Description

Episode Summary

This episode invites listeners to drop the pressure of perfection and instead pick up a “compass faith” — a daily, relational journey of obedience with Jesus.

Main Themes

1. Why Resolutions Fail

• We promise to be better, but life doesn’t promise to be easier.
• Resolutions assume we have control — but we don’t.
• Life is too unpredictable for “planner faith”.

2. Planner vs Compass

• A planner assumes control and fixed outcomes.
• A compass assumes direction and daily alignment.
• Jesus invites us to follow Him as our true north, no matter what.

3. Obedience > Sacrifice

From the story of Saul:

• Saul sacrificed but didn’t fully obey.
• Partial obedience is still disobedience.
• God desires hearts that follow Him, not just religious activity.

“Obedience is better than sacrifice.” – 1 Samuel 15:22

Three Differences Between Sacrifice and Obedience

1. Outward vs Inward

• Sacrifice: External actions, religious performance.
• Obedience: Flows from inward transformation.

2. Human Effort vs Divine Power

• Sacrifice: Striving in your own strength.
• Obedience: Trusting God’s power and guidance.

3. Earning Blessing vs Walking in Blessing

• Sacrifice: Trying to earn God’s favour.
• Obedience: Realising that following God is the blessing.

The Principle of Alignment

To walk in obedience, we must stay aligned with God — like regular wheel alignment for a car. Life’s “potholes” knock us off course, so we need constant realignment.

Five Practical Ways to Align with God

1. Align Your Heart – Worship

• Give God the first few minutes you already have each day.
• Worship realigns your heart with God’s presence.

2. Align Your Mind – Scripture

• Read one verse or passage daily.
• Ask: “How does this change how I live today?”

3. Align with Others – Community

• Choose one person and one rhythm.
• Ask weekly:
  • What did I do well?
  • Where did I drift?

4. Align Your Voice – Prayer

• Pray in natural pauses (car, lunch break, before sleep).
• Simple prayers: “God guide me. God help me obey.”

5. Align Your Actions – Reflection

Once a week, ask:

• Where did I sense God’s leading?
• Where did I resist God’s leading?
• What one adjustment can I make next week?

Powerful Illustration – Jackie Pullinger

A missionary who obeyed a simple calling to go to Hong Kong without a plan, funding, or structure. Her obedience led to:

She didn’t have a planner — she had a compass.

Final Invitation

Jesus doesn’t want your perfect plans — He wants your daily obedience.
Not big promises. Not religious performance.
Just a simple, honest “yes” every day.

Choose direction, not perfection.
Choose obedience, not sacrifice.

⛪ Thrive Church
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