Blessings Are Contingent Upon Obedience
Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; He is the faithful God, keeping His covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commandments.
But those who hate Him He will repay to their face by destruction . . .
If you pay attention to these laws and are careful to follow them, then the LORD your God will keep His covenant of love with you . . . He will love you and bless you and increase your numbers . . . You will be blessed more than any other people . . . Deuteronomy 7:9-14
But those who hate Him He will repay to their face by destruction . . .
If you pay attention to these laws and are careful to follow them, then the LORD your God will keep His covenant of love with you . . . He will love you and bless you and increase your numbers . . . You will be blessed more than any other people . . . Deuteronomy 7:9-14
These are days when the truth of God's word is being twisted by many preachers. Many pastors are circumventing the truth of God's word and telling folks that God will bless them regardless of how they live their lives. Godliness and character do not matter! Righteousness, integrity, holiness, and obedience are not really that big a deal. God's grace covers it all so there is really no need to worry. All one has to do is to claim and stand on the promises of God and the blessings of God will come pouring out! This is a lie straight from the pit of hell!
I had a situation recently where someone called me from out of state. She had been given my number by another person who also lived out of state. She mentioned that this person assured her that I was a genuine man of God who would be able to help her with her situation. Her first statement to me was, "Pastor, I have been hesitant to call because there are too many untrustworthy pastors and too much falsity in the church. But somehow, after my long hesitation, I decided to call you because I know the Holy Spirit will help me to discern whether you are a true man of God or not. I want to come and see you tomorrow." She drove two hours to come and attend our service. She encountered Jesus, not me!
The person's concern was a breath of fresh air to me! I was very grateful that she was searching for the truth. God was very gracious and we had a wonderful service filled with the refreshing presence of God! I believe she is already on the path to victory.
God is absolutely gracious and merciful. But He is also holy and righteous. He forgives and restores but He does not bless filth and untruth! Listen to the words of Moses again: "If you pay attention to these laws and are careful to obey them, then the LORD your God . . . will love you and bless you . . ."
The Blessings of God are contingent upon obedience. It is because of His mercies that we are not consumed and His compassions never fail. But what we have and are because of His mercies, cannot necessarily be counted as "blessings" when we are living in willful disobedience! True blessings are contingent upon obedience and they are without sorrow. Don't be deceived! Every true blessing of God is contingent upon obedience.
I had a situation recently where someone called me from out of state. She had been given my number by another person who also lived out of state. She mentioned that this person assured her that I was a genuine man of God who would be able to help her with her situation. Her first statement to me was, "Pastor, I have been hesitant to call because there are too many untrustworthy pastors and too much falsity in the church. But somehow, after my long hesitation, I decided to call you because I know the Holy Spirit will help me to discern whether you are a true man of God or not. I want to come and see you tomorrow." She drove two hours to come and attend our service. She encountered Jesus, not me!
The person's concern was a breath of fresh air to me! I was very grateful that she was searching for the truth. God was very gracious and we had a wonderful service filled with the refreshing presence of God! I believe she is already on the path to victory.
God is absolutely gracious and merciful. But He is also holy and righteous. He forgives and restores but He does not bless filth and untruth! Listen to the words of Moses again: "If you pay attention to these laws and are careful to obey them, then the LORD your God . . . will love you and bless you . . ."
The Blessings of God are contingent upon obedience. It is because of His mercies that we are not consumed and His compassions never fail. But what we have and are because of His mercies, cannot necessarily be counted as "blessings" when we are living in willful disobedience! True blessings are contingent upon obedience and they are without sorrow. Don't be deceived! Every true blessing of God is contingent upon obedience.
Prayer: Father, your word is clear that to obey is better than sacrifice. Please help me to live in obedience not just to be blessed, but simply because I love you. Amen.