“A Contradicted Man, Samson I Am” Part One

“And the people of Israel again did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, so the Lord gave them into the hand of the Philistines for forty years. There was a certain man of Zorah, of the tribe of the Danites, whose name was Manoah. And his wife was barren and had no children. And the angel of the Lord appeared to the woman and said to her, “Behold, you are barren and have not borne children, but you shall conceive and bear a son. Therefore be careful and drink no wine or strong drink, and eat nothing unclean, for behold, you shall conceive and bear a son. No razor shall come upon his head, for the child shall be a Nazirite to God from the womb, and he shall begin to save Israel from the hand of the Philistines.” Judges 13:1-5 (ESV)

When you first heard the story of Samson and Delilah what went through your mind? Did you envision a large man with huge bicep muscles holding a shapely tanned woman with them? What about the story where Samson goes into battle with the jawbone of a donkey? I wonder if you envisioned the jawbone being this huge piece of bone being held in the mighty grip of this muscular behemoth. Well let me ask you this, do you really believe this is a true vision of Samson? According to God’s word it’s not.

If we were to look at Samson right from where his mother is told “for the child shall be a Nazirite to God from the womb”, Samson’s life is not his own. But from what I’ve read he sure didn’t act like it. In the book of Numbers, there in chapter six and starting at verse two God is laying down the law concerning the Nazirite Vow. In the English Standard Bible I read this as plain as day. I do not get confused with what this vow entails and I am quite certain that if El Shaddai has singled you out for this position with Him you should follow this vow to the letter. There are no grapes for you to eat, neither fresh or dried, skin nor seed. There are no grape by-products in your diet. There shall be no razor taken to their hair or getting close to the dead. The Nazirite lives a life of separation.

When the Nazirite has the unfortunate incident of someone dying close to him (close meaning to his physical being) there are hairs to shave and birds to sacrifice. There is a period of separation and then there are more sacrifices. There is a sin offering, peace offering, grain offering and a drink offering. If we were to have this many offerings in our churches today there would be no talk of a falling away, huh? And if the Nazirite wants to go beyond his vow that he has offered then he may do so as he can afford in exact accordance with the law of the Nazirite.

This is a pretty deep vow to take. But not only is Samson supposed to be destined to live in accordance with this dedication his mother is instructed to do so during the entire time she is pregnant with Samson. So what we have here is the double whammy for Manoah and his wife. Not only are they going to be parents after being childless for a long time but they get a visit from the angel of the Lord with special instructions for what will be the last of “The Judges of Israel”. I might just get a little crazy in the head like Manoah did and want to prepare a young goat , have a feast and ask, “Oh by the way, what’s your name?”But I guess there are secrets that are not for us to know and we need to be quite content to be ignorant of them.

The key to the beginning of the story of Samson is the part where Manoah asks the angel of the Lord, “What is your name, so that, when your words come true, we may honor you?” the response is, “Why do you ask my name, seeing it is wonderful?” Manoah was afraid of what he had no faith in whereas his wife reflects a great faith. Manoah thought he would surely die after this encounter but his help mate encouraged him. In the words of Matthew Henry, “If God designed me to perish under His wrath; He would not give me tokens of His favour.” Mediate on this as you go throughout your day and I will be covering more of the contradicted man, Samson I am. – Chris Thompson blogs weekly and is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy. You can write him at cphughes515@verizon.net

Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 107-109; Galatians 6

Think About This: “Some think Peter was a big talker and cowardly. But in the Garden, when the temple guard came to arrest Jesus, he unsheathed his sword and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear (John 18:10). Not many cowards attack when they are outnumbered by enemy soldiers. So he was strong, but his strength was in his own personality, not in God’s humility, for the sifting had not yet begun. It happened just as Jesus predicted. The same bold, strong Simon Peter, ready to die for Jesus, wielding his sword in the Garden full of soldiers, was confronted by a little servant girl. He was intimidated by her and denied even knowing Jesus. Some think it is the big things that cause men to stumble. Often it is the minor ones that shake us the most. This shows the futility of self-confidence.”  The Bait of Satan  John Bevere

This Week’s Verse to Memorize: Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, For in You do I trust; Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, For I lift up my soul to You. Psalm 143:8

