Be careful to obey the command and instruction that Moses the Lord’s servant gave you: to love the Lord your God, walk in all His ways, keep His commands, remain faithful to Him, and serve Him with all your heart and your soul. Joshua 22:5
My words…
Praise
You offer me a set of instructions to travel from one edge of my mist of life to the other that assures I will emerge, wholly fulfilled, surrounded by perfect love. The instructions are not complicated, doctrine-heavy yokes. On the contrary, you offer the five-verb version: Love, Walk, Keep, Remain, Serve. These instructions are more precious than Lalique, Rembrandt, or the crown jewels. And, they come with a guarantee: Follow the instructions the best I can, and I will live as a daughter of The King, now and ever after.
Prayer for me
When I was small, I heard my mother say, “Careful,” many times. Be careful crossing the street, sitting near a fire, biking to the city pool, choosing my friends. I knew I must pay serious attention to her instructions. I didn’t take them lightly (well, maybe once or twice). You remind me of the same thing: Be careful to follow My instructions. Take heed! Be watchful! This is not like a road map I used to clumsily re-fold and toss in the glove compartment. These are the cherished Words of My Creator. I pray for help in being more careful, paying greater heed to Your instructions.
Forgive me
Forgive me when I weigh Your instructions and decide which are the most important – to me. I spend more time remaining than serving, more time walking than loving. Who am I to pick and choose?
Prayer for others
Lord, I pray for those who are not interested in knowing or heeding Your instructions. They have created their own to live by. Some get by just fine while others languish. Many are turned off by the word command. “Don’t tell me what to do!” I pray they will one day find themselves on their knees, pleading with You, “Please, tell me what to do!”
Thank You
I am so thankful You didn’t create us and then leave us without any instructions as to how we should live on this orb. Love You. Walk with You. Keep Your commands. Remain faithful. Serve You. And, oh yes, thank You for loving me.
More Praise
When my mom repeated her charge for me to be careful, she did this because she loved me and wanted me to stay safe. There were dangers around every corner. I had to be watchful. You, too, want to keep me safe from danger, seen and unseen. You have given me the instructions as proof of Your love. I will carefully follow them as proof of mine.
