But, on the contrary, as the Scripture says, What eye has not seen and ear has not heard and has not entered into the heart of man, [all that] God has prepared (made and keeps ready) for those who love Him [who hold Him in affectionate reverence, promptly obeying Him and gratefully recognizing the benefits He has bestowed]. 1 Corinthians 2:9 AMPLIFIED_
Have you ever wondered why it appears that some people make progress while others kind of struggle?
There are three things which are closely associated to one another which could be responsible. These three things are, affectionate reverence, prompt obedience and grateful recognition of the benefits which He has bestowed. All these three things are demonstrations of love for God.
It is obvious that obedience is a subject which anyone who is serious about enjoying God's best needs to take seriously as it keeps coming up in different portions of scripture.
One important reason for obeying God is recognition of the fact that God's ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts which are expressed to us in His word are higher than our thoughts.
If God's ways are better than our ways why should we choose our way of doing things? We should rather focus on finding what He has said and simply obeying His injunctions to us.
A second reason why we should commit to obeying God's words to us is because we love Him. Jesus said the proof of our love for him is seen when we obey his words.
_John 14: 15 If ye love me, keep my commandments. 23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words:_
Do you love the lord? Are there things you know which the bible commands, which you are violating? If you trully love the lord you will do what the word says.
What is affectionate reverence? Reverence is defined as a feeling or attitude of deep respect tinged with awe.
The outward manifestation of this deep respect is prompt obedience. This attitude of deep respect and awe is inspired when one recognizes the benefits which God has bestowed upon us and our hearts responds in gratitude.
Have you ever taken some time to meditate upon the goodness of God which He has prepared for those who love Him? Are you grateful that God took time to prepare these precious promises for you?
Offering thanksgiving and praise even when you cannot yet see the manifestation of your heart's desire is a reflection of faith in God and an expression of gratitude for His promises.
I encourage you to promptly obey God's word and spend time thanking him because he is good and His mercies endureth forever! Say this loud, ' Lord I thank you, because you are good to me and your mercies endureth for ever'
