Posts Tagged ‘Obedience’

A Must Have Scripture Checklist For Every Ministry

2 Timothy 3:1-5

[1] This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
[2] For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
[3] Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
[4] Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
[5] Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

As we read from the text here, we are reminded that as time lingers on that we as people will become more consumed with ourselves than we will with God. It is very easy to find one’s self in any of these sorts of qualities when we are lovers of pleasures more than of God. Some people settle to the point and just tell me, “that is just the kind of world that we live in”. I will admit that in moments that I have seen and observed this part of the word of God literally coming into truth. This does not mean, however, that we that are lovers of God should be within this kind of position! I refuse to believe that we as people are not capable of living above these sorts of things! With the power of God helping us to do overcome you are able to do all things!

Romans 12:1-14

[1] I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
[2] And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
[3] For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
[4] For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:
[5] So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
[6] Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
[7] Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;
[8] Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
[9] Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
[10] Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
[11] Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
[12] Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
[13] Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
[14] Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.

As you read this, think on the word “soberly” and consider being in a place of good standing with a clean heart and mind before God. If we are living in the world and doing any old thing, I cannot expect the power of God to begin to bless in abundance every part of the ministry that it makes reference to here. We must think clearly and have our desires in check with God being first! We do this by presenting something before God that is living, or continual. If I never waiver from praying and having a God-fearing lifestyle, then the probability for me to willingly volunteer myself to my own struggles is drastically reduced! When you are working continual and are thinking clearly before God, He will bless you with the ability to see your ministry flourish!

2 Corinthians 8:7-14

[7] Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.
[8] I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.
[9] For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.
[10] And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago.
[11] Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have.
[12] For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.
[13] For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened:
[14] But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality:

As we learn to live before God soberly (cleanly) and to put God first and to not have a more dominant desire for the world, there will begin to grow a great love and compassion in your heart. With more of the presence of God in your life, it cannot help but manifest within you and bring all of the fruits of the spirit! One of the hardest parts about the love of God once we have the mind to realize we have it is to use it (or as it reads to perform the doing of it). The difference-making power is neither in how flashy things are to the eye nor how great they sound to the ear; for it is simply by how people are drawn by the power of God that lives within you! And as each and every one of us learns to work together in a church as a body, it truly presents equality and a lifting of the heavy burdens from just a few to creating a situation where everyone walks with lighter loads!

2 Timothy 2:3-15

[3] Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
[4] No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.
[5] And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.
[6] The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits.
[7] Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.
[8] Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel:
[9] Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.
[10] Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
[11] It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:
[12] If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:
[13] If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.
[14] Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.
[15] Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Another translation says to give diligence to present yourself approved by God, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and properly handles the Word of Truth. As we read this, it is important to remember when we begin to apply all of these great things into our lives to not mishandle the word of God by deliberately going against it. There are other scriptures that point out that for a person to know right and to stray from it that to them it is sin. So I say this in all sincerity: let us not pretend that we do not know how to live for God when we have been living “religion” for so long. When you perform the doing of it, this part comes easy. It is when we stray from God that we will know to help our brother and neglect the duty of it, right?

1 John 3:16-21

[16] Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
[17] But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?
[18] My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.
[19] And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.
[20] For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.
[21] Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.

So what is it at the end of the day that should keep us continually going? First of all, the presence of God should keep the parts of you that fall weak going strong. The knowledge of the Word of God will teach you to stray from things that will harm you and lead you to help others in the same way. The desire in your heart will stay as long as you are continual present something to God often. And most importantly, the compassion can stay in your heart if you stay humble and put the needs of others before yourself. It is hard to do when we could so easily be selfish at the drop of a hat! People need us in deed and truth and not just in a “I will be there when you need me” catchphrase! Show someone you love them today! Operate in the calling God has given you. Do not stray in trials and pray for strength in tough times. Do not settle for the religious opinions. Seek for the wisdom of God to keep you! It works every time!

Kindling The Love To Obey God

Just like when we find it hard to find time to do everything on our list, it is especially difficult for anyone that will openly admit that keeping the desire to obey God on the top of the charts is easy.

There are people that are on different ends of the spectrum on their passion with obedience. I have seen people that their passion is on fire and the power of God comes upon them at the very mention of Jesus. They not only want to do all they can but they encourage others to do also. It is this kind of influence that inspires me to attempt to keep my desire for God at a constant and not waiver so that the example that we lead by is one that draws others to Christ.

I have also seen others that while they are actively obedient that the passion has left the works for God. There are many great things happening, and while that is wonderful to see all the fruits of the labor the desire and joy behind it not only does not demonstrate a good spiritual witness but eventually will lead into a falling away.

Trust me, I am sure that there will be many more things for all of us to do in the future, but let me remind you of a few key things to keep in your mind and heart. It’S short and sweet:

Love God, remember your blessings, and always remember to take time to show compassion for those around you! God will always provide you the means to be happy and enjoy an obedient lifestyle!

What Do You Give In Return?

