“Obedience”
Obedience starts as a child, when our parents ask us to do something and we learn the word NO, it seems to come so easily to us. Our parents strive to teach us right from wrong and how truthfully we don’t get a choice, we are going to do what they say or we are going to get our little bottoms spanked, or even worse we will lose one of our favorite games or have to go to bed early. This is what I remember as a child. We were taught to respect our elders, and most importantly that a child is to be seen not heard.
I wonder if we can even recall the number of times we were told to stop or come here right now growing up. I know now as an adult all this obedience taught me something valuable, as all thru life we have to be obedient to someone. For me it’s the learning process of being obedient to the most important person and that is Jesus Christ. I was blessed growing up to have parents who kept us in church so that we could be taught to love God, or even what stuck to my heart more was that Jesus loves me. As I grew and matured and got to study the bible more with some understanding I ran across a scripture that really speaks of obedience and that is Genesis 22:8 Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” And the two of them went on together.
Abraham is a beautiful example of obedience to his Father. He was tested by God to the limit of obedience. God called his name, “Abraham.” Abraham stopped and replied, “Here I am, Lord” Then God instructed Abraham to take his only son to Moriah. There Abraham was to sacrifice Isaac as a burnt offering on one of the mountains. I just wonder what Abraham thought. This was a son whom he loved so much, see Isaac was the son of Sarah, who had prayed and ask God for years for a child, and not God is asking Abraham to offer him up. But you know Abraham knew God intimately, he had a personal relationship with God, so he trusted that if this is what God wanted he would have to be obedient. He knew that he and Sarah had experience the love God had for them when he gave them Isaac in their later years of life. And if God now wanted him as a sacrifice, who was he to keep him from God.
Early in the morning after God had spoken to Abraham, He took Isaac, saddled up his donkey, and along with two servants headed up to the mountain in Moriah. After cutting enough wood for the burn offering, they set out as God had told him. “On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. He said to his servants; Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you” (Genesis 22:5, emphasis added).
“We will worship. We will come back.” Abraham believed God, his trust in God was assured and he kept moving ahead in obedience to God. Can you even imagine what was going thru the servants or Isaacs mind at this time. Where was the sacrifice? Neither the servants nor Isaac asked. “Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife (verse 6). Isaac obviously wasn’t a small child, he had to of been big enough to carry heavy wood up a mountain, so maybe in his teen years. As father and son walked up the mountain Isaac said to his father, ‘Father? ‘Yes my son, ‘Abraham replied. ‘The fire and the wood are here, ‘Isaac said, ‘but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” (Verse 7). I can’t even comprehend what Abraham had to be thinking. Where will we ever find a lamb up here in this vast wilderness? Get this, I love it, Abraham’s reply was. “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering my son” (verse 8). The two of them went on together, when they reached the place God had told Abraham about, he went to work, removing the wood from Isaac’s back. He build an altar for worship and then arranged the wood on top. This was the ultimate of worshiping God-an altar built by hand and an offering of obedience.
Then Abraham went on and said, “Come,” to his son Isaac, and he placed him on top of the wood and bound him on the altar. Tears as I write this, I can’t even imagine, and what is so amazing is that Isaac was obedient too. His father Abraham must have taught him about being obedient to him and his heavenly Father. So Isaac came to his own father who he loved and trusted. I didn’t find anything in the Bible where it speaks of anything that Isaac was thinking or saying. I don’t know, however there was Isaac bound on top of the wood that he had carried himself, he was willing to die for God that is obvious by the scripture.
Abraham with knife in had was prepared and ready. “Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son.” (verse 10). When an animal is being offered up to God as an offer it is bound on the altar of wood and the knife is plunged into the throat and sliced down the middle through the stomach. Abraham had lifted his arm ready to plunge the knife when the Angel of the Lord called out to him from heaven. ‘Abraham! Abraham! (Verse 11). Abraham stopped. “Do not lay a hand on the boy he said. Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son. Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son Isaac. (verses 12-13). Can you only imagine what was going thru Isaac’s mind or Abrahams for that matter, I can, Pure Rejoicing. That mountain became known as “The Lord will Provide.” This is the name Abraham gave to it; there was no doubt in Abraham’s heart that God would provide.
