Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- April 7, 2014
Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked. John 5:8-9
Sometimes Jesus asks us to do something that seems impossible at the time. He wants our faith to intersect with His instructions, as far fetched as they may seem. We know from experience; as we exercise our faith–it grows. By faith, we first receive from our Savior forgiveness, grace, and eternal life. His unprecedented gifts are our opportunity to give Him our absolute allegiance. Once we surrender to our King and Lord Jesus, He empowers our will to obey His will.
A 38 year-old man had waited for years, unable to beat his competition into the healing pool. But then the Healer showed up in person on the Sabbath and turned conventional wisdom upside down. Faith was still necessary, but not like the former process. Yes, Jesus gives us new methods to carry out His old mission. The majority may clamor to traditional places for His power, but the Spirit is available to us for creativity. He wants to use our fresh faith to facilitate His new ways.
“See I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland” (Isaiah 43:19).
What innovative outcome is the Lord leading you to accomplish in His strength? What area of your life still needs Christ’s healing power? Don’t be afraid of failure, but embrace instead the liberty you have to launch a new idea. Some with a jealous eye will be critical, however you can rise up and walk in the power of the Holy Spirit. Give God the glory and perhaps He will answer your naysayers by giving you success. It’s hard to argue with the instant obedience of a humble life.
Above all, receive Jesus Christ by faith into your life, as Savior and Lord. Furthermore, apply the healing power of His grace onto any hurt or guilt in your heart. Your instant obedience is an indicator of your love for Him. Obeying Christ’s command is not burdensome, but a blessing. Not a hinderance, but a help to knowing God. Not dreadful duty, but joyful service! Your instant obedience leads to intimate encounters with Jesus. Faith frees you to walk obediently with Him.
“For we also have had the good news proclaimed to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because they did not share the faith of those who obeyed” (Hebrews 4:2).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I want to obey You instantly, as an expression of my true love for You.
Related Readings: Deuteronomy 11:13; Psalm 119:158; Matthew 9:5-6, 12:1-14; Hebrews 11:8
Post/Tweet today: Jesus gives us new methods to carry out His old mission. #wisdomhunters
Blessed by these readings?: pray about giving a donation, click… http://bit.ly/KArLE5
Check Out Boyd’s 12 devotional books over the past 10 years … http://bit.ly/Tv6y9a
Free eBook when you sign up 5 friends for the free email devotional… http://bit.ly/1hNvIe8
© 2014 by Boyd Bailey. All rights reserved.
Wisdom Hunters Resources / A registered 501 c3 ministry info@wisdomhuntersdevotional.com / www.wisdomhunters.com
Comments are closed.
I always find for me, that when I instantly obey God, I step right into the flow of His Kingdom Purposes already in play in my life. Obedience is a joyful thing for me, because it is so cool to be directed by God, to be led by His Holy Spirit. I am so grateful, so very grateful to obey because that means God is leading and when He leads and I follow, wow… the God adventure is so great, my life is meaningful in that way only God can create. Instant Obedience, I pray it will be so in all of us because of the joy we will find in it and the strength we will receive from it. AWE-GOD!
Dear “Kmac”~ Beautifully said. I continued to be blessed by your responses to the devotionals, as I am just sure others are so blessed that read them, too. And the fact that your are so thankful to obey is such a testimony to your sincere LOVE for our Heavenly Father. Wow! Your line “I am so grateful, so very grateful to obey because that means God is leading and when HE leads and I follow, wow…” How true is that! Thank you for that example of the true gift that is obedience to Him! I look forward to your next response to the Wisdom Hunters devotionals.
We are so thankful that you are a fellow wisdom hunters. God’s Light shines through you, “Kmac”!
Believing and trusting~
Gwynne