Tag: obedience

May 23, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Spark,Fire,Grow, Bless!

Opening Verse

“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”
— Acts 1:8 (KJV)

Introduction

In our journey of faith, God’s word serves as the initial spark that ignites our hearts. The Holy Spirit then becomes the fire that fuels our passion for God. We are all God’s sparks, meant to shine brightly and spread His light to the world. Today, we explore how to fan that flame and grow in our spiritual walk.

Devotional Story

Consider a simple campfire. To start it, you need a spark—something to ignite the kindling. Without that initial spark, there’s no fire. God’s word is that spark in our lives. When we read the Bible, it ignites a desire in our hearts to know Him more. But a spark alone won’t keep you warm; you need to feed the fire with wood. Similarly, the Holy Spirit is the fire that grows from the spark of God’s word.

Think about Peter on the day of Pentecost. Before receiving the Holy Spirit, he was fearful and denied Jesus three times. But once the Holy Spirit came upon him, he was on fire for God. He preached boldly, and thousands were saved. His faith had been ignited, and he fanned that flame by stepping out in boldness and obedience.

What This Means

When we accept Christ and study the Bible, we receive the initial spark. The Holy Spirit, given to us at the moment of salvation, becomes the fire that empowers us. But it’s up to us to fan this flame. We do this through prayer, worship, obedience, and sharing our faith with others. The more we feed the fire, the bigger it grows, and the more blessings we experience. Not just material blessings, but the deeper blessings of peace, joy, and a closer relationship with God.

Think About This

  • Are you feeding the fire of the Holy Spirit in your life, or is your faith just a small spark?
  • What can you do today to fan the flame of your faith?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for igniting the spark of faith in our hearts through Your word. We ask for Your Holy Spirit to fan that spark into a blazing fire. Help us to feed the flame through prayer, worship, and obedience to Your will. May our lives shine brightly for You, drawing others to Your love and grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.”
— 2 Timothy 1:6 (KJV)

May 20, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

The Akedah Faith

Opening Verse

 

“And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.” – Genesis 22:2 (KJV)

Introduction

The story of Abraham and Isaac is one of the most profound demonstrations of faith and obedience in the Bible. Known as the Akedah, or the binding of Isaac, this event challenges us to reflect on our own faith and trust in God, especially when facing trials and tests.

Devotional Story

God called Abraham to offer his beloved son Isaac as a sacrifice. Despite the overwhelming difficulty of this command, Abraham obeyed without hesitation. He prepared to sacrifice Isaac, trusting that God’s plan, though mysterious, was ultimately good and right.

At the critical moment, as Abraham raised the knife, an angel of the Lord intervened, stopping him. God provided a ram as a substitute offering, demonstrating His provision and faithfulness. This act of sparing Isaac foreshadowed God’s ultimate plan of salvation.

What This Means

The Akedah teaches us that true faith involves absolute trust and obedience to God, even when His commands seem impossible to understand. Abraham’s unwavering faith exemplifies the kind of trust we should strive to have. God sometimes allows us to face severe trials to test our faith and obedience, but He always has a plan for our good.

In sparing Isaac, God pointed to a greater sacrifice that would come: the sacrifice of His only Son, Jesus Christ. Just as Abraham did not withhold his beloved son, God did not withhold His Son. Jesus was sacrificed to save us all, providing the ultimate demonstration of God’s love and faithfulness.

Think About This

– Do you trust God even when His plans are unclear?
– Are you willing to obey God’s commands, no matter how difficult they seem?
– How can you cultivate a faith that remains steadfast in the face of trials?
– Reflect on the parallel between Isaac’s sparing and Jesus’s sacrifice. How does this deepen your understanding of God’s love?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, give us the strength to trust in Your plans completely. Help us to obey Your commands, even when they challenge us deeply. May our faith be as unwavering as Abraham’s, always believing that You are good and Your plans are perfect. Thank You for sparing Isaac and for sending Your only Son, Jesus, to be the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. Guide us and lead us on the path You have set before us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

 “And the angel of the LORD called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I. And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.” – Genesis 22:11-12 (KJV)*

 

 

May 17, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Doers of the Word

Opening Verse

 “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” – James 1:22 (KJV)

Introduction

The sound of rain on a leaky roof is hard to ignore. It’s a constant reminder that something needs fixing. Similarly, the Word of God calls us to action, not just passive listening.

