The Blessings of Obedience

In my daily devotions, I've recently read the first five books of the Bible again. Over and over in those chapters that deal with the nation of Israel, the theme that is emphasized is obedience. God promised to bless Israel if they were obedient. But He also promised a curse for disobedience. I know that's hard for us to imagine, but Deuteronomy 11:26-28 says, "See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse - the blessing if you obey the commands of the Lord your God that I am giving you today; the curse if you disobey the commands of the Lord your God and turn from the way that I command you today by following other gods, which you have not known."

Although there are specific instructions in the Pentateuch that apply only to Israel, including some of the consequences for disobedience, the principle is still an important one for all of God's people. God expects obedience and He rewards it. He also makes it clear that disobedience is not acceptable.

Obedience to God requires submission to His will, not ours. But there is freedom and joy in obedience. Having an uninterrupted, intimate relationship with our heavenly Father is a delight. Living with a clear conscience produces peace.

On the other hand, God's desire is for us to avoid the guilt and shame and negative consequences of disobedience. Those consequences can feel like a curse. And that's not what God wants for us.

We may not experience a "curse" or immediate consequences every time we commit a sin, but how many struggles could we have avoided had we been obedient to the Lord? Joy, peace and contentment come from obedience. These are just a few of the blessings of obedience.

SURPRISE! SURPRISE! SURPRISE!

Gomer Pyle used to say, "SURPRISE! SURPRISE! SURPRISE!" Those around him weren't always pleased to hear him say that. It didn't always mean good news.

I've often said that I don't like surprises, but this past Sunday night was more than a pleasant surprise. I thought I was attending a care group, but when I walked in the dark auditorium, the lights were turned on and 250 people yelled "Surprise"! I couldn't have been more surprised. I suspected nothing. And I still don't know how that many people kept a big secret like that about a surprise birthday party. I was touched by the outpouring of love and I appreciate all the beautiful birthday cards. The food was delicious and the Goldwing cake was amazing! Thank you to everyone who had a part in planning this special event.

Sometimes God surprises us, too. Things happen that we didn't expect. He has ways of filling our lives with joy through His beautiful creation, through His amazing scriptures that encourage us, through loving family members, through the warmth of friendships, and in so many other ways. I am blessed by God's loving surprises. I guess I'll have to modify my statement to say: "I don't like some surprises" (because I really do like the good ones).