OUCH!

REFERENCE
Genesis 17:23 [ESV] 23 Then Abraham took Ishmael his son and all those born in his house or bought with his money, every male among the men of Abraham's house, and he circumcised the flesh of their foreskins that very day, as God had said to him.
Genesis 17:23 [Message] Then Abraham took his son Ishmael and all his servants, whether house born or purchased—every male in his household—and circumcised them, cutting off their foreskins that very day, just as God had told him.

EXPLORATION
Some Scripture just leaves us with questions.
What does obedience look like?
Does it have to hurt?
What is the mark of a Christian?
Is there a cost?

APPLICATION
Ask God the questions

PRAYER
Father,
I’m embarrassed by how either consciously or unconsciously I treat you like Santa Claus or a giant vending machine in heaven; looking for you to deliver on my wants.
I say that this life is about obedience to a God that loved me first. But I act like this life is about You being obedient to my desires.
I get that “grace” is a free gift from you.
Should appreciating it cost something?
What does obedience look like?
What should be my mark?
What one thing should set me apart?