Favor & Blessing For Obedience

I grew up having to learn obedience. My parents taught me that it was wise to listen to their instruction and follow it. I can’t count the number of times I found safety because I listened. I do remember some of the times I ignored their counsel and did things my own way, only to have things go sideways because of my disobedience. My parents and grandparents introduced me to the Lord and that was the most significant decision I’ve ever made – to follow Him and obey Him. He has plans for me that I’m still learning about.

The Israelites were given lots of instructions as their nation was born and formed. There were detailed instructions regarding sacrifice for sin and obedience to the Lord. The Lord promised blessing for obedience and punishment for disobedience.  I would much rather have the blessing of obedience. Check this out…

³ “If you follow my decrees and are careful to obey my commands, ⁴ I will send you the seasonal rains. The land will then yield its crops, and the trees of the field will produce their fruit. 

⁹ “I will look favorably upon you, making you fertile and multiplying your people. And I will fulfill my covenant with you. ¹⁰ You will have such a surplus of crops that you will need to clear out the old grain to make room for the new harvest! ¹¹ I will live among you, and I will not despise you. ¹² I will walk among you; I will be your God, and you will be my people. ¹³ I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt so you would no longer be their slaves. I broke the yoke of slavery from your neck so you can walk with your heads held high. (Leviticus 26:3-4,9-13 NLT)

I’m pretty confident that I’ve been on the receiving end of punishment for my disobedience. I am so very grateful for the grace of God that came through Jesus. I deserve way more punishment than I’ve ever received. I’m thankful that the Presence of Jesus in my heart, helps guide and direct my steps with wisdom and discernment that comes only from Him. He leads me with His Spirit and my flesh tries another route. I am still learning that the favor of God come through obedience and commitment to the Lord. His blessing and favor comes even when I don’t deserve it, but I believe there is a direct connection between obedience to the Lord and peace inside my heart.

I would rather have the peace of God in my soul than all the money in the world. Don’t get me wrong, I like money and I like “food with my meals”, but following the Lord is the most important task I have today or any day.

I am so thankful for the blessing of my work and the fruit of my labor, but I’d rather be broke and have the favor of God than to be wealthy without the favor of God. Obedience to the Lord matters to Him and it should matter to me!

Pressing On!

Dwayne