March 19

Deuteronomy 26:1-29:1

God lays out two paths for people—the path of life or death, wisdom or foolishness, blessings or curses. Some people take these promises to Israel and attempt to apply them directly to themselves. They think if we obey God we will have an abundance of wealth and health. The problem is we cannot claim a promise that God did not give to us (we are not Israel), while also minimizing the abundance of God’s blessings. In the Bible as a whole, God gives a variety of blessings. There is God's universal/ common grace described in Matthew 5. God causes rain to fall and the sun to rise on all people. These general blessings are available to everyone regardless of their relationship with God. The second type of blessing is given to all believers when they place their faith in Christ. These blessings are a change in identity, a new eternal destiny, and a change in our relationship with God. If we are his children regardless of our level of obedience or intimacy with God, we experience these blessings. The third blessing is for those who are obeying God. These blessings include the fruit of the Spirit, freedom from sin, and enjoying the victorious, abundant life today.

As we consider God's blessings, we should hunger to experience the fullness of his blessings and therefore, pursue a life of obedience and intimacy with him.

Father God, thank you for the blessings of physical life, eternal life, and abundant life today. Help me to walk in obedience to you and make the life you have available to others. Amen. 

Which blessings of God motivate you to greater obedience?

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