The Quality

Sunday, April 28, 2019
Listen to this devotional:
Listen while you read: "Ye Gates Lift Up Your Heads"1 (Lyrics)

John 14:23 – Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him." (NIV)

My year-old Labradoodle, Denver, gave me quite a scare not long ago when we were all out for our daily walk. As we were approaching the final phase of the path and drawing closer to the roadway, all the dogs fell into line behind me as they have been trained. Suddenly, a large raven swooped down in front of us and landed on the road. In the blink of an eye, Denver broke and ran into the roadway after the bird. Fortunately, no vehicles were coming, and he did respond to my command immediately. But as he ran back to my side, I considered how the quality of his life really depends upon his obedience to me. His disobedience could have had a very different outcome that day.

It also occurred to me that likewise, the quality of my life depends upon my obedience to Christ. Jesus said, "If you love me, you will obey what I command." (John 14:15 NIV) For the more that we keep the commands of Christ, the fuller and more abundant that our life becomes as our obedience enables His Holy Spirit to guide and direct our thoughts and ways. Through obedience to Him, we become instruments of peace within our world. We are enabled to sow love instead of hatred, hope instead of despair, pardon for injury, joy for sadness, and faith for doubt. We will long to understand more than to be understood, to console more than to be consoled, and to love more than to be loved (as we pray in the Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi).

Denver is young yet and continuing to learn the rewards of obedience. Though I am no longer young, I, too, am seeking to continue to learn to love and obey the teachings of Christ more and more each day. For as I do so, the quality of my life, of my character, and of the person I am will continue to become more and more like Him, as the Father becomes more and more at home within me — something which I truly desire.

How about you? What do you truly desire?

Prayer: Father God, thank You that through obedience to Christ, we can have a quality of life that fulfills and completes us in a way that nothing else in this world can. Grant us the desire to learn to love and obey Him more and more, that indeed we may become Your instruments of peace in whatever place or situation that we find ourselves. In Christ's name, we ask. Amen.

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About the author:

Lynne Phipps <lynnephippsatlin@gmail.com>
Tawatinaw, Alberta, Canada

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1 Comment

  • PresbyCan Feedback says:

    Amen, Lynne. Well said.


    Great analogy, Lynne. Blessings to you!


    Lynne, another great devotional. So true, that like Denver, if we veer off course, we have no idea the potential danger we may be entering into. God Bless you.


    Thank the Lord that your pooch obeyed and wasn’t hurt. Yes, we too need to obey our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ. Thanks for sharing this devotional with us. Blessings.


    Hello Lynne
    Wow, I agree that was a scary situation. and so true for us also… obedience is so key.
    God bless.


    This seems to me a perfect devotional (as well as memorable due to the quality of the description), a young exuberant creature straying off the path, into injury or death – and exactly the right scripture, ‘make our home with him!’ Wonderful!


    Hi Lynne,
    A great devotional driving home the importance of our being obedient to God. I love the example you used of your darling little doggie Denver.
    Thanks for sharing.


    Thanks Lynne.
    Again, thank you, your devotionals are always encouraging to me, easy for me to understand and follow. Do have a great day.
    Blessings.


    Dear Lynne,
    Thank you for the inspiring message. It “hits the nail on its head” for me.
    You have given other thoughtful devotions as well.
    (Ontario)


    Amen! You sure know how to relate real life events/situations to the spiritual life that our Lord has revealed to us. If only we could stick with it!! Obedience to His Way seems to require constant mental connection with His Word. No wonder then that reading His Word daily makes such a difference. Bless you, Lynne for your continued sharing of your wonderful stories.


    Thank you for your inspiring writings. Today’s was exceptionally a true blessing. I always look forward to your so interesting glimpses into your life and how our Lord so ever with you.
    May our Lord ever be close to you, giving you inspirational words that you share so well.
    God Bless you and all your delightful animals that somehow come into your devotionals. They bring such joy to one very old lady.
    Blessings.


    Dear Lynne,
    Thank you kindly for another special devotional. Oh, how peaceful our world would be if more people would listen and obey our Lord’s command. Love and care for others is so needed in our present world where every day we hear of disturbing events. Thankfully your dog obeyed your command and you can continue to enjoy life with him and his buddies.
    Blessings,
    (B.C.)


    Dear Lynne,
    Thank you.
    Keep writing,


    When I start reading not long before I know it is another Lynne animal special!
    Love this one. Animals have so much to teach us, but the Eye of the Spirit is needed to discern it.
    Thank you for Seeing.


    Hi Lynn,
    I reread your devotional. Good words, it seems that regardless of age we still learn, every day it seems.
    Thank you for writing.


    Dear Lynne,
    Thank you for the encouragement to obey God and to be in His will.


    Lynne, Thank you for your encouraging words today. How abundant and fulfilling our lives are when we obey our Father! Blessings.


    Thank you.

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