September 16, 2015
Given the choice to live or die, the decision would seem obvious. Yet, many are making the less-than-obvious decision.
“See, I have set before you today life and prosperity, and death and adversity; in that I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in His ways and to keep His commandments and His statutes and His judgments, that you may live and multiply, and that the Lord your God may bless you in the land where you are entering to possess it … I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. So choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants” (Deuteronomy 30:15-16, 19)
On the eve of entering the promised land, Moses instructed the people of Israel to choose to wholeheartedly love the LORD their God, and to be faithful in keeping His commandments. That which He desired was not unreasonable: “For this commandment which I command you today is not too difficult for you, nor is it out of reach.” (Deuteronomy 30.11) All He wanted was their complete love and devotion, which would result in life, prosperity, and blessing.
Couples who pledge their love at the marriage altar often include the vow, “Forsaking all others,” as they commit their total love to one another. Statistically, however, about half of those who make this promise will do just the opposite. So why is this so? Because living a decision is much more difficult than making it. And so it can easily be in our pledge to our Father Creator. Living the decision is far more challenging that making the decision, as Israel’s history so vividly proves.
The problem with living out our pledges is that they don’t usually change in a moment; they erode over time. Marriages may appear to end abruptly, but the truth is, they slowly disintegrated over time. Our love for our Father, and His Son, don’t switch off and on like a light switch; this too is a gradual thing. Love grows cold slowly, and almost imperceptibly.
So, what the remedy and safeguard? Careful introspection is always the key. What is the evidence in my life that indicates my true commitment? Time and energy commitment indicates where my real love is. Feelings, while not always an accurate gauge, can help too. Do I have a passion for the LORD, and the things of the LORD?
The admonition is simple: “choose life.” A deliberate daily decision validates our long-term decision. Am I choosing the God of the universe today in my priorities, activities, and devotion? Have I sought His still, small voice, and the impressions He makes as to what I should do and be?
“Choose life in order that you may live.” Walk the decision today that matters for eternity.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2015
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook & print devotional -http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
paperback print copy of book — https://www.createspace.com/4500045
“See, I have set before you today life and prosperity, and death and adversity; in that I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in His ways and to keep His commandments and His statutes and His judgments, that you may live and multiply, and that the Lord your God may bless you in the land where you are entering to possess it … I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. So choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants” (Deuteronomy 30:15-16, 19)
On the eve of entering the promised land, Moses instructed the people of Israel to choose to wholeheartedly love the LORD their God, and to be faithful in keeping His commandments. That which He desired was not unreasonable: “For this commandment which I command you today is not too difficult for you, nor is it out of reach.” (Deuteronomy 30.11) All He wanted was their complete love and devotion, which would result in life, prosperity, and blessing.
Couples who pledge their love at the marriage altar often include the vow, “Forsaking all others,” as they commit their total love to one another. Statistically, however, about half of those who make this promise will do just the opposite. So why is this so? Because living a decision is much more difficult than making it. And so it can easily be in our pledge to our Father Creator. Living the decision is far more challenging that making the decision, as Israel’s history so vividly proves.
The problem with living out our pledges is that they don’t usually change in a moment; they erode over time. Marriages may appear to end abruptly, but the truth is, they slowly disintegrated over time. Our love for our Father, and His Son, don’t switch off and on like a light switch; this too is a gradual thing. Love grows cold slowly, and almost imperceptibly.
So, what the remedy and safeguard? Careful introspection is always the key. What is the evidence in my life that indicates my true commitment? Time and energy commitment indicates where my real love is. Feelings, while not always an accurate gauge, can help too. Do I have a passion for the LORD, and the things of the LORD?
The admonition is simple: “choose life.” A deliberate daily decision validates our long-term decision. Am I choosing the God of the universe today in my priorities, activities, and devotion? Have I sought His still, small voice, and the impressions He makes as to what I should do and be?
“Choose life in order that you may live.” Walk the decision today that matters for eternity.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2015
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook & print devotional -http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
paperback print copy of book — https://www.createspace.com/4500045
posted by steve @ 8:55 AM
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