I love to give when I have the ability to. It is very rewarding to be able to return the love that God has provided to you. It could be a multitude of things that you could be providing, but when you deliver something that God gives you in love it will never fail! There are so many times when we neglect to show the love that is demonstrated towards us, but we must remember to do in kind as God does for us. This is not necessarily a “do unto others because you have to” ideal but simply a “follow the love in your heart and give in obedience as God leads you” principle.

Just when we think that we have given our last message to preach or song to sing, God always provides the next sentence or verse to come forth for someone else. It never ceases to amaze me about that. Sometimes I will pour out every last word and bit of strength that I have, and just when I think I am finished: there is so much further to go.

Let’s talk about an example. As we all know, money is a sensitive issue for many, ESPECIALLY when it comes to giving. I am no ones judge by any means; for what God has given you is yours to give. I cannot help but feel like that if we would begin to put into practice more Godly demonstrations with managing our budgets and dollars down to the last penny that we would begin to see a better return on our investment. We selfishly do for ourselves all the time and pay no mind to the needs of others, and yet, wonder why things are so terrible all around us? People could use the pennies in your jar, or have we persuaded ourselves otherwise? The world would have us to believe that we would not make a difference likewise about being a servant of Christ in the present day!

Ultimately when we begin to better manage our lives in how we work for God and use it for His glory, we will begin to reap from the benefits of the blessings from above. There is not a doubt in my mind about it! There has not been a time that I have stepped out for God that God has not made a way for the ministry (for each and every one of us a part of it). And the more we do, the more we grow. It’s a developing pattern that begins with your life’s’ commitment and followed by walking in open practice of the love of God through giving what God has given you: love, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost!

For all the great things we receive I leave with you this question: What do you give in return?

The Kind Of Love It Takes

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Ruth 1:3-4

[3] And Elimelech Naomi’s husband died; and she was left, and her two sons.
[4] And they took them wives of the women of Moab; the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth: and they dwelled there about ten years.

Ruth means “mercy”.

In chapter 1 we read about Naomi and her husband and two sons, who went to Moab where there sons were married at. Naomi’s husband dies, and her sons marry Orpah and Ruth. After the passing of the two sons, Naomi encouraged her daughters-in-law to stay behind, but Ruth stayed with her.

Ruth 1:9-15

[9] The LORD grant you that ye may find rest, each of you in the house of her husband. Then she kissed them; and they lifted up their voice, and wept.
[10] And they said unto her, Surely we will return with thee unto thy people.
[11] And Naomi said, Turn again, my daughters: why will ye go with me? are there yet any more sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands?
[12] Turn again, my daughters, go your way; for I am too old to have an husband. If I should say, I have hope, if I should have an husband also to night, and should also bear sons;
[13] Would ye tarry for them till they were grown? would ye stay for them from having husbands? nay, my daughters; for it grieveth me much for your sakes that the hand of the LORD is gone out against me.
[14] And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her.
[15] And she said, Behold, thy sister in law is gone back unto her people, and unto her gods: return thou after thy sister in law.

What a demonstrated act of kindness! When I see this love and longing to stay, it often makes me wonder if we could head off trouble more than we do by simply getting in there with our loved ones and doing all that we can in love. Sometimes we give up right when people are looking for us the most to do something. If we can learn to not always base our actions on the signs and actions of others, God will be with us when we follow His leadership!

Ruth 2:9-15

[9] Let thine eyes be on the field that they do reap, and go thou after them: have I not charged the young men that they shall not touch thee? and when thou art athirst, go unto the vessels, and drink of that which the young men have drawn.
[10] Then she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and said unto him, Why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing I am a stranger?
[11] And Boaz answered and said unto her, It hath fully been shewed me, all that thou hast done unto thy mother in law since the death of thine husband: and how thou hast left thy father and thy mother, and the land of thy nativity, and art come unto a people which thou knewest not heretofore.
[12] The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust.
[13] Then she said, Let me find favour in thy sight, my lord; for that thou hast comforted me, and for that thou hast spoken friendly unto thine handmaid, though I be not like unto one of thine handmaidens.
[14] And Boaz said unto her, At mealtime come thou hither, and eat of the bread, and dip thy morsel in the vinegar. And she sat beside the reapers: and he reached her parched corn, and she did eat, and was sufficed, and left.
[15] And when she was risen up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men, saying, Let her glean even among the sheaves, and reproach her not:

When we read on in chapter 2, you begin to see the concern that Boaz has for Ruth. When you read on into this, you begin to see the question that Ruth asks “How could I find this grace before you?” More often than not I have asked even myself this question too. It should make us be so thankful for the grace and mercy that we walk in each day in the sight of God!

Ruth 3:2-5

[2] And now is not Boaz of our kindred, with whose maidens thou wast? Behold, he winnoweth barley to night in the threshingfloor.
[3] Wash thyself therefore, and anoint thee, and put thy raiment upon thee, and get thee down to the floor: but make not thyself known unto the man, until he shall have done eating and drinking.
[4] And it shall be, when he lieth down, that thou shalt mark the place where he shall lie, and thou shalt go in, and uncover his feet, and lay thee down; and he will tell thee what thou shalt do.
[5] And she said unto her, All that thou sayest unto me I will do.

