DEVOTIONAL

DESIRE WHAT IS GOOD

Deuteronomy 11:16

How do we, as Christians, live victoriously in a world that is so dark and opposed to God? 

In Deuteronomy 11:13 we see Moses share insight into what God desires of His people…to trust His guidance and follow in His ways. 

By doing these simple things God will give us everything we need (not everything we want). 

In Deuteronomy 11:16 a warning is given. Turning from God will bring consequences, and the consequences will be severe. 

Scripture makes it crystal clear…

Follow God, receive His blessings. Turn from God, receive His wrath. 

This seems so simple, yet throughout history, mankind can’t seem to get it right. 

As we read through the historical accounts in the Old Testament we shake our heads in disbelief. Over and over we see God rescue His people, they fall at His feet in appreciation, and then shortly thereafter they return to their old rebellious ways. 

It’s hard to believe that people could actually be so foolish and hard hearted, but in reality, we do the same thing. We want God to save us from our troubles but time after time we refuse to trust and obey Him in return.

Why do we do this? What would cause us to turn away from the God who is so faithful and has proven throughout history that He loves us?

It is all too easy to blame our sinful nature or even spiritual warfare but the answer is simple. We choose to stray from God. It is a voluntary choice and it all comes down to what we desire the most. Our desires will either lead us to God or away from Him. 

Hebrews 12:1-2 instructs believers to lay aside all hindrances and to avoid falling into the trap of sin. 

We all have things in our life that have become stumbling blocks in our faith and now is the time to leave them behind.

Today, I encourage you to make a choice to stop making excuses and put God before and above everything else in your life. 

MAIN TAKE-AWAY:

Desire the Lord above all else

PRAYER:

Father God, please reveal to me the things in my life that I need to let go of. Please give me the courage and the boldness to give those things to you. Lord, I know that there is nothing in this world that will satisfy me except you. Forgive me for taking your goodness and grace for granted. Thank you for never giving up on me. I love you Lord. In Jesus’ mighty name I pray, Amen.