“Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.”
The following is one of my personal stories about obedience. I share it in hopes that it will help others to apply Gods Word in their own life.
Most of my life has been in service to others, I’m comfortable with it. Always it is seemed natural for me to want to assist others, even strangers. This desire has led me to seek knowledge and learn ways to give of myself. In this pursuit, any study I undertake is intense. To scratch the surface is never enough. God has given me a thirst to absorb more of the information. This has led to some colorful names (i.e. bookworm, Mr. know it all, etc.) over the years, but it has also placed me out in front of most of my peers. Often I have been given to serve as teacher, tutor, and or leader among them. I find it less of an effort to assist, mentor or encourage others to strive for their very best. The one drawback, as I see it comes with my sometimes imposing on others more than is sometimes wanted. I guess you could say that I’m preachy in a lot of ways. Having both preached and taught as it relates to the church, I know that I will minister in this way again. I didn’t arrive at this suddenly or with ease. As a matter of fact, for a good part of my life I think I have been trying to avoid the responsibility. The more I turn away, however, the more I find myself faced with this calling. God has molded my life with his skilled hands. He knows what He is doing and how to get His point across. I must be obedient… the direction of the Spirit is the only thing that now makes any sense; I stand ready to listen and follow.
I remember a young man, a kid really, back in jail. He came in full of anger and rage, not wanting to listen. Often he was at odds with the jailers and others. There was nothing good to come from his behavior. I saw a lot of myself at an earlier point in my life being a part of his makeup. I made the decision to reach out to him.
The more I tried to reach him the more resistance I met with. Still, with patience, and the help of the Holy Spirit, I kept at it. I shared from the Bible, told him about my own life and troubles, and let him know that God not only loved him but had a plan for his life. While trying to reach him I also attracted others. They were all eager to hear and study the Word of God. I started a regular Bible study and prayer circle. What started with one, took on a life of its own. “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”(Matthew 18:20) This all because I listen to the call of the Spirit, and answered with an act of love. I was transferred from that part of the jail, as is often the case. I spent over a year away from that area, continuing to follow the call and minister where I was located. After all that time I found myself back in the same area, again. The same young man was still there, I had almost forgotten him. To my joy and the Glory of God, he had taken over both the prayer circle and Bible study, keeping them going. He told me that he had also started attending the visiting ministry service. The young man had given his life to God and continued the ministry in my absence. There was a visible change in the way he conducted himself. The anger and rage was gone. In its place was a spirit of giving mixed with a thirst to study the Word. I take no credit for this. It’s all the work of the Holy Spirit, but still it makes my heart glad like nothing that I can describe. As long as I am able to follow the call of the Spirit, I will be glad to do so. It matters not where or how, only that I remain obedient to the will of God.
21 comments on “Entry for May 29, 2006 — OBEDIENCE”
When I looked at the title the first thing that came to my mind was your last sentence *smile* “Obedience is better than sacrifice” Obedience is a requirement to be a Disciple of Jesus Christ. If you love God you will be obedient.
Thank you Matt for sharing this story and your thoughts. It touches me deeply. Sometimes when we serve others, through witness or ministry, we wonder and question if our service is effective. I often have asked, “Are all these efforts worth the results?” Your story only goes to confirm that service is to the Lord and not for ourselves. Not for our own uplifting or credit. We serve the Lord. When we do this with a pure heart and pure motives, He honors it. He makes it move. Then somewhere down the road, He taps us on our shoulder and shows us, “See, this was the result of your service. Keep the faith.” So many times He comes to me and shows me the results of my efforts. But, most importantly, we need to always keep in mind who it is our efforts are truly for. Not for ourselves, but for the glory of God.
Bless you for your servants heart, Matt. You will be rewarded with many crowns. Even though that is not why you are serving, it is still the final result of your purity.
Praise the Lord for your testimony and for your obedience. It’s wonderful when God allows you to see the fruit produced from your obedience. God bless you Brother.
my brother in christ you are so right,when we are obedience to god he can use us,for his glory man was created for gods prase to worship,him and when we be come obedient to his voice we can please him. god bless my brother rev rick
This was wonderful Matt. When we serve as the Lord would have us serve, this service, like His Word does not return void. I can only imagine how many salvations that your work with this one man will obtain. It is amazing what we can do with just one!
