Obedience

May 20th – Ephesians 4:30

Ephesians 4:30

Here in Ephesians, Paul warns us against grieving the Holy Spirit, with whom we are sealed for the day of redemption. Grieving the Holy Spirit happens when we engage in behaviors and attitudes that go against God’s will. Actions like lying, harboring bitterness, unforgiveness, slander, and engaging in impurity. Such behaviors create discord and hinder the Spirit’s work within us and among us. To be sealed by the Holy Spirit means that we are marked as God’s own, secured by His promise of eternal life. This seal signifies ownership and protection, ensuring our salvation until the day Christ returns. Understanding this, we are called to live in a manner worthy of our calling, reflecting the holiness and love of God. This involves cultivating a heart of obedience, love, and purity, aligning our lives with the character and purposes of the Holy Spirit. By doing so, we honor the seal of our redemption and allow the Spirit to work freely in and through us, bringing glory to God and advancing His kingdom.

May 20th – Ephesians 4:30 Read More »

May 18th – Matthew 28:19-20

Matthew 28:19-20

As the days grow short until the Lord’s return, Matthew 28:19-20 reminds us of the importance of sharing the gospel. Jesus commanded us to “go and make disciples of all nations,” and this mission becomes even more urgent as we see the signs of His imminent return. Though the world may grow increasingly hostile to Christians, our mandate remains unchanged. We must persevere in spreading the Good News of salvation, regardless of opposition. The eternal destiny of countless souls hangs in the balance, and our efforts can make a difference. Sharing the gospel isn’t just a duty. It’s an act of love and obedience to our Savior, who desires that none should perish. As ambassadors of Christ, we carry the hope and truth that the world desperately needs. Let us be steadfast and unwavering, knowing that our labor for the Lord is never in vain. Until He calls us home, let us continue to work diligently, shining His light in the darkness and proclaiming His name boldly.

May 18th – Matthew 28:19-20 Read More »

May 17th – Matthew 25:21

Matthew 25:21

I long to see so many things when I get to heaven. Most of all to behold the face of my beloved Savior, Jesus Christ. And what my heart would burst to hear is my Lord saying, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” In Matthew 25:21, we are reminded of the critical importance of faithful stewardship as we await Jesus’ return. Our Master commands us to wisely use our time, talents, and resources, investing them in the work of God’s kingdom. As we labor in service to the Lord, we are called to maximize what He has entrusted to us, whether great or small. Each day is an opportunity to sow seeds of faith, kindness, and generosity, working for God’s eternal harvest. And obedience to our calling is both a reflection of our love for the Lord and our commitment to His purposes. So let us not grow weary or lose heart. For no efforts are never in vain when done for His glory. And one day we will hear those cherished words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

May 17th – Matthew 25:21 Read More »

March 26th – Matthew 24:3

Matthew 24:3

The Mount of Olives was a special place in the life of Jesus. It was there He made His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, where His dear friends Mary, Martha, and Lazarus lived, and where He was betrayed by Judas. So how poignant is it that while Jesus stood on the Mount of Olives, teaching the multitudes about love, mercy, and the Kingdom of God, that He would soon bear the weight of humanity’s sins in that very place. The serene backdrop of the sermon starkly contrasts with the agony Jesus would endure amidst the gnarled olive trees, sweating drops of blood as He faced the impending crucifixion. The same hill that bore witness to His teachings would become a symbol of His ultimate act of love and obedience to the Father. It serves as a beautiful reminder that even in the depths of suffering, there is hope. Because it was on that hill that Jesus willingly surrendered Himself for the salvation of humanity. And through His sacrifice we have the gift of an eternity spent by His side.

March 26th – Matthew 24:3 Read More »

March 19th – John 3:16

John 3:16

The reverend Billy Graham once said, “God proved His love on the Cross. When Christ hung, and bled, and died, it was God saying to the world, I love you.” There is no greater love than God’s. A love which surpasses all understanding and knows no bounds. In sending His Son, Jesus Christ, God demonstrated the great depth of His love for humanity. For Jesus’ sacrificial death and resurrection, offers forgiveness, redemption, and eternal life to all who believe in Him. It’s a love that extends to every corner of the earth, reaching out to embrace people of every nation, race, and background. And one that humbles us by the realization that He willingly gave His only Son for our salvation. This profound demonstration of love compels us to respond with gratitude, devotion, and obedience. And His love empowers us to love others with the same sacrificial love that He has shown us. May our lives reflect the transformative power of God’s love, drawing others into a relationship with Him and bringing glory to His name.

