A few weeks ago I started to look at challenging the youth in some different ways through the Bible studies on Wednesday night. The Theme of “Tests” came to mind and I thought we would compare some of the people of the Bible and see how they were tested. I started with the scripture “the testing of your faith develops perseverance. (James 1:3) where it states that the tests we go through are for our benefit. God begin to bring back different places in the Bible where He tested the faith of various people. One of the first people to come to mind was Abraham and how he was tested with his willingness to give up the one thing that he had hoped for all his life. (Gen. 22) Once he got it, would he give it up for God. Just what was his one thing he wanted most? Why a son and someone to carry on the family name.
I’ve thought a lot about what I might do if I was in his shoes. I’m not sure I’d be as obedient as Abraham was. I’d have to know without a shadow of doubt that that’s what God wanted before I moved one inch. Abraham waited 25 years for God to fulfill his promise and even after trying things on his own, God kept His promise to Abraham (Gen 12:1-3) and years later it came true. If you want more back ground on the Bible story you can go to the Bible Study tab and download the PDF.
As I was laying out the details of the Bible study I felt led to try something similar to what Abraham experience. I pondered what do I think that I just can’t do with out, What brings me real joy and satisfaction? The first answer I came up with was my job, I love working with students and building relationships with them. I realized that I couldn’t quit my job and still keep a happy house so I looked for something else in the same arena that I might give up for God. Facebook/Myspace came to mind. I really love talking and interacting with the youth, but does that stand over my devotion to God? Do I spend too much time on the internet and not enough time in God’s word? I decided that in the month of February I would sacrifice my time online on Facebook and Myspace and give more time to my relationship with God. I nic named it Project Isaac after the example of Abraham. I am really looking forward to what it may do for me and for my family. I may even get a few more hours of sleep. I will keep a running journal from time to time and may even post a few of the entries here.
DId God Really Say... 
Hey John,
I saw this link on your facebook and decided to learn more about Project Isaac. I ended up reading many of your blogs and being blessed by them. I bookmarked this address so I can return. Now, I understand the meaning of “Project Isaac”. Also, I have been wanting to know more about Moses, so your leadership lessons have caught my interest. God bless you John.
Thanks Gwen, I felt lead to write up the leadership lessons as I read through the Bible this time. I have posted all them so far on the blog page you just have to do a search for them. Glad they are useful to somebody, haha. Let me know if you have trouble finding them, I’ll be glad to help you or send them to you. In Christ.