Kristi Woods

Encouraging Women to Walk Deeper with God

Why Is Being Obedient So Difficult at Times?

by 4 Comments

White flower petals in the back ground with blog post title over top.
Pin me for later!
This post may contain affiliate links.

If you’re visiting from Proverbs 31 Encouragement Today, welcome!

Why is being obedient so difficult at times–have you ever wondered? We know what we should do, right? Within us churns a desire to grow in faith. But there’s also a crazy inner tug that causes us to vacillate between God’s will and our own. What to do?

It often boils down to “God’s way” or “my way. “

And we find ourselves in a wrestle with temptation. It doesn’t matter if we’re young or old, seasoned or not so much. Being obedient can be difficult, can’t it?

Why Is Being Obedient Important?

Let’s start here. A look in Genesis pinpoints why being obedient is important. Grab a Bible and read through Genesis 1-3 if you haven’t experienced this first book already or would simply like a morning Bible reading refresher.

Adam and Eve. Apple. Serpent. Thoughts twisted ever so slightly. Deception. Decision. And bam! We have a bite (sin), the downfall of man, and a clear swipe against obedience to God.

In Exodus, the fifth commandment encourages children to honor their parents, a commandment from the Lord. Why? So that all might go well with them.

Disobedience links arms with evil. Obedience to God brings glory to Him and sets us in a solid place. There’s a faith-filled treasure with obedience.

copies of Psalms Bible Reading Plan with Sign-up Title

Examples of Obedience in the Bible

There are multiple examples of obedience in the Bible. And disobedience, too. My favorite, a story about Caleb and Joshua in Numbers, includes both. The foundational example, however, remains in Jesus.

Below are five wonderful examples. If you’re looking for a reading plan, spread these among five, ten, or fifteen days and you’ll have a mini-plan.

picture of four Bible verse cards with flowers in the backdrop
NEW Scripture Cards…just in time for Mother’s Day, weddings, and graduation.
Available in the Kristi Woods Studio at Etsy.

Rewards of Obedience to God

Take a stroll through heaven’s description. This is what our Father desires for us. But sin gets in the way. God, however, in His overflowing love, paved a way through Jesus that we might enter heaven. Because of Jesus’ obedience, we have hope.

The One who created this space is the same One who assures we can trust Him. Our obedience not only brings Him glory, but it blesses others and draws them to the Living God–all while finding us on His straight path.

And there’s one more thing that often accompanies obedience, a reward that money can’t buy. It’s peace. Beautiful, wonderful peace.

You Might Also Enjoy…
~ 5 Ways to Grow Your Faith Today
~ 5 Types of Bible Study for the Hungry Christian
~ Take These 9 Verses with You to the Beach This Summer

How Can a Person Be Obedient?

Here are several suggestions for our journey in and with obedience. It’s how we can be obedient to God.

  • Decide
    Make a decision. Draw a line in the sand. Choose obedience.
  • Pray
    Talk with God about it. Let Him hear those beautiful words of surrender. Ask for revelation, understanding, and forgiveness for areas of your life where disobedience is hidden.
  • Read
    Read the Bible to understand God’s will. He’s clear. And with time, study, and insight from Above, it will read clear to you and me as well.
  • Act
    Put action to your decision.

Read My Story of Being Obedient

As a strong-willed gal, I sometimes find trusting God and the subsequent obedience to be difficult. But God settles my fears every time.

Every. Time.

Here’s my story on Proverbs 31–a miracle of sorts–of how God proved to me (once again!) that He’s worthy of trust. This one details incredible ways how obedience allowed an outcome I never expected.

Being obedient to God Almighty isn’t always easy, but it’s always right. Let righteousness reign. Let’s run this race well and give Him all the glory.

copies of free Christian printables available in the subscriber library - title at top
All are available free to subscribers in the Subscriber Library.
Not a subscriber? Join now!

How Do I Get to Know Jesus? + Grab Your (FREE) Purpose & Power Bible Reading Plan

by 4 Comments

Hand with a cross and Christian blog post title about Knowing Jesus
Don’t forget to pin me for later!
This post may contain affiliate links.

How do I get to know Jesus — have you ever asked the question? I have–still do. It’s a reasonable and wise question. So kuddos to you for asking it. And since we’re approaching Easter, what better time to dive into the goodness of the Lord and our faith?

Read on to get to know Jesus (or know Him more). The free Bible reading plan listed below will help, too.

Having Jesus in Your Life

Maybe fear’s mounting…

Or, you’re searching for stability among the storm…

Our times are odd right now, that’s certain. But…

In Jesus, there’s hope.

Afraid? Anxious? Searching for stability in the storm? Look for Jesus, He's hope. Click To Tweet

Knowing Jesus equates to hope all.day.long. He became a sacrifice for our sins. None other is needed. His grace is sufficient. He overcame sin and death so that we might hold secure the promise of living eternally in heaven with Him.

