God Said: The Eternal Call and Sacrifice

Devotional

Day 1: God’s Call Is Unchanging and Endures Through Time

God’s call on your life is not a fleeting moment or a temporary assignment; it is a steadfast, enduring purpose that remains even through years of waiting, disappointment, or failure. From Abraham’s decades-long journey to Moses’ forty years in the wilderness, the pattern in Scripture is clear: when God says, He means it for the long haul, regardless of obstacles or delays. The mission may not unfold as you expect, and mistakes may happen along the way, but God’s word and purpose for you do not change. Are you willing to keep moving forward, trusting that what God said still stands, even when the promise seems distant? [51:55]

Genesis 12:1-4 (ESV)
Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” So Abram went, as the Lord had told him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran.

Reflection: What is one area in your life where you have been tempted to give up on what God called you to do? How can you recommit to that calling today, trusting in God’s enduring purpose?

Day 2: True Sacrifice Is Costly and Comes From the Heart

God is not impressed by empty rituals or offerings that cost us nothing; He desires a sacrifice that comes from a heart of obedience, justice, and compassion. The prophet Isaiah reminds us that God rejects meaningless offerings and instead calls us to seek justice, defend the oppressed, and live with clean hands and pure hearts. Sacrifice that pleases God is not about outward show but about inward transformation and a willingness to give up what is comfortable for the sake of His will. Are you willing to offer God a sacrifice that truly costs you something? [01:05:08]

Isaiah 1:11-20 (ESV)
“What to me is the multitude of your sacrifices? says the Lord; I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams and the fat of well-fed beasts; I do not delight in the blood of bulls, or of lambs, or of goats. When you come to appear before me, who has required of you this trampling of my courts? Bring no more vain offerings; incense is an abomination to me. New moon and Sabbath and the calling of convocations—I cannot endure iniquity and solemn assembly. Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hates; they have become a burden to me; I am weary of bearing them. When you spread out your hands, I will hide my eyes from you; even though you make many prayers, I will not listen; your hands are full of blood. Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your deeds from before my eyes; cease to do evil, learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause. Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be eaten by the sword; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”

Reflection: What is one thing you are holding back from God because it feels too costly to surrender? What would it look like to offer it to Him today as a true sacrifice?

Day 3: Obedience Is Better Than Sacrifice

God delights more in your obedience than in any outward act of sacrifice. The story of Saul losing the kingdom because he valued ritual over obedience, and David’s insistence on not offering to God what cost him nothing, both point to this truth: God wants your heart and your willingness to listen and follow His voice above all else. Obedience, even when inconvenient or misunderstood, is the truest form of worship and the foundation of a life that pleases God. Are you willing to obey, even when it disrupts your plans or challenges your comfort? [01:29:51]

1 Samuel 15:22-23 (ESV)
And Samuel said, “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and presumption is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has also rejected you from being king.”

Reflection: Is there an area where you have been offering God “sacrifice” but not obedience? What step of obedience is God asking you to take today?

Day 4: Your Sacrifice and Obedience Impact Future Generations

The legacy of faith is not just about your own journey but about what you leave for those who come after you. Abraham’s obedience led to blessings for generations, and Isaac’s life became a wellspring for others. The wells you dig, the sacrifices you make, and the faith you model set up a foundation for your children and spiritual descendants. What you do in faith today can open doors, provide resources, and establish spiritual inheritance for those who follow. Are you living with the next generation in mind, preparing a legacy of faith and provision? [01:32:32]

Genesis 22:15-18 (ESV)
And the angel of the Lord called to Abraham a second time from heaven and said, “By myself I have sworn, declares the Lord, because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you, and I will surely multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore. And your offspring shall possess the gate of his enemies, and in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice.”

Reflection: What is one practical way you can invest in the spiritual future of someone coming after you—whether a child, a friend, or a new believer—this week?

