A Note of Encouragement

from Ciloa

 

  

 

 

 

 

A bird yelling to another, Listen to me

 

 
God, check with me later

Volume XV, Issue 42 

October 19, 2015 
Has God ever told you to do something...and you didn't do it?
 
The path God has given us is not an easy one. How we are to live, speak, and act can be difficult. But what we may "want" is not the issue. This is about a choice, the decision of "No, I will not do it."
 
We have all made that choice. How did it work out for you? Did it leave you anxious, uncomfortable, ashamed at letting someone down? Perhaps you felt separated and alone. Maybe all of the above.
 
We make many decisions in life. Some good, some bad. Even when trying to make the right choice, we can get it wrong. We try and fail. But that's ok. It comes with learning and growing.
 
Yet when the issue is doing what God has told us to do, everything becomes far more serious. Listen to Jesus' own words...
 
The one who has My commands and keeps them is the one who loves Me...The one who doesn't love Me will not keep My words... John 14:21, 24a; 15:14 (HCSB)
 
And it isn't simply about obedience. Jesus did not say, "Do this because I say so." He loves us and wants us to understand something very important: Our decisions have consequences.
 
Why do you call Me "Lord, Lord," and don't do the things I say?...the one who hears and does not act is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The river crashed against it, and immediately it collapsed. And the destruction of that house was great! Luke 6:46,49 (HCSB)
 
NOW written on a chalk board  

God once told a pastor friend to preach a certain message in the next service. But he felt his church was not ready and he needed time to prepare. Besides, he had begun a new teaching series.
 
He answered, "Yes, Lord, when the time is right." But waiting brought new delays. God's instruction faded into mere suggestion and disappeared as a passing thought. Consequences soon arrived.
 
Following God subtly changed to following the pastor. As difficulties came, trust in him weakened. People looked to their feelings and wants, not to God. Today an empty building sits where a church once lived.
 
When God calls us to do something, "Maybe later" is not what He wants to hear. After all, "Maybe later" is "No" for today. I will not do it. And our refusal to follow Him affects everyone around us---our families, friendships, communities, even nations.
 
The Christian life is a difficult journey (see Matthew 7:14). Many have known great hardship. Many still do. Perhaps you have, too. How do we make it to the end? How do we survive?
 
Jesus will lead us. If our eyes are on Him, we will see where to go. If our ears turn to Him, we will hear what to do. And if we encourage each other, we will walk together in our journey home.
 
Has God told you to do something? How will you answer? Yes, Lord...or...Maybe later.
Take care & be God's,
 
Chuck
Ciloa - Encourage One Another
   
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