Category: Obedience

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Choosing Sides

Whose side are you on anyway?

Have you ever asked that question or been asked that question? Choosing sides in an argument can be risky business. Choosing sides in life is a necessity!

There are political affiliations, sports teams, environmental issues, auto preferences, dietary selections and those are just the trivial. Each day our life is filled with decisions, choosing one side over another.

But there isn’t always two sides to every story or situation. Joshua, the leader of Israel, found that out very quickly.

“One day, Joshua was near Jericho when he saw a man standing some distance in front of him. The man was holding a sword, so Joshua walked up to him and asked, “Are you on our side or on our enemies’ side?” 14 “Neither,” he answered. “I am here because I am the commander of the Lord’s army.” Joshua fell to his knees and bowed down to the ground. “I am your servant,” he said. “Tell me what to do.” 15 “Take off your sandals,” the commander answered. “This is a holy place.” So Joshua took off his sandals.” Joshua 5:13-15 CEV

It’s not my side or your side of things that’s important. It’s God side. If we want to be right, we need to be on God’s side and then there is no other side. Joshua immediately recognized what he needed to do, he needed to be on God’s side. He recognized God’s authority and made himself, and as a result the children of Israel, subservient to the Lord.

There are many choices before us. The important thing is to choose the premise or foundation for our lives that we are willing to build everything else on. Then we make the smaller decisions line up with our foundational purpose and we have true direction.

“Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! 20 You can make this choice by loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life. And if you love and obey the Lord, you will live long in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” Deuteronomy 30:19-20 NLT

The winning side is always the best and when God is leading there should be no hesitation. Whose side are you on?

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Listening for God’s Voice

This morning I was reminded of an incident that happened some years back. I had been reading about Samuel as a young boy. The Lord called his name in the middle of the night and Samuel thought it was the priest, Eli. After being called several times, Eli realized God was calling Samuel and so he gave Samuel instruction on how to answer the Lord next time he heard God’s voice.

“Speak Lord. Your servant is listening.”

I remember saying that very thing in my morning prayer. Speak Lord, I’m listening. Shortly after that Dave and I headed out to town. We had already stopped at the car wash and Home Depot and now we needed to make a stop at the gas station.

As soon as we pulled in and Dave got out to pump diesel I heard a loud cheery voice saying, “I’ll wash your windows for a quarter. Oh but it doesn’t look like they need washing, do they?” So Dave explained no, we had just come from the car wash. At this, the man walked away to another vehicle.

As I sat there my heart began to race and I knew the Lord was dealing with me. This thought came – give the man the ones you have in your wallet. Really? I figured there were probably 2 or 3 ones but wasn’t sure. So I opened my wallet and looked, only one. I took it out and held on to it thinking when he comes back around I’ll roll down the window and give it to him.

My next thought was he’s probably a panhandler or a scammer. I have seen stories about “those people” who hang out at the freeway exits begging for money or food. They aren’t really needy…

Then this thought – “Really? You’re going to argue with what I’m asking you to do. It’s only a dollar. Go give it to the man.” So I jumped out of the truck, walked over and gave him the dollar. I told him our windows were clean but wanted him to have this and before I could get the words out of my mouth to say “God bless you” he said them to me.

“The Lord blesses everyone who freely gives food to the poor.” Proverbs 22:9 CEV

I never want to stop hearing from the Lord. I know His voice and when he speaks I want to be obedient, even if it’s just a dollar. I know I did what my Father asked. Reluctantly, but I did.

Now, from time to time, I find myself thinking of this man, praying for him and asking the Lord to bless him and to protect him. I have never heard the devil tempt me with being kind. It’s not his nature but kindness is our Father’s nature.

Jesus often stopped to talk with beggars. His disciples would try to quiet them as Jesus walked along the road but Jesus would interrupt His day to meet their needs.

“Jesus and his disciples went to Jericho. And as they were leaving, they were followed by a large crowd. A blind beggar by the name of Bartimaeus son of Timaeus was sitting beside the road. 47 When he heard that it was Jesus from Nazareth, he shouted, “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!” 48 Many people told the man to stop, but he shouted even louder, “Son of David, have pity on me!”

