Monday August 14, 2023

Today is Monday, August 14 and we are studying what the Bible says about obedience.

I begin these first fifteen minutes of my day in silence. I seek quiet within and quiet without. I close my eyes, slow my breathing, and center my whole being on God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Pause and Pray

Blessed Lord, thank you for loving me and calling me your child. Open my heart and mind to your Holy Spirit. Speak into my life, heal my soul and guide my steps on this pilgrim journey. Amen.

In the morning I praise God with the ancient words of Psalm 132, a Psalm of Ascent.

I will not enter my house or go to my bed, I will allow no sleep to my eyes or slumber to my eyelids, till I find a place for the LORD, a dwelling for the Mighty One of Jacob. Psalm 132:3-5

Pause and Pray

We have been journeying to Jerusalem along with the ancient pilgrims singing the Psalms of Ascent. We are nearing the end of our journey traveling this upward path with a community of believers. This week’s Psalm is Psalm 132, a song of David’s kingdom. The Psalm inspires trust and obedience to God. For the believer, Godly obedience comes from a place of love. On the night before he gave himself up for us, Jesus Christ offered final words to his disciples. In that discourse he makes the connection between love and obedience.

Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me. All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. John 14:23-26

Jesus says if I love him I will know his commands and keep them. He is clear. If I love him I will obey his teaching. If I do not love him, I will not obey his teaching. The Triune God wants to make a home with me – abide in me through the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. Christian believers who abide with God, do not obey out of fear but out of love. Obedience flows out of a love relationship with a gracious, merciful God. When I love Jesus and believe his love for me, I trust him with every circumstance and obey him because I know he has my best interests at heart.

Ask: How is my obedience to God connected to my love for God? What is my motivation when I obey or disobey the teachings of Jesus?

Pause and Pray

I declare my love for you, Lord Jesus. Thank you for loving me and revealing yourself to me. Remind me of your commands and instruct me to obey your teaching. Come and dwell in my heart, let your thoughts be my thoughts, let your will be my will, let me walk in your footsteps and follow your ways. Come, Holy Spirit, my advocate and guide, teach me all things and remind me of Christ’s words in scripture. I read the words from John again and listen for the message you have for me.

Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me. All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. John 14:23-26

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

Pause and Pray

As I continue my spiritual journey studying the Psalms of Ascent, I remember how God loves me and wants to speak into my life. I spend time with God because I trust him. I want to hear his whispers and endeavor to listen closely. As I ascend the walk of holiness, I go deeper into spiritual relationship with my Lord. I consider the state of my soul and ponder how these words of Jesus might be speaking to me. I repeat the word of phrase that stands out to me and record it in my journal. I keep in mind that God may speak to me later – throughout my day.

Pause and Pray

Lord Jesus, reveal the places of disobedience in my life. Shine your light on my soul and reveal my motives and reasons. Lead me to a place of love, knowing you love me deeply and want the very best for me. I will walk in obedience to your commands and follow your teaching. Amen.

And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love. 2 John 1:6

I leave this time of prayer to live a life of love – loving God and loving others in the name of Jesus.

Amen