Devotional Story

Imagine a family living in an old house with a roof that leaks whenever it rains. Every time a storm comes, they place buckets under the leaks and hope for the best. They hear the drip-drip of water, see the damage being done, but delay the necessary repairs. Over time, the structure suffers, and the repairs become more costly and extensive.

One day, a friend visits and points out the worsening condition of the house. Concerned, the friend offers to help fix the roof. Inspired by the friend’s initiative, the family finally takes action. Together, they repair the roof, and the next time it rains, the inside of the house stays dry and safe.

What This Means

In this story, the family represents those who hear God’s Word but do not act on it. The leaks are like sins or problems in our lives that we ignore. The friend symbolizes the Holy Spirit or a fellow believer who encourages us to take action. Being a doer means actively applying God’s teachings, not just acknowledging them.

Think About This

Are there “leaks” in your life that you’ve been ignoring because fixing them seems too difficult or inconvenient? How can you start making repairs today?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word that guides and directs us. Help us not to be mere listeners but active doers of Your Word. Give us the strength and wisdom to address the areas in our lives that need Your touch. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

 “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” – James 4:17 (KJV)

 

May 10, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Don’t Delay Your Blessings

Opening Verse

“Ye shall walk in all the ways which the Lord your God hath commanded you, that ye may live, and that it may be well with you, and that ye may prolong your days in the land which ye shall possess.” – Deuteronomy 5:33 (KJV)

 

Introduction

Sometimes, we miss out on good things because we don’t follow God’s directions. Like the Israelites who took 40 years for a trip that could have been much shorter, we too can get stuck when we don’t listen to God.

 

Devotional Story

The Israelites were freed from Egypt and were headed to a land filled with good things. But instead of a quick trip, they ended up walking around in the desert for 40 years! Every time they ran into problems, they doubted God and didn’t follow His commands. Because of this, many of them never saw the wonderful land God promised, all because they couldn’t stick to God’s plan.

 

What This Means

This story teaches us something important: not following God can really slow us down. God tells us what to do because He has great things waiting for us. If we ignore Him, we just make our lives harder and might miss out on His gifts.

 

Think About This

Are you holding back from doing something God is asking of you? Remember, not listening to God might be keeping you from the best things He has for you.

 

Prayer

Lord, help us to follow Your ways and not our own. Teach us to trust You more, so we don’t wander away from the blessings You have for us. Keep us close and lead us straight to Your promises. Amen.

 

Closing Verse

 “And it shall come to pass, if ye shall hearken diligently unto my commandments which I command you this day, to love the Lord your God, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul,” – Deuteronomy 11:13 (KJV)

 

April 14, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

The Wilderness

Opening Scripture

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.”
— Proverbs 3:5-7

Introduction

In Deuteronomy 8, Moses emphasizes the lessons learned during Israel’s tough journey through the desert, particularly highlighting the importance of humility and the risks of self-reliance and disobedience to God.

Devotional Story

The wilderness journey of the Israelites serves as a reminder for our spiritual paths. When they trusted their own wisdom and strayed from God’s commands, they found themselves literally wandering in circles—stuck in a harsh, unyielding environment for forty long years. Yet, even in this severe correction, God’s grace remained evident in small but profound ways.

What This Means

Being wise in our own eyes can trap us in a spiritual wilderness, just as the Israelites were trapped in the desert. Ignoring God’s direction and clinging to sin prevents us from moving forward. However, God’s grace never leaves us. During Israel’s wanderings, their clothes never wore out, and their feet never swelled. These overlooked miracles are vivid reminders of God’s constant presence and care, even when we are blind to it.

Think About This

Consider the ‘small miracles’ in your life that you might have overlooked. How has God shown His grace to you in ways you didn’t fully appreciate at the time?

Prayer

Lord, help us to see Your hand in every part of our lives, even when we feel lost or stuck. Forgive us for the times we rely on our own understanding rather than Your wisdom. Thank you for Your unending grace that sustains us, even in our spiritual wilderness. Amen.