49 Jesus stopped and said, “Call him over!” They called out to the blind man and said, “Don’t be afraid! Come on! He is calling for you.” 50 The man threw off his coat as he jumped up and ran to Jesus. 51 Jesus asked, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man answered, “Master, I want to see!”

52 Jesus told him, “You may go. Your eyes are healed because of your faith.” Right away the man could see, and he went down the road with Jesus.” Mark 10:46-52 CEV

Each day we should spend time listening for the Lord’s voice and being obedient to His instruction. He’ll always lead us to do what’s right; He will lead us to safety; He will lead us to be like him.

“You, Lord, are my shepherd.  I will never be in need. 2  You let me rest in fields of green grass. You lead me to streams of peaceful water, 3  and you refresh my life. You are true to your name, and you lead me along the right paths. 4 I may walk through valleys
as dark as death, but I won’t be afraid. You are with me, and your shepherd’s rod makes me feel safe. 5 You treat me to a feast, while my enemies watch. You honor me as your guest,  and you fill my cup until it overflows. 6 Your kindness and love will always be with me each day of my life, and I will live forever in your house, Lord.” Psalm 23 CEV

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Listen to This!

That’s how my morning Bible reading started out:

“Everyone on this earth, now listen to what I say! 2Listen, no matter who you are,  rich or poor. 3 I speak words of wisdom,  and my thoughts make sense.” Psalm 49:1-3 CEV

So I decided to listen!

I periodically do a soul check. I ask myself “am I doing what God wants me to do”, “am I fulfilling the plan He has set for me”, “do I need to let someone younger or more qualified than I take over”. And then I read a verse like this and it makes me come to attention to listen to the Lord and his words of wisdom.

There may be times when you or someone else questions your qualifications to do what God has put in your heart. You’re too young, too old, you’re the wrong gender, not educated enough, educated too much or a whole host of other distracting comments but the thing to remember it’s God who calls and He is the one who qualifies.

I thought of Moses. At 40, he knew his life calling was to deliver the Israelites from bondage in Egypt. He made a mistake and tried to handle things on his own. He killed a man and then fled to another country for 40 years and became a shepherd. While he was there the Lord reminded him of his calling.

“But Moses said, “Who am I to go to the king and lead your people out of Egypt?” 12 God replied, “I will be with you. And you will know that I am the one who sent you, when you worship me on this mountain after you have led my people out of Egypt.”

13 Moses answered, “I will tell the people of Israel that the God their ancestors worshiped has sent me to them. But what should I say, if they ask me your name?” 14-15 God said to Moses: I am the eternal God. So tell them that the Lord, whose name is “I Am,” has sent you. This is my name forever, and it is the name that people must use from now on.” Exodus 3:11-15 CEV

At 80, Moses accepted his calling. Too old? Not according to the “I AM” who called him and promised to go with him.

Too young? Samuel was just a child when his parents took him to live with Eli, the priest. God called him by name.

“The boy Samuel was Eli’s helper and served the Lord with him. At that time the Lord did not speak directly to people very often. There were very few visions…Finally, Eli understood that the Lord was calling the boy. 9 Eli told Samuel, “Go to bed. If he calls you again, say, ‘Speak, Lord. I am your servant, and I am listening.’” So Samuel went back to bed. 10 The Lord came and stood there. He called as he did before, saying, “Samuel, Samuel!” Samuel said, “Speak. I am your servant, and I am listening.” I Samuel 3:1-10 ERV

Wrong gender? For generations it was said that women couldn’t preach or teach, yet Jesus validated women when He was alive. One of the most important messages, the resurrected Christ, was given to a woman.

“Jesus asked her, “Why are you crying? Who are you looking for?” She thought he was the gardener and said, “Sir, if you have taken his body away, please tell me, so I can go and get him.”

16 Then Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him, “Rabboni.” The Aramaic word “Rabboni” means “Teacher.” 17 Jesus told her, “Don’t hold on to me! I have not yet gone to the Father. But tell my disciples that I am going to the one who is my Father and my God, as well as your Father and your God.” John 20:15-17 CEV

Too bad? Too many mistakes? The Apostle Paul had been responsible for arresting and seeing that Christians were murdered. The woman at the well had been married to four men and was living with a fifth.

