Tag Archives: obedience

April 15
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“Then Saul said to Samuel, ‘I have sinned. I violated the LORD’s command and your instructions. I was afraid of the men and so I gave in to them.'” (I Samuel 15:24, NIV)

It is a sad thing when leaders yield to evil for fear of what others may say or do, as Saul did in today’s reading.

The Christian disciple’s ambition is to always — and everywhere — care more for what his or her heavenly Father says than what others say. Where there is disagreement, the child of God always sides with the Father.

Fear not what others may say or may do when you are faced with a moral decision.  “In all your ways acknowledge Him. . .”  – Luther 

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April 12
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“But Samuel replied: ‘Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.'” (I Samuel 15:22, NIV) 

The adage, “It is better to ask forgiveness than to ask permission,” has no traction in a disciple’s relationship with his or her heavenly Father. 

Like any good parent, God wants you and me to be obedient to His will and to His way because our disobedience always requires a sacrifice: Sacrificed time, sacrificed opportunities, sacrificed relationships that might have sustained us and, most notably, sacrificed intimacy with our God and Creator. 

Simple obedience is always preferable to our most extravagant “make-ups” and “make-goods” for doing wrong.  Always best to do it right the first time up!   – Luther 

Reminder: Daily Encouragement will be on break, as usual, tomorrow.  Have a great day in worship and praise on this Palm Sunday!  Lord willing, see you again on Monday.

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April 7
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“Saul remained at Gilgal, and all the troops with him were quaking with fear. He waited seven days, the time set by Samuel; but Samuel did not come to Gilgal, and Saul’s men began to scatter. So he said, ‘Bring me the burnt offering and the fellowship offerings.’ And Saul offered up the burnt offering.” (I Samuel 13:7b-9, NIV)

The prophet Samuel had told Saul to wait for his arrival. As Saul waited for the man of God to arrive, things began to get tight: Many of his soldiers deserted. Those who remained were filled with fear. 

So, Saul took matters into his own hands — in direct opposition to what he had been told, and knew from experience to be true. The fallout of Saul’s disobedience was severe.

Like Saul, we are also pressed to act contrary to God’s will and to God’s word.  Sometimes, it is because our situation seems grim and begs for action.  Sometimes, it is because the expectations of others contradicts our resolve to stand fast.

However, to be a faithful disciple of Jesus means to stand where God has placed us; or to do what God has told us.  Resolve to stand in faithful obedience to God until hell freezes over — then stand on the ice!  – Luther

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