Never Alone in More Ways Than One

Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation? (Hebrews 1: 14 NIV)

When my daughter was two and my wife was putting her to bed, she prayed that God, “would place His angels around her.” A friend was downstairs with me when she sat straight up and said, “Chris, I’ve just seen two angels!” It had to be in her mind but she was visibly shaken. She said that they seemed quite small and that they were yellow. When my wife came down and we told her, she was pleased, but at the same time thought, “Well, I did pray it.” The next morning we quizzed my daughter. “Was anyone in your room last night?” “Yes.” “Who was it?” “It was angels.” “How many were there?” “Two.” “What color were they?” “Yellow.” “I guess they were pretty big?” “No Mom, they were only little.” I was amazed, but to my daughter it was no big deal. I guess if you really believe in something, it’s no shock when you see it.

Here is an excerpt from a letter that I once received from a teenager named Jane, “Then you sat down with an ‘empty’ chair either side of you. But they weren’t empty. On your right sat a beautiful angel, the sort I’ve seen before. Dressed in a white gown with fiery eyes and a brightness that I can only presume comes from being in God’s presence. On your left sat an amazing, well, I guess you could say, warrior angel. He was taller than the other, maybe 7 or 8 feet high when standing. He had golden armor. There were times when they both stood with their hands over you while you prayed. Sometimes one would place his hand on your shoulder. I don’t know if knowing this will mean anything to you, but I feel that God doesn’t show me these things to keep to myself. I feel ever so stupid, an unimportant new member of the church telling the pastor that God wants you to know His protection, but it must feel great to know that this big warrior is with you.”

I never felt anything either time, and I’ve never seen an angel in spirit form. Sometimes I even think that people can be too fascinated by angels. However, I have no reason to doubt what Lynn, Jane, or certainly not my little girl said because what they have told me is consistent with the Word of God. The vision has never made me arrogant. It has brought great humility, even a sense of shame when I have sinned. But it has given me great confidence as well. Some people argue that, “Where was your angel when bad stuff happened, or tragedy struck? Where was he then?” But they’re missing the point. Angels can only act in accordance with the will of God. The greatest thing about this whole thing to me is the verse at the top. They are sent to minister to those who will inherit salvation. What does that make me? If you believe the whole Book, and think it through, the angels that have helped you are as real as your salvation. I pray that God will place His angels around you today. And remember that as they watch you, at the same time, they see the face of God. Rev. Chris Thompson is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and serves in England as a Pastor. He was a speaker this summer at America’s Keswick. To watch his messages, visit our website at www.americaskeswick.org

Keswick, America’s  (2012-12-13). Real Victory for Real Life Volume 2 (Kindle Locations 8000-8026).  . Kindle Edition.

Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 105-106; Galatians 5

Think About This: Fathers and mothers, do not forget that children learn more by the eye than they do by the ear… Imitation is a far stronger principle with children than memory. What they see has a much stronger effect on their minds than what they are told. J C Ryle

This Week’s Verse to Memorize: Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, For in You do I trust; Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, For I lift up my soul to You. Psalm 143:8

So You Want To Be Like Jesus?

Romans 8:28-30; Philippians 3:10; Romans 8:16,17; 1 John 3:1–3 

I don’t like to be uncomfortable: not mentally, not emotionally, not physically, not socially and definitely not spiritually. I’d rather bathe in God’s Love. So the temptation is not to consider things which sink the boat in my bath. If I don’t read all of Romans 8:28 and include versus 29 and 30, my thinking will start stinking and my spiritual life will start sinking.

God’s definition of good and ours is not always in alignment because his purpose is to shape us to be conformed to the image of Christ. Sometimes I do a King Saul, partially obey, (1 Samuel 15) which leads to my correction and suffering (Hebrews 12:5-13). But I am encouraged even Jesus learned obedience by the things he suffered and He didn’t disobey (Hebrews 5:7-10). If you look in the gospels Jesus made submissive requests to God, The Father. Our desire and the reality of God’s purpose are not always aligned. It is why the Holy Spirit intercedes on our behalf according to God’s will (Romans 8:27).

