Daily Devotional Day & Night

HAPPY WEDNESDAY!

Today's scriptures are about justly following God. We live in a world full of people who take God's grace for granted, and honestly we’ve all done it. Our society is quickly taking the turn for the worst, and I can't say that I'm surprised. However, God offers forgiveness through Jesus Christ, but He also requires obedience. The word Obey has a few different meanings and my two favorites are: a) to comply with or follow the commands, restrictions, wishes, or instructions of. b) to submit or conform in action to. This is what God requires of us. Do you learn His commandments as you read the bible, go to church, listen to Gospel music, and/or read daily devotionals? The bigger question is, do you obey God's commandments to the best of your ability? Most of us live by a "now-a-days" concept, where we think that it's okay to do what everyone else is doing. If you're one of those people then I need you to take heed to the fact that Jesus hasn't changed (Heb. 13:8). The same principles and promises made thousands of years ago are prevalent today. Granted, we do have Salvation through Jesus Christ, and will be forgiven of our sins each time we ask, but God wants more from us. Our relationship with Him is similar to our relationship with our earthly parents. He doesn't want to hear us say "oh God please forgive me" a thousand times a day, because He cannot have an adequate relationship with us that way. He has so much love for us, and so many gifts and treasures to reveal, that He wants us to be obedient. I was reading Psalms 31 today, written by King David, and in my opinion it’s powerful because David was so humble. David was the first to admit His inequities, and submitted to God with his whole heart, and that's why He loved him so much. David was loyal, and would never allow anyone to separate him from God's love. When God said David go here, or fight there, he always followed and stood with fearless faith. When he made mistakes he humbled himself before God, and praised, cried, begged, and trusted God to get him through. David begins chapter 31: In You, O LORD, I put my trust; let me never be ashamed; deliver me in Your righteousness. (vs 1) Into Your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, O LORD God of truth. (vs. 5). From the beginning David assures God of His love for, and trust in Him, and he goes on to tell God that his strength fails because of his own iniquity. He even acknowledges the way it affects the people who looked up to him. David gives praise, and requests protection as well. He ends this chapter: Oh, love the LORD, all you His saints! For the LORD preserves the faithful, and fully repays the proud person. Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the LORD. (vs 23-24) What is David trying to teach us? He never said he was perfect, but he did commit his life to doing God's work. He praised God every chance He got, and followed His will for his life until the day he died. God gave us a way out of sin to give us a chance to experience the abundant life promised to us. There is so much joy, peace, and happiness we miss out on because of our disobedience. If we seek God first in everything we do, and try to live right, then we'll notice huge changes not only in our lives, but also in the lives of people around us. He will punish us for breaking His commandments, or keep our life at a standstill until we submit to His will. How do we break this cycle? Do as David did, and confess, repent, and be just. Jesus is the key to forgiveness, and He opens the door to "life". All we have to do is be obedient and follow Him. It doesn't require our perfection, just faith, fellowship, and love. Start by accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior, and feel the weight lifting off of your shoulders, because you will “take His yoke upon you” (Matt. 11:29). If you haven't accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior, I'll be happy to pray with you. My favorite verse today is: To love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices. (Mark 12:33)

ENJOY! http://www.bible.com/scripture-detail.php?juli=2455175&dtype=Scripture
http://www.intouch.org/site/pp.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943197
http://www.intouch.org/site/apps/nl/newsletter.asp?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943547

I love you!