“Then our Lord gave me much of His loving-favor and faith and love which are found in Christ Jesus. 15 What I say is true and all the world should receive it. Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners from their sin and I am the worst sinner. 16 And yet God had loving-kindness for me. Jesus Christ used me to show how long He will wait for even the worst sinners. In that way, others will know they can have life that lasts forever also.” I Timothy 1:14-16 NLV

“Jesus said to her, “Go call your husband and come back.” 17 The woman said, “I have no husband.” Jesus said, “You told the truth when you said, ‘I have no husband.’ 18 You have had five husbands. The one you have now is not your husband. You told the truth.”…Many people in that town of Samaria believed in Jesus because of what the woman said about Him. She said, “He told me everything I ever did.” 40 So the people of Samaria came to Him. They asked Him to stay with them. Jesus stayed there two days. 41 Many more people believed because of what He said. 42 They said to the woman, “Now we believe! It is no longer because of what you said about Jesus but we have heard Him ourselves. We know, for sure, that He is the Christ, the One Who saves men of this world from the punishment of their sins.” John 4:16-18, 39-42 NLV

Listen to This: that’s how all this started this morning. The Lord has given each of us a definite calling and purpose. There isn’t a reason or excuse that can nullify that calling. We can, however, refuse to accept it. The Father has given us a free will and He won’t force us to do anything we refuse to do; He’ll even let us go to hell if we want too.

But when God calls us, He equips us. He never leaves us on our own. The words He spoke to Moses – tell them “I AM” has sent you, applies to us as well.

“I say this because I know the plans that I have for you.” This message is from the Lord. “I have good plans for you. I don’t plan to hurt you. I plan to give you hope and a good future.” Jeremiah 29:11 ERV

“I am sure that the good work God began in you will continue until he completes it on the day when Jesus Christ comes again.” Philippians 1:6 ERV

Listen up! What is the Lord saying to you today?

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Trail Blazers

Each day takes us somewhere new; somewhere we have never been before. Our house might be the same; our place of business and our co-workers may not have changed but the day is new and so that makes the situations different and unique. With each day we are trail blazers following God’s plan.

Five years ago today everything we owned was either in a U-Haul box van or in the back of the Excursion. We said good bye to neighbors and friends and left Montana for our home in Arizona.

I think we felt like the children of Israel coming to the Promised Land. We had been marching in the wilderness for more years than we had cared to admit. Trying to do things our way and not realizing what the Lord was directing us to do was frustrating to say the least. All that time we “thought” we were following the Lord but we had missed the trail.

When good things would happen we would give Him glory and when times were tough we were praying and asking His direction. However, many times we would go with the thing that “seemed right” and logical instead of really waiting to see if that’s what He wanted.

God was always faithful. His arms were always open wide and His love was always unconditional!

Five years later, we can look back and see how He did guide us even when we chose the path and how He brought us full circle to bring us Home!

Thank you Father for your faithfulness.

“You are my God. I worship you. In my heart, I long for you, as I would long for a stream in a scorching desert. 2 I have seen your power and your glory in the place of worship. 3 Your love means more than life to me, and I praise you. 4 As long as I live, I will pray to you. 5 I will sing joyful praises and be filled with excitement like a guest at a banquet. 6 I think about you before I go to sleep, and my thoughts turn to you during the night. 7 You have helped me, and I sing happy songs in the shadow of your wings. 8 I stay close to you, and your powerful arm supports me.” Psalm 63:1-8 CEV

“My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me.” vs 8

Five years later we have such joy to know that the Lord led us here. It’s Jesus who goes before us leading the way, setting the course. We need to listen as He says this is the way – walk in it and be obedient.

“So you people must be careful to do everything the Lord commanded you. Do not stop following God! 33 You must live the way the Lord your God commanded you. Then you will continue to live, and everything will be fine with you. You will live a long life in the land that will belong to you.” Deuteronomy 5:32-33 ERV

Happy Trails!

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Like Father Like Son

I’ve heard people say from time to time that there’s really no instruction manual for parenthood. It’s one of the hardest jobs there is, next to marriage, and there seems to be no training manual or skills course. But really that’s not true.

We simply need to open the pages of our Bible and there we have the instruction we need. This morning I was reading King David’s final words to his son, Solomon. Here’s what David had to say.

