Full Obedience

AFTER SPENDING much of his life—perhaps from birth—in Ur of the Chaldeans, Abram was instructed by God to go to a place to be disclosed later.

Trust

GOD’S CALL of Abram began with an imperative—a clear command. God told him to leave his country for a land that He would show him . . . sometime later.

“We Want to Be Like Everyone Else”

From the time that Joshua died until Saul took the throne of Israel, the Hebrew government was not a monarchy like most surrounding nations. Theologians refer to it as a theocracy—”God-rule.”

All in the Family

Not one assassin but forty of them! Forty determined terrorists, operating under cover of secrecy. All of them vowing, “We will not eat or drink until we’ve killed him.” The plan was treacherous and set in motion by those who wanted him dead.

Gentle Nudging

While they were ministering to the Lord—fasting, singing, teaching, witnessing, and praying—the Holy Spirit said, “Okay, hitch up the wagons, fellas . . . westward, ho! I need Barnabas and Paul for the work to which I have called them.”

Stepping Out

Stepping out in faith always brings clarification of God’s plan. When Ananias went to see Saul, he received additional information. As Saul submitted himself to the ministry of Ananias, he found out more about God’s plan for his life.

Surprising Elements

Surprises are always part of God’s leading. In Saul’s case, the surprise came in the form of a light from heaven, marking a life-changing transformation. For Ananias, it was a seemingly unreasonable and illogical command.

An Unexpected Ally

William Barclay calls Gamaliel an “unexpected ally.” In the midst of flaring tempers and irrational thinking, this wise, seasoned teacher calmly rose to his feet and warned, “Take care here. Don’t rush to judgment.”

Choose God’s Will

A major goal of wholesome, healthy Christians is the hope of reaching maturity before death overtakes us. I will tell you without hesitation that one of my major goals in life is to grow up as I grow older.

Follow in Obedience

Job’s response prompts me to think of what this says to our twenty-first-century world. What needed messages it offers to our times! The first: If God’s ways are higher than mine, then I bow before Him in submission.