Closing Verse

“And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live.”
— Deuteronomy 8:3

March 3, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

The Urgency of Obedience

Opening Verse

“And Noah went in, and his sons, and his wife, and his sons’ wives with him, into the ark, because of the waters of the flood.” – Genesis 7:7 (KJV)

Introduction

In a world that often overlooks the importance of prompt action and obedience, the story of Noah stands as a timeless reminder. It’s a call to recognize the urgency and significance of following divine instructions, especially in the face of impending challenges.

Devotional Story

Imagine the world in Noah’s time: widespread disobedience and chaos. Then came God’s command to Noah, a directive that seemed as daunting as it was necessary. Noah’s decision to enter the ark wasn’t just a physical act of moving into a large boat; it was a profound statement of faith and obedience.

Building the ark was a monumental task, taking many years, yet Noah persevered, driven by his unwavering trust in God. His obedience was not without ridicule from those around him. Despite this, Noah chose to listen to God, acting on His command without delay.

When the floodwaters began to rise, it wasn’t just water that set Noah apart; it was his decision to enter the ark, fully trusting in God’s promise of salvation. This act of obedience saved him and his family, preserving humanity and animal life on earth.

What This Means

Noah’s story is not just a historical account; it’s a vivid illustration of the importance of listening to and obeying God, especially when it seems illogical or difficult. His obedience was a key to survival, a beacon of hope amidst destruction. It teaches us that divine instructions carry an urgency that demands immediate action, not procrastination.

Think About This

Consider your own life: Are there areas where God is calling you to act with urgency? Reflect on the importance of obedience, even when the path ahead seems unclear or the instructions difficult to follow. Noah’s story reminds us that God’s plans are always for our good, even when they require us to step out in faith.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, grant me the courage to obey Your commands with the urgency and faith of Noah. Help me to trust in Your promises, even when the path is not clear, and give me the strength to act promptly on Your instructions. May my life reflect a deep trust in You, just as Noah did. Amen.

Closing Verse

“By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.” – Hebrews 11:7 (KJV)

February 14, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

The Flaming Sword

Opening Verse

“So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.” – Genesis 3:24 (KJV)

Introduction

The image of a flaming sword blocking the entrance to Eden is a powerful symbol of God’s holiness and the seriousness of sin. It represents not just a barrier but also a clear message about the consequences of disobedience and the gravity of being separated from God.

Devotional Story

Once, in a small village, there was a wise old man known for his deep understanding of life and spirituality. He often told stories to teach the villagers about the importance of living righteously. One day, he gathered the villagers to share a story about a great king who had a beautiful garden filled with every type of fruit and flower one could imagine. This garden was the joy of the king’s heart, and he allowed everyone to enjoy it, with one condition: they must respect the garden and not harm it.

However, one day, someone broke the rule, causing great harm to the garden. In response, the king, with a heavy heart, placed a guard at the entrance with a flaming sword that turned every way to prevent anyone from entering the garden and causing further harm.

The wise old man explained that the story mirrors the lesson of the Garden of Eden, where the flaming sword represents the consequences of our actions and the importance of living in a way that honors the boundaries set by God.

What This Means

The flaming sword symbolizes the separation between humanity and God due to sin. It reminds us of the need for redemption and the seriousness with which God regards disobedience.

Think About This

Consider your own life and the boundaries God has set. Are there areas where you’ve crossed into places you shouldn’t, causing separation from God? The story of the flaming sword invites us to reflect on our actions and their impact on our relationship with God.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we acknowledge our sins and the times we have strayed from Your path. Help us to respect Your boundaries and live lives that reflect Your holiness. Guide us back to the path that leads to life, and through Your grace, may we find our way back to You. Amen.

Closing Verse

“Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” – Revelation 22:14 (KJV)

 

January 29, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Embracing Grace in the Storm

Opening Verse:

“Therefore they cried out to the Lord and said, ‘We pray, O Lord, please do not let us perish for this man’s life, and do not charge us with innocent blood; for You, O Lord, have done as it pleased You.’” – Jonah 1:14 (KJV)

Introduction:

The story of Jonah, a prophet who tried to escape God’s command, teaches us about obedience, repentance, and God’s overwhelming grace. Jonah’s experience in the storm and the great fish reveals profound truths about how we should respond to God’s call.

