Text: James 1:21-23

 21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.   22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

STRENGTHENING YOUR SPIRIT THROUGH OBEDIENCE

Memory Verse:        Luke 11:28 “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”

Obeying God is like using a good map or Global Positioning System (GPS) on a journey. Driving to a new place you have never been before, you don’t know the roads, so you turn on your Global Positioning System GPS. It shows you when to turn, what roads to avoid, and the fastest way to get there. If you listen and follow the directions, you will arrive safely. But if you ignore it and go your own way, you might get lost, take the wrong road, or end up far from where you are supposed to be.

That is exactly how obedience to God works. God has given us the Bible as our guide. His commands are not meant to hurt you or take away your freedom, they are meant to protect you and lead you toward the good things He has planned. When you obey God, you are following the path He knows is best for you. God is the guide who knows every trail. If you listen to His voice and follow His steps, you will avoid the hazards of doing it your way, and the wrong turnings. But if you decide to go your own way, you may end up in danger, tired, or stuck.

Obedience also helps you grow strong on the inside. Every time you choose to obey, whether it’s by being kind to someone, telling the truth, or forgiving someone who hurt you, you build spiritual strength. It is like doing small exercises every day. Every good choice makes your spirit stronger. Even when it is hard, obedience brings blessings. Sometimes you do not understand why God tells you to do something, but later you see how it helped you. Obeying God shows that you trust Him more than you trust your own feelings.

The next time you feel unsure of what to do, remember the GPS. Ask God for direction through prayer and His Word. Then take a step of obedience, even if it is small. The more you follow His way, the stronger and more peaceful your spirit will become. 

Covenant Gate Hymnals   29: SS&S 642: “WHEN WE WALK WITH THE LORD“

1. 1. 1. When we walk with the Lord in the light of his Word
         What a glory he sheds on our way
         While we do his good will, he abides with us still
         And with all who will trust and obey

      Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
      To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey

      2. Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies
         But his smile quickly drives it away
         Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh nor a tear
         Can abide while we trust and obey
      3. Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share
         But our toil he doth richly repay
         Not a grief nor a loss, not a frown or a cross
         But is blest if we trust and obey
      4. But we never can prove the delights of his love
         Until all on the altar we lay
         For the favor he shows, and the joy he bestows
         Are for them who will trust and obey
      5. Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at his feet
         Or we will walk by his side in the way
         What he says we will do, where he sends we will go
         Never fear, only trust and obey

Today’s Prayer

1. Lord, help me to trust and obey Your Word, even when it is not easy.
2. Father, give me the strength to follow Your path and resist doing things my own way.
3. God, guide my friends and family to walk in obedience and grow stronger in their faith.