Fearlessly Courageous
Desk of Dennis Piller
10 3 2023
OBEDIENCE
Good Morning. As I hobble back from this heart surgery, I am assessing what God calling me to do. What’s new on the horizon? Will it be the same old wheel, responsibilities, and struggles?
And I remembered, Romans 8:28 “ And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose”. The truth is I don’t have that answer yet. Honestly, I’m just now starting to think somewhat clearly and started to wait upon the Lord for direction. My life, by some assessments, has been around serving others and loving God. But I can’t help but wonder, after all these life-saving prayers that have gone into my recovery that the Holy Spirit might have a new direction for me. But one thing I am very sure of… it will require obedience. Before you start to gulp or tune me out… Listen!
What is God’s promise for obedience?
“Those who obey him have all they need . . . Those who obey the Lord lack nothing good” (Psalm 34:9-10 GNT). That’s an incredible list of promises. If you follow God’s directions, you’ll be blessed, saved, watched over, taken care of, given what you ask for, and happy; you’ll live longer and lack nothing good.
A few years ago a close friend, Brian Clements delivered an anointed teaching on: “Hallowed be Thy Name” I praised him afterward and he said I was just being obedient! I love that answer because we are all called to obedience to use the gifts that Our Father gave to us. To be obedient in calling other men at our table. To pray for someone in need. For standing up for those who can’t stand by themselves. The bible says, It is better to obey than sacrifice. 1 Sam 15:22 Being kind, gentle, humble, serving, loving, quick to forgive, to hold our tongue, to praise God and honor Him with your life. By spending time in His word and in prayer daily. Obedient by putting on the armor of God before leaving home for the day. Obedient to raise your children in the ways of the Lord or your grandchildren or the little lad next store.
What has God called you to do this next year? What season of life are you in? Exactly how are you serving Our Father? It’s spelled OBEDIENCE! Ignoring the answer to those questions doesn’t wipe them out. They are questions the Bible asks. Joshua is well known for his obedience. “As for me and my house, I will serve the Lord” Joshua 24:15 Are you? Or is it just something you believe in?
RISE TO THE OCCASION; Step up! Be Noticed! Be heard! The Jewish leaders told Peter and John to stop talking about Jesus. Act 4:19 9 But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! 20 As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” OBEDIENCE! What were the effects of that obedience? They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with boldness vs 31 As a result people were saved all because they were willing to step out of their comfort zone and be Obedient to Christ.
Lord help me recognize the steps of obedience you are asking of me today. Help me write them down and be committed to them and to you. Help me Rise Up to the occasion and glorify you in what I do. Amen
Oh Holy Night Carrie Underwood
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BxJxU6VYkUY
