Practice Obedience

Obedience is the act of conforming to the command of a superior out of regard for his or her authority. Did you notice how it said that obedience was adhering to a superior’s commands because you felt it was the right thing to do? Did you read where it explained that obedience was predicated on whether you agreed with your superior, liked him or her, or even that your opinion on the matter was relevant? Neither did I.

Obedience and authority are interconnected. If you find it difficult to obey those in authority, count on not being given access to positions of authority or even being very successful in many areas of your life. Submitting to authority is one of the methods God uses to prepare us to live victoriously. When we submit ourselves to the authority of God’s word, we can avoid making decisions that have long-term dire consequences. Yielding to what is right is a conscious, deliberate choice. It is not something we stumble onto. Obedience requires intentional thought and action.

Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to me above all people – Exodus 19:5

This passage promises that obedience will cause us to be favored by God above everyone else. We will be God’s special treasure. Treasures are prized, well cared for and given special attention. They are not tossed into a junk box or stuffed into an overcrowded container. They are handled with thought and love. This is how God handles those whom He treasures.

Disobedience often creates problems or situations of great distress in our lives. Let’s look at David and Bathsheba. David clearly disobeyed God when he coveted Bathsheba. He clearly did not regard the law that forbids a man from sleeping with another man’s wife. As a result, their first child died bringing great distress and heartache to David. If we choose to conduct ourselves in a manner that is contrary to God’s word, we should expect intense pain and suffering to journey with us.

The same applies to submitting ourselves to authority. Whether the authority is on your job, at your church or in your home, refusing to obey a person in authority will only bring about strife, stress and unhappiness. God cannot bless disobedience.

Just think about Lucifer, Cain, Jonah, King Saul, and Adam—all disobeyed God and suffered judgment. Now think about Gideon, Joshua, Abraham, the Apostle Paul and Jesus—all yielded to God and his chosen authorities and were blessed. The goal of Sikhism to foster an intimate relationship with God—obedience accomplishes that.

If we expect to live victoriously or be counted as God’s special treasure, we must actively participate and commit to obeying God, his word and his delegated authorities. Doing so will afford us access to all of the benefits we are entitled to enjoy as believers. Deliberate obedience brings transformation in our minds and spirits. It activates God’s power in our lives.

 

©2010-2013 Minister Claretta Taylor Pam, Global Ecumenical Ministries Inc. and Universal Life Church Monastery of Massachusetts. All Rights Reserved

Keep Silent

Now Joshua had commanded the people, saying “you shall not shout or make any noise with your voice nor shall a word proceed out of your mouth until the day I say to you, ‘shout!” Then you shall shout. – Joshua 6:10

We know that the bible is the inspired word of God. It is God’s divine inspiration imparted to man so that the word of God could be learned, heard and understood. The bible is not comprised of stories, folktales or myths. It is an actual account of various events that have occurred throughout history. Nothing was written by happenstance nor is it a coincidence.

When I first read the phrase you shall not shout or make any noise with your voice nor shall a word proceed out of your mouth, my curiosity was piqued. At first glance, it appears as though Joshua is giving the same command three times. Clearly, the writer made a mistake, right? No one walks around saying I want quiet. I don’t want to hear a sound. Not even with your mouth. Many of us would find it strange. However, upon closer examination we understand that was not the case.

In earlier chapters in Joshua, we see the children of Israel were in the wilderness for forty years most likely due to their incessant murmuring, complaining and doubt of God’s provision and power. Little did the Israelites realize that the negative words they spoke brought death and destruction to their lives. The bible tells us life and death is in the power of the tongue. In other words, what you say has the power to give life or inflict death. For this reason, Joshua issued his command. He knew that negative emotional outbursts, outward displays of discontent or unconstructive vocal opinions would cause one thing to happen: the will of God to be thwarted. He would not allow this to happen.

Could you imagine walking up to the massive, heavily guarded wall of Jericho with little more than the Ark of the Covenant, a few psalmists and worshippers? I’m pretty sure a fear-laden gasp or two might have been in order. You might have even wanted to let out an anxious sigh or moan. Maybe you might have whispered “Lord, what has Joshua gotten us into now?” All are normal, human reactions. The circumstances, however, required nothing less than the fullness of God’s power. In order to receive that, doubt could not fester nor could it be present. Why? Without faith it is impossible to please God. One of the tenets of Judaism is faith in God.

