Let’s look at this verse from the perspective of different generations. Read this verse to a young child and they’ll readily agree that they need to obey Mommy and Daddy…but the dance starts in the application of this into everyday living. As children grow, so does their autonomy. We draw a line in the sand and they push their big toe across it…just to see what happens! Let a teenager read this verse and you’ll probably get eye-rolling and an argument of every point…like, what exactly is the definition of obedience? And does everything mean “everything”? Finally, we read this as a parent or Grandparent, having gained a wealth of experience, wisdom, and insight… and we say, “Yes, Amen!” to this verse. For all those past experiences and circumstances have drilled into us the importance of obedience… not only to our parents, but to God.
Tag: The Lord
I Thessalonians 2:4 ” On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the Gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, Who tests our hearts.”
There will come a time when you’ll come to a crossroads and you’ll have to make a hard decision…do you please man, or God. Sure, pleasing man is easy, painless and non-confrontational…for the moment. But it usually comes with compromise and difficulties in the end. When we intentionally and deliberately focus our conduct on what the Lord would want us to do…people will see that our walk matches our talk.
Deuteronomy 5:32 ” So be careful to do what the Lord your God has commanded you; do not turn aside to the right or to the left.”
It takes real self-discipline to keep the ways of the Lord. We need to remain faithful, not veering off track when our eye catches a glimpse of something enticing…for that can be our downfall. Our gaze must remain straight ahead, for the way is narrow and evil lurks on either side.
Proverbs 28:5 ” Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the Lord understand it fully.”
The world has a hard time distinguishing between right and wrong, especially when wrong seems to be glamorized in all forms of entertainment. Discerning between good and evil should be a simple thing. But it takes a heart that’s filled with fairness, honor and integrity that can fully differentiate between the two.
Joshua 23:14 ” You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the Lord your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed.”
The Lord is faithful to all His promises…not just some…not just to the ones He wants to keep. No, God cannot go back on His promises to you. His Word is eternal…His covenant is forever. His precious promises to you will never fall short…they will never be in vain.
Ezekiel 13:5 ” You have not gone up to the breaks in the wall to repair it for the house of Israel so that it will stand firm in the battle on the day of the Lord.”
How can the Church stand firm if it’s divided? How can Believers work together as one if there are divisions? It won’t happen…and Satan knows that all too well. If he can use pride and egos to stop the work of the Lord he’ll do it. Are we willing as Believers to change the discord and to become as it talks about in Isaiah 58:12. “…you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls.”
I Samuel 17: 23-24 ” Goliath, the Philistine champion from Gath, stepped out from his lines and shouted his usual defiance, and David heard it. When the Israelites saw the man, they all ran from him in great fear.”
Goliath had been taunting the Israelites troops for 40 days. What they saw as fearful and terrifying…David saw as blasphemous against his God. When facing your Goliath, what vision do you see…yours or God’s? For in I Samuel 17:45, David replied to Goliath, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty.”
Job 10:12 ” You gave me life and showed me kindness, and in Your providence watched over my spirit.”
With careful forethought You have provided everything I need. My life has been filled with good health, prosperity, and energy to accomplish the purpose You have placed me on this earth for. I thank You Lord for Your mercy and love daily as You guard over my life. You are a good, good Father.
Psalm 89:1 ” I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make Your faithfulness known through all generations.”
Just praising the Lord is a very effective way of taking our eyes off our own problems and focusing on Him. Our pity party will end when we start thanking Him for His many blessings, known and unknown. Elsewhere in Psalms it says, ” I will sing of Your strength, in the morning I will sing of Your love, for You are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.”
Jeremiah 2:5 ” This is what the Lord says: ‘ What fault did your fathers find in Me? They followed worthless idols and became worthless themselves.’ “
We become what’s important to us, ever influenced by what we devote our time and money to. If it’s empty, futile, and meaningless things of the world…we’ll be left wanting and ever searching for more. But if it’s God…our search is over.
Safetypinlove 