When John and I married, the dog on the farm was named Sharp. Sharp would do things to make farming easier for us, like fetching the cows and herding the pigs. He was a good watchdog and would sound the alarm when necessary. One day when John needed to go up the road with the truck, he had to leave the barnyard gate open. The sow pig was in the barnyard. Here was her chance to get out. John said to Sharp, “Don’t let her out. Watch the gate.” One hour later when John returned, Sharp was still lying down in the middle of the laneway, keeping the sow in the barnyard. The dog showed his love for John by being faithful and obedient to his voiced command.

In the same way, those who repent of sin and accept forgiveness from God can show their love for God by being faithful and being obedient to the Master’s written commands in Scripture.

“When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love.” (John 15:10 NLT)

“Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome.” (1 John 5:3 NLT)

God’s commands are found in Scripture, so the children of God read Scripture and commit daily to living a godly testimony and witness for Jesus Christ. We are to show the love of Jesus Christ to our family, neighbours, friends, and enemies. The Holy Spirit guides believers into all truth as we remain faithful.

Believers who commit daily to Jesus Christ do not know when they will meet God, but they do know that they will be ready to meet God. Our circumstances change from day to day, but our hope remains steadfast because of God Who is faithful. This is the God who says:

“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5b NIV)

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we are thankful for Your grace and love to us. Thank You for the gift of faith to believe the message of salvation. Help us to build on our initial faith by being faithful to Jesus Christ, reading Scripture, loving our neighbour, encouraging each other, and praying. Help our witness and testimony to be Christlike, we pray. Amen.

Copyright © 2021, by Ruth Rowe <ruthjohn.rowe@gmail.com>, first published on the PresbyCan Daily Devotional presbycan.ca .
Elliot Lake, Ontario, Canada