OCTOBER 7, Deuteronomy 31:27 

Have you ever suffered from a stiff neck? Probably not, since you are still young. But go ask your parents – they might have experienced it. Like back pain and headaches, the problem of stiff neck belongs to the list of more common complaints adults have. This illness occurs when a person suddenly experiences terrible pain when he or she moves his or her head.

Let me tell you a secret – many Israelites had stiff necks. Their problem was not a physical stiff neck; theirs was a spiritual stiff neck. Now what does that mean? It means they were stubborn and refused to obey the Lord. Their necks were “stiff ” as they refused to turn towards the Lord. Their necks were “stiff ” as they did not want to turn away from their own sin and set ideas.

Moses warned the people – that if they continued to have stiff necks when he was alive, they would have even more serious problems when he was not around to guide them! In a way, does that not apply to us? We have Sunday School teachers or parents to guide and warn us, but when they are physically not with us, do we forget their teachings and refuse to obey God?

There is a popular song called “Trust and Obey”. As you read the words, pray that the Lord will touch and convict you that there is no better way but to trust and obey Him.

When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,

What a glory He sheds on our way!

While we do His good will,

He abides with us still,

And with all who will trust and obey.

Trust and obey, for there’s no other way

To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

Thought: May I not have a stiff neck!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, teach me to obey You in all things so that I will find happiness and peace in Your will. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.