Blessings or Curses?

Today's post or rather yesterday's post would have been up last night but I was busy spending time with my family yesterday and got side tracked. When I finally was going to post, I was unable to get on the computer so I thought I would just post early this morning and again later tonight. I still have to work out getting into habit of making time to post everyday like I used to and prioritizing things that are beneficial to me so that I can complete everything that I want to everyday. Yesterday my post talked about following the Lord and doing what he commands rather than simply just saying, "I know him." Unfortunately if you do that he will say in the end, "I do not know you, depart from me." Life appears to be a walk in the park for many as they find it relaxing yet sometimes stressful and they just have to go through the routine everyday to get by. Just getting through the grind every week is enough for most people and they think nothing of it. As Christians, life is a constant struggle against fighting Satan and sin. We can make the choice to follow God but sin will come knocking when it has the opportunity and how we respond to the temptation shows us how devoted we are. I myself can make decisions and when a tough time arises or I know that I want to change my decision, it becomes a struggle. Sticking with the original decision and following what is noble, trustworthy, and pure will be much more rewarding than choosing to give in the answer is found in the Old Testament.

We see in Deuteronomy 28:1-14, we see that obeying the Lord not only makes you the quality of person that he is looking for but he also promises to bless you and look out for you. Verse 9-10 states, "The Lord will establish you as his holy people, as he promised you on oath, if you keep the commands of the Lord and walk in his ways. Then all the peoples on earth will see that you are called by the name of the Lord, and they will fear you." How can people know you have been called if you do not show the difference in a life following the call and someone who has not heard the call? People look for something different in Christians and Christians always have the spotlight on them. I do not believe it is because people are looking for flaws but because people want to see the good and perfect but they come up disappointed by those who simply say they know and do not follow. I cannot call out other Christians as I am guilty of this at one point or another but it is a warning to step back and analyze the life you live in private as well as when you are around others. We have been called to a higher standard because an example needs to be set for all to see and if we hide in the shadows for fear of persecution or just simply being alone, we should know that God is in control and he will never leave us so we will never be alone. In regards to standing alone, if the church stood with common ground and everyone together made a stand, one person would not have to live the "called" lifestyle alone. The truth is that we have all been called and if we answer the call we will receive the blessings as stated in chapter 28.

In closing, I would like to make some statements about the closing paragraph of the first section of Chapter 28. Verses 12-14 state, "The Lord will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands. You will lend to many nations but will borrow from none. The Lord will make you the head, not the tail. If you pay attention to the commands of the Lord your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom. Do not turn aside from any of the commands I give you today, to the right or to the left, following other gods and serving them." The blessings are endless and God tells us that we will give, give, give, to others and borrow from none. Our blessings will be rich with his love and he will never forsake us. It is important however to understand God's time and to let his plan take it's course because we cannot force him to give us what we want. He also says we will always be at the top, never at the bottom and if that is not comforting to hear, I do not know what is. Most people would kill to be at the top of something but to be promised to be at the top is most certainly a blessing.

Later today, I will post regarding the curses should one choose not to follow his commands and let me warn you, that it is a much longer section than the blessings. We might enjoy the blessings we receive but we most certainly do not want all the curses for being disobedient. I hope you all had a great day and that Monday has started off well for you. Please let me know of any prayer requests you may have.

God Bless,
Joseph Robinson