Obedience to God is the key to freedom
ODB RADIO: Listen Now Download
READ: Numbers 14:1-10
If the Lord delights in us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us. —Numbers 14:8
Eugene Cussons rescues chimpanzees. Orphaned by those in the business of bush-meat trade and taken from the jungle as infants, many have lived their entire lives confined in a space smaller than a prison cell. When Cussons arrives to take them to the game reserve he calls “Chimp Eden,” he often finds them hostile and untrusting.
“These chimps don’t realize that I am one of the good guys,” Cussons says. When he tries to put them into a smaller crate for the trip to their new home, they put up quite a fight. “They don’t know that I’m going to take them back to Chimp Eden and give them a life so much better.”
On a much grander scale, God’s offer to liberate us from the slavery of sin is often met with resistance. When He rescued the children of Israel from Egypt, God took them through difficult places that caused them to doubt His good intentions. “Would it not be better for us to return to Egypt?” they cried (Num. 14:3).
On our journey of faith, there are times when the “freedom” of sin that we left behind is more appealing than the restrictions of faith that lie ahead. We must trust the protective boundaries found in God’s Word as the only way to get to the place of ultimate freedom. — Julie Ackerman Link
Sin’s lure may look like freedomBut in its grip we’re bound;It’s when we’re bound to JesusReal freedom will be found. —D. De Haan
Obedience to God is the key to freedom.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Postponement Problems
Postponement Problems
ODB RADIO: Listen Now DownloadREAD: Romans 12:4-13
We have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function. —Romans 12:4
Many of us struggle with them—postponement problems. A professor at the University of Calgary in Alberta studied the problem of procrastination for 5 years and reported that 95 percent of us put off doing one thing or another. One estimate showed that Americans lose approximately $400 million a year by putting off filing taxes! Because of fear of failure or other insecurities, we wait and wait before starting a project or making a decision.
Procrastination is a problem in the church too. Many of us postpone serving God. We know we should reach out to others, but we feel insecure or worried about what to do. Because we’re unsure of our gifts or interests, we put off our involvement in the church. We worry, What if I do a poor job? What if I find out I can’t even do it?
Romans 12 gives us some encouragement. Serving starts with presenting ourselves to God as “a living sacrifice” (v.1). Pray and give yourself anew to the Lord and His work. Then look around at what others are doing in your church and ask if you can join in. Start small if you need to, and try a number of things.
Your church needs you. Ask God to help you overcome your postponement problems. — Anne Cetas
Don’t put off for tomorrow
What you can do today;P
ostponement may bring sorrow,
Prompt action is the way. —
Hess
For a healthier church, exercise your spiritual gifts.
ODB RADIO: Listen Now DownloadREAD: Romans 12:4-13
We have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function. —Romans 12:4
Many of us struggle with them—postponement problems. A professor at the University of Calgary in Alberta studied the problem of procrastination for 5 years and reported that 95 percent of us put off doing one thing or another. One estimate showed that Americans lose approximately $400 million a year by putting off filing taxes! Because of fear of failure or other insecurities, we wait and wait before starting a project or making a decision.
Procrastination is a problem in the church too. Many of us postpone serving God. We know we should reach out to others, but we feel insecure or worried about what to do. Because we’re unsure of our gifts or interests, we put off our involvement in the church. We worry, What if I do a poor job? What if I find out I can’t even do it?
Romans 12 gives us some encouragement. Serving starts with presenting ourselves to God as “a living sacrifice” (v.1). Pray and give yourself anew to the Lord and His work. Then look around at what others are doing in your church and ask if you can join in. Start small if you need to, and try a number of things.
Your church needs you. Ask God to help you overcome your postponement problems. — Anne Cetas
Don’t put off for tomorrow
What you can do today;P
ostponement may bring sorrow,
Prompt action is the way. —
Hess
For a healthier church, exercise your spiritual gifts.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
May God Smile on You
May God Smile on You
by Jon Walker
May the Lord smile on you. Numbers 6:25 (NLT)
*** *** *** ***
The smile of God is the goal of life.
