How to obey God's Word

Scripture

Psalm 119: 34-40

Give me understanding and I will obey your instructions; I will put them into practice with all my heart. Make me walk along the path of your commands, for that is where my happiness is found. Give me an eagerness for your laws rather than a love for money! Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word. Reassure me of your promise, made to those who fear you. Help me abandon my shameful ways; for your regulations are good. I long to obey your commandments! Renew my life with your goodness. (NLT)

Observation

I love the request made by David.

1. Give me understanding of your word so I can obey your instructions

2. Make me walk along the path of your commands.

3. Give me an eagerness for your laws

4. Reassure me of your promise

5. Help me abandon my shameful ways

6. I long to obey your commandments.

Application

The truth is unless God gives me the ability to obey his word, I cannot do it.  Will power, self control, trying harder, making more promises will no work.  Self effort always fails.  I need to be spirit- filled, led, and empowered.  God gives me the ability to obey his commands.  He wants me to be obedient more than I want to.  The key to obedience is Him, my relationship with the Father.

Prayer

1. Help me to understand your word so I can obey your instructions.

2. Make me walk along the path of your commandments

3. Give me an eagerness for your laws

4. Reassure me of your promises

5. Help me to abandon my shameful ways

6. I long to obey your commands

Do it in me, please!!!!!!!!

How can I be pleasing to God

Scripture

Psalms 119:9-11

How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word. I have tried hard to find you— don’t let me wander from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. ( NLT)

How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. ( ESV)

Observation 

This passage answers the question: How can I stay pure?  How can I defeat sin?

1. Obeying the word of God

2. Seek God with your whole heart.

3. Hide God's word in my heart

Application

Love, learn, and live God's word

Read, journal, memorize, speak the Bible.

Make it a part of my daily life

Seek God in prayer, pray in the spirit, pursue his presence.

My purity is a work of the Holy Spirit in my life.  As I spend time in prayer and in the word, the Holy Psirit will transform me, change me, break and mold me.  

Prayer

May I spend more time in prayer and more time in the word.  As I do, I ask that you make me pure and pleasing to you.

Giving Honor

Scripture 

2 Samuel 1: 19, 21-24

Your pride and joy, O Israel, lies dead on the hills! Oh, how the mighty heroes have fallen!

O mountains of Gilboa, let there be no dew or rain upon you, nor fruitful fields producing offerings of grain. For there the shield of the mighty heroes was defiled; the shield of Saul will no longer be anointed with oil. The bow of Jonathan was powerful, and the sword of Saul did its mighty work. They shed the blood of their enemies and pierced the bodies of mighty heroes. How beloved and gracious were Saul and Jonathan! They were together in life and in death. They were swifter than eagles, stronger than lions. O women of Israel, weep for Saul, for he dressed you in luxurious scarlet clothing, in garments decorated with gold. (NLT)

Observation

It is understandable that David mourned for Jonathon, he was his best friend.  They loved each otherm they were close.  Yet David also mourned for Saul.  Saul was David's enemy, he tried to kill David on several occassions.  David truly grieved the death of his enemy.

David honored his king.  He did not agree with every decision that Saul made or endorsed Saul's lack of character but David honored the king, the man who held the position.

Application

I need to honor those in authority over me. I may not agree with every decision they make or even like the person, but I can honor the position of authority and honor the person who holds the position.  I may not respect the person but I can honor them.

1. Keep my tongue.

Don't speak evil against leadership.

2. Try to influence for good.

3 humble myself

Truth is I make bad decisions and lack character.  I should not hold my leaders at a higher standard than I hold myself. 

Prayer

 I have been guilty of speaking evil of my leadership, not being supportive, and not honoring them completely.  I can say one thing to their face and another when they are not present.  I can get glee when the president fails regardless if it is best,  I just want him to fail.  This is wrong and it is evil.  I ask for forgiveness and cleansing. Change my heart.

Jesus is fighting for you

Scripture

Psalm 118: 14-16

The LORD is my strength and my song; he has given me victory. Songs of joy and victory are sung in the camp of the godly. The strong right arm of the LORD has done glorious things! The strong right arm of the LORD is raised in triumph. The strong right arm of the LORD has done glorious things! (NLT)

Observation

1. God is my strength.

He gives me the power to live for him, to be pure, to fulfill his will.

2. God is my song.

He is my joy, my reason for living, my love, passion.  He gives me life.

3.  He is my victory

Because of Him I can defeat the devil, overcome sin, bring him glory.

4. His strong right arm is on my side.

This is a visual of a powerful, victorious, strong soldier, warrior.  Jesus is fighting for me, interceding for me.

