The Consequences

Dear Ones,
                   I moved two days ago and my internet service was supposed to move with me, but AT&T ran into a few technical and scheduling difficulties. I spoke with them again today and they don't think they can get here before Monday. Please pray that they can get here sooner than later. I'm working from my phone.
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I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior;
1 Timothy 2:1-3 KJV

Obedience. Hmmmm.

As children, we are expected to obey or there are consequences. When we enter school, we are expected to obey the rules that have been set or there are consequences. As adults, we are expected to follow company rules or there are consequences.

We, in turn, expect our children to obey or there will be consequences. We expect our pets to obey or they are kenneled. We expect our citizens to obey or they are judged...depending on where you live, of course, and how good - or crooked - their lawyers are.

So where do we get the idea that we only have to obey the parts of God's instructions that we like? Or that if we don't like the person for which the rule would be applicable, we don't have to do it. I don't like so-and-so, therefore I don't have to pray for him or her. I don't have to help them. They deserve whatever is happening, etc, etc, and so on and so forth...

We are His children. We ARE expected to obey His Word... or there will be consequences.

Prayer:

Father,
         Change our hearts, O God!  Forgive us our rebellion. Make us very aware of any passive rebellion operating in our lives. Forgive us for thinking that we are beyond Your realm of authority. Please continue to correct us so that we may walk perfectly in the way You have set before us. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.