09
Love God, Keep His commands
Rod Shimabukuro“And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, [13]and to keep the commandments and statutes of the LORD, which I am commanding you today for your good? [14]Behold, to the LORD your God belong heaven and the heaven of heavens, the earth with all that is in it. [15]Yet the LORD set his heart in love on your fathers and chose their offspring after them, you above all peoples, as you are this day. Deuteronomy 10:12-15
There are requirements God gives us - instructions to live for Him. Obedience is really motivated out of love. Moses continues to instruct the children of Israel to live this set apart life for God. It’s a life committed to loving God FIRST and then keeping His commands. And the beautiful thing about living this kind of life for God is that God Himself sets His love on them, making the way, providing for them. It’s a hand in hand relationship. God does His part - Israel must do theirs.
I find myself living in this tension: loving God, making decisions daily to live my love out in practical ways. I find myself in constant struggle with aspects of my flesh, yielding my sinful thoughts and attitudes to Him. But as I focus my heart on Him - as the God of God, King of all rulers, Lord of all masters - the One who has set HIs love on me and has chosen me...I find my heart an mind worshiping, loving, fearing the God of my life.
Today, while fully desiring to obey His commands, I fully set my thoughts, heart and love on His greatness. With or without me, God is god. I’m just so honored and thankful for God choosing me to be a part of His family!
Dear Daddie God!
Thanks for choosing me, loving me and setting my life on Your course. May I continue to find myself in You, my love and strength from You. I want to live a life pleasing to You, obeying all Your commands. But I thank you that my obedience is motivated from Your supernatural love living in me through Jesus!
