Posts Tagged ‘obedience’

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Believing God

Friday, October 1st, 2010

I’ve heard much, and I’ve taught much, about the importance of believing God’s word. And now I’ve discovered two gems that solidify my conviction. Here they are, buried in Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 1:19,20…

“I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms.”

What are the two treasures?

* There’s a difference between believing in God and believing God. Believing in God means agreeing that He exists. That’s no big deal, really. Even the demons do that (James 2:19). But believing God is a whole different story. It’s what compels us to obey Him, to trust Him implicitly, to do what He says regardless of the cost. It’s what Abraham did when he offered Isaac on the altar.

James 2:22-24 says, “You see, he [Abraham]was trusting God so much that he was willing to do whatever God told him to do. His faith was made complete by what he did – by his actions. And so it happened just as the Scriptures say: ‘Abraham believed God, so God declared him to be righteous.’ He was even called ‘the friend of God.’ So you see, we are made right with God by what we do, not by faith alone.”

Believing God means doing what He says. It’s all about putting feet to our faith even when we’re weary or we don’t understand or when it hurts. That’s difficult, but it’s also critical to our growth and effectiveness as believers…which leads me to the second treasure.

 * God rewards those who believe Him…and those rewards are major goodies. Paul’s prayer says that those who believe God experience the incredible greatness of His power – the same power that raised Christ from the dead and seated Him at God’s right hand in heaven. It’s easy to skim over those words – I’ve done it many times – but doing so means missing their richness. Meditating on them, however, enables us to grasp their meaning and ought to change our lives.

God rewards our obedience with His supernatural power. Not riches or fame or beauty or health, but the power needed to overcome whatever trials we experience, to say no to temptation, to give thanks even when we don’t feel like it, to extend forgiveness to those who don’t deserve it, and more. No matter what we face, His power – the same oomph that breathed life into the lifeless Christ and rolled the stone away from the tomb’s door – works in us and on our behalf. What more do we want or need?

On Monday I’ll tell you how I’ve seen this promise fulfilled in my own life. In the meantime, how about telling us how you’ve seen it prove true for you?

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The Litmus Test for Christianity

Monday, September 20th, 2010

The label Christian is a loose one. What exactly does it mean in this day and age? What sets apart those who are Christian by name only from those who are Christian indeed?

The answers to those questions could fill a library, but because I’m limited by time and space, I’m going to offer a simple answer based on Isaiah 26:8: “LORD, we show our trust in you by obeying your laws; our heart’s desire is to glorify your name.”

According to this verse, two characteristics of a true believer are obedience to God’s Word and a desire to glorify His name. Too bad our selfish nature rears its ugly head and makes these characteristics so tough to model sometimes.

I profess to be a Christian but I confess that obeying God’s laws can be challenging. When He tells me to forgive those who have hurt me, I don’t exactly grin with glee. When He tells me to give generously to others even when our monthly budget is tight, I say okay through gritted teeth. When He tells me to give thanks in everything, I balk and ask, “Even in this situation?”

That’s when the battle rages: Part of me wants to glorify God’s name while the other part wants to satisfy my own wants and desires. If I’m truly a Christian as I claim to be, then my responsibility is to obey.

Obedience isn’t always easy, but God requires it of those who say they follow Him. Doing what He commands proves that we trust His wisdom, sovereignty and love for us. As others see our willingness to set aside our own selfish desires in lieu of God’s ways, we bring honor to His name.

Yes, obedience is a litmus test of true Christianity. If we call ourselves Christians but refuse to obey God’s laws, then we’d better reconsider our claim.

How about you? Is there an issue in your life that God is addressing? Is there an area in which you’re refusing to obey Him? Consider your response and choose to show your trust in Him through doing what He says. Doing so will bring glory to His name and bring peace to your heart.

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Obedience and Spiritual Well-Being

Friday, May 28th, 2010

Obedience to God is vital to one’s spiritual growth and effectiveness. Without it, we’re like a brittle bush, stunted and unfruitful. I know. I’ve been there. That’s how my spiritual life felt for a year while I tried to persuade God that He was wrong in asking me to write Moving From Fear to Freedom.

Thankfully He didn’t let up. He persisted, His finger of conviction pointing straight at my rebellious attitude every time I opened my Bible or tried to pray. When I finally agreed to do what He’d asked me to do, I experienced a surge of physical strength and mental creativity that lasted until the manuscript was complete.

I also experienced the thrill of seeing God change my ideas along the way. I’d written a list of women whose stories I hoped to include in the book, but each time I started a new chapter, He’d bring someone else along whose testimony was even more relevant. Every day was a new journey that led me into a deeper understanding of His adequacy, and that understanding has enabled me to say yes more readily to other assignments.

