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2 Kings 5:10-11a,12 – Elisha sent a messenger to [leprous Naaman], saying, "Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored to you, and you shall be clean." But Naaman became furious, and went away and said … "Are not the Abanah and the Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be clean?" So he turned and went away in a rage. (NKJV)
Naaman almost missed his only chance of getting healed of an incurable ailment because of his inability to obey a simple commandment. Thank God for Naaman's servant who did not relent in talking sense into his master to obey by washing in the Jordan, and Naaman was healed.
While I meditated on this text of the Bible, the Lord drew my attention to something that I heard in my spirit:
- Many seeking Me today are like Naaman. They only want the miracle, they want blessings, they want the healing, yet they refuse to follow My commandments and obey Me, yet in My commandment lies everything they seek. Holiness is no longer the watchword. Many have become lovers of pleasure and self, more than their God.
Deuteronomy 28:1-2 – Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the Lord your God will set you high above all nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the Lord your God. (NKJV)
Friend, obedience is better than sacrifice. What God wants from us isn't money or material possessions. Though He could sometimes request some of these things from us, what really matters to God in our lives is our obedience to His Word. Christ said to His disciples, "If you love Me, keep My commandments." (John 14:15 NKJV)
Obeying God's Word could be a Herculean endeavour at times, especially when we are relying on our own strength to obey. That's why we must rely on God for help. There are so many clear commands in God's Word, and as Christ's disciples, we must obey them. For example, God's Word says that it's a sin to fornicate and defile our bodies, so if we fornicate, we ask the Holy Spirit for help to obey, to repent, and to quit fornication. His Word says that we must forgive our offenders no matter their offense against us, so we have no choice but to forgive as well.
That's how we begin to walk in the miraculous and in God's plan for our lives.
James 1:22 – But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. (NKJV)
Friend, from today, let's begin to obey God's Word in all earnestness. Let's make obedience our lifestyle, and watch our miracles abound. Pray with me.
Prayer: Father, I thank You for Your living Word. Please forgive me if I have not been following Your commandments properly, and help me to do so from now on. I repent of every sin of disobedience and stubbornness. Thank You that I am renewed, refreshed, and cleansed, in Jesus' mighty name. Amen.
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Thank you.
Amen Owen.
Thanks for sharing, Owen.
Thank you for this devotional. It was just what I needed to hear today.
Thank you for sharing this encouraging devotional with us. Amen! Blessings.
Thank you, Owen for writing of your faith and hope today. Blessings to you on our journey.
Good morning
Thank you for a powerful message. God bless you.
Thank you once more, Owen, for your inspiring devotional.
(Texas, USA)
Thank you. Your message really spoke to me this morning. It’s the timing of reading of scripture, isn’t it? This one must be where I’m at today.
Hello Owen,
Very good words of advice to follow in your devotional today. Blessings for your thoughtful writing.
Thank you for the challenge to obey God’s word. We can be so thankful when we can read and understand, and should pray more for God’s word to be read and obeyed by more. Keep up the good devotionals. Blessings.
Good morning Owen,
It sounds like such a simple rule, but it can be so hard at times. It is so true that sometimes I do not want to do the work, just receive the benefit. Your scripture verses plainly show how clear God is in His Word at what we need to do. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and wisdom. As I pray with you your prayer, I will try to listen and follow God’s commands and remember to forgive others and God forgives me. May many blessings come your way and you continue to share with others.
Thanks, Owen, for a good challenge.
Owen, this is a powerful message and one sorely needed. We always want to put our own spin on God’s straight-forward commands. Thank you for shining a clear light on this daily problem.
Owen, thank you for your devotional. How great is our God who sets out commandments that bring about our best interest as we honor Him with our obedience. Then, He empowers us through the living Christ, to obey. Have a wonderful day.