Tag Archives: obedience

March 12
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“Walk in obedience to all that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess.”  (Deuteronomy 5:33, NIV)

The benefits of obedience to God are clearly set-forth by Moses in today’s scripture.

Writing to the Children of Israel, the benefits noted are: Life, prosperity, and longevity in a good place.  Most people find these benefits desirable, but one cannot truly apprehend them by following a “trial and error” method to living based on our own limited experience and point of view.  God’s word provides us with the blueprint for life, prosperity, and longevity in a good place.

Obedience to God’s word delivers to us these benefits — and a personal relationship with our heavenly Father.   – Luther

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March 6
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“King Balak flew into a rage against Balaam.  He angrily clapped his hands and shouted, ‘I called you to curse my enemies!  Instead, you have blessed them three times.  Now get out of here!  Go back home!  I promised to reward you richly, but the LORD has kept you from your reward.’”   (Numbers 24:10-11, NLT)

There are times when obedience to God provokes the anger of powerful people.  Such is the case in today’s scripture reading.  King Balak “hired” Balaam for a job that Balaam could not perform and remain obedient to God.

Are we convinced that the gifts of our heavenly Father are superior to any rewards offered by others?  Do we value the approval of our God above the accolades of kings of this world?

It is a rare man or woman who cannot be bossed; and cannot be bought by the “kings” of this world.  Are you one of them?  – Luther

(Note: The scripture above is a small portion of an account that, if read in full, will provide a more complete picture of the situation involving Balak and Balaam.  To read the whole story, begin with Numbers 22 and read through the end of Chapter 24.)

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February 26
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“Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven.  Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter.”  (Matthew 7:21, NLT)

When valued against actions, talk is cheap.

Jesus says that it is not just our confession, but it is through our obedience to God’s law that we realize the rule of God.  Furthermore, as we see in the two verses that follow (verses 23 and 24), it is not our successes that impress our heavenly Father; it is our faithfulness.

How different is that from what we see daily: Where good words are often divorced from good deeds?  Give God the lead today — and faithfully follow!  – Luther

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