Pursuing God And Obedience
BRD REFLECTIONS:
Deuteronomy 4 and Psalm 114 (NIV)
Chow Yuen Peng (PTM, Pastoral Care; Girls’ Brigade)
READ:
Deuteronomy 4 and Psalm 114 (NIV)
Deuteronomy 4:2 “Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the LORD Your God that I give you.”
OBSERVE:
Moses’ speech encourages the people to realise their purpose and calling – to be God’s messengers. This is not only true of the Law of Moses, but for all of Holy Scripture. We should be diligent to know the truth of God’s Word, rigorous in our study of Scripture, zealous to maintain its purity, and to discern its correct interpretation.
APPLY:
When God chose Moses, he was a former slave and now an ordinary shepherd. All he did was to respond to the call of God. Just like Moses, today when we follow Jesus, and are His agent of positive influence, God is glorified and people take notice.
We are to obey His command to teach our children what we have been taught. Let us not fail to receive all the grace and power that is available to us through pursuing Jesus, both individually and together as the Body of Christ. Let us reprioritize, to seek God first and wholeheartedly, that we might enjoy the One in whose presence there is fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore.
I had a bilateral mastectomy in August. I was prepared to go home to be with the Lord but it was not meant to be. From the time of the diagnosis of my breast cancer in July to the surgery in August and recuperating up to now, I am in awe of God’s presence and peace, His guidance and provision every step of the way. I have no fear of death at all. Like the people of Israel, God has brought me out from death and slavery too.
DO:
In the midst of trials, challenges and difficulties, I am to seek God to teach me His ways and His truth, that I might fear Him from the heart; to pursue God and His holiness; to carry the Cross and to seek, serve and follow Christ. ‘Whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple’ (Luke 14:27).
Let’s also not forget the example of Jesus in Mark 1:35 that reminds us about His regular practice of prayer and solitude. I am now on hospitalisation leave, away from the busyness and chaos of the world. I treasure every moment with God in silence and solitude, pursuing Him and allowing Him to change and mould me to be more and more like Christ.
It is a commandment that we emulate Christ as we are created in His own image. Even the sea, mountains and hills, who are God’s creation, obeyed God in Psalm 114. How much more should I obey God and His commandments!
PRAY:
Almighty God, teach me Your ways that I may live according to Your truth! Grant me purity of heart, so that I may honour You. Help me to keep my eyes focused firmly on You and not the ways of the world. You are my salvation and inheritance and I must live my life for You alone. Help me to teach all to walk in faith and to serve You!
In Jesus’ Name.
