Sorry, I’ve missed a couple of days of posting my Bible reading journal entries.  So, two days posting today…

Scripture: 1 Samuel 15:22 (NIV) ²² But Samuel replied: “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.

Observations:  Worship, giving, sacrifice and other religious practices, even when they are biblical and commanded by God – are incomplete and even unaccepted when obedience is missing.  They decided they knew best, that some of the plunder was too good to surrender to the Lord.  Partial obedience with rationalization is not obedience.  All of our church activity is useless if we aren’t seeking to obey God.

Application:  I must be ruthless about obedience!  I every area – without rationalizing or compromising.  To lead, preach, worship and live in partial obedience is foolish.  I must obey in everything!

Prayer:  Father, help me listen for your voice and obey as I hear!  Help me be aware of the enemy’s schemes & lies.  It does matter!  Amen.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 2:11  In order that Satan might not outwit us.  For we are not unaware of his schemes.

Observations:  Failing to forgive apparently makes us vulnerable to Satan’s schemes.  I wonder, how often do we allow Satan to outwit us?  What areas of our life are we moving in directions that open us up to his attacks?  The schemes/tricks/plots/plans of the evil one are obviously at work in and around the lives of believers.  Failure to obey God, harboring unforgiveness – I wonder how many other things open up my life to his attack?

Application: I must be diligent – walk close to Jesus – keep short accounts in my relationships – seek to continually obey God & walk closely to Him and pray for His protection.  I must be aware of his schemes – realize that he is seeking to hurt, kill, destroy, devour and in general hurt the testimony of believers. 

Prayer: Father – help me be continually aware of his schemes.  Help me walk/live in such a manner as to not be outwitted.  Help me intentionally walk close to you and avoid his scheming in my life.  Amen