Monday, January 29, 2024

We heard in our weekend message about the importance of focusing on what we want most more than what we want now.

Humans are wired to want immediate gratification. And unfortunately, the same things that often feel good in the moment have the potential to ruin us long term. For example, shopping for all the things we want feels amazing until the bill comes, and we become anxious and overwhelmed, realizing we don’t have the money to pay for it.

John 10:10
“The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.”

Thankfully, God loves us so much and wants what's best for us. Through his word, the Bible provides us the key to a rewarding life.

Take a deep breath. I know how some of you feel about the Bible. I remember reading Leviticus and feeling overwhelmed and irritated. I thought the list of rules were crazy and wondered, "Does God just want to control my life?" I remember many years ago, one of our daughter’s friends frustratingly exclaimed, “Rules, rules, rules, all this house has is rules!” after a visit to our home. Many of us see the Bible in this same way.

A friend later explained to me that many of the directives in Leviticus were established to prevent people from getting sick and to avoid other serious problems. I never forgot that conversation. That’s when I realized God’s commandments and rules are for our good, just like the rules my daughter’s friend didn’t appreciate.

God is our loving Daddy, who has given us everything we need.

2 Peter 1:3
By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence.

God wants to protect us so we can live a rich and satisfying life, blessing others and drawing closer to him. Each small step of obedience we take makes a huge impact on our future.

Rather than only focusing on the here and now, start looking toward what’s most important—your future and eternity with God. Please continue to join us this week for the daily LIO as we explore the secrets to an abundant life found in Scripture.

Questions:
What gives you immediate gratification? What comes to your mind when you think about God’s commandments and rules? What small step is God calling you to take to have a richer, more satisfying life?

Next Steps:
Read this week's daily LIO. Pray, and ask God what next step he is calling you to take. Write it down, and make a plan to obey him.

Prayer:
Almighty and glorious God, I worship and praise you. I am overwhelmed that the King of the universe loves me so much. Thank you for your Word. Help me to obey and treasure your commands and laws. I know you want what is best for me. Forgive me when I am selfish and want my own way. Thank you for your mercy and grace. I love and adore you. Amen.

Series Theme Verse:

2 Peter 1:3
By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence.

This post was written by Marsha Raymond, a regular contributor to the LivingItOut devotional.