Jan 31, 2026 – Obedience
Utmost – Chambers makes an important clarification for believers, “Our calling is not primarily to be holy men and women, but to be proclaimers of the Gospel of God…. Personal holiness is an effect, not a cause, and if we place our faith in human goodness, in the effect of Redemption, we shall go under when the test comes…. God cannot deliver me while my interest is merely in my own character. Paul is unconscious of himself, he is recklessly abandoned, separated by God for one purpose – to proclaim the Gospel of God (cf. Romans 9:3).”
JA – “STRENGTH AND JOY are in My dwelling place. So the closer to Me you live, the stronger and more joyful you will be…. You can train your mind to stay aware of Me even when other things are demanding your attention…. Create a permanent place for Me in your mind, and My Light will shine on all your moments.”
Max – Deuteronomy 28:13 – “If you pay attention to the commands of the Lord your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom.” Today, Max reminds us of the story of Haman plotting to exterminate the Jews and how God used Esther [and her uncle Mordecai] to save them, “Esther took a step of faith, and God blessed her obedience. He will do the same for you. No matter what situation you find yourself in today, God will ultimately win.” This makes me think of the Joel Osteen message that was playing on the Sirius channel on my way home from PT yesterday, “Protect Your Peace” #797. He said, “Don’t get stuck in the potholes of life” and don’t let the poison in other people hurt you. He pointed out that God will fight our battles; so, we should put on our “shoes of peace” each morning and look away from battles that aren’t ours to fight (and which will distract us from the ones God wants to use us for).
Streams – Well, I did it again. I read today’s (the 31st) devotion yesterday. I looked right at January 31 at the top of the page after writing Jan 30 at the top of the blog, but I read on; and, it seemed to fit with yesterday. Today’s devotion would have fit well in the conversation yesterday because of the reference to newness that we ended on, but the verse today from Hosea 14:5, “I will be like the dew to Israel,” builds nicely on how God was the dew that covered Israel during Esther’s time.
Cowman draws from the writings of Dr. Pardington as she shares, “The dew is a source of freshness. It is nature’s provision for renewing the face of the earth…. It is the great renewal value of the dew that is so often recognized in Scriptures and used as a symbol of spiritual refreshment…. Many Christian workers do not recognize the importance of heavenly dew in their lives, and as a result lack freshness and energy…. Beloved fellow worker, you recognize the folly of a laborer attempting to work all day without eating, but do you recognize the folly of a servant of God attempting to minister without eating of the heavenly manna? …Everyday you must receive the ‘renewal by the Holy Spirit’…. Quietness and stillness bring the dew…. And the grace of God does not come forth to bring rest and renewal to our soul until we completely reach the point of stillness before Him.”
Power – Joyce reminds us to, “Take captive every thought coming into your mind that does not agree with the Word of God.” I suppose that’s exactly what Esther had to do in order to garner the confidence to ask for an audience with the king when such wasn’t done (even by queens) in that era. Joyce encourages us, “Instead of fighting with negative thoughts, simply replace them with positive ones. If you choose to think something good, then the bad thing cannot occupy that space in your mind anymore. We always overcome evil with good (see Romans 12:21).” Joel said that very thing in that peace sermon.
Prevail #31 – Larson bases today’s thoughts on Deuteronomy 1:6-7 as she helps us think through our questions about obedience and the dilemma between waiting and moving on. She writes, “There’s a time to pause before the Lord, to seek His face, and to wait for His timing and direction. And then there’s a time to get moving. How do you know what obedience looks like…. Ask yourself these two questions: Where is the peace of God leading me? And, Which scenario requires more faith from me? Oftentimes, we want to go so we can feel relief. And we want to stay so we can remain comfortable.”
Her grasp of what I wrestle with at times, is why these devotions are so meaningful to me. God is our ultimate source of information and consolation, but He does encourage community amongst believers. Larson concludes by pointing out that, “…God’s highest ways defy our selfish whims…. You may not have all the answers – He may not offer a full road map to your destination – but He promises His presence.”
JC – Young adds Jesus’ comforting words to bring our discussion to a close, “I am your Strength and Shield. I plan out each day and have it ready for you, long before you arise from bed…. concentrate on staying in touch with Me…. Refuse to waste energy worrying…. Entrust yourself to My watchcare, which is the best security system available.” See Psalm 28:7, Matthew 6:34, Psalm 56:3-4, and Genesis 28:15.
