hello Daily Word post...it's nice to see you again!!! I'm really trying to get back to writing devotionals...out of obedience...not because I feel like I have anything profound to say, not because I think I'm a great writer, but because God has called me to write. He's put it on my heart and I will obey...even though I have no idea where it will lead (if it will lead anywhere or to anything)...even though I have so many other creative projects I would rather work on...and even though sometimes I feel like I have nothing to say. Obedience---that's truly the mark of someone sold out for Christ....something I'm striving for more and more each day. Below is my "devotional" on Obedience.
Obedience
Definition: The act or practice of obeying; dutiful or submissive compliance.
“Silence is praise to you, Zion-dwelling God, And also obedience. You hear the prayer in it all.” Psalm 65:1
“No!” That’s what I say in a loud voice as my 9 month old approached the electric outlet. He stops in his tracks, sits up, and then looks at me and then looks back to the outlet. He ponders which choice to make---obedience or disobedience, his will or Mommy’s will? At nine months old he typically chooses to crawl back to me, seeking love and attention. It’s too bad that I often choose my own will instead of God’s Will.
Have you ever sensed God telling you, “NO” to a particular choice? Have you ever had that gut feeling tell you to leave a situation…to flee from temptation? Obedience or disobedience that is the decision we go back and forth between everyday of our lives. Do I get in the gossip circle or walk away? Do I allow my temper to take over or do I step back and allow God’s peace and perspective to guide my words? Do I spend all my money on myself or do I tithe? Do I engage that flirty guy at work or do I keep him at a distance? Do I stay in my comfort zone or allow God's courage to propel me out of my comfort?
Without the Holy Spirit’s active presence in our life we will often take the “my road” instead of the Most High road. Once you accept that Jesus Christ died for your sins you are filled with the Holy Spirit, but time with God is necessary to keep you attuned to His guidance in your life. Christ demonstrated the obedient life. He spent time in prayer in order to clearly understand God’s Will for Him. If Christ found time with God necessary, shouldn’t it be on the top of our priority list as well. It’s really difficult to be obedient to His Will if we haven’t spent time with Him discovering His Will. Commitment is necessary in following Him. This requires that we deny ourselves, resist temptation, and intentionally choose His path.
Are you praying for change, yet not willing to change? Is obedience to God’s Will for your life your true desire or do you just want His protection plan without being truly committed to Him at all cost? Set aside some time for Him today and ask what you might need to give up or bring into your life so that you can begin living in obedience.
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