"“Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the LORD?
To obey is better than sacrifice." 1 Samuel 15:22
To obey is better than sacrifice." 1 Samuel 15:22
Hear my cry, O God;
listen to my prayer.
listen to my prayer.
From the ends of the earth I call to you,
I call as my heart grows faint;
lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
For you have been my refuge,
a strong tower against the foe. Psalm 61:1-3
"But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:15
Sometimes the path before us twists and turns through the wilderness. We become thirsty and weary in the dry wasteland spread before us. Discouragement settles upon our shoulders, pushing down with an overwhelming force. We question why the path is rocky and strewn with heartache. We may be tempted to relax our guard. Perhaps we sit, thirsty and searching, but no water is in sight. When all of a sudden, a gentle breeze whips our hair, cooling our skin. We feel the brief reprieve, but just as quickly it disappears, leaving us longing for a respite.
Perhaps we feel like a toy boat, tossed and turned on the waves, with no control over where we are heading. We desire to be in a different place, but can't seem to break free of the tendrils of doubt and despair. We know where we should be heading, but are unable to move, gripped with fear and insecurity. Chains shackle and hold steadfast, at times visible and others unseen.
We need to remind ourselves to look at what is concealed, instead of what may be seen and felt. Jesus calls us to obedience at all costs, whether we feel like it or not. Our obedience is not based on what others are doing, or how they respond to us. He calls us to rest and trust in Him, to follow Him no matter what the cost. I choose this day to serve Him.
I call as my heart grows faint;
lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
For you have been my refuge,
a strong tower against the foe. Psalm 61:1-3
"But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:15
Sometimes the path before us twists and turns through the wilderness. We become thirsty and weary in the dry wasteland spread before us. Discouragement settles upon our shoulders, pushing down with an overwhelming force. We question why the path is rocky and strewn with heartache. We may be tempted to relax our guard. Perhaps we sit, thirsty and searching, but no water is in sight. When all of a sudden, a gentle breeze whips our hair, cooling our skin. We feel the brief reprieve, but just as quickly it disappears, leaving us longing for a respite.
Perhaps we feel like a toy boat, tossed and turned on the waves, with no control over where we are heading. We desire to be in a different place, but can't seem to break free of the tendrils of doubt and despair. We know where we should be heading, but are unable to move, gripped with fear and insecurity. Chains shackle and hold steadfast, at times visible and others unseen.
We need to remind ourselves to look at what is concealed, instead of what may be seen and felt. Jesus calls us to obedience at all costs, whether we feel like it or not. Our obedience is not based on what others are doing, or how they respond to us. He calls us to rest and trust in Him, to follow Him no matter what the cost. I choose this day to serve Him.
1 comment:
Hi Jodie, just wanted to let you know that I do follow your links from facebook sometimes, and I'm always blessed by your writing.
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