Day 5: Worship Is a Sacrifice of Praise, Even in Difficulty

Worship is not just a song or a Sunday activity; it is a sacrifice of praise offered to God, especially in the midst of hardship, confusion, or loss. The Bible calls us to continually offer up the fruit of lips that confess His name, to give thanks, and to do good and share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. Even when you don’t understand, even when it hurts, lifting your hands and your heart to God in worship is a powerful act of faith and surrender. Will you choose to worship God today, not just with your words, but with your life and your actions? [01:38:56]

Hebrews 13:15-16 (ESV)
Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to offer God a sacrifice of praise today, even if it feels difficult or costly? How can you express that worship in both word and action?

Sermon Summary

Today’s focus is on the enduring nature of God’s call and the true meaning of sacrifice and obedience in the life of a believer. God’s purposes are not fleeting or whimsical; when He speaks, His word is eternal and His call is lasting. Throughout Scripture, we see that when God gives a mission—whether to Abraham, Moses, Noah, or Paul—it is not a temporary assignment but a lifelong journey, often marked by years, even decades, of perseverance, faith, and sometimes suffering. The phrase “God said” is not to be used lightly or as an excuse for momentary decisions; it is a declaration that should anchor us through every season, especially when the journey is long and the promise seems distant.

Abraham’s story is a powerful example. He waited 25 years for the promised son, and then another 13 years before the ultimate test of faith on Mount Moriah. God’s call did not change despite Abraham’s mistakes or the passage of time. Similarly, Moses led a grumbling people for 60 years, Noah built an ark for 120 years, and Paul endured beatings, shipwrecks, and constant danger—all because “God said.” Their faithfulness was not measured by immediate results or public approval, but by their unwavering obedience to God’s voice.

Obedience, not outward sacrifice, is what God desires. The prophet Isaiah and King David both remind us that God is not impressed by empty rituals or offerings that cost us nothing. True sacrifice is costly—it may mean giving up comfort, enduring criticism, or serving others at inconvenient times. It is in these moments of costly obedience that worship becomes real, and God’s presence is most powerfully experienced.

This call to sacrifice is not just for the “heroes” of faith but for every believer. Whether serving in a small church, providing for the needy, or simply persevering through personal trials, God sees and values the heart that is fully surrendered. Our legacy is not in numbers or recognition, but in faithfulness—digging wells for the next generation, setting an example of obedience, and offering up a sacrifice of praise even on the hardest days.

God’s promise is sure: when we obey, even when it costs us, He provides, He multiplies, and He uses our lives to bless others. The call is to trust Him, to give Him everything, and to worship Him with our whole lives, knowing that He is worthy and that His purposes will stand.

