Deuteronomy 11:1 – “You must love the Lord your God and do what he requires; keep his statutes, ordinances, and commandments at all times.”

As I read, prayed, and mused on the Word of God today, the words “Explicit Obedience” kept reverberating in my heart and head.  Explicit obedience is only truly fruitful when done out of consuming love.

Deuteronomy 11:1, 8-9, 13-15 is emphatic about loving God completely and obeying explicitly.  God was so serious about this that He said in verses 26-28 that He has given us the choice of blessing and curse.

In Deuteronomy 18:9, we have the mandate to be transformers, not conformers.  We change the culture rather than assimilate into it. That is not done except by complete love and explicit obedience.

I love Philippians 1:6, where Paul assures the Philippians that God is capable and committed to finishing His work in us. He gives us a forward look, enabling us to live in the present!

Philippians 3:10-11 cannot be read without verses 12-14. Paul listed 5 things as goals: know (become one with) Jesus.  Out of that, knowing he would be able to experience the power of Jesus’ resurrection.  That would enable him to have the strength, courage, and willingness to share in Christ’s sufferings, which would strip him of fleshly control and become like Jesus in His death. Remember, the death of Jesus was to bring life, not simply the cessation of existence on earth. Then, as a result, attain the final resurrection as well as enter into resurrection life now!

Then he brings it into focus so everyone can understand the process and pursuit! “I’m not there yet, but that’s where I’m going!”   How to attain this is found in verses 13-14 – Singleness of focus and purpose.  God is my consuming passion and pursuit.  Bringing the focus into perspective. No looking back but reaching and longing for what’s ahead.  I see the prize, the finish line, the purpose, and the pathway. Therefore, I strive for that goal. In Philippians 4:4-9, we have the daily activities that enable us to pursue and attain the goal. Read those verses, commit them to heart and mind, and allow them freedom to become consistent daily practices!

Out of that mindset, Paul learned contentment!  Discontent is one of the biggest hindrances for modern believers. We don’t even realize it and refuse to acknowledge it, but it is prevalent. In a state of learned contentment, Paul said, “I am able to do all things through the one who strengthens me.”

Explicit Obedience out of a heart and mind filled with consuming love creates a condition of unstoppability!

LORD, guide our thoughts so that our minds are fixed on You and our hearts are open to Your Spirit!