Tag Archives: Obedience

2014 Day 125 – 1 Timothy 4

05 Monday May 2014

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In this morning’s reading I am reminded to place value and time into the things that have eternal value in my life and the life of others. In 1 Timothy 4:8 it says, For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. While I should never stop taking care of my physical body because God gave it to me and it is the only one I have for this present life, I must always spend the majority of my time and attention on things that have eternal value. Spending time with people who I can build up in Christ and who build me up as well, are the ones I should focus on the most. People and activities that have little impact on my relationship with God and my spiritual maturity deserve little to no time or attention.

2014 Day 118 – Philippians 2

28 Monday Apr 2014

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The life of a believer is not meant to be easy. It is also not intended to be lived alone and by our own effort and desire. God works in us through the Holy Spirit who lives in us. We must learn to experience His presence and know we are never alone. In Philippians 2:13 Paul says, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. God wants to work in us and He chooses to use us for His purpose. We must train ourselves to feel the Holy Spirit and to think and act more like Christ so we can be used for God’s glory the way He intended. The secret to a changed life is to submit to God’s control and let Him work. It also helps when we ask God to work in us through prayer and time alone with Him. It’s all about the relationship.

2014 Day 116 – Philippians 1

26 Saturday Apr 2014

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Today we begin the book of Philippians which is another letter written by Paul. The purpose of the letter is to strengthen these believers in Philippi by showing them how true joy comes only through Jesus Christ. Each of the four chapters shows a different way we can experience joy despite our circumstances. Chapter 1 talks about finding joy in suffering; Chapter 2 is about finding joy in serving; Chapter 3 talks about finding joy in believing; Chapter 4 is about finding joy in giving.  As Philippians 1 talks through finding joy in suffering, Paul says in verses 27-28, 27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel 28 without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. We can find joy in knowing that despite our suffering, in the end, we are saved by the blood of Christ. 

2014 Day 105 – Acts 26

15 Tuesday Apr 2014

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No matter what the timing, Paul’s ultimate goal was to bring people to the saving knowledge of Christ. Paul was not sneaky or coy about it, he simply told the facts and even King Agrippa realized how direct Paul was being. He took every opportunity to preach the gospel no matter what the circumstances may be. Acts 26:29 says, Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.” Paul knew exactly what he was called to do and he did it at any cost.

2014 Day 102 – Acts 24

12 Saturday Apr 2014

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In Acts 24 we read about Paul’s defense to the Roman governor Felix in regard to the false accusations made by the Jewish leaders. While Paul was unsuccessful in securing a timely release from prison, he was still fully used by God by sharing truths with the Governor during his detainment. Being in those circumstances must have felt daunting at times, but Paul still seized the opportunity to serve God’s purpose. For us, there are times where we feel as though we are in prison because of our circumstances, but these are the times when God has the ability to use us the most if we allow ourselves the be open to His leading in our lives. We must never discount the circumstances that lead us to an opportunity to serve God where we are if we are simply open to His call in our lives.

2014 Day 100 – Acts 22

10 Thursday Apr 2014

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In today’s reading Paul is given the opportunity to give his testimony to the people who want him dead. And while it is a beautiful recollection of how God transformed him from a persecutor of believers to a follower and preacher of Christ, in the end, the people still wanted him dead. The lesson for us is this: We are not here to be loved by people, but to be obedient and loved by God. It is not our job to be make ourselves pretty in the eyes of the world. It is our job to speak and live according to the truth of the gospel of Christ. God, the creator of the universe, is more than capable of changing hearts and mind about who He is and He will do so according to His timing and will.

2014 Day 93 – Romans 12

03 Thursday Apr 2014

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Doing what is right, especially forgiveness, is tough sometimes. It involves both action and attitude. Romans 12:21 says, Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. When we find it difficult to forgive others for their actions, it is important to remember how much we were forgiven through Christ’s sacrifice. Always remember we can not allow evil to control us. Instead we must control evil through the goodness Christ showed us first.

2014 Day 91 – Romans 10

01 Tuesday Apr 2014

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God delights in our obedience. He loves it when we look to Him for guidance and prompting to serve others in His name. Romans 10:15 says, And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” While we have said this before, that God does not need us, He wants to include us in the fulfillment of His perfect plan. When we are faithful to listen and be led by God, He delights in us. To me, this is a beautiful picture of God, our loving Father, being proud of His children. There is no better picture.

2014 Day 79 – Acts 20

20 Thursday Mar 2014

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There have been many times in my life where I have felt worn down, tired, and weary and I have found myself growing more frustrated with every step. What I have found during those times is I find fulfillment when I allow myself to be obedient to God’s perfect plan. Without God’s guidance and without our obedience to Him, our accomplishments mean nothing. In Act 20:24 Paul says an incredibly profound statements, However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace. Whether it is a life of poverty or riches, when we live according to God’s plan for our lives, we find fulfillment. It is when we try to shape our desires into meaningless sacrificial service that we grow tired and weary. God’s plan is perfect.

2014 Day 57 – 1 Corinthians 11

26 Wednesday Feb 2014

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1 Corinthians 11:29 made me think this morning, For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves. Many times I approach communion at my church one of two ways: 1) It’s just an exercise I must go through because my church said so, or 2) I don’t feel worthy of participating because of where my heart may be or because of a struggle I am facing. As far as the first issue; it is important to approach communion with the proper heart. I think it is better to not participate than to just go through the motions for the sake of others around you. As for the second; when we approach communion we must remember why we are doing it. Communion is a remembrance of what Christ did for us on the cross. He expects us to come before Him as an imperfect sinner who needed His sacrifice. The more we recognize how fallen we are, the more communion brings us closer to God if we approach it with the right attitude and state of mind.