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Key Takeaways

1. God’s Call Is Enduring, Not Temporary When God speaks, His word is not for a season but for a lifetime. The examples of Abraham, Moses, and Noah show that God’s assignments often require decades of faithfulness, regardless of obstacles or delays. Using “God said” as a justification for short-term decisions diminishes the weight of His eternal purpose in our lives. [49:50]
2. Obedience Matters More Than Outward Sacrifice God is not impressed by rituals or offerings that cost us nothing. True worship is found in obedience, even when it is inconvenient or painful. As Isaiah and David remind us, God desires a heart that seeks justice, encourages the oppressed, and is willing to pay the price of real sacrifice. [65:08]
3. Sacrifice Is Costly and Often Inconvenient Serving God will require us to give up comfort, endure criticism, and sometimes lay aside our own plans for the sake of others. The story of Abraham, as well as personal experiences in ministry, illustrate that God often calls us to serve at the most inconvenient times, and it is in these moments that our faith and love are truly tested. [89:18]
4. Legacy Is Built Through Faithfulness, Not Numbers The value of ministry or service is not measured by size or public acclaim, but by the lives touched and the faithfulness shown in small things. Shepherding, investing in the next generation, and being present in people’s lives are the true marks of a lasting legacy. God honors those who dig wells for others, even if the world never notices. [85:19]
5. Worship Is a Life of Surrender and Praise, Even in Hardship Worship is not just a song or a Sunday activity; it is a life laid down in obedience and trust, offering praise even in the midst of difficulty. Like Abraham and the widow with two coins, God is moved by those who give all they have, trusting Him to provide and fulfill His promises. Our greatest act of worship is to say, “Here I am, Lord—take all of me.” [103:09]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[40:38] - Community Needs and Food Box Initiative
[43:32] - Bible Requests and Prison Ministry
[44:39] - Facing Criticism and Staying the Course
[48:05] - The Weight of “God Said”
[50:13] - Abraham’s Long Journey of Faith
[52:16] - Moses, Noah, and Enduring Obedience
[54:37] - Joseph, Ruth, and Other Examples of Perseverance
[58:11] - The Eternal Nature of God’s Call
[59:35] - Paul’s Suffering and Perspective
[64:12] - The Cost of Sacrifice
[67:24] - Abraham and Isaac: The Ultimate Test
[71:47] - The Power of the Gospel and True Deliverance
[78:20] - Personal Testimony: Trusting God’s Call
[85:19] - The Value of Small Faithful Ministry
[89:18] - Sacrifice in Serving Others
[91:01] - Worship and Adoration After Sacrifice
[99:00] - The Widow’s Offering: Giving All
[103:09] - A Sacrifice of Praise and Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Genesis 22:1-18 (ESV) — > After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” He said, “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.” ... [Read the full passage: Genesis 22:1-18]

Isaiah 1:11-20 (ESV) — > “What to me is the multitude of your sacrifices? says the Lord; I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams and the fat of well-fed beasts; I do not delight in the blood of bulls, or of lambs, or of goats. ... [Read the full passage: Isaiah 1:11-20]

Mark 12:41-44 (ESV) — > And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. ... [Read the full passage: Mark 12:41-44]

Observation Questions

In Genesis 22, what did God ask Abraham to do, and how did Abraham respond? What details show the costliness of Abraham’s obedience?
According to Isaiah 1:11-20, what kind of sacrifices does God reject, and what does He desire instead?
In Mark 12:41-44, what did Jesus notice about the widow’s offering compared to the others?
The sermon mentioned that Abraham waited 25 years for the promised son and then faced another 13 years before the test on Mount Moriah. What does this timeline reveal about the nature of God’s call? [[51:13]]

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think God’s call on Abraham’s life did not change, even after decades and despite Abraham’s mistakes? What does this say about God’s character? [[51:00]]
The sermon says, “Obedience is better than sacrifice.” Why is obedience so important to God, even more than outward acts of worship or giving? [[01:29:51]]
The widow’s offering was small in amount but great in sacrifice. What does this teach us about how God measures our giving and service? [[01:41:55]]
The pastor shared about serving at inconvenient times and enduring criticism. Why might God allow sacrifice to be costly and inconvenient for us? [[01:29:18]]

Application Questions

The phrase “God said” is often used lightly, but the sermon warns against treating God’s call as temporary. Have you ever started something you believed God called you to, but gave up when it got hard or took longer than expected? What would it look like to persevere? [[49:20]]
Abraham’s obedience required him to give up what was most precious to him. Is there something in your life that God might be asking you to surrender or trust Him with, even if it’s costly? [[51:55]]
The sermon highlighted that true sacrifice is inconvenient and may mean giving up comfort or enduring criticism. Can you share a time when serving God cost you something? How did you respond? [[01:29:18]]
God is not impressed by empty rituals or offerings that cost us nothing. Are there areas in your spiritual life where you are “going through the motions” rather than truly obeying God? What would real obedience look like for you this week? [[01:05:08]]
The pastor shared about the value of small, faithful ministry and “digging wells” for the next generation. Who in your life could benefit from your faithfulness, even if it’s not noticed by others? How can you invest in them? [[01:25:19]]
Worship is described as a life of surrender and praise, even in hardship. What does it look like for you to offer a “sacrifice of praise” during a difficult season? [[01:43:09]]
The widow gave all she had, trusting God to provide. Is there an area where you feel God is asking you to trust Him more fully with your resources, time, or abilities? What step could you take this week? [[01:41:55]]

