Obedient Lifestyle

Isaiah 59:1-4 says: “Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear. For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue hath muttered perverseness. None calleth for justice, nor any pleadeth for truth: they trust in vanity, and speak lies; they conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity.”

Have you ever reflected on these verses? They convey a profound message. God is ready to assist us if we allow Him, but if we persist in sin and show carelessness, we cannot expect His help. The scripture explicitly states that our sins have created a divide between us and God; His face is turned away from those engaged in wrongdoing. Iniquity refers to known sin, actions that one consciously undertakes despite knowing they are wrong. Some individuals may believe that their sins are not severe because they continue to receive blessings from God. While God is indeed merciful and loving, it’s important to remember that the devil can also deceive by bestowing what may appear to be blessings, encouraging people to remain in sin. The devil is capable of performing miracles, potentially leading individuals to mistake his works for God’s. He will use any means to drive a wedge between you and God. Consider this: if you persist in sin, knowingly and without remorse, with no intention of changing your ways, why would God intervene, especially when His Word emphasizes the separation caused by sin? If God is distanced from you, who else could be influencing these circumstances? Fortunately, we serve a loving and compassionate God. He will welcome you back if you repent and make a genuine effort to change. Bear in mind that you cannot deceive God; He sees into our hearts.

Another notion I have come across is the belief that because God does not immediately punish you when you sin, there will be no consequences. However, the reality is quite different. The Bible reiterates multiple times that we will face consequences for our sins. In Isaiah 13:11, God declares that He will punish the world for its evil deeds. Another powerful verse is Romans 6:23, which states, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.” This verse alone should serve as a stark reminder. We must bear in mind that sin has no place in Heaven.

I have also encountered individuals who claim they are awaiting a sign from God to indicate that their actions are wrong. The harsh truth is that they have already received signs. I have personally witnessed some of these signs, but these individuals are reluctant to forsake their sinful lifestyles because they derive too much pleasure from them. They prioritize worldly pleasures over their love for God. Despite being given signs to guide them, they choose to disregard them. The very fact that this conversation is taking place should be considered a sign in itself, shouldn’t it? If someone is discussing God with you, and you respond by saying you are waiting for a sign… well, isn’t that a sign in its own right?

God has granted us free will. He will provide us with signs, but ultimately, it is up to us to decide how to act upon them. Some individuals seem to require a significant tragedy to occur in their lives before they will open their eyes, although there is no guarantee that even that would prompt a change. If you prefer to ignore these clear signs in the hope of receiving a more dramatic one, then so be it. Is your pursuit of fame, friends, pleasure, or pride truly worth it? If God intends for you to listen to His message, He will ensure that you do, especially if His obedient children are praying for you constantly on your behalf. The rewards of Heaven far surpass any worldly allure. If you are seeking a sign, consider this your sign.

The reality is that we must adhere to what the Bible instructs, not simply follow the guidance of our leaders. I frequently mention “leaders” because it is a prevalent trend nowadays for people to rely on their teachings rather than delving into the Scriptures themselves. Understanding and truly knowing God requires a consistent study of His word; this is how we establish a deeper connection with Him. Merely conversing frequently with your preacher or consistently seeking answers from your Pastor does not guarantee accuracy. Without actively studying the Bible, you remain unaware and uninformed.

We should strive to be less like the people in Isaiah 29:13, who honor God with their lips while their hearts are distant from Him. Instead, we should aspire to be more like those depicted in Revelation 14:12, who demonstrate patience, adhere to the Ten Commandments, and possess the faith of Jesus.

2 Timothy 2:15 says Study to show yourself approved to God. Then do it! Prove yourself to God by studying His word.

It appears that many individuals exhibit the mindset described in Isaiah 4:1, where they seek to live according to their own desires, timing, and manner while still identifying themselves as Christians or followers of God either for validation or to conceal their shame. In reality, they align more with being followers of the devil. If pride prevents you from fulfilling the will of God and you feel too ashamed to do so, then you are aligning yourself with the devil. Recall the warning Jesus gave in Matthew 10:33, “But whoever denies me before men, I will also deny before my Father who is in Heaven.” Additionally, consider the message in Hosea 4:6, where God laments, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you, so that you shall be no priest to me; seeing you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your children.”

If you reject God, He will reject you. If you disregard His teachings or fail to study them diligently, you will face destruction, just as this verse indicates. It is crucial to bear in mind that with God, all things are possible, as stated in Matthew 19:26. He has the power to deliver us from any situation. Ultimately, the path we follow is our own choice.

Matthew 7:13-14 says “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.”

It is easy to stray onto the devil’s path due to the allure and appeal of sin. While walking the straight and narrow path to God may present challenges at times, it ultimately leads to eternal paradise. Who wouldn’t desire to enter paradise and reign alongside our Savior Jesus Christ? Do you prefer the easy path to hell? God extends His call to everyone, yet many choose to ignore Him.

Like Matthew 22:14 says: “For many are called, but few are chosen.”

Which one will you choose? Life or death? God or your popularity?

We need to heed the caution found in Matthew 7:21-23: “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”

How disheartening is that? This fate awaits many individuals who are unable to break free from their sins. It brings to mind those prominent preacher-entertainer figures with millions of followers, individuals who prioritize wealth over serving God. The pursuit of money and fame has led them to forget about God. 1 Timothy 6:10 serves as a reminder that, “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” Money has the potential to be destructive if not managed properly. Having wealth does not condemn you; it is how you handle it and the influence you allow it to have in your life that truly matters. Allowing money to control you is akin to conceding victory to the devil.

Truth is, we need to get right with God before it’s too late. We are in the end times, in the investigative judgement right now since 1844. We are being judged for everything we do right now. Just take a look around you, do you really think things are getting better? The people are getting worse, divided, evil, greedy, careless, the weather and animals is going crazy, just like the Bible said would happen in these last days. This is no laughing matter; we need to stop putting our trust in man and start trusting the Lord.

No matter the adversity you face, God will provide assistance. Even if you find yourself in favorable circumstances, because without God, reaching the promised land is not possible. This earthly life is insignificant, and those who laugh and say; “I guess I’m going to hell then,” will come to regret it when confronted with the consequences, such as the first plague, which are the boils. If you get that first plague, there is no opportunity for redemption, you don’t get a second chance, and you will face the rest of the plagues leading to damnation. As stated in Revelation 22:11, the righteous remain righteous, while the unrighteous remain unrighteous.

This emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and understanding the significance of adhering to the Ten Commandments, particularly the fourth commandment which emphasizes keeping the Sabbath day holy. The Sabbath should be observed on the seventh day, not on Sunday. The instruction to “Remember the Sabbath day” is unique among the commandments, it’s the only Commandment that has the word “Remember” in it because God knew we would be taught or forced to ignore it. The reason why people go to church on Sunday is because in 321 A.D., Constantine, also known as the government, made a law to change it. Those obedient Christians who wouldn’t listen were mardered for their faith. If you want to learn more about all that click here.

Regardless, no matter what, we all should be striving to hear these words one day in Matthew 25:21, ” His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.”

This is a powerful verse. No matter where you are in life, what you do, what you look like you are worthy of the help of our Creator. You can change with Him, you can and will be bigger than all of the nay sayers.  Being Rich in Christ is a lot better than being rich in this world.

“But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26