Friday, July 18, 2014

If My People Would Listen to Me (Psalm 81, Part 3)


Repent (verses 11-16)

God desires our repentance and wholehearted allegiance. When we want our own way He gives what we want. Yet God’s grace is so great that He passionately and repeatedly calls us to listen to Him. Only those who listen to His words follow His ways. His instructions lead to life and blessing. We best combat our spiritual enemies by obedient lives. God brings sweetness out of what is wholly unpromising. We find our joy and satisfaction in the knowledge of Christ Jesus, our Lord.

Lord our God we listen to You; we submit to You. We repent of following our own desires. Subdue our enemies. Thank You for abundantly caring for us. Forever bind us to Yourself alone; keep us faithful to the end.

And that a higher gift than grace
Should flesh and blood refine;
God's presence and his very self,
And essence all-divine.
John Henry Newman (1801-1890)


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