Lips For Bulls – How to Love God
Of all the bible verses, of all the things we do, there are just 2 things He ultimately asks of us. Just 2 things! To Show love and to Know Him! All the other scriptures and commands teach us how to do those to things he requires of us. Every single one of us can surly do these 2 things, but we need to read his world to understand how to joyfully accomplishing them each day.
Lips for Bulls
(#016 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
www.sufferwell.org
I will not take a bull from your house, nor goats out of your folds. For every beast of the forest is Mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills.I know all the birds of the mountains, and the wild beasts of the field are Mine. “If I were hungry, I would not tell you; for the world is Mine, and all its fullness [all that is in it]. Will I eat the flesh of bulls, or drink the blood of goats? Offer the Almighty thanksgiving, and pay your vows [promises] to the Most High. (Psalm 50:9-14)
It is simple; I say, “Offer thanksgiving and pay your promises.” But instead, you exert so much effort and endure so much self-inflicted struggle, all in vain. Who asked this of you? Do you think your striving is what draws Me near? Do you feel your fear or concerns for provision are some sort of sacrifice that earns you favor? Listen to Me child; My Son demonstrated the only type of sacrifice that I find pleasing, obedience unto death (Philippians 2:8). Your fear-driven sacrifices will never provide what you are looking for, or what I require.
I Am not like an earthly father who seeks to be obeyed, yet lives in sin. My ways are perfect. Yes, I do seek to be obeyed, but not because I Am a self-indulgent task master; My commands are life for you, not tasks (Leviticus 26:3-12). By obeying them, you live the abundant life.
There is no selfishness in My desire to be honored and glorified by you. Remember, I Am your Creator. The blueprint is Mine. The way to peace and joy cannot be altered by your bad doctrine. The only sacrifice I desire from you is the sacrifice of praise (Hebrews 13:15). The fruit of which brings about obedience to My commands. I have given you the instructions; they are your path to blessings, the way to peace and joy.
Do not be deceived any longer thinking that the bulls you choose to slaughter are pleasing to Me. My choice of “bull” is all that matters, and I choose your “self.” A sacrifice of praise from your lips is the authentic sacrifice I Am looking for; it says, “Though You slay me, I will trust in You (Job 13:15). In other words, I surrender my “self.” It empowers unconditional obedience and unquestioned loyalty. Offer thanksgiving and pay your promises; that is what I require; and that is what I will have.