Posts with the tag “obedience”

Just Start
by Ed Newton on November 20th, 2024
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." - Psalm 119:105    Have you ever found yourself waiting for God to do something before you take that first step? Maybe you’re waiting for a sign, a clear path, or some guarantee that everything will work out. You think, "If God just shows me the way, then I’ll move." But that’s not how it usually works. God doesn’t move until you take that f...  Read More
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God-Given Dreams
by Ed Newton on November 18th, 2024
"Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." - Psalm 37:4    Have you ever wondered if the dreams in your heart are really from God? Sometimes we think that what we truly want for our lives isn’t aligned with God’s plan, as if our deepest desires and God’s will are somehow at odds. But what if the very dreams that fill your heart were put there by God Himself? Wh...  Read More
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When Will You Go All In?
by Ed Newton on September 4th, 2024
"As for me, I have set my King on Zion, my holy hill." - Psalm 2:6 Have you been putting off fully committing to God's plan for your life? Whether it's accepting Jesus as your Savior for the first time or stepping into a specific calling He has given you, there's often a tendency to delay. We hold on to our old lives, our comfort zones, and our plans. But the question remains: When are you going  Read More
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Considering the Alternative
by Ed Newton on September 3rd, 2024
"For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." - Romans 6:23 Have you ever taken a moment to consider the alternative to disobeying God? We often think about the sacrifices and the challenges of living a life of obedience, but do we truly understand the consequences of continuing in sin and disobedience? Have you thought about what your life will look like if you continue to ignore God's calling and live contrary to His will?  Read More
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Standing Strong in Obedience
by Ed Newton on August 26th, 2024
"Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap." - Galatians 6:7 Remaining obedient to God can be challenging, especially when those around us mock our faith or question our choices. Yet, we are called to stand strong and remain faithful, trusting that God-s promises are true. When you choose to follow God's path, you may face ridicule or pressure from those who don't understand your faith.  Read More
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The Blessing of Saying No
by Ed Newton on August 24th, 2024
"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age." - Titus 2:11-12 In a world that promotes instant gratification and self-indulgence, it can be challenging to say no to the temptations that surround us. Advertisements, social media, and even peer pressure encourage us to chase after whatever feels good in the moment. For many, the idea of self-control and denying oneself seems outdated and unappealing.  Read More
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Radical Generosity
by Ed Newton on July 21st, 2024
"Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."- 2 Corinthians 9:7   Radical generosity is a powerful expression of God’s love working through us. It’s about giving freely and abundantly, without expecting anything in return. When we embrace radical generosity, we reflect the heart of God, who gave His only Son for us out of...  Read More
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Going All In for God
by Ed Newton on July 18th, 2024
"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." - Matthew 6:33   What if you decided to go all in on God? Imagine a life fully surrendered to God—a life where every thought, every action, every decision is guided by His wisdom and His love. It’s a life of purpose, of passion, of unshakeable peace—a life beyond anything you could ever imagine. W...  Read More
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The Dangers of Getting Ahead of God
by Ed Newton on July 15th, 2024
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." - Proverbs 3:5-6    Have you ever been in a hurry to move forward, to take matters into your own hands when God seems silent? It’s a natural inclination—to want to take control, to make things happen according to our own timetable. But rushing ...  Read More
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The Path to Divine Reward
by Ed Newton on June 21st, 2024
And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. - Hebrews 11:6    Are you willing to go through a season of discomfort if it means receiving God’s very best for your life? A season where God seems to be nudging you out of your comfort zone, asking you to step into the unfamiliar and the unknown...  Read More
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Breakthrough Begins with Obedience
by Ed Newton on June 12th, 2024
And Samuel said, “Has 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 listen than the fat of rams. - 1 Samuel 15:22  Are you longing for a breakthrough in your life? Perhaps you've been praying for God to move in a mighty way, to bring about change and transformation. But have you considered the role...  Read More
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The Power of Long-Term Faithfulness
by Ed Newton on May 19th, 2024
"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." - Galatians 6:9   Living in today's fast-paced world, where everything seems instant and at our fingertips, it's easy to adopt a microwave mentality even in our faith journey. We want blessings, answers, and rewards right away, and we can become discouraged when they don't come as quickly a...  Read More
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The Power of Deliberate Choice
by Ed Newton on May 9th, 2024
"But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve..." - Joshua 24:15   Life is filled with moments that require us to make deliberate choices—decisions that shape our character, define our priorities, and determine our destiny. Whether it's choosing forgiveness, taking action on a command from God, or simply obeying His Word, our response of...  Read More
