Today’s scripture: 1 Peter 4:14-16
It’s pretty simple. Obey God, and be blessed. Disobey God, and be cursed. Even though I’ve read them many times, I’m always struck by verses like Deuteronomy 28:1-2. God tells the people of Israel, if they “diligently obey” Him and are “careful to do all His commandments,” He promised overly-abundant blessings, which will “come upon … and overtake” them.
Can you imagine being “overtaken” by God’s blessings? How awesome is that?!
Now not everything that was written in the books of the law pertains to us. Many of the commandments were for a specific time and place. But I do know this: Obeying God is for all times and all places.
If I love God, if I want to follow Him, I’ll obey His commandments. That’s what I learn over and over in the Old Testament. Then I learn something more in the New Testament: Many won’t like my following God’s commandments. Many will revile me or persecute me because of my faith.
I can expect this, but I can also know God will bless me as I obey Him. I don’t have to be—I must not be—ashamed if I “suffer as a Christian.” Instead, I can—and must—glorify my Lord God and know He’ll bless me as I do.
It’s pretty simple. Obey God, and be blessed. Disobey God, and be cursed. Even though I’ve read them many times, I’m always struck by verses like Deuteronomy 28:1-2. God tells the people of Israel, if they “diligently obey” Him and are “careful to do all His commandments,” He promised overly-abundant blessings, which will “come upon … and overtake” them.
Can you imagine being “overtaken” by God’s blessings? How awesome is that?!
Now not everything that was written in the books of the law pertains to us. Many of the commandments were for a specific time and place. But I do know this: Obeying God is for all times and all places.
If I love God, if I want to follow Him, I’ll obey His commandments. That’s what I learn over and over in the Old Testament. Then I learn something more in the New Testament: Many won’t like my following God’s commandments. Many will revile me or persecute me because of my faith.
I can expect this, but I can also know God will bless me as I obey Him. I don’t have to be—I must not be—ashamed if I “suffer as a Christian.” Instead, I can—and must—glorify my Lord God and know He’ll bless me as I do.
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