No "One Off" Obedience Psalms 128:1-4 - BLOGGING THE BIBLE- JournalHome.com

12/9/2009 - No "One Off" Obedience Psalms 128:1-4

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No "One Off" Obedience

REFERENCE: Psalm 128: 1-4 How joyful are those who fear the Lord—all who follow his ways! 2 You will enjoy the fruit of your labor. 2 How joyful and prosperous you will be! 3 Your wife will be like a fruitful grapevine, flourishing within your home. Your children will be like vigorous young olive trees as they sit around your table. 4 That is the Lord’s blessing for those who fear him.

Observation: What does "fear(ing) the Lord" mean? It means, simply, that we understand that He is the Boss. In other words, "He is the boss of me!!" He has the right to tell me how to live my life and I choose to submit to that Lordship. For us, the question of whether to obey or not should be settled for good. Not case by case, (maybe I will obey this time, maybe I won't) but once for all (no matter what comes up, I will not compromise on my commitment to obedience). Those who fear the Lord respect Him too greatly to simply disobey.
What happens when we make this commitment and live by it?
1. We will be joyful. Nothing is more depressing and saddening then living contrary to what we know is right. A divided soul is a tortured soul.
2. We will be have "fruit" in our lives. Our efforts accomplish something because they have God's blessing behind them. 1 + 1 suddenly begins to equal more than 2 when God is adding His blessing in.
3. Our families work. Our marriages and our children will do well because they have seen us living a life of integrity. As they follow our example, things go well for them too.

Application/Confession: When I am tempted to listen to the 2-year-old living deep inside of me that says; "I can do what I want", I need to remember that there are great blessings for obedience to God and that I want, so much, to show reverence and respect to the God I serve. He has blessed me so greatly already, I can do no other.

PRAYER: Forgive me Lord for my rebelious times of disobedience. I know that doing things out of respect and honor to You is the only way to live and the only way to blessing. Give me the grace to always, in every situation, listen to You and live in fear of You.

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