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Growing Every Day
by Ed Newton on April 16th, 2024
"And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." - 2 Corinthians 3:18    Life is a journey of growth, of transformation, of becoming more like Christ with each passing day. But here's the thing: that journey never ends. As long as we're on this earth, God is always at w...  Read More
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The Power of Deliberate Choice
by Ed Newton on April 9th, 2024
"But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve..." - Joshua 24:15   Life is filled with moments that require us to make deliberate choices—decisions that shape our character, define our priorities, and determine our destiny. Whether it's choosing forgiveness, taking action on a command from God, or simply obeying His Word, our response of...  Read More
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Gratitude for God's Faithfulness
by Ed Newton on March 23rd, 2024
"And Jephthah made a vow to the Lord: 'If you give the Ammonites into my hands, whatever comes out of the door of my house to meet me when I return in triumph from the Ammonites will be the Lord's, and I will sacrifice it as a burnt offering.'" - Judges 11:30-31   Have you ever found yourself in a desperate situation, bargaining with God, promising to fulfill a vow if He comes through for you? It'...  Read More
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The Unseen Guardian
by Ed Newton on March 1st, 2024
"The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore." - Psalm 121:7-8   Did you know that no matter where you are or what you are doing, you have a Heavenly Father watching over you? God assumes the role of an unseen guardian, tirelessly watching over us even when we may not realize it.  We are assured of this ...  Read More
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Rising Above Fear
by Ed Newton on February 25th, 2024
"The Lord is with you, O mighty man of valor!" - Judges 6:12    When looking at his story in the book of Judges, we can see that Gideon emerges as a mighty example of courage in the face of fear. His story unfolds with a divine encounter, where the angel of the Lord addresses him not in his current state of hiding but as a mighty man of valor. Gideon's response is not one of immediate agreement bu...  Read More
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The Consequence of Disobedience
by Ed Newton on February 21st, 2024
"But if you or your descendants turn away from me and do not observe the commands and decrees I have given you and go off to serve other gods and worship them, then I will cut off Israel from the land I have given them..." - 1 Kings 9:6-7   When it comes to obedience, it is very simple: Obedience leads to blessings and disobedience leads to consequences. When we step outside of God's plan and act ...  Read More
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Obedience Over Comfort
by Ed Newton on February 16th, 2024
"But Samuel replied: 'Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.'" - 1 Samuel 15:22   In a world that often prioritizes comfort, God calls us to a higher standard – obedience. The journey of faith is not about seeking ease but about aligning our will with His. Obedience may le...  Read More
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Against the Grain
by Ed Newton on January 14th, 2024
"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." - Romans 12:2   In a world that often dictates its own norms and standards, the call to go against the grain is a radical and countercultural concept. Obedience to God, even when it stands in stark contrast to popular opinion, is a scriptural principle that echoes throughout the Bible. The pages of Scri...  Read More
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The Abundance Beyond Obedience
by Ed Newton on January 9th, 2024
"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us." - Ephesians 3:20   When we contemplate obedience to God, it's natural to think about the sacrifices and challenges that may come with it. Obedience may require us to step out of our comfort zones, give up certain desires, or persevere through trials. But it's equally impor...  Read More
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Courageous Obedience
by Ed Newton on November 12th, 2023
"Again the Israelites cried out to the Lord, and he gave them a deliverer—Ehud, a left-handed man, the son of Gera the Benjamite." - Judges 3:15   In the book of Judges, we encounter the story of King Ehud, a man known for his unusual trait: he was left-handed. But it wasn't just his physical attribute that set him apart; it was his courageous obedience to God's call that made him a hero. Ehud liv...  Read More
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Embracing God's Plan Beyond Fear
by Ed Newton on October 17th, 2023
"For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." - 2 Timothy 1:7   Fear of failure can be a formidable barrier to living out God's ultimate destiny for your life. Many people remain hesitant to take a leap of faith, fearing that their endeavors might not work out as planned. However, it's crucial to recognize that when you follow God's plan, failur...  Read More
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Shining as a Light in a Dark World
by Ed Newton on September 27th, 2023
"You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden." - Matthew 5:14 (NIV)   As followers of Christ, we are called to be different from the world around us. We are to shine as lights in the darkness, reflecting the love, truth, and compassion of our Savior. In a world that often embraces darkness and confusion, let us stand firm in our faith and convictions. We are not called ...  Read More
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Embracing Grace with Repentant Hearts
by Ed Newton on September 7th, 2023