The more spiritual birthdays I celebrate, the more I believe that obedience to a believer is like water to a potted plant. With it, we flourish. Without it, we shrivel up. Psalm 119 is loaded with insights about it. Here are some to ponder:

“Give me understanding and I will obey your instructions; I will put them into practice with all my heart. Make me walk along the path of your commands, for that is where my happiness is found” (Psalm 119:34,35).

“I will keep on obeying your instructions forever and ever. I will walk in freedom, for I have devoted myself to your commandments” (Psalm 119:44,45).

“Your decrees have been the theme of my songs wherever I have lived. I reflect at night on who you are O LORD; therefore, I obey your instructions. This is how I spend my life; obeying your commandments” (Psalm 119:54-56).

Good stuff, eh? These words make obedience sound like a good thing rather than something to be done with gritted teeth. Imagine – we experience joy and freedom when we do what God says. What a concept!

I can relate to the Psalmist. I choose to spend my life obeying God’s commandments. That’s not always easy. Sometimes doing so interferes with my own plans. Sometimes it requires sacrifice of time, energy, and money. Sometimes it means doing something I just don’t feel like doing. But I’m getting smarter in my old age, and I know that it’s necessary for spiritual growth, fruitful living and for overall peace with God. What can beat that?

What’s your story? What’s your take on obedience and its importance to your spiritual well-being?

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Back to the Basics

Wednesday, May 26th, 2010

Sometimes we, as followers of Jesus Christ, complicate our faith. Corporately, we bog down in theological discussions and get hung up on church politics, sometimes splitting our congregations over issues of little consequence. Individually, we strive in our own strength to please God and then berate ourselves when we fall short. We wander through wilderness experiences sometimes because of our own choices, and we question God’s presence when the going gets tough despite His repeated promises to never leave us.

What’s with all that? Maybe it’s time to get back to basics.

John 15 is one of my favorite Bible passages. In it, Christ speaks passionately with His disciples. He knew His death was only hours away, so He didn’t waste His breath chattering about this and that. He addressed the issues that really matter.

Christ repeated a particular word numerous times in this passage: remain (NLT). Some versions translate it as abide. Regardless of the translation, it’s obviously a key concept or He wouldn’t bring it up over and over again. Here are a few insights I’ve been pondering about this word as it relates to my relationship with Him…

  • How does a person remain in Christ’s love? That’s an easy answer – by obeying His commands. “When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love” (v. 10).

Obeying Christ means doing what He’s told us to do – loving other people, aligning our thoughts with what’s    right and true, refusing to gossip or life, maintaining a life of sexual purity, giving thanks in all things, and so forth. Obeying Him means we acknowledge Him as our Lord. He’s at the steering wheel; we’re not. We’re cooperating with Him rather than fighting against Him. That’s how we remain in Him. Simple, eh? 

  • What are the blessings given to those who remain in Christ? There are several, and they’re all incredible. First, they live fruitful lives (v. 5). The means by which that’s accomplished differs from person to person, but the end result is the same – they impact others for eternity. Second, they can ask anything they wish from God and He’ll answer their prayers (v. 7). Their hearts will be so in tune with Him that their requests will reflect His priorities and desires, therefore, their prayers are guaranteed an answer. How sweet is that? Third, they experience overflowing joy (v. 11). No matter what life brings, they know joy because they know and trust Jesus with the details.  And last, they enjoy friendship with Jesus (v. 14). Imagine that – friendship with one who’s all-wise, all-powerful, always faithful, and always loving. It doesn’t get much better than that!

This is just a snippet of the goodies in John 15. My blog word count can’t do it justice, but  hopefully I’ve communicated the essence of Christ’s message when He taught the disciples about what really matters. If we, as individual believers, get back to spiritual basics and make it our personal goal to remain in Christ, everything else falls into place.

Any thoughts? What insights do you have from this passage? What practical steps do you take to remain in Christ?

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Four Simple Words

Monday, April 19th, 2010

An email sits in my inbox awaiting my response. It’s written by a person who says she has sensed God prodding her for the past two years to get involved in a particular ministry, but she has hesitations. She wants my advice….or does she? I have a hunch she’s hoping I’ll validate her hesitation, but I don’t think that’s right. And so, I ponder my answer and pray that God will give me the words He wants me to say.

This morning I read a passage that provides insight, perhaps. It’s from Luke 19:31-34. Remember the story about Jesus entering Jerusalem? He told His disciples to fetch Him a particular colt. He gave them instructions: “If anyone asks why you’re untying this colt, just tell them ‘The Lord needs it.’”

“And sure enough, as they were untying it, the owners asked them, ‘Why are you untying that colt?’ And the disciples simply replied, ‘The Lord needs it.’ So they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their garments over it for him to ride on” (vv. 33-35).