GOD BLESS YOU MATT, YOUR STORY WAS AWESOME AND IT REMINDED ME OF MY SERVICE TO GOD AND THE WAY HE USES ME. YES IT IS A GREAT FEELING WHEN GOD ALLOWES US TO SEE THE FRUIT OF OUR OBEDIENCE TO HIM. GOD HAS HAD ME SPEAK TO MANY PEOPLE HE HAS USED ME IN MANY WAYS AND I AM STILL AT AWE EVERY TIME. YES IT CAN BE HARD AND TRING TO BE A VESSEL FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD BUT MY GOD, IT IS AWESOME AND NEW WITH EVERY DIFFRENT TIME. I ENCOURAGE YOU TO KEEP UP THE GOOD AND FAITHFUL WORK.THE VINEYARD IS PLENTY THE LABOURS ARE FEW.
Fantastic testimony. The Holy Spirit is such a wonderful teacher and guide.
That is why I think this way as much as possible:
Trust in the Lord
with all my heart, and
lean not on my own understanding
or past experiences;
in all my ways acknowledge Him
(be thankful to/for God),
and He (via the Holy Spirit) shall direct
my thinking and doing.
The Great Commission might soon come to an end. We need to share God’s wonderful truths more and more. I will pray that you will be able to do such. I am thankful that my wife is letting me do such full time. I need prayer to, because the spiritual enemy doesn’t like those promoting what the Bible says.
This was really good Matt. That is awesome how God used you to transform others lives and bring them to Christ. See it was his plan all along for you. Your mistakes, helped shape you for who you are and helped you to learn from it and bring others to Him.
I totally agree that “obedience is better than sacrifice.” When we are obedient to what he wants us to do, and give to others what God called us to do for others, the more he gives to us. And also remember that “to whom much is given, much is required.” man of God continue to do His will and recieve the fruits of your labor. God bless you.
reconciledwcc
Matt , you truly are a vessel being used by our Lord. No man can come to the Father unless he be drawn by the Spirit. I can see in your ministry the Spirit has drawn men to the Father! God Bless You my brother!
What an awesome God! He’s everywhere! PTL! What miricles He preforms through His servants who are willing. Great testimony Matt. Thanks for sharing. Wanda (Love Hurts)
I myself struggle with obedience to God. I think mainly because sometimes it feels like sacrifice to me. It’s not that I don’t know better,but rather I find myself procrastinating in doing better. It’s a battle between what my spirit knows is best for me and what my flesh just doesn’t feel like doing. I’m hearing right now the answers to my own problems. I need to crucify my flesh, so it does not become stronger than my spirit, meaning more prayer and fasting. I like reading the entries on your blog, because they cause me to search myself on how the topic relates to my own walk. GOD IS AWESOME!! Please pray for me that I grow stronger in my obedience to God, and may the Lord continue to bless you.
Isn’t it amazing how God works? You touch the life of one person, and that person inturn reaches Hundreds! I had a similar experience in a place where I ministered. It seemed like my work was fruitless, but one of the couples that came to the Lord now ministers to hundreds of people with their street ministry.
Blessings,
Alexi
When I looked at the title the first thing that came to my mind was your last sentence *smile* “Obedience is better than sacrifice” Obedience is a requirement to be a Disciple of Jesus Christ. If you love God you will be obedient.
God Bless you Matt! *Hugs* Love ya!
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Thank you Matt for sharing this story and your thoughts. It touches me deeply. Sometimes when we serve others, through witness or ministry, we wonder and question if our service is effective. I often have asked, “Are all these efforts worth the results?” Your story only goes to confirm that service is to the Lord and not for ourselves. Not for our own uplifting or credit. We serve the Lord. When we do this with a pure heart and pure motives, He honors it. He makes it move. Then somewhere down the road, He taps us on our shoulder and shows us, “See, this was the result of your service. Keep the faith.” So many times He comes to me and shows me the results of my efforts. But, most importantly, we need to always keep in mind who it is our efforts are truly for. Not for ourselves, but for the glory of God.
Bless you for your servants heart, Matt. You will be rewarded with many crowns. Even though that is not why you are serving, it is still the final result of your purity.
God bless you.
Luv,
Peg, The Angel Lady
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Praise the Lord for your testimony and for your obedience. It’s wonderful when God allows you to see the fruit produced from your obedience. God bless you Brother.