“The time came for David to die, so he gave these commands to Solomon, 2 “I am about to die, like all men must. But you are growing stronger and becoming a man. 3 Now, carefully obey all the commands of the Lord your God. Carefully obey all his laws, commands, decisions, and agreements. Obey everything that is written in the Law of Moses. If you do this, you will be successful at whatever you do and wherever you go.” I Kings 2:1-4 ERV

Sound familiar? This was almost the exact same words that Moses told Joshua when he was about to die and Joshua was to take over as leader of the nation of Israel. This is the same advice that we need as parents.

Obey the Lord’s commands and we will be successful in whatever we do and wherever we go. This is great advice for us as parents. Here is one of my favorite group of verses from the Psalms.

“Thinking about your teachings gives me better understanding than my teachers, 100 and obeying your laws makes me wiser than those who have lived a long time. 101 I obey your word instead of following a way that leads to trouble. 102 You have been my teacher,  and I won’t reject your instructions. 103 Your teachings are sweeter than honey.” Psalm 119:99-103 CEV

This is God’s promise to us. If we respect His word and follow His teachings we will be wise and stay out of trouble. King David lived these words, he knew the strength and wisdom to be drawn from the Lord. His final instruction to his son was to keep God’s word. It would be a source of strength to Solomon as well.

Solomon took his father’s words to heart. Here is the request he made to the Lord when his father died.

“Solomon answered, “You were very kind and loyal to your servant, my father David. He was faithful to you and lived a good, honest life. And you showed him the greatest kindness when you let his son take his place as king. 7 Lord my God, you have made me the king in my father’s place, but I am like a small child. I don’t have the wisdom I need to do what I must do. 8 I am your servant here among your chosen people. There are so many that they cannot be counted. 9 So I ask you to give me the wisdom to rule and judge them well and to help me know the difference between right and wrong. Without such great wisdom, it would be impossible to rule this great nation.”

10 The Lord was happy that Solomon asked for wisdom. ” I Kings 3:6-10 ERV

Solomon wanted wisdom more than anything else. He wanted direction – to know right from wrong. He wanted the ability to lead well. Isn’t that what we all want as parents and grandparents, the ability to lead well?

I found myself praying that this morning. “Lord, I want to lead well. I want to continue in my knowledge of You so that my children and grandchildren know Your word and the importance of making it first place in their lives.” This has been a prayer of dedication that I have prayed for many years, however, it all came back to me this morning as I was reflecting on our oldest granddaughter’s birthday.

Solomon, who wrote the book of Proverbs, made this statement in the first few verses of that book.

“These are the proverbs of Solomon, the son of David and king of Israel. 2 They will help you learn to be wise, to accept correction, and to understand wise sayings. 3 They will teach you to develop your mind in the right way. You will learn to do what is right and to be honest and fair. 4 These proverbs will make even those without education smart. They will teach young people what they need to know and how to use what they have learned. 5 Even the wise could become wiser by listening to these proverbs. They will gain understanding and learn to solve difficult problems. 6 These sayings will help you understand proverbs, stories with hidden meanings, words of the wise, and other difficult sayings.

7 Knowledge begins with fear and respect for the Lord, but stubborn fools hate wisdom and refuse to learn. 8 My son, listen to your father when he corrects you, and don’t ignore what your mother teaches you. 9 What you learn from your parents will bring you honor and respect, like a crown or a gold medal.” Proverbs 1:1-9 ERV

Neither David or Solomon were perfect parents. Matter of fact, there has only been one perfect parent, God, the Father. If we follow His instruction we will do a much better job than if we try to make it on our own.

“Father, it’s my desire to be like you. I want to love like You, teach like You, give counsel like You and have my words be Yours. It is my desire to reflect Your character in all I do.”

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Going the Right Direction

This morning I find myself sitting in a log cabin, in the White Mountains in northern Arizona. I visited this area as a small girl. It was my favorite place to come for summer vacations; we camped on the banks of the White River, fished all day in the steam and played games with our new friends in the evenings.

As I sit here this morning in the glow of my computer screen, trying to be quiet so I don’t wake Dave, I am imagining the wonderful times we will have with our grandchildren. The memories we will make and the joy we will share.

And then my thoughts are interrupted.