Joshua commanded the people to keep silent because he understood that when life hands you some of your greatest challenges, speaking unbelief is a sure fire way to bring defeat, powerlessness and death. Joshua could not control what the people saw or heard in Jericho but he could help them exercise restraint with speaking doubt. His command helped the people remain focused on what God could do rather than what they could not.  

©2010-2013 Minister Claretta Taylor Pam, Global Ecumenical Ministries Inc. and Universal Life Church Monastery of Massachusetts. All Rights Reserved

Learn to Be Content

For I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me. – Philippians 4:12-13

We live in a society that is perpetually bombarded with the belief that those who have are those who are happiest. We live in an age where we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against ideologies that glorify unbridled self-indulgence. Daily, we are inundated with the same societal messages: happiness can be bought; it can be attained but only with the right things. The word of God, however, provides a different point of view.

This passage suggests that regardless of our current circumstances—even the unpleasant ones—we can be content in just about any situation. Not too long ago, I was watching a program on the Public Broadcast Station about a few teenagers who had the opportunity to journey to Ghana, West Africa. What they discovered altered the course of their lives forever.

Despite severely impoverished regions in the country, the region natives and locals shared all they had with the American strangers. They gladly gave what little they had to welcome the strangers to their villages. They never complained and much to the students’ surprise, seemed genuinely happy. When the students asked about how the locals cope with their dismal surroundings, one of the villagers said this: happiness is not about having all that you want, it is about learning to be glad with whatever you have. This is the same premise of the bible passage.

Whether you are driving a luxury car worth eighty-five thousand dollars or a used car worth eight-hundred and fifty dollars, you can be content with whatever you have. Jainism teaches implores us to avoid excessive possessions and over indulgence. Contentment is not based on the number of your possessions, the length of your collegiate title or your socio-economic status. Contentment is a choice. It is an attitude birthed from wisdom and it grants us the ability to look beyond the limits of today and see the promise of tomorrow. Contentment produces hope; hope produces faith and with faith we please God.

We need only look to Paul and Silas. They had been beaten, lied on and imprisoned. Yet Paul said that he counted his afflictions as joy. Hence, while shackled in prison, he began to worship the Lord with an attitude of contentment and the bible tells us that God responded, quickly. Not only were his shackles opened but so was the door to his prison cell! Contentment coupled with worship compels God to move speedily on our behalf.

We can do all things through Christ who gives us the strength. We can learn to be happy in the midst of life’s storms.

 

©2010-2013 Minister Claretta Taylor Pam, Global Ecumenical Ministries Inc. and Universal Life Church Monastery of Massachusetts. All Rights Reserved

Covered by the Blood

The blood on the houses where you are staying will be a distinguishing mark for you; when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No plague will be among you to destroy you. – Exodus 12: 12-13

The biblical account of the first Passover is powerful. In Exodus 12, we see God preparing to execute judgment on Pharaoh, and those in his kingdom, because he refused to release the people of God from captivity. Pharaoh was used to giving orders not taking them. He ruled a vast kingdom and was the Commander in Chief of one of the richest, most prominent nations in the world. He was the judge and the jury. It is not difficult to understand why Pharaoh didn’t take too kindly to receiving orders from God. After all, in his mind he was god and no one in the land refuted that except Moses.

Pharaoh had been on the receiving end of several of God’s plagues none of which prompted him to release God’s people from captivity. In truth, he became more defiant openly daring Moses’ God to do something about it—so God obliged. God released the plague of death which claimed the life of every first born male (human and animal) in Egypt. The people of God, however, were safe from this plague because of the blood applied to their door posts. The blood was a distinguishing mark that caused death to pass over them.

The blood on the door posts kept God’s people safe from harm. It stayed the hand of death that would have otherwise devoured them. Likewise, it ultimately resulted in the release of God’s people from captivity.

No matter how tightly the adversary attempts to bind you or overwhelm you, the blood of Jesus causes him to lose his power over you. No matter how long you feel you’ve been shackled or chained, the blood shed by the Risen Lamb will cause the enemy to release you. Because of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, our enemies no longer have the right to keep us captive—they have to let us go. Much like Pharaoh, the Adversary does not get to refuse God’s demands. God is Sovereign and is LORD. His decrees are not subject to debate or consideration. They are directives not requests.