March 19th – John 3:16 Read More »

March 13th – Romans 5:8

Romans 5:8

The truth of the Gospel is a simple one. God, in His boundless love and grace, chose to send His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, as a payment for the debt we owed. Once dead in our sins and eternally separated from God, through Jesus’ sacrificial death and triumphant Resurrection, we are reconciled back to our Heavenly Father. And even more wonderful, when we receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we receive the gift of salvation. A gift not earned through our own efforts, but given freely from God’s love and grace. As we meditate on the profound significance of this truth, and get ready to celebrate Resurrection Day, may our hearts overflow with gratitude and thanksgiving. And may we be humbled by the fact that God’s love for us knows no bounds. How He willingly paid the ultimate price with the blood of His beloved Son to purchase us for His very own. So out of thankfulness, I pray our lives be a reflection of His love, as we seek to live in obedience and gratitude, forever transformed by the power of His grace.

March 13th – Romans 5:8 Read More »

March 3rd – Matthew 26:39

Matthew 26:39

The Garden of Gethsemane, known for its olive trees, was a place of pressing both for olives and Jesus Himself. For it is there where, in His humanity, our Savior grappled with the weight of what He was about to endure. So much so, that He sweat drops of His precious blood. Yet also in this garden of pressing, Jesus demonstrated His complete submission to the Father’s will, showing us the perfect example of obedience and surrender for all time. Because despite His incredible agony Jesus declared, “Not as I will, but as You will.” This amazing sweet surrender of our Lord, echoes through the ages. It stands as a beautiful reminder of the importance of submitting our own will to God’s divine purpose. As we reflect on Jesus’ surrender, we are brought to our knees in humility and gratitude at His sacrificial love. A  love so deep, Jesus was willing to endure unimaginable suffering for our sake. With hearts overflowing with love and thankfulness, let us follow His example and surrender our own wills to God. Trusting in His perfect plan and finding strength in His unfailing love.

March 3rd – Matthew 26:39 Read More »

February 4th – 1 John 4:19

1 John 4:19

We are not born naturally loving and caring about others. Instead we enter this world selfish, sinful, and thinking about only ourselves. Love is a gift given and created by God who is love. And it is His amazing love, that awakens the love inside of us. A love we can only to show to others, because He first loved us. As we grasp the depth and magnitude of God’s unfailing love, a natural response emerges within us. To love Him in return Him with all of our heart, soul, and strength. And to show that love through our words, actions, obedience, and devotion to His will. Loving God in return isn’t just an obligation; it’s a joyful privilege. It’s a love that seeks intimacy with Him, yearning to dwell in His presence and abide in His love. As we respond to God’s love with love, our lives become a living testimony of His transformative power. One that draws others into a deeper relationship with Him. Let us, therefore, embrace the call to love God fervently. Knowing that He first loved us and continues to pour out His love upon us each day.

February 4th – 1 John 4:19 Read More »

January 12th – Genesis 12:1

Genesis 12:1

When it comes to life advice I’ve always told my son, “People who never color outside the lines, lead a pretty boring life.” As is His way, sometimes God hands us the crayons and invites us to color outside the lines of our comfort box. Just like He did with Abraham. Heeding God’s call, Abraham left everything he knew to journey into the unknown. He accepted God’s invitation to embrace a new beginning, one that required unwavering trust and obedience. God’s call to Abraham reminds us that new beginnings often happen when we are willing to trust in His plans and obediently follow His lead. Especially when the path ahead is uncertain. When we trust God and step out of our comfort zone, we embark on a journey where fear transforms into faith, doubts into discoveries, and limitations into limitless possibilities. It’s a path of surrender and grace, where God unfolds His plans in ways that surpass our imagination, turning the ordinary into extraordinary.

January 12th – Genesis 12:1 Read More »

January 2nd – Proverbs 16:3

Proverbs 16:3

Living intentionally for God takes a daily commitment to make our goals and intentions line up with His. That means making sure every thought, word, and action, are in perfect rhythm with His grace and purpose. Intentional living involves cultivating a close, personal relationship with the Lord through prayer and seeking His will in every decision. It means extending love, grace, and compassion to others as a reflection of His character. And being intentional for the Lord means stewarding our time, talents, and resources in ways that honor Him. It’s a daily journey of growth, surrender, and obedience, where each step is taken with the deliberate intent of glorifying God and furthering His kingdom on earth. So as we stand on the threshold of a new year, let’s embark on a journey of intentional living. Let’s dedicate all our plans to the Lord, trusting in His wisdom, and laying a strong foundation for the year ahead. For when we do, God will establish and fulfill those plans in accordance with His greater purpose.

January 2nd – Proverbs 16:3 Read More »