Today's Bible Reading Portion: Matthew 1
Read Matthew 1 Here --> ESV, KJV
"When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus." Matthew 1:24-25 ESV
From the reading of Matthew chapter 1 what stood out to me was about the man named, Joseph. Jesus's adoptive earthly father. What an event it was for Him, after the day he was betrothed to Mary to find out that she was pregnant!
Poor guy! He did not know what to do. The Bible says, "And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly." - Matthew 1:19
WOW! This just man wanted to quietly dismiss this marriage for the shame it can cause in that community. I thought Joseph was really sweet to do it quietly than publicly shame her. Mary could be charged publicly with adultery by the old testament law. Later, we see God intervenes to Joseph in a dream to take Mary as His wife. He obeys immediately without further questions.
Joseph immediately obeyed!
Obedience to God is a vital part of our journey. Our daily obedience can have profound meaning for God’s greater purposes. God calls us to be obedient in lesser things so that we can be responsive to His will in greater things.
Obeying God in small matters is an essential step in receiving God’s greatest blessings - He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” — Luke 11:28 NIV
Our Obedience always benefits us: (Sharing few verses below)
This is what I told them: “Obey me, and I will be your God, and you will be my people. Do everything as I say, and all will be well!” - Jeremiah 7:23 NLT
"Walk in obedience to all that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess." - Deuteronomy 5:33 NIV
"If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully keep all his commands that I am giving you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the world." - Deuteronomy 28:1 NLT
"And observe what the Lord your God requires: Walk in obedience to him, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and regulations, as written in the Law of Moses. Do this so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go." - 1 Kings 2:3 NIV
"Praise the Lord! How joyful are those who fear the Lord and delight in obeying his commands." - Psalms 112:1 NLT
Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. - Joshua 1:8 NIV
"Now if you will obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my own special treasure from among all the peoples on earth; for all the earth belongs to me." - Exodus 19:5 NLT
"Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts." - Psalms 119:2 NLT
"Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them." - John 14:21 NLT
When we followers of Christ, live obedient lives to Him, those who know and love us will sense the peace and joy he has given us. Instead of conflict, there will be contentment—and that is just one part of experiencing God’s goodness. When you choose to obey the Lord, he will bless you. This is because obedience always leads to blessing. Doing God’s will is obedience. Only those who obey God’s will can enter the kingdom of heaven.
Obedient faith is necessary to keep God’s commandments fully. Without obedience it is impossible to keep them. Jesus has also said that only those who do the will of God will enter heaven. “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 7:21.
Therefore, set a goal to obey the Lord and watch him work in your life. When we obey God, we will never be disappointed. Those who obey God will enter the kingdom of heaven. It is impossible for us to obey God if we ourselves live in us. However, if Christ only lives in us, obedience is easy. As we have an eternal hope, we can joyfully obey God’s word. - “Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him.” John 14:21.
God bless.
PRAYER:
Dear God,
Thank you for this new fresh start to the day! I bless your name, for you are worthy of all praise and Glory. I pray for obedience. I pray you set me apart. Teach me that little things matter a great deal and help me to become obedient in all matters of my life towards you. Let it prepare me for your greater purposes. In Jesus name, Amen.
REFLECT: What did you learn from this reading that you applied to your life this week? In what areas of your life do you have the most difficulty obeying God? What are you doing today that is a reflection of your will and not God’s will? What steps are you taking today to be Christ-like in your obedience?
Please Encourage and Comment below. Thanks. God bless.
Daily Devotion Written by: Team I Love Psalms
One Year Reading through The New Testament Plan - This is the Bible App Plan, which we started this year, January 1st, 2023 and ends on December 31st, 2023. This plan helps us to read through the entire New testament. Here is the link: BIBLE APP if you want to join us, but it has a limit to only 150 participants. In case, you missed joining and being part of our circle, we post Daily Devotion Written by: Team I Love Psalms sharing from each New Testament chapters all year through (365 Days). You can read them here and start your Devotion with us, so you won't miss out with us at all. Once you read through the chapters for each day, you are more than welcome to share your thoughts and comments below to encourage each other daily. Thank you. Enjoy a Happy Blessed New year! God bless.
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