God has called me to salvation. He determined to save me before creation and purposed to conform me to the image of Christ.  Because of that all-knowing and all-powerful decision, the conformity to the image of Christ includes the sharing in his suffering If I want to share in his glory.

In my 30s, a friend of mine was hospitalized with cancer. We prayed to God he would get well. So we cheered God on, reminding him he could do it! He didn’t. As my friend was dying he remained positive, cheerful and It gave him opportunity to point others to the Lord. Meanwhile, our prayer started to change from the natural human desire for him to live, to the supernatural desire for him to glorify Christ in the life he still had. At his funeral, many doctors, nurses and hospital workers, who found Christ, showed up; it was the result of my friend being conformed to the image of the Lord Jesus Christ. Gods purpose.

Will you join me, as I align myself with God’s purpose for me today?

Today’s Affirmation:I will be thankful for my circumstances because God is shaping me to be like Jesus. —  Pastor Bob Wood is a seasonal camper at America’s Keswick and a mentor/disciple. You can email him a Dgtbob@aol.com

Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 103-104; Galatians 4

Think About This: If you are a wanderer I tell you that the Good Shepherd will bring you back the moment you have given up trying to save yourself and are willing to let Him save you His own way. D. L. Moody

This Week’s Verse to Memorize: Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, For in You do I trust; Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, For I lift up my soul to You. Psalm 143:8

An Illustration of the Forgiveness of God

In dealing with addiction, we have many illustrations of the forgiveness of God. There have been times when you will see a man in addiction for years, then he commits himself to help, and on visit day the children run into his arms as if nothing ever happen. “It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.” (Luke 15:32) Testimonies of Jesus in the midst of recovery are prevalent in the field that I’m in, and I could use many of those illustrations. 

But I want to tell you a real personal assessment of an illustration the forgiveness of God. Early in my marriage I didn’t understand completely why things weren’t as easy as I assumed. I thought I was a good Christian, a nice friend, a productive member of society; marriage should be a piece of cake. It was the total opposite, it was hard, it was work and I wasn’t the nicest guy about all the changes.

Bitterness grew into resentment, resentment into a hardened heart and I became the husband that I despised seeing growing up. It was a nightmare, after speaking and treating my wife poorly I went to work broken and disguised. I thought this was the proverbial straw that broke the camel’s back. After a few days of separation, which it was agreed, I went home broken and walked through the door. Instead being met with papers, mean attitude, or verbal assault, my wife ran my bath water. She began to tell me that her love for God means loving me through good and bad times. She reminded me that God didn’t tell her that she was only to love me when I’m being a good Christian.

That experience totally changed my life, and my perception of the forgiveness of God. I knew in my heart I didn’t deserve that treatment and that his loves extends past my behavior. “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8,9) Chaplain Juan Mendez serves at the Colony of Mercy. He is also a graduate of the Colony. You can write him at jmendez@americaskeswick.org.

Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 100-102; Galatians 3

Think About This: There is an essential difference between the decease of the godly and the death of the ungodly. Death comes to the ungodly man as a penal infliction, but to the righteous as a summons to his Father’s palace. To the sinner it is an execution, to the saint an undressing from his sins and infirmities. Death to the wicked is the King of terrors. Death to the saint is the end of terrors, the commencement of glory. Charles Haddon Spurgeon

This Week’s Verse to Memorize: Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, For in You do I trust; Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, For I lift up my soul to You. Psalm 143:8

Believing Prayer

…call a sacred assembly. Summon the elders and all who live in the land to the house of the LORD your God, and cry out to the LORD. (Joel 1: 14 NIV)

Question: Do we really believe that God hears and answers prayer? Do we want to see the Spirit of God moving in our churches? Then my question is this: What happened to prayer?

Prayer meeting in most churches has become obsolete. If there is prayer meeting, much of our praying is praying for Aunt Susie’s sisters’s cousin’s brother who has a hang nail. I am being facetious for sure, but am I really?

When was the last time you experienced the power of God at a prayer meeting? Thankfully there are still churches like the Brooklyn Tabernacle that believe that God still wants to meet with us when we pray. George Mueller was considered one of the most successful pray-ers in Christian history. Does God only answer Mueller’s prayers? Absolutely not.

