The Open Box Store

In Touch Ministries
Daily Devotion

November 2, 2024

The School of Obedience
We can fully trust and obey God because He will never fail us.

Read Related Scripture
Proverbs 3:5-6
John 14:15
John 6-7

Obedience is a funny thing. We expect it from our children, and it’s essential to success in organizations like the military. However, if we’re being honest, none of us truly enjoys surrendering our will to another person. They can fail us, after all. Thankfully, God never does, and obeying Him is always the wisest course of action.

Learning to obey involves ...

Trusting. Obedience comes from a foundation of faith, while most rebellion stems from a lack of it. That means we will believe God is who He says He is—and accept His plans, methods, and timing. We show our love for the Father by living this way (John 14:15). And remember, God delights in blessing those who follow His will.

Waiting. When we don’t know what to do, we often try to rely on our own understanding, make a move, and then hope God will bless it. That’s not scriptural. God’s given us His Spirit as our teacher because He wants us to know His mind and intentions for our life. We must wait in an attitude of trust until we are certain.

God assumes full responsibility for giving us direction in our life. He desires to reveal each step along the way. But we must come to Him with a trusting heart and a willingness to wait before He reveals the next step.

In Touch Ministries
Daily Devotion
October 29, 2024

Free From Guilt

Since Jesus died on the cross for our sins, we can pursue God's will without the weight of guilt or shame.

Related Scripture
1 Peter 2:22-25
Genesis 3:10
Romans 3:23
Ephesians 1:7
Luke 20-22

Guilt can be defined as anxiety in one’s spirit over a deliberate, willful sin. We can trace this emotion all the way back to the garden of Eden. After Adam and Eve tasted the forbidden fruit, they felt ashamed of their nakedness and hid themselves (Genesis 3:10).

In ancient Israel, people would “pay” for their wrong by sacrificing an animal’s life. Today we no longer need such a brutal way to release our guilt; God has provided a better solution. He sent His Son Jesus to make a way for us to be redeemed and brought into a right relationship with Him. Our Savior made atonement for us with His precious blood. And—praise God!—Jesus rose to life again, conquering death and sin.

The truth is, every one of us has sinned and was separated from God (Romans 3:23). However, we can be liberated from death and guilt by accepting Jesus’ free gift and committing our life to Him. Of course, in our imperfect human state, we won’t be perfectly sinless. But our loving heavenly Father will continue to forgive His children (Ephesians 1:7).

Jesus’ sacrifice gives us freedom from shame and death—plus the promise of eternity with God. Though we are promised forgiveness, our gratitude and love for our Savior should spur us on to repentance, obedience, and service to the Lord.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Amén.