You don’t have to allow life’s circumstances or hurtful situations to suffocate you. You don’t have to permit the adversary to hold you captive to your emotions or keep you bound to your past. Behold all things have passed away and now you are new. You are not who you used to be because you have been made new in Christ.

The blood that Christ shed on the cross is a distinguishing mark that identifies who you are. There is a purpose for suffering, as Buddhists proclaim. Christ’s work on the cross acts like a birth mark signifying to all who see you that you belong to Him. Because of this mark, the bible says that when God looks at you He sees His beloved son.

 

©2010-2013 Minister Claretta Taylor Pam, Global Ecumenical Ministries Inc. and Universal Life Church Monastery of Massachusetts. All Rights Reserved

Delight Yourself in the Lord

How happy is the man who does not follow the advice of the wicked or take the path of sinners or join a group of mockers! Instead, his delight is in the LORD’s instruction, and he meditates on it day and night. He is like a tree planted beside streams of water that bears its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. – Psalms 1: 1-3

Many people tend to think of rules, commandments or ordinances as burdensome. They tend to view laws or boundaries as unnecessarily restrictive. Many are quick to dismiss its relevance or protective properties citing “free will” which grants us the ability to do as we please—without thought or consequence. The word of God, however, implies something entirely different.

According to the afore-mentioned passage, the person who delights in the Lord’s instruction and makes every effort to live it on a consistent basis is happy. This person is like a tree planted beside streams of water. This person will bear fruit in their season and their leaves will not wither. In short, this person is stronger, healthier, firmly rooted and prosperous.

In case you didn’t realize it, trees that are within close proximity to a water source are stronger and healthier than those in the distance. Their roots grow deeper. Their leaves are lush and their fruit is appealing to the eye. The same is true for believers. For us, God’s ordinances and instruction feeds our heart and strengthens our spirit. We grow deeper in relationship with our Heavenly Father. We are continually refreshed in His presence causing us to flourish. The works of our hands will thrive allowing the glory of God to be seen in the earth. We are like the trees planted by the waters of His Holy Spirit. We will not wither, dry up or become impotent. We will walk in abundance and joy knowing that whatever we do will prosper. This is the promise of God to us.

Contrary to popular opinion, there are benefits to following rules. By honoring God’s instruction or guidance for our lives, we can enjoy His protection. No one likes to hear the words “no” or “you cannot have it.” Our carnal nature wants what it wants when it wants it even though the thing we want could harm us. Yielding to God’s instruction, helps prevent us from making wrong decisions. Jainism teaches right actions honor God. It also frees us from the responsibility of orchestrating our own lives. We need God to navigate the twists and turns in our lives. We need God to look one, three or five years down the road and put up detours and road blocks, in the present, so that we don’t end up in ditches or stranded.

There is gladness in submitting to God’s plans and designs for us. There is liberty and joy in honoring His instructions. The bible tells us that those who follow God are happy, prosperous and thriving.

 

©2010-2013 Minister Claretta Taylor Pam, Global Ecumenical Ministries Inc. and Universal Life Church Monastery of Massachusetts. All Rights Reserved

Rest. Peace. Joy.

11The Lord will give [unyielding and impenetrable] strength to His people; the Lord will bless His people with peace. – Psalm 29:11

The word peace is defined as freedom from war, or the time when a war or conflict ends; a calm and quiet state, free from disturbances or noise; a state of mental calm and serenity, with no anxiety. In other words, having peace is a sign that you are lacking in the things that oppress or depress you. It means that your lack of turmoil, conflict, hostilities or anxiety gives rise to serenity, clarity, hope and joy. It means you are no longer bound by the parameters established by unrest and angst. You are free.

The bible tells us that the Lord gives unyielding and impenetrable strength to His people. God’s gift of strength to us prevails against everything. It does not give way or succumb to the pressures around it. It stands against massive assaults launched by the enemy and does not cower or retreat when punches are thrown. God’s strength is impenetrable. It has no Achilles’ heel. It is fortified on all sides and designed by the power of God to withstand any attack. As if His strength weren’t enough, God then says that He will bless His people with peace.