Romans 6:1-2 (NIV) - "What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?"  God's grace is truly endless, covering our mistakes and offering forgiveness when we fall short. However, as recipients of this boundless grace, we must be mindful not to abuse it. Instead, God desires that when we mes...  Read More
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Walking by Faith: Obedience in Financial Matters
by Ed Newton on August 11th, 2023
Hebrews 11:1 (NIV) - "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."   As followers of Christ, we are called to be obedient in all areas of our lives, including our finances. However, there are times when we may find it challenging to trust God with our money, especially when we cannot see how things will turn out. In those moments, it's essential to remember ...  Read More
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The Trust Factor: Tithing as a Sign of Faith
by Ed Newton on August 10th, 2023
Proverbs 3:9 (NIV) - "Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops."   Have you ever wondered why tithing is an important aspect of our faith? Tithing goes beyond just financial contribution; it is a tangible way of expressing our trust in God. When we willingly give back a portion of what God has blessed us with, we demonstrate our reliance on His provision and acknowl...  Read More
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Losing a Blessing
by Ed Newton on April 24th, 2023
“And David was afraid of the Lord that day, and he said, ‘How can the ark of the Lord come to me?’ So David was not willing to take the ark of the Lord into the city of David. But David took it aside to the house of Obed-edom the Gittite.” - 2 Samuel 6:9-10  When you choose delayed obedience or disobedience altogether, you are not only losing out on an opportunity but a blessing. The Bible tells u...  Read More
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What Are You Waiting For?
by Ed Newton on March 1st, 2023
“Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.” - Proverbs 27:1  Are you giving God your best? If the answer is no, then what are you waiting for?  From the time you are born, you have a destination that God wants to lead you to. We can call this your potential. From the time you realize what potential is, and who God is, He has a plan and purpose for your life. God wants ...  Read More
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A Blessing Not a Burden
by Ed Newton on January 16th, 2023
“Loving God means keeping His commandments, and His commandments are not burdensome.” - 1 John 5:3  If you love God, you will obey Him. It is through obedience that we show God our love. When we obey His commandments, we are choosing God over our own selfish, sinful, human desires. 1 John 5:3 says, “Loving God means keeping His commandments, and His commandments are not burdensome.” It is the endi...  Read More
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Fear of Failure
by Ed Newton on December 7th, 2022
“Not a single one of all the good promises of the Lord had given to the family of Israel was left unfulfilled; everything he had spoken came true.” - Joshua 21:45  Are you avoiding or delaying what God has called you to do? Has He made His plan or purpose for your life abundantly clear, but you just can’t take the next step to get going? This is not uncommon. While it is exciting to know what God ...  Read More
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Growing in Wisdom
by Ministry Support on November 3rd, 2022
“Asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God.” - Ephesians 1:17  Do you ever wonder what God is thinking? Have you ever prayed, “God if you would just tell me what you want me to do, I’ll do it.” If you are struggling to know the heart of God, it might be time to pray for wisdom. Wisdom is the gr...  Read More
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Love Others
by Ed Newton on October 26th, 2022
“The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.” - Mark 12:31  Obedience. It is something we have been talking about a lot over the last few days. In Mark 12, there is a religious teacher who asks Jesus, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” Mark 12:29-31 goes on to say, “Jesus replied, ‘The most important commandmen...  Read More
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The Consequences of Our Actions
by Ed Newton on October 9th, 2022
“Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.” - Galatians 6:7   When you look at the book of Micah, you will quickly find a problem with the people of God that Micah was dealing with. The problem with God’s people was simply that they lived as if there were no consequences to their sin. But this was not just a problem in that day and time.  It is true for ...  Read More
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Qualifying the Called
by Ed Newton on September 18th, 2022
“Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God.” - 2 Corinthians 3:5   Have you ever felt like God has you in over your head? Like you know you are following His will, and you are at peace with where you are because of your obedience, but you aren’t at peace when you think about performance?   You just don’t know if you have what it ta...  Read More
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No Pressure
by Ed Newton on September 15th, 2022
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” - John 14:27   Has someone ever told you to do something, made it seem so simple as if anyone can do it, and then added the end, “No pressure”? It’s like just by saying that, your blood pressure rises and you begin to feel uneasy. They said no pres...  Read More
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Experiencing Blessing
by Ministry Support on March 9th, 2022
“These are those who did not defile themselves with women, for they remained virgins. They follow the Lamb wherever he goes. They were purchased from among mankind and offered as first fruits to God and the Lamb. No lie was found in their mouths; they are blameless.” (Reve- lation 14:4-5)Do you want to experience blessing? You probably think that is a trick question — of course you do! Who doesn’t...  Read More
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