Obedience-Based Decisions Versus Skill and Ability by Os Hillman
http://www.identitynetwork.net/Articles-?blogid=2093&view=post&articleid=83804&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=Os%20Hillman&fldTopic=0
By Os Hillman
As soon
as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, move out to
battle. 1 Chronicles 14:15a
The Philistines were attacking.
David wanted to know how to respond. His first inquiry of God revealed that he
was to attack the Philistines straightaway and God would give him victory.
David followed God's instruction and gained victory. Shortly after, the
Philistines mounted another attack. "So David inquired of God again, and God answered him,
'Do not go straight up, but circle around them and attack them in front of the
balsam trees.'" 1 Chron. 14:14
David was a well-trained warrior,
a strategist. Yet, we find that David's dependence on God to direct his efforts
was very great. In fact, after he won the first battle, he went right back to
inquire again. This is the most important lesson we can learn from this story.
God told David to attack, but only after he heard the marching in the balsam
trees.
How many times have you or I
operated in the workplace based only on our skill and ability, without seeking
to know the details of God's will in the matter? David could have simply
assumed that since he had won the last battle, surely God would give him
victory the same way. No. David had learned that communicating with the living
God is the only sure way of victory. His skill was not enough. He had to have
God's blessing.
How many times have we worked in
our work life the same way each time only because it was the way we did it last
time? What if God has a better way? What if God has a different plan than ours?
"So David inquired of God..." These are the important words that we
are to learn from. We must be in such relationship with God that we are
constantly inquiring of His mind on every matter. When we do this, we can
expect the same results that David achieved-success in our endeavor and
recognition by God.
"So
David's fame spread throughout every land, and the Lord made all the nations
fear him." 1 Chron. 14:17 This is the reward of obedience to God. We
don't have to build a name for ourselves. God will see to it that we are
honored for our obedience. He wants to make known those servants who are
willing to obey Him at all costs.
Os Hillman
The Practice of Honor
Book
by Danny Silk
Price: $21.99
Sale! $18.99
http://www.identitynetwork.net/Articles-?blogid=2093&url=10&view=post&articleid=207579&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=Os%20Hillman&fldTopic=0
"And the Lord said to Joshua, 'This day I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with you.'"(Josh 3:7-8). Joshua had been a faithful number two man under Moses for 40 years. Can you imagine serving one man for 40 years? Now that is faithfulness! Even so, when the time came to pass the mantel to Joshua, God knew he needed to be elevated in the eyes of the people in order for Joshua to accomplish his purpose. That is the purpose for elevation - so that you and I can fulfill our purpose and our mission.
http://www.identitynetwork.net/Articles-?blogid=2093&url=10&view=post&articleid=206343&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=Os%20Hillman&fldTopic=0
"Then Elimelech, Naomi's husband, died; and she was left, and her two sons. Now they took wives of the women of Moab: the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth. And they dwelt there about ten years. Then both Mahlon and Chilion also died; so the woman survived her two sons and her husband." Ruth 1:3-5 Naomi's life was going well. A great husband. Two fine sons who had two wonderful wives. Then the unthinkable happened. Her husband died. A little time later both her sons die. Her and her daughter-in-laws find themselves in the midst of shattered dreams. This isn't how life was supposed to be.
http://www.identitynetwork.net/Articles-?blogid=2093&url=10&view=post&articleid=202592&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=Os%20Hillman&fldTopic=0
"While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, 'Simon, three men are looking for you. So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them.'" Acts 10:19-20 Peter had never preached to the Gentiles. In fact, he believed it was against Jewish law to associate with the Gentiles. God needed to change Peter's attitude about this, so God gave Peter a vision that showed him it was permissible to preach to the Gentiles. The Spirit came to Peter and informed him that some men were about to come visit him, and he was to go with them. He went with them, and the Lord did great miracles in the lives of Gentiles through Peter.