They grumbled in their tents
and did not obey the LORD.
(Psalm 106:25)

Centuries later..... this is me.  I may not be in a tent, but otherwise it's the same scenario.  Grumble and disobey.  Even I get tired of listening to myself grumble.  I can't imagine the Lord listening to me (plus billions of others) without wanting to remind me (in a not-so-gentle way) of all of my blessings, all of which were given to me by God, Himself.     

Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
(Joshua 1:8)

This is not an easy command to obey.  I don't meditate on anything day and night.  I have the attention span of a flea.  Even so, God expects me to give it quality time.  Life gets in the way, but I have no life without God.  My life is His. I would have abundant time for Bible study if I just made the time available.  It's there.  I can find time for almost anything if I just prioritize my schedule.  I've got an excuse for just about everything but God knows the absolute truth...... I put His Word on the back burner and do other things first.  I can't seem to do this on my own.... I need the power of the Holy Spirit to help me focus. 
Note to self....publish post.... open Bible..... STUDY!

Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.
(John 14:23)

I do love Jesus....and yet.........I don't always obey.  It seems as though I disobey as much as I obey.  My only hope lies in God's promises, His forgiveness, His mercy, and His grace.

And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.
(2 John 1:6)

As the anniversary of Jesus' birth approaches, I hope that we can look at others with eyes of love, not contempt and judgement.  Be patient with one another....celebrate your differences.......treat each other with respect.  God expects this from us everyday not just during the Christmas season, so....... please......  "Walk in love."

Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings!
(Acts 5:29)

Peer pressure...not wanting to be persecuted....trying to blend into the crowd.....  All excuses to follow the wrong path, the wrong people, in the wrong direction.  If it isn't in God's will....it shouldn't be in your agenda.  Stand up and be strong enough to obey God and no one else.