Since pleasing God is the first purpose of your life, your most important task is to discover how to do that. The Bible says, “Figure out what will please Christ, and then do it” (Ephesians 5:10 MSG).
Fortunately, the Bible gives us a clear example of a life that gives pleasure to God. The man’s name was Noah.
In Noah’s day, the entire world had become morally bankrupt. Everyone lived for their own pleasure, not God’s. God couldn’t find anyone on earth interested in pleasing him, so he was grieved and regretted making man. God became so disgusted with the human race that he considered wiping it out.
But there was one man who made God smile. The Bible says, “Noah was a pleasure to the Lord” (Genesis 6:8 LB).
God said, “This guy brings me pleasure. He makes me smile. I’ll start over with his family.” Because Noah brought pleasure to God, you and I are alive today.
Over the next few days, we will learn from Noah’s life the five acts of worship that make God smile.
God smiles when we love him supremely. Noah loved God more than anything else in the world, even when no one else did! The Bible tells us Noah “consistently followed God’s will and enjoyed a close relationship with him” (Genesis 6:9 NLT).
This is what God wants most from you: a relationship! It’s the most astounding truth in the universe: our Creator wants to fellowship with us. God made you to love you, and he longs for you to love him back. He says, “I don’t want your sacrifices – I want your love; I don’t want your offerings – I want you to know me” (Hosea 6:6 LB).
Can you sense God’s passion for you in this verse? God deeply loves you and desires your love in return. He longs for you to know him and spend time with him. This is why learning to love God and to be loved by him should be the greatest objective of your life.
Nothing else comes close in importance. Jesus called it the greatest commandment. He said, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment” (Matthew 22:37-38 NIV).
Sunday, July 20, 2008
God Smiles When We Obey
God Smiles When We Obey
by Rick Warren
Noah did everything exactly as God had commanded him. Genesis 6:22 (NLT)
*** *** *** ***
Noah obeyed completely (no instruction was overlooked) and he obeyed exactly (in the way and time God wanted it done). That is wholeheartedness. It is no wonder God smiled on Noah.
If God asked you to build a giant boat, don’t you think you might have a few questions, objections, and reservations? Noah didn’t. He obeyed God wholeheartedly. That means doing whatever God asks without reservation or hesitation. You don’t procrastinate and say, “I’ll pray about it.” You do it without delay. Every parent knows that delayed obedience is really disobedience.
God doesn’t owe you an explanation or reason for everything he asks you to do. Understanding can wait, but obedience can’t. Instant obedience will teach you more about God than a lifetime of Bible discussions. In fact, you will never understand some commands until you obey them first. Obedience unlocks understanding.
Often we try to offer God partial obedience. We want to pick and choose the commands we obey. We make a list of the commands we like and obey those while ignoring the ones we think are unreasonable, difficult, expensive, or unpopular. I’ll attend church but I won’t tithe. I’ll read my Bible but I won’t forgive the person who hurt me. Yet partial obedience is disobedience.
Wholehearted obedience is done joyfully with enthusiasm. The Bible says, “Obey him gladly” (Psalm 100:2 LB). This is the attitude of David: “Just tell me what to do and I will do it, Lord. As long as I live I’ll wholeheartedly obey” (Psalm 119:33 LB).
James, speaking to Christians, said, “We please God by what we do and not only by what we believe” (James 2:24 CEV). God’s Word is clear that you can’t earn your salvation. It comes only by grace, not your effort. But as a child of God you can bring pleasure to your heavenly Father through obedience.
Any act of obedience is also an act of worship. Why is obedience so pleasing to God? Because it proves you really love him. Jesus said, “If you love me, you will obey my commandments” (John 14:15 TEV).
by Rick Warren
Noah did everything exactly as God had commanded him. Genesis 6:22 (NLT)
*** *** *** ***
Noah obeyed completely (no instruction was overlooked) and he obeyed exactly (in the way and time God wanted it done). That is wholeheartedness. It is no wonder God smiled on Noah.
If God asked you to build a giant boat, don’t you think you might have a few questions, objections, and reservations? Noah didn’t. He obeyed God wholeheartedly. That means doing whatever God asks without reservation or hesitation. You don’t procrastinate and say, “I’ll pray about it.” You do it without delay. Every parent knows that delayed obedience is really disobedience.
