God blesses our obedience.

I've been throwing out this idea that God blesses our obedience a lot lately. Today I thought I might take a moment to share one of the verses that solidifies that belief for me.

The verse I found today is small, but mighty. It is packed with many messages for us to digest if we really take a second to look into it. Before I dive into the verse, though, I want to say one thing: This is MEATY material. It is for someone who is firm in their faith, who is digging deep, trying to take their faith to the next level. When I read this verse I think of someone who is sold out on trying to live their life for the Lord and is ready to do what pleases Him. If this is you, by all means, read on...

James 1:25,

"But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it-- he will be blessed in what he does."

Here's what I gather from reading this verse...

1. We are to read (look intently into) the Bible (the perfect law).

Really dive into it and find what is in there. Stop coasting. (If you are coasting) Don't know where to start? Wherever you are at...Take it to the next level. Challenge yourself. Go to church, get into the Bible study, open your Bible, what? Why is it so hard for us to just pick up our Bibles and just open them sometimes? ...start somewhere. :)

2. We are to search intently to find what it is saying to us and in doing so, find freedom.

As you allow God's word to transform your heart and your mind, it will transform your life, and you will find a new freedom in your life. The cleansing redemption of God gives freedom. There is freedom in Christ. There is no condemnation in Christ, only freedom. His word tells us that. Amen?

3. We are to "continue doing this" (reading the Bible and finding our freedom in it).

Continue to go back to his word. The world will throw you curve balls so you will have to continue to go back to the word to find your strength, renewal, freedom, and peace in this world.

4. We should not forget what you have been taught, but continue to live it out.

Keep going back to what you were taught. Repeat number 1 and 2. Remind yourself what God has done in your life, and in the lives of those around you. Continue to live out of the faith that you have been taught to stand on. Do not waver in that faith. It is a ROCK you can stand on.

CONCLUSION: When you do number 1-4... You will be blessed in what you do.

Do you want to be blessed in what you do? OF COURSE YOU DO!

The question becomes, then, Are you willing to do what it takes to receive that blessing?

Because sometimes digging into God's word and living it out requires us to sacrifice our in-the-moment living for the sinful, selfish nature, which can be VERY appealing at times....but only leads to destruction, and eventually death.

So, the way I see it, it comes down to this...

Sinful Nature...Temporarily Appealing...but leads to eventual destruction, and death.

Divine Nature... Temporarily Sacrificing...but leads to eventual blessing, and eternal life.

God is calling us to think BIG picture here, because HE is looking for faithful followers who are willing to lay down their selfishness and pride, and get the mind of Jesus Christ. God is calling his believers to obediently fulfill His plans here on Earth, and as it His great pleasure to bless them as they do.

Whataya say? You wanna join me?

Let's throw off the sin that so easily entangles and live a life worthy of the blessings that God wants to bestow on us!

I got a feeling that we'll never regret it if we do. If we don't, on the other hand...all kinds of regrets. Let's think BIG PICTURE. Let's pray, and seek the mind of Christ, digging in the word because the times call for it.

Be blessed!