Today’s writing is part of the Five Minute Friday link up. Join us by writing for five minutes every Friday. Here goes…
If you love the Eternal your God and listen to His voice and always remain loyal to Him, for He is your life, then you’ll be able to live a long time. Deuteronomy 30:20 VOICE
My Dad just celebrated his 101st birthday. He personifies this scripture.
This is an “IF-THEN” statement.
If you know anything about Excel formulas, you know they are powerful. When you have different outcomes, you set up the options and the rest works on the back burner. They seem to be work like magic to those of us who do not know how to write them, yet simple for those who have learned how to use them.
Moses is setting up a powerful dichotomy in this chapter. You get to choose life or death.
Serving God or living in your own strength
Here’s the formula for a long, prosperous life:
Love
At the root of this formula is a deep love for the Lord and people. Your motivation is out of love not religion or duty. My parents were missionaries in several different companies and collected disciples in each one. These are people that they stayed in touch with and reached out to over 75 years of ministry.
Hope Tool
Dad has an ever-expanding circle that he texts every night to say “Good night.” He has hundreds of friends on Facebook that he communicates with each day.
Listen
Listen to God’s voice. Obey all that you know at the present and keep moving in the direction to seek Him more. Quiet your heart every day to hear what He is saying.
Hope Tool
Dad has a daily discipline (regular) where he gets a sermon (or several) every day. He is seeking inspiration to share with others in order to encourage them.
Remain Loyal
Loyalty follows the heart. Even when others may not understand your choices, you can move forward and know that you trust God in everything. God is good and will take care of you.
Hope Tool
Dad is extremely loyal. He speaks kindly of everyone and does not indulge in judgment or criticism.
We enjoyed a wonderful time last weekend with a man who allowed the Holy Spirit to imprint this “if-then” statement on his life. The rewards are great.
Practical Application
How’s your love quotient today?
Have you taken time out of your busy day to really listen to your Abba (Heavenly Father)?
Have you remained loyal when tempted to express negativity about someone else?
These are heart conditions that can become regulars that enrich and lengthen your life. They make a huge difference.
THEN you will enjoy the promise of a long, prosperous life.