Trust me, you want to know Jesus.

(If you’d like to better understand heaven, read these verses.)

Do You Really Know Jesus?

Do you really know this man called Jesus? As I emerged into a young adult, I thought I did. After all, I parked in those pews often enough. I grew up with two Bibles sitting on one of our end tables. I even played piano for a trio that traveled to various local churches and played hymns and other religious songs.

But I didn’t know Jesus.

I knew “about” Him but didn’t truly know Him. That’s not the case now. (Read more of my story here.)

If you’re like me and thought you knew Him, but something now has you questioning that rationale, allow me to introduce you to Jesus.

A simple, “Jesus, I want to know you,” gets His ear. He’s listening.

Subscriber Sign up with small samples of free Christian resources

Who is Jesus?

The Savior of the world is a change-agent. He’ll take the most and least messed-up among us and wash us anew. He turns life right-side up. And, He’s the Son of God, King of kings, Messiah, Prince of Peace, and so much more. (Read IS 9:6.)

I can’t imagine a life without Jesus, and I reckon the folks in the following Bible verses would hate to image that, too. Take a few minutes and read these scriptures. Note how lives were changed by Jesus. Consider how He might change yours as well.

(I’ve journaled and dated my reaction and thoughts to verses like these. It helps to review those notes from time to time–in case it helps you, too.)

  • Matthew 7:24-29
  • Matthew 8:5-13
  • Matthew 9:1-8
  • Matthew 9:27-33
  • Matthew 11:25-30
  • Matthew 14:13-21

How to Know Jesus More

We’re nearing Easter–a time to celebrate our Messiah’s death, resurrection, and ascension into heaven. What a gift! And what a great time to know (more) the resurrected King of kings.

I’ve created three tools, curated from my own time in the Word, that challenged and drew me closer to Jesus. These might help you, too. You can use these any time during the year. (Two are free, one is inexpensive and instantly downloadable.)

Purpose and Power: a 15-Day Reading Plan in Matthew

Grey roses in the backdrop with name of Bible Read Plan and contents on top of it.

Read about how Jesus’ life can change yours by parking your focus and contemplation in the book of Matthew. The richness of this chapter dances to life when we soak in God’s good words. Grab your free copy of Purpose & Power.

Find it free now in the Subscriber Library.

Not a Subscriber? Sign up here.

Created to Believe: A Bible Word Study

Purple background with white oval and words announcing Created to Believe Bible Word Study

Has your belief been shaken? If so, may I encourage you to soak in God’s Word? This study helps us do just that. It challenges our belief, prods us deeper, and turns our eyes to our God and the might He displays.

BONUS: Purchasers of this study are invited to a private Facebook Bible study group. To be added to the group, email me a copy of your receipt of Created to Believe along with your fb email addy–the one you use to log on with. Join us on Tuesday, April 21, 2020 @7PM, central, for a FB one-night study group jam session where we’ll expand on one verse from the study. Find more info. in the group.

Be Intentional by Studying the Life of Jesus

Notepad, pen, glasses, and drink on a white surface with the title of this Christian podcast

This podcast episode comes from the Intentionally Living with Kristi Woods podcast series at LifeAudio.

Listen here.

Knowing Jesus Bible Verses

Many Bible verses help us know Jesus more. Here are few to start:

  • “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was on him; and with his stripes we are healed” (IS 53:5 WEB).
  • “There is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, in which we must be saved!” (Acts 4:12 WEB).
  • “By this was God’s love revealed in us, that God has sent his only born Son into the world that we might live through him” (1 John 4:9 WEB).

Salvation Prayer

If you’re not certain, Jesus is your Savior, why not solidify this? Now’s the time. Jesus loves you and extends His grace (unmerited favor) to you.

There’s nothing you can do to earn salvation. Simply know your need for Him, offer yourself, and trust Him. Below awaits a prayer for you. This, my friend is the first step to how do I get to know Jesus.

Jesus,
I need You. Thank You for dying on the cross as the ultimate sacrifice for man’s sins. Thank you for dying and rising again for me. You are Lord. I want you to be my personal Lord. Wash me clean. Forgive my sins. I am Yours. Thank You, Jesus. Thank You. Amen.

Jesus is Worth It All: 3 People from the Christmas Story Who Tell Us Why

by 6 Comments

Picture of cross with blog post about Jesus being worth is all
Pin Me for Later!
This post may contain affiliate links.

Is Jesus is worth it all? Have you ever asked that question? Maybe you’ve been disappointed, afraid, frustrated, or weary of the wait…

Let’s look to the Bible for an answer to our need. At this time of Christmas, three Bible stories and the threads of faith woven into their lives help us overcome those feelings of defeat or even the lingering questions we entertain. They help build our faith–to begin or continue running the race for Christ.

