Intense Love

And this is love: that we walk in obedience to His commands.
2 John 1:6

Recommended Reading 1 Samuel 15:22

Bible teacher Donald Grey Barnhouse told the story of a young son of a missionary couple in Zaire who was playing in the yard when suddenly he heard his father's voice ring out, "Philip, obey me instantly! Drop to your stomach!" The boy did so immediately. "Now crawl to me as fast as you can!" The boy obeyed. "Now stand up and run to me!" Philip ran into his father's arms. When the young boy looked back at the tree he had been playing near, he saw a large deadly snake hanging from one of the branches. His instant obedience had saved his life!

You can almost feel the intensity of this father's love as he asks his son for complete trust and obedience in order to avoid impending danger. It is no different with God. He sees what we cannot; and when our life is headed for peril, He cries out to us with the intense love of a father trying to save his child's life.

So when you hear God's voice commanding you to obey, remember it is the loving, caring voice of your heavenly Father who only wants the very best for you. Believe Him and obey!

If we want the Word of God to have authority in our life, there is only one way—obey it. If we want the Holy Spirit to have authority in our life, there is only one way—obey Him.
Tom Marshall