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Listen while you read: "Shall We Gather At The River"1 (Lyrics) |
When John and I married, the dog on the farm was named Sharp. Sharp would do things to make farming easier for us, like fetching the cows and herding the pigs. He was a good watchdog and would sound the alarm when necessary. One day when John needed to go up the road with the truck, he had to leave the barnyard gate open. The sow pig was in the barnyard. Here was her chance to get out. John said to Sharp, "Don't let her out. Watch the gate." One hour later when John returned, Sharp was still lying down in the middle of the laneway, keeping the sow in the barnyard. The dog showed his love for John by being faithful and obedient to his voiced command.
In the same way, those who repent of sin and accept forgiveness from God can show their love for God by being faithful and being obedient to the Master's written commands in Scripture.
John 15:10 – When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father's commandments and remain in his love. (NLT)
1 John 5:3 – Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome. (NLT)
God's commands are found in Scripture, so the children of God read Scripture and commit daily to living a godly testimony and witness for Jesus Christ. We are to show the love of Jesus Christ to our family, neighbours, friends, and enemies. The Holy Spirit guides believers into all truth as we remain faithful.
Believers who commit daily to Jesus Christ do not know when they will meet God, but they do know that they will be ready to meet God. Our circumstances change from day to day, but our hope remains steadfast because of God Who is faithful. This is the God who says:
Hebrews 13:5b – Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you. (NIV)
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we are thankful for Your grace and love to us. Thank You for the gift of faith to believe the message of salvation. Help us to build on our initial faith by being faithful to Jesus Christ, reading Scripture, loving our neighbour, encouraging each other, and praying. Help our witness and testimony to be Christlike, we pray. Amen.
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Thanks for another good word of encouragement, Ruth.
Amen Ruth. Thank you for a good word today.
Blessings.
I write with thankfulness at this memorable devotional and the inspiration it brings.
Wonderful story to illustrate the core truth how God uses others to affirm His kingdom building! Blessings.
Memorable devotional, Ruth. Really identified with your story of ‘Sharp.’ Thank you for the inspiration and scripture.
Hello Ruth,
God bless you today! I really enjoyed this message, and the scriptures are so encouraging.
Ruth, you reinforce my view that we can learn so much from animals, in their behaviour both good and otherwise.
God finds myriad ways of teaching.
Morning Ruth:
Another thoughtful meaningful devotion. Thank you for sharing.
Blessings to you today and every day.
Good morning Ruth,
Good words this morning, I always enjoy your writings, and encouraging words of scripture.
Blessings.
Greetings Ruth,
Many thanks for your very mindful devotional today. Yes, we need be ever grateful that our loving Lord is ever with us. The greatest comforter ever. Blessings for your writings.
Read your devotional for today, entitled ‘Faithfulness. Keep up the good work, Ruth. God richly bless you and the practical examples from you own life and home that you share with others around the world.
Good morning Ruth,
Sharp lived up his name. A great example of obedience to his master. We have the Holy Spirit who helps us to trust in the Lord and intercedes for us when we don’t have the right words. Starting our day with your prayer is a very good start to help us remember to trust in the Lord and stay faithful. Thank you for sharing how Sharp was faithful to you as a good reminder for us to remain faithful to God. Blessings.
Good Morning Ruth.
Thank you for the Devotionals you write, which are always interesting and informative.
In one of your Devotionals you mentioned your great enjoyment watching and listening to loons. My wife and I have a Camp in Ontario, and we have two resident pairs of Loons which come to the lake each year. We have much enjoyment sharing the lake with them.
Blessings.
(ON)