Loving obedience

What is it that drives you to share God’s Word with others? Is it just because it is a command, a God-given responsibility that you do it? Or do you also sincerely believe it is an honor & privilege to be a witness for Christ?

In one’s walk with God, obedience to His commandments is a must element, a necessity. However, sometimes we are likely to forget that obedience is not just about strict, do-as-you-are-told kind of fixation; for obedience is also about love. As a consequence, we lose the enthusiasm and excitement that we really should have in being an example of the changed life that Christ has begun in us, the better and enriched one.

One should never see love & obedience as separable qualities. Sharing God’s love and forgiveness with others is both a privilege and responsibility that we, Christians, have in Christ Jesus. Thus, as we continue to serve in His ministy, may we work with a loving heart, as well as a "I want to" rather than a "I have to" attitude.

Over-caring

In caring for others, one must be willing to make sacrifices; sacrifices that are unselfish so that we learn to put others’ needs above our own. Yet, there are times when we may be bringing about more harm than good in learning to say ‘no’ to our own wants and desires.

In our efforts to give the most excellent care possible to the people around us, especially to our loved ones, we may sometimes fall into the snare of sacrificing more than what is required, which then leads to the cultivation of unwholesome & detrimental choices and practices for our body. Soon, we find ourselves growing weary, not only physically, but spiritually and emotionally. Unintentionally, we have neglected our bodily needs and rest.

One must and needs to realize that self-negligence is not the kind of self-sacrificing attitude that God looks for in our service to Him and His people. For in neglecting our bodily needs, we risk shutting down a place in our soul where God's dreams and gifts are waiting to be revealed. In fact, God is more concerned about the work He can do in us than through us. Hence, the best care that we can offer to others can only flow through when we decide to rely on God’s unlimited power to work through us as our power is limited & incomplete.

It is a lesson and reminder I need constantly. I need it because I tend to forget that it is ultimately God’s ministry and work which I’m involved in. I also need it because I tend to forget that He knows what’s best for me and the people around me. Thus, I pray that the Holy Spirit will continually help me, remind me that it is the Father whom I need to turn to first for help and provision for my needs, as well as the needs of others. I truly need His strength and wisdom so that I will not be enslaved by any unnecessary expectations to be perfect.

Prayer for joy

Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
~Psalms 51:10-13~

Indeed Lord, this is my prayer- my prayer for Your joy. Grant me Your grace and strength for each day, that I may live a life that is filled with joy abundance. I want to be like the sun, always shining even when night falls, or even when clouds cover it. May not any bewildering circumstance or experience stop me from smiling, for in You and You alone, can I put my trust. Keep me constant and firm in my commitment to live a Spirit-controlled life, as well as a willing spirit to obey all of Your commandments.
In Jesus’ most precious name, I pray,
Amen.