Blessings Through God's Will 03.10.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Monday March 10, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Deuteronomy. Please read Deuteronomy 28 in your Bible or Click Here to read. In today's study we will read and learn about the blessings received for obedience and the consequences of disobedience. The purpose of today's message is to show the importance of chosing God's will over our own in order to see the true blessings in store for us.

The pathway of conquest was linked with Israel's obedience to God's Word. As Israel obeyed God they could, in turn receive blessings from Him. "And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God. Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and blessed shalt thou be in the field. Blessed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy ground, and the fruit of thy cattle, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep. Blessed shall be thy basket and thy store. Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and blessed shalt thou be when thou goest out." (Deuteronomy 28:1-6).

They were to see that submission to God and enjoyment of life were bound together as an inflexible spiritual principle. "The LORD shall establish thee an holy people unto himself, as he hath sworn unto thee, if thou shalt keep the commandments of the LORD thy God, and walk in his ways. And all people of the earth shall see that thou art called by the name of the LORD; and they shall be afraid of thee. And the LORD shall make thee plenteous in goods, in the fruit of thy body, and in the fruit of thy cattle, and in the fruit of thy ground, in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers to give thee." (28:9-11).

The Israelites could choose either to live as His Word directed and enjoy the Lord's blessings or to reject His Word, as their parents had done, and suffer the consequences. "The LORD shall send upon thee cursing, vexation, and rebuke, in all that thou settest thine hand unto for to do, until thou be destroyed, and until thou perish quickly; because of the wickedness of thy doings, whereby thou hast forsaken me. The LORD shall make the pestilence cleave unto thee, until he have consumed thee from off the land, whither thou goest to possess it. The LORD shall smite thee with a consumption, and with a fever, and with an inflammation, and with an extreme burning, and with the sword, and with blasting, and with mildew; and they shall pursue thee until thou perish." (28:20-22).

There are almost four times as many verses that warn of the curses resulting from disobedience compared to the blessings for obedience. The obvious conclusion of God's Word is that each sin has a consequence. However, this fact can also be misapplied as Jesus made His disciples aware that some curses can be blessings. "And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him." (John 9:2-3). What seemed to be a curse became a blessing, for it brought him to his Savior.

This points out that not all misfortunes are the result of sin, and that not all wealth and good health are necessarily a blessing from God. Victory over our present-day Canaanite giants is achieved, not because of our abilities but because of our commitment to do the will of God. Overcoming power is found in cooperating with the Spirit of Christ, who dwells within us. Those who follow the will of God can joing the Apostle Paul when he said, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." (Philippians 4:13).

Today's Psalm: 143:10
"Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness."

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Help me in all things to rely upon your holy will. In every hour of the day reveal your will to me. Bless my dealings with all who surround me. Teach me to treat all that comes to throughout the day with peace of soul and with firm conviction that your will governs all. In all my deeds and words, guide my thoughts and feelings. In unforeseen events, let me not forget that all are sent by you. Teach me to act firmly and wisely, without embittering and embarrassing others. Give me strength to bear the fatigue of the coming day with all that it shall bring. Direct my will and teach me to live the way You intended me to live. In Jesus' name......Amen.

Have a wonderful day/night and enjoy your week.
God Bless,
Christina

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