DETERMINED TO OBEY.
1 Samuel 7:3
3 Then Samuel said to all the people of Israel, “If you are really serious about wanting to return to the Lord, get rid of your foreign gods and your images of Ashtoreth. Determine to obey only the Lord; then he will rescue you from the Philistines.”
This is a really straight-forward encouragement. If we are serious about our faith, we will get rid of everything that has become an "idol" in our lives. When we are determined (serious and purposeful) in our obedience to God, He will rescue us from our enemies (or the calamities of life). What "idols" have been in-placing God in your life?
Maybe my emotions. I have been catering to what I feel. I haven't been surrendering them up to GOD as I should. There are times when I was "warned" of little things that I do that cater to my feelings, but I still did it. Praise God there are big times when I know I shouldn't do it, and I didn't. Only God's grace and strength. Yet, right now, I have been thinking a lot about my emotions... what I feel at the moment with certain things and people. It has been taking over my mind because of various reasons. I hate the feeling of not having peace. I know that when I am determined to obey, God will rescue me from feeling this way. That, I WILL DO! I am determined to obey God even if it means to let go of everything - my feelings, my will, my wants, everything. All for God!
Lord, forgive me for allowing myself to think too much about my own self. Help me to let your overrule in my life - especially in the areas that I think "i have no control over". I know I am able to control these things. Help me to be better in handling life matters. Please help me to be an example at the things that I have a hard time doing. I want to just trust You in everything. You are God, You are wonderful, I trust in YOU! In Jesus' name, amen.
