This word is submitted by Teresa Seputis [ts@godspeak.net]

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                    Obey Me Because You Love Me

You have heard Me say, "If you love Me, then kept My commandments."*
Yet, there are many times when you choose not to listen to what I tell
you to do.

I want you to understand that most of what I ask of you is not for My
sake, but for your own protection and because of My great love for you.
I do not want to restrict you unnecessarily, but I want to protect you
from harm. The commands that I give you are not meant to be grievous
to you; they are intended to keep you healthy and free from needless
suffering and pain.

I know you understand this concept, for what parent among you doesn't
put restrictions on their children for their own safety? Let Me give
you an example. Many parents do not allow their very young ones to
cross the street by themselves, and they make it a rule. Is that rule
to restrict the child and take away it's freedom? Is that rule in place
to oppress their little ones? Of course not! The parent devised that
rule to keep their child safe from being hit by a car.

My rules are similar. Let me give you an example. I call you to sexual
purity, and that is not to take away your joy. To the contrary, it is
so that your joy may be full, and so that your marriages might thrive.
Purity is more than simply keeping yourself from the physical act of
adultery; it is keeping your heart dedicated to your spouse and honoring
them, and it is keeping your eyes and lusts off of all others. I want
you to remain faithful to My ways and do not dwell on the lusts of the
world. Remain pure before Me, and I will bless your marriages.

It is My intent that there be a difference between My people and the
world. I do not want My children to suffer the fear, the anxiety, the
depression, and the hopelessness that so many in the world experience.
I do not want their marriages to suffer and dissolve, nor do I want them
financially destitute. So I put My rules in place to protect My "little
ones." Yet, so many of My children do not listen to Me. As a result,
they bear the same negative consequences in their lives that the lost
face.

Many of My dear ones have become molded by the world that they don't
notice when they are disobeying Me. Then they wonder why I feel distant
or far away from them. Disobedience separates--it dulls your spiritual
senses and inhibits your ability to perceive My nearness. It makes it
harder for you to hear My voice as I lead and direct you.

Don't you realize that if you will keep My ways, then I will keep you
from harm? I am faithful, and I have given you My ways to protect you.
I want you to obey Me because you love Me; but as you obey, the rules
that you follow will protect you from so many things.

I love you, little one, and I want to protect you from the evil one,
just as My Son taught you to pray.**  But I do need you to obey Me.
And I don't want you to obey out of a fear of being punished, but
because you have a great love for Me and therefore want to please Me.

*   John 14:15
**  Matthew 6:13