God’s Rules

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Deuteronomy 12:8 Not Doing As You Want

You are not to do as we do here today, everyone doing as they see fit, Deuteronomy 12:15

Freedom is something that most people desire or live for. They want the freedom to be able to make their own choices to do or say what they want, without any negative consequences.

Rules are always acceptable for ‘the other person’, but not for self. People will quickly come up with every reason under the sun as to why a particular rule should not apply to them. No one wants to be in trouble, nor have their freedom infringed upon.

Moses told the Israelites that they are not to do as they were currently doing, everyone doing as they desire or see fit to do.

While freedom is good, absolute freedom will always fall into utter chaos. Satan worked to get Adam and Eve to demand absolute freedom, which led to sin, death and being kicked out of the Garden of Eden. He is the author of chaos and death–absolute freedom to do what one wants.

All over America people are constantly, more and more, standing up for the freedom to do what they want, regardless of any rules. Being able to choose one’s own gender, who one lives with, whether a child should live or die, what drugs one desires, and much more are being demanded more and more. People want to do as they see fit.

As with the Israelites, believers should not live as the world does. Everything that a believer thinks, says or does should be governed by God’s word and His Holy Spirit.

God is a God of order, not chaos. He puts down rules for the protection and life of His people, not to destroy them or hold them back in bondage to death. Jesus died to give freedom to live for God, not for self and death.

No matter what nation you live in or what government you live under, you are under God’s rules, if you consider yourself a believer. Do not allow yourself to be corrupted by the ways of the world in doing as you see fit.

Follow God’s ways and rules that will lead to life, eternal life. Use the freedom you have been given to live for God, not self and death. Do only what God wants you to do. In the end it will bring you eternal life.

Today I pray that you will know Jesus as your Lord and Savior; that you will know what God wants you to do; that God will strengthen you to resist the selfish ways of this world; that you will only do what God wants you to do; and that God will use you to build His kingdom.

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Psalm 119:45 Walking In Freedom

I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts. Psalm 119:45

Many people do not walk in freedom in this world. They walk in fear of what they may be doing wrong. The biggest fear comes with fearing what others are thinking. It is found in fearing that others may think that what is being done is wrong.

It is been shown many times that most people will give in to peer pressure to do wrong, even when they know it is wrong to do. It is difficult to do something right while everyone is doing it wrong. People do not feel as though they have the freedom to do the correct thing.

Believers have the same problem. A believer had heard from God on what to do and how to do it. Many of the believers around him, try to tell him that he is wrong and that is the wrong way to do it.

Along with fearing what others may say, many believers do not really know what God is saying to do. They have not read the Bible to know what God’s word says. The Bible gives guidance as to how to live a life for God here on this earth.

When you have read the Bible and know what God says, you know what God wants you to do and how to do it. You know the sins God wants you to flee from. You also know that in Jesus Christ you have been forgiven of all sins and set free. In knowing these things, you can walk in freedom.

You are free from hearing condemnation from God. You are also free from fearing what other people may think, because you know you are in right standing with God.

The ability to walk in freedom comes with knowing God and His ways of doing things. Knowing and following Jesus is knowing God and His ways. As you walk as Jesus did, you will walk in freedom. Jesus never walked in bondage or fear.

How are you walking today?

As the world does, in fear and bondage?

Or as Jesus, in freedom?

I pray today that you will know God’s Word in your heart; that you will know the freedom Jesus provides; that you will walk a life of service to God; and that you will live in the freedom of God’s laws.

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Numbers 15:39 Reminders

“You will have these tassels to look at and so you will remember all the commands of the LORD, that you may obey them and not prostitute yourselves by chasing after the lusts of your own hearts and eyes.” Numbers 15:39

God had given the Israelites some instructions about their clothing. One of the things they had to do was hang tassels with a blue cord off the corners of their garments. The whole purpose of these tassels was to remind the people of His commands to them. As they remembered His commands, it was to keep them from sinning. Their focus was to be on the commands of God at all times.

In life it is very easy to get distracted and begin to sin. People will start to follow things or ways of this world that does not fall in line with God’s commands. Most of the time these changes come in very subtly, barely noticeable at first, until the person is fully won over. Other times it is a bold change of direction that comes quickly in the heat of a moment.

Satan and the world want you to forget about what God has said. Although today you are no longer living under the law, there are many commands that God has given that still need to be followed.

Most people forget things very quickly. They might remember them in the back of their mind if they stop to think about it, but that does not usually happen.

Just as God wanted the Israelites to have a reminder about His commands, you must also keep a reminder in your life. It can be different for each person. Taping note cards in various places you will see with verses on them; keeping worship music playing always; wearing a Christian hat or shirt; or wear a button or some other item with a reminder. Find a way that will work for you.

Do not allow yourself to lose focus on what God wants of you. Remind yourself daily and throughout each day of His commands to you. Do not allow yourself to fall into sin because you forgot His commands.

I pray today that God will help you remember His ways; that you will not walk away from God in any area of your life; that your eyes will always be on Jesus; and that you will be the light of Jesus in this world.