Deuteronomy 5:33
The scripture for today is Deuteronomy 5:33
Deuteronomy 5:33 You shall walk in all the ways which the LORD your God has commanded you, that you may live, and that it may be well with you, and that you may prolong your days in the land which you shall possess.
In Deuteronomy chapter 5, God reiterates the Ten Commandments that He had previously given in Exodus 20. God never intended that we keep any of His commandments in our own strength. In fact, it is not possible to do so. Can we, in our own strength, replicate the character of God? The Old Testament church demonstrated the folly of saying to God that they would be obedient, only to fall into sin again and again. Those who are in the flesh (carnal nature) cannot please God. God always intended that mankind depend upon Him. His instructions are the guidelines for holy living; following His instructions is the evidence of a life that is in God, a life that is lived in intimate fellowship with Him. Such a life is not dependent upon the strength of the will of the flesh; it is completely dependent upon the will and strength of God. And there is nothing impossible with Him.
God expected, and still expects, obedience to His commandments. But He does not expect us to do it alone. Jesus said, “I am the vine, you are the branches: He that abides in me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit: for without Me you can do nothing. John 15:5 Without Jesus, there can be no obedience to God for without Him we are incapable of obedience.
Obedience to God is the equivalent of surrender to Christ. That is the very essence of the New Covenant. Our life is not defined by what we do, but by who we are. We are: Born again, Spirit filled, God fearing, Bible believing, Jesus loving, Commandment keeping, Children of the Most High God.
God bless you as you continue in His service.
Tim