Thursday, January 12th, 2023

WHAT’S BETTER THAN SACRIFICE?

8 The People of Israel did exactly as Joshua commanded: just as God had instructed Joshua.
10 The priests carrying the Ark continued standing in the middle of the Jordan until everything God had instructed Joshua to tell the people to do was done (confirming what Moses had instructed Joshua). —Joshua 4:8, 10 (TMB)

KEY: Obedience

“Don’t touch the stove, it’s hot, it will burn you”. Did I ever tell you I am a bit stubborn and rebellious? So yeah, I think there are many of out there who as children heard those same instructions from our parents and figured we will be the judge of how really hot is HOT!

Several painful blisters later and a slight mark of disobedience left engraved in my skin, I am painfully aware of the perils of hot water.

How about, “I do not think it is wise that you pursue relationship with that young man. His beliefs are different from yours and I see trouble ahead.” Awww, but you don’t know him like I do, he is a GOOD person, and I LOVE him. Fast forward not only heart break, but the aching tearing of soul ties that had me bound, bruised and broken…thrown out of bounds for God’s best for me.

You know what is harder than obeying God’s Word? Paying the sacrifice for disobeying or delayed obedience. I am not saying that God is not a Restorer, oh no, I have experienced His restoration in my own life. But in hindsight, my obedience to His Process of Sanctification as we discussed yesterday would have prevented so much time wasted, time ruined and time broken in pieces. I am grateful that the lessons learned can help others, but I now know better to do better.

This time I choose to obey. This level of obedience is not reserved just for my dating life, but my finances, my friendships, my work ethics.

What has helped me become more obedient is also directly tied to my knowledge
of the Word of God. You can only obey what you know and you only know what you study.

Create a rhythm of reading God’s Word daily. If you are new to this, start with the New Testament and then work your way to the Old Testament. Find a friend to buddy on this reading journey together. Get in a Starting Point or Small Group to discuss concepts and precepts as you learn them and attend service regularly to hear how to apply God’s Word to your life.

Do not walk around with the marks of sacrifice left marred on your soul. Embrace obedience today!

NEXT STEPS:

1. Yesterday we created a plan for areas of sanctification we are not fulfilling in our part of the Promises of God. Today we are prayerfully executing, without delay. Join a Small Group or Starting Point so that you can discuss things you are learning.

2. We are readers of God’s Word every day at (Insert time here). let this statement be true of you and your new found rhythm. You Version Bible app can even read the Word to you.

3. Share this devotional and come back tomorrow.