Keep these reminders central as we endeavor throughout the year–living, moving, and having our being in Him–diving deeper in faith, knowing that Jesus is worth it all.

Mary, Mother of Jesus: Her Story Proclaims Jesus is Worth It All

Gabriel’s first words to this youngster–she was estimated to be around 13 years old at the time of conception–were a proclamation. He called her favored. And not just favored, but highly favored.

But then he poured even more sweetness on the situation when he assured Mary that God was with her.

Sometimes when circumstances look anything but smooth, it’s good to have a reminder that God is indeed with us.

But the angel didn’t stop there. He gave a further explanation that’d leave any gal with her mouth gaping.

“‘And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.’”
(Luke 1:31-33 WEB)

The Almighty reached down, and through an angel, assured Mary that, even though the situation looked awkward, enough so that it would have been customary for Joseph to refuse marriage, He had a plan and was seeing it to fruition. (I think I might have screamed and shoved a sock in my mouth at this point. Let’s be honest.)

That which God birthed through Mary was great. He fulfilled the long-awaited promise–the hope of many.

Unlike Mary, all eyes may not be on us and our womb may not carry the Savior, but that which He births through us, go ahead and label as great. Because simply, He is. #MerryChristmas Click To Tweet

Mary’s story entails how Jesus is worth it all because He is the evidence of the promise fulfilled. In Him awaits eternal hope for every person on earth. With Christ, we gain all we need. Without? We forfeit all.

With Christ, we gather all we need. Without? We forfeit all. #MerryChristmas Click To Tweet
KristiWoods.net sign-up form

Other Post You May Love:

Simeon, Worshiper, Proclaims the Messiah

Righteous and devout, Simeon worshiped God. He lived and moved with the two-step of the Holy Spirit. (OK, so maybe the Holy Spirit doesn’t two-step, but you know what I mean.)

The Holy Spirit nudged him one day to saunter into the temple courts. And so he did. (Because remember, Simeon was righteous and devout.)

The Lord had assured him that he would not die before seeing the consolation of Israel. And ding! ding! ding! this particular day was his special day.

Mary and Joseph brought Jesus into those same temple courts where Simeon waited. And there, our devout, God-fearing man gathered baby Jesus in his arms–the very promised Messiah. Then, he praised God.

“’Now you are releasing your servant, Master,
    according to your word, in peace;
for my eyes have seen your salvation,
 which you have prepared before the face of all peoples;
a light for revelation to the nations,
    and the glory of your people Israel.’”
(Luke 2:29-32 WEB)

Jesus is worth it all because in Him, there’s peace. And who among us doesn’t need peace?

You'll find that sought-after peace, regardless of your past or heritage, in Jesus. #MerryChristmas! Click To Tweet

Magi, Goers and Givers for the Cause of Christ

Call these joy-filled men goers and givers. I love their story! In fact, I often relink an old post on the Magi each Christmas because I love them this much. It’s a goodie!

Below are the verses surrounding their story.

“When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. They came into the house and saw the young child with Mary, his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Opening their treasures, they offered to him gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they went back to their own country another way.”
(Matt. 2:10-12 WEB)

They sought out and journeyed to the Messiah. To Him, they gave gifts and worshiped, then they departed with direction, inspiration, and protection. Jesus was worth it all.

Jesus remains our hope. He erases the destruction of death. Find only beautiful, praise-filled eternity in heaven with God Almighty. #MerryChristmas Click To Tweet

Jesus is Everything Scripture

Along with the scriptures above proclaiming the gift we have in Jesus, here’s one more Bible verse to meditate on this holiday season. It sums up beautifully and succinctly our life in Christ. Its theme? Jesus is everything. What a gift we have in Him!

"He is before all things, and in him all things are held together." (Col. 1:17 WEB) Click To Tweet

So when life feels like it’s tearing apart, go back to this verse. Read the three stories listed here, too.

Search for Jesus. Go to Him. Wait and worship. Then remain. There, in that spiritual space filled with the Messiah, everything holds together–even as the world falls apart. Click To Tweet

Is Jesus Worth Your All? A Prayer of Salvation

Have you set your hope for eternity on Jesus?

Is your salvation in Him?

Over twenty years ago, I sat in a little maroon Ford Ranger and asked Jesus to be my Savior. (Find my salvation story here.) I’ve been thankful ever since.

Hope for eternity hinges on Him. You and I–all of humanity–need Jesus. Why? We can’t enter heaven any other way according to John 14:5-6. He’s the ultimate sacrifice for sin.

This Christmas, will you accept the gift of eternal life? Jesus is prepared to give it to you. If you’d like to ask Him to be your Savior, there’s a prayer at the bottom of the Free Christian Resources page.

Merry Christmas, friends.