(by pastor Norman)

“Obey My voice and I will be your God, and you shall be My people. And walk in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well with you” (Jer 7:23; NKJV). God says to obey Him according to all His commands, not just some, or just according to those we agree with, then things will go well for us. We are called to not just read but to do all that the word directs us to do, if we don’t then we are fooling ourselves to think we are practicing the Christian faith (James 1:22). Jesus said quite simply, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15; NKJV) and in keeping these commandments we will be immersed in His love (John 15:10). If we hear God’s word and obey it, we will be blessed (Luke 11:28) and eat the best the land produces (Isa 1:19). Noah built an ark on dry land in obedience to God and survived the flood (Heb 11:7). Abraham left his home in obedience to God with no idea where he was going and through him God established His people, Israel (Heb 11:8). Jesus was obedient to the point of death (Phil 2:8) so that we could be forgiven and restored to relationship with God. Obedience to God is to walk in love (2 John 1:6), humility (Micah 6:8), dying to self and taking up our cross daily (Matt 16:24). We are to follow Christ, completely compliant to His will, His ways and His word in faith, fearing nothing. God calls us to deny the flesh and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:25) so that we enjoy His fullness of life serving the kingdom.