Devotional Story:

Jonah’s attempt to flee from God led to a ferocious storm, endangering his life and those of the sailors. In this critical moment, Jonah acknowledged his disobedience and asked the sailors to throw him overboard, leading to his encounter with the great fish. This story is a vivid illustration of how running from God can lead us into storms, yet His grace remains available even in our rebellion.

What This Means:

Jonah’s story is a powerful reminder that we cannot outrun God’s presence or plan for our lives. The storm and the great fish were not just punishments for Jonah’s disobedience but also instruments of God’s mercy, leading him back to the right path.

Think About This:

Consider times in your life when you’ve tried to avoid God’s calling. Reflect on how God used those experiences to bring you back to Him. Recognize that God’s grace is always at work, even when we are not aware of it.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your unending grace and mercy. Help us to trust in Your plan, even when it’s difficult to understand. Give us the strength to follow Your calling, and when we stray, gently guide us back to Your path. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Closing Verse:

“So he prayed to the Lord, and said, ‘Ah, Lord, was not this what I said when I was still in my country? Therefore I fled previously to Tarshish; for I know that You are a gracious and merciful God, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, One who relents from doing harm.” – Jonah 4:2 (KJV)

January 27, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

The Heart of Obedience

Opening Verse

 “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” – John 14:15

Introduction

In the journey of faith, obedience is a key element that reflects our love and devotion to God. It’s a tangible expression of our trust in His wisdom and sovereignty.

Devotional Story

Once there was a woman named Chen who, despite her deep faith, struggled with obedience. She felt that some of God’s commandments were too difficult or irrelevant in the modern world. One day, while reading the Bible, Chen  stumbled upon the story of Noah. She was struck by Noah’s unwavering obedience to God, building an ark in a land where rain was scarce and enduring ridicule from her community. Chen realized that Noah’s obedience was not just about following orders; it was about trust in God’s plan and love for Him.

Motivated by this story, Chen began to change. She started with small acts of obedience, like being more honest in her interactions and dedicating time for prayer and Bible study. Gradually, these small acts grew into a lifestyle. Chen found that with each step of obedience, her relationship with God deepened, and she experienced a profound sense of peace and purpose.

What This Means

Obedience to God isn’t always easy or convenient, but it is always rewarding. It strengthens our relationship with Him and aligns us with His will, leading to a fulfilling and purposeful life.

Think About This

Consider areas in your life where you struggle with obedience. Reflect on how aligning these areas with God’s will might change your perspective and bring you closer to Him.

Prayer

Dear Lord, grant me the strength and wisdom to be obedient to Your word. Help me to trust in Your plan, even when it’s difficult, and to show my love for You through my actions. Amen.

Closing Verse

“Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” – Revelation 22:14

January 26, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Inclined Slopes

Opening Verse

“Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain.” – Isaiah 40:4 (KJV)

Introduction

In life, we often encounter paths that seem like inclined slopes, challenging yet essential for our spiritual growth. These slopes represent the various trials and tribulations we face.

Devotional Story

Consider the story of Jonah, who was called by God to deliver a message to Nineveh. Instead of obeying, Jonah found himself on a metaphorical inclined slope, fleeing in the opposite direction. His journey took a dramatic turn, leading him into the belly of a great fish. This slope, steep and treacherous, became a place of reflection and transformation for Jonah.

What This Means

The inclined slope in our lives symbolizes the relational dynamics between us and God. It’s about trust, obedience, and the process of growth. Like Jonah, we may find ourselves on challenging paths, but these are opportunities for spiritual development and deeper reliance on God.

Think About This

Reflect on the inclined slopes in your life. Are they pushing you away from or drawing you closer to God? How can you embrace these challenges as part of your spiritual journey?

Prayer

Dear Lord, grant us the strength and wisdom to navigate the inclined slopes of life. Help us to see these challenges as opportunities to grow closer to You and to trust in Your divine plan. Amen.

Closing Verse

“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” – Isaiah 40:31 (KJV)