If you are constantly waging war against the enemy, regularly on the defensive, or continually in battle without remedy or rest, there is a problem. Yes, there is a time to fight and stand your ground. There is also a time for rest and peace. Ask God for peace. The word of God says it is His blessing to you. It is God’s promise to you.

Have you ever seen a war ravaged building? It is riddled with shell casings, debris and holes. It lacks structural integrity and solid frame work. In other words, the building is fragile and easily collapsible. The same holds true for our soul. When we are ravaged by stress, worry or day to day tribulations in life, the spiritual integrity of our spirit is comprised. Without God’s strength or His rest, we will eventually collapse or implode. Without God’s blessing of peace, we cannot effectively handle life’s ups, downs and curves.

God wants to bless us and protect us from the hurtful things we encounter. He wants to be gracious to us and give us peace so that we are equipped to deal with whatever comes our way. It is the Father’s design that we come to Him in our brokenness and weariness. It is His desire that we would cast our cares on Him so that He can shoulder our burdens, ease our fears and strengthen our hearts. God is the ultimate source of comfort, encouragement and strength. His resources are limitless. He is the Father with outstretched hands. God is a god of peace and hope. The term Muslim means one who is of peace. God promises peace and rest to us when we need it most.

 

©2010-2013 Minister Claretta Taylor Pam, Global Ecumenical Ministries Inc. and Universal Life Church Monastery of Massachusetts. All Rights Reserved

Keep Me Safe, oh Lord

Hearing from God clearly and avoiding the possibility of deception comes only from spending regular time with Him, learning His word. Listening for God’s voice without having knowledge of His word is a mistake. Knowing God’s written word protects us from deception. ¬ - Joyce Meyer

Deception is very subtle. It mimics or patterns itself after things that appear to be truthful or factual. It disguises itself as one thing while secretly promoting something else. It causes us to view reality in a manner that is out of sync with real life. We unknowingly (or sometimes knowingly) juxtapose our altered sense of what’s real onto other people and even onto our faith. This is where the word of God comes in.

But test and prove all things [until you can recognize] what is good; [to that] hold fast.- 1 Thessalonians 5:21

We must test everything by the word of God. Attempting to listen to God without spending time in His word to understand His character is a huge mistake. Evil spirits exist and they are all too eager to speak to us masquerading themselves as the “voice of God.” This is how deception works. It preys on those who of us who really want to hear God’s word but have not yet made the commitment to studying His word or spending quality time with Him. People like that set themselves up to fall victim to deception.

When Jesus was in the wilderness and the devil came to tempt him, his response began the same way: it is written. He didn’t entertain the devil. He didn’t mull over what the devil had to say. He simply countered every offer or challenge with what the word of God said about the situation. He did not debate with the adversary. He did not cower because the devil challenged him. Christians need to respond the same way.

We must compare every thought, emotion or prompting that comes to us with the word of God. It is our measuring stick. It tells us which things are out of whack and which things are noble or true. Please keep in mind, not every thought, prompting or feeling that comes to us is from God. The enemy does have a voice. The enemy is out to rob, kill or destroy us. The enemy is looking to deceive us. The only way to know for sure is to test what you hear or feel—prove its position using the word of God as a standard.

Also, keep in mind that just because something seems logical does not mean it is from God. Logic is defined as a sensible argument or thought often influenced by emotion or whim. In short, logical things make sense to us. They are things we can wrap our minds around and embrace. Jainists embrace the concept of heaven. Just because we can embrace a concept does not mean the concept is God sanctioned. Test the thought or concept by the word of God.

 

©2010-2013 Minister Claretta Taylor Pam, Global Ecumenical Ministries Inc. and Universal Life Church Monastery of Massachusetts. All Rights Reserved

Home is Where the Heart Is

We’ve all heard the saying. We all have come to know its meaning: the place where you enjoyed your most treasured moments and memories is the place that holds your heart. This is the place you call home. When the cares of the world overwhelm and confuse, rushing to this sanctuary of rest and safety becomes your primary priority. You know that if you can just make it home that everything else will fall into place. Home holds your heart. Home shields your heart.

