‘“If you love me, obey#14:15 Other manuscripts read you will obey; still others read you should obey. my commandments. ‘ John 14:15(NLT)
‘Remind the believers to submit to the government and its officers. They should be obedient, always ready to do what is good. They must not slander anyone and must avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to everyone. Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other. But— When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. Because of his grace he made us right in his sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.’ Titus 3:1-7(NLT)
‘And I will give them singleness of heart and put a new spirit within them. I will take away their stony, stubborn heart and give them a tender, responsive heart, ‘ Ezekiel 11:19(NLT)
‘And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. And I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations.’ Ezekiel 36:26-27(NLT)
‘Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming. But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. ‘ Colossians 3:6-8(NLT)
‘Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. ‘ Colossians 3:12-14(NLT)
QUIET MOMENT
When we walk forward in obedience and turn from our wicked ways, we demonstrate our love for Him. Love and obedience go hand in hand.
GOING DEEPER
Read Ezekiel 11:19 and Ezekiel 36:26-27. John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance, an outward symbolic cleansing. Jesus, however, would cleanse us internally, spiritually, and miraculously by the washing of the Holy Spirit. We receive His Spirit at that moment of saving faith. The Spirit reigns more and more as we surrender to Him in humble submission. It is an internal, eternal immersion! It is a soul submergence! Our persons are penetrated so fully with the presence of God that we are never the same again. We are new creatures. Our character has been forever changed, and it is no longer us; it is Christ.
But we must walk in that character. Read Colossians 3:6-8 and Colossians 3:12-14. Which way are you going to live? Are you going to live in your old earthly ways or are you going to walk forward in Christ?
REFLECTION AND PRAYER
Sit at His feet, hear His voice, know His heart, and then, by the power of the Holy Spirit, walk forward in righteousness. May your walk be one that will draw others to follow Christ. Go to the Lord in prayer and ask Him to answer this prayer in your life.
TAKING THE TRUTH TO HEART AND BRINGING IT TO LIFE
Choose one truth from today and apply it to your heart. Take it with you throughout the day.
from Jesus, I Need You Part 3