Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – September 27, 2016
If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. John 15:10
Have you ever struggled with fully obeying God? I have. I once sensed the Lord nudging me toward obedience. It was as if He was telling me to let go of some potential opportunities because I was giving them too much importance in my life; they were edging in on the place in my heart reserved just for Him. These opportunities were like a box of chocolates.
It was as if God was saying, “Wait! Don’t eat those. I have something better for you.” But, because I didn’t fully trust God I didn’t listen, so I gave into temptation and I “stuck my fingers” in all of the “chocolates of opportunity.” I still wanted to check out the possibilities because I doubted God would show up. I wanted a back-up. So, I hedged the line of disobedience without completely disobeying. And, because I hadn’t completely submitted to Him, I didn’t have peace, so panic ruled my life instead.
“This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: ‘In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it”’ (Isaiah 30:15).
Have you ever been there? Remember, we may partially obey God, but it’s still disobedience. Even if we are only “partially sinning,” we won’t experience peace because it’s only where God rules that peace reigns. We may partially obey God in a small matter like purchasing a car, or in something bigger like getting married, or following Him into a new calling. If God says to wait, or if he chooses another option for us, maybe we think, “Well, it’s not really a big deal if I change things up just a little, right?” We must be careful not to deceive ourselves. We will reap what we sow (Galatians 6:7).
If an attitude of unbelief and faithlessness creeps into our hearts, the next thing we know, we may end up heading down a path we had no intention of walking. Disobedience can be a slippery slope. Ask the Lord to help you guard your heart with all diligence. This is the way to peace and life! And remember, He asks you to obey because He knows what is best for you and He loves you deeply.
“Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life” (Proverbs 4:23).
Prayer
Lord, help me to obey you when you ask. I know that you always want what is best for me. I choose to trust you. I know that no other option is better than your plan. Amen.Application
What good thing do I need to avoid, so I can experience God’s best?Related Reading
2 John 1:6; Luke 11:28; 1 Peter 1:14Post/Tweet today
Partial obedience is ruled by restlessness instead of allowing peace to reign. #WisdomHunters #ObeyAlltheWayWorship Resource
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