, I ask that you would forgive me of all sin and come into my heart. I make you Lord and Savior of my life. Thank you Jesus for saving me. Amen. If you have just prayed this prayer congratulations! You now have a new beginning with Jesus as your Lord and Savior! Please email me at: Brandon_Bracey00@yahoo.com so I can donkeyist you in your new beginning!

Permission To Distribute With Full Recognition Given To Author.





Brandon Bracey Ministries:

Ministry Motto: "Winning The World For Jesus Christ!"

Scriptural Reference: Matthew 28:19,20

Purpose Statement: "To bring people to Jesus and membership in his
family through worship, equip them for ministry, and develop them through discipleship, all while doing service for the glorification of God!"

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BrandonBraceyMinistries

and

Brandon Bracey's Christian Fellowship Network On Ryze!
Started On August 20, 2004!
http://brandonbracey-network.ryze.com

Yet they shall be ministers in my sanctuary, [having] charge at the gates of the house, and ministering to the house: they shall slay the burnt offering and the sacrifice for the people, and they shall stand before them to minister unto them. Eze 44:11

sent2serve@sister2sisterministries.net

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Hizfavr64

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#10 [url]

Dec 13 05 12:55 PM

Amen

I know it may seem like you are dying in the desert. You may be depressed, broken, and dry about your situation. But just like Ishmael, God will meet you in your thirsty point! God will deliver you in your point of desperation! Just when you thought that you were going to break, God will show up on the scene! I can not speak for anyone else but when I am going through a situation sometimes God will show up in the midnight hour just so I can not take the glory for what's he done! I do not know who I am preaching to online today, but I believe someone needed to hear this!

Just because you have been on welfare,lived in the ghetto, and are from a broken home does not mean that God can not use you! There is no such thing as a perfect family and God can take what many perceive as trash and turn it into treasure! Ishmael's descendants became a great nation and you can be blessed and be a blessing right where you are! The desert does not have to be your final destination! Never give up on your dreams, hopes, and aspirations! Never let your environment, culture, cldonkey, or race determine your destiny! Make up your mind to be the best you can be for the glory of God and then watch God break the Ishmael Syndrome off of your life and skyrocket you from

image
LET THE LORD JESUS CHRIST INTO YOUR HEART TODAY
evangd@sister2sisterministries.net
Sis2Sis Official Homepage

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ForumerDeletedUser

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#11 [url]

Dec 20 05 1:48 PM

He must have thought, I’ve already got him half raised. Sometimes it’s easier to keep the substitute.

Many churches, many Christians, many believers today have given up the promise for an Ishmael. They have created their own answer. They have said, I know what God said, but this may be what He meant.


I preached a sermon THROW YOUR ISHMAELS OUT and KEEP YOUR PROMISE.

You have said a lot here. Why settle for less when God has the best. I have found out that aging is a good thing it often makes things taste better. Aged cheese, suace that simmers, If we wait it will taste so much better.

Microwaves do something with the flavor. It changes the texture and cause it to be chewy.

Going off a little bit wasn't I

Back to the WORD. We can not settle because we feel as though we put to much effort in getting that Ishmale. Well he is a part of me. He is the death of your promise.

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