If you go back to the beginning you will see that I put the words we in bold, to emphasis that from that point Abraham had no doubt in his heart that both his son and himself would return off of that mountain that day. Friends, that is Faith, and more importantly it is pure obedience. They went that day and they worshipped and they returned as was spoken.
When the angel of the Lord calls upon you, will you be obedient and come? Is your trust in God really as strong as it needs to be today? When called will you stop and trust for the Lord to provide for you, would you come to His altar today and lay down all your problems, worries, sufferings before Him and trust Him with them. Take time today to worship God and trust that being obedient to Him will bring you peace. Obey His word today. If you don’t have
A heart after Christ, it’s not too late, if you are reading this, please take just a few minutes to ask God into your heart, ask for His guidance and let Him know you are ready to be obedient my friends. Read this in the Bible and read the following scriptures as well…Galatians 4:28, Hebrews 11:17-19.
Let Gods strength and wisdom land in your heart today.
Working with the Lord daily and seeing what is in the shadows to my life and others brings us to daily word and understanding of the need to have God in our lives.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Sensitivity
Today, has been such a sad day for me, I have cried my eyes out and don’t know which direction to turn. It has been one disappointment after another. I have been in constant prayer for friends and family, there seems to be so much pain and sickness going around. I want to be a blessing to all and just reach out and touch those that are sick and make it go away. I want the lost to find their way to God. And, today has just been one of those days that I can’t seem to help anyone, including myself. I reach out to God for guidance today, a touch for my spirit and my soul. I am just so sensitive today, and I have let it hurt me. This is why I have chosen to get into God’s word on this subject today. I know I can’t be alone in this world when it comes to being sensitive.
Sensitivity is a wonderful thing as long as it is not misdirected. We should be sensitive to the physical and spiritual needs of others. We should be sensitive to our personal needs. It is a wonderful thing to see Christians sensitive to their problems. This is what I do know, but why can’t I get a grip on it today? Our feelings are like red lights hanging in front of us in life. When we began to become sensitive with jealousy, hurt feelings, and a feeling of rejection these are red lights lighting up telling us that we have not got our lives properly focused
In Matthew chapter 21 verse 21 thru 28 we find a story that I just love. I feel this is the story God would want me to share with you.
21. Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon. 22 And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil. 23 But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying; Send her away; for she crieth after us. 24 But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 25 Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me. 26 But he answered and said, it is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it to dogs. 27 And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table. 28 Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.
If you notice in this story God didn’t answer the woman right away, but she chose to stay and not run away. Would you be able to do that? Most of us would just stick our tail between our legs and run as fast as we could. When Christ did not answer, his disciples struck at her feelings. They said, "Send her away; for she crieth after us." This would have been enough to send most of us away with wounded feelings. But, did she leave? No, her need was too great to let Christ's disciples stand in her way. She would not let them rob her of blessings needed. I have goose bumps as I write this for I know myself I let Satan take hold of me today and steal some joy that didn’t belong to him. Would you stay or leave? If you, like this woman, knew your needs and why you came, you would remain in spite of what they said. If you turned your back because your feelings were hurt, would you not be the one to lose?
Of course you would be and I know that God would not be pleased with the actions of any of us that would try to turn away. Are your soul and the soul of others not more important than your feelings? What did I lose today by letting Satan attack, let me tell you, I lost hours of time that I cannot get back; most importantly I lost time I could have used to help someone else who was hurting today.
We must remember that our souls are in danger, and Christ is our safe place. He is the answer to all of our needs. He is the all sufficient one.
To continue the story, Jesus said to her, "I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel." What would you do if someone should say the blessings of the Lord are not for you? Would you get all ruffled up and leave without them? Not this woman? "Then she came and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me."
She didn’t back down, she continued to worship the Lord, oh the mighty faith this woman had. She could have just ran home with her feelings hurt, but she came on this day with a purpose and she withstood the attacks, she didn’t let her sensitivity get in the way of her receiving this day. All that know anything about the Bible, know that they would be lost if they couldn’t talk to our Father and get His guidance each day. Is your soul worth losing over someone hurting your feelings?
