John 5:30 – By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me. (NIV)

My collie, Bonnie, is very strong-willed. Perhaps that is all part of what makes her a good livestock dog: she is independent and able to make good decisions when need be. One of the best decisions she makes, however, is to listen and obey.

Often when we are walking in the bush, Bonnie's attention becomes riveted upon a racing squirrel or a tantalizing scent or perhaps a bounding deer. At times like this, I often need to call her back to me, and when I do so, I have noticed that she takes a moment to decide: will I carry on the way I want to, or will I respond to my mistress? I am happy to say that so far, Bonnie has always chosen my will over her own.

Jesus always listened and obeyed His Father. His whole focus was on pleasing God before Himself. Thankfully for us, it was, for without His perfect obedience, there would be no salvation for mankind.

Where is our will today? Who are we in tune with: ourselves or God? Perhaps, it is a little of both. When it suits us, we do it God's way; when it doesn't, we choose our own will. I expect that this is a struggle which we all have, at least from time to time, for none of us is yet made perfect. Still, the choice is ours, and as Paul has stated:

Philippians 4:13 – I can do everything through him who gives me strength. (NIV)

According to this verse, we do have the power to choose God's will above our own, moment by moment. Which will we choose today?

Prayer: Father God, thank You for the obedience of Christ, and the witness that He has left for the world to see and follow. As human beings, we cannot do this in our own strength. But when we choose to live, to abide in Christ, by the power of His Holy Spirit, we can, moment by moment, listen, hear, and obey Your will, just as Jesus did. Grant us this day the will and desire to do so. In Christ's name, we ask. Amen.

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About the author:

Lynne Phipps <lynnephippsatlin@gmail.com>
Tawatinaw, Alberta, Canada
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