Nougat 9

Obedience anyone? Today’s Holy Nougat tells us why.

“Anyone who doesn’t love me will not obey me. And remember, my words are not my own. What I am telling you is from the Father who sent me.” ‭‭John‬ ‭14‬:‭24‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Obedience is a key ingredient for our relationship with Jesus. Based on our nougat, it’s actually a non-negotiable. For, if disobedience negates love, and love and respect are cornerstones of positive relationships, then disobedience will erode the very foundation of our faith. Jesus puts it another way in verse 15 of the same chapter, ‘if you love me, keep My commandments.’ That He reiterated it yet again indicates how important obedience is.

In practical terms, this includes obeying God’s Word, as Jesus points out that His words originate from God. So the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), for example, carries clear instructions after we pass the redefinition of ‘blessings’. Jesus used that opportunity to add clarity to some of the commandments and laws that persons might have tried to squeeze past. There He introduced the ‘You have heard it said, but I say …’ commandments on anger, divorce, integrity, compassion and revenge. In that space He helped the people then and all who followed Him thereafter, to realize that obedience is thought and action.

Obedience is also part of our following through on what we hear from God when we meet in the Secret Place. For, like Elijah, we hear God’s still small voice when we’re tuned to God’s frequency. It may be as simple as a conviction in our spirit, or even hearing a voice that we recognize as God’s (and directives that positively reflect what we know as God’s word and methodology). It could even be a response to a sermon or teaching that seems customized for us – whatever the route, when Jesus directs us, may we be wise to obey.

Lord grant us a discerning ear that leads to obedience and undergirds our love for You. Help us to begin with the little things that we sometimes overlook. Be glorified by our actions today we pray in Jesus name amen.

—

May all we seek be found in Christ