No Substitutions Allowed

Read this devotional and thought it was worthy enough to share.

substitutes

"Instead of buttermilk, use yogurt.
Instead of lemon juice, use vinegar..."

The cookbook’s substitution chart provides a useful list of replacements for common ingredients.

When dealing with food, substitution is smart.
But substitution is sabotage when dealing with the heart.

Instructed to destroy everything associated with the Amalekites' idolatrous culture, King Saul preserved the best of the spoils. He explained to Samuel that he disobeyed in order "to sacrifice to the Lord." But no sacrifice can substitute for obedience. King Saul's substitution sabotaged his reign.

Substitutions can likewise sabotage our futures. God asks for commitment, we offer excuses. God asks for purity, we substitute activity. God asks for time, we substitute money. God asks for love, we substitute things.

The recipe for bringing God delight reads simply:
1 heart of obedience
(no substitutions allowed)

Guidance for reflective journaling

One~ Begin your time of reflection in quietness for 2-3 minutes. In stillness, as your mind becomes less cluttered, hold one simple question in your soul before God: “Father, what have You truly asked me to do in this season of life.” Write down the thoughts that collect in your heart in this time of prayer.

Two~ Looking over the list, prayerfully evaluate whether you are offering obedience or some other substitute for each focus/task/goal/objective that God has given you.

Three~ If you have become aware that in some area you are offering substitutes for pure obedience, consider the counsel of the prophet Samuel:

So Samuel said: "has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams." 1 Samuel 15.22

Father God, forgive us for offering You substitutes for obedience. To obey You is better than any substitute sacrifice we could offer. May we follow Your voice faithfully with willing minds and obedient hearts.