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my brother in christ you are so right,when we are obedience to god he can use us,for his glory man was created for gods prase to worship,him and when we be come obedient to his voice we can please him. god bless my brother rev rick
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This was wonderful Matt. When we serve as the Lord would have us serve, this service, like His Word does not return void. I can only imagine how many salvations that your work with this one man will obtain. It is amazing what we can do with just one!
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Excuse me, I meant it is amazing what He can do with just one!
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Matt Happy endings to ones stories and life are good to hear…….Of course we must thank GOD For Through him ALL things can be done…………..Butch
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Thanks for sharing, God Bless you !!
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GOD BLESS YOU MATT, YOUR STORY WAS AWESOME AND IT REMINDED ME OF MY SERVICE TO GOD AND THE WAY HE USES ME. YES IT IS A GREAT FEELING WHEN GOD ALLOWES US TO SEE THE FRUIT OF OUR OBEDIENCE TO HIM. GOD HAS HAD ME SPEAK TO MANY PEOPLE HE HAS USED ME IN MANY WAYS AND I AM STILL AT AWE EVERY TIME. YES IT CAN BE HARD AND TRING TO BE A VESSEL FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD BUT MY GOD, IT IS AWESOME AND NEW WITH EVERY DIFFRENT TIME. I ENCOURAGE YOU TO KEEP UP THE GOOD AND FAITHFUL WORK.THE VINEYARD IS PLENTY THE LABOURS ARE FEW.
LOTS OF LOVE, PATRICIA YOUR SISTER IN THE KINGDOM
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Fantastic testimony. The Holy Spirit is such a wonderful teacher and guide.
That is why I think this way as much as possible:
Trust in the Lord
with all my heart, and
lean not on my own understanding
or past experiences;
in all my ways acknowledge Him
(be thankful to/for God),
and He (via the Holy Spirit) shall direct
my thinking and doing.
The Great Commission might soon come to an end. We need to share God’s wonderful truths more and more. I will pray that you will be able to do such. I am thankful that my wife is letting me do such full time. I need prayer to, because the spiritual enemy doesn’t like those promoting what the Bible says.
LikeLike
This was really good Matt. That is awesome how God used you to transform others lives and bring them to Christ. See it was his plan all along for you. Your mistakes, helped shape you for who you are and helped you to learn from it and bring others to Him.
LikeLike
I totally agree that “obedience is better than sacrifice.” When we are obedient to what he wants us to do, and give to others what God called us to do for others, the more he gives to us. And also remember that “to whom much is given, much is required.” man of God continue to do His will and recieve the fruits of your labor. God bless you.
reconciledwcc
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Matt , you truly are a vessel being used by our Lord. No man can come to the Father unless he be drawn by the Spirit. I can see in your ministry the Spirit has drawn men to the Father! God Bless You my brother!
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What an awesome God! He’s everywhere! PTL! What miricles He preforms through His servants who are willing. Great testimony Matt. Thanks for sharing. Wanda (Love Hurts)
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Amen brother.. it’s all about obedience.
tc & Gb,
Michael
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Amen good and needed word!! God bless you!!(((Huggzzz)))
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Thanks Matt my mom has always said that
“obedience is better than sacrifice.”
And it stays in my spirit thanks for inviting me to be your friend.
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thanks!
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I myself struggle with obedience to God. I think mainly because sometimes it feels like sacrifice to me. It’s not that I don’t know better,but rather I find myself procrastinating in doing better. It’s a battle between what my spirit knows is best for me and what my flesh just doesn’t feel like doing. I’m hearing right now the answers to my own problems. I need to crucify my flesh, so it does not become stronger than my spirit, meaning more prayer and fasting. I like reading the entries on your blog, because they cause me to search myself on how the topic relates to my own walk. GOD IS AWESOME!! Please pray for me that I grow stronger in my obedience to God, and may the Lord continue to bless you.
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that is totally awsome God is so good 🙂
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Isn’t it amazing how God works? You touch the life of one person, and that person inturn reaches Hundreds! I had a similar experience in a place where I ministered. It seemed like my work was fruitless, but one of the couples that came to the Lord now ministers to hundreds of people with their street ministry.
Blessings,
Alexi
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