FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS

LISTEN IN OBEDIENCE

Are you concerned more about who gives the message than the message itself.  This does not mean that you should be led by every wind of doctrine or anyone who claims to be a messenger of God.  However, have you gotten a word, an assignment or a direct warning from God and procrastinate or directly disobeyed?

Read the story of Balaam in Numbers 22, and you will note the remarkable experience of God's way of dealing with disobedience. Fortunately for Balaam, he was spared through his donkey.  It appears that the donkey who is considered to be a stupid animal saved his life.  God will use whatever means it takes for you to listen to Him.  

Numbers 22: 28-31
And the Lord opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times?
And Balaam said unto the ass, Because thou hast mocked me: I would there were a sword in mine hand, for now would I kill thee.
And the ass said unto Balaam, Am not I thine ass, upon which thou hast ridden ever since I was thine unto this day? was I ever wont to do so unto thee? and he said, Nay.
Then the Lord opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the Lord standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and he bowed down his head, and fell flat on his face.

Will it take a donkey or would you willingly listen to the voice of the spirit within?
Pay attention and make it your decision to follow the voice of God in obedience.

TODAY'S FOCUS:  LISTEN FOR THE MESSAGE

The apostle Paul saw things in another light when the brethren expressed how the message of Christ was being preached.  Listen to his response to them....

Philippians 1:18 

What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretense, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.

Perhaps you are contemplating whether to receive a message from someone who does not appear to be "godly" or even spiritual.  But here are a few things to consider:

• Has God spoken to you about this before?
• Was it something that you asked God about?
• Is it in line with the word? 
• Is it morally and ethically good?
• Is it a warning of something that you are doing wrong?
• Is God using a donkey to protect you?

In the verse above it may appear to many that Paul is contradicting himself.  In some places he speaks concerning false brethren and people without the truth, yet he is making the statement that he will rejoice whether  Christ is preached in pretense or truth.

God is a just God, but He will also not tolerate disobedience.  When you do not walk in obedience to a command given, you are also setting up yourself to be spoken to by what you may consider insignificant like the donkey in the experience of Balaam.  

Does it really matter who speaks if it is a means of saving your life? 

Numbers 23:19

God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

Remember, God is a faithful God.  His plan is not to destroy or punish you.  He will go the extra mile to get your attention even if He has to let an insignificant animal or person speak and reiterate His word.  He will make good whatever He promises- Blessings or curses.  Listen in obedience.  Do not concentrate on the messenger, but listen to the message for it could save your life.  

God Bless and Keep The Faith

Virtuous Jewel