How can we apply "follow My ordinances" from Ezekiel 37:24 in daily life? Setting the Scene Ezekiel 37:24: “My servant David will be king over them, and they will all have one shepherd. They will follow My ordinances and carefully observe My statutes.” The verse points to the Messiah’s reign, yet its call to obey God’s ordinances spans every era. Scripture is timeless, trustworthy, and literally true, so the command reaches straight into today. What “Ordinances” Embrace • God’s moral directives (Exodus 20; Romans 13:8-10) • Principles for worship and community life (Hebrews 10:24-25) • Every word He speaks (Deuteronomy 8:3; Matthew 4:4) Core Approach: Heart Before Habit • Love the Lawgiver first. “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). • Let the Spirit empower obedience. “I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes” (Ezekiel 36:27). Practical Steps for Daily Life • Daily Scripture intake – Read, hear, or listen to at least one chapter. – Meditate on a single verse; carry it through the day (Psalm 1:2). • Decision filter – Before acting, pause: “Does this align with God’s stated ordinance?” (James 1:22). • Accountability circle – Invite a mature believer to ask how you’re obeying specific commands (Proverbs 27:17). • Family discipleship – Discuss ordinances at meals or bedtime (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). • Weekly corporate worship – Gather with the church to reinforce shared obedience (Acts 2:42). • Active compassion – God’s ordinances include caring for the vulnerable (Isaiah 1:17; James 1:27). Schedule a regular act of service. • Integrity in work – Work “as unto the Lord” (Colossians 3:23). Honor contracts, speak truth, refuse dishonest gain. • Financial stewardship – Give firstfruits to God’s work (Proverbs 3:9), budget wisely, avoid debt slavery (Romans 13:8). • Sabbath rhythm – Set aside weekly rest to remember the Creator’s pattern (Exodus 20:8-11; Mark 2:27). • Guarded speech – Let every word build up (Ephesians 4:29); memorize Proverbs on the tongue. • Moral purity – Flee sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 6:18); guard eyes and media input (Psalm 101:3). Encouragement from the New Testament • 1 John 5:3: “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.” • Titus 2:11-12: Grace “instructs us to deny ungodliness…and to live sensibly, righteously, and godly in the present age.” • Philippians 2:13: “It is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose.” Living It Out Together • Small-group Bible study: walk through a book rich in commandments (e.g., James) and commit to one shared application per week. • Church discipline done lovingly maintains community obedience (Matthew 18:15-17). • Public witness: obeying ordinances visibly adorns the gospel (1 Peter 2:12). Closing Thoughts Following God’s ordinances is a joyful partnership: the Shepherd leads, the Spirit empowers, and believers respond in loving obedience. As each day is framed by His Word, His commands become the pathway of freedom and blessing (Psalm 119:45). |
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