Obedience

From the day we are born, we are taught and expected to learn the things that will mold us into the world's definition of a successful person. We
are given goals, things we are to accomplish. Our parents show us how to take our first steps. As we grow older they teach us how to ride a
bycicle. We are told how to hold a fork. How to drive. Do this, don't do that. All these things are accumulated knowledge. As we grow older,
we feel the pressure to use this knowledge, to become successful in life.

In life, our accomplishments are what determine our success. Regardless of how they are attained. If, during our life, we accept the gift of salvation that is offered through the death and resurrection of Christ, success takes on a whole different meaning. The disciples walked and talked with
Jesus, but, they still faced the challenges of not only everyday life, but requirement of exercising their faith lay in their obedience to what they were
told to do. Regardless of the outcome.

The disciples had fished all night long and had caught nothing. This morning they were successful. Was it because of the number of fish they had
caught? No, they would have been successful had there been no fish in the nets. Their success came when they were obedient and threw out
their net, where they were told by Christ to do so. The catch itself, was secondary. Their obedience was primary. Had they not obeyed, they
would have failed. We cannot and are not successful in our walk with Christ, unless we are obedient. Obedience is paramount!
King Saul was commanded of God through Samuel, to do a certain thing:

1 Samuel 15:8,9 And he took Agag the king of the Amalekites alive, and utterly destroyed all the people with the edge of the
sword. But Saul and the people spared Agag, and the best of the sheep, and of the oxen, and of the fatlings, and the lambs,
and all that was good and would not utterly destoy them: but ever thing that was vile and refuse, that they destroyed utterly.

1 Samuel 15:11 I repent that I have set up Saul to be king: for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed
my commandments. And it grieved Samuel; and he cried unto the LORD all night.

1 Samuel 15:15 And Saul said, they have brought them from the Amalekites: for the people spared the best of the sheep
and of the oxen, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God; and the rest we have utterly destroyed.

1 Samuel 15:22 And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice
of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.

In any task we undertake for God, we must be careful not to become overconfident of our own abilities. When we do, we are no longer successful in our journey's, then we become discouraged. We begin to feel inadequate, and as those feelings increase, our goals become elusive and we fall into despair.
You must remember this: the outcome of the task is secondary to our obedience. If we obey, the "fish" will be there. God wants our devotion,
and our trust. He desires that we love Him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. Don't worry about the accomplishment of the "catch."
Rather, focus on walking each step according to his calling. Concentrate all your efforts on obeying his call to cast out the net. The catch will be
there, if we but obey!

Are you a person who digs in the dirt? Or, are you one who stands by and watches as others dig? Are you always wanting someone else to bring
God's word to the forefront? Or, are you one who stands and brings God's word to the front of the issue?

I got myself into trouble with a church one time, because I would not take what the preacher was saying as the truth. I would take what he was
teaching, then dig into the scripture myself. Asking the Spirit to lead me into the truth. I do not and will not take a human beings perspective
when it comes to the Word of God!
There are many a good preacher out there, that do give good Word, according to the Spirit. What they speak lines up with scripture. But,
there are also many, who pull scripture out of context and try to pass it off as truth. Teaching what they want others to hear. Comfortable
doctrine, to fill their pews. These are those who continue to perpetuate the false doctrines that come from hell, not Christ!
When will you take a stand and call it what it is? How many are being led down a crooked road of deception? Many are not even taught the truth
of who God really is. Don't be an employee of that slaughter house!

Who will you see standing in front of Christ? Being condemned to the depths of eternal despair. The endless torment and fire. The fire that can
never be quenched as it licks hungrily at flesh that will never be consumed. A thirst that will find no water. The hopelessness of eternity in the pits
of hell. No deliverance, no help, no second chance, no saying: "Lord I am so sorry. Please help me!" Why do people choose to live apart from
Christ?
Is it pride of unbelief. Do you know where you are to be, as a "true" Christian? You are to be standing in the gap. Spreading the truth of Jesus
Christ, no matter what the cost!

Take my heart Lord, my passion. See, my hurt for others. Lord open their eyes, let them see the truth. I stand here to fill the gap. Use me Lord!

Will you walk through fire for them? Will you stand ready to be condemned to death for your belief in Christ Jesus? That time is very rapidly
approaching friends. We as Christians are beginning to feel the pangs as a woman in birth on this earth. Do you hear it knocking?

Be a warrior in Christ! Do not give up! Stand up and be counted! Do not be ashamed or afraid of what others might think or do about, or to you!