God did amazing things in the book of Acts when people prayed. Mueller wrote in his journal, “God will show up for prayer meetings, if only the people will.” The late Norman Grubb said, “Prayer meetings are dead affairs when they are merely asking sessions. There is adventure, hope and life when they are BELIEVING sessions, and the faith is corporately, practically and deliberately affirmed.

Hey, I am not attacking your PASTOR and your prayer meeting. What I am suggesting is that God wants to do so much more, and He longs to meet us when we pray corporately and cry out to Him with believing faith. Are we willing enough to be a part of another revival in our day? Are we willing to PUSH – Pray Until Something Happens? Think about it. Dr. Bill Welte is President/CEO of America’s Keswick

Keswick, America’s  (2012-12-13). Real Victory for Real Life Volume 2 (Kindle Locations 7409-7428).  Kindle Edition.

Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 97-99; Galatians 2

Think About This: Because children have abounding vitality, because they are in spirit fierce and free, therefore they want things repeated and unchanged. They always say, “Do it again”; and the grown-up person does it again until he is nearly dead. For grown-up people are not strong enough to exult in monotony. But perhaps God is strong enough to exult in monotony. It is possible that God says every morning, “Do it again” to the sun; and every evening, “Do it again” to the moon. It may not be automatic necessity that makes all daisies alike; it may be that God makes every daisy separately, but has never got tired of making them. It may be that He has the eternal appetite of infancy; for we have sinned and grown old, and our Father is younger than we. Gilbert Keith G. K. Chesterton

This Week’s Verse to Memorize: Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, For in You do I trust; Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, For I lift up my soul to You. Psalm 143:8

We Won’t Get Fooled Again

“To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: Which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”  Colossians 1:27

There are many proclamations in the Bible that refer to a standing that’s made available to every believer. In other words there is many riches in Christ that belong to us as a believer in Jesus, they are all made available but if we’re honest we don’t live as if they are all true. When I come across a truth or promise in the scriptures that refer to every Christian it then becomes a recipe for living in victory. I use the word recipe because like anything that is on paper, can only become a reality when I follow the instructions. One of my favorite promises of God is Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose”. So we see that the recipe is for “all things to work together for good”, the key ingredient is “love God” and be sure we are “called to according to His purpose”.

I’ve been studying the book of Hebrews and it is heavy on the aspect of our justification and the faith we are given to believe that Christ Jesus died once for all, and His death is sufficient for our salvation. But it can’t stop there, if my faith is the vehicle then hope becomes the fuel, the destination is love. To love God first, I think it’s important to know “we love Him because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19) and what He has done for us. When I consider that my eyes have been open and my heart is able to be soften to see His purpose in my life and then recognize He’s given me the power to live according to His purpose my response is to Love Him.

I think the first letter to the Corinthian church was written to remind the believers of their identity in Christ. We’re told in the first chapter “But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty”, so if we have exchanged our ways for His ways and live according to His purpose “We won’t get fooled again”. To walk in wisdom is to know that even if we do foolish things when we work it out in God’s economy He takes our wrongs and uses them for the good. If I can learn from my mistakes and offer them to God, He exchanges them for good. So In that sense we can’t be fooled again, if we are following the recipe which is obedience that is fueled by faith and hope. Paul tells us in his letter to the Colossians “if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister”.

So, if loving God is a problem, read 1 John chapter 4, it’s a good recipe, “Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ” Philippians 1:6.

“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it. 1 Thessalonians 5:23,24 – Rob Russomano is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and serves full-time at America’s Keswick. You can email him at rrussomano@americaskeswick.org

Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 89-90; 1 Peter 4

Think About This: The Christian path is not about defining God but of enlarging our idea of God.  Even with the help of doctrine, ritual, good deeds, and moral certainties, without the experience of God’s mercy and forgiveness, we do not really know who God is. Thomas Keating

This Week’s Verse to Memorize: Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. ⁸ Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. James 4:7-8

Guard Your Heart

Proverbs 4:3; John 7:38; John 16:7-11, 1 John 1:8-2:1 

My sin cost God personally; His Son shed His own blood for me. I am a sinner saved by God’s grace. Unfortunately I still have the capacity to enslave myself to sin.  I must not sin against The God who loves me so (Romans 5:8). 

