In This Issue:
Be Obedient While You Have the Opportunity
Is He Really Your Lord?
A Benefit and Privilege
Don’t Question Orders
Volume: 907 May 15, 2023
Theme: Obedience
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Be Obedient While You Have the OpportunityBill Brinkworth
“Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.” Proverbs 27:1
Although Proverbs 27 is chock-full of life-directing wisdom, verse one should remind each one of us that our time on this Earth is not forever. Our life could change drastically or end before the sun sets today. No one knows how much time they have left. No one has the promise of tomorrow!
While we have the time, do not procrastinate. Do not put off:
- Being saved. Although many put off being born again (John 3:3), they may not have tomorrow to do so. One’s opportunity to have God’s promise of an eternity with Him may soon be ended. Each time salvation is put off, one’s heart hardens and becomes more defiant to God’s calling.
One may have another day, but after having ignored the pleas of the Holy Spirit so often, the Spirit may no longer speak to one about securing their eternity (Romans 10:9) in Heaven. Each time one says “No” to the Spirit of God’s prodding and His commandments, one’s sensitivity to God’s calling is lessened.
“Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.” Hebrews 4:7“
And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. 25 And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.” Acts 24:24-25 - Halting the sin(s) you have been convicted of doing. When a person is saved, the Holy Spirit convicts one of sin(s) that is/are prohibiting one’s spiritual growth. Putting off iniquity one was made aware of should be dealt with immediately. What if the rapture (I Thes. 4:16-18) or death takes one home before a “convenient time” to obey the Lord occurs? It would be too late. Obey the Lord now while there still is an opportunity.
- Doing what the Lord laid on your heart to do. Has the Lord urged you to rebuild a broken relationship, get involved in a ministry, read your Bible, be faithful in church, make your testimony more godly, or something else? Do it now, as again, you may not have another chance to do so.
- Being the Christian, spouse, parent, or child, God would have you be. You may never have another opportunity if you put it off any longer.
Most of us have had many days. We assume we will have more time, but we may not. This may be the last reminder one may have to obey what God has laid on their heart to do. Do it now, as no one knows how much more time they have left.
Is He Really Your Lord?
Bill Brinkworth
Often in prayers or conversations, God is called “Lord.” “I love you, Lord,” “Lord, we need your intervention in helping us out of this mess,” and “Lord, I’ll do whatever you show me to do” are often uttered. If, however, the situation is followed up on and the reactions observed of the one who requested of God, it may be wondered if God is really one’s “Lord.”
The title “Lord” implies that another is one’s master and is a supreme being, an absolute authority, and one’s ruler. If it is true that “Lord” has a Saxon definition meaning “sole bread giver,” then it also implies that the user of the address “Lord” is relying on God for all their provisions and needs. When God is addressed as Lord, is He really all that title implies?
- If God truly is one’s Lord, one would do what God has told them to do. God would not have to speak to our hearts multiple times about reading His Word faithfully, halting the sin He convicted us of doing, changing a practice in our life, or doing anything His Spirit whispered to our hearts about doing. Total obedience would be given to God if He indeed were our Lord. “LORD, it’s not open to discussion. You show me, and I will do it!”
“And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” Luke 6:46
- If God truly is Lord of your life, He should receive your total respect and honor. One obeying the Lord should never dispute, question, or refuse to do the bidding of one’s Master.
“A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master: if then I be a father, where is mine honour? and if I be a master, where is my fear? saith the LORD of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise my name. And ye say, Wherein have we despised thy name? 7 Ye offer polluted bread upon mine altar; and ye say, Wherein have we polluted thee? In that ye say, The table of the LORD is contemptible. 8 And if ye offer the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil? and if ye offer the lame and sick, is it not evil? offer it now unto thy governor; will he be pleased with thee, or accept thy person? saith the LORD of hosts.” Malachi 1:6-8
- If God is truly your Lord, then there should be proof. You should notice how you have forsaken your will and way for His. Even those around you should see your priority in obeying God’s will!
“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” James 1:22
“(For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.” Romans 2:13
“Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciple.” John 15:8
Calling God Lord, does not necessarily make Him one’s Lord. If we make God our Lord, it will be shown by our obedience and respect for Him.
Is His Lordship in your life clearly exhibited in the way you live? Is God truly your LORD?
“To live for self or God is the question we all face. How one’s life turns out depends on how the question was answered!” — Author Unknown
A Benefit and Privilege
Watson, 1696
- God commands nothing from us that is not beneficial.”
“That thou mightest fear the LORD thy God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son’s son, all the days of thy life; and that thy days may be prolonged.” Deut. 6:2 - God has His reasons for telling us to do something. We should not question why.
- He bids us to repent. Why? That our sins may be blotted out.
“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;” Acts 3:19 - He commands us to believe, and why? That we may be saved.
“And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” Acts 16:31 - There is love in every one of God’s commandments!
“True obedience hath no lead at its heels!” — Adams, 1653
“Sir,” said the Duke of Wellington to an officer of engineers who argued the impossibility of executing the directions he had received, “I did not ask your opinion, I gave you my orders, and I expect them to be obeyed.”
Such should be the obedience of every follower of Jesus. The Words, which He has spoken and had recorded, are our law! Our adherence to them should not be based on our judgments or fancies. We are to do our Master’s bidding and advance through flood or flame. We are to do as He tells us to do!
“Don’t pray to give God instructions. Just report for duty!”