Obedience.

That’s sort of a prickly word for many of us.

If our parents were strict disciplinarians we may have felt the price of disobedience.

But, have you ever thought about the joy of obedience?

Here are some verses from the Book of Hebrews, chapter 12, in the New Testament:

2 We must focus on Jesus, the source and goal of our faith. He saw the joy ahead of him, so he endured death on the cross and ignored the disgrace it brought him. Then he received the highest position in heaven, the one next to the throne of God.3 Think about Jesus, who endured opposition from sinners, so that you don’t become tired and give up.

4 You struggle against sin, but your struggles haven’t killed you. 5 You have forgotten the encouraging words that God speaks to you as his children:

“My child, pay attention when the Lord disciplines you.
Don’t give up when he corrects you.
6 The Lord disciplines everyone he loves.
He severely disciplines everyone he accepts as his child.”

7 Endure your discipline. God corrects you as a father corrects his children. All children are disciplined by their fathers. 8 If you aren’t disciplined like the other children, you aren’t part of the family. 9 On earth we have fathers who disciplined us, and we respect them. Shouldn’t we place ourselves under the authority of God, the father of spirits, so that we will live? 10 For a short time our fathers disciplined us as they thought best. Yet, God disciplines us for our own good so that we can become holy like him. 11 We don’t enjoy being disciplined. It always seems to cause more pain than joy. But later on, those who learn from that discipline have peace that comes from doing what is right.    Hebrews 12:2-11 ~ God’s Word Translation

 

He saw the joy ahead of him, so he endured death on the cross….

God loves us, disciplines us because he loves us, and sometimes even gives us correction.

Jesus needed neither discipline nor correction from the Father, but he took on the punishment that we should deserve.  He went to the cross for us.  And he did that in obedience with the Father.  A holy, sinless one, Jesus, endured death and disgrace and he did it because he knew the joy that was ahead.   He knew that through his sacrifice, we would be able to share eternal life with him.  The joy.

 

Be...Obedient ::Joy Day! :: AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

I know that the #31Days series is officially over.

But, I confess, I still have a little bit more to say….

As I put together The ABC’s of Being in the 31 Extraordinary Days to Be… series, I wanted to add obedience for the letter “O.”  But, I realized that in today’s culture…obedience and submission are politically incorrect and many would not understand why I chose obedience without explanation.

Here’s what I believe.

I need to be…obedient.  You need to be…obedient.  When we choose to be obedient to our heavenly Father a lot of things are settled for us.  You see…it’s a matter of trust.  God is certainly worthy of our trust.  It’s also matter of  our pride and our selfishness.

Many times we make our own plans and set our own agendas and we decide whether or not we should do something morally or ethically because of expediency or convenience or some other reason.  The thing is…when we chart our own course without God’s counsel and guidance (his discipline) we lose.

What do we lose?

Peace of mind.

Joy that otherwise comes from being his children who are in ‘right’ relationship with him.

And rest.

Remember our discussion about how we need to quit striving and doing and just be?  When we choose to be…obedient we find ourselves in that place of contentment, or rest.  A place of simply being.

Will you choose with me to trust the ONE who knows and loves us best?
Will you join me in choosing the path of obedience?
Will you choose joy?

Right now I’m walking a “rocky” path.  When I am obedient to take God’s guidance I am at peace.  The moment that I take my eyes off him and the joy that is before me I fall into the pit.  And I fret and worry.  (I’m pretty sure that’s sin, because Jesus tells us NOT to worry or fret.  He even tells us that it doesn’t add an hour to our life.)  I know what I am to do.  Doing it places me in a trusting spot with God.  I can just be…   There I am relaxed and I can actually enjoy life and find my creative juices flowing.   But, the other day, my pride got in the way and… well… let’s just say my thoughts weren’t very pretty.

This verse puts it all in perspective…

Shouldn’t we place ourselves under the authority of God, the father of spirits, so that we will live?
Hebrews 12:9

“So that we will live.”  I want to live fully and beautifully.

Choosing to be…obedient is a good thing.

 

 

Joy Day! :: Be...Obedient ::  AnExtraordinaryDay.net

It’s Joy Day!

The day we set aside to count the blessings and gifts from the past week.  The things we easily rejoice over, and the things we would rather have not faced or experienced.  We join with the writer of the Book of James in the Bible and “count it ALL joy.”

Please join me in counting just ‘seven’ from the past week.

I’ll start…

I’m thankful for…

  1. the knowledge that God is faithful
  2. a gorgeous drive through the countryside, reveling in the color and texture of fall
  3. fleas.  Again!
  4. apple crisp & chili & cider
  5. a few balmy Indian Summer days
  6. completing the 31 Day series
  7. knowing God has a plan and a provision when we can’t see it, yet

 

Now it’s your turn!