Sermon Clips

What does it cost you to sacrifice for God? Has it cost you something? There was a time that King David was trying to stop a plague on the nation, and he went to buy a threshing floor. And the man that owned it, the other king, said, I'm going to give it to you. And he said, I will not accept it. Unless it costs me something. I will not sacrifice something to God unless it has cost me something. I don't want you to give me anything. I will pay full price. Amen? Are you willing to pay? [01:04:25] (37 seconds) #SacrificeWithCost

He gave Christ for us all. Every single person. That sacrifice is just as valid for you as it is for me or anybody else that you'll meet today. He gave him up for us all. So that we might have an opportunity to know God, to know the real God, not the false or lesser gods that this world is presenting to us today, but the one true God, the Lion of Judah, the Lily of the Valley, the Rose of Sharon, the living Son of God, Jesus Christ. [01:09:44] (32 seconds) #KnowTheTruthSetFree

He said if you would know the truth, it will set you free. See, we can't earn it, guys. It cannot be earned. It's a free gift that God gave his Son. That blood was free. It cost God his Son, but he gave it to us. [01:11:14] (19 seconds) #FaithOverDeliverance

There were problems along the way. But when you get to that juncture where you are following what God said and God has called you to something and you know God called. You didn't miss his voice. You understood it. It was clear. God said, go. And you said, yeah, buddy, I'm going. And you walked out there and the first door slammed in your face. And you turned around and said, what? See, it's in that moment. It's in that moment that we have to trust that God called it to us. [01:16:43] (31 seconds) #CloserToPromiseHarder

The challenges become greater the closer you get to the promise. It more difficult the closer you become to Christ. The closer you move toward that, the more difficulties that life will throw at you. Why? Because he's looking for more trust out of you now than he ever did before. He's looking for you to say, okay, God, I'm going to trust you in this even when this thing doesn't make any sense to me whatsoever. [01:17:47] (25 seconds) #SmallChurchBigCalling

Serving God. Is. A. Sacrifice. Y'all. And. If. You. Think. It. You're. Serving. God. And. You're. Not. Sacrificing. I. Would. Stipulate. You're. Not. Serving. God. Because. He's. Going. To. Call. Something. Out. Of. Your. Life. At. The. Most. Inconvenient. Time. That. You. Can. Possibly. Imagine. [01:29:18] (19 seconds) #ObedienceOverSacrifice

The Lord. Does. Not. Delight. In. Burn. Offerings. Or. Sacrifices. As. Much. As. He. Delights. In. Obeying. His. Voice. Obedience. Is. Better. Than. Sacrifice. A. Listening. Ear. Than. The. Fat. Of. Rams. For. Rebellion. Is. As. A. Sin. Of. Witchcraft. And. Stubbornness. Is. Of. Iniquity. And. Idolatry. And. Because. You. Have. Rejected. The. Word. Of. The. Lord. He. Has. Also. Rejected. You. From. Being. King. [01:29:47] (27 seconds) #RecognizedByGod

Let. Us. Be. Thankful. And. So. Worship. God. Acceptably. With. Reverence. And. Awe. For. Our. God. Is. A. Consuming. Fire. And. Let. Us. Continually. Offer. Up. To. God. The. Sacrifice. Of. Praise. The. Fruit. Of. The. Lips. That. Confess. His. Name. And. Do. Not. Forget. To. Do. The. Good. And. To. Share. With. Others. For. With. Such. Sacrifices. God. Is. Pleased. [01:38:43] (26 seconds) #SacrificeOfPraise

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