Then Jesus continues and says, "It is not meet to take the children's bread and to cast it to dogs." this woman simply said, "Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat the crumbs."
That is saying, "I know how unworthy I am; I do not ask for anything but the crumbs." This woman obtained the mercy she sought." I can see so many crying when Jesus says this and running for the high mountain. Earlier today, I’m not sure I wouldn’t have run myself, for Satan tested me to my limits. But I knew I had to stop in my tracks and start talking to God, for I want what this woman wanted, to keep my soul intact and receive all the blessings God has to offer. It would have been so easy to let her feelings rob her and her daughter of the healing God had for her, but she didn’t’.
Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour."
Are you a quitter because you have had your feelings hurt? Are you walking by faith, even though your feelings have been hurt? Most importantly are you missing out on a healing because you are too sensitive today? Friends I hope you will do as I did today and get into God’s word when this happens to you, for in His Word I found peace and comfort today. I am not a quitter, I am God’s daughter, made in the resemblance of Him, and I give Him all the Praise and Glory.
Take a walk of faith today and give your issues including sensitivity to God. God bless each of you. I ask for a healing hand on each of you as you have read this today. May you be like this woman in Matthew and find that waiting for God is so worth the wait. Patience pays off.
Sensitivity is a wonderful thing as long as it is not misdirected. We should be sensitive to the physical and spiritual needs of others. We should be sensitive to our personal needs. It is a wonderful thing to see Christians sensitive to their problems. This is what I do know, but why can’t I get a grip on it today? Our feelings are like red lights hanging in front of us in life. When we began to become sensitive with jealousy, hurt feelings, and a feeling of rejection these are red lights lighting up telling us that we have not got our lives properly focused
In Matthew chapter 21 verse 21 thru 28 we find a story that I just love. I feel this is the story God would want me to share with you.
21. Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon. 22 And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil. 23 But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying; Send her away; for she crieth after us. 24 But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 25 Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me. 26 But he answered and said, it is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it to dogs. 27 And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table. 28 Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.
If you notice in this story God didn’t answer the woman right away, but she chose to stay and not run away. Would you be able to do that? Most of us would just stick our tail between our legs and run as fast as we could. When Christ did not answer, his disciples struck at her feelings. They said, "Send her away; for she crieth after us." This would have been enough to send most of us away with wounded feelings. But, did she leave? No, her need was too great to let Christ's disciples stand in her way. She would not let them rob her of blessings needed. I have goose bumps as I write this for I know myself I let Satan take hold of me today and steal some joy that didn’t belong to him. Would you stay or leave? If you, like this woman, knew your needs and why you came, you would remain in spite of what they said. If you turned your back because your feelings were hurt, would you not be the one to lose?
Of course you would be and I know that God would not be pleased with the actions of any of us that would try to turn away. Are your soul and the soul of others not more important than your feelings? What did I lose today by letting Satan attack, let me tell you, I lost hours of time that I cannot get back; most importantly I lost time I could have used to help someone else who was hurting today.
We must remember that our souls are in danger, and Christ is our safe place. He is the answer to all of our needs. He is the all sufficient one.
To continue the story, Jesus said to her, "I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel." What would you do if someone should say the blessings of the Lord are not for you? Would you get all ruffled up and leave without them? Not this woman? "Then she came and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me."
She didn’t back down, she continued to worship the Lord, oh the mighty faith this woman had. She could have just ran home with her feelings hurt, but she came on this day with a purpose and she withstood the attacks, she didn’t let her sensitivity get in the way of her receiving this day. All that know anything about the Bible, know that they would be lost if they couldn’t talk to our Father and get His guidance each day. Is your soul worth losing over someone hurting your feelings?
Then Jesus continues and says, "It is not meet to take the children's bread and to cast it to dogs." this woman simply said, "Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat the crumbs."
That is saying, "I know how unworthy I am; I do not ask for anything but the crumbs." This woman obtained the mercy she sought." I can see so many crying when Jesus says this and running for the high mountain. Earlier today, I’m not sure I wouldn’t have run myself, for Satan tested me to my limits. But I knew I had to stop in my tracks and start talking to God, for I want what this woman wanted, to keep my soul intact and receive all the blessings God has to offer. It would have been so easy to let her feelings rob her and her daughter of the healing God had for her, but she didn’t’.
Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour."
Are you a quitter because you have had your feelings hurt? Are you walking by faith, even though your feelings have been hurt? Most importantly are you missing out on a healing because you are too sensitive today? Friends I hope you will do as I did today and get into God’s word when this happens to you, for in His Word I found peace and comfort today. I am not a quitter, I am God’s daughter, made in the resemblance of Him, and I give Him all the Praise and Glory.
Take a walk of faith today and give your issues including sensitivity to God. God bless each of you. I ask for a healing hand on each of you as you have read this today. May you be like this woman in Matthew and find that waiting for God is so worth the wait. Patience pays off.
Friday, December 2, 2011
Lost in a World of Pain and Suffering
This is a cry that I hear as I pass by people, lifeless forms just getting by, struggling to hold their heads up high. The breath that comes from within is all that is keeping them alive.
Each day just brings another disappointment to them, the cold runs through their veins as they withstand the cold temperatures and the thoughts of warm meal just angers their souls. My spouse or loved one is very ill and no one helps them, who is this one that everyone says can help us. Why hasn’t he shown his face? Why does he let this happen if he is so good?
I am worthless, , useless human garbage that has been thrown out. I do little or nothing to get by anymore. I was kicked out by family, I have been disowned. I opened the door and in came sin, it looked so good, I haven’t been able to let it go.
If this is you or you know someone who is going thru this scenario? There is an old saying that goes, "What you don’t know can’t hurt you."
What you don’t know can hurt you. Ignorance is not always bliss. This is the case in many areas of life but it is especially true when referring to the things of God. What you don’t know about God can hurt you!
Yet it seems these days that less and less is known about God and His word and people care less and less about each other. It is so much easier to just keep walking than to stop and lend a helping hand.
Solomon said in Proverbs 8:10 that one should take instruction in wisdom and knowledge even before he seeks silver and gold. In the next chapter of Proverbs, chapter 9, verse 10 he said that "knowledge of the Holy One is the beginning of understanding." Thus, we conclude from his words that one who doesn’t know about God hasn’t even begun to understand what life is about.
My precious Brothers and Sisters, please allow me to introduce you to my best friend, JESUS CHRIST! GOD LOVES YOU AND IS SEEKING TO HAVE A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH YOU.
"In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to remove the barrier of sin." (1 John 4:10)
God loves you and planned a wonderful, full life for you. He wants to enter a personal and intimate relationship with you that will include inner peace, happiness, guidance in your life and power to fulfill His special plan He has for your life.
SIN HAS CREATED A BARRIER BETWEEN MAN AND GOD, this happened in the beginning with Adam and Eve, but my friend, God didn’t stop loving us.
“All have sinned and come short of the Glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)
JESUS CHRIST came to remove the barrier between God and us.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)
“The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28)
You see, God so loved us that He stepped out of eternity into time and became a man in the person of Jesus Christ. He lived a perfect life as a man and thus qualified to die for the sins of the world. He then willingly died in our place to purchase a pardon for sins and satisfy the demands of His own perfect justice. When He did, He tore down the barrier of sin that separated us. See my friends this is TRUE love. He is always thinking about you and me. He wants the best, He wants you, and it’s so easy my friends. Jesus Christ has removed every barrier that stood between you and God except one; you must receive the pardon He purchased for you by an act of your will. You see, a pardon is not a pardon until it is received. There is a pardon with your name on it in heaven, but you must receive it to make it valid.
It is not a matter of how good you are, or even how bad you are. The issue is, will you talk to God and tell him you receive the pardon he purchased for you. He wants you to come just as you are and confess your sins.
It’s up to you my friends; YOU can change your eternal destiny right now. Wherever you are, just bow your head and tell God you receive His pardon for your sins. Ask Jesus Christ to come into your life and begin to give you a new heart with new desires. He will come into your life and bring a new power and motivation for living you never dreamed possible.
Jesus gave us this invitation, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with me.” (Revelation 3:20)
It is this simple, just invite Jesus into your heart today and start your new journey.
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