TURN LEFT NOW!
Bernadette Keene
Today’s Scripture: "What if some were unfaithful? Does their faithlessness nullify the faithfulness of God?” Romans 3:3, ESV
Theme: Though people suffer consequences because we are flawed, stiff-necked, and rebellious, God remains faithful, continually offering redemption.
LISTEN AND OBEY
When traveling to unfamiliar places, I typically use my GPS to help me find my way. I plug the expected destination into my navigation system and hope for the best. I give myself plenty of time so that if I get off course, I won’t be late; but I must confess that there have been multiple times that I ignore what the GPS is telling me and decide to go a different direction, one that I think will be better.
The times that I have chosen to go my own way have never been favorable. It doesn’t take too long before I understand why I should have listened to the GPS and obeyed the directions. There is always a consequence to pay when we decide to take matters into our own hands. As I sit and stare at the long red line on my GPS, I say, “Yep, I should have listened and obeyed!”
APPLYING WHAT WE LEARN
Sitting in traffic is a wonderful time for reflection. God uses moments like this to teach me how important it is to listen and obey. He uses everyday life to teach us how to apply biblical principles. Knowing His Word and walking in His will demonstrates our love for Him (1 John 5:3, NLT) and is good for us (James 1:22, NLT). Taking wrong turns in life is not a new concept. The theme of the week highlights the rebellious, flawed nature of people since the beginning of time. But it also demonstrates how much God loves us. Paying the consequences for disobedience can help us to learn from our mistakes so that we listen more intently the next time and do what God tells us to do. It hurts—but it also humbles if we let it, deepening our intimacy with God.
Make It Personal: There are times in life when we can be stiff-necked and rebellious, but we can praise God that despite our failures, He remains faithful. He does not leave us without redemption. When the Holy Spirit brings sin to our minds, God always offers forgiveness when we confess our sins and failures. We may still have to pay worldly consequences, but He faithfully cleanses our souls.
Pray: Lord, forgive us when we ignore Your voice and Your Word. Remind us that the words You speak to us are for our benefit and You always have our good in mind. Let us walk in obedience and honor You in all we do. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Read: Daniel 9:9, Psalm 25:7
Weekly Memory Verse: "What if some were unfaithful? Does their faithlessness nullify the faithfulness of God?” Romans 3:3, ESV