Welcome to Day 14 of Transformation!

Greetings, beloved family of H4J and DCN300!

Today, we continue our 47-day journey inspired by Paul’s letter to Philemon, seeking to deepen our relationship with God and strengthen our community.

Theme: Confidence in Obedience (Philemon 1:20-21)

Today’s focus is on trusting that obedience to God brings joy and blessing. This aligns with our fundamental beliefs:

• Obedience: We believe that obedience to God’s commands is essential for a fulfilling and blessed life.
• Trust: We trust that God’s ways are best, even when we don’t understand them.
• Faith: Our faith is demonstrated through our obedience to God’s Word and His leading in our lives.

Practical Application:

• Reflect on areas where you can better align your life with God’s will.
• Pray for the strength and wisdom to obey God’s commands, even when it’s difficult.
• Trust that God will bless your obedience and bring joy to your life.

Let us continue this journey with hearts filled with confidence in obedience. May we experience the joy and blessing that come from living in accordance with God’s will.

Welcome, and may this be a day of confidence in obedience!

Devotional Reading

DAY 14: Confidence in Obedience: Trusting That Obedience to God Brings Joy and Blessing

Theme: Obedience and Blessing

Scripture: Philemon 1:21 (NIV) – “Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask.”

Reflection:
Paul expresses confidence in Philemon’s obedience, trusting that he will go above and beyond what is asked. This highlights the connection between obedience and blessing, reminding us that trusting and obeying God brings joy and fulfillment. Paul’s message is inspiring: “Obedience to God unlocks blessings and brings us deeper joy!”

Additional Scripture:

• John 14:21 (NIV): “Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”
• Deuteronomy 28:1-2 (NIV): “If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. All these blessings will come on you and accompany you if you obey the Lord your God.”
• Psalm 119:1-2 (NIV): “Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord. Blessed are those who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart.”

Connecting with the 28 Fundamental Beliefs:

Our focus on confidence in obedience aligns with several of the 28 Fundamental Beliefs. Specifically:

• Belief 1: The Word of God – Obedience to God begins with knowing and following His Word.
• Belief 11: Growing in Christ – Obedience is a key aspect of spiritual growth and maturity.
• Belief 20: Christian Behavior – Obedience to God’s commands is a defining characteristic of Christian behavior.

Practical Application for H4J Community:

• Reflect on God’s Commands: Take time to reflect on God’s commands and principles as revealed in Scripture. Identify areas where you may be struggling to obey and ask God for guidance and strength.

  Story: Sister Maria realized that she was struggling to forgive someone who had wronged her. She reflected on Jesus’s command to forgive others and asked God to help her release her bitterness and extend forgiveness.

• Seek to Understand God’s Will: Pray for discernment to understand God’s will for your life. Ask Him to show you how you can best serve Him and obey His commands.

  Story: Brother David felt a calling to serve in his community, but he wasn’t sure where to start. He prayed for God to show him where he could be most effective. He felt led to volunteer at a local food bank, where he was able to help those in need.

• Take Steps of Obedience: Take practical steps to obey God’s commands, even when it’s difficult or uncomfortable. Trust that He will bless your efforts and guide you along the way.

  Story: Sister Emily felt called to share her faith with a friend who was struggling with depression. She was nervous about how her friend would react, but she trusted that God would give her the right words to say. She shared her testimony and invited her friend to church. Her friend was touched by her honesty and began to explore her own faith.

• Trust in God’s Promises: Trust that God will fulfill His promises to those who obey Him. Believe that He will bless you, guide you, and provide for your needs as you seek to live a life of obedience.

  Story: Brother John faced a difficult financial situation. He felt tempted to compromise his values in order to make ends meet. However, he trusted in God’s promise to provide for those who honor Him. He remained faithful to his principles, and God miraculously provided for his needs.

• Share Your Experiences: Share your experiences of obedience and blessing with others. Encourage them to trust in God’s promises and to take steps of obedience in their own lives.

  Story: Homes for Jesus created a platform for members to share their stories of how God had blessed them when they obeyed His commands. These stories inspired others to trust in God and to live lives of obedience.

This devotional reading encourages us to trust that obedience to God brings joy and blessing. By reflecting on God’s commands, seeking to understand His will, taking steps of obedience, trusting in His promises, and sharing our experiences, we can experience the fullness of His love and grace. Let’s commit to living a life of obedience, confident that God will bless us beyond measure!