God doesn’t owe you an explanation or reason for everything he asks you to do. Understanding can wait, but obedience can’t. Instant obedience will teach you more about God than a lifetime of Bible discussions. In fact, you will never understand some commands until you obey them first. Obedience unlocks understanding.
Often we try to offer God partial obedience. We want to pick and choose the commands we obey. We make a list of the commands we like and obey those while ignoring the ones we think are unreasonable, difficult, expensive, or unpopular. I’ll attend church but I won’t tithe. I’ll read my Bible but I won’t forgive the person who hurt me. Yet partial obedience is disobedience.
Wholehearted obedience is done joyfully with enthusiasm. The Bible says, “Obey him gladly” (Psalm 100:2 LB). This is the attitude of David: “Just tell me what to do and I will do it, Lord. As long as I live I’ll wholeheartedly obey” (Psalm 119:33 LB).
James, speaking to Christians, said, “We please God by what we do and not only by what we believe” (James 2:24 CEV). God’s Word is clear that you can’t earn your salvation. It comes only by grace, not your effort. But as a child of God you can bring pleasure to your heavenly Father through obedience.
Any act of obedience is also an act of worship. Why is obedience so pleasing to God? Because it proves you really love him. Jesus said, “If you love me, you will obey my commandments” (John 14:15 TEV).
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Still
Verse For The Day
“Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance.” (Psalm 33:12)
Short Devotional Thought
Our Daily Devotional:
Still
Psalm 18:2 NIV: The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
You still feel something is missing. You still wonder what it is. You still try to find God´s answers. You still question whether the answers are His. You still put your best foot forward. You still feel inept in your tries. You still long for something far greater. You still hope God hears all your cries. And somewhere in the midst of questioning, and confusion in all that is, Truth quietly whispers. "I´m still here," the voice says. In your heart of hearts you have no doubt that He is. He´s still present no matter how quiet. Still faithful no matter the trial. Still longing to help you get through it. Still walking with you, every mile. He´s still beside you in the still quiet moments. Still comforting you in His arms. Still cherishing you as His loved one. Still keeping you safe from what harms. "I´m still here," He says, "So be still." Embrace His peace and take heart. And know no matter whatever may be—God´s still with you throughout every part.
“Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance.” (Psalm 33:12)
Short Devotional Thought
Our Daily Devotional:
Still
Psalm 18:2 NIV: The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
You still feel something is missing. You still wonder what it is. You still try to find God´s answers. You still question whether the answers are His. You still put your best foot forward. You still feel inept in your tries. You still long for something far greater. You still hope God hears all your cries. And somewhere in the midst of questioning, and confusion in all that is, Truth quietly whispers. "I´m still here," the voice says. In your heart of hearts you have no doubt that He is. He´s still present no matter how quiet. Still faithful no matter the trial. Still longing to help you get through it. Still walking with you, every mile. He´s still beside you in the still quiet moments. Still comforting you in His arms. Still cherishing you as His loved one. Still keeping you safe from what harms. "I´m still here," He says, "So be still." Embrace His peace and take heart. And know no matter whatever may be—God´s still with you throughout every part.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Faith the Facts!
by Rick Warren
When will you ever learn that “believing” is useless without doing what God wants you to? Faith that does not result in good deeds is not real faith. James 2:20 (LB)
**** **** ****
Is faith simply a frame of mind? A passive attribute of a Christian w aiting to see what God has in store for you: a promotion, cancer, depression, betrayal, blessing, wealth, and injustice . . . some see it that way. They might say, “I’ll just wait to see what God is going to do for me and go with the flow.” That’s crazy talk.
Faith is active. It’s not passive. It’s a commitment. Look at your lifestyle and see what kind of actions follow as a result of it. If you’ve got the real stuff, faith can be demonstrated.
When you were baptized you made a statement to God and the people around you. You said, “I’m in!” But it doesn’t stop at baptism – not by a long shot! What else do you do? You start following the pattern of Jesus. Faith is proven by how we live. Don’t misinterpret this. What you do – your walking around, everyday life – doesn’t get you into heaven. It doesn’t make you saved. It doesn’t mean you’re a Christian; it shows you are a Christian.
