“My Resolve: I ‘Must’ Obey God Rather Than Men!, Help Me Lord!”

“My Resolve: I ‘Must’ Obey God Rather Than Men!, Help Me Lord!”
The apostles had been jailed for proclaiming the goodnews about the Risen Lord, performing many miraculous signs and wonders and healing the sick. The chief priest and his associates became jealoused, arrested the apostles and put them in jail. But an angel of the Lord came and released them and charged them, “Go, stand in the temple courts and tell the people the full message of this new life.”
The apostles did just as the angel had commanded. They were again brought before the Sanhedrin and the chief priest questioned them, “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name, yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.”
I know you are itchy to read what I have as a proposition for a new year resolution. The only new year resolution I pray the Holy Spirit would strengthen us to make and to stand firmly by is to claim the response of the apostles: “We must obey God rather than men!” God raised Jesus from the dead and exalted him to his right hand as Prince and Saviour that he might give repentance and forgiveness of sins…” Those who believe this are witnesses and “so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him”(Acts 5:12-32).
Persecution should not scare us from witnessing to the truth which Jesus Christ has established in the world and empowered us to obey. He assures us, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart I have overcome the world”(Jn.16:33).
Obedience to God and not man is obligatory and it is the only path that leads to a just and peaceful world. God told Joshua, “…I will be with you, I will never leave you nor forsake you…Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law… do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it…Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go”(Jos.1:1-9).
Help for a better today and tomorrow comes only “from the Lord who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip…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 forever”(Ps.121).
New Year Prayer: Lord give me the courage to obey you and to shun the flattery of men. Thank you for watching over me both now and for evermore. Amen!
Have a blessed first day in a new year! Peace be with you! Happy New Year!