Four words grab my attention – the Lord needs it. They challenge me to remember that, as followers of Christ, we are only stewards of our time, talent, and resources. He owns it all, and how He chooses to use those things are up to Him. He owes us no lengthy or detailed explanation. If He says He needs it, it’s our responsibility to say yes and give it up.

Sometimes He says, “I need two weeks of your time this summer.” He might say, “I need $2000 from your bank account.” He might say, “I need your arms to embrace that woman who feels without hope.” Or He might say, “I need your mouth to communicate truth to that man who’s wandering into dangerous territory.”

Four simple words say it all: the Lord needs it. They test our hearts, they show us where we need to grow, and they make life difficult sometimes. But because God is God, He has the right to speak them. And He owes no explanation. He simply deserves our obedience.

What has He asked from you?

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Happiness — Another Thought

Wednesday, November 25th, 2009

This will be short and sweet, I hope, because I need to take a nap! I just pulled a red-eye flight from Abbotsford to Toronto for a Girls Night Out event in Oshawa tonight, and I feel like I’ve been hit by a semi-trailer. My scheduled flight was canceled due to maintenance problems, and an all-nighter was my only option to get here in time for tonight’s event. Dem’s da breaks! If you read this before 7:00 p.m. EST, please whisper a prayer for energy and clear thinking for tonight’s show. www.gnolive.ca

Psalm 119:54-55 present an insightful follow-up to my blog about happiness. “Your principles have been the music of my life throughout the years of my pilgrimage. I reflect at night on who you are, O Lord, and I obey your law because of this. This is my happy way of life: obeying your commandments.”

Again, happiness is not found in stuff or in easy circumstances. It’s found in obeying God’s words, written from His heart of love for our well-being. It’s found in regarding His commands not as restrictive or a kill-joy but as the music of our lives. And it’s found in the benefits we enjoy – freedom from guilt, freedom from shame, and freedom from the fear of His judgment and wrath.

There’s my quick short, sweet thought for the day. And now…I’m headin’ for bed. Blessings on you!

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Friend of God

Friday, November 20th, 2009

One of my favorite worship choruses goes like this: “I am a friend of God, I am a friend of God, I am a friend of God, He calls me ‘friend.’” The lyrics are simple but the truth they teach is profound.

Think about it. Imagine being a friend of God…the Creator of all that exists…the One who calls the stars by name…the One who knows how many hairs are on our heads…the One for whom nothing is impossible. Imagine being His friend…not just a mere acquaintance, but one who has a close and intimate relationship with Him…and that at His invitation! Doesn’t that just boggle your mind?

How is this friendship possible? James 2:22-24 tells us the secret. “He (Abraham) was trusting God so much that he was willing to do whatever God told him to do. His faith was made complete by what he did – his actions. And so it happened just as the Scriptures say: ‘Abraham believed God and so God declared him to be righteous. He was even called ‘the friend’ of God. So you see, we are made right with God by what we do, not by faith alone.”

One of the most important aspects of true friendship is trust. If I say my husband is my best friend but I don’t trust him around other women or with our finances, then our friendship leaves a lot to be desired. In the spiritual realm, we can say God is our friend but if we can’t trust Him enough to do what He says, then I don’t really know Him and our friendship is almighty shallow.  

Abraham was a friend of God because he trusted Him implicitly, as revealed by his obedience. When I read these words, something welled up inside me that cried, “I want to be Your friend, too! I want to know Your heart, understand Your ways, know Your secrets. I want intimacy with You!”

The thrill for me lies in knowing that God wants the same thing. He wants it so much that He’s told me what it takes – obedience. Now it’s up to me. How badly do I want to be called His friend? Am I willing to do what it takes?

How does this thought of being called a friend of God impact you?

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More Thoughts about Obedience

Monday, May 18th, 2009

Saul’s life offers some priceless insights about obedience or lack thereof. God’s command to him was clear: “Go and completely destroy the entire Amalekite nation – men, women, children, babies, cattle, sheep, camels, and donkeys” (1 Samuel 15:3).

Did Saul do as he was told? Nope. He captured the Amalekite king and allowed his army to keep the best of the sheep and cattle – everything, in fact, that appealed to them (v. 9). He must have skipped class on the day his teachers explained the definition of obedience, because his understanding obviously lacked. When Samuel asked him why he didn’t obey the Lord’s command, Saul answered, “But I did obey the Lord. I carried out the mission he gave me. I brought back King Agag, but I destroyed everyone else. Then my troops brought in the best of the sheep and cattle and plunder to sacrifice to the Lord your God in Gilgal” (v. 20-21).