The next steps:
· Celebrate the lavish gift of grace. You were saved because Jesus is crazy about you and wants you to be with him in heaven. Revel in it!
· Show your faith. Wedding rings don’t make you married, but they say “Yes” in a visible way. In the same way, baptism isn’t the thing that will get you into heaven but it’s an act of obedience. (Jesus commanded us to baptize and be baptized.)
· Share your faith with the people around you. If you are excited about what God has done in your life, then why not share it? There are lots of ways to do that. Get plugged into serving God. There are literally millions of possibilities. Point people to Jesus and love them like Jesus did. It’ll be something you will relish for eternity.
by Rick Warren
When will you ever learn that “believing” is useless without doing what God wants you to? Faith that does not result in good deeds is not real faith. James 2:20 (LB)
**** **** ****
Is faith simply a frame of mind? A passive attribute of a Christian w aiting to see what God has in store for you: a promotion, cancer, depression, betrayal, blessing, wealth, and injustice . . . some see it that way. They might say, “I’ll just wait to see what God is going to do for me and go with the flow.” That’s crazy talk.
Faith is active. It’s not passive. It’s a commitment. Look at your lifestyle and see what kind of actions follow as a result of it. If you’ve got the real stuff, faith can be demonstrated.
When you were baptized you made a statement to God and the people around you. You said, “I’m in!” But it doesn’t stop at baptism – not by a long shot! What else do you do? You start following the pattern of Jesus. Faith is proven by how we live. Don’t misinterpret this. What you do – your walking around, everyday life – doesn’t get you into heaven. It doesn’t make you saved. It doesn’t mean you’re a Christian; it shows you are a Christian.
The next steps:
· Celebrate the lavish gift of grace. You were saved because Jesus is crazy about you and wants you to be with him in heaven. Revel in it!
· Show your faith. Wedding rings don’t make you married, but they say “Yes” in a visible way. In the same way, baptism isn’t the thing that will get you into heaven but it’s an act of obedience. (Jesus commanded us to baptize and be baptized.)
· Share your faith with the people around you. If you are excited about what God has done in your life, then why not share it? There are lots of ways to do that. Get plugged into serving God. There are literally millions of possibilities. Point people to Jesus and love them like Jesus did. It’ll be something you will relish for eternity.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Fear No Evil
Verse For The Day
“Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.” (Leviticus 19:18)
Short Devotional Thought
Our Daily Devotional:
Fear No Evil
Psalm 23:4 NIV: Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Have you ever wondered if you have walked through the valley of the shadow of death? Perhaps you have. Perhaps you have had troubled times but are not certain you would go so far as to say you have walked through times where death seemed looming--almost imminent. David knew what it was like to be surrounded by an enemy that sought to take his life. But he knew His God watched over him like a shepherd over sheep. The knowledge that God´s protection was always present gave David peace and contentment. "Your rod and your staff, they comfort me" he said. God watches over us during the day, and He keeps watch over us by night. And even in our times when death is looming, and tragedy imminent, we do not need to fear evil--for God will take us through the most dangerous, and darkest of valleys--and faithfully bring us to the other side. AMEN!
“Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.” (Leviticus 19:18)
Short Devotional Thought
Our Daily Devotional:
Fear No Evil
Psalm 23:4 NIV: Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Have you ever wondered if you have walked through the valley of the shadow of death? Perhaps you have. Perhaps you have had troubled times but are not certain you would go so far as to say you have walked through times where death seemed looming--almost imminent. David knew what it was like to be surrounded by an enemy that sought to take his life. But he knew His God watched over him like a shepherd over sheep. The knowledge that God´s protection was always present gave David peace and contentment. "Your rod and your staff, they comfort me" he said. God watches over us during the day, and He keeps watch over us by night. And even in our times when death is looming, and tragedy imminent, we do not need to fear evil--for God will take us through the most dangerous, and darkest of valleys--and faithfully bring us to the other side. AMEN!
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