Obedience, Odds, and Opposition

Obedience is something that everyone appreciates, but many struggle with it. We find it easy to instruct others in the things in which they should do, but wrestle with the very same things ourselves. One of the foundational elements to the Christian life is obedience. Yet, many Christians find it difficult to walk in obedience for varying reasons. The desire to obey is present, but oftentimes the circumstances that we are in make it hard to obey God.

Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife. Matt 1:24 (KJV)

Joseph serves as an example of obedience regardless of the odds and opposition. He chose to obey God though the circumstances concerning Mary’s pregnancy were precarious. However, He chose to obey God.

Some of you on today are struggling with doing something you have been inspired to do. Others are struggling with giving up certain people and things to walk in obedience to Christ. Though it may seem that the odds are against you and that there is constant opposition to your obedience; know that God will give you the strength to obey and overcome. Do whatever you know you are supposed to do and His blessings and peace will be upon you.

Prayer of the Week:

“I thank you that who I was before you does not characterize who I am now in you. I ask you to help me to give up what it necessary to please you. I desire to have all that you have for me. Amen.”

Soar, Run, or Walk

 

Complacency is a problem for man today. Because of circumstances and situations, many Christians become stagnant and complacent in their walks with Christ. There is a loss of zeal for Christ and His work. It is time for Christians everywhere to arise and move forward again.

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)

The prophet Isaiah revealed that those who serve (or wait) on the Lord would have their strength renewed. Those who are feeling worn and tired must receive the peace and strength that comes from God and make a conscious decision to go on with the Lord. It does not have to be fast or quick, but it has to be definite. Decide on this day.

You can be as an eagle and soar to heights unknown in Christ and above the situations that are before you. Or, you can run the Christian race with patience, enduring all things in joyful expectation of God’s deliverance. If your pace is slower, simply walk with the Lord in simple faith knowing He will never leave you nor forsake you. It is time to get up, move on, and go on. The choice is yours. You Decide.

Prayer of the Day:
“I thank you that you abide with those who are humble. On this day, I humble myself before you, acknowledging your awesome power to help me to walk, run, or soar in you. I thank you for it. Amen”

Expect to Be Disappointed: Sometimes, Disappointment is Good

As Christians, we are instructed to live by faith. This means that we live in full expectation and hope that God will be with us and will cause all things to work for our good. However, there are times when we can only foresee bad tidings and events in our lives. We do not expect God to bless us or change some of the negative circumstances and situations in our lives. But, there is good news for you today – Expect to be Disappointed!

When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more. John 8:10-11 (KJV)

The woman caught in adultery surely thought she would be stoned. But we see Jesus disappointing her expectation.  She was forgiven and set free. You may have made mistakes, sinned, and now feel as if only bad things are in store for you. However, get prepared because God is going to disappoint you.

What you are expecting to happen, expecting to be stricken with, expecting to experience, it is not going to happen. God is going to disappoint you in order to bless you. The things you are expecting to happen are not going to occur. But the things you are standing in doubt of (His promises, His blessings, and His provision), will surely happen. Expect to be disappointed!

Prayer of the Week:

“Lord, I thank you for your mercy, goodness, kindness, and grace. On today, I commit myself to doing that which pleases you in my daily life. I am grateful for your help and strength to overcome external and internal challenges. Amen.”

 

The Dreamer and His Dreams

Do  you  have  a  dream  or  vision for your life? More importantly, is there something that  God has placed  in  your  heart, mind, spirit, and soul through a dream, revelation, or scripture?

Understand that though it may seem impossible, it will surely happen in your life. It is time now for you to embrace and believe the things that God has shown you in your life. Remember the account of the Dreamer and His Dreams; that is, the story of Joseph.

And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it his brethren: and they hated him yet the more. And he said unto them, Hear, I pray you, this dream which I have dreamed: For, behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and, lo, my sheaf arose, and also stood upright; and, behold, your sheaves stood round about, and made obeisance to my sheaf. Gen 37:5-7 (KJV)

God gave Joseph two dreams concerning his exalted place among his brethren. However, we understand that during the 13 years following the dreams, Joseph suffered setbacks. Yet, God was faithful and the things that God had showed him came to pass.

Be encouraged on this day to know that whatever dreams (visions, goals, ministries, and the like) God has given you will happen. Do not allow past setbacks and difficulties cause you to doubt the validity of what is in your heart. Whatever God has promised, He is able to perform.

Prayer of the Week:

“Lord, grant me the grace to stand with contentment as I wait upon you. You will be faithful unto the end. Amen.”