March 6, 2012 (Deuteronomy 3-4; Psalm 36; Mark 13)
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “If you obey all the decrees and commands I am giving you today, all will be well with you and your children. I am giving you these instructions so you will enjoy a long life in the land the Lord your God is giving you for all time.” Deuteronomy 4:40 NLT
Observation: God gave Moses instructions to give to the people before he died. He plainly gave the people instructions for righteous living. He warned them about the dangers and consequences of worshipping idols and expressed repeatedly for them to stay away from such things. Moses told the people what would happen to them and their children if they went astray after entering into the Promised Land. He said if you obey all these decrees and commands all will be well with you and your children, but if you do not obey you’re going to get in trouble.
Application: Many times people look at the decrees and commands of God and find them burdensome and overbearing. But in reality God has placed these boundaries in our lives to ensure our happiness. God’s boundaries are not meant to restrict our freedom, but rather to enhance our happiness. A life dedicated to serving ones own personal sinful desires cannot be claimed as a life of freedom, for a person like this is in bondage unaware. True freedom and happiness can only be found in obedience to God and His standards. He knows what’s best and He provides what’s best, if we will only receive it and enjoy it.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for this day You’ve made. Thank You for Your mercy and grace that provide and protect me daily. You are the awesome God of the universe and above You there is no other. Thank You for the decrees and commands You provide for us to follow, they lead to Your pleasure and our happiness. The boundaries You place in our lives are for our own good, and I appreciate them. Help me Lord, submit and surrender to Your great power and holiness, in Jesus name, Amen!