Scripture for Today:  Psalm 119:113  “I hate double-minded people, but I love Your law.”

The myriad of choices having to do with coffee preferences can completely confuse me.  In a specialty coffee shop, no one would want to be behind me, waiting for me to make up my mind.  Just when I think I have it figured out, I am directed toward the cream counter.  There again I am faced with choices.  There are often three different possibilities; whole milk, non-fat milk or half and half.  I do not want my coffee too rich or too watery, so I usually end up with the half and half.  My thinking is that it has to be a good compromise.

Compromise can be a good thing in many areas of life, but certainly not in our obedience to the Lord.  Our verse for today contrasts loving God’s law with a double-minded approach.  The double-minded individual will sometimes obey God’s law, but not always.  There is a lack of true commitment.  If obedience costs something or is inconvenient, then the double-minded person will do what is easy and convenient.  James 1:17 describes this person as unstable in all his ways.  There is no constancy.  Their commitment to God is as variable as the ocean waves.

I do not want to be that person.  Loving God’s law does not mean I will always keep it.  David failed and so do I.  Thankfully, I am under grace and not law because of Jesus.  But it is always my desire to follow what God wants, even when it is difficult.  There is blessing in my life as a result of obedience.  There is nothing but pain and heartache when I do not obey.

Lord, keep me from being half and half in my obedience to You!

Scripture for Today:  Psalm 119:31-32  “I hold fast to your statutes, Lord, do not let me be put to shame.  I run in the path of your commands for You have broadened my understanding.”

Running is in my family.  My husband, son, and brother-in-law all seem to enjoy running.  My problem is that I do not like to sweat.  If one should ever see me run, it would be for some kind of an emergency!  But the health benefits are undeniable and many runners talk about that “runner’s high.”  The endorphin levels rise during intense exercising, affecting one’s mood.  That feeling of euphoria can sometimes comes from long distance running.  I can think of some other less strenuous sources of euphoria, say in eating good chocolate!

Our verse for today uses the image of running to describe enthusiastic obedience to God’s commands.  Normally, one would not think of running to obey.  More common is the idea of reluctant compliance.  We know God’s commandments are given in love and are good for us.  But there is something innate in us that wants to rebel, wants to go our way.  We think we know better.  The end result is shame for our choices.  But obedience to Him will never result in shame.  Obeying His laws gives us wisdom and understanding about Him, about life, and about how our own way is just not as good as His.

Running to obey Him shows a heart that is completely His own.  Waiting only gives room to doubts and fear.  Obeying Him quickly shows a trust that is absolute.  When God gave Abraham a command concerning his son, he rose early the next morning to obey (Gen.22:3).  As incredibly difficult as it was, Abraham did not wait to obey.

Lord, may I run to obey You today!