Obedience – Following His Path…
By now we’ve all learned that the Bible – Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth – also contains everything we need to live a full and loving life. I’ve talked before about how, if we would insert ourselves into the passages of the Bible, our paths for life are pretty much laid out for us. I say pretty much because we were also given freewill.
The Bible is a book about ourselves, our own apostasies, our own battles and blessings. When you read the Bible, look beyond the words on the pages and realize it is a book about the basics of living a good life.
Grandfather taught me that the words are only half of what is in the Bible, we are the in between the lines. When we insert ourselves into the words the Bible takes on life, our life, and as we start living what is in the Bible our lives take on a new meaning. The love we share, the hope we bring and the light we shine seems so much brighter. Love is the center theme of life and of the Bible.
The Bible is the story of our life, the history of our world and our pathway to the future. It is a living instrument that guides us through life and is always there with a ready answer.
Grandfather said that if you have a problem or question you just can’t seem to find an answer to flip through the Bible and let it open. Then read the passages on the pages in front of you and your answer will be there. I’ve tried it many times and found it always seems to show me a way to solve my problem or answer my question.
Grandfather always preached to me about obedience and how I should follow God’s pathway as it is laid out in the Bible. God has a path for each of us to follow and the closer we follow that path, the better our life. So let’s take a closer look at that.
When the dream of your heart is one that God has planted there, a strange happiness flows into you. At that moment, all of the spiritual resources of the universe are released to help you. Your prayers are then as one with the will of God and become a channel for the Creator’s purposes for you and your world.
In the pathway of life we come to learn that the Lord’s thoughts are not our thoughts, nor His ways our ways. Both in the physical and spiritual realm, great pressure means great power. That is why when we learn to closely follow the path He has laid out for us, the easier it becomes to live our path.
Although circumstances may bring us into the place of death, that need not spell disaster, for if we trust in the Lord and wait patiently, that simply provides the occasion for the display of His almighty power.
“Remember His marvelous works that He hath done, His wonders and the judgements of His mouth.” Psalms. 105:5
While His thoughts are not ours, we are the sum total of our thoughts at any point in time. Realizing God knows our thoughts before or as we have them, we have the blessing to make the most of what we think and feel. I learned, growing up, that how you start your day sets the tone for that day.
Grandfather taught me to give thanks for another beautiful day, be joyful for how good your day was going to be and remember to give thanks for all the blessing you have received in your life. I start my day with these three little prayers of thanks every morning. God has blessed me way more than I deserve.
To say life isn’t always easy would be an understatement. But then add we determine just how easy or hard our life is would, I’m sure, give some people some real heartache. But then remember that life is 90 percent attitude and 10 percent hope.
Many people feel their life is always on the rocks and they live their life in calamity, while others feel you get out of life what you put into it and live full happy lives free of most burden. I believe if I make the best of a situation that a blessing will come from it. When a situation confronts you, if you turn in defeat you miss out on the blessing the situation has for you.
I have discovered there is a secret to an obedient life and it involves faith, trust, love and prayer. I faithfully follow the path God has given me trusting He will light my way. I love God with all my heart and I love my neighbors as He loves me. I pray continuously, listening to His answers as they are whispered in my ear. I never question His intentions for He knows my needs better than I.
All this is found in the Bible, if one is willing to look beyond the words and follow the spirit. Yes, the Bible also mentions persecution, but how one accepts it is a choice. It is a blessing to serve God. It is also a blessing to serve people in His name.
I believe that even in the darkest times, there is always a light showing me the way out. It just may be a candle at the end of the tunnel, but it shines brightly for my path.
My prayer for all is that they see the light and faithfully follow the path He has set before them. Its called obedience. Pray continuously and listen for His answers. Always remember we have two ears to hear what He is saying, two eyes to see all His blessings and one mouth give thanks for all He has done for us.
Walk daily with God at your side!
Love always,
Ed
Ed Christian's World 