Obedience Releases the Power
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“For the Lord says, ‘Because he loves me, I will rescue him; I will make him great because he trusts in My name. When he calls on Me I will answer, I will be with him in trouble, and rescue him and honor him’” Psalm 91:14,15
Pete was the playboy type. He believed that Christ was in his life and that he had eternal life and would go to heaven when he died, but he was not willing to “go all the way with the Lord.” He wanted to live the “good life,” he said. One day perhaps he would make a total commitment of his life to Christ, but not now. He had all kinds of physical and emotional problems, but somehow he was never able to make the connection that the fact that his life was miserable was because of his disobedience to God.
All of God’s supernatural resources are latent within us waiting for us, as an act of the will by faith, to release that power. This explains the difference between impotent, fruitless, defeated Christians and those who are buoyant, joyful, victorious and fruitful in magnificent ways for the glory of God. Both are indwelt by the same God and possess the same supernatural power, but one for whatever reason – lack of knowledge, lack of faith, disobedience – fails to release the power while the other – knowledgeable, dedicated, obedient, faithful – releases the power.
John 14:21 is another way of stating Psalm 91:14,15. Jesus said, “He that hath My commandments, and keep them, he it is that loveth Me and he that loveth Me shall be loved of My Father, and I will love him, and will manifest Myself to him.” (KJV)
We demonstrate that we love God when we obey Him. And when we trust and obey Him, all the supernatural resources of deity are released in our behalf. He literally heals our bodies, our minds and our spirits and enables us to live the supernatural life.
Bible Reading: Psalm 91:7-13
Today’s Action Point: I will acknowledge Jesus daily as the Lord of my life and demonstrate my love by obeying His commandments. In so doing, I can be assured that He will be with me in trouble and deliver me and honor me as He promised.
Question: What aspect of obeying the Lord do you struggle with most often?
Alex, I think that Tom has actually spoken some very wise words into your life. As he said, ultimately the choice has to be made, to be obedient and to make the Lord the true Lord of your life, or to give in to the worldly pleasures and walk in disobedience. You have indicated that you want to change…so the choice is yours to make. God has given you the Holy Spirit in you to make that change possible.
Sorry you feel that way, but your original comments seemed to indicate you knew what the truth was but were just trying to justify living with one foot in the world and one foot in the spiritual. Maybe you were simply looking for someone to condone your lifestyle.
I can only imagine the difficulty you’re facing. The pull of worldly things is TREMENDOUS. And no, I’ve not been in the identical situation, but I used to like my pornography, my drinking for “enjoyment”, my lying when it got me something, etc. It wasn’t until I realized they’re all related–they’re called sin–and that none of them would ever bring me the pleasure I needed deep down inside, a personal relationship with the One who created me.
Your original comments convey the same searching I did. I only wish I’d had someone to give me “stern admonishment” a lot sooner. While you may see my comments as uncompassionate and worthless and unsupporting, I believe you need someone compassionate enough to lay it on the line, and that’s not worthless. Let me reiterate–you say you’re trying to change and to have a real relationship with the Lord. That’s fantastic! OK, I’m telling you the only way is to TRULY repent, trust in Jesus, and be born again. You’ll then have His strength to face your situation and to overcome it. Ultimately, a choice has to be made . . . the things of the world or the things of God. I’m praying you’ll choose the latter.
I feel more disillusioned and dejected by Tom’s response to me (in a private message). There is no real support or advice – mere pablum and stern admonishment. Devoid of compassion and worthless.
Jesus makes it clear that if we love him we’ll keep his commandments. The flip side is that if we don’t keep his commandments (obey him) then we don’t love him; and if we don’t love him we are not born again spiritually.
Alex, as long as you try to change in your own strength, you are certainly not only doomed to failure, but doomed eternally. When a person truly repents of sin (changes their mind, heart, and direction FROM IT) and trusts in the Lord Jesus Christ alone for salvation, they are born again spiritually to have a relationship with him now and on into eternity at death. HE changes your heart to do the things pleasing to God. HE works in you to will and to do of his good pleasure. HE gives you a new heart with new desires. HE indwells you by the Holy Spirit to turn from all temptation to sin and to keep on following Jesus. The struggles pretty much fade away as God works his wonder of salvation through you. It’s as simple as thing: Who do you love more, yourself or Jesus? Jesus said, “Deny yourself and follow me.” The choice is yours. If Jesus isn’t first in your life, he might as well be last.
Now I know what certain people have been telling me oh, for so long. That my failed attempts at masculine love…bonding with one guy….is doomed to failure because I am NOT truly making the Lord the love of my life….my true partner. I continue to deflect His Love for the allusory and transient, and yes, counterfeit, affection of other men. It is difficult to change my thinking, and trust God will truly fill and honor that aching need for male love and faithfulness. But somehow I must – it’s an act of the will…and requires discipline. Are there any guys out there who understand – truly what I am saying?
Every moment is an opportunity to do something right.
Each moment is a new chance to be happy.
Moments are the pages of time on which your life is written.
Every moment is a piece of eternity.
Moments are the memories of a lifetime.