TOPIC: YOUR OBEDIENCE PLEASES GOD
Bible Reading: Genesis 3-5; Matthew 2
Memory verse: “And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.” John 8:29 (KJV)
The statement in our memory verse was made by Jesus while speaking with the Jews. Doing always those things that pleases God guarantees God’s presence in our lives. Jesus manifested God’s presence throughout His walk on earth because He obeyed His Father and never for once did He sin nor miss the mark.
Adam, on the other hand, enjoyed this same presence until a certain day when God came, as usual, and he was no where to be found. The bible puts it this way in Genesis 3:9-10 (KJV), “And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? [10] And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.” The same presence he had perhaps looked forward to was now the one he was running away from. When sin comes in fear follows, and a gradual separation from God. As a result insecurity, intense worry and discomfort follows such a person.
The scriptures says in 2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV), “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” Fear comes when you disobey God and it takes the combined spiritual forces of power, love and sound mind to combat it. While Adam ran and hid himself when God came around, Jesus, even in the midst of his accusers, in the memory verse of the day, could boldly testify of God’s presence with Him because He does that which pleases the Father always. Continous obedience guarantee a fear-free life.
God is still looking for those He wants to bless with His presence. However, our sin has separated us from Him. Isaiah 59:1-2a (NLT) says, “Listen! The lord’s arm is not too weak to save you, nor is his ear too deaf to hear you call. [2] It’s your sins that have cut you off from God…” Sin separates you from God but obedience makes you bold. No wonder the bible says the righteous are as bold as a lion (Proverbs 28:1b). As you obey God boldness and courage comes and you enjoy His presence.
Prayer: Father, endure me with the Spirit of obedience so as to obey You all through my stay on earth in Jesus name.
Bro. Worthmore Aghanenu