Scroll down to “Share Your Extraordinary Thoughts” below and tap in your ‘seven.’  When you take time to give thanks, something happens and your joy-meter will soar.  I dare you to try it!!

Want even more joy?  Take the Joy Dare here.

 

Thank you for stopping by today.
I appreciate you and your sweet comments make my day.

On the path of obedience,

Diane

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Comments

  1. Sue N says

    I am a recent subscriber to your blog and I must say how welcome this post was to me! I love Hebrews 12 because it keeps it all in perspective.. i haven’t resisted to bloodshed, but plenty of others have. I also love that Jesus is the AUTHOR and FINISHER of our faith. He started writing the book of my life and will finish it– what comfort! How could I NOT love such a one as this, and be obedient to Him?!? And yet, sometimes I struggle with the big “O”.. thanks so much for this reminder =) Enjoy the day!
    I am thankful that: 1. currently we arrived safely in Orlando even though it was wrought with canceled flights, long lines, and vomiting kids– praise God we are safe and all together! 2. I have a great family and an awesome husband. 3. I can trust that God has a plan for my life, even when I can’t see where it’s going. 4. That God loves me not for anything I’ve done but for what He’s chosen to do for me (I can’t earn it and I can’t lose it). 5. That my body works, including my eyesight, my joints, my bones– I am continually thankful and so grateful 6. That God formed me in my mother’s womb and knew every day I’d have and how they’d all play out even when I’m confused and scared (Psalm 139) 7. That my kids are healthy, and even when they are screaming and fighting at least they have voices, breath in their lungs, working bodies.. thankful for the simple things today!!

    • Diane says

      Sue, I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your thoughts. It really does help to have the perspective “that Jesus is the AUTHOR and FINISHER of our faith.” Obedience comes a bit more easily if we realize that we really aren’t in the driver’s seat. Yes?
      Thanks for taking the time to share your ‘seven’ too! God’s hand of blessing is on you. May you continue to rejoice in the goodness of the works of his hands, even in healthy bodies for you and your kiddos.
      May your new week be Extraordinary!!
      [hugs]

  2. Gwen says

    I’ve been counting the days mentally to Joy Day but I’m late in writing.
    1. This blog today. It’s written so I can understand and learn.
    2. My spouse is home and happy to be home
    3. We got to plant some window boxes that the company said to just keep after they kept sending more than the one I purchased. The three woven wood boxes with nylon bags cover the entire ledge of the big window!! Even fun to see from inside!
    4. I got to talk to mom today. She had an outing and had good success getting items she needed.
    5. I am still seeing hummingbirds outside my window and its so exciting when the light hits it just so and I see the red!
    6. I got to go to small group. I without expecting it, got affirmation from various people there that my faith shows. I even had one lady (young woman) share that she’s never known me pre-injury but she loves me just as I am! My other friend says she thinks of me as still smart as I remember God’s Word. My blessing
    7. Sunshine
    8. I survived eight days alone and dealt with some serious issues. Alone.
    9. My brother sent me a quick nice text
    10. I love Jesus.

    • Diane says

      Dear Sweet Gwen….I love your heart of gratitude and I so glad your husband is back home and you made it through that time alone. Though you weren’t really alone…you were being remembered to the Father by your friends and family and Jesus tell us that he will never leave us. I’m so excited to hear that the women and your friend at small group spoke truth you needed to hear. Can you send me some of the sunshine…..we surely haven’t had much lately.
      May your week be filled will joyful moments.
      [hugs]

  3. Mel says

    “We don’t enjoy being disciplined. It always seems to cause more pain than joy. But later on, those who learn from that discipline have peace that comes from doing what is right.” I know the peace that comes from doing right…and, boy howdie I do not like being disciplined. For me, obedience (much like trust)is a choice. It’s a choice I get to make every day, multiple times a day. Some times I intuitively know the right thing to do…other times (generally when me ego is involved) I don’t bother to pause/ask/listen and I just forge ahead and make a fine mess. ..truthfully, most times I stll knew what the right thing was and just wouldn’t act on it cuz of my own fear/ego issues.
    More things to work on!!
    And the joys…I get to go back to work. Getting over200cuties at the door for Trick or Treat night. Putting up the new countdown til Halloween. Big green tractors with big green trailers. The Bug with her pink fairy wimgs. Fall decorations! 🙂

    • Diane says

      We used to teach our kids this phrase, “I need to make the wise choice.” Yeah…we usually know what to do. The doing it…that’s where life get challenging…or should I say we are challenging. Oh my goodness…do you think we came up with enough stuff to work on these past 31Days? Good grief. Makes my brain tired just thinking about all of it.

      I love your ‘seven’ Mel!! Going back to work….I’m so happy for you!!! Are you still flying high from greeting all your costumed visitors? Lucky kids!!
      May your week overflow with countless joys!!!

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