Obedience Brings Blessings
Saturday, November 25
Deuteronomy 28:12 (NIV)
“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.”
Devotion
After 40 years of desert wandering, the Israelites were about to enter Canaan, the promised land. God proved His faithfulness to them again and again, but Moses knew as soon as they crossed the Jordan River, they would have numerous battles to fight, and He wanted to prepare them for it.
As Moses is ready to die and relinquish leadership to Joshua, he delivers three sermons. Facing the Israelites slumped shoulders and shattered faith, Moses reminds them that having a right relationship with God will infuse their lives with power. Moses also reminds them of an ancient promise God made to Abraham that their people would one day multiply “as numerous as the stars in the sky” (Gen 22:17).
Possessing the promises of God in Deuteronomy 28:12 begins with the unshakable certainty that God will never forget what He promised. Three things stand out in this scripture:
1. God will bless our land, so we have daily bread.
2. God will bless the work of our hands and it will give us purpose.
3. God will give us influence.
What if you’re obedient, but not receiving His promised blessings? We don’t know God’s timing, but we do know He wants our lives marked by obedience and integrity. The story of the Israelites foreshadows our own story of how God chose us, sent His Son to die for us; lives to love and sustain us, and is preparing a place for us.
Today’s Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
May our hearts echo together in prayerful determination to act and live in a way that honors You. Praise be unto You, the God, and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, for You have blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. Your divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of You. You delight in the prosperity of Your people, and we bless Your name, Jehovah Jireh, for You are the one who sees our needs and is our provider. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Apply It Today
Every blessing God has given you must not end with you. A good steward not only takes care of what he is given, but he also multiples it so that when the master returns, he has proof of a good return on investment. Take your position as a good steward, nations must be blessed through you.
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