“And the Lord will make you the head and not the tail, and you shall only go up and not down, if you obey the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you today, being careful to do them, 14 and if you do not turn aside from any of the words that I command you today, to the right hand or to the left, to go after other gods to serve them.” Deuteronomy 28:13-14 (ESV)
Moses reminded the people of Israel of God’s blessings and favor related to their obedience to God’s commandments and laws. God blesses obedience and punishes disobedience. God’s favor is unleashed when God’s people obey. The demonstration of God’s blessing was personally experienced as the people of Israel wandered in the wilderness. God provided them with manna from heaven in the morning, quail in the evening, and allowed them to drink water from the rock. God had delivered them from the threat of the Egyptian army and miraculously allowed them to cross through the Red Sea on dry ground. God’s favor was upon them.
God’s favor is upon you as you walk in His ways. Caring for the needs of others and living a life of generosity brings forth God’s favor. Keeping yourself from being polluted by the world is another act of obedience that God blesses.
- “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.” James 1:27 (ESV)
Eliminating idolatry and living a life of moral purity paves the way for God’s favor to be evidenced in your life. God blesses you as you obey Him.
Chronological Bible Reading Plan: (Day 79: Deuteronomy 28-29)
Pursuing God,
Stephen Trammell
Executive Pastor
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