Posts with the tag “obedience”

 Stretch Forth Your HandJesus knew the critical thoughts of the religious leaders. He understood their hostility. Yet He did not allow their reaction to dictate His obedience to the Father. He called ...  Read More

From Spectator to WitnessLevi the tax collector heard Jesus say, "Follow me." He left his tax booth immediately. He did not just become a spectator. He prepared a feast and invited his friends to meet...  Read More

The Leaking Hose and the TapeA young man stood over a broken car engine. A cracked hose was leaking coolant. A mechanic pointed to the problem and said, "You need to replace that hose." But the young ...  Read More

 New Wine in Old WineskinsJesus gave another picture. He said no one puts new wine into old wineskins. New wine ferments and creates pressure. Old wineskins have already been stretched. They become br...  Read More

The Son of Man’s AuthorityThe scribes and Pharisees accused Jesus of blasphemy in their hearts. They reasoned that only God can forgive sins. Jesus perceived their thoughts and answered them. He asked...  Read More

 Nets, Not a NetJesus commanded Simon to let down his nets. Simon replied that he would let down the net. This may seem like a small difference. But it reveals a hesitant, partial obedience. Simon was...  Read More

The Word "Nevertheless"After teaching, Jesus turned to Simon. He told the tired fisherman to launch into the deep and let down his nets. Simon was the expert. He had fished all night and caught nothin...  Read More

Now God Brought HimDaniel purposed in his heart to obey. Then God went to work. Scripture says God brought Daniel into favor with the official. Daniel could not control the official's heart, but God c...  Read More

Purposed in His HeartDaniel was taken from his home and placed in the king's palace. He was given a new name and enrolled in a new school. The king offered him the best food and wine. But Daniel had a...  Read More

The Barrel That Did Not Run OutElijah found the widow gathering sticks for her last meal. He asked her for bread, though she had only a handful of flour and a little oil. His request seemed unreasonab...  Read More

Today This Scripture is FulfilledJesus finished reading from Isaiah. He rolled up the scroll. He handed it back to the attendant. Every eye in the synagogue was fixed on Him. He sat down and spoke. He...  Read More

A Crown Without a CrossSatan showed Jesus all the kingdoms of the world. He saw every throne, every palace, and every army. The enemy offered it all to Him. “All this authority I will give You,” he sa...  Read More

 Stones and Hot BiscuitsJesus was hungry. He had fasted for forty days in the wilderness. His body was weak. Satan came to Him and said, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread....  Read More

 Building a Boat for 100 Years God told Noah to build a massive boat. There was no ocean nearby and no rain in sight. For nearly a century, Noah built. He faced critics and worked without applause. He...  Read More

A Name on God’s Hands Luke lists 77 names in his genealogy. Over half of them are unknown. They never preached a sermon or killed a giant. They left no highlight reel. They were just names on a list. ...  Read More

 Obedience Without NegotiationThe Lord’s instructions are not always accompanied by a full explanation. He asked His disciples to perform a simple yet strange task: untie a donkey and bring it to Him....  Read More

 The King Who Walked Forward PurposefullyJesus was not a victim being dragged toward a tragic end. He was a King moving with resolve toward a divine assignment. He knew the suffering that awaited Him ...  Read More

The Personal Question of ConvictionTrue conviction moves us from general observation to personal application. It shifts our focus from what others are doing to what God is asking of us. This is the mo...  Read More

 Intentional Parenting for Spiritual GrowthThe Son of God did not skip childhood; He grew under the roof of Mary and Joseph. Luke summarizes these "hidden years" by noting that "the child grew, and wa...  Read More

 The Submitting Savior's Perfect ObedienceReflect on the profound truth that Jesus, the very Author of the Law, willingly submitted to its requirements from His earliest days. From His circumcision on...  Read More

Obedience Reveals the Strength of Your FoundationBoth the wise and foolish builders heard Jesus’ words, but only the wise put them into practice. Life’s storms; trials, temptations, and disappointment...  Read More

Obedience Springs from a Heart Transformed by GodTrue Christian obedience is not about checking off a list of rules or performing religious duties out of obligation. Instead, it is the natural overflo...  Read More

Obedience Precedes the MiracleGod’s provision often waits on the other side of our obedience. Ruth’s decision to follow Naomi, the widow’s willingness to give her last meal, and the oil widow’s act of...  Read More