Application

1. I rest in and trust in his providence.

He is in complete control, guiding me, leading me, caring for me, providing for me.

2. I can live victoriously.

He gives me the victory.  Jesus is fighting for me.  He is my advocate.  He is my defender.  Whom shall I fear?  If God is for me, who can be against me?

3. I find joy in my relationship with Jesus.

This world cannot satisfy.  Fame, wealth, power all fall short and leave me empty but Jesus fills me with life, passion, and joy.  He makes life worth living.

4. Life is lived by faith, trusting and depending upon Jesus.

Prayer

I do trust you, need you, and depend upon you.  You are my life, my joy, my only thing, my everything, my all in all.  You give me victory, provide for me, are my joy. I depend upon you, worship you.  Give you all the glory, honor, and praise.

What does God reward?

Scripture

1 Samuel 24:17-21

And he said to David, “You are a better man than I am, for you have repaid me good for evil. Yes, you have been amazingly kind to me today, for when the LORD put me in a place where you could have killed me, you didn’t do it. Who else would let his enemy get away when he had him in his power? May the LORD reward you well for the kindness you have shown me today. And now I realize that you are surely going to be king, and that the kingdom of Israel will flourish under your rule. Now swear to me by the LORD that when that happens you will not kill my family and destroy my line of descendants!” (NLT)

Observation

Your character is displayed in the unexpectant times.  David had an opportunity to kill his enemy Saul but he didn't.  He spared his life and trusted God for his future.

1. David repaid good for evil.

2. David showed kindness to a man who try to kill him.

3. God rewarded David.

4. David became king without killing Saul.

5. David won the hearts of the people.

Application

1.  Do good to those who do evil to me.

2. Never take vengeance.

3. Never seek position

4. Trust God to take care of my enemies

5. Trust God to get me where he wants me when he wants me there.

Prayer

Father develop that kind of character in me.  May my faith in you be so strong that I will show kindness to my enemies and trust you with my future.

What makes a person rich?

Scripture

Proverbs 15:17

A bowl of vegetables with someone you love is better than steak with someone you hate. ( NLT)

Observation

I desire to be rich in relationships. This proverb teaches me that people will bring more satisfaction than things.  I like a good steak but I would rather eat a fair meal with good friends than a good meal with people I do not enjoy being with.  Life about relationships not things.

Application

1. Invest in my relationships.

We are told to invest financially for retirement and there is wisdom in that but the most important investments I will make are into my family and friends.  

2. Prioritize my relationships.

Jesus, Cathy, kids, family, friends, personnel

Prayer

Father, help me get the first thing first.  I don't want to spend my life accumulating material things but I want to have rich, deep, meaningful relationships.

Freedom!!!!!!!

Scripture

John 8: 31-32, 34-36

Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave of sin. A slave is not a permanent member of the family, but a son is part of the family forever. So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free. (NLT)

Observation

1. Disciples remain faithful to Jesus teaching.

2. Know the truth

3. The truth (Jesus) will set me free.

4. Everyone who sins is a slave to sin,

5. I am not a slave but a son.

6. When Jesus sets someone free, they are completely free.

Application

1. Know who I am.

I am a child of God, a joint heir with Jesus, I have been adopted into God's family.

2. Know the truth

A. Truth is a person. Jesus is the truth.  Abide in him, focus on my relationship with Jesus.

B. Know the Bible. It is the Word of God and the standard of all truth.  Love it, learn it, live it.

3. Believe I am free.

By faith receive the freedom that Jesus has provided for me.  I am completely, truly free.  I am free indeed!

Prayer

Thank you for loving and setting me free.  Thank you for adopting me into your family.  Thank you for setting me free from the bondage and slavery to sin.  I ask that you deliver me today from all unrighteousness.  I ask that you set me free and that I live as a free person not a slave.  It is for freedom I are been set free.

He still loves you

Scripture

Proverbs 15:11

Even Death and Destruction hold no secrets from the LORD. How much more does he know the human heart! (NLT)

Observation

The human heart is deceitful.  I tend to think I am better than I really am.  I can overestimate my goodness and underestimate the goodness of others.  I compare myself with those that I know I will come out favorably.  I give myself the benefit of the doubt but point my finger at others.

God is not fooled by me.  He knows the true condition of my heart, affections, purity, and devotion.

He sees the real me.  I do not have secrets from God.

Application

1. Come to God with boldness. 

He already sees me at my worst and chooses to love me. 

2. Received my value from Him.  

I can have confidence in his acceptance of me because he knows the real me.

