July 22, 2013

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Sit and Seek …
Listen and Learn …
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W
Obey and Offer are the next steps to abundant living. We’ll look at Obey today.
Read Psalm 23:3b-4.
He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 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.
path  
 Why do you choose to obey God?
  • Out of fear?
  • Out of duty?
  • Out of love and devotion?
The primary reason for obeying should come as a result of wanting to live out the following verses:
 … Your name and renown are the desire of our heart.Isaiah 26:8
He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Psalm 23:3b
There are several men in the BIble that come to mind when I think of obedience. Abraham obeyed by being willing to sacrifice his only son. Noah, in the face of looking foolish to his friends, chose to obey God and build an ark. Moses left his comfort zone in order to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. And Jesus was the most obedient of all. He was obedient even unto death.
What did these men accomplish as a result of their obedience? They are incredible examples for us.
  • Abraham is a wonderful example to us of standing firm in trials. God was able to display His glory by providing just what was needed in the nick of time through a miracle.  
  • Noah was not concerned about what others thought or did. He simply obeyed God because he wanted to honor and glorify Him. God, as a result of Noah’s obedience, provided protection for Noah and his family. Yet another miracle!
  • Moses stepped out of his comfort zone and when he did, God unleashed miracle after miracle.
  • Jesus obeyed to the fullest extent and glorified God with His whole life. The biggest miracle of all was the result of Christ’s obedience.
In each of these examples, a miracle (or lots of miracles) followed obedience. Wouldn’t you call getting to witness a miracle extraordinary living? I would!!  
I wonder if the reason we often experience a lack of “extraordinary” is because we have a lack of whole-hearted obedience in our lives?
  • What has God asked you to do that you just can’t seem to obey?
  • Is it fear that is holding you back?
  • Laziness?
  • A seeming lack of resources to accomplish His request?

Proverbs 3:5-6 says, 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own 

understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.

I am reminded of a simple, yet profound truth that applies to this idea of obeying – Obedience brings blessings and blessings equal extraordinary living.

Stop right now and pray. Ask the Shepherd to give you the courage to follow Him down “righteous paths for His name sake” so you can experience the 

abundant life He has for you!

Have a wonderful week!

   

Jacqueline C. Heider 
Director of Discipleship & Women’s Ministry

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