Devotions by Ray Stedman for August 20 -The Oath

Table of Contents

Topic:The Oath
READ THE SCRIPTURE: NEHEMIAH 9:38-10:29

In view of all this, we are making a binding agreement, putting it in writing, and our leaders, our Levites and our priests are affixing their seals to it.
Nehemiah 9:38

247devotionals.com

This verse includes a list of what might be termed the company of the committed. These people see a need for preserving and perpetuating the changes in their lifestyles so as to keep in step with God; thus, they sign this agreement to bind themselves to that end. This agreement represents a kind of universal urge found among humans to publicly pledge themselves to be loyal to a cause they feel is right.

When the Pilgrims were about to land at Plymouth, they formed what they called the Mayflower Compact. They drew up rules for living in the new land, and they all signed it as an agreement to live by these principles and laws.

Probably the most famous document in American history is the Declaration of Independence. Our forefathers signed that great statement setting forth the reasons they felt God was leading them to establish a new nation upon this continent. Recall the closing words of that document: For the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor. History records that most of those signers of the Declaration actually did have to give up their lives. Those who did not lost their fortunes. But all of them retained their sacred honor. Perhaps you have done something like that in your own life. There came a time when you realized you needed to make some changes in your behavior. Some of the greatest saints of the past did this. They drew up rules for their own conduct that they felt would help them to walk with God and to grow in grace and favor before Him.

GET FREE UPDDATE VIA EMAIL

JOIN OTHER CHRISTIANS GET UPDATE BY EMAIL

Join 5,770 other subscribers

But there is one other very important point here. Ultimately these people failed to follow through with their commitment. Subsequent history reveals that all the old habits returned. The nation once again lost the blessing of God upon it. Why? We discover the key in Nehemiah 10:29. They said, All these now join their brothers the nobles, and bind themselves with a curse and an oath to follow the Law of God given through Moses. They were depending on their own efforts to obey. They bound themselves with a curse and an oath. They were saying, We will do this or else. They were relying upon their own will power. They were gritting their teeth and swearing to perform. There is no expression of any need of help from God or of any provision for failure and return.

That is what the New Testament adds. It is right to vow. It is right to write it down for your own benefit and remind yourself frequently of your goal. But we must always add the words that Paul uses of himself, I can do everything through him who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13). That is what makes the difference.

Lord, I can do nothing apart from You. I commit myself to You and what You desire for me, but I realize that even the desire to do that comes from You.

Life Application
How fully set apart and committed are we to knowing Jesus Christ? When we consent to God’s will, do we fully count on His power to keep us faithful and fruitful?

About Olorunsola Emmanuel

Check Also

247devotionals.com

Devotional by Ray Stedman for December 29- Coming to Mount Zion

Topic:Coming to Mount Zion You have not come to a mountain that can be touched …


Enjoy Daily Prayers and - Open Heavens Daily Devotional - Billy Graham Daily Devotional - Our Daily Bread Devotionals - UCB Word for Today Devotionals - In touch Ministries Daily Devotionals - My Utmost For His Highest Daily Devotionals - All Rccg Live programs and Events - Rccg Sunday School Manuals ( Weekly Teacher and Students Manuals ) - Winner Chapel Daily Covenant Hours and Programs - Dclm Pastor Kumugi Daily Manna Devotional - Seeds Of Destiny Daily Devotional - Spirit Meat Rev. Olusola Areogun Daily Devotional - CAC living Water Daily Devotional Guides - CAC Weekly Sunday School Manuals - Rhapsody Of Realities Daily Devotionals - Our Daily Journey Devotionals - Turning Point Today Daily Devotionals - Christian Useful Secrets Tips - Worship Video Musics and songs - Ray Stedman Daily Devotional - Pastor Benny Hinn Inspirational Teachings - Bishop David Oyedepo Inspirational Teachings - Pastor Rick Warren Daily Hope Devotional - Pastor Faith Oyedepo Motivational Messages - Daily Devotions Etc

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Discover more from Daily Inspirational devotionals

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading