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This Week’s Devotional Topic
READ, TRUST & OBEY
When it comes to a strategic plan for a mature, happy and fulfilled Christian life, here’s a ‘winning combination’, three wins, a “trifecta”, here is the prescription: read, trust and obey.
Read
Read God’s word. Fill your mind with scripture, whether it is by sitting down with the Bible or listening to it by using an app on your phone or hearing it on the radio or podcast. These days there are limitless ways we can immerse ourselves in the word of God.
Psalms 1:1-3 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
Psalms 119:11,12 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes.
Psalms 119:89,101,105,107 For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O LORD, according unto thy word.
We are edified and sanctified by His words.
Proverbs 30:5 Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.
John 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
Trust
Proverbs 3:5,6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.
II Samuel 22:2-4 And he said, The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence. I will call on the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.
I Timothy 4:10 For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.
I Timothy 6:17 Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment.
Psalms 20:6-8 Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed; he will answer him from his holy heaven with the saving might of his right hand. Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. They collapse and fall, but we rise and stand upright.
Obey
I’ve been a Christian for many years and still have occasional issues with the concept, the question “What If?”. At times, I felt that I was the king of “What If”. Yes, I have read His word, I know I need to and can trust Him but what if this or that should happen. One of the songs that comes to mind is the one “God said it, I believe it and that settles it for me”.
We ought to obey God. Let go of your own desires. Let go and let God. He has a plan. Obedience to God’s word is always best. A phrase I’ve shared with my children and many others over the years when referring to those in authority and especially instructions from the Lord is that “It’s always best to obey, the first time, right away”.
Psalms 119:9-10 How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word. I have tried hard to find you—don’t let me wander from your commands.
Obedience is better than a sacrifice of our time, talents or money.
I Samuel 15:22 But Samuel replied, “What is more pleasing to the LORD: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams.
God is forever faithful. As you walk with Him through the twists and turns of this life, have faith. Remember the acronym…R.T.O. Read, Trust and then Obey His word.
This week’s Scripture:
Psalms 1:1-3; 20:6-8; 30:5; 119:9-12,89,101,105,107; John 17:17, Proverbs 3:5,6; II Samuel 15:22; 22:2-4; I Timothy 4:10; 6:17 and I Samuel 15:22
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