I hear it…the morning song of the mountain birds. No matter where we are God reminds me of his loving care through the song of the birds. Each morning starts the same way. It starts with a chorus of those winged creatures who lift their voices in song and praise their creator for the countless ways He provides for them.

Our lives have dramatically changed since I came here as a girl. There are been some real rough patches, things I choose not to relive and there have been some great joys. As I look back I can always see the Father’s faithfulness. It’s not something I was quick to recognize in the moment but He was always there, He always provided.

Years ago when we were young in faith and learning to listen to the Lord’s voice we had a cowboy preacher, a dear friend, tell us this; If God says go South, He will provide; If you go North you’ll think you died! Now that’s not scripture but it is scriptural.

“Trust the LORD completely, and don’t depend on your own knowledge. 6 With every step you take, think about what he wants, and he will help you go the right way. 7 Don’t trust in your own wisdom, but fear and respect the LORD and stay aay from evil. 8 If you do this, it will be like a refreshing drink and medicine for your body.” Proverb 3:5-8 ERV

And then this one:
“Turn to the LORD for help in everything you do, and you will be successful. 4 The LORD has a plan for everything.” Proverbs 16:3-4a ERV

God has a plan for each day – it doesn’t really matter what the activities are in the day; He has a plan! Some days His plan is to change our plan but He has a plan.

When we listen, He speaks and when we follow His leading we are blessed! “Today I am giving you a choice. You may choose the blessing or the curse. 27 You will get the blessing if you listen and obey the commands of the LORD your God that I have told you today. 28 But you will get the curse if you refuse to listen and obey the commands of the LORD your God. So don’t stop living the way I command you today, and don’t follow other gods that you don’t know.” Deuteronomy 11:26-28 ERV

We have a choice – it would be silly, even disastrous at times, to think our own plan is better. Following Him is the right way to go and His wisdom is perfect. His way will keep us from being lost and give us something to sing about each morning.

“I say this because I know the plans that I have for you.” This message is from the LORD. “I have good plans for you. I don’t plan to hurt you. I plan to give you hope and a good future. 12 Then you will call my name. You will come to me and pray to me, and I will listen to you.” Jeremiah 29:11-12 ERV

Trust the Lord today. He loves us and His desire for us is good! He wants to make wonderful memories with us and He wants us to teach our children and grandchildren about His goodness and provision.

Go South today – He will provide!!!

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Digging In!

Ever heard the expression “digging in your heels”? It’s a statement used to indicate determination to stand your ground, strength of position, fighting against resistance, steadfastness.

I don’t see it as a sign of stubbornness. Instead, I see it much like an anchor. It’s the kind of determination that keeps us from being drawn astray or floating off with the tide and winds of popular opinion.

In the last few days I have been reading in Deuteronomy. This is Moses final instructions to the nation of Israel before the get to cross the Jordan River to their “Promised Land”. He is taking this time to remind them of the promises the Lord made to them and also of the laws that God gave them to obey. Moses is reminding them to be steadfast on God’s word.

“I taught you the laws and rules that the Lord my God commanded me. I did this so you could obey them in the land you are ready to enter and take for your own. 6 Obey these laws carefully. This will show the people of the other nations that you are wise and sensible. They will hear about these laws and say, ‘Truly, the people of this great nation are wise and sensible.’

7 “The Lord our God is near when we ask him to help us. No other nation has a god like that! 8 And no other nation is great enough to have laws and rules as good as the teachings I give you today. 9 But you must be careful! Be sure that as long as you live you never forget what you have seen. You must teach these things to your children and grandchildren.” Deuteronomy 4:5-9 ERV

Moses wasn’t going to be able to go with them when they crossed the Jordan and he wanted to make sure that they knew how important it was to them and all future generations to follow God’s law.

“So you people must be careful to do everything the Lord commanded you. Do not stop following God! 33 You must live the way the Lord your God commanded you. Then you will continue to live, and everything will be fine with you. You will live a long life in the land that will belong to you.” Deuteronomy 5:32-33 ERV

God had led the Israelites with a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night since the time they left Egypt. If the cloud or pillar moved they moved; it if stayed in one place they did too. Moses words reminded them to keep following the Lord and not to move unless He directed it.

