Listening/Obeying Christ

Scripture:  Psalms 119:10-11 - With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. 11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee.

Matthew 28:19-20 - Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

John 10:27 - My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

Amazing things happen when we listen/obey Christ.  God promises that we can gain wisdom and understanding when we listen/obey Him. To listen to God we must first be open and willing to receive Him as Savior/Lord (John 3:16) --  receiving His Word by faith.  His words are alive, and He speaks to our hearts!  

God is revealed in creation (Romans 1:19-23), in our conscience (Romans 2:15), through Jesus (I Timothy 3:16), by the illumination of the Holy Spirit ( Corinthians 2:10, Ephesians 1:17-18), in times of old by the prophets (Hebrews 1:1-2, II Peter 1:21), and through the word (John 1:13-14).

Some of the ways that God speaks to us are: through  the word (primarily) (II Timothy 3:16), through the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:14), through prayer and fasting (Acts 132-3), through chastisement, through shutting and opening of doors (Romans 3:8).

Listening to the Lord as our captain, we shall have victory through Him. (I Timothy 6:12 - Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.) Listening to Him as our guide, we shall be led safely by Him. (Matthew 28:19-20 - Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.)  Listening to Him as our helper, we shall be upheld by Him.  (Isaiah 41:10 - Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.)  Listening to Him as our shepherd, we shall follow Him.  (John 10:27 - My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.)  

In this life, there are so many voices and opinions, but we have to take time to develop a closer walk/fellowship as we listen to what the Lord says to us.  Then we won’t have so many regrets.

Prayer:  Dear Heavenly Father:  I am so grateful that I have a personal relationship with You.  I couldn’t make it one day without You in my life.  Help me to hear and obey Your  (primarily through your word and prayer).  I desire to draw closer and closer to You.  Thy word I am hiding in my heart that I might not sin against Thee.  All this I pray in Jesus’ name.  Amen.

(by Marsha Williams)