Sunday, April 5, 2009

How to Obey Wholeheartedly

"It takes a calling to obey GOD." ~Pastor Windsor Cabrera

I agree. I received my calling to minister last 2007 and that's when I had the desire to serve GOD wholeheartedly even if it means surrendering my personal wants as an individual.

For example, I have been a rebel especially to my parents. I have a strong and independent personality so I don't like being dictated. Before, I'd talk back to my mom until it ruined our relationship as mother and daughter. But then, GOD changed me. It is not difficult anymore as it was before. I don't know why but I feel more love everyday. More love to give. I don't mind if I don't receive love but my desire is to give love. IT IS ALL GOD! HE did this to me and I'm most thankful. So when GOD says in HIS Word to honor your father and mother, I do my best to obey because my Heavenly FATHER is speaking to me.

We had a cell meeting last Friday. I didn't schedule a cell meeting last week because half of my group is already on vacation. Deena sent me a text message asking if there was a cell meeting. Since a soul is willing and available, I opened my heart and mind and scheduled a cell meeting. I always want to be prepared for my preaching a week before. But then sometimes, GOD changes the sermon. Thursday and I kept asking GOD what I should share. No answer. I slept in peace knowing that GOD will provide. As what one of my devotionals said, "When GOD guides, GOD provides." ~Our Daily Bread

Friday morning as soon as I woke up, GOD gave the sermon. My daily devotions have been about obedience and faithfulness. I am so amazed at how GOD's wisdom works. Suddenly, in a split second, thoughts and ideas came flowing in my mind. I had to write them real fast. hehehe! So I will share my preaching last Friday.

Obeying is a difficult task. In order to obey wholeheartedly, character has to change. The question is...ARE YOU WILLING? Are you willing to obey our FATHER? As what the guest pastor today shared, "Blessings follow after obedience."

1.) Change of mind

Romans 12:2
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.

2.) Change of heart

Mark 12:29-31
"The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these."

3.) Change of lifestyle

John 13:14-16
Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.

1 Timothy 4:12
Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.

Titus 2:7-8
In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.

1 Peter 5:2-4
Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

1 Peter 2:21
To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.

As a Christian, we are representing CHRIST. That's what being a Christian is all about. That should be our focus - to show excellence in everything we do.

If we say that our GOD is rich, then we shouldn't be selfish in all aspects. If we say that our GOD is beautiful, then no creation is ugly. If we say that our GOD is powerful, then it must be seen through us. If we say that our GOD holds the TRUTH, then we shouldn't lie. We do not claim and accept that we are sick or weak because our GOD is our Healer and is strong always. I have been a testimony of HIS healing grace. I have been healed from my ulcer and allergies.

Pessimism gets you nowhere. In a world of pessimism, be different. Be optimistic.

If we want to win more souls, we must stop focusing on winning arguments because they are meaningless. We should focus more on seeking GOD and loving all of HIS creation - from plants to humans.

It is difficult to obey but it is very rewarding, I tell you. Especially when you are obeying the GOD of the Universe and you know that you are pleasing HIM. It is an amazing feeling.

I really hope that the Scripture verses I've shared spoke to your heart because these are things that I've learned and noticed as I continue my walk with CHRIST.


GOD loved Samuel's heart because of his faithfulness, willingness and obedience. When GOD called him for the first time when he was little, Samuel simply replied, "Speak, for Your servant is listening." ~1 Samuel 3:10

And if you know more about Samuel in the Bible, he is one of the most obedient servant of GOD. It was proved when he asked GOD's people if there is anything that he has done displeasing to them or has treated someone unjustly. No one dared to question him because he lived a life worthy to be called Godly. I believe it also started when Hannah, Samuel's mother, dedicated him to the temple because of obedience to GOD.

There is nothing we should do but surrender everything to GOD especially our pride. We can never do it alone. Why? Because GOD made everything so only HE can do everything.

ALL THE GLORY BELONGS TO GOD ALONE!!!

Make an impact. Make a difference. Make a ripple. Tip the scale. Be a blessing. Be different.

GOD BLESS YOU ABUNDANTLY! GOD IS ALWAYS WITH YOU - NO MATTER WHAT!

ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE WITH GOD!!!

P.U.S.H.

When you feel GOD's love, OVERFLOW!

3 comments:

Chris said...

What a great sermon! What a great God!

Karen said...

Amen! Wonderful scripture references and reflections. What especially spoke to me was "If we want to win more souls, we must stop focusing on winning arguments because they are meaningless." God has dealt with me on this issue on several occasions. Thanks for sharing today!

Marsha said...

Very encouraging words. Continue to seek Him and His righteousness.