How can we ensure we do not "turn aside from following Him"? Setting the Passage “Do not be afraid. You have done all this evil; yet do not turn aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart.” (1 Samuel 12:20) What Pulls Us Off Course • A guilty past that whispers, “You blew it—why keep trying?” • Distractions and pleasures that look harmless but erode devotion (1 John 2:15-16). • Pride that claims self-sufficiency (Deuteronomy 8:17-18). • Weariness that dulls spiritual alertness (Galatians 6:9). Anchors That Hold Us Fast • Whole-heart devotion – “Serve the LORD with all your heart.” Half-hearted service leaves room for idols (1 Samuel 12:21). • Daily intake of Scripture – “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth” (Joshua 1:8). – Store up the word to guard the way (Psalm 119:11). • Continual prayer – Samuel models unceasing intercession (1 Samuel 12:23). Prayer keeps fellowship warm and sin confessed (1 John 1:9). • Consistent obedience in the small things – “Walk in all His ways” (Deuteronomy 10:12). Faithfulness in routine choices forges lifelong habits. • Christ-centered focus – “Fix our eyes on Jesus” (Hebrews 12:2). Gazing on Him steadies the soul when lesser lights beckon. • Fellowship with faithful believers – “Encourage one another daily” (Hebrews 3:13). Isolation breeds drift; community reinforces conviction. Guardrails for Everyday Life • Schedule unhurried time in the Word before other voices speak. • Memorize a verse each week that counters your strongest temptation. • Replace entertainment that weakens resolve with worship that fuels love for God. • Keep short accounts—confess sin immediately, don’t let it harden. • Serve in the local church; active ministry cements commitment. • Review God’s past faithfulness; gratitude fuels perseverance (Psalm 103:2). Encouragement When Stumbles Happen • Failure need not define the future—“The righteous falls seven times and rises again” (Proverbs 24:16). • The Lord “will not forsake His people for His great name’s sake” (1 Samuel 12:22). • Returning quickly restores joy and keeps the heart soft (Psalm 51:12-13). Staying the Course Cling to the Lord in undivided love, soak in His Word, pray without ceasing, walk in steady obedience, lean on fellow believers, and fix your gaze on Christ. In these ways, by His enabling grace, you will not turn aside from following Him. |
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