What are the Bible terms for sin so I can measure myself against Bible truth?

Below are key terms:

Transgression, Psalm. 51:1; Romans 2:23: an act that goes against a law, rule, or code of conduct: an offense.

Iniquity, Romans 1:21-23: immoral or grossly unfair behavior.

Error, Romans 1:18; 1 John 3:4: The state or condition of being wrong in conduct or judgment.

Missing The Mark, Romans 3:23: off the target in thought or conduct.

Trespass, Ephesians 2:1: commit an offense (against a person or set of rules) first against God and then others.

Lawlessness, 1 Timothy 1:9: not governed by or obedient to laws; characterized by a lack of civic order.

Unbelief, John 16:9: lack of religious belief; an absence of faith.

God, The Holy Spirit will help me (John 16:7,8). My habit must be to confess my sin and  forsake it as soon as the Holy Spirit makes me aware of it.

God knows my sin so why confess (Hebrews 4:13)? When I confess I name my sin to God; I agree with Him (1John 1:8-2:1;John 13:10). I am no longer chained to my sin (Psalm 32:5) and God has promised He will never bring it up (Psalm 103:8-14)! Emotionally, my closeness to God and my fellowship with him is restored. I am no longer feeling like a dead man rather I am alive in the resurrection life of Christ (Galatians 2:20). I can celebrate the power of the blood of Christ and the unfailing faithfulness of God’s love for me. Joy unspeakable Joy, praise God!

Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil to join His purpose I must be aware of my potential to sin and deal with it immediately. This is how I guard my heart.

Will you guard your heart along with me today?

Today’s Affirmation: I will, with the Holy Spirit’s help, guard my heart.

Pastor Bob Wood is a seasonal camper at America’s Keswick and a pastoral mentor/disciple. You can email him at Dgtbob@col.com

Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 87-88; 1 Peter 3

Think About This: Your faith will not fail while God sustains it; you are not strong enough to fall away while God is resolved to hold you. —J.I. Packer

This Week’s Verse to Memorize: Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. ⁸ Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. James 4:7-8

In Christ

“In that day you shall know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you.” (John 14:20)

The phrase “in Christ” is thrown around a lot in our Christian circles. Like most overused statements, it becomes cliché and ineffective. New life “in Christ” should be more than just a statement; it should be lifestyle.

Recently this union in Christ became even more real to me while proceeding through a situation that was out my control. The problem was not my issue, but someone else’s poor decisions became my problem. Quickly (I wish it were quicker) I grasped the reality that I am in a perfect position in Christ, and at that moment a peace came over me, knowing that nothing can separate me from my relationship with Christ.

From that point, my right thinking began to match my righteousness that is in Christ. And when you know who you are, the promises and encouragement from God’s Word become real, not only on paper, but in your personal life. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. (Eph. 2:10)

This is right thinking and right thinking produces right living. We don’t have to live righteously because it earns us favor or fulfills a moral code. We live uprightly because we are in Christ and since, because of that union in Christ, we are the righteousness of God.

Since the fall, God has been pursuing that complete peace and togetherness with us. At the cross all this was completed, there is reason to celebrate, that reason is that when we are in Christ our name is written in the Lambs Book of Life.  – Chaplain Juan Mendez is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and now serves there as a Chaplain. You can email him at jmendez@americaskeswick.org

Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 84-86; 1 Peter 2

Think About This: Modern church worship is characterized by an exaltation of the self, but authentic worship is marked by an emptying of ourselves. —Jared Wilson

This Week’s Verse to Memorize: Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. ⁸ Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. James 4:7-8

Strength In Weakness

Mark 1:9-10, 12

In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And when He came up out of the water, immediately He saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on Him like a dove.

The Spirit immediately drove him into the wilderness.

Jesus was by, “The Spirit immediately drove (pushed with force) out into the wilderness.”

The Spirit here is likened to a dove, perhaps the most tender of all God’s creation. To be pushed out with force by a dove? Such a wonderful picture of meekness is to be found in our Lord. How can omnipotent power dwell in the same vessel as such humility? Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah to our God!

