“If you fully obey the LORD your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. All these blessings will come upon you and accompany you if you obey the LORD your God.” (Deuteronomy 28:1-2)
Many of God’s blessings come with conditions: “Diligently obey … all His commandments.” When you put God’s Word into action, you obtain His blessing. Blind Bartimaeus was begging when Jesus passed by. So he cried out, “Lord, that I might receive my sight” (Mark 10:51). He knew God’s blessing wasn’t automatic, but it was within his reach. In a Peanuts cartoon, Charlie Brown is practicing his archery. In addition to a bow and arrow, he carries a paintbrush and a bucket of paint. He shoots the arrow towards the target, and wherever it lands he paints a bull’s-eye around it. When Lucy asks Charlie about this, he says, “This way I always hit my target!”
The desires God placed in your spirit and the goals He set in His Word won’t be fulfilled automatically, but they’re attainable.
First: You must build a strong foundation by becoming rooted, grounded and established in God’s Word.
Second: Expect to increase one step at a time, and in His time, and in His way. Paul says, “Walk in the steps of … faith” (Romans 4:12). Results won’t appear overnight, but they will come and you’ll see the rewards of your diligence.
Third: Aim high, expect God’s best, and be willing to give Him your best. Peter says, “Giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue … knowledge … self-control … perseverance … godliness … brotherly kindness … and … love” (2 Peter 1:5-7). Remember, God’s blessings are the icing on the cake — your eternal salvation cannot be earned — it is a free gift for those who believe.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for my salvation. Help me to follow Your will as You bless me each day! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Stay encouraged!
Pastor Mike
