Friday, July 07 2023
DADs, Last week we talked about what obedience is. Today let’s talk about what obedience is not. What Obedience is Not: It is not slavery to God, or a loss of what is good for “me.” Obedience frees us from sin and offers the best that God has for us. True happiness is not based on what pleases us; rather, it is being in the center of God’s love and will. When we focus on Him, we see that with His Lordship comes more insights, resources, and privileges than we could ever understand. This gives us deeper, richer joy. Obedience is not Willfulness, or having a strong-willed mindset; rather, it is our lining up with His precepts and call. Even in the Old Testament, God was more concerned with people’s trust and obedience than with their offerings and sacrifices. God delights in our obedience.
1 Samuel 15:22: 22 Then Samuel said: Does the LORD take pleasure in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the LORD?Look: to obey is better than sacrifice, to pay attention [is better] than the fat of rams. DADs, it is our self-surrender of our will so we become less in our spirit and more in His Spirit that God wants from you and me. When we refuse to obey Him, we just sin and keep on sinning. When we have the maturity to change and grow for the better, seeking and following Him and not our pride or the world’s ways, we will become victorious. Our faith will be firm! We must listen to Him and remove anything that hinders purity in our faith and devotion to Christ. God delights in our obedience. He does not demand it, nor is it required for our salvation. It is something we do because, as the hymn goes, “there is no other way!” DADs…“get in the game”…Today is game day…and so is every day…God gives you! So…C’mon men…Suit Up! |