They were to dig in their heels and stay put even if everything looked good to them.

Oh for that kind of determination to be close to the Lord. Too many times I have found myself running out a head of the Lord and calling back for Him to hurry and catch up. Those are the times I found myself in situations that were not good for me. Those are the times I found myself asking the Father to rescue me once again.

How much better it would be if I simply sat down and said I’m not going if You’re not. Period. End of conversation.

We get caught up in our own plans, defending our own reputation, making our way when we should be waiting on the Lord’s lead.

“…But now you will again see the Lord, your teacher, and he will guide you. 21 Whether you turn to the right or to the left, you will hear a voice saying, “This is the road! Now follow it.” Isaiah 30:20b-21

Just as the Lord led the Israelites, if was prophesied that Jesus would lead us but we need to listen for his voice.

“My sheep know my voice, and I know them. They follow me, 28 and I give them eternal life, so that they will never be lost. No one can snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father gave them to me, and he is greater than all others. No one can snatch them from his hands, 30 and I am one with the Father.” John 10:27-30 CEV

The Lord promised to lead and protect the Israelites as they followed Him and Jesus promises the same to us as we follow His leading. God will lead us by a peace in our hearts. Become determined that you won’t let your own ambitions, pride or desire for things lead you. You won’t let the enemy deceive you into following him.

Dig in your heels and say, “Lord if you don’t go, I’m staying put!”

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What Did You Say?

I get a kick out of God’s sense of humor. I find the Bible has many humorous stories that are often overlooked. Stories that hold important teachings for us.

“Christian brothers, think who you were when the Lord called you. Not many of you were wise or powerful or born into the family of leaders of a country. 27 But God has chosen what the world calls foolish to shame the wise. He has chosen what the world calls weak to shame what is strong. 28 God has chosen what is weak and foolish of the world, what is hated and not known, to destroy the things the world trusts in. 29 In that way, no man can be proud as he stands before God. 30 God Himself made the way so you can have new life through Christ Jesus. God gave us Christ to be our wisdom. Christ made us right with God and set us apart for God and made us holy. Christ bought us with His blood and made us free from our sins.” I Corinthians 1:26-30 ERV

The Apostle Paul tells us that God uses the things that are thought to be foolish and weak to keep men from putting too much trust in their own efforts. It is God’s provision that we should be trusting in and not ours.

This morning I would like to tell you a story that seems foolish.

The children of Israel were in the desert and had just defeated a king who had attacked them, the king of Og. Well, there was another king who heard of that defeat and he feared that the same thing would happen to him and his armies. So he called for a man named Balaam to come and place a curse on Israel. King Balak offered him great amounts of money to do this.

Balaam took time to consult with the Lord and God told him not to go with Balak’s men and that he was not to curse the Israelites. Balaam refused to do what the king wanted. The king sent his men a second time offering Balaam even more money. Once again Balaam consulted with the Lord. God hadn’t changed His mind. God told him, only do what I tell you.

“Balaam answered, “Even if Balak offered me a palace full of silver or gold, I wouldn’t do anything to disobey the Lord my God. 19 You are welcome to spend the night here, just as the others did. I will find out if the Lord has something else to say about this.”

20 That night, God said, “Balaam, I’ll let you go to Moab with Balak’s messengers, but do only what I say.” Numbers 22:18-20 CEV

So the next morning they started out on their journey to Balak. On their way, an angel came to stop Balaam from traveling any further. The donkey saw the angel and rode off in a ditch. Balaam whipped the donkey and got him back on the rode. Again the angel stood in the road and the donkey smashed Balaam’s foot against a wall as he tried to get around the angel. Finally, the third time, the donkey just laid down and wouldn’t move any further because the angel was standing in the way.

Balaam was so angry that he was ready to kill the donkey and then this happened.

“So it just lay down. Balaam lost his temper, then picked up a stick and smacked the donkey.28 When that happened, the Lord told the donkey to speak, and it asked Balaam, “What have I done to you that made you beat me three times?”

29 “You made me look stupid!” Balaam answered. “If I had a sword, I’d kill you here and now!”30 “But you’re my owner,” replied the donkey, “and you’ve ridden me many times. Have I ever done anything like this before?”

