Category Archives: Obedience

Standard

Posted by

Posted on

May 22, 2014

Posted under

Bible Stories, Obedience, Salvation: A New You, Temptation & Sin

What Will it Be: Dust or Ink?

Lord, hope of Israel, those who leave you will be shamed. People who quit following the Lord will be like a name written in the dust, because they have left the Lord, the spring of living water. [Jeremiah 17:13 (NCV)]

 “…This woman was caught having sexual relations with a man who is not her husband. The law of Moses commands that we stone to death every woman who does this. What do you say we should do?” …

But Jesus bent over and started writing on the ground with his finger. When they continued to ask Jesus their question, he raised up and said, “Anyone here who has never sinned can throw the first stone at her.” Then Jesus bent over again and wrote on the ground. [John 8:4-5, 6b-8 (NCV)]

I’ve always wondered why and what Jesus was writing on the ground that day when the adulterous woman was brought to him. What is the reason for the inclusion of this detail? The IVP New Testament Commentary Series sheds some light on this incident. It was unlawful to write on a Sabbath or holy day (and this was likely the last day of the Feast of Shelters.) One could, however, write in the dust. By writing only in the dusty ground, Jesus showed that he knew religious law.

That tells me why Jesus was writing in the dirt, but what could he have been writing? The IVP Commentary speculates that Jesus could have been writing the words of Jeremiah and/or the names of the woman’s accusers. Since they were Pharisees and teachers of religious law, they would all have been familiar with Jeremiah’s warning. They knew they were sinners and that those who sin against the Lord would soon be forgotten; their names would blow away like the dust. We will never know why or what Jesus was writing that day but, as for me, I want indelible ink (not dust) used to write my name in God’s book.

But you should not be happy because the spirits obey you but because your names are written in heaven. [Luke 10:20 (NCV)]

The glory and the honor of the nations will be brought into it. Nothing unclean and no one who does shameful things or tells lies will ever go into it. Only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life will enter the city. [Revelation 21:26-27 (NCV)]

 

Standard

Posted by

Posted on

May 19, 2014

Posted under

Holy Spirit, Obedience

Don’t Be an Idiot

I am in Christ, and I am telling you the truth; I do not lie. My conscience is ruled by the Holy Spirit, and it tells me I am not lying. [Romans 9:1 (NCV)]

When I learned to drive, my car had warning lights that would alert me to potential engine problems. My driver’s ed instructor called them “idiot lights” because “anyone who ignores them is an idiot.” Our conscience is led by the Holy Spirit and is our own personal warning system. Whenever we hear that voice saying, “I really shouldn’t…,” we immediately should heed that warning!

So be careful and do not refuse to listen when God speaks. [Hebrews 12:25a (NCV)]

 

Standard

Posted by

Posted on

April 29, 2014

Posted under

Attitudes & Behavior, Obedience, Worry

Will We Rest or Resist?

Who heard God’s voice and was against him? It was all those people Moses led out of Egypt. And with whom was God angry for forty years? He was angry with those who sinned, who died in the desert. And to whom was God talking when he promised that they would never enter his rest? He was talking to those who did not obey him. So we see they were not allowed to enter and have God’s rest, because they did not believe. [Hebrews 3:16-19 (NCV)]

Although we all appreciate a good night’s sleep, the rest we find in God doesn’t come from a Serta mattress or a sleep-number bed. In God’s rest, our frustrations, exhaustion, fears, and doubts are replaced with the comfort of His presence, renewed energy, hope and peace. This rest, however, depends on our willingness to accept God’s will and follow His way. It was recently pointed that the words “rest” and “resist” are similar; the only difference is the letter “i.” As long as I resist giving up my burdens and as long as I resist His will, I will have no rest!

I find rest in God; only he gives me hope. [Psalm 62:5 (NCV)]

Standard

Posted by

Posted on

March 24, 2014

Posted under

Attitudes & Behavior, Money & Wealth, Obedience

What Does God Want from Us?

What should I bring when I come to the Lord’s presence, when I bow in front of the God of heaven? [Micah 6:6a (GW)]

In spite of all the rules regarding temple offerings in The Old Testament, the sacrifices of calves, oil or grain were hardly the most important thing in the Jews’ relationship with God. I’m not sure God is all that impressed today when we “sacrifice” (often reluctantly) our time, talents or money to the church today. There is only one sacrifice He really wants at His altar: a living sacrifice of our hearts, souls and minds.

Your mortals, the Lord has told you what is good. This is what the Lord requires from you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to live humbly with your God. [Micah 6:8 (GW)]

So brothers and sisters, since God has shown us great mercy, I beg you to offer your lives as a living sacrifice to him. [Romans 12:1a (GW)]

 

Standard

Posted by

Posted on

March 14, 2014

Posted under

God's Grace & Love, God's Word: The Bible, Joy, Obedience, Thanks & Praise

What Blessings Have You Enjoyed?

The teachings of the Lord are perfect; they give new strength. The rules of the Lord can be trusted; they make plain people wise. The orders of the Lord are right; they make people happy. The commands of the Lord are pure; they light up the way. Respect for the Lord is good; it will last forever. [Psalm 19:7-9a (NCV)]

The question was asked, “What blessings have you enjoyed as a result of obeying God’s word?” My first thought was the satisfaction that comes from knowing I’ve done the right thing. Then I realized that by obeying God’s word, my life is blessed, not with a sense of righteousness, but with a sense of direction, peace, and joy. Obeying God’s word enlightens, guides and restores me. Obeying God brings not just an eternal reward in heaven but also an immediate reward in this life.

Thank you, God, for loving us enough to give us your holy word to teach, direct and bless us through this life and into the next.

The judgments of the Lord are true; they are completely right. They are worth more than gold, even the purest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even the finest honey. By them your servant is warned. Keeping them brings great reward. [Psalm 19:9b-11 (NCV)]

Standard

Posted by

Posted on

March 10, 2014

Posted under

Bible Stories, Fear & Doubt, God's Plan, Obedience, Trusting God

What Chutzpah!

The angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon and said, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior!” Then Gideon said, “Sir, if the Lord is with us, why are we having so much trouble? Where are the miracles our ancestors told us he did when the Lord brought them out of Egypt? But now he has left us and has handed us over to the Midianites.” [Judges 6:1 (NCV)]

If we need an example of real chutzpah, it would be Gideon. When the angel of the Lord appeared before Gideon, instead of kneeling before him in awe, Gideon had the insolence to immediately complain about his troubles. When the Lord told Gideon he would be the one to save his people, Gideon tried to weasel his way out of it by pointing out that he was the least of the least. When the Lord reassured him, Gideon asked for proof that he was really speaking with God. Once satisfied, Gideon did as he was told and pulled down his father’s altar of Baal and cut down the Asherah idol. He then gathered an army to do battle with the Midianites. Gideon, however, continued to doubt God and had the audacity to demand that God pass not one, but two, more tests again. Now that’s chutzpah!

Are we so different from Gideon? When God speaks to us, do we recognize his voice? Instead of praising and thanking him, do we complain when life doesn’t go well? When He gives us an undertaking, do we try to get out of it by listing all of the reasons we can’t do it? Most of us use every excuse in the book to convince God we’re not up to whatever task he gives us. Once convinced the mission is from God and that we are capable, do we still have misgivings and question His way?

Father, forgive us when we doubt you, your message and your power. You’ve proven yourself to us countless times; don’t let us doubt you. Reassure us that we are, indeed, capable of great things when you are the one sending us.

The Lord turned to Gideon and said, “Go with your strength and save Israel from the Midianites. I am the one who is sending you.” [Judges 6:14 (NCV)]