Just do it!
Deuteronomy 12:8, “You shall not do at all what we are doing here today, every man doing whatever is right in his own eyes ; 9 for you have not as yet come to the resting place and the inheritance which the LORD your God is giving you.”
When I read this I got a chill because I saw a picture of the American Dream, and it was not pretty. In fact I believe that now the so called American Dream is polar opposite to the desires of God. One song that truly captures the idea of the Dream is “I did it my way” by Frank Sinatra. In that song he exalts the idea of people making it on their own. “I’m doing such and such because I want to” is a very popular idea in the world at large. As a race, humans are not looking for someone who tells them what to do, but in reality that’s what we need. I understand that’s not a very popular idea, but I do have an example of how bad this world is when humans try to lead. Just watch the evening news!
The Israelites were going into the land that God had promised them, but before they went He reminded them that they must obey Him if they were going to receive His blessings. Today, we seem to have an idea that the blessings of God are our rights. We go and say a prayer to receive Jesus and then poof all the blessings of God are ours. In reality it doesn’t work that way. When we pray to receive Jesus then we do reach the Promised Land, but just like the Israelites discovered it takes some work if we are going to get the full benefits that God offers.
Just like God told the Israelites that they should not live their way when they get into the promised land we cannot do it our way and be blessed by God. The Israelites were warned by God, and we should heed this warning, that if they did not follow the commands of God they would not receive the blessings of God.
Following God is not a one trick pony. We do not pray for salvation, and get the full benefits of God’s protection; but if we are faithful to Him we will receive His blessings.
____________________________
Father, I thank You for loving me enough to remind me tell me that I must follow You to receive the blessings that You offer, and I ask that You help me follow You even when my mind doesn’t want to. In Jesus’ name, Amen
_____________________________
The image above can be found at:http://www.paperbackswap.com/Lift-Up-Hands-Gloria-P-Pruett/book/0446578231/
Yes, You Can Ministry 