God Honours Obedience

 
I was sorting through dad's pile of books, when I discovered this little booklet "Promises to Live By", chosen by David Wilkerson.

Flipping through the pages, my eyes were caught on one subtitle... "God Honours Obedience".

I remember very clearly the first book that I read after my conversion on Arthur Liang Bridge (Nov 1998), "Absolute Surrender" by Andrew Murray.
Later on Bible studies broadened my understanding of "submission", to the Lord, leaders and head; as well as Albert's constant reminder about being blameless.
Yet, obedience is one word not very common in my dictionary; even though it was mentioned in many Bible passages.

Taking a fresh look at that word made me realize that:

• "Obedience" summarizes all of the New Testament commands, including the greatest commandment and the great commission.
• "Obedience" encompasses all negative commands from the Bible including the Ten Commandments.
• Whereas obedience is a choice (much like the freedom of choices granted to Adam and Eve), God desires the results.
• The first sin that humans committed was disobedience by Adam and Eve.
• God is in control, no matter the outcome.
• Our God is just and righteous, His promises are true.
• God promises "rewards" for obedience, physically, emotionally or Spiritually.

Philippians 4:9

Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Exodus 19:5
Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession.

John 15:10
If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.

What have you learnt about obedience in your spiritual walks? Are you willing (obedient) to share?

jane

Words of Comfort (6)……Trust and Obey

1. Psalm 84:11-12
For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor;
no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.
LORD Almighty, blessed is the one who trusts in you.

2. Isaiah 50:10
Who among you fears the LORD and obeys the word of his servant? Let the
one who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the LORD
and rely on their God.

3. Psalm 20:7
Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of
the LORD our God.

4. Acts 24:16
So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.

Choose to trust God in every area of your life – every decision, every
choice, and every opportunity that He sends your way.
Choose to obey God and keep His commandments.
Choose to forgive others, fully and freely.
Choose to follow the path that God has revealed to you.
(Charles Stanley, God’s Way)

Shared by Jane

Words of Comfort (5)

1. Jeremiah 33:3
Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’

• The prayers of God’s people invite and assure God’s response. (Zodervan Study Bible)
• The Spirit-filled life begins with an overwhelming realization that we are absolutely helpless and hopeless apart from the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Do not “do things for God” based on your own strength.(Charles Stanley)
• When was the last time you called on Him?

2. 2 Kings 6:17
And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.”

• When we pray like this, we can see the world all around us (much like the prophet Elisha) is full of God’s horses and chariots, waiting to carry us to places of glorious victory. (Hannah Whitall Smith)
• What are you able/not able to “see”?

3. Luke 19:42
..and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes.

• God holds us accountable for what we refuse to see or are unable to see because of our sin. And now they are hidden from my eyes because I have never yielded completely my nature to Him. (Oswald Chambers)
• What is being “hidden” from your eyes? Why?

………Shared by jane