Obedience to God: Why Reading His Word Matters
Obedience to God begins with knowing His Word. As we read the Bible, the Holy Spirit speaks to us, transforms our hearts, and guides us into God’s will and purpose.
Why Reading the Bible Matters
It is worth it to read the Bible. And then, read it again, and again. Those of you who have been Christians for years are thinking, “Of course.” But it goes deeper than that.
Each time we read God’s Word, God speaks to us. And in different seasons of our lives, the Holy Spirit leads and guides us through His Word in ways we could not otherwise have known or done.
The Bible is God’s sacred text. His Word made known to us, but it is so much more. It is the power of God to transform our hearts. And for that reason, I am passionate about what I do.
Twenty-five years ago, I founded a ministry that began as a Bible study with a handful of women and then evolved into a ministry with caring arms. I have had a front-row seat into the lives of women who have found a new path, one in which the Lord is leading.
So yes, Bible reading is a top priority for me.
Learning Obedience Through God’s Word
But I have a confession to make. I have a terrible time reading through the Bible on the yearly plans or even three-year plans. I fail every time.
I have better success reading through one book of the Bible at a time, and that is after I have asked Him where to start.
I am currently in Deuteronomy, and this morning I hit a hard stop at the words God spoke to Moses. And Moses, in turn, spoke to the Israelites, His chosen people, entering the Promised Land.
Repeatedly, God reminded them to obey Him; obey the law; obey His Word; obey the Ten Commandments. He told them to watch out for nations that may steer them away from His Word because His Word alone would bring them life.
As parents, we want our children to obey. Not simply because we are their parents, but also out of love and respect for us. God says the same to His people. Obedience to God flows from knowing, trusting, and loving Him.
God Promised Blessings for Obedience
He promised multiplication and destiny occupation:
“Be careful to obey all the commands I am giving you today. Then you will live and multiply, and you will enter and occupy the land the Lord swore to give to your ancestors.”
— Deuteronomy 8:1, NLT
He promised blessings when we obey:
“And the Lord commanded us to obey all these decrees and to fear Him so He can continue to bless us and preserve our lives…”
— Deuteronomy 6:24, NLT
Jesus put it this way:
“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.”
— John 14:15, ESV
What Obedience to God Means for Us
I had to stop and consider what all this means for me today and likewise for believers.
- Blessings come from obedience to God’s Word.
- If we truly love God, we will obey Him.
- God will preserve our lives for His good works and give us land to occupy. This is fulfilled in our obedience.
Friends, I don’t know about you, but after reading these verses, my thoughts were all over the place.
Where have I been disobedient to God’s Word? What had God promised me that I have not seen fulfilled, and how has disobedience played a part in that? Did I love Jesus so much that obedience was the outflow?
I am still milling those questions around in my mind.
Scripture is active and alive and will lead you into places you may never have gone, necessary places, to be in alignment with God’s will and purpose for your life.
Examine Your Heart and Follow His Word
In summary, it is God’s sacred Word that shows us His promises. God is faithful to do what He promises, and He promises blessings when we are obedient to His Word.
Let’s all examine our hearts and see where we may be off His chosen path. As we turn to Him in obedience to God, He will make any needed correction in the direction in which we are going because He is a good Father.
If you want to find your purpose in obedience, please join us for a Drawing Near to God Bible study. We look forward to spending time with you.
Joanne
