Love and Obedience Rewarded

And it shall be that if you earnestly obey My commandments which I command you today, to love the LORD your God and serve Him with all your heart and wit all your soul,then I will give you the rain..."~Deuteronomy 11:13

Oh my goodness! I used to think that earnest meant one thing, like with enthusiasm or strong effort. However, I looked up this word in the dictionary and it means with seriousness, and solemnness; something is done in a deeply sincere way.

So, I thought about how does God want us to obey Him? He says earnestly obey Him. What I see that He is saying is that we are to obey Him with a serious heart, and a sincere heart. This is a little bit different than how I formerly viewed the word "earnest".

Wow; what a difference a word makes!!

Promise of God's Peace

My people will dwell in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places. ~Isaiah 32:18

When I read this today it made me think of my current living situation. I'd say around last year, in November, I moved into this place. Since that time, people and friends have often asked me how's it going living in my new place? And, I'd overwhelmingly reply to them, I'm living in a place of peace! Unknown to me at the time, God promises that his people will live, dwell, He says, in peaceful places, habitations. I am thankful to God for providing the place I live now. It is a total place of peace. Furthermore, where I live now is close to church, close to my parent's house, close to where I grew up, in a nice neighborhood, has a pool and jacuzzi, and the market is nearby, just one minute by car!! Living here is GOOOOD!!

Worship God

I recently read this quote in a devotional magazine. It encouraged me so as I share it I hope it encourages you!

"You were designed to worship God and if you fail to wroship Him, you will create other things (idols) to give your life to." ~Rick Warren