Today's readings: 1 Samuel 15-16; 1 Chronicles 5; Matthew 1
Obedience Not Sacrifice
Scripture
But Samuel replied, "What is more pleasing to the Lord; your burnt offerings and sacrifices, or your obedience to his voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams. . . ."
1 Samuel 15.22
Observation
God wants our obedience more than anything else.
Application (How will I be different today because of what I have just read?)
It is much easier to offer our sacrifices--our works--to God than to be obedient. We can find a thousand excuses for our disobedience (even claiming to be thinking of God and doing it for Him) and then we work hard hoping he won't notice. Or, we think maybe we can do something (like offering more sacrifices) to make up for it.
But, God wants us to listen to Him and to be obedient. Nothing else counts--nothing else matters. Our obedience to God demonstrates our love and commitment to Him and Him alone.
If we claim to be His--then we must act like it! Our actions speak louder than our words!
Prayer
Lord, may I be obedient in all that You ask of me--no matter how difficult it may be. When You look into my heart--may it please You.
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