3. Ask the Holy Spirit to examine me.

I can fool myself so I need the Holy Spirit to reveal the real me to me.

4. Have compassion on others.

I must be a person of mercy and grace.

Prayer

Thank you for loving me even at my worse,  I don't have to hide things from you because you know everything about me and you still love me.  I take great comfort in that, receive great confidence.  You make me who I am.  It is all because of you.

How to overcome a low self esteem

Scripture

1 Samuel 15: 17, 24-25, 30

And Samuel told him, “Although you may think little of yourself, are you not the leader of the tribes of Israel? The LORD has anointed you king of Israel.

Then Saul admitted to Samuel, “Yes, I have sinned. I have disobeyed your instructions and the LORD’s command, for I was afraid of the people and did what they demanded. But now, please forgive my sin and come back with me so that I may worship the LORD.”

Then Saul pleaded again, “I know I have sinned. But please, at least honor me before the elders of my people and before Israel by coming back with me so that I may worship the LORD your God.” (NLT)

Observation

The power of how we see ourselves.  When Samuel came to anoint Saul as king he hid in the baggage.  His low self esteem affecting him throughout his reign.  Here we see Samuel saying

1. Although you think little of yourself.

Then we see Saul being concerned about his image.

2. Honor me before the elders.

God made Saul a king, filled him with his spirit, anointed him for service and to prophecy but Saul never saw himself this way.  He spent his time as king hiding in the baggage and trying to make himself look good to others. Saul destroyed himself.  He is an example of self destruction.

Application

1. My identity comes from whose I am not my position, title, material wealth, or reputation.

I am a new creation, joint heir of Jesus, a child of God.  I see myself as God sees me.

2. I minister out of who God has made me not my skills and abilities.

God anoints his servants to fulfill His purpose for their lives.  I minister from the anointing not my talent.  This protects me from low self esteem because I depend upon God for productivity.  It also protects me from pride because Jesus gets all the glory.  I cannot take any credit.

3. My relationship with Jesus is everything and the only thing.

Who I am in Jesus is what I depend upon, I will fail and fall short.  Jesus is faithful and more than able.

Prayer

Father I receive my identity from you. I am significant because you adopted me, made me a member of your family. It is not based upon my image, achievements, or reputation.  It is based upon whose I am.  Thank you for choosing me, loving me, giving me your name.  I love you for it.

Jesus will satisfy your thirst

Scripture

John 7:37-39

On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’” (When he said “living water,” he was speaking of the Spirit, who would be given to everyone believing in him. But the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet entered into his glory.) (NLT)

Observation

1. Jesus will quinch my thirst.  

Anyone who is thirsty can come to Jesus.

2. Jesus' satisfies my thirst by giving me the Holy Spirit.

The living water Jesus speaks of is the gift of the Holy Spirit who resides in me.

3. The Holy Spirit is a river of living water.

I do not have to go through dry or barren seasons.  There is a river flowing in my heart.  The Holy Spirit keeps my relationship with Jesus fresh, pure, and in season.

4. I drink of this water daily and continually.

Application

1. Abide daily and continually.

I spend a block of time with Jesus everyday but I also stay connected to Jesus throughout the day.

2. Don't look to conferences, places, or certain ministers to fill me. Look to the Holy Spirit that resides in me.

I don't run to and fro looking for a touch of God.  I go to Jesus and drink from the river.

3. Look to Jesus to satisfy my thirst.

This world, Wealth, position, fame, or anything else can satisfy me. Only Jesus can satisfy my soul.

Prayer

I come to you today to drink from your river.  Give me living water, satisfy my thirst.  I ask to live the Abundant life you provided for me.

God will never reject you

Scripture

1 Samuel 12: 19-22

“Pray to the LORD your God for us, or we will die!” they all said to Samuel. “For now we have added to our sins by asking for a king.” “Don’t be afraid,” Samuel reassured them. “You have certainly done wrong, but make sure now that you worship the LORD with all your heart, and don’t turn your back on him. Don’t go back to worshiping worthless idols that cannot help or rescue you—they are totally useless! The LORD will not abandon his people, because that would dishonor his great name. For it has pleased the LORD to make you his very own people. (NLT)

Observation

1. The Israelties sinned against God and rejected him by asking for a king.

2. Even in their sin God did not reject them.

They deserved to be rejected and punished

3. He will not dishonor his name for it pleased him to make us his own.

If God rejected us it would cause him to break his own promise. He promised to never leave us for forsake us.  His love for us is pure. He will discipline his children but he will never reject them.

4. I am to worship the Lord with all my heart.

My greatest command is to love the Lord my God with all my heart, mind, soul, and strength.

