Devotional: How well do you listen?

“Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.” 1 Samuel 15:22

I sat on the edge of my 12 year olds bed and expressed to him my disappointment and sadness I felt because he hadn’t listened to the instruction I had given him that day. He simply gets distracted during the life in the day of a 12 year boy enjoying his summer. I explained to him that when he didn’t obey my instruction, even though he wasn’t being spiteful about it, that it was disrespectful and didn’t show me honor. During this conversation with my son, immediately, God spoke to my heart, in a very simple and loving way, but very convicting, “How do you think I feel Suzanne when you don’t obey me?” I prayed right away asking God for forgiveness, thinking I’ll get it right tomorrow. Well, I didn’t. For several nights, I had to have this conversation with my son about him being intentional with being obedient to the instruction I leave for him during the day.  But each night, God continually reminded me of how He feels when I am not listening to Him and the instruction He has been giving me. What in your life is God instructing you to do? Maybe it’s committing your time and heart to read the bible and grow closer to Him through that. Maybe it’s forgiving someone that has hurt you. Maybe it’s doing that kind act for a stranger that pulls you way out of your comfort zone. I think many people tend to think of being obedient as to the ‘big’ things in life. The little everyday things in life can have a huge impact. Pray about what you need to be obedient to God with.

Whether you are a parent, a boss, a teacher, etc., you may have this realistic expectation that when you give instruction that it should be obeyed. God has this same expectation, He gives us instruction and expects and desires us to obey Him. Imagine how different situations in your life could turn out if you obey your Abba Father, your Creator who has a perfect and wonderful plan for your life! Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”

Let's Reflect: 1 John 2:3-6 “We know that we have come to know Him if we obey His commands. The man who says, “I know Him,” but does not do what He commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But if anyone obeys His word, God’s love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Jesus did.”  1 John 3:16-24 “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down His life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. This then is how we know how we set our hearts at rest in his presence whenever our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts, and He knows everything. Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God and receive from Him anything we ask, because we obey His commands and do what please Him. And this is His command: to believe in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as He commanded us. Those who obey His commands live in Him, and He in them. And this is how we know that He lives in us: We know it by the Spirit He gave us.”

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, oh, thank you for the grace you extend me. Please continue to convict my heart in the areas of my life that I am not obedient to you in. Please stretch and grow me bringing me out of dis-obedience and giving me the courage to obey even the tiniest command you have given to me. With all my love, I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Be Blessed…Be Bold in the name of Jesus!

Suzanne Williams

Devotional: Walking by Faith

"Come," He  said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Matthew 14:29

Recently my 12 year old son and I went deep sea fishing. Our boat rested 14 miles out in the Atlantic Ocean and we let our lines down. As the waves went back and forth, I sat there thinking about Peter and Jesus. As I watched the waves, I wondered what it would have been like to be called to step-off the boat to walk to Jesus on the waves, would I have the faith and courage to do so, if so then what? Would I start to doubt like Peter?

What in your life has Jesus called you to do?  Have you started to doubt that call? If so, where has that left you? We know it left Peter sinking and crying out for Jesus to save him. We know that one incident opened their eyes to who Jesus was, “Truly you are the Son of God.”  Matthew 14:22

I want to encourage you that if you are being called by Jesus to “Come.” Then go...have courage and faith in Jesus to show you the way. Just like Jesus was there to save Peter, Jesus will be there for you to. If you have already answered that call to “Come” and you are now starting to doubt your situation, refresh yourself in the faith of Jesus Christ. Please remember, when Jesus calls you to do something, He will be there for you…it takes your faith and courage to listen.

Let's Reflect: Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd.  After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.  Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake.  When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”  “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.  But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”  Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down.  Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” Matthew 14:22-33

PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, I want to have the faith in you that you call me to have. Please fill me with courage and faith to take action and accomplish whatever it is that you call me to do. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Be Blessed…Be Bold in the name of Jesus!

Suzanne Williams

Devotional: Say What?!

“May the words of my mouth and the mediation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.” Psalm 19:14

I think it’s pretty safe to say that you have reacted in a way that you felt really bad about afterward? Or maybe you just felt that nastiness inside? I am sure you’ve been told its okay, you’re only human. I know I have been told that many times. But I don’t agree. I think to myself, “is what I am feeling in my heart or expressing to another honor God? How does God feel about what is in my heart or coming out of my mouth? How does it affect my growth with my personal walk with Jesus Christ?” Does Jesus say, do what you want, you’re only human? No, I don’t think so. What does God’s word say? “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-His good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2 I personally know what a challenge this can be and I want to challenge you to rise above. I encourage you to memorize these verses and when you are in a situation, recite anyone of one the verses (or all!) to change the course and honor God.

Let's Reflect: Proverbs 15:1 “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Ephesian’s 4:29 “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

PRAYER: Abba Father! Forgive me for any unwholesomeness in me and that comes out of me. Cleanse me from any mean-spiritedness, anger or worse within me and renew a right spirit within me. Allow Christ to flow through and out of me to glorify you, my God, my Savior.  Amen.

 Be Blessed…Be Bold in the name of Jesus!

Suzanne Williams

Devotional: How Sweet It Is!

“They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.” Psalm 19:10,11

I can’t help by starting off by praising God, I am just feeling this overwhelming sensation in my heart of joy and excitement!  I am so excited to share this verse with you. God’s word is so very sweet!  And so very precious! I love it! Let’s break it down real quick. “They” or “them” is God’s word. “[God’s word] is more precious than gold, [God’s word] is sweeter than honey. By [God’s word] you are warned; by keeping [God’s word] there is great reward.”  I want you to think about something that you really enjoy eating and how satisfying it is when you have it. For some it’s a good steak, for others it may be a piece of chocolate or a well balance spiced dish. Isn’t it refreshing when you eat something you really enjoy? God’s word is totally like that, but then elevate as high as you can comprehend.

Why does God make His word so precious and so sweet? You already know the answer to that…God wants us to read his word. God wants us to share His word. God wants us to live by His word.  God wants us to grow by His word. Listen to what Jesus has to say about God’s word.  (In Matthew 4:1-3 Satan is trying to tempt Jesus) Jesus answered, “It is written: Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4  (AMAZING!!!)

When you read God’s word, you are drawing close to Him. Just like when you spend time connecting with friends, the more you spend time with friends, the closer you become. Because God wants a personal relationship with us and He wants to spend time with you! You are more powerful to deal with situations in life as you fill up on God’s word. God’s word gives you power to resist what isn’t from God and to recognize what is from God. Dig into His word and taste how sweet it is!

Let's Reflect: Ezekiel 3:1-4 “And He said to me, “Son of man, eat what is before you, eat this scroll; then go and speak to the house of Israel.” So I opened my mouth, and He gave to me the scroll to eat. Then He said to me, “Son of man, eat this scroll I am giving you and fill your stomach with it.” So I ate it, and it tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth.” He then said to me: “Son of man, go now to the house of Israel and speak my words to them.”

1 Peter 2:2 “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.”

PRAYER: Oh God, Most High! How we praise You! You have given us Your word! How amazing You are God. LORD, whatever is standing in the way of me reading your word faithfully, please remove it as I want to be filled by the sweetness of Your word. How I want to be equipped by Your word to share it with others. All glory to You, my God! Amen.

 Be Blessed…Be Bold in the name of Jesus!

Suzanne Williams

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