17May Christ through your faith [actually] dwell (settle down, abide, make His permanent home) in your hearts! May you be rooted deep in love and founded securely on love, 18That you may have the power and be strong to apprehend and grasp with all the saints [God's devoted people, the experience of that love] what is the breadth and length and height and depth [of it]; 19[That you may really come] to know practically,[e]through experience for yourselves] the love of Christ, which far surpasses [f]mere knowledge [without experience]; that you may be filled [through all your being] [g]unto all the fullness of God [may have the richest measure of the divine Presence, and [h]become a body wholly filled and flooded with God Himself]!

Christ can dwell or make our heart His home! Can you imagine a home filled with magnificent glory? Kaleidoscopic rays of peace, prosperity, wellness and joy permeating every corner in every room. Hopelessness is defunct. Sorrow is defeated.

Joy, grace and spiritual abundance is rampant and welcome. Christ can feel at home inside each of us. As born again believers, the Holy Spirit dwells on the inside of us. He comes alive in each of us and helps to prepare the way for the Lamb of God to make our heart His home. How does Holy Spirit do this? Holy Spirit reveals the things that are offensive to God. Anger, bitterness, wrath, gossip, lying and lack of self-control are the things that deter Christ from making our heart His home.

Imagine living in a beautiful mansion with glass chandeliers, spiral staircases, indoor pools and marble pillars. Now imagine that home filled with furniture from the local garbage dump: soiled sofas, stained rugs, and broken chairs and end tables. It doesn’t fit, does it? The same holds true with our hearts.

When we are new believers, our spirit has been renewed but we still have soiled, broken things that must be removed. Our heart is the dwelling place of God. We have to examine our inner selves. Buddhists traditionally practice self-examination.

Believers must be willing to commit to making Christ feel at home in their hearts.

We ought to want to become a body wholly filled and flooded with God Himself so that we may have the richest measure of the God’s divine presence! God’s presence can dwell in us. Let us do all that we can to make Him feel at home and to welcome him in.

 

©2010-2013 Minister Claretta Taylor Pam, Global Ecumenical Ministries Inc. and Universal Life Church Monastery of Massachusetts. All Rights Reserved

Wisdom Speaks

Yes, if you cry out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, 4If you seek [Wisdom] as for silver and search for skillful and godly Wisdom as for hidden treasures,5Then you will understand the reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of [our omniscient] God.- Proverbs 2:3-5

Ever find yourself facing a situation in which you absolutely knew what needed to be done only to learn that what you thought was the solution only added fuel to the fire? This scripture passage implores us as believers to cry out for insight—to position ourselves to receive understanding and revelation. When the bible says God’s ways are not our ways it is not professing an empty claim. Because God sees the end from the beginning and effortlessly orchestrates the steps of humanity, His wisdom far surpasses that of mere human beings. In truth, our most innovative ideas, solutions or reasoning cannot compare with the knowledge of the Omnipotent God. God sees through false pretense, selfish ambitions and wrong motives. He looks past our actions and peers deep into our heart. He sees what man cannot. He comprehends what man deems mysterious. He is God and His Sovereignty—the breadth of His power—is unsurpassed.

As believers, we need the wisdom of God to guide us in every situation. Whether it is the mundane things that occur in every day life or a full scale attack initiated by the adversary, having God’s wisdom can and does make a difference. Why? With God’s wisdom comes anticipation, peace of mind and a strategy for action. With God’s wisdom comes keen insight into situations and circumstances. The ability to look at a situation with full clarity and a course of action is one of the best gifts God gives to His children.

The Bible instructs us to seek [Wisdom] as for silver and search for skillful and godly Wisdom as for hidden treasures. In laymen’s terms, we have to pursue wisdom as though it is the most valuable thing in the world. We have to search for it and ask for it whenever we are before the Father. Once we ask the Father for wisdom and actively seek it out through prayer and bible study, the bible says 5Then you will understand the reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of [our omniscient] God. We will understand why God is awe inspiring and deserving of our worship. We will find knowledge which will draw us closer into His glorious presence.

We must begin to think of wisdom as something we cannot do without. Much like Muslims habitually pray 5 times a day, we must make it a habit to pray and ask God for wisdom in every situation—small or large. God’s wisdom is unmatched. If we want to understand worship and gain greater insight into the knowledge of God, we must be willing to pursue wisdom. We must recognize it is worth its weight in gold.

 

©2010-2013 Minister Claretta Taylor Pam, Global Ecumenical Ministries Inc. and Universal Life Church Monastery of Massachusetts. All Rights Reserved