Sure, there’s eternal benefits to obeying the Word of God and His commands. But there are many practical benefits and blessings we may not always think of…things like health, peace, and security, which eludes the world, but for Believers… are just a wonderful part of living our life for the Lord.
Author: kezha1
Revelation 21:3-4 ” And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Now the dwelling of God is with men, and He will live with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.’ “
Our body is the Temple of the living God…with the Holy Spirit residing within our hearts. We are a new creation…our old self has fallen away and we can stand before the Father free from the chains and baggage that have hindered us in the past. The Lord will wipe our tear-stained face and smile lovely into our eyes…and all the past will be gone.
Isaiah 55:11 ” So is My Word that goes out from My mouth: It will not return to Me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”
Every letter, word, and commandment of the Lord is divine revelation…His creative activity at work…active and alive. Not one bit is worthless, trivial or futile in its nature. Every Word from God will go forth, carrying out and realizing the specific intent, mission and goal it was designed to do.
Ezekiel 14: 2-3 ” Then the word of the Lord came to me; ‘Son of man, these men have set up idols in their hearts and put wicked stumbling blocks before their faces. Should I let them inquire of Me at all ? “
Biblical writers used the term “idol” rather scornfully, denouncing them as “dead beams of wood.” For anytime something is preventing us from seeing the truth and enticing us away from the one true God…it’s all death, decay, and darkness.
Colossians 1:13 ” For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”
We have been snatched from darkness into the light…from the power of Satan to the forgiveness of God. We have been pulled from captivity to the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ through the redemption of His blood.
Psalm 45:1 ” My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the King; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer.”
Religious scribes were an important and integral part of ancient Jewish history. They preserved and interpreted the Holy Scriptures. When they spoke the word of the Lord out loud to the people…they were speaking on behalf of God…knowing His word would never return void without first accomplishing its purpose…the ultimate purpose for each listening ear.
Proverbs 1:8 ” Listen, my son to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.”
As children we may not look like we’re listening…but our heart is attentive. As teenagers we roll our eyes and sigh…thinking our parents are so out of touch and old fashion…but our heart is listening. And when we finally reach adulthood with some age under our belt, we look back at all the godly instruction and disciple we’ve received by our parents…and decide, they really did know best.
Matthew 14: 28-30 ” ‘Lord, if it’s You,’ Peter replied, ‘tell me to come to You on the water.’ ‘Come,’ He said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came towards Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, ‘ Lord, save me!’ “
Just like Jesus, Peter walked on the water. Just like Jesus, Peter’s faith was great enough to keep him afloat. But unlike Jesus, Peter took his eyes off his Savior and onto the situation around him and he began to flounder. When the storm is swirling around you…keep your eyes on Jesus. When fear promises to overwhelm you…keep your eyes on Jesus. For as long as Peter stayed focused on the Lord, he walked above the fray.
I Kings 11:4 ” As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the Lord his God, as the heart of David his father had been.”
King Solomon had not followed the laws of God that commanded the Israelites not to intermarry with foreigners. Of his 700 wives and 300 concubines, numerous were foreign women who worshiped many gods. Instead of remaining fully committed and totally obedient…Solomon acquiesced and compromised his devotion to the Lord.
John 16:7 ” But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.”
The Comforter…the Encourager…the Holy Spirit. Sent by Jesus to witness and glorify Him, and part of the Holy Trinity. He is the Paraclete…the one who comes up along side and guides us in all truth.