Genesis 12:1-9; 17:1-8

"The LORD had said to Abram, 'Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.'" 12:1-3
When God called him, Abram moved in faith from Ur to Haran and finally to Canaan. God then established a covenant with Abram, telling him that he would found a great nation. Not only would this nation be blessed, God said, but other nations on earth would be blessed through Abrams descendants. Isreal, the nation that would come from Abram, was to follow God and influence those whom it came in contact with. Through Abram's family tree, Jesus Christ was born to save humanity. Through Christ, people can have a relationship with God and be blessed beyond measure.

"When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, 'I am El-Shaddai—‘God Almighty.’ Serve me faithfully and live a blameless life.'" 17:1
God has the same measure for us today. We are to obey the Lord in every respect because he is God - that is reason enough. If you don't think the benefits of obedience are worth it, consider who God is! He is the only one with the power and ability to meet your every need.

Taken from the NLT Life Application Study Bible