Pondering this has caused me to examine myself. I have come to realize that more often than not, I rely on my own strength instead of the power of God. I walk around feeling that “I am a man and no one is going to drive me anywhere.” God created us (men) to be leaders and built us to be strong. It is counter intuitive for us to be weak, and to boast in our weakness seems foolish.

Being weak may seem absurd but we must remember what Proverbs 14:12 tells us; “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.”

You see my brother, all things must be measured according to the truth of the Holy Scriptures and here is the truth; though it may seem foolish to be weak, we cannot be strong until we are.

Alan Redpath writes “I would that helplessness might be the attitude of all of us…..because conscious weakness is always a prerequisite for heavenly reinforcement.”

We read in 1 Cor 1:20b “Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?” There are seasons in the life of a Christian that almost everything he thinks is wise is actually foolish and what looks foolish is couched firmly in the will of God. Men, forget what was your worldly wisdom, set aside your great strength and let us cry to the world, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.” Psalm 20:7.

I wonder in our lives how often we do not let the gentle dove (the Spirit of God) drive us out with force to here or there, for a taste of heaven. How often do we miss the blessings He has for us due to our great strength? Pray that you may no longer be so great at being strong.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Rejoice! God knew our obstinacy before we were redeemed and will not give up on us now. As we draw near unto Him our frames of dust and self-dependence will be made more and more apparent. We will grow in grace and as we do we’ll grow in weakness and in weakness in power and when His power rests upon us all things will be possible. – Troy Fink is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and serves with Chaplain Bill Pruitt at NEW HOPE PHILLY. You can email Troy at tfink916@gmail.com

Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 81-83; 1 Peter 1

Think About This: “Pride is the sin of competing with God.” John MacArthur

This Week’s Verse to Memorize: Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. ⁸ Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. James 4:7-8

This Week’s Verse to Memorize: Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. ⁸ Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. James 4:7-8

Obedience – It’s Worth It

The “obedience” word has come up this summer in so many messages during our 2015 Live Courageously conferences. If you would like to watch some great Bible teaching, visit our website www.americaskeswick.org  and you can watch the archives.

Our teens sure take a hit when it comes to disobedience. But one of the sad things that I have observed these past couple of years is that parents don’t realize how much we model disobedience to our kids.

We live in the 5^th largest senior community in the country and in the villages surrounding us, we learned that only the visitors have to stop at the stop signs. Stops signs are not for the residents. And we wonder why so many fender benders.

We have a law in NJ that requires anyone under the age of 17 to wear a helmet when riding a bike, skateboard or scooter. We’ve been challenged all summer by the parents as to why we are asking their kids to obey the law.

I have shared this quote with you on a number of occasions from Pastor Tim Shorey: “Obedience is doing everything you are told to do IN THE RIGHT WAY (with the right heart attitude inwardly), RIGHT AWAY (immediately) and ALL THE WAY (do a complete job.)

Dr. Paul Tripp says, “for the believer, obedience is not a pain but a joy. Each act of obedience celebrates the grace that motivates and empowers it.”

He reminds us that sinners:

• Tend not to esteem authority
• Like to write their own rules
• Are good at convincing themselves that their wrongs are not that wrong
• Tend to believe in their own autonomy
• Tend to think that they are wiser than they are
• Tend to have a moral code that is formed more by their dreams than by God’s law
• Tend to crave what God has prohibited
• Tend to opt for short-term pleasure over long-term gain
• Tend to rebel rather than submit

Obedience is God’s way. There is great freedom when we obey, first of all, those things that God expects of us, and then when we submit to those who are in authority over us.

I like what Paul Tripp says: “Smile when you obey; you are experiencing the riches of grace. Give thanks when you submit; you are being rescued by grace. Celebrate when you make the right choice; you are being transformed by grace. Sing for joy when you serve God’s purposes; you have just been given evidence of the presence of redeeming grace.” (New Morning Mercies – Crossway)

How are you doing in the area of obedience? Are there areas right now where you need to submit to authority? Are you modeling obedience for your children? Think about it! – Bill Welte is President/CEO of America’s Keswick

Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 79-80; Acts 28

Think About This: Only in obedience can we discover the great joy of the will of God. —Sinclair Ferguson

This Week’s Verse to Memorize: Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. ⁸ Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. James 4:7-8