In chapter 3 we read how Naomi encourages her to go to the threshing floor and hide until Boaz falls asleep. She wanted her to find an opportunity to be able to talk with Boaz.

Ruth 3:9-13

[9] And he said, Who art thou? And she answered, I am Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman.
[10] And he said, Blessed be thou of the LORD, my daughter: for thou hast shewed more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, inasmuch as thou followedst not young men, whether poor or rich.
[11] And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman.
[12] And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman: howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I.
[13] Tarry this night, and it shall be in the morning, that if he will perform unto thee the part of a kinsman, well; let him do the kinsman’s part: but if he will not do the part of a kinsman to thee, then will I do the part of a kinsman to thee, as the LORD liveth: lie down until the morning.

Upon him waking up, she expresses her desire to be married according to the kinsman-redeemer. Boaz had to break it to her that there was someone else that had a claim before he, but not to fret that essentially “he would take care of it”.

Ruth 4:9-10

[9] And Boaz said unto the elders, and unto all the people, Ye are witnesses this day, that I have bought all that was Elimelech’s, and all that was Chilion’s and Mahlon’s, of the hand of Naomi.
[10] Moreover Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of Mahlon, have I purchased to be my wife, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance, that the name of the dead be not cut off from among his brethren, and from the gate of his place: ye are witnesses this day.

As we read on, we find that the other man renounces his claim at the gate, and Boaz pays the price for Ruth!

You can see through Boaz the redemption power of Jesus Christ, representing the full payment of salvation. Through Ruth not being able to do anything about her estate, it’s as much as where we are with our lives and sin, helpless!

1 Corinthians 6:20

[20] For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

When we think about the redemption for our sins, the sacrifice that Jesus Christ made paid the price in full for each and every one of us!

Ruth 4:14-17

[14] And the women said unto Naomi, Blessed be the LORD, which hath not left thee this day without a kinsman, that his name may be famous in Israel.
[15] And he shall be unto thee a restorer of thy life, and a nourisher of thine old age: for thy daughter in law, which loveth thee, which is better to thee than seven sons, hath born him.
[16] And Naomi took the child, and laid it in her bosom, and became nurse unto it.
[17] And the women her neighbours gave it a name, saying, There is a son born to Naomi; and they called his name Obed: he is the father of Jesse, the father of David.

They had a son, which was Obed, who was the father of Jesse, who was the father of David. Reading about this inspires me that when we do things for God that they all for a divine purpose. We simply have to learn to love and do what is right and follow the will of God for our success, even in a time when we are facing persecution! This all occurred during the time of the Judges, which was representative to disobedience, idolatry and violence.

Having True Spiritual Warfare

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

2 Corinthians 10:1-5

[1] Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:
[2] But I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh.
[3] For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
[4] (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
[5] Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

We have to remember that though we are going to definitely face things each and every day that there is a right and wrong way to go about it! When we war against things in life of ourselves (the flesh) we can never succeed. Only through winning by doing things in spiritual obedience will we find ourselves not only in a good place but also in victory!

Matthew 13:44-58

[44] Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.
[45] Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls:
[46] Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.
[47] Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind:
[48] Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away.
[49] So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just,
[50] And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
[51] Jesus saith unto them, Have ye understood all these things? They say unto him, Yea, Lord.
[52] Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.
[53] And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these parables, he departed thence.
[54] And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works?
[55] Is not this the carpenter’s son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?
[56] And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things?
[57] And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house.
[58] And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.

Unbelief can be a direct hindrance to anyone, as it was to even Jesus Christ, and we have to learn to become a Godly family through the love and fellowship of the spirit of God. The love of God will look beyond all things and allow you to break familiarity; for this will allow the spirit to perform the mighty power and miracles that NEED to happen today!

When I Think About Trouble…Ummm…Yeah Don’t

When our minds are not able to be in focus to our walk with God, it is truly hard to utilize and understand the true power and fulfillment of the promises and blessings that God has given and will give in the future.

That’s a big statement, but when applied each and every day can be SO true. If our mind gets continually stressed with a thought that is always on our mind, that is very easily representative to a wound that we refuse to bandage; for not allowing God to begin to lift the care from your mind and replace it with peace defeats the purpose of know about the peace that surpasses all understanding. If we do not allow God to lift us up when we are down by accepting the joy of the Lord, it does us little good to know about it!

So when trouble decides to pay you a visit through any medium of communication or situation, begin to focus upon God and not the trouble! Refuse to let something so small compared to God win the battle of your heart and mind. When we are not able to attain to higher faith we are not able to lead others to it. If I cannot believe God for the small things in life I would definitely have no business even writing this today. We must trust God! We must believe! We must have faith that if God has done it for you or for others through given testimony or experience than it can happen for you through prayer, faith, belief and obedience!

So when we think about trouble, think about God and how that this so-called “trouble” has to begin to flee at the very mention of God’s power. And always remember, the only time we never win with God is when we don’t choose to believe we’re winners!