Tag: faith

The Timing of Obedience

“Karen, when I ask you to do something, I mean now!”

I grew up hearing those words from parents, teachers, bosses. And they meant it – stop what you are doing and do as I said!

Where is my sense of immediacy when it comes to what God tells me to do?

Just this morning (not unlike other mornings), my Father asked me to write. I heard Him. I understood the assignment. I have the necessary skills and resources.

But, I needed to clean the cat box. It is trash day. I needed to pull weeds because, it’s trash day. Then I needed to do some laundry. You know – just because it was there. Then I needed to vacuum because I hadn’t in a while.

All the while I was having a discussion in my head. Was that really You, Lord? Was it my voice or Yours? You wouldn’t really want me to put the vacuum down and leave the job unfinished, would You? That wouldn’t make any sense.

I saw my daughter in law texted and asked me to call her. My lawn guy said he was coming tomorrow. These things needed acknowledgment!

And then there was work I had to follow up on. It’s been over two hours since the initial direction was given. And I’m just now being obedient.

Lord, please forgive me. I repent for the 100th time – for the same thing. For disobedience. Which ultimately is the result of me not trusting You. Thank you for your patience.

And yes, I see that post it note on my monitor. And now I can answer, yes!

Not always obvious

When I was a police officer, I was a trained observer.

Now, Tim has to point out the bright orange flashing construction lights to me because I have become much less aware of my surroundings.

From behind my closed bedroom door, I heard the unmistakable sound of Batman, the cat, purging himself. It’s not a pleasant sound, to say the least.

I knew it was close to my bedroom but I couldn’t find it. The rugs could hide it with the mix of yellow, blue and beige designs. I looked in my office. The rug isn’t as busy but still, it wasn’t obvious where Batman had picked a spot. I eventually moved on to something else.

When I re-entered the office, there it was, in plain sight. I’m not sure how I missed it the first time but I was extremely grateful I didn’t walk through it. (It wouldn’t have been my first time.)

Sometimes our temptations are exceptionally obvious. From the big green “Hot Now” sign advertising the deliciously glazed pastry to the neon signs of “Girls Girls Girls!” These are obvious and not usually missed.

But what about the quiet lure of conversation in the church commons area that leads to gossip? What about the game on your phone that leads you away from your family into another world and away from your loved ones? What about volunteering at church so much that you enjoy the recognition and start to find your identity through that?

Conversation, games and serving at church are not necessarily bad or wrong but they can be the doorway to destruction and sin.

We have an enemy who wants to destroy us. He is a liar and can only speak lies. He is crafty and cunning. He is very real.

But so is the God who created us, who made a way for us to be forgiven, restored and redeemed. And He promises to be with us and provide a way out of temptation. He loves us so very much.

It’s not always obvious when people are struggling with temptation. But you know when you are. The way out is simple but not always easy.

Constant prayer – help me, Lord! Run to the Father – again and again and again!

Because I love you…

We all know that we use the word love with a variety of meanings.

I love finding the perfect parking spot. I love clean sheets. I love Xena, the wonder dog. I love my kids/grands and Tim.

I also love God.

Why is it so easy for me to do things for Tim/kids/grands – even Xena because of my love for them but, not so easy for me to do things for God. *OUCH*

Obedience is one way to show God that I love Him. Not because I think he will punish me if I don’t. But because I love Him, I will do what He asks. I know that in my head. Please, Lord, let it penetrate my heart and my will.

Scripture is loaded with reminders of obedience and love.

John 15:10 – When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love….

John 14:23 – Jesus replied, “All who love me will do what I say.”

Obedience can be defined as compliance with an order, request, or law or submission to another’s authority. I want to be fully submitted to the authority of God. He has created me (and you) on purpose and for a purpose. He has good plans and can be trusted. Why do I continue to disobey – or in other words, why do I rebel?

Let’s go back to scripture.

Luke 6:46 – “So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say?

1 Samuel 15:23 – Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft, and stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols.

Egad!

Lord, once again, I’m convicted of my rebellion and stubbornness. Thank you, Lord, that there is NO CONDEMNATION! Thank you for your forgiveness. Change my heart, Lord. Remind me again and again that YOU alone are worthy. YOU can be trusted. I don’t have to understand. I just need to trust.

Looking Back. Looking Ahead.

Wow! Year ending in less than 2 hours (CST.)

I have to look back and reflect on my year. I see the good and the not so much. I see the progress and the still to do. I look at pictures and remember the smiles and the belly laughs. I also remember the empty chairs and people no longer here.

Life changes so very quickly sometimes. It’s hard and messy. It’s wonderful and amazing. Which are you focused on?

I have to deal with the hard stuff and the messes that follow. But I also want to wonder and to be amazed at something every day of 2024. That is going to take intentionality. I will have to really search some days for something that is wonderful, that is worth smiling about.

But I can always look up. God is good. He never changes. Never loves me less. He is constant. Is present. Is with me. Thank you, Lord.

Definitely worth smiling about.