“No,” Balaam admitted. 31 Just then, the Lord let Balaam see the angel standing in the road, holding a sword, and Balaam bowed down.” Numbers 22:27-31 CEV

The foolish things of the world! How much more foolish can you get than that? A talking donkey. I once heard a preacher say, “If God uses you to do something important, don’t get a big head about it. He once used a donkey.” Very true.

When God speaks to our hearts we need to listen. The message may come in our quiet time of prayer and Bible reading. It may come from a message we hear being preached. God may use a trusted friend or the words of a stranger to speak to our hearts. He could use our mate, children or grandchildren. He might even use a donkey.

The important thing is that we listen and then we obey.

Has the Lord been speaking to your heart? Have you discounted the message because you didn’t approve of the messenger? God is always willing to give us instruction, we need to be willing to listen.

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Simple Obedience

Am I the only one who struggles with being obedient to simple instructions from time to time? If I am, you might not find this morning’s thoughts apply to you.

When we were little kids we had a myriad of instructions to follow: brush your teeth, clean your plate, bedtime at 8:30 pm, chew with your mouth closed, be home by supper, don’t hit your sister, feed the dog. I can still hear Mom giving these instructions countless times during my childhood; I don’t need her to tell me to brush my teeth or wash my hands and face any longer, I just know to do it. That’s obedience.

As we get older we have a tendency to make obedience relative. We don’t always obey the speed limit because everyone else is passing us like we are standing still. Or what could be wrong with taking a short cut across the lawn even though it’s posted “keep off the grass”? (I know no one would do this, right?) What about those signs that say absolutely no food or drink allowed, those don’t apply to the protein bar in your pocket or purse, do they?

Little disobediences like the ones above harden us to listening too and obeying the instructions we receive from God’s word. We can rationalize away our blessings by our disobedience.

“‘I, the Lord, am the one speaking to you. Come, let’s discuss this. Even if your sins are as dark as red dye, that stain can be removed and you will be as pure as wool that is as white as snow. 19 If you listen to (obey) what I say, you will get the good things from this land.'” Isaiah 1:18-19 ERV

It all started with Adam and Eve in the Garden. Disobedience is a temptation as old as the earth itself. God says something but He has given us a free will. Obedience is up to us. If we truly are God’s children then we should obey what He says. We all know that the Bible tells us to obey our parents so, let’s take this to the next level and obey our heavenly father.

“Children, obey your parents the way the Lord wants, because this is the right thing to do. 2 The command says, “You must respect your father and mother.” This is the first command that has a promise with it. 3 And this is the promise: “Then all will go well with you, and you will have a long life on the earth.” Ephesians 6:1-3 ERV

I didn’t get up this morning with the intention of writing a blog on obedience. However, while I was reading in John 2 I was caught up in the simple act of obedience of some servants at a wedding. I hadn’t seen this before and I have examined Jesus first miracle at the wedding in Cana many times. (I have actually written a couple other blogs on this miracle, September 2, 2018 and June 27, 2018. You might want to re-read them.)

“There were six large stone waterpots there that were used by the Jews in their washing ceremonies. Each one held about 20 or 30 gallons. 7 Jesus said to the servants, ‘Fill the waterpots with water.’ So they filled them to the top.

8 Then he said to them, ‘Now dip out some water and take it to the man in charge of the feast.’ So they did what he said.” John 2:6-8 ERV

Miracles come from simple acts of obedience. The servants obeyed Jesus instruction to fill some water pots to the brim and then they took the water to the wedding planner. It was water when it went in to the pots and it was water when it came out of the pot. The miracle happened while it was being carried, obediently, to the manager of the wedding.

The Father’s instructions to us are just as elementary as filling water pots. “Don’t worry. Pray always. Love the Lord. Love your neighbor. Be angry and sin not. Don’t complain. Do nothing for vain glory. Don’t be envious. Put God first. Forgive.” With each of these instructions I can hear the Father say “child, obey me”.

Simple obedience.

Here’s the prayer I found myself praying this morning: “Father, I want to be obedient to all you ask me to do. That really is my heart’s desire. But…many times I fail. Forgive me for my failure and remind me to be like the servants – fill the pots, dip out the water and carry it to the place where miracles happen. I chose to be obedient. I am willing. In Jesus name.”

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