1 John 5:3-5 - Faith vs. Obedience

In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome,  for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.  Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.
1 John 5:3-5

So which is more important: Faith that Jesus is the Son of God or obedience to God's commands? Both are equally important. I don't think either is useful without the other. If we think of obedience to God equalling love for him, then our faith leads us to us showing our love to him through obedience.  Our faith in God and his son is what helps us to keep his commands. We are given the power to overcome the world (sin).

Lord, Thank you for giving us victory in overcoming the world. Please help us to remain faithful to you and make your commands clear to us. Amen.

Exodus 39:42 - Following instructions

The Israelites had done all the work just as the Lord had commanded Moses.

The Israelites followed God's meticulous plans for the tabernacle. Are you good at following instructions? Some people zone out at soon as they are being instructed. I'm pretty good at reading or hearing instructions and following them...as long as I agree with them. As Christians we don't have a set of laws to adhere to as the Israelites did, but there are commands in the New Testament, guidelines for us to follow.

Lord, thank you for giving us parameters to live by. Please help us to hear and follow those instructions. Amen.

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Exodus 21:1-2 - The First Laws

“These are the laws you are to set before them:  “If you buy a Hebrew servant, he is to serve you for six years. But in the seventh year, he shall go free, without paying anything.

After giving the Ten Commandments, God gives Moses the laws for the Israelites. I find it interesting that the first laws were about slavery. I am sure, after 400 years of slavery, this was a hot topic for them. These laws were set down by God, reassuring them they would never be enslaved again beyond 6 years.

Lord, thank you for hearing our concerns and addressing them. Please help us to trust you and follow the commands you have given us as Christians. Amen.

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