HSM Journal

Thursday, November 09, 2006

Why is Obedience Better than Sacrifice?

We are already near the end of this year. Last January, there was a revelation that God's move this year is CHANGE. It is a refreshing revelation because of what's happening around us. We often think that there's no more hope anymore. Our country seems to be going down the drain, relationships break, hatred and anger are so prevalent in people's lives. When I heard that word last January, I prayed about it in relation to an important person in my life. But I wondered if that word will also be applied in my own life. Now I claim that it does apply.

Travelling life's road may have been hard for me. The people who really know me have seen my ups and downs. I have experienced tough times which turned out to be God's testing of my faith. I know I do not have the worst situation because the Lord gave me trials which I could bear yet when I experienced rigid shakings, I was unable to control my tears. As a human being, I am not exempt from these things...much more because I am a guidance counselor. This allows me to understand my clients more and provide appropriate interventions.
Even with these testimonies, I was not living a thoroughly victorious life. Something is hindering my full bloom as a daughter of God. And I know what that is.God has been talking to me recently through Bible-reading, reflection, midweek service, Sunday sermon, and even normal conversations. In the church, we are studying the life of Abraham. He's known to be the father of faith and God blessed him so greatly because he was willing to give up many things. The call for Christians this time is to discover the calling of God, give up things/situations/people/habits that will hinder God's abundant blessings. As I was meditating, I know what God is specifically asking from me. He has been speaking for a long time yet I was also disregarding that still, small voice of the Holy Spirit.

This time around, I have made a decision. And with decision comes so many testings. There are different kinds of attacks that the enemy is throwing at me. I am aware that I am in a spiritual battle. I know I am weak, but I wear the full armor of Jesus because He will fight for me. The only great thing about this is that I know I have decided to bring joy to God's heart. This is for my good, and the good of those I love. For a long period of time I have become just like the Israelites to whom God showed His faithfulness, yet remained to be stiff-necked.

I know I am not a perfect person. Yet what's good about letting God control my life is that He is changing me from glory to glory. Feelings and thoughts may be negative, yet He is concerned with my attitude and character.

I may have stumbled, yet I did not fall. Thankfully God is giving me this chance to renew my ways. I know something good is going to happen. All my dreams and plans will be fulfilled in His time. This obedience is a turning point of all the aspects of my life (mental, physical, emotional, spiritual, including my relationships with loved ones.) By faith i declare it.

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It's really important to look at our own lives and correct whatever does not glorify God. Sometimes all of us look at others' lives and formulate our own prejudices. We even misjudge our own families, loved ones, and friends. Too bad it isn't helping another person in any way. Yeah, others may have hurt our expectations, values, and beliefs but the best thing to do is pray for them. I've been spreading this suggestion but some people do not like this idea because they told me that the poeple who offended them are not worthy of their prayers and forgiveness. Hmmm, who are we anyway? I've been tested on this matter many times. Often I've been misjudged by having a forgiving heart. But I do not do this for myself. I am only obeying what God has commanded in His word. My master is not myself or any other person. My Master is Jesus. That's why even though the idea is unacceptable, obedience is still better than sacrifice. I will obey Him, whether I like it or not because His approval and delight is what matters, not the approval of people around me.

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What is it that God is calling you to do? What is it that God is telling you to give up so that He can pour His anointing and blessing? Let's reflect on this devotion:

James 4:8 - Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

There may be times when God seems far away. You may feel as if your prayers go unheard. James said that there is a simple reason for this and a solution. If you are far from God, it is because your sin has separated you from Him. God is unchanging. His character stays absolutely holy. His faithfulness remains constant; it is we who change. We allow sin into our lives. We choose our own direction. We spend less and less time with Him in Bible study and prayer.

Drawing near to God requires you to take two actions. First, you must cleanse your hands. You must cleanse your way of living. If you have been actively engaged in sin, you must renounce it. If you have been doing something to offend or hurt someone, you must make it right. Second, you are to purify your heart. You must make certain your attitudes, thoughts, and motives are right in God's eyes and are in harmony with God's Word. Jesus warned that you cannot serve two masters. It is impossible to love anything else as much as you love God and still please Him. (Experiencing God day-by-day, p.210)

Praise God, I am part of God's move of CHANGE this year. I pray that all of us will submit to that. Listen and OBEY. A wonderful and victorious life ahead!

Source: Rizza Amaya
Date : September 11, 2006

Posted by HIS Shelter Ministries :: Thursday, November 09, 2006 :: 0 Comments:

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