Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- December 26, 2013
“In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome.” 1 John 5:3
Christ’s commands are not burdensome, but blessing. Man’s expectations can be an unbearable weight of unattainable actions. Like a backpack of bricks, the rigid control of proud leaders enslaves hearts. But joy and peace are the fruit of following hard after what Jesus wants. The yoke of Christ brings freedom, security and rest. Thus, the ultimate expression of love for God is obedience to God. Genuine love gladly obeys the Lord.
Furthermore, our love for the Lord matures as our love for His law grows in intensity and intimacy. How can we say we love God if we remain ignorant of His Word? Our precious Bible is a manual of how to love the Lord well. He defines what makes Him feel loved: reverent worship, joyful praise, humble prayers, forgiveness, generosity to the poor, caring for widows and orphans, proclaiming the gospel and training up the faithful.
“Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.” Psalm 119:165
Is your love for God an expression of your obedience to God? Indeed, you will be tempted to try the world’s ways and wander away from the Almighty’s path of purity. Grace is the gravel God places under your shoes of faith so you won’t stumble on Satan’s slippery path of deception. Trust gives you traction to follow Jesus. Do what Christ expects and you can expect His energy to empower your actions. Obedience pays!
What command is Christ asking you to keep? Perhaps you need to forgive another as God, for Christ’s sake, has forgiven you. A money matter may be haunting your happiness and it is time to write off the debt without writing off the debtor. Pray without ceasing, give without regrets, believe without doubting, love without conditions and forgive without expectations. Your obedience to God is an indicator of your love for God. Thus, by grace, obey well. Freedom is the fruit of following Jesus. Your obedience helps others obey!
“If you love me, keep my commands.” John 14:15
Prayer: Heavenly Father, give me the courage to follow the commands of Christ.
Related Readings: Joshua 22:5; John 14:21-23; 1 John 2:3-5; Revelation 14:12
Post/Tweet today: Grace is the gravel God places under your shoes of faith so you won’t stumble on Satan’s slippery path of deception. #grace
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