The Old Testament Book known as Deuteronomy is a recapitulation of the Ten Commandments and summary of Mosaic law. One of the crucial elements Moses shares to the nation of Israel is their willingness to obey. If you take God serious today, tomorrow’s experiences will be filled with blessings. Some of these blessings may be in disguise, but the more you obey, the greater your chances for success.
If you will listen diligently to the voice of the Lord your God, being watchful to do all His commandments which I command you this day, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. 2 And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you if you heed the voice of the Lord your God, Deuteronomy 28:1-2.
The beginning of chapter 28 serves as a spiritual guide to receive God’s blessings. When I recently read this passage, three words stuck out: listening, watching, and obedience. If your mind tends to wander when you read something, you’ll miss key instructions. Meanwhile, if you’re not paying attention to circumstances in your life, you’ll be caught off guard spiritually. This makes obedience harder to keep.
Blessed shall you be in the city and blessed shall you be in the field. 4 Blessed shall be the fruit of your body and the fruit of your ground and the fruit of your beasts, the increase of your cattle and the young of your flock, Deuteronomy 28:3-4.
If you’re having an amazing day or in the middle of a career round of golf, it’s easy to get ahead of yourself. Instead of staying in the moment, you fast forward expecting everything to continue to go your way. This flawed mindset often leads to failure and humility. Success if the process of arriving, not actually arriving, C.S. Lewis. Therefore, be obedient in the little things to start. Those who continue to listen, watch and obey will receive blessings in God’s time, Ecclesiastes 3:11.
by Jay Mankus
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