Saul failed to connect the dots between God’s Word and his behavior, and God held him accountable. Samuel pronounced the verdict: “Since you have rejected the Lord’s command, he has rejected you from being the king of Israel” (v. 26). Ouch!

A couple of thoughts from these verses:

  • It’s possible to convince ourselves that we’re walking in obedience when in reality, we’re far from it. Others might recognize our shortcoming but we’re blinded. If a godly person tries to warn us, we’d best listen.
  • God desires complete obedience. (v. 22 – “What is more pleasing to the Lord: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Obedience is far better than sacrifice.”) Halfway obedience simply doesn’t cut it.
  • God holds us accountable for lack of obedience. There are consequences when we refuse to listen to His voice.

Why is obeying God’s Word so important? Because of who He is. Psalm 11:7,8 say: “All he does is just and good, and all his commandments are trustworthy. They are forever true, to be obeyed faithfully and with integrity.”

God’s commands are good and fully reliable because He is good and faithful. They’re given for our protection, to enable us to live life as He intended. Failure to obey hurts us and affects those around us.

Whether or not we obey what He tells us to do is our choice, but we need to choose well. When we do, we will receive a reward: “The rewards of wisdom come to all who obey him” (v. 10). How different from paying negative consequences as Saul did when he disobeyed!

Here are a couple of questions for you: What do you think is the biggest hindrance to our obeying God’s Word? In what area of life do you struggle with giving God complete obedience?

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Obedience and Other Stuff

Friday, May 15th, 2009

We humans are a perplexing bunch, don’t you think? We can justify nearly anything we do. Sometimes it starts with the small stuff. Here’s an example:

I’m working at my computer in the middle of the afternoon when hunger pangs strike. I satisfy them with a brownie despite knowing that an apple would be a smarter food choice. “It’s okay,” I reassure myself, “I needed something sweet.” (Like, duh…a few too many brownies later, I’m frustrated at the bathroom scale for its ever-increasing numbers).

Sometimes the issues are much bigger…

A man sits in our dining room, explaining why he’s leaving his wife of 28 years. “I just need some time to myself,” he says. “I need to think, to sort things out.” (He was having an affair but didn’t realize that we knew about it. He was actually making the break with his wife so he could move in with his girlfriend).

Who are we kidding, anyway? And who was Saul kidding when he blatantly disobeyed God’s commands and then justified his behavior?

1 Samuel 15:1-15 tells the story of Saul fighting the Amalekites. God had issued his command: “Go and completely destroy the entire Amalekite nation – men, women, children, babies, cattle, sheep, camels, and donkeys.” Saul went into battle, but rather than obeying implicitly, he captured the Amalekite king and spared the best of the sheep and the cattle. Then Samuel showed up and demanded an explanation.

“I have carried out the Lord’s command,” said Saul wearing a grin a mile wide (v. 13).

“Then what’s all the bleating of sheep and lowing of cattle I hear?” Samuel asked.

“It’s true that the army spared the best of the sheep and cattle,” Saul admitted. “But they are going to sacrifice them to the Lord your God. We have destroyed everything else.”

Did Saul actually think he could justify his disobedience and get away with it? I guess so. Sadly, it didn’t work. It doesn’t work for us either.

When God tells us to give to the needy, He’s not impressed with excuses such as, “Well, my kids’ sports activities cost so much that I didn’t have anything left to give.” When He tells us to get rid of questionable books or magazines, He’s not impressed with answers like, “But the fizzle left my marriage years ago. These stories replace the romance I don’t have in real life.” When He tells us to get involved with missions in North America or overseas, He’s less than excited when we respond, “Who, me? Uh, I don’t have the time right now.”

God wants our obedience, not our reasons for why we do life our own way. More on Monday.

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A Love Life Like No Other — part 3

Monday, January 5th, 2009

No matter how busy our lives get, our obedience to God is of utmost importance. When He speaks, we must do what He says. The older I get, the more I realize how critical this is.

This morning I read the story of Abraham’s obedience — getting up and moving from the familiar into the unknown simply because God said so. I’ll bet that wasn’t easy. Actually, I know that wasn’t easy for him….you see, we’ve done it a couple or three times ourselves. Despite the angst that often accompanies such a move, there’s a strange sort of peace that goes with it when we recognize that God is the One giving the marching orders, and He’s in control of every detail.

Yes, there are certain times when God demands our obedience in the big things. But He also expects obedience in the little things — like telling the truth, being honest if the grocery clerk give us too much change, refusing to entertain lustful or critical thoughts, and so on. This kind of obedience is do-able no matter how busy our lives get. And it’s critical to our spiritual health.

Any insights out there? How has obedience (or lack thereof) impacted your relationship to God?

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