Category Archives: Obedience

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April 29, 2014

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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)]

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March 24, 2014

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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)]

 

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March 14, 2014

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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)]

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March 10, 2014

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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)]

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February 18, 2014

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God's Plan, Obedience

How Will We Respond?

The Lord gave this message to Jonah son of Amittai: “Get up and go to the great city of Nineveh. Announce my judgment against it because I have seen how wicked its people are.” But Jonah got up and went in the opposite direction to get away from the Lord. [Jonah 1:1-3a (NLT)]

Then I heard the Lord asking, “Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?” I said, “Here I am. Send me.” [Isaiah 6:8 (NLT)]

When God calls, will we hear his voice or turn a deaf ear? And, once we hear his voice, will we be willing to heed his call? Like Jonah, will we run the opposite direction or, like Isaiah, will we respond, “Here I am. Send me!”?

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January 9, 2014

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Attitudes & Behavior, Holy Spirit, Obedience

Take Responsibility: Do the Right Thing

When Daniel learned that the document (a decree than anyone who prayed to any god or person except King Darius would be thrown into a lions’ den) had been signed, he went to his house. An upper room in his house had windows that opened in the direction of Jerusalem. Three times each day he got down on his knees and prayed to his God. He had always praised God this way. [Daniel 6:10 (GW)]

How many times have we heard children say, “It’s not my fault; he (or she) made me do it!”? Children think this excuse absolves them of responsibility for their actions. As adults we continue to make unwise choices and often justify them by saying we had no choice. God, however, always gives us a choice: yes or no, some or none, right or wrong, our way or His. Unfortunately, the right choice is often not the one we want to make. Moreover, the easy choice is not necessarily the right one. The right choice may require sacrifice; it may even put us into a modern-day lion’s den. God never promised that life would be easy; but he did promise that we’d never be alone in our struggles. Daniel stayed true to his God and survived the lion’s den; we, too, will survive if we stay true to our faith.

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. [2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT)]

In the long run, we shape our lives and we shape ourselves. And the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility. [Eleanor Roosevelt.]