Jesus answered and said, ’I thank You, Father . . . that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes’ —Matthew 11:25

We do not grow into a spiritual relationship step by step— we either have a relationship or we do not. God does not continue to cleanse us more and more from sin— “But if we walk in the light,” we are cleansed “from all sin” (1 John 1:7). It is a matter of obedience, and once we obey, the relationship is instantly perfected. But if we turn away from obedience for even one second, darkness and death are immediately at work again.

All of God’s revealed truths are sealed until they are opened to us through obedience. You will never open them through philosophy or thinking. But once you obey, a flash of light comes immediately. Let God’s truth work into you by immersing yourself in it, not by worrying into it. The only way you can get to know the truth of God is to stop trying to find out and by being born again. If you obey God in the first thing He shows you, then He instantly opens up the next truth to you. You could read volumes on the work of the Holy Spirit, when five minutes of total, uncompromising obedience would make things as clear as sunlight. Don’t say, “I suppose I will understand these things someday!” You can understand them now. And it is not study that brings understanding to you, but obedience. Even the smallest bit of obedience opens heaven, and the deepest truths of God immediately become yours. Yet God will never reveal more truth about Himself to you, until you have obeyed what you know already. Beware of becoming one of the “wise and prudent.” “If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know . . .” (John 7:17).

Journal DJR

Good morning Lord
Today’s devo is filled with statements that on the one hand ring true in my heart … and on the other hand are yet to be worked out in my experience. I relate to Paul who said, “I do what I dont want to do” etc. I get it that study alone wont get me to the relationship that we are both looking for. But yet you say, “Study to show yourself approved.” 1 Tim 2:15.

Studying my Word is good, and essential, but only in its place. In the context of relationship with me and focus on what Father is doing and saying, and with a commitment to obedience when a direction is revealed … then study has real value. Without that context, it can lead you to Phariseeism, and you know what I had to say to them.

OK. Help me this day to walk with you (consciously) in such a way that I can see and hear what you want to be about in the various situations. And then help me obey and Just Do It.

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