5. Do not turn my back on him or to go back to my old sins, life.

God will never reject me but I have the free will to reject him.  I can turn my back on him.  I am a free will agent.

Application

1. Seek God and love him with all my heart, mind, soul, and strength.

Loving Jesus passionately and extrvagantly is the key to my life.  It is all about relationship.

2. God is faithful even when I am unfaithful, so when I turn from him repent and seek him more.

I never give up seeking Jesus.  He will never reject me.  His will always love me.

3. Accept God's discipline as an act of love that is for my own good.

He disciplines me because he loves me.

Prayer

I am like the Israelites, I have rejected and failed you.  But you are always faithful and true to me.  Forgive me for my sins. I love you much.  I seek you with all my heart,  be found by me today.

Speak softly and do not carry a big stick

Scripture

Proverbs 15:3

A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare. (NLT)

A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. (ESV)

Observation

A soft gentle disposition earns favor.  My demeanor is key to people skills.  If I am soft and gentle by nature it will turn away anger.  But if my words are harsh it has the opposit affect.  People will oppose me.  It is difficult to oppose a gentle spirit who speaks soft words.

Harsh- ungentle and unpleasant in action or effect: harsh treatment; harsh manners.

grim or unpleasantly severe; stern; cruel; austere: a harsh life; a harsh master.

Application

1. Have a gentle spirit.  Gentleness is a fruit of the spirit and it means the ability to control my emotions.

2. Do not speak  severe, stern or cruel words to others.  Speak softly.

3. How I treat people will be how I am treated.

I can become short with people especially when I am tired or frustrated.  I cannot let that happen.

4. Learn to withdraw when need to.

5. Don't confront when frustrated.

It is best to confront quickly before things build up inside of me.

Prayer

 Teach me to be gentle in spirit and to speak softly. Do not aslow my emotions to get out of control. Give me rest and produce your character in me.  Enable me to excel in people skills.

What does God expect from you?

Scripture

John 6:28-29

They replied, “We want to perform God’s works, too. What should we do?” Jesus told them, “This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent.” ( NLT)

Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.” (NIV)

Observation

What does God expect of me?  What work does God want me to do?

Jesus gives the answer:

Believe in the one God sent, Jesus.

Faith in Jesus is the key to everything.  It is the key to holiness, believing that Jesus will make me holy.  It is the key to productive ministry, believing that Jesus will produce fruit for our labor.  It is the key to worship, believing he is who he says he is.  Belief in Jesus is my work.  Faith is Christ is my one thing. I focus on my relationship with Jesus, that is my everything.  Everything in my life revolves around Him.

Application

1. Abide every morning.

2. Stay connected to him throughout the day.

3. Make my relationship with Jesus the number one priority of my life.

4. Fall in love with Jesus over and over again.

Prayer

I love you.  You are my everything, my only thing, my all in all.  I want to know you more, experience your presence more, be pleasing to you.

Prayer is multifaceted

Scripture

1 Samuel 1: 15-17, 23

“Oh no, sir!” she replied. “I haven’t been drinking wine or anything stronger. But I am very discouraged, and I was pouring out my heart to the LORD. Don’t think I am a wicked woman! For I have been praying out of great anguish and sorrow.” “In that case,” Eli said, “go in peace! May the God of Israel grant the request you have asked of him.”

“Whatever you think is best,” Elkanah agreed. “Stay here for now, and may the LORD help you keep your promise. ” So she stayed home and nursed the boy until he was weaned. (NLT)

Observation

1. She prayed the desire of her heart.

She was not praying from her head but her heart.  She was passionate, expressive, full of emotion.

2. God uses a wicked priest to bring blessing.

God can use anyone he chooses to bring blessing into my life. He controls the hearts of kings and determines which way their heart flows,

3. God granted her request.

She gave birth to a child, which was her dream and desire.

4. God gave her the strength to fulfill her vow.

Th husband. Had great wisdom here. He knew how painful dedicating Samuel to the lord and temple would be for her.  He prayed that God would give her the strength.  He did and she did.

We see two great examples of prayer

Application

1. Pray what is in my heart.

Pour out my heart to God.  Pray with passion, pray for what I long for, pray my dreams and desires.

2. Pray that I will fulfill my duty to the Lord.

Pray that I will be pleasing to God, fulfill my duty, be productive for his kingdom, live for His glory.

It is not either/or but both/and. I pour out my heart to God, pray for what I want, and pray for my duty, for what I know I should do.

Prayer

I ask for my desires. Fulfill my dreams. I ask you to enable me to fulfill my duty, to do what I am commanded to do.