The other day our 8-year-old son asked why we no longer put him in the time-out corner. I said it was because that form of discipline no longer worked well. As the twins have gotten older, we’ve had to find new ways to reward and discipline them. Whatever worked when they were 4 years old is no longer effective.
God continued to work with the people of Israel by giving Moses specific instructions for every aspect of life as proof of their relationship with Him, and Moses faithfully passed them on to the Israelites (Exodus 20:1-17; Leviticus 26:46). The Israelites had been elated when God delivered them out of slavery in Egypt (Exodus 15:20-21; Leviticus 26:13). And now His covenant people, the nation to whom He had shown great kindness, were expected to live as such (Exodus 6:7).
God revealed Himself to the people in awesome ways so they would revere Him and steer clear of a life of sin (Exodus 20:20). He also gave Moses a list of the many rewards of a life of obedience, as well as the consequences of disobedience (Leviticus 26:1-39). Most of us would choose reward over punishment any day. Yet, as is so often the case with us, the Israelites soon turned away from God and did their own thing (Exodus 32:1-8). They forgot God’s promises, including, “If you . . . obey my commands, I will send you the seasonal rains” (Leviticus 26:3-4).
Moses was able to follow God’s commands by the power of the Spirit (Numbers 11:17). In the same way, the Holy Spirit enables us to grow in holiness and honor God (Romans 8:26). When we try to obey God in our own strength, we fail miserably. The Holy Spirit provides what we need to stay in step with Him (Galatians 5:25).
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Acts 21:1-17
More:
Read Zechariah 4:6 and see why it’s vital for you to yield to the work of the Spirit of God.
Next:
In what ways have you been trying to follow God but keep failing? Ask the Holy Spirit to help you stay firm in your faith in every area of life.
Gary Shultz on November 9, 2015 at 6:50 am
We very much do need to stay in step with God’s Spirit. Being in the presence of God and allowing the Spirit to guide us in His word and navigate through life is the walk God wanted us to have with Him. We do fail; however, that time should be very brief if we are open to Him. The way God has moved with man through history has evolved to bring His plans to glory. And as your sons have out grown certain corrective action, hopefully we have advanced our walk not to have to sit in the corner too often. Thanks
Tom Felten on November 9, 2015 at 9:37 am
Ruth, what a great reminder to walk in the Spirit! Walking in my own strength will often lead to worry, fear, and bitter feelings. But as I seek God and to be filled with the Holy Spirit, how I view challenging people and difficult events dramatically changes. May we all pray for God to fill us anew with His Spirit today!
Ruth O'reilly-smith on November 9, 2015 at 1:24 pm
I believe that ‘staying in step with the Holy Spirit’ is a discipline we grow in. As I walk in obedience to even the slightest prompting of the Holy